Requirements Analysis Study for Master Pump Shutdown System Project Development Specification [SEC 1 and 2

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

BEVINS, R.R.

This study is a requirements document that presents analysis for the functional description for the master pump shutdown system. This document identifies the sources of the requirements and/or how these were derived. Each requirement is validated either by quoting the source or an analysis process involving the required functionality, performance characteristics, operations input or engineering judgment. The requirements in this study apply to the first phase of the W314 Project. This document has been updated during the definitive design portion of the first phase of the W314 Project to capture additional software requirements and is planned to be updated duringmore » the second phase of the W314 Project to cover the second phase of the project's scope.« less

How little data is enough? Phase-diagram analysis of sparsity-regularized X-ray computed tomography

PubMed Central

Jørgensen, J. S.; Sidky, E. Y.

2015-01-01

We introduce phase-diagram analysis, a standard tool in compressed sensing (CS), to the X-ray computed tomography (CT) community as a systematic method for determining how few projections suffice for accurate sparsity-regularized reconstruction. In CS, a phase diagram is a convenient way to study and express certain theoretical relations between sparsity and sufficient sampling. We adapt phase-diagram analysis for empirical use in X-ray CT for which the same theoretical results do not hold. We demonstrate in three case studies the potential of phase-diagram analysis for providing quantitative answers to questions of undersampling. First, we demonstrate that there are cases where X-ray CT empirically performs comparably with a near-optimal CS strategy, namely taking measurements with Gaussian sensing matrices. Second, we show that, in contrast to what might have been anticipated, taking randomized CT measurements does not lead to improved performance compared with standard structured sampling patterns. Finally, we show preliminary results of how well phase-diagram analysis can predict the sufficient number of projections for accurately reconstructing a large-scale image of a given sparsity by means of total-variation regularization. PMID:25939620

How little data is enough? Phase-diagram analysis of sparsity-regularized X-ray computed tomography.

PubMed

Jørgensen, J S; Sidky, E Y

2015-06-13

We introduce phase-diagram analysis, a standard tool in compressed sensing (CS), to the X-ray computed tomography (CT) community as a systematic method for determining how few projections suffice for accurate sparsity-regularized reconstruction. In CS, a phase diagram is a convenient way to study and express certain theoretical relations between sparsity and sufficient sampling. We adapt phase-diagram analysis for empirical use in X-ray CT for which the same theoretical results do not hold. We demonstrate in three case studies the potential of phase-diagram analysis for providing quantitative answers to questions of undersampling. First, we demonstrate that there are cases where X-ray CT empirically performs comparably with a near-optimal CS strategy, namely taking measurements with Gaussian sensing matrices. Second, we show that, in contrast to what might have been anticipated, taking randomized CT measurements does not lead to improved performance compared with standard structured sampling patterns. Finally, we show preliminary results of how well phase-diagram analysis can predict the sufficient number of projections for accurately reconstructing a large-scale image of a given sparsity by means of total-variation regularization.

Operations planning and analysis handbook for NASA/MSFC phase B development projects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Batson, Robert C.

1986-01-01

Current operations planning and analysis practices on NASA/MSFC Phase B projects were investigated with the objectives of (1) formalizing these practices into a handbook and (2) suggesting improvements. The study focused on how Science and Engineering (S&E) Operational Personnel support Program Development (PD) Task Teams. The intimate relationship between systems engineering and operations analysis was examined. Methods identified for use by operations analysts during Phase B include functional analysis, interface analysis methods to calculate/allocate such criteria as reliability, Maintainability, and operations and support cost.

Conceptual design study for a teleoperator visual system, phase 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, D.; Grant, C.; Johnson, C.; Meirick, R.; Polhemus, C.; Ray, A.; Rittenhouse, D.; Skidmore, R.

1972-01-01

Results are reported for work performed during the first phase of the conceptual design study for a teleoperator visual system. This phase consists of four tasks: General requirements, concept development, subsystem requirements and analysis, and concept evaluation.

Experimental analysis of computer system dependability

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iyer, Ravishankar, K.; Tang, Dong

1993-01-01

This paper reviews an area which has evolved over the past 15 years: experimental analysis of computer system dependability. Methodologies and advances are discussed for three basic approaches used in the area: simulated fault injection, physical fault injection, and measurement-based analysis. The three approaches are suited, respectively, to dependability evaluation in the three phases of a system's life: design phase, prototype phase, and operational phase. Before the discussion of these phases, several statistical techniques used in the area are introduced. For each phase, a classification of research methods or study topics is outlined, followed by discussion of these methods or topics as well as representative studies. The statistical techniques introduced include the estimation of parameters and confidence intervals, probability distribution characterization, and several multivariate analysis methods. Importance sampling, a statistical technique used to accelerate Monte Carlo simulation, is also introduced. The discussion of simulated fault injection covers electrical-level, logic-level, and function-level fault injection methods as well as representative simulation environments such as FOCUS and DEPEND. The discussion of physical fault injection covers hardware, software, and radiation fault injection methods as well as several software and hybrid tools including FIAT, FERARI, HYBRID, and FINE. The discussion of measurement-based analysis covers measurement and data processing techniques, basic error characterization, dependency analysis, Markov reward modeling, software-dependability, and fault diagnosis. The discussion involves several important issues studies in the area, including fault models, fast simulation techniques, workload/failure dependency, correlated failures, and software fault tolerance.

LV dyssynchrony as assessed by phase analysis of gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

PubMed

Chen, Chun; Li, Dianfu; Miao, Changqing; Feng, Jianlin; Zhou, Yanli; Cao, Kejiang; Lloyd, Michael S; Chen, Ji

2012-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome pre- and post-radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) using phase analysis of gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Forty-five WPW patients were enrolled and had gated SPECT MPI pre- and 2-3 days post-RFA. Electrophysiological study (EPS) was used to locate accessory pathways (APs) and categorize the patients according to the AP locations (septal, left and right free wall). Electrocardiography (ECG) was performed pre- and post-RFA to confirm successful elimination of the APs. Phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI was used to assess LV dyssynchrony pre- and post-RFA. Among the 45 patients, 3 had gating errors, and thus 42 had SPECT phase analysis. Twenty-two patients (52.4%) had baseline LV dyssynchrony. Baseline LV dyssynchrony was more prominent in the patients with septal APs than in the patients with left or right APs (p < 0.05). RFA improved LV synchrony in the entire cohort and in the patients with septal APs (p < 0.01). Phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI demonstrated that LV mechanical dyssynchrony can be present in patients with WPW syndrome. Septal APs result in the greatest degree of LV mechanical dyssynchrony and afford the most benefit after RFA. This study supports further investigation in the relationship between electrical and mechanical activation using EPS and phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI.

Studies on densification, mechanical, micro-structural and structure–properties relationship of magnesium aluminate spinel refractory aggregates prepared from Indian magnesite

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

Ghosh, Chandrima; Ghosh, Arup; Haldar, Manas Kamal, E-mail: manashaldar@cgcri.res.in

The present work intends to study the development of magnesium aluminate spinel aggregates from Indian magnesite in a single firing stage. The raw magnesite has been evaluated in terms of chemical analysis, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The experimental batch containing Indian magnesite and calcined alumina has been sintered in the temperature range of 1550 °C–1700 °C. The sintered material has been characterized in terms of physico-chemical properties like bulk density, apparent porosity, true density, relative density and thermo-mechanical/mechanical properties like hot modulus of rupture, thermal shock resistance, cold modulus of rupture and structural propertiesmore » by X-ray diffraction in terms of phase identification and evaluation of crystal structure parameters of corresponding phases by Rietveld analysis. The microstructures developed at different temperatures have been analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscope study and compositional analysis of the developed phase has been carried out by energy dispersive X-ray study. - Highlights: • The studies have been done to characterize the developed magnesium aluminate spinel. • The studies reveal correlation between refractory behavior of spinel and developed microstructures. • The studies show the values of lattice parameters of developed phases.« less

The magnetotelluric phase tensor analysis of the Sembalun-Propok area, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Febriani, F.; Widarto, D. S.; Gaffar, E.; Nasution, A.; Grandis, H.

2017-04-01

The subsurface structure of the Sembalun-Propok area, NTB, Indonesia, has been investigated using magnetotelluric method (MT). To obtain the information of the dimensionality of the regional structure and determine the regional strike of the study area, the phase tensor analysis has been performed in this study. The results show that most of the skew angle values (β) are distributed within ± 5°. It indicates that the regional structure of the study area can be assumed as two dimensional. In addition, to determine the regional strike of the study area, we also calculated the major axes of the phase tensor. The result presents that the regional strike of the study area is about N330°E. According to the results of the phase tensor analysis, we rotated the impedance tensor to N330°E and performed 2-D inversion modeling. The result presents that the substructure model suits with the geological background of the study area.

Analytical methodologies for broad metabolite coverage of exhaled breath condensate.

PubMed

Aksenov, Alexander A; Zamuruyev, Konstantin O; Pasamontes, Alberto; Brown, Joshua F; Schivo, Michael; Foutouhi, Soraya; Weimer, Bart C; Kenyon, Nicholas J; Davis, Cristina E

2017-09-01

Breath analysis has been gaining popularity as a non-invasive technique that is amenable to a broad range of medical uses. One of the persistent problems hampering the wide application of the breath analysis method is measurement variability of metabolite abundances stemming from differences in both sampling and analysis methodologies used in various studies. Mass spectrometry has been a method of choice for comprehensive metabolomic analysis. For the first time in the present study, we juxtapose the most commonly employed mass spectrometry-based analysis methodologies and directly compare the resultant coverages of detected compounds in exhaled breath condensate in order to guide methodology choices for exhaled breath condensate analysis studies. Four methods were explored to broaden the range of measured compounds across both the volatile and non-volatile domain. Liquid phase sampling with polyacrylate Solid-Phase MicroExtraction fiber, liquid phase extraction with a polydimethylsiloxane patch, and headspace sampling using Carboxen/Polydimethylsiloxane Solid-Phase MicroExtraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry were tested for the analysis of volatile fraction. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and reversed-phase chromatography high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry were used for analysis of non-volatile fraction. We found that liquid phase breath condensate extraction was notably superior compared to headspace extraction and differences in employed sorbents manifested altered metabolite coverages. The most pronounced effect was substantially enhanced metabolite capture for larger, higher-boiling compounds using polyacrylate SPME liquid phase sampling. The analysis of the non-volatile fraction of breath condensate by hydrophilic and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry indicated orthogonal metabolite coverage by these chromatography modes. We found that the metabolite coverage could be enhanced significantly with the use of organic solvent as a device rinse after breath sampling to collect the non-aqueous fraction as opposed to neat breath condensate sample. Here, we show the detected ranges of compounds in each case and provide a practical guide for methodology selection for optimal detection of specific compounds. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS OF 2-PHASE MULTISORBENT SAMPLERS FOR VOCS (BCO-L-31.0)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the methodology for the analysis of certain trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air that are captured on two-phase carbon-based multisorbent tubes packed with Carbotrap (graphitized carbon blacks) and Carbosieve S-III (a carbon molecu...

Local coexistence of VO 2 phases revealed by deep data analysis

DOE PAGES

Strelcov, Evgheni; Ievlev, Anton; Tselev, Alexander; ...

2016-07-07

We report a synergistic approach of micro-Raman spectroscopic mapping and deep data analysis to study the distribution of crystallographic phases and ferroelastic domains in a defected Al-doped VO 2 microcrystal. Bayesian linear unmixing revealed an uneven distribution of the T phase, which is stabilized by the surface defects and uneven local doping that went undetectable by other classical analysis techniques such as PCA and SIMPLISMA. This work demonstrates the impact of information recovery via statistical analysis and full mapping in spectroscopic studies of vanadium dioxide systems, which is commonly substituted by averaging or single point-probing approaches, both of which suffermore » from information misinterpretation due to low resolving power.« less

Realist explanatory theory building method for social epidemiology: a protocol for a mixed method multilevel study of neighbourhood context and postnatal depression.

PubMed

Eastwood, John G; Jalaludin, Bin B; Kemp, Lynn A

2014-01-01

A recent criticism of social epidemiological studies, and multi-level studies in particular has been a paucity of theory. We will present here the protocol for a study that aims to build a theory of the social epidemiology of maternal depression. We use a critical realist approach which is trans-disciplinary, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative traditions, and that assumes both ontological and hierarchical stratification of reality. We describe a critical realist Explanatory Theory Building Method comprising of an: 1) emergent phase, 2) construction phase, and 3) confirmatory phase. A concurrent triangulated mixed method multilevel cross-sectional study design is described. The Emergent Phase uses: interviews, focus groups, exploratory data analysis, exploratory factor analysis, regression, and multilevel Bayesian spatial data analysis to detect and describe phenomena. Abductive and retroductive reasoning will be applied to: categorical principal component analysis, exploratory factor analysis, regression, coding of concepts and categories, constant comparative analysis, drawing of conceptual networks, and situational analysis to generate theoretical concepts. The Theory Construction Phase will include: 1) defining stratified levels; 2) analytic resolution; 3) abductive reasoning; 4) comparative analysis (triangulation); 5) retroduction; 6) postulate and proposition development; 7) comparison and assessment of theories; and 8) conceptual frameworks and model development. The strength of the critical realist methodology described is the extent to which this paradigm is able to support the epistemological, ontological, axiological, methodological and rhetorical positions of both quantitative and qualitative research in the field of social epidemiology. The extensive multilevel Bayesian studies, intensive qualitative studies, latent variable theory, abductive triangulation, and Inference to Best Explanation provide a strong foundation for Theory Construction. The study will contribute to defining the role that realism and mixed methods can play in explaining the social determinants and developmental origins of health and disease.

Additional EIPC Study Analysis: Interim Report on High Priority Topics

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

Hadley, Stanton W

Between 2010 and 2012 the Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative (EIPC) conducted a major long-term resource and transmission study of the Eastern Interconnection (EI). With guidance from a Stakeholder Steering Committee (SSC) that included representatives from the Eastern Interconnection States Planning Council (EISPC) among others, the project was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved a long-term capacity expansion analysis that involved creation of eight major futures plus 72 sensitivities. Three scenarios were selected for more extensive transmission- focused evaluation in Phase 2. Five power flow analyses, nine production cost model runs (including six sensitivities), and three capital cost estimations weremore » developed during this second phase. The results from Phase 1 and 2 provided a wealth of data that could be examined further to address energy-related questions. A list of 13 topics was developed for further analysis; this paper discusses the first five.« less

Quantitative analysis of thoria phase in Th-U alloys using diffraction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, Shital; Krishna, P. S. R.; Shinde, A. B.; Kumar, Raj; Roy, S. B.

2017-05-01

In the present study the quantitative phase analysis of Th-U alloys in bulk form namely Th-52 wt% U and Th-3wt%U has been performed over the data obtained from both X ray diffraction and neutron diffraction technique using Rietveld method of FULLPROF software. Quantifying thoria (ThO2) phase present in bulk of the sample is limited due to surface oxidation and low penetration of x rays in high Z material. Neutron diffraction study probing bulk of the samples has been presented in comparison with x-ray diffraction study.

The diagnostic performance of dental maturity for identification of the circumpubertal growth phases: a meta-analysis.

PubMed

Perinetti, Giuseppe; Westphalen, Graziela H; Biasotto, Matteo; Salgarello, Stefano; Contardo, Luca

2013-05-23

The present meta-analysis initially evaluates the reliability of dental maturation in the identification of the circumpubertal growth phases, essentially for determining treatment timing in orthodontics. A literature survey was performed using the Medline, LILACS and SciELO databases, and the Cochrane Library (2000 to 2011). Studies of the correlation between dental and cervical vertebral maturation methods were considered. The mandibular canine, the first and second premolars, and the second molar were investigated. After the selection, six articles qualified for the final analysis. The overall correlation coefficients were all significant, ranging from 0.57 to 0.73. Five of these studies suggested the use of dental maturation as an indicator of the growth phase. However, the diagnostic performance analysis uncovered limited reliability only for the identification of the pre-pubertal growth phase. The determination of dental maturity for the assessment of treatment timing in orthodontics is not recommended.

Phase and vortex correlations in superconducting Josephson-junction arrays at irrational magnetic frustration.

PubMed

Granato, Enzo

2008-07-11

Phase coherence and vortex order in a Josephson-junction array at irrational frustration are studied by extensive Monte Carlo simulations using the parallel-tempering method. A scaling analysis of the correlation length of phase variables in the full equilibrated system shows that the critical temperature vanishes with a power-law divergent correlation length and critical exponent nuph, in agreement with recent results from resistivity scaling analysis. A similar scaling analysis for vortex variables reveals a different critical exponent nuv, suggesting that there are two distinct correlation lengths associated with a decoupled zero-temperature phase transition.

Assessment of pre-crisis and syn-crisis seismic hazard at Campi Flegrei and Mt. Vesuvius volcanoes, Campania, southern Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Convertito, Vincenzo; Zollo, Aldo

2011-08-01

In this study, we address the issue of short-term to medium-term probabilistic seismic hazard analysis for two volcanic areas, Campi Flegrei caldera and Mt. Vesuvius in the Campania region of southern Italy. Two different phases of the volcanic activity are considered. The first, which we term the pre-crisis phase, concerns the present quiescent state of the volcanoes that is characterized by low-to-moderate seismicity. The second phase, syn-crisis, concerns the unrest phase that can potentially lead to eruption. For the Campi Flegrei case study, we analyzed the pattern of seismicity during the 1982-1984 ground uplift episode (bradyseism). For Mt. Vesuvius, two different time-evolutionary models for seismicity were adopted, corresponding to different ways in which the volcano might erupt. We performed a site-specific analysis, linked with the hazard map, to investigate the effects of input parameters, in terms of source geometry, mean activity rate, periods of data collection, and return periods, for the syn-crisis phase. The analysis in the present study of the pre-crisis phase allowed a comparison of the results of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis for the two study areas with those provided in the Italian national hazard map. For the Mt. Vesuvius area in particular, the results show that the hazard can be greater than that reported in the national hazard map when information at a local scale is used. For the syn-crisis phase, the main result is that the data recorded during the early months of the unrest phase are substantially representative of the seismic hazard during the whole duration of the crisis.

LV dyssynchrony as assessed by phase analysis of gated SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome

PubMed Central

Chen, Chun; Miao, Changqing; Feng, Jianlin; Zhou, Yanli; Cao, Kejiang; Lloyd, Michael S.; Chen, Ji

2013-01-01

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome pre- and post-radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) using phase analysis of gated single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). Methods Forty-five WPW patients were enrolled and had gated SPECT MPI pre- and 2–3 days post-RFA. Electrophysiological study (EPS) was used to locate accessory pathways (APs) and categorize the patients according to the AP locations (septal, left and right free wall). Electrocardiography (ECG) was performed pre- and post-RFA to confirm successful elimination of the APs. Phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI was used to assess LV dyssynchrony pre- and post-RFA. Results Among the 45 patients, 3 had gating errors, and thus 42 had SPECT phase analysis. Twenty-two patients (52.4 %) had baseline LV dyssynchrony. Baseline LV dyssynchrony was more prominent in the patients with septal APs than in the patients with left or right APs (p<0.05). RFA improved LV synchrony in the entire cohort and in the patients with septal APs (p<0.01). Conclusion Phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI demonstrated that LV mechanical dyssynchrony can be present in patients with WPW syndrome. Septal APs result in the greatest degree of LV mechanical dyssynchrony and afford the most benefit after RFA. This study supports further investigation in the relationship between electrical and mechanical activation using EPS and phase analysis of gated SPECT MPI. PMID:22532253

Analysis of Commercial Contract Training for the Navy (Phase II) [And] Commercial Contract Training Navy Area VOTEC Support Center (AVSC) Guidelines. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Copeland, D. Robert; And Others

The two-part report describing the Phase 2 findings of a two-phase study demonstrates the utility of the commercial contract training concept for satisfying certain Navy skill training requirements. Part 1 concerns source evaluation, skill analysis and selection, contractual considerations, and comparative training capability evaluation. It…

Phase Time and Envelope Time in Time-Distance Analysis and Acoustic Imaging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chou, Dean-Yi; Duvall, Thomas L.; Sun, Ming-Tsung; Chang, Hsiang-Kuang; Jimenez, Antonio; Rabello-Soares, Maria Cristina; Ai, Guoxiang; Wang, Gwo-Ping; Goode Philip; Marquette, William;

Space shuttle navigation analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, H. L.; Luders, G.; Matchett, G. A.; Sciabarrasi, J. E.

1976-01-01

A detailed analysis of space shuttle navigation for each of the major mission phases is presented. A covariance analysis program for prelaunch IMU calibration and alignment for the orbital flight tests (OFT) is described, and a partial error budget is presented. The ascent, orbital operations and deorbit maneuver study considered GPS-aided inertial navigation in the Phase III GPS (1984+) time frame. The entry and landing study evaluated navigation performance for the OFT baseline system. Detailed error budgets and sensitivity analyses are provided for both the ascent and entry studies.

Tau-independent Phase Analysis: A Novel Method for Accurately Determining Phase Shifts.

PubMed

Tackenberg, Michael C; Jones, Jeff R; Page, Terry L; Hughey, Jacob J

2018-06-01

Estimations of period and phase are essential in circadian biology. While many techniques exist for estimating period, comparatively few methods are available for estimating phase. Current approaches to analyzing phase often vary between studies and are sensitive to coincident changes in period and the stage of the circadian cycle at which the stimulus occurs. Here we propose a new technique, tau-independent phase analysis (TIPA), for quantifying phase shifts in multiple types of circadian time-course data. Through comprehensive simulations, we show that TIPA is both more accurate and more precise than the standard actogram approach. TIPA is computationally simple and therefore will enable accurate and reproducible quantification of phase shifts across multiple subfields of chronobiology.

Methods to control for unmeasured confounding in pharmacoepidemiology: an overview.

PubMed

Uddin, Md Jamal; Groenwold, Rolf H H; Ali, Mohammed Sanni; de Boer, Anthonius; Roes, Kit C B; Chowdhury, Muhammad A B; Klungel, Olaf H

2016-06-01

Background Unmeasured confounding is one of the principal problems in pharmacoepidemiologic studies. Several methods have been proposed to detect or control for unmeasured confounding either at the study design phase or the data analysis phase. Aim of the Review To provide an overview of commonly used methods to detect or control for unmeasured confounding and to provide recommendations for proper application in pharmacoepidemiology. Methods/Results Methods to control for unmeasured confounding in the design phase of a study are case only designs (e.g., case-crossover, case-time control, self-controlled case series) and the prior event rate ratio adjustment method. Methods that can be applied in the data analysis phase include, negative control method, perturbation variable method, instrumental variable methods, sensitivity analysis, and ecological analysis. A separate group of methods are those in which additional information on confounders is collected from a substudy. The latter group includes external adjustment, propensity score calibration, two-stage sampling, and multiple imputation. Conclusion As the performance and application of the methods to handle unmeasured confounding may differ across studies and across databases, we stress the importance of using both statistical evidence and substantial clinical knowledge for interpretation of the study results.

An evaluation of North Carolina Department of Transportation wetland mitigation sites : selected case studies, phase 2 report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-03-01

Phase 1 of this study evaluated 50 NCDOT wetland compensatory mitigation sites and 11 reference sites in 1999. The : Phase 2 component (this report) examines five of the compensatory mitigation sites to provide a more in-depth analysis. The : objecti...

Integrative health care - Toward a common understanding: A mixed method study.

PubMed

Leach, Matthew J; Wiese, Marlene; Thakkar, Manisha; Agnew, Tamara

2018-02-01

To generate a multidisciplinary stakeholder-informed definition of integrative health care (IHC). A mixed-method study design was used, employing the use of focus groups/semi-structured interviews (phase-1) and document analysis (phases 2 and 3). Phase-1 recruited a purposive sample of Australian health consumers/health providers. Phase-2 interrogated websites of international IHC organisations for definitions of IHC. Phase-3 systematically searched bibliographic databases for articles defining IHC. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Data were drawn from 54 health consumers/providers (phase-1), 23 IHC organisation webpages (phase-2) and 23 eligible articles (phase-3). Seven themes emerged from the data. Consensus was reached on a single, 65-word definition of IHC. An unambiguous definition of IHC is critical to establishing a clearer identity for IHC, as well as providing greater clarity for consumers, health providers and policy makers. In recognising the need for a clearer description, we propose a scientifically-grounded, multi-disciplinary stakeholder-informed definition of IHC. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Commercial Contract Training for the Marine Corps (Phase II) [And] Commercial Contract Training Marine Corps Area VOTEC Support Center (AVSC) Guidelines. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Copeland, D. Robert; And Others

The two-part report describing the Phase 2 findings of a two-phase study demonstrates the utility of the commercial contract training concept for satisfying certain Marine Corps skill training requirements. Part 1 concerns source evaluation, skill analysis and selection, contractual considerations, and comparative training capability evaluation.…

ROC curves in clinical chemistry: uses, misuses, and possible solutions.

PubMed

Obuchowski, Nancy A; Lieber, Michael L; Wians, Frank H

2004-07-01

ROC curves have become the standard for describing and comparing the accuracy of diagnostic tests. Not surprisingly, ROC curves are used often by clinical chemists. Our aims were to observe how the accuracy of clinical laboratory diagnostic tests is assessed, compared, and reported in the literature; to identify common problems with the use of ROC curves; and to offer some possible solutions. We reviewed every original work using ROC curves and published in Clinical Chemistry in 2001 or 2002. For each article we recorded phase of the research, prospective or retrospective design, sample size, presence/absence of confidence intervals (CIs), nature of the statistical analysis, and major analysis problems. Of 58 articles, 31% were phase I (exploratory), 50% were phase II (challenge), and 19% were phase III (advanced) studies. The studies increased in sample size from phase I to III and showed a progression in the use of prospective designs. Most phase I studies were powered to assess diagnostic tests with ROC areas >/=0.70. Thirty-eight percent of studies failed to include CIs for diagnostic test accuracy or the CIs were constructed inappropriately. Thirty-three percent of studies provided insufficient analysis for comparing diagnostic tests. Other problems included dichotomization of the gold standard scale and inappropriate analysis of the equivalence of two diagnostic tests. We identify available software and make some suggestions for sample size determination, testing for equivalence in diagnostic accuracy, and alternatives to a dichotomous classification of a continuous-scale gold standard. More methodologic research is needed in areas specific to clinical chemistry.

Multi-path transportation futures study: Results from Phase 1

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

Patterson, Phil; Singh, Margaret; Plotkin, Steve

2007-03-09

This PowerPoint briefing provides documentation and details for Phase 1 of the Multi-Path Transportation Futures Study, which compares alternative ways to make significant reductions in oil use and carbon emissions from U.S. light vehicles to 2050. Phase I, completed in 2006, was a scoping study, aimed at identifying key analytic issues and constructing a study design. The Phase 1 analysis included an evaluation of several pathways and scenarios; however, these analyses were limited in number and scope and were designed to be preliminary.

EEG phase reset due to auditory attention: an inverse time-scale approach.

PubMed

Low, Yin Fen; Strauss, Daniel J

2009-08-01

We propose a novel tool to evaluate the electroencephalograph (EEG) phase reset due to auditory attention by utilizing an inverse analysis of the instantaneous phase for the first time. EEGs were acquired through auditory attention experiments with a maximum entropy stimulation paradigm. We examined single sweeps of auditory late response (ALR) with the complex continuous wavelet transform. The phase in the frequency band that is associated with auditory attention (6-10 Hz, termed as theta-alpha border) was reset to the mean phase of the averaged EEGs. The inverse transform was applied to reconstruct the phase-modified signal. We found significant enhancement of the N100 wave in the reconstructed signal. Analysis of the phase noise shows the effects of phase jittering on the generation of the N100 wave implying that a preferred phase is necessary to generate the event-related potential (ERP). Power spectrum analysis shows a remarkable increase of evoked power but little change of total power after stabilizing the phase of EEGs. Furthermore, by resetting the phase only at the theta border of no attention data to the mean phase of attention data yields a result that resembles attention data. These results show strong connections between EEGs and ERP, in particular, we suggest that the presentation of an auditory stimulus triggers the phase reset process at the theta-alpha border which leads to the emergence of the N100 wave. It is concluded that our study reinforces other studies on the importance of the EEG in ERP genesis.

Additional EIPC Study Analysis. Final Report

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

Hadley, Stanton W; Gotham, Douglas J.; Luciani, Ralph L.

Between 2010 and 2012 the Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative (EIPC) conducted a major long-term resource and transmission study of the Eastern Interconnection (EI). With guidance from a Stakeholder Steering Committee (SSC) that included representatives from the Eastern Interconnection States Planning Council (EISPC) among others, the project was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved a long-term capacity expansion analysis that involved creation of eight major futures plus 72 sensitivities. Three scenarios were selected for more extensive transmission- focused evaluation in Phase 2. Five power flow analyses, nine production cost model runs (including six sensitivities), and three capital cost estimations weremore » developed during this second phase. The results from Phase 1 and 2 provided a wealth of data that could be examined further to address energy-related questions. A list of 14 topics was developed for further analysis. This paper brings together the earlier interim reports of the first 13 topics plus one additional topic into a single final report.« less

Meta-Analysis of Human Factors Engineering Studies Comparing Individual Differences, Practice Effects and Equipment Design Variations.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-21

Approvoid foT public 90Ieleol, 2* . tJni7nited " - . - o . - ’--. * . -... . 1 UNCLASSIFIED S, E CURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE-" REPORT DOCUMENTATION...ACCESSION NO. 11. TITLE (Include Security Classification) . Veta -Analysis of Human Factors Engineering Studies Comparing Individual Differences, Practice...Background C Opportunity D Significance E History III. PHASE I FINAL REPORT A Literature Review B Formal Analysis C Results D Implications for Phase II IV

Nanostructure Formation by controlled dewetting on patterned substrates: A combined theoretical, modeling and experimental study.

PubMed

Lu, Liang-Xing; Wang, Ying-Min; Srinivasan, Bharathi Madurai; Asbahi, Mohamed; Yang, Joel K W; Zhang, Yong-Wei

2016-09-01

We perform systematic two-dimensional energetic analysis to study the stability of various nanostructures formed by dewetting solid films deposited on patterned substrates. Our analytical results show that by controlling system parameters such as the substrate surface pattern, film thickness and wetting angle, a variety of equilibrium nanostructures can be obtained. Phase diagrams are presented to show the complex relations between these system parameters and various nanostructure morphologies. We further carry out both phase field simulations and dewetting experiments to validate the analytically derived phase diagrams. Good agreements between the results from our energetic analyses and those from our phase field simulations and experiments verify our analysis. Hence, the phase diagrams presented here provide guidelines for using solid-state dewetting as a tool to achieve various nanostructures.

Classification of LC columns based on the QSRR method and selectivity toward moclobemide and its metabolites.

PubMed

Plenis, Alina; Olędzka, Ilona; Bączek, Tomasz

2013-05-05

This paper focuses on a comparative study of the column classification system based on the quantitative structure-retention relationships (QSRR method) and column performance in real biomedical analysis. The assay was carried out for the LC separation of moclobemide and its metabolites in human plasma, using a set of 24 stationary phases. The QSRR models established for the studied stationary phases were compared with the column test performance results under two chemometric techniques - the principal component analysis (PCA) and the hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The study confirmed that the stationary phase classes found closely related by the QSRR approach yielded comparable separation for moclobemide and its metabolites. Therefore, the QSRR method could be considered supportive in the selection of a suitable column for the biomedical analysis offering the selection of similar or dissimilar columns with a relatively higher certainty. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Temporal Variation of the Rotation of the Solar Mean Magnetic Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, J. L.; Shi, X. J.; Xu, J. C.

2017-04-01

Based on continuous wavelet transformation analysis, the daily solar mean magnetic field (SMMF) from 1975 May 16 to 2014 July 31 is analyzed to reveal its rotational behavior. Both the recurrent plot in Bartels form and the continuous wavelet transformation analysis show the existence of rotational modulation in the variation of the daily SMMF. The dependence of the rotational cycle lengths on solar cycle phase is also studied, which indicates that the yearly mean rotational cycle lengths generally seem to be longer during the rising phase of solar cycles and shorter during the declining phase. The mean rotational cycle length for the rising phase of all of the solar cycles in the considered time is 28.28 ± 0.67 days, while for the declining phase it is 27.32 ± 0.64 days. The difference of the mean rotational cycle lengths between the rising phase and the declining phase is 0.96 days. The periodicity analysis, through the use of an auto-correlation function, indicates that the rotational cycle lengths have a significant period of about 10.1 years. Furthermore, the cross-correlation analysis indicates that there exists a phase difference between the rotational cycle lengths and solar activity.

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

Xie, J. L.; Shi, X. J.; Xu, J. C., E-mail: xiejinglan@ynao.ac.cn

Based on continuous wavelet transformation analysis, the daily solar mean magnetic field (SMMF) from 1975 May 16 to 2014 July 31 is analyzed to reveal its rotational behavior. Both the recurrent plot in Bartels form and the continuous wavelet transformation analysis show the existence of rotational modulation in the variation of the daily SMMF. The dependence of the rotational cycle lengths on solar cycle phase is also studied, which indicates that the yearly mean rotational cycle lengths generally seem to be longer during the rising phase of solar cycles and shorter during the declining phase. The mean rotational cycle lengthmore » for the rising phase of all of the solar cycles in the considered time is 28.28 ± 0.67 days, while for the declining phase it is 27.32 ± 0.64 days. The difference of the mean rotational cycle lengths between the rising phase and the declining phase is 0.96 days. The periodicity analysis, through the use of an auto-correlation function, indicates that the rotational cycle lengths have a significant period of about 10.1 years. Furthermore, the cross-correlation analysis indicates that there exists a phase difference between the rotational cycle lengths and solar activity.« less

Effect of phase-encoding direction on group analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Mori, Yasuo; Miyata, Jun; Isobe, Masanori; Son, Shuraku; Yoshihara, Yujiro; Aso, Toshihiko; Kouchiyama, Takanori; Murai, Toshiya; Takahashi, Hidehiko

2018-05-17

Echo-planar imaging is a common technique used in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), however it suffers from image distortion and signal loss because of large susceptibility effects that are related to the phase-encoding direction of the scan. Despite this relationship, the majority of neuroimaging studies have not considered the influence of phase-encoding direction. Here, we aimed to clarify how phase-encoding direction can affect the outcome of an fMRI connectivity study of schizophrenia. Resting-state fMRI using anterior to posterior (A-P) and posterior to anterior (P-A) directions was used to examine 25 patients with schizophrenia (SC) and 37 matched healthy controls (HC). We conducted a functional connectivity analysis using independent component analysis and performed three group comparisons: A-P vs. P-A (all participants), SC vs. HC for the A-P and P-A datasets, and the interaction between phase-encoding direction and participant group. The estimated functional connectivity differed between the two phase-encoding directions in areas that were more extensive than those where signal loss has been reported. Although functional connectivity in the SC group was lower than that in the HC group for both directions, the A-P and P-A conditions did not exhibit the same specific pattern of differences. Further, we observed an interaction between participant group and the phase-encoding direction in the left temporo-parietal junction and left fusiform gyrus. Phase-encoding direction can influence the results of functional connectivity studies. Thus, appropriate selection and documentation of phase-encoding direction will be important in future resting-state fMRI studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Sexual Satisfaction Concept Analysis in Iranian Married Women: A Hybrid Model Study

PubMed Central

Yekta, Zohre Parsa; Raisi, Firoozeh; Ebadi, Abbas; Shahvari, Zahra

2015-01-01

Background: Sexual satisfaction is considered to be a sexual right and an important component of sexual health. The purpose of this qualitative study was to clarify the meaning and the nature of sexual satisfaction in Iranian married women, and to provide a cultural-based definition of it. Method: Sexual satisfaction was examined in three phases by the Hybrid Model of concept analysis: (1) the theoretical phase; (2) the fieldwork phase and (3) the analytical phase. Hybrid concept analysis method was chosen because its inclusion of married women’s perspectives enriches the limits of sexual health search literature. Result: The critical attributes of sexual satisfaction were investigated. They included ‘two-dimensional structure’, ‘an affective response’, ‘a means to achieve marital satisfaction’, ‘unique’, ‘a concept based on expectations’ and ‘a concept on shadow of values’. Conclusion: The concept analysis of sexual satisfaction showed some of the attributes and antecedents for this concept that, have not been mentioned in the literature. PMID:26153166

Sports Institute for Research/Change Agent Research (SIR/CAR) Windsor Minor Hockey.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moriarty, Dick; Duthie, James

This organizational analysis of Windsor minor hockey was conducted as a pilot study into the policy decision making process in a sports organization. The study was divided into three phases. In the first phase the organization was audited and provided with information about various feedback channels. In phase two observations, available…

Orbit transfer rocket engine technology program. Phase 2: Advanced engine study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Erickson, C.; Martinez, A.; Hines, B.

1987-01-01

In Phase 2 of the Advanced Engine Study, the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) maintenance-driven engine design, preliminary maintenance plan, and concept for space operable disconnects generated in Phase 1 were further developed. Based on the results of the vehicle contractors Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) Concept Definition and System Analysis Phase A studies, minor revisions to the engine design were made. Additional refinements in the engine design were identified through further engine concept studies. These included an updated engine balance incorporating experimental heat transfer data from the Enhanced Heat Load Thrust Chamber Study and a Rao optimum nozzle contour. The preliminary maintenance plan of Phase 1 was further developed through additional studies. These included a compilation of critical component lives and life limiters and a review of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) operations and maintenance manual in order to begin outlining the overall maintenance procedures for the Orbit Transfer Vehicle Engine and identifying technology requirements for streamlining space-based operations. Phase 2 efforts also provided further definition to the advanced fluid coupling devices including the selection and preliminary design of a preferred concept and a preliminary test plan for its further development.

Investigations on transparent liquid-miscibility gap systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lacy, L. L.; Nishioka, G.; Ross, S.

1979-01-01

Sedimentation and phase separation is a well known occurrence in monotectic or miscibility gap alloys. Previous investigations indicate that it may be possible to prepare such alloys in a low-gravity space environment but recent experiments indicate that there may be nongravity dependent phase separation processes which can hinder the formation of such alloys. Such phase separation processes are studied using transparent liquid systems and holography. By reconstructing holograms into a commercial-particle-analysis system, real time computer analysis can be performed on emulsions with diameters in the range of 5 micrometers or greater. Thus dynamic effects associated with particle migration and coalescence can be studied. Characterization studies on two selected immiscible systems including an accurate determination of phase diagrams, surface and interfacial tension measurements, surface excess and wetting behavior near critical solution temperatures completed.

X-ray diffraction and SEM study of kidney stones in Israel: quantitative analysis, crystallite size determination, and statistical characterization.

PubMed

Uvarov, Vladimir; Popov, Inna; Shapur, Nandakishore; Abdin, Tamer; Gofrit, Ofer N; Pode, Dov; Duvdevani, Mordechai

2011-12-01

Urinary calculi have been recognized as one of the most painful medical disorders. Tenable knowledge of the phase composition of the stones is very important to elucidate an underlying etiology of the stone disease. We report here the results of quantitative X-ray diffraction phase analysis performed on 278 kidney stones from the 275 patients treated at the Department of Urology of Hadassah Hebrew University Hospital (Jerusalem, Israel). Quantification of biominerals in multicomponent samples was performed using the normalized reference intensity ratio method. According to the observed phase compositions, all the tested stones were classified into five chemical groups: oxalates (43.2%), phosphates (7.7%), urates (10.3%), cystines (2.9%), and stones composed of a mixture of different minerals (35.9%). A detailed analysis of each allocated chemical group is presented along with the crystallite size calculations for all the observed crystalline phases. The obtained results have been compared with the published data originated from different geographical regions. Morphology and spatial distribution of the phases identified in the kidney stones were studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). This type of detailed study of phase composition and structural characteristics of the kidney stones was performed in Israel for the first time.

The National LUST Cleanup Backlog: A Study of Opportunities

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

To understand the makeup of UST releases remaining and why the pace of cleanups is slowing, EPA undertook a two-phase, data-driven analysis of the cleanups remaining as of 2006 (Phase 1) and 2009 (Phase 2).

LED street lighting evaluation -- phase II : LED specification and life-cycle cost analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-01-01

Phase II of this study focused on developing a draft specification for LED luminaires to be used by IDOT : and a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) tool for solid state lighting technologies. The team also researched the : latest developments related to...

Program Aids Design Of Fluid-Circulating Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bacskay, Allen; Dalee, Robert

1992-01-01

Computer Aided Systems Engineering and Analysis (CASE/A) program is interactive software tool for trade study and analysis, designed to increase productivity during all phases of systems engineering. Graphics-based command-driven software package provides user-friendly computing environment in which engineer analyzes performance and interface characteristics of ECLS/ATC system. Useful during all phases of spacecraft-design program, from initial conceptual design trade studies to actual flight, including pre-flight prediction and in-flight analysis of anomalies. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Knee joint kinaesthesia and neuromuscular coordination during three phases of the menstrual cycle in moderately active women.

PubMed

Fridén, Cecilia; Hirschberg, Angelica Lindén; Saartok, Tönu; Renström, Per

2006-04-01

An increased incidence of sports related injuries in the premenstrual phase as well as in the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle has been described. This may be explained by alterations in proprioception and neuromuscular coordination due to hormonal variations. Prospective, within women analysis of knee joint kinesthesia and neuromuscular coordination were performed by repeated measures analysis of variance in three hormonally verified phases of three consecutive menstrual cycles. Thirty-two healthy, moderately active female subjects volunteered to participate in the study. Twenty-five of the subjects performed at least one hormonally verified menstrual cycle. A specially designed device was used to investigate knee joint kinaesthesia and neuromuscular coordination was measured with the square hop test. These tests were carried out in the menstrual phase, ovulation phase and premenstrual phase determined by hormone analyses in three consecutive menstrual cycles. An impaired knee joint kinaesthesia was detected in the premenstrual phase and the performance of square hop test was significantly improved in the ovulation phase compared to the other two phases. The results of this study indicate that the variation of sex hormones in the menstrual cycle has an effect on performance of knee joint kinaesthesia and neuromuscular coordination.

Space Shuttle Main Engine structural analysis and data reduction/evaluation. Volume 7: High pressure fuel turbo-pump third stage impeller analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pool, Kirby V.

1989-01-01

This volume summarizes the analysis used to assess the structural life of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) High Pressure Fuel Turbo-Pump (HPFTP) Third Stage Impeller. This analysis was performed in three phases, all using the DIAL finite element code. The first phase was a static stress analysis to determine the mean (non-varying) stress and static margin of safety for the part. The loads involved were steady state pressure and centrifugal force due to spinning. The second phase of the analysis was a modal survey to determine the vibrational modes and natural frequencies of the impeller. The third phase was a dynamic response analysis to determine the alternating component of the stress due to time varying pressure impulses at the outlet (diffuser) side of the impeller. The results of the three phases of the analysis show that the Third Stage Impeller operates very near the upper limits of its capability at full power level (FPL) loading. The static loading alone creates stresses in some areas of the shroud which exceed the yield point of the material. Additional cyclic loading due to the dynamic force could lead to a significant reduction in the life of this part. The cyclic stresses determined in the dynamic response phase of this study are based on an assumption regarding the magnitude of the forcing function.

Asymmetric simple exclusion process with position-dependent hopping rates: Phase diagram from boundary-layer analysis.

PubMed

Mukherji, Sutapa

2018-03-01

In this paper, we study a one-dimensional totally asymmetric simple exclusion process with position-dependent hopping rates. Under open boundary conditions, this system exhibits boundary-induced phase transitions in the steady state. Similarly to totally asymmetric simple exclusion processes with uniform hopping, the phase diagram consists of low-density, high-density, and maximal-current phases. In various phases, the shape of the average particle density profile across the lattice including its boundary-layer parts changes significantly. Using the tools of boundary-layer analysis, we obtain explicit solutions for the density profile in different phases. A detailed analysis of these solutions under different boundary conditions helps us obtain the equations for various phase boundaries. Next, we show how the shape of the entire density profile including the location of the boundary layers can be predicted from the fixed points of the differential equation describing the boundary layers. We discuss this in detail through several examples of density profiles in various phases. The maximal-current phase appears to be an especially interesting phase where the boundary layer flows to a bifurcation point on the fixed-point diagram.

Asymmetric simple exclusion process with position-dependent hopping rates: Phase diagram from boundary-layer analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherji, Sutapa

2018-03-01

In this paper, we study a one-dimensional totally asymmetric simple exclusion process with position-dependent hopping rates. Under open boundary conditions, this system exhibits boundary-induced phase transitions in the steady state. Similarly to totally asymmetric simple exclusion processes with uniform hopping, the phase diagram consists of low-density, high-density, and maximal-current phases. In various phases, the shape of the average particle density profile across the lattice including its boundary-layer parts changes significantly. Using the tools of boundary-layer analysis, we obtain explicit solutions for the density profile in different phases. A detailed analysis of these solutions under different boundary conditions helps us obtain the equations for various phase boundaries. Next, we show how the shape of the entire density profile including the location of the boundary layers can be predicted from the fixed points of the differential equation describing the boundary layers. We discuss this in detail through several examples of density profiles in various phases. The maximal-current phase appears to be an especially interesting phase where the boundary layer flows to a bifurcation point on the fixed-point diagram.

Nanostructure Formation by controlled dewetting on patterned substrates: A combined theoretical, modeling and experimental study

PubMed Central

Lu, Liang-Xing; Wang, Ying-Min; Srinivasan, Bharathi Madurai; Asbahi, Mohamed; Yang, Joel K. W.; Zhang, Yong-Wei

2016-01-01

We perform systematic two-dimensional energetic analysis to study the stability of various nanostructures formed by dewetting solid films deposited on patterned substrates. Our analytical results show that by controlling system parameters such as the substrate surface pattern, film thickness and wetting angle, a variety of equilibrium nanostructures can be obtained. Phase diagrams are presented to show the complex relations between these system parameters and various nanostructure morphologies. We further carry out both phase field simulations and dewetting experiments to validate the analytically derived phase diagrams. Good agreements between the results from our energetic analyses and those from our phase field simulations and experiments verify our analysis. Hence, the phase diagrams presented here provide guidelines for using solid-state dewetting as a tool to achieve various nanostructures. PMID:27580943

Design of a Modular E-Core Flux Concentrating Axial Flux Machine: Preprint

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

Husain, Tausif; Sozer, Yilmaz; Husain, Iqbal

2015-08-24

In this paper a novel E-Core axial flux machine is proposed. The machine has a double-stator, single-rotor configuration with flux-concentrating ferrite magnets and pole windings across each leg of an E-Core stator. E-Core stators with the proposed flux-concentrating rotor arrangement result in better magnet utilization and higher torque density. The machine also has a modular structure facilitating simpler construction. This paper presents a single-phase and a three-phase version of the E-Core machine. Case studies for a 1.1-kW, 400-rpm machine for both the single-phase and three-phase axial flux machines are presented. The results are verified through 3D finite element analysis. facilitatingmore » simpler construction. This paper presents a single-phase and a three-phase version of the E-Core machine. Case studies for a 1.1-kW, 400-rpm machine for both the single-phase and three-phase axial flux machines are presented. The results are verified through 3D finite element analysis.« less

Space-Time Analysis of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII) Phase 1 Air Quality Simulations

EPA Science Inventory

This study presents an evaluation of summertime daily maximum ozone concentrations over North America (NA) and Europe (EU) using the database generated during Phase 1 of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII). The analysis focuses on identifying tempor...

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--LIST OF STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

EPA Science Inventory

This document lists available protocols and SOPs for the NHEXAS Phase I Arizona study. It identifies protocols and SOPs for the following study components: (1) Sample collection and field operations, (2) Sample analysis, (3) General laboratory procedures, (4) Quality Assurance, (...

Modelling of Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography Stationary Phases Using Chemometric Approaches

PubMed Central

Ortiz-Villanueva, Elena; Tauler, Romà

2017-01-01

Metabolomics is a powerful and widely used approach that aims to screen endogenous small molecules (metabolites) of different families present in biological samples. The large variety of compounds to be determined and their wide diversity of physical and chemical properties have promoted the development of different types of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) stationary phases. However, the selection of the most suitable HILIC stationary phase is not straightforward. In this work, four different HILIC stationary phases have been compared to evaluate their potential application for the analysis of a complex mixture of metabolites, a situation similar to that found in non-targeted metabolomics studies. The obtained chromatographic data were analyzed by different chemometric methods to explore the behavior of the considered stationary phases. ANOVA-simultaneous component analysis (ASCA), principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLS) were used to explore the experimental factors affecting the stationary phase performance, the main similarities and differences among chromatographic conditions used (stationary phase and pH) and the molecular descriptors most useful to understand the behavior of each stationary phase. PMID:29064436

Optimization of solar cells for air mass zero operation and study of solar cells at high temperatures, phase 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hovel, H. J.; Woodall, J. M.

1980-01-01

The Pd contact to GaAs was studied using backscattering, Auger analysis, and sheet resistance measurements. Several metallurgical phases were present at low temperatures, but PdGa was the dominant phase in samples annealed at 500 C. Ti/Pd/Ag contacts appeared to have the lowest contact resistance. Etchback epitaxy (EBE) was compared to saturated melt epitaxy (SME) method of growing liquid phase epitaxial layers. The SME method resulted in a lower density of Ga microdroplets in the grown layer, although the best solar cells were made by the EBE method. Photoluminescence was developed as a tool for contactless analysis of GaAs cells. Efficiencies of over 8 percent were measured at 250 C.

Formation of Al15Mn3Si2 Phase During Solidification of a Novel Al-12%Si-4%Cu-1.2%Mn Heat-Resistant Alloy and Its Thermal Stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suo, Xiaojing; Liao, Hengcheng; Hu, Yiyun; Dixit, Uday S.; Petrov, Pavel

2018-02-01

The formation of Al15Mn3Si2 phase in Al-12Si-4Cu-1.2Mn (wt.%) alloy during solidification was investigated by adopting CALPHAD method and microstructural observation by optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS/SAD and XRD analysis; SEM fixed-point observation method was applied to evaluate its thermal stability. As-cast microstructural observation consistently demonstrates the solidification sequence of the studied alloy predicted by phase diagram calculation. Based on the phase diagram calculation, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS/SAD and XRD analysis, as well as evidences on Al-Si-Mn-Fe compounds from the literature, the primary and eutectic Mn-rich phases with different morphologies in the studied alloy are identified to be Al15Mn3Si2 that has a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure with a lattice constant of a = 1.352 nm. SEM fixed-point observation and XRD analysis indicate that Al15Mn3Si2 phase has more excellent thermal stability at high temperature than that of CuAl2 phase and can serve as the major strengthening phase in heat-resistant aluminum alloy that has to face a high-temperature working environment. Results of tension test show that addition of Mn can improve the strength of Al-Si-Cu alloy, especially at elevated temperature.

Phase-space networks of geometrically frustrated systems.

PubMed

Han, Yilong

2009-11-01

We illustrate a network approach to the phase-space study by using two geometrical frustration models: antiferromagnet on triangular lattice and square ice. Their highly degenerated ground states are mapped as discrete networks such that the quantitative network analysis can be applied to phase-space studies. The resulting phase spaces share some comon features and establish a class of complex networks with unique Gaussian spectral densities. Although phase-space networks are heterogeneously connected, the systems are still ergodic due to the random Poisson processes. This network approach can be generalized to phase spaces of some other complex systems.

Experiences with an adaptive design for a dose-finding study in patients with osteoarthritis.

PubMed

Miller, Frank; Björnsson, Marcus; Svensson, Ola; Karlsten, Rolf

2014-03-01

Dose-finding studies in non-oncology areas are usually conducted in Phase II of the development process of a new potential medicine and it is key to choose a good design for such a study, as the results will decide if and how to proceed to Phase III. The present article has focus on the design of a dose-finding study for pain in osteoarthritis patients treated with the TRPV1 antagonist AZD1386. We describe different design alternatives in the planning of this study, the reasoning for choosing the adaptive design and experiences with conduct and interim analysis. Three alternatives were proposed: one single dose-finding study with parallel design, a programme with a smaller Phase IIa study followed by a Phase IIb dose-finding study, and an adaptive dose-finding study. We describe these alternatives in detail and explain why the adaptive design was chosen for the study. We give insights in design aspects of the adaptive study, which need to be pre-planned, like interim decision criteria, statistical analysis method and setup of a Data Monitoring Committee. Based on the interim analysis it was recommended to stop the study for futility since AZD1386 showed no significant pain decrease based on the primary variable. We discuss results and experiences from the conduct of the study with the novel design approach. Huge cost savings have been done compared to if the option with one dose-finding design for Phase II had been chosen. However, we point out several challenges with this approach. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Auto correlation analysis of coda waves from local earthquakes for detecting temporal changes in shallow subsurface structures - The 2011 Tohoku-Oki, Japan, earthquake -

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakahara, H.

2013-12-01

For monitoring temporal changes in subsurface structures, I propose to use auto correlation functions of coda waves from local earthquakes recorded at surface receivers, which probably contain more body waves than surface waves. Because the use of coda waves requires earthquakes, time resolution for monitoring decreases. But at regions with high seismicity, it may be possible to monitor subsurface structures in sufficient time resolutions. Studying the 2011 Tohoku-Oki (Mw 9.0), Japan, earthquake for which velocity changes have been already reported by previous studies, I try to validate the method. KiK-net stations in northern Honshu are used in the analysis. For each moderate earthquake, normalized auto correlation functions of surface records are stacked with respect to time windows in S-wave coda. Aligning the stacked normalized auto correlation functions with time, I search for changes in arrival times of phases. The phases at lag times of less than 1s are studied because changes at shallow depths are focused. Based on the stretching method, temporal variations in the arrival times are measured at the stations. Clear phase delays are found to be associated with the mainshock and to gradually recover with time. Amounts of the phase delays are in the order of 10% on average with the maximum of about 50% at some stations. For validation, the deconvolution analysis using surface and subsurface records at the same stations are conducted. The results show that the phase delays from the deconvolution analysis are slightly smaller than those from the auto correlation analysis, which implies that the phases on the auto correlations are caused by larger velocity changes at shallower depths. The auto correlation analysis seems to have an accuracy of about several percents, which is much larger than methods using earthquake doublets and borehole array data. So this analysis might be applicable to detect larger changes. In spite of these disadvantages, this analysis is still attractive because it can be applied to many records on the surface in regions where no boreholes are available. Acknowledgements: Seismograms recorded by KiK-net managed by National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) were used in this study. This study was partially supported by JST J-RAPID program and JSPS KAKENHI Grant Numbers 24540449 and 23540449.

Precipitation of T1 and θ′ Phase in Al-4Cu-1Li-0.25Mn During Age Hardening: Microstructural Investigation and Phase-Field Simulation

PubMed Central

Häusler, Ines; Schwarze, Christian; Bilal, Muhammad Umer; Valencia Ramirez, Daniela; Hetaba, Walid; Darvishi Kamachali, Reza; Skrotzki, Birgit

2017-01-01

Experimental and phase field studies of age hardening response of a high purity Al-4Cu-1Li-0.25Mn-alloy (mass %) during isothermal aging are conducted. In the experiments, two hardening phases are identified: the tetragonal θ′ (Al2Cu) phase and the hexagonal T1 (Al2CuLi) phase. Both are plate shaped and of nm size. They are analyzed with respect to the development of their size, number density and volume fraction during aging by applying different analysis techniques in TEM in combination with quantitative microstructural analysis. 3D phase-field simulations of formation and growth of θ′ phase are performed in which the full interfacial, chemical and elastic energy contributions are taken into account. 2D simulations of T1 phase are also investigated using multi-component diffusion without elasticity. This is a first step toward a complex phase-field study of T1 phase in the ternary alloy. The comparison between experimental and simulated data shows similar trends. The still unsaturated volume fraction indicates that the precipitates are in the growth stage and that the coarsening/ripening stage has not yet been reached. PMID:28772481

Crystal structures and high-temperature phase-transitions in SrNdMRuO{sub 6} (M=Zn,Co,Mg,Ni) new double perovskites studied by symmetry-mode analysis

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

Iturbe-Zabalo, E., E-mail: iturbe@ill.fr; Fisika Aplikatua II Saila, Zientzia eta Teknologia Fakultatea, UPV/EHU, P.O. Box 644, 48080 Bilbao; Igartua, J.M.

2013-02-15

Crystal structures of SrNdZnRuO{sub 6}, SrNdCoRuO{sub 6}, SrNdMgRuO{sub 6} and SrNdNiRuO{sub 6} double perovskites have been studied by X-ray, synchrotron radiation and neutron powder diffraction method, at different temperatures, and using the symmetry-mode analysis. All compounds adopt the monoclinic space group P2{sub 1}/n at room-temperature, and contain a completely ordered array of the tilted MO{sub 6} and RuO{sub 6} octahedra, whereas Sr/Nd cations are completely disordered. The analysis of the structures in terms of symmetry-adapted modes of the parent phase allows the identification of the modes responsible for the phase-transition. The high-temperature study (300-1250 K) has shown that the compoundsmore » present a temperature induced structural phase-transition: P2{sub 1}/n{yields}P4{sub 2}/n{yields}Fm3{sup Macron }m. - Graphical abstract: Representation of the dominant distortion modes of the symmetry mode decomposition of the room-temperature (P2{sub 1}/n), intermediate (P4{sub 2}/n) and cubic (Fm-3m) phase SrNdMRuO{sub 6} (M=Zn,Co,Mg,Ni), with respect to the parent phase Fm-3m. The dominant distortion modes are: in the monoclinic phase-GM{sub 4}{sup +} (blue arrow), X{sub 3}{sup +} (green arrow) and X{sub 5}{sup +} acting on A-site cations (red arrow); in the tetragonal phase-GM{sub 4}{sup +} (pink arrow), X{sub 3}{sup +} (light blue arrow) and X{sub 5}{sup +} acting on A-site cations (brown arrow). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Structural study of four ruthenate double perovskites. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Room-temperature structural determination using symmetry-mode procedure. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Determination of temperature induced structural phase-transitions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Symmetry adapted-mode analysis.« less

Analysis of dynamic channel power equalization by using nonlinear amplifying Sagnac interferometer for ASK-WDM optical transmission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Feng; Liu, Xiaoming; Zhao, Jianhui

2004-05-01

A power equalization using an asymmetric nonlinear amplifying Sagnac interferometer (NASI) for ASK modulation is studied numerically. A nonreciprocal phase bias was proposed to be introduced into the structure. The nonreciprocal phase bias reduces not only the demanding for amplifier power or fiber non-linearity, but also increase the dynamic input power range. The power equalization is demonstrated for RZ modulation by nonlinear phase analysis and eye diagram simulation.

Detecting phase separation of freeze-dried binary amorphous systems using pair-wise distribution function and multivariate data analysis.

PubMed

Chieng, Norman; Trnka, Hjalte; Boetker, Johan; Pikal, Michael; Rantanen, Jukka; Grohganz, Holger

2013-09-15

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of multivariate data analysis for powder X-ray diffraction-pair-wise distribution function (PXRD-PDF) data to detect phase separation in freeze-dried binary amorphous systems. Polymer-polymer and polymer-sugar binary systems at various ratios were freeze-dried. All samples were analyzed by PXRD, transformed to PDF and analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). These results were validated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) through characterization of glass transition of the maximally freeze-concentrate solute (Tg'). Analysis of PXRD-PDF data using PCA provides a more clear 'miscible' or 'phase separated' interpretation through the distribution pattern of samples on a score plot presentation compared to residual plot method. In a phase separated system, samples were found to be evenly distributed around the theoretical PDF profile. For systems that were miscible, a clear deviation of samples away from the theoretical PDF profile was observed. Moreover, PCA analysis allows simultaneous analysis of replicate samples. Comparatively, the phase behavior analysis from PXRD-PDF-PCA method was in agreement with the DSC results. Overall, the combined PXRD-PDF-PCA approach improves the clarity of the PXRD-PDF results and can be used as an alternative explorative data analytical tool in detecting phase separation in freeze-dried binary amorphous systems. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of microstructure in electro-spark deposited IN718 superalloy

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

Anisimov, E.; Khan, A.K.; Ojo, O.A., E-mail: olanr

2016-09-15

The microstructure of electro-spark deposited (ESD) superalloy IN718 was studied by the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. In converse to general assumption, the extremely high cooling rate involved in the ESD process did not produce partitionless solidification that is devoid of second phase microconstituents in the material, nano-sized Laves phase and MC carbide particles were observed within the deposited layer. Notwithstanding the several thermal cycles involved in the process, the extremely low heat input of the process produced a deposited region that is free ofmore » the main strengthening phase of the alloy, γ″ phase precipitates, which is in contrast to what have been reported on laser deposition. Nevertheless, application of the standard full heat treatment of the alloy resulted in extensive formation of the γ″ phase precipitates and δ phase precipitates, the most stable secondary phase of the alloy, with nearly, if not complete, dissolution of the Laves phase particles. Furthermore, the XPS analysis done in the study revealed the formation of nano-oxides within the deposited layer, which increased the microhardness of the superalloy in the as-deposited condition and inhibited its grain growth during post-process heat treatment. The microstructure analysis done in this work is crucial to the understanding of properties of the superalloy processed by the ESD technique. - Highlights: •Electron microscopy analyses of electro-spark deposited IN 718 superalloy were performed. •Nano-sized secondary phase particles were observed within the deposited layer. •The study shows that the ESD did not produce partitionless solidification of the alloy.« less

Young elementary students' conceptual understandings of lunar phases before and after an inquiry-based and technology-enhanced instructional intervention

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hobson, Sally Merryman

This mixed methods study explored young children's understandings of targeted lunar concepts, including when the moon can be observed, observable lunar phase shapes, predictable lunar patterns, and the cause of moon phases. Twenty-one children (ages seven to nine years) from a multi-aged classroom participated in this study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, student drawings, and card sorting before and after an inquiry-based, technology-enhanced instructional intervention. Students' lunar calendars, written responses, field notes, and videotaped class sessions also provided data throughout the study. Data were analyzed using codes from prior lunar studies, constant comparative analysis, and nonparametric analysis. The instructional intervention included lunar data gathering, recording, and sharing, through the use of Starry Night planetarium software and an inquiry-based instruction on moon phases (McDermott, 1996). In a guided inquiry context children worked in groups to gather and analyze nine weeks of lunar data. Findings indicated a positive change in students' understanding of all targeted concepts. After the intervention more children understood that the moon could be observed sometimes during the day, more children drew scientific moon phase shapes, and more children drew scientific representations of the moon phase sequences. Also, more children understood the cause of moon phases.

Implementation of a Proficiency-Based Diploma System in Maine: Phase II--District Level Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silvernail, David L.; Stump, Erika K.; McCafferty, Anita Stewart; Hawes, Kathryn M.

2014-01-01

This report describes the findings from Phase II of a study of Maine's implementation of a proficiency-based diploma system. At the request of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs of the Maine Legislature, the Maine Policy Research Institute (MEPRI) has conducted a two-phased study of the implementation of Maine law…

SOLID-LIQUID PHASE TRANSFER CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF CINNAMYL ACETATE-KINETICS AND ANALYSIS OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE REACTION IN A BATCH REACTOR

EPA Science Inventory

The use of solid-liquid phase transfer catalysis has an advantage of carrying out reaction between two immiscible substrates, one in solid phase and the other in liquid phase, with high selectivity and at relatively low temperatures. In this study we investigated the synthesis ci...

Growth phase-dependent proteomes of the Malaysian isolated Lactococcus lactis dairy strain M4 using label-free qualitative shotgun proteomics analysis.

PubMed

Yap, Theresa Wan Chen; Rabu, Amir; Abu Bakar, Farah Diba; Rahim, Raha Abdul; Mahadi, Nor Muhammad; Illias, Rosli Md; Murad, Abdul Munir Abdul

2014-01-01

Lactococcus lactis is the most studied mesophilic fermentative lactic acid bacterium. It is used extensively in the food industry and plays a pivotal role as a cell factory and also as vaccine delivery platforms. The proteome of the Malaysian isolated L. lactis M4 dairy strain, obtained from the milk of locally bred cows, was studied to elucidate the physiological changes occurring between the growth phases of this bacterium. In this study, ultraperformance liquid chromatography nanoflow electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC- nano-ESI-MS(E)) approach was used for qualitative proteomic analysis. A total of 100 and 121 proteins were identified from the midexponential and early stationary growth phases, respectively, of the L. lactis strain M4. During the exponential phase, the most important reaction was the generation of sufficient energy, whereas, in the early stationary phase, the metabolic energy pathways decreased and the biosynthesis of proteins became more important. Thus, the metabolism of the cells shifted from energy production in the exponential phase to the synthesis of macromolecules in the stationary phase. The resultant proteomes are essential in providing an improved view of the cellular machinery of L. lactis during the transition of growth phases and hence provide insight into various biotechnological applications.

Space Shuttle Range Safety Command Destruct System Analysis and Verification. Phase 1. Destruct System Analysis and Verification

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-03-01

overcome the shortcomings of this system. A phase III study develops the breakup model of the Space Shuttle clus’ter at various times into flight. The...2-1 ROCKET MODEL ..................................................... 2-5 COMBUSTION CHAMBER OPERATION ................................... 2-5...2-19 RESULTS .......................................................... 2-22 ROCKET MODEL

Generation of phase edge singularities by coplanar three-beam interference and their detection.

PubMed

Patorski, Krzysztof; Sluzewski, Lukasz; Trusiak, Maciej; Pokorski, Krzysztof

2017-02-06

In recent years singular optics has gained considerable attention in science and technology. Up to now optical vortices (phase point dislocations) have been of main interest. This paper presents the first general analysis of formation of phase edge singularities by coplanar three-beam interference. They can be generated, for example, by three-slit interference or self-imaging in the Fresnel diffraction field of a sinusoidal grating. We derive a general condition for the ratio of amplitudes of interfering beams resulting in phase edge dislocations, lateral separation of dislocations depends on this ratio as well. Analytically derived properties are corroborated by numerical and experimental studies. We develop a simple, robust, common path optical self-imaging configuration aided by a coherent tilted reference wave and spatial filtering. Finally, we propose an automatic fringe pattern analysis technique for detecting phase edge dislocations, based on the continuous wavelet transform. Presented studies open new possibilities for developing grating based sensing techniques for precision metrology of very small phase differences.

Preparation and chromatographic evaluation of zwitterionic stationary phases with controllable ratio of positively and negatively charged groups.

PubMed

Cheng, Xiao-Dong; Hao, Yan-Hong; Peng, Xi-Tian; Yuan, Bi-Feng; Shi, Zhi-Guo; Feng, Yu-Qi

2015-08-15

The present study described the preparation and application of zwitterionic stationary phases (ACS) with controllable ratio of positively charged tertiary amine groups and negatively charged carboxyl groups. Various parameters, including water content, pH values and ionic strength of the mobile phase, were investigated to study the chromatographic characteristics of ACS columns. The prepared ACS columns demonstrated a mix-mode retention mechanism composed of surface adsorption, partitioning and electrostatic interactions. The elemental analysis of different batches of the ACS phases demonstrated good reproducibility of the preparation strategy. Additionally, various categories of compounds, including nucleosides, water-soluble vitamins, benzoic acid derivatives and basic compounds were successively employed to evaluate the separation selectivity of the prepared ACS stationary phases. These ACS phases exhibited entirely different selectivity and retention behavior from each other for various polar analytes, demonstrating the excellent application potential in the analysis of polar compounds in HILIC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identifying Effective Design Approaches to Allocate Genotypes in Two-Phase Designs: A Case Study in Pelargonium zonale.

PubMed

Molenaar, Heike; Boehm, Robert; Piepho, Hans-Peter

2017-01-01

Robust phenotypic data allow adequate statistical analysis and are crucial for any breeding purpose. Such data is obtained from experiments laid out to best control local variation. Additionally, experiments frequently involve two phases, each contributing environmental sources of variation. For example, in a former experiment we conducted to evaluate production related traits in Pelargonium zonale , there were two consecutive phases, each performed in a different greenhouse. Phase one involved the propagation of the breeding strains to obtain the stem cutting count, and phase two involved the assessment of root formation. The evaluation of the former study raised questions regarding options for improving the experimental layout: (i) Is there a disadvantage to using exactly the same design in both phases? (ii) Instead of generating a separate layout for each phase, can the design be optimized across both phases, such that the mean variance of a pair-wise treatment difference (MVD) can be decreased? To answer these questions, alternative approaches were explored to generate two-phase designs either in phase-wise order (Option 1) or across phases (Option 2). In Option 1 we considered the scenarios (i) using in both phases the same experimental design and (ii) randomizing each phase separately. In Option 2, we considered the scenarios (iii) generating a single design with eight replicates and splitting these among the two phases, (iv) separating the block structure across phases by dummy coding, and (v) design generation with optimal alignment of block units in the two phases. In both options, we considered the same or different block structures in each phase. The designs were evaluated by the MVD obtained by the intra-block analysis and the joint inter-block-intra-block analysis. The smallest MVD was most frequently obtained for designs generated across phases rather than for each phase separately, in particular when both phases of the design were separated with a single pseudo-level. The joint optimization ensured that treatment concurrences were equally balanced across pairs, one of the prerequisites for an efficient design. The proposed alternative approaches can be implemented with any model-based design packages with facilities to formulate linear models for treatment and block structures.

Validity of High School Physic Module With Character Values Using Process Skill Approach In STKIP PGRI West Sumatera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anaperta, M.; Helendra, H.; Zulva, R.

2018-04-01

This study aims to describe the validity of physics module with Character Oriented Values Using Process Approach Skills at Dynamic Electrical Material in high school physics / MA and SMK. The type of research is development research. The module development model uses the development model proposed by Plomp which consists of (1) preliminary research phase, (2) the prototyping phase, and (3) assessment phase. In this research is done is initial investigation phase and designing. Data collecting technique to know validation is observation and questionnaire. In the initial investigative phase, curriculum analysis, student analysis, and concept analysis were conducted. In the design phase and the realization of module design for SMA / MA and SMK subjects in dynamic electrical materials. After that, the formative evaluation which include self evaluation, prototyping (expert reviews, one-to-one, and small group. At this stage validity is performed. This research data is obtained through the module validation sheet, which then generates a valid module.

Presence of a monoclinic (Pm) phase in the morphotropic phase boundary region of multiferroic (1 − x)Bi(Ni{sub 1/2}Ti{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-xPbTiO{sub 3} solid solution: A Rietveld study

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

Pandey, Rishikesh, E-mail: akhilesh-bhu@yahoo.com, E-mail: aksingh.mst@itbhu.ac.in; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar, E-mail: akhilesh-bhu@yahoo.com, E-mail: aksingh.mst@itbhu.ac.in

2014-07-28

We present here the results of structural studies on multiferroic (1 − x)Bi(Ni{sub 1/2}Ti{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-xPbTiO{sub 3} solid solution using Rietveld analysis on powder x-ray diffraction data in the composition range 0.35 ≤ x ≤ 0.55. The stability region of various crystallographic phases at room temperature for (1 − x)Bi(Ni{sub 1/2}Ti{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-xPbTiO{sub 3} is determined precisely. Structural transformation from pseudo-cubic (x ≤ 0.40) to tetragonal (x ≥ 0.50) phase is observed via phase coexistence region demarcating the morphotropic phase boundary. The morphotropic phase boundary region consists of coexisting tetragonal and monoclinic structures with space group P4mm and Pm, respectively, stable in composition range 0.41 ≤ x ≤ 0.49 as confirmed by Rietveld analysis. The resultsmore » of Rietveld analysis completely rule out the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases in the morphotropic phase boundary region reported by earlier workers. A comparison between the bond lengths for “B-site cations-oxygen anions” obtained after Rietveld refinement, with the bond length calculated using Shannon-Prewitt ionic radii, reveals the ionic nature of B-O (Ni/Ti-O) bonds for the cubic phase and partial covalent character for the other crystallographic phases.« less

Realist theory construction for a mixed method multilevel study of neighbourhood context and postnatal depression.

PubMed

Eastwood, John G; Kemp, Lynn A; Jalaludin, Bin B

2016-01-01

We have recently described a protocol for a study that aims to build a theory of neighbourhood context and postnatal depression. That protocol proposed a critical realist Explanatory Theory Building Method comprising of an: (1) emergent phase, (2) construction phase, and (3) confirmatory phase. A concurrent triangulated mixed method multilevel cross-sectional study design was described. The protocol also described in detail the Theory Construction Phase which will be presented here. The Theory Construction Phase will include: (1) defining stratified levels; (2) analytic resolution; (3) abductive reasoning; (4) comparative analysis (triangulation); (5) retroduction; (6) postulate and proposition development; (7) comparison and assessment of theories; and (8) conceptual frameworks and model development. The stratified levels of analysis in this study were predominantly social and psychological. The abductive analysis used the theoretical frames of: Stress Process; Social Isolation; Social Exclusion; Social Services; Social Capital, Acculturation Theory and Global-economic level mechanisms. Realist propositions are presented for each analysis of triangulated data. Inference to best explanation is used to assess and compare theories. A conceptual framework of maternal depression, stress and context is presented that includes examples of mechanisms at psychological, social, cultural and global-economic levels. Stress was identified as a necessary mechanism that has the tendency to cause several outcomes including depression, anxiety, and health harming behaviours. The conceptual framework subsequently included conditional mechanisms identified through the retroduction including the stressors of isolation and expectations and buffers of social support and trust. The meta-theory of critical realism is used here to generate and construct social epidemiological theory using stratified ontology and both abductive and retroductive analysis. The findings will be applied to the development of a middle range theory and subsequent programme theory for local perinatal child and family interventions.

New statistical analysis of the horizontal phase velocity distribution of gravity waves observed by airglow imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsuda, Takashi S.; Nakamura, Takuji; Ejiri, Mitsumu K.; Tsutsumi, Masaki; Shiokawa, Kazuo

2014-08-01

We have developed a new analysis method for obtaining the power spectrum in the horizontal phase velocity domain from airglow intensity image data to study atmospheric gravity waves. This method can deal with extensive amounts of imaging data obtained on different years and at various observation sites without bias caused by different event extraction criteria for the person processing the data. The new method was applied to sodium airglow data obtained in 2011 at Syowa Station (69°S, 40°E), Antarctica. The results were compared with those obtained from a conventional event analysis in which the phase fronts were traced manually in order to estimate horizontal characteristics, such as wavelengths, phase velocities, and wave periods. The horizontal phase velocity of each wave event in the airglow images corresponded closely to a peak in the spectrum. The statistical results of spectral analysis showed an eastward offset of the horizontal phase velocity distribution. This could be interpreted as the existence of wave sources around the stratospheric eastward jet. Similar zonal anisotropy was also seen in the horizontal phase velocity distribution of the gravity waves by the event analysis. Both methods produce similar statistical results about directionality of atmospheric gravity waves. Galactic contamination of the spectrum was examined by calculating the apparent velocity of the stars and found to be limited for phase speeds lower than 30 m/s. In conclusion, our new method is suitable for deriving the horizontal phase velocity characteristics of atmospheric gravity waves from an extensive amount of imaging data.

One-dimensional drift-flux model and constitutive equations for relative motion between phases in various two-phase flow regimes

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

Ishii, M.

1977-10-01

In view of the practical importance of the drift-flux model for two-phase flow analysis in general and in the analysis of nuclear-reactor transients and accidents in particular, the kinematic constitutive equation for the drift velocity has been studied for various two-phase flow regimes. The constitutive equation that specifies the relative motion between phases in the drift-flux model has been derived by taking into account the interfacial geometry, the body-force field, shear stresses, and the interfacial momentum transfer, since these macroscopic effects govern the relative velocity between phases. A comparison of the model with various experimental data over various flow regimesmore » and a wide range of flow parameters shows a satisfactory agreement.« less

Loran digital phase-locked loop and RF front-end system error analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccall, D. L.

1979-01-01

An analysis of the system performance of the digital phase locked loops (DPLL) and RF front end that are implemented in the MINI-L4 Loran receiver is presented. Three of the four experiments deal with the performance of the digital phase locked loops. The other experiment deals with the RF front end and DPLL system error which arise in the front end due to poor signal to noise ratios. The ability of the DPLLs to track the offsets is studied.

Critical Thinking and the Use of Nontraditional Instructional Methodologies.

PubMed

Orique, Sabrina B; McCarthy, Mary Ann

2015-08-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between critical thinking and the use of concept mapping (CM) and problem-based learning (PBL) during care plan development. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted using a convenience sample (n = 49) of first-semester undergraduate baccalaureate nursing students. Critical thinking was measured using the Holistic Critical Thinking Scoring Rubric. Data analysis consisted of a repeated measures analysis of variance with post hoc mean comparison tests using the Bonferroni method. Findings indicated that mean critical thinking at phase 4 (CM and PBL) was significantly higher, compared with phase 1 (baseline), phase 2 (PBL), and phase 3 (CM [p < 0.001]). The results support the utilization of nontraditional instructional (CM and PBL) methodologies in undergraduate nursing curricula. Copyright 2015, SLACK Incorporated.

State and county delivered bridge replacement project analysis : phase I and phase II.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-02-01

The purpose of the study was to compare the cost of state delivered bridge projects and county delivered bridge projects. A total of 190 different bridge replacement projects were analyzed. The first phase of the project focused on whether or not the...

Modular Digital Missile Guidance, Phase I2

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-01-28

at OMR. The revised study plan was fornally approved by ONR on 29 May 1975, confining the sinulatlon analysis work to a Class II missile with...functions analyzed in tne Phase I and Phase 11 studies . It can be seen thatf tnere practicable» (based on the results of function partitioning trade...llaillAU AS a result of this study » three generic missile families have oeen established and» relative to this classification» on

ENSO Related Interannual Lightning Variability from the Full TRMM LIS Lightning Climatology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, Austin; Cecil, Daniel J.

2018-01-01

It has been shown that the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) contributes to inter-annual variability of lightning production in the tropics and subtropics more than any other atmospheric oscillation. This study further investigated how ENSO phase affects lightning production in the tropics and subtropics. Using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) and the Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) for ENSO phase, lightning data were averaged into corresponding mean annual warm, cold, and neutral 'years' for analysis of the different phases. An examination of the regional sensitivities and preliminary analysis of three locations was conducted using model reanalysis data to determine the leading convective mechanisms in these areas and how they might respond to the ENSO phases. These processes were then studied for inter-annual variance and subsequent correlation to ENSO during the study period to best describe the observed lightning deviations from year to year at each location.

A post hoc analysis of subgroup outcomes and creatinine in the phase III clinical trial (EMPOWER) of dexpramipexole in ALS.

PubMed

Bozik, Michael E; Mitsumoto, Hiroshi; Brooks, Benjamin R; Rudnicki, Stacy A; Moore, Dan H; Zhang, Bing; Ludolph, Albert; Cudkowicz, Merit E; van den Berg, Leonard H; Mather, James; Petzinger, Thomas; Archibald, Donald

2014-09-01

Our objective was to compare the phase II and phase III (EMPOWER) studies of dexpramipexole in ALS and evaluate potential EMPOWER responder subgroups and biomarkers based on significant inter-study population differences. In a post hoc analysis, we compared the baseline population characteristics of both dexpramipexole studies and analyzed EMPOWER efficacy outcomes and laboratory measures in subgroups defined by significant inter-study differences. Results showed that, compared with phase II, the proportion of El Escorial criteria (EEC) definite participants decreased (p = 0.005), riluzole use increased (p = 0.002), and mean symptom duration increased (p = 0.037) significantly in EMPOWER. Baseline creatinine (p < 0.001) and on-study creatinine change (p < 0.001) correlated significantly with ALSFRS-R in EMPOWER. In the EMPOWER subgroup defined by EEC-definite ALS, riluzole use, and < median symptom duration (15.3 months), dexpramipexole-treated participants had reduced ALSFRS-R slope decline (p = 0.015), decreased mortality (p = 0.011), and reduced creatinine loss (p = 0.003). In conclusion, significant differences existed between the phase II and EMPOWER study populations in ALS clinical trials of dexpramipexole. In a post hoc analysis of EMPOWER subgroups defined by these differences, potential clinical benefits of dexpramipexole were identified in the subgroup of riluzole-treated, short-symptom duration, EEC-definite ALS participants. Creatinine loss correlated with disease progression and was reduced in dexpramipexole-treated participants, suggesting it as a candidate biomarker.

Conceptual Models of Depression in Primary Care Patients: A Comparative Study

PubMed Central

Karasz, Alison; Garcia, Nerina; Ferri, Lucia

2009-01-01

Conventional psychiatric treatment models are based on a biopsychiatric model of depression. A plausible explanation for low rates of depression treatment utilization among ethnic minorities and the poor is that members of these communities do not share the cultural assumptions underlying the biopsychiatric model. The study examined conceptual models of depression among depressed patients from various ethnic groups, focusing on the degree to which patients’ conceptual models ‘matched’ a biopsychiatric model of depression. The sample included 74 primary care patients from three ethnic groups screening positive for depression. We administered qualitative interviews assessing patients’ conceptual representations of depression. The analysis proceeded in two phases. The first phase involved a strategy called ‘quantitizing’ the qualitative data. A rating scheme was developed and applied to the data by a rater blind to study hypotheses. The data was subjected to statistical analyses. The second phase of the analysis involved the analysis of thematic data using standard qualitative techniques. Study hypotheses were largely supported. The qualitative analysis provided a detailed picture of primary care patients’ conceptual models of depression and suggested interesting directions for future research. PMID:20182550

Translational phases of evidence in a prognostic biomarker: a systematic review and meta-analysis of natriuretic peptides and the prognosis of stable coronary disease.

PubMed

Sutaria, Shailen; Philipson, Peter; Fitzpatrick, Natalie K; Abrams, Keith; Moreno, Santiago G; Timmis, Adam; Hingorani, Aroon D; Hemingway, Harry

2012-04-01

Translational phases of study are important in evaluating whether a prognostic biomarker is likely to have impact on clinical practice but systematic evaluations of such evidence are lacking. To systematically evaluate the clinical usefulness of the published literature on the association of natriuretic peptides (NP) and prognosis in stable coronary disease. MEDLINE and EMBASE until the end of July 2009, without restrictions. Prospective studies measuring NP in people with stable coronary disease who were followed-up for all cause mortality, coronary or cardiovascular events. Two independent reviewers categorised studies according to the American Heart Association phase of study, and extracted data according to the study reporting guidelines from the American Heart Association and REMARK. Systematic review of 19 studies found 17 which were phase 2, reporting an association between NP and events, two phase 3 studies, statistically examining the incremental prognostic value of NP, but no studies assessing whether NP predicted risk sufficiently to change management (phase 4), improve clinical outcomes (phase 5) or cost effectiveness (phase 6). No study referred to a statistical analytic protocol. Meta-analysis of 14 studies, reporting 18,841 patients and 1655 outcome events, found an RR for events of 3.28 (95% CI 2.45 to 4.38) comparing top versus bottom third of NP. This effect was 26% lower among the five studies which adjusted for a priori confounders (age, sex, renal function and left ventricular function) and 38% lower when adjusting for publication bias (Egger's p=0.001). The unbiased strength of association of NP with prognosis in stable coronary disease is unclear, and there is a lack of reports of clinically useful measures of prediction and discrimination or studies relating NP levels to clinical decision making. The available literature is confined to early phases and is of limited clinical usefulness.

Comparative analysis of the alveolar macrophage proteome in ALI/ARDS patients between the exudative phase and recovery phase

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Despite decades of extensive studies, the morbidity and mortality for acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) remained high. Particularly, biomarkers essential for its early diagnosis and prognosis are lacking. Methods Recent studies suggest that alveolar macrophages (AMs) at the exudative phase of ALI/ARDS initiate, amplify and perpetuate inflammatory responses, while they resolve inflammation in the recovery phase to prevent further tissue injury and perpetuated inflammation in the lung. Therefore, proteins relevant to this functional switch could be valuable biomarkers for ALI/ARDS diagnosis and prognosis. We thus conducted comparative analysis of the AM proteome to assess its dynamic proteomic changes during ALI/ARDS progression and recovery. Results 135 proteins were characterized to be differentially expressed between AMs at the exudative and recovery phase. MALDI-TOF-MS and peptide mass fingerprint (PMF) analysis characterized 27 informative proteins, in which 17 proteins were found with a marked increase at the recovery phase, while the rest of 10 proteins were manifested by the significantly higher levels of expression at the exudative phase. Conclusions Given the role of above identified proteins played in the regulation of inflammatory responses, cell skeleton organization, oxidative stress, apoptosis and metabolism, they have the potential to serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis in the setting of patients with ALI/ARDS. PMID:23773529

Demonstration of thin film pair distribution function analysis (tfPDF) for the study of local structure in amorphous and crystalline thin films

DOE PAGES

Jensen, K. M.Ø.; Blichfeld, A. B.; Bauers, S. R.; ...

2015-07-05

By means of normal incidence, high flux and high energy x-rays, we have obtained total scattering data for Pair Distribution Function (PDF) analysis from thin films (tf), suitable for local structure analysis. By using amorphous substrates as support for the films, the standard Rapid Acquisition PDF setup can be applied and the scattering signal from the film can be isolated from the total scattering data through subtraction of an independently measured background signal. No angular corrections to the data are needed, as would be the case for grazing incidence measurements. We illustrate the ‘tfPDF’ method through studies of as depositedmore » (i.e. amorphous) and crystalline FeSb 3 films, where the local structure analysis gives insight into the stabilization of the metastable skutterudite FeSb 3 phase. The films were prepared by depositing ultra-thin alternating layers of Fe and Sb, which interdiffuse and after annealing crystallize to form the FeSb 3 structure. The tfPDF data show that the amorphous precursor phase consists of corner-sharing FeSb 6 octahedra with motifs highly resembling the local structure in crystalline FeSb 3. Analysis of the amorphous structure allows predicting whether the final crystalline product will form the FeSb 3 phase with or without excess Sb present. The study thus illustrates how analysis of the local structure in amorphous precursor films can help to understand crystallization processes of metastable phases and opens for a range of new local structure studies of thin films.« less

Demonstration of thin film pair distribution function analysis (tfPDF) for the study of local structure in amorphous and crystalline thin films

PubMed Central

Jensen, Kirsten M. Ø.; Blichfeld, Anders B.; Bauers, Sage R.; Wood, Suzannah R.; Dooryhée, Eric; Johnson, David C.; Iversen, Bo B.; Billinge, Simon J. L.

2015-01-01

By means of normal-incidence, high-flux and high-energy X-rays, total scattering data for pair distribution function (PDF) analysis have been obtained from thin films (tf), suitable for local structure analysis. By using amorphous substrates as support for the films, the standard Rapid Acquisition PDF setup can be applied and the scattering signal from the film can be isolated from the total scattering data through subtraction of an independently measured background signal. No angular corrections to the data are needed, as would be the case for grazing incidence measurements. The ‘tfPDF’ method is illustrated through studies of as-deposited (i.e. amorphous) and crystalline FeSb3 films, where the local structure analysis gives insight into the stabilization of the metastable skutterudite FeSb3 phase. The films were prepared by depositing ultra-thin alternating layers of Fe and Sb, which interdiffuse and after annealing crystallize to form the FeSb3 structure. The tfPDF data show that the amorphous precursor phase consists of corner-sharing FeSb6 octahedra with motifs highly resembling the local structure in crystalline FeSb3. Analysis of the amorphous structure allows the prediction of whether the final crystalline product will form the FeSb3 phase with or without excess Sb present. The study thus illustrates how analysis of the local structure in amorphous precursor films can help to understand crystallization processes of metastable phases and opens for a range of new local structure studies of thin films. PMID:26306190

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE FOR ANALYSIS OF 3-PHASE MULTISORBENT SAMPLERS FOR VOCS (BCO-L-22.1)

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this SOP is to describe the methodology for the analysis of certain trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air that are captured on carbon-based multisorbent tubes packed with Carbotrap C, Carbotrap (graphitized carbon blacks), and Carbosieve S-III (a carbon mo...

Global dynamics of the Escherichia coli proteome and phosphoproteome during growth in minimal medium.

PubMed

Soares, Nelson C; Spät, Philipp; Krug, Karsten; Macek, Boris

2013-06-07

Recent phosphoproteomics studies have generated relatively large data sets of bacterial proteins phosphorylated on serine, threonine, and tyrosine, implicating this type of phosphorylation in the regulation of vital processes of a bacterial cell; however, most phosphoproteomics studies in bacteria were so far qualitative. Here we applied stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to perform a quantitative analysis of proteome and phosphoproteome dynamics of Escherichia coli during five distinct phases of growth in the minimal medium. Combining two triple-SILAC experiments, we detected a total of 2118 proteins and quantified relative dynamics of 1984 proteins in all measured phases of growth, including 570 proteins associated with cell wall and membrane. In the phosphoproteomic experiment, we detected 150 Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation events, of which 108 were localized to a specific amino acid residue and 76 were quantified in all phases of growth. Clustering analysis of SILAC ratios revealed distinct sets of coregulated proteins for each analyzed phase of growth and overrepresentation of membrane proteins in transition between exponential and stationary phases. The proteomics data indicated that proteins related to stress response typically associated with the stationary phase, including RpoS-dependent proteins, had increasing levels already during earlier phases of growth. Application of SILAC enabled us to measure median occupancies of phosphorylation sites, which were generally low (<12%). Interestingly, the phosphoproteome analysis showed a global increase of protein phosphorylation levels in the late stationary phase, pointing to a likely role of this modification in later phases of growth.

A Robust Parameterization of Human Gait Patterns Across Phase-Shifting Perturbations

PubMed Central

Villarreal, Dario J.; Poonawala, Hasan A.; Gregg, Robert D.

2016-01-01

The phase of human gait is difficult to quantify accurately in the presence of disturbances. In contrast, recent bipedal robots use time-independent controllers relying on a mechanical phase variable to synchronize joint patterns through the gait cycle. This concept has inspired studies to determine if human joint patterns can also be parameterized by a mechanical variable. Although many phase variable candidates have been proposed, it remains unclear which, if any, provide a robust representation of phase for human gait analysis or control. In this paper we analytically derive an ideal phase variable (the hip phase angle) that is provably monotonic and bounded throughout the gait cycle. To examine the robustness of this phase variable, ten able-bodied human subjects walked over a platform that randomly applied phase-shifting perturbations to the stance leg. A statistical analysis found the correlations between nominal and perturbed joint trajectories to be significantly greater when parameterized by the hip phase angle (0.95+) than by time or a different phase variable. The hip phase angle also best parameterized the transient errors about the nominal periodic orbit. Finally, interlimb phasing was best explained by local (ipsilateral) hip phase angles that are synchronized during the double-support period. PMID:27187967

Multi-Scale Morphological Analysis of Conductance Signals in Vertical Upward Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lian, Enyang; Ren, Yingyu; Han, Yunfeng; Liu, Weixin; Jin, Ningde; Zhao, Junying

2016-11-01

The multi-scale analysis is an important method for detecting nonlinear systems. In this study, we carry out experiments and measure the fluctuation signals from a rotating electric field conductance sensor with eight electrodes. We first use a recurrence plot to recognise flow patterns in vertical upward gas-liquid two-phase pipe flow from measured signals. Then we apply a multi-scale morphological analysis based on the first-order difference scatter plot to investigate the signals captured from the vertical upward gas-liquid two-phase flow loop test. We find that the invariant scaling exponent extracted from the multi-scale first-order difference scatter plot with the bisector of the second-fourth quadrant as the reference line is sensitive to the inhomogeneous distribution characteristics of the flow structure, and the variation trend of the exponent is helpful to understand the process of breakup and coalescence of the gas phase. In addition, we explore the dynamic mechanism influencing the inhomogeneous distribution of the gas phase in terms of adaptive optimal kernel time-frequency representation. The research indicates that the system energy is a factor influencing the distribution of the gas phase and the multi-scale morphological analysis based on the first-order difference scatter plot is an effective method for indicating the inhomogeneous distribution of the gas phase in gas-liquid two-phase flow.

State and county delivered bridge replacement project analysis : phase I and phase II, summary report, February 2010.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-02-01

The purpose of the study was to compare the cost of state delivered bridge projects and county delivered bridge projects. A total of 190 different bridge replacement projects were analyzed. The first phase of the project focused on whether or not the...

Error analysis of Dobson spectrophotometer measurements of the total ozone content

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Holland, A. C.; Thomas, R. W. L.

1975-01-01

A study of techniques for measuring atmospheric ozone is reported. This study represents the second phase of a program designed to improve techniques for the measurement of atmospheric ozone. This phase of the program studied the sensitivity of Dobson direct sun measurements and the ozone amounts inferred from those measurements to variation in the atmospheric temperature profile. The study used the plane - parallel Monte-Carlo model developed and tested under the initial phase of this program, and a series of standard model atmospheres.

Evaluation of phases in Pu-C-O and (U, Pu)-C-O systems by X-ray diffractometry and chemical analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, G. C.; Ganguly, C.

1993-12-01

Preparation and characterisation of the carbides of uranium, plutonium and mixed uranium and plutonium form a part of advanced fuel development programs for fast breeder reactors. In the present study, the compositions of the phases of Pu-C-O and (U.Pu)-C-O systems have been determined by chemical analysis and lattice parameter measurement. The carbide samples have been prepared by vacuum carbothermic synthesis of tabletted oxide-graphite powder mixture. Dependence of stoichiometry of Pu 2C 3 phase on the oxygen content of Pu(C,O) phase in Pu(C,O) + Pu 2C 3 phase mixture has been evaluated. Stoichiometry and oxygen solubility of (U 0.3Pu 0.7)(C,O) phase in multiple phase mixture have been determined. Segregation of plutonium in (U,Pu) 2C 3 phase of (U,Pu)(C,O) + (U,Pu) 2C 3 phase mixture and its dependence on the oxygen content of (U,Pu)(C,O) phase have also been determined from the measurement of the lattice parameter of (U,Pu) 2C 3 phase.

Optimization of propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast tomography for breast cancer imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baran, P.; Pacile, S.; Nesterets, Y. I.; Mayo, S. C.; Dullin, C.; Dreossi, D.; Arfelli, F.; Thompson, D.; Lockie, D.; McCormack, M.; Taba, S. T.; Brun, F.; Pinamonti, M.; Nickson, C.; Hall, C.; Dimmock, M.; Zanconati, F.; Cholewa, M.; Quiney, H.; Brennan, P. C.; Tromba, G.; Gureyev, T. E.

2017-03-01

The aim of this study was to optimise the experimental protocol and data analysis for in-vivo breast cancer x-ray imaging. Results are presented of the experiment at the SYRMEP beamline of Elettra Synchrotron using the propagation-based phase-contrast mammographic tomography method, which incorporates not only absorption, but also x-ray phase information. In this study the images of breast tissue samples, of a size corresponding to a full human breast, with radiologically acceptable x-ray doses were obtained, and the degree of improvement of the image quality (from the diagnostic point of view) achievable using propagation-based phase-contrast image acquisition protocols with proper incorporation of x-ray phase retrieval into the reconstruction pipeline was investigated. Parameters such as the x-ray energy, sample-to-detector distance and data processing methods were tested, evaluated and optimized with respect to the estimated diagnostic value using a mastectomy sample with a malignant lesion. The results of quantitative evaluation of images were obtained by means of radiological assessment carried out by 13 experienced specialists. A comparative analysis was performed between the x-ray and the histological images of the specimen. The results of the analysis indicate that, within the investigated range of parameters, both the objective image quality characteristics and the subjective radiological scores of propagation-based phase-contrast images of breast tissues monotonically increase with the strength of phase contrast which in turn is directly proportional to the product of the radiation wavelength and the sample-to-detector distance. The outcomes of this study serve to define the practical imaging conditions and the CT reconstruction procedures appropriate for low-dose phase-contrast mammographic imaging of live patients at specially designed synchrotron beamlines.

Nanoscale surface characterization and miscibility study of a spray-dried injectable polymeric matrix consisting of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

PubMed

Meeus, Joke; Chen, Xinyong; Scurr, David J; Ciarnelli, Valeria; Amssoms, Katie; Roberts, Clive J; Davies, Martyn C; van Den Mooter, Guy

2012-09-01

Injectable controlled-release formulations are of increasing interest for the treatment of chronic diseases. This study aims to develop and characterize a polymeric matrix for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, consisting of two biocompatible polymers, particularly suitable for formulating poorly soluble drugs. For this matrix, the water-insoluble polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is combined with the water-soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Microparticles of these two polymers were prepared by spray drying. The phase behavior of the samples was studied by means of modulated differential scanning calorimetry and the results showed that phase separation occurred in the bulk sample through evidence of two mixed amorphous phases, namely, a PLGA-rich phase and a PVP-rich phase. Characterization of the samples by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the spray-dried particles were hollow with a thin shell. Because of the importance in relation to stability and drug release, information about the surface of the microparticles was collected by different complementary surface analysis techniques. Atomic force microscopy gathered information about the morphology and phase behavior of the microparticle surface. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of the particles revealed that the surface consisted mainly of the PLGA-rich phase. This was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at an increased sampling depth (≈ 10 nm). Nanothermal analysis proved to be an innovative way to thermally detect the presence of the PLGA-dominated surface layer and the underlying PVP phase. Taken together, this information provides a rational basis for predicting the likely drug release behavior this formulation will display. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sequential processing of quantitative phase images for the study of cell behaviour in real-time digital holographic microscopy.

PubMed

Zikmund, T; Kvasnica, L; Týč, M; Křížová, A; Colláková, J; Chmelík, R

2014-11-01

Transmitted light holographic microscopy is particularly used for quantitative phase imaging of transparent microscopic objects such as living cells. The study of the cell is based on extraction of the dynamic data on cell behaviour from the time-lapse sequence of the phase images. However, the phase images are affected by the phase aberrations that make the analysis particularly difficult. This is because the phase deformation is prone to change during long-term experiments. Here, we present a novel algorithm for sequential processing of living cells phase images in a time-lapse sequence. The algorithm compensates for the deformation of a phase image using weighted least-squares surface fitting. Moreover, it identifies and segments the individual cells in the phase image. All these procedures are performed automatically and applied immediately after obtaining every single phase image. This property of the algorithm is important for real-time cell quantitative phase imaging and instantaneous control of the course of the experiment by playback of the recorded sequence up to actual time. Such operator's intervention is a forerunner of process automation derived from image analysis. The efficiency of the propounded algorithm is demonstrated on images of rat fibrosarcoma cells using an off-axis holographic microscope. © 2014 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2014 Royal Microscopical Society.

Measuring secondary phases in duplex stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calliari, I.; Brunelli, K.; Dabalà, M.; Ramous, E.

2009-01-01

The use of duplex stainless steels is limited by their susceptibility to the formation of dangerous intermetallic phases resulting in detrimental effects on impact toughness and corrosion resistance. This precipitation and the quantitative determinations of the phases have received considerable attention and different precipitation sequences (σ phase, χ phase, and carbides) have been suggested. This study investigates the phase transformation during continuous cooling and isothermal treatments in commercial duplex stainless steel grades and the effects on alloy properties, and compares the most common techniques of analysis.

SPS pilot signal design and power transponder analysis, volume 2, phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindsey, W. C.; Scholtz, R. A.; Chie, C. M.

1980-01-01

The problem of pilot signal parameter optimization and the related problem of power transponder performance analysis for the Solar Power Satellite reference phase control system are addressed. Signal and interference models were established to enable specifications of the front end filters including both the notch filter and the antenna frequency response. A simulation program package was developed to be included in SOLARSIM to perform tradeoffs of system parameters based on minimizing the phase error for the pilot phase extraction. An analytical model that characterizes the overall power transponder operation was developed. From this model, the effects of different phase noise disturbance sources that contribute to phase variations at the output of the power transponders were studied and quantified. Results indicate that it is feasible to hold the antenna array phase error to less than one degree per power module for the type of disturbances modeled.

Influence of non-covalent modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the crystallization behaviour of binary blends of polypropylene and polyamide 6.

PubMed

Mukhopadhyay, Nabaneeta; Panwar, Ajay S; Kumar, Gulshan; Samajdar, I; Bhattacharyya, Arup R

2015-02-14

Blends of polypropylene (PP) and polyamide 6 (PA6) with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared using different processing strategies in a twin-screw micro-compounder. The effect of MWNTs on the crystallization behaviour of the PP phase and the PA6 phase of the blend has been investigated through non-isothermal crystallization studies by differential scanning calorimetric analysis. Furthermore, the effect of the addition of the compatibilizer (PP-g-MA) and the modification of MWNTs (m-MWNTs) with a non-covalent organic modifier (Li-salt of 6 amino hexanoic acid, Li-AHA) has also been studied in context to the crystallization behaviour of the PP and PA6 phase in the blend. The crystallization studies have indicated a significant increase in bulk crystallization temperature of the PP phase in the blend in the presence of MWNTs. Moreover, the formation of 'trans-lamellar crystalline' structure consisting of PA6 'trans-crystalline lamellae' on MWNTs surface was facilitated in the case of blends prepared via 'protocol 2' as compared to the corresponding blends prepared via 'protocol 1'. Wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis has showed the existence of a β-polymorph of the PP phase due to incorporation of the PA6 phase in the blend. Addition of MWNTs in the blends has facilitated further β-crystalline structure formation of the PP phase. In the presence of m-MWNTs, a higher β-fraction was observed in the PP phase as compared to the blend with pristine MWNTs. Addition of PP-g-MA has suppressed the β-phase formation in the PP phase in the blend. X-ray bulk texture analysis revealed that incorporation of PA6 as well as pristine/modified MWNTs has influenced the extent of orientation of the PP chains towards specific crystalline planes in various blend compositions of PP and PA6.

Defect-phase-dynamics approach to statistical domain-growth problem of clock models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kawasaki, K.

1985-01-01

The growth of statistical domains in quenched Ising-like p-state clock models with p = 3 or more is investigated theoretically, reformulating the analysis of Ohta et al. (1982) in terms of a phase variable and studying the dynamics of defects introduced into the phase field when the phase variable becomes multivalued. The resulting defect/phase domain-growth equation is applied to the interpretation of Monte Carlo simulations in two dimensions (Kaski and Gunton, 1983; Grest and Srolovitz, 1984), and problems encountered in the analysis of related Potts models are discussed. In the two-dimensional case, the problem is essentially that of a purely dissipative Coulomb gas, with a sq rt t growth law complicated by vertex-pinning effects at small t.

Effect of Aptensio XR (Methylphenidate HCl Extended-Release) Capsules on Sleep in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PubMed

Owens, Judith; Weiss, Margaret; Nordbrock, Earl; Mattingly, Greg; Wigal, Sharon; Greenhill, Laurence L; Chang, Wei-Wei; Childress, Ann; Kupper, Robert J; Adjei, Akwete

2016-12-01

To evaluate measures of sleep (exploratory endpoints) in two pivotal studies of a multilayer bead extended-release methylphenidate (MPH-MLR) treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children. Study 1 evaluated the time course of response to MPH-MLR (n = 26) patients in an analog classroom setting through four phases: screening (≤28 days), open label (OL) dose optimization (4 weeks), double-blind (DB) crossover (2 weeks; placebo vs. optimized dose), and follow-up call. Study 2 was a forced-dose parallel evaluation of MPH-MLR (n = 230) in four phases: screening (≤28 days), DB (1 week; placebo or MPH-MLR 10, 15, 20, or 40 mg/day), OL dose optimization (11 weeks), and follow-up call. Sleep was evaluated by parents using the Children's or Adolescent Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ or ASHQ) during the DB and OL phases. DB analysis: Study 1 (crossover), analysis of variance; Study 2, analysis of covariance. OL analysis: paired t-test. DB: treatments were significantly different in Study 1 only for CSHQ Sleep Onset Delay (MPH-MLR, 1.90 vs. placebo, 1.34; p = 0.0046, placebo was better), and Study 2 for CSHQ Parasomnias (treatment, p = 0.0295), but no MPH-MLR treatment was different from placebo (pairwise MPH-MLR treatment to placebo, all p ≥ 0.170). OL: CSHQ total and Bedtime Resistance, Sleep Duration, Sleep Anxiety, Night Wakings, Parasomnias, and Sleep-disordered Breathing subscales decreased (improved, Study 1) significant only for CSHQ Night Wakings (p < 0.05); in Study 2 CSHQ total and Bedtime Resistance, Sleep Duration, Night Wakings, Parasomnias, and Daytime Sleepiness, and ASHQ total, Bedtime, Sleep Behavior, and Morning Waking all significantly improved (p < 0.05). In both studies, there was minimal negative impact of MPH-MLR on sleep during the brief DB phase and none during the longer duration OL phase. Some measures of sleep improved with optimized MPH-MLR dose.

Design of a comprehensive biochemistry and molecular biology experiment: phase variation caused by recombinational regulation of bacterial gene expression.

PubMed

Sheng, Xiumei; Xu, Shungao; Lu, Renyun; Isaac, Dadzie; Zhang, Xueyi; Zhang, Haifang; Wang, Huifang; Qiao, Zheng; Huang, Xinxiang

2014-01-01

Scientific experiments are indispensable parts of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. In this study, a comprehensive Biochemistry and Molecular Biology experiment about Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi Flagellar phase variation has been designed. It consisted of three parts, namely, inducement of bacterial Flagellar phase variation, antibody agglutination test, and PCR analysis. Phase variation was observed by baterial motility assay and identified by antibody agglutination test and PCR analysis. This comprehensive experiment can be performed to help students improve their ability to use the knowledge acquired in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Copyright © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Phase analysis in the Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome with surgically proven accessory conduction pathways: concise communication

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

Nakajima, K.; Bunko, H.; Tada, A.

1984-01-01

Twenty-one patients with the Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome who underwent surgical division of the accessory conduction pathway (ACP) were studied by gated blood-pool scintigraphy. In each case, a functional image of the phase was generated, based on the fundamental frequency of the Fourier transform. The location of the ACP was confirmed by electrophysiologic study, epicardial mapping, and surgery. Phase analysis identified the side of preexcitation correctly in 16 out of 20 patients with WPW syndrome with a delta wave. All patients with right-cardiac type (N=9) had initial contraction in the right ventricle (RV). In patients with left-cardiac type (N=10), six hadmore » initial movement in the left ventricle (LV); but in the other four the ACPs in the anterior or lateral wall of the left ventricle (LV) could not be detected. In patients with multiple ACPs (N=2), one right-cardiac type had initial contraction in the RV, while in the other (with an intermittent WPW syndrome) the ACP was not detected. These observations indicate that abnormal wall motion is associated with the conduction anomalies of the WPW syndrome. We conclude that phase analysis can correctly identify the side of initial contraction in the WPW syndrome before and after surgery. However, as a method of preoperative study, it seems difficult to determine the precise site of the ACP by phase analysis alone.« less

Phase analysis for three-dimensional surface reconstruction of apples using structured-illumination reflectance imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yuzhen; Lu, Renfu

2017-05-01

Three-dimensional (3-D) shape information is valuable for fruit quality evaluation. This study was aimed at developing phase analysis techniques for reconstruction of the 3-D surface of fruit from the pattern images acquired by a structuredillumination reflectance imaging (SIRI) system. Phase-shifted sinusoidal patterns, distorted by the fruit geometry, were acquired and processed through phase demodulation, phase unwrapping and other post-processing procedures to obtain phase difference maps relative to the phase of a reference plane. The phase maps were then transformed into height profiles and 3-D shapes in a world coordinate system based on phase-to-height and in-plane calibrations. A reference plane-based approach, coupled with the curve fitting technique using polynomials of order 3 or higher, was utilized for phase-to-height calibrations, which achieved superior accuracies with the root-mean-squared errors (RMSEs) of 0.027- 0.033 mm for a height measurement range of 0-91 mm. The 3rd-order polynomial curve fitting technique was further tested on two reference blocks with known heights, resulting in relative errors of 3.75% and 4.16%. In-plane calibrations were performed by solving a linear system formed by a number of control points in a calibration object, which yielded a RMSE of 0.311 mm. Tests of the calibrated system for reconstructing the surface of apple samples showed that surface concavities (i.e., stem/calyx regions) could be easily discriminated from bruises from the phase difference maps, reconstructed height profiles and the 3-D shape of apples. This study has laid a foundation for using SIRI for 3-D shape measurement, and thus expanded the capability of the technique for quality evaluation of horticultural products. Further research is needed to utilize the phase analysis techniques for stem/calyx detection of apples, and optimize the phase demodulation and unwrapping algorithms for faster and more reliable detection.

Countermeasures for fatal crashes on two-lane rural roads.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-05-01

In the first phase of this study, characteristics of crashes on two-lane rural roads were summarized and compared to all crashes. Also, one-mile sections having high crash rates were identified. In this phase of the study, a detailed analysis was con...

Development and validation of a new knowledge, attitude, belief and practice questionnaire on leptospirosis in Malaysia.

PubMed

Zahiruddin, Wan Mohd; Arifin, Wan Nor; Mohd-Nazri, Shafei; Sukeri, Surianti; Zawaha, Idris; Bakar, Rahman Abu; Hamat, Rukman Awang; Malina, Osman; Jamaludin, Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku; Pathman, Arumugam; Mas-Harithulfadhli-Agus, Ab Rahman; Norazlin, Idris; Suhailah, Binti Samsudin; Saudi, Siti Nor Sakinah; Abdullah, Nurul Munirah; Nozmi, Noramira; Zainuddin, Abdul Wahab; Aziah, Daud

2018-03-07

In Malaysia, leptospirosis is considered an endemic disease, with sporadic outbreaks following rainy or flood seasons. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a new knowledge, attitude, belief and practice (KABP) questionnaire on leptospirosis for use in urban and rural populations in Malaysia. The questionnaire comprised development and validation stages. The development phase encompassed a literature review, expert panel review, focus-group testing, and evaluation. The validation phase consisted of exploratory and confirmatory parts to verify the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. A total of 214 and 759 participants were recruited from two Malaysian states, Kelantan and Selangor respectively, for the validation phase. The participants comprised urban and rural communities with a high reported incidence of leptospirosis. The knowledge section of the validation phase utilized item response theory (IRT) analysis. The attitude and belief sections utilized exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). The development phase resulted in a questionnaire that included four main sections: knowledge, attitude, belief, and practice. In the exploratory phase, as shown by the IRT analysis of knowledge about leptospirosis, the difficulty and discrimination values of the items were acceptable, with the exception of two items. Based on the EFA, the psychometric properties of the attitude, belief, and practice sections were poor. Thus, these sections were revised, and no further factor analysis of the practice section was conducted. In the confirmatory stage, the difficulty and discrimination values of the items in the knowledge section remained within the acceptable range. The CFA of the attitude section resulted in a good-fitting two-factor model. The CFA of the belief section retained low number of items, although the analysis resulted in a good fit in the final three-factor model. Based on the IRT analysis and factor analytic evidence, the knowledge and attitude sections of the KABP questionnaire on leptospirosis were psychometrically valid. However, the psychometric properties of the belief section were unsatisfactory, despite being revised after the initial validation study. Further development of this section is warranted in future studies.

Quantitative analysis of carbides and the sigma phase in thermally exposed GTD-111

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Han-sang; Kim, Doo-soo; Yoo, Keun-bong; Song, Kyu-so

2012-04-01

The effects of thermal exposure on γ', carbides and TCP-type phases, such as the sigma and eta phases, in the nickel-based superalloy GTD-111 were investigated in this study. The thermal exposure was performed at 871 °C and 982 °C for 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 h, after which the thermally exposed specimens were compared in terms of their microstructure, weight fraction and growth rate of each precipitate. Electrolytic extraction and Rietveld refinement were successfully applied for a quantitative analysis of the carbides and the sigma phase in the thermally exposed GTD-111. The weight fractions of MC, Cr-rich M23C6 and the sigma phase for various thermal exposure times and temperatures were obtained to understand the formation and decomposition rate of each phase.

Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study: Phase II, 1973-74, Final Report: Volume III.2. Reading and Mathematics Observation System: Description and Analysis of Time Expenditures.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Calfee, Robert; Calfee, Kathryn Hoover

The Beginning Teacher Evaluation Study (BTES), Phase II, was a research project on effective teaching behavior--what teachers do that significantly affects what and how pupils learn. The purposes of Phase II were to (1) develop an assessment system for measuring teacher and pupil behaviors and other factors which could influence each of them and…

A Multilevel Analysis of Phase II of the Louisiana School Effectiveness Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kennedy, Eugene; And Others

This paper presents findings of a study that used conventional modeling strategies (student- and school-level) and a new multilevel modeling strategy, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, to investigate school effects on student-achievement outcomes for data collected as part of Phase 2 of the Louisiana School Effectiveness Study. The purpose was to…

Space shuttle navigation analysis. Volume 1: GPS aided navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matchett, G. A.; Vogel, M. A.; Macdonald, T. J.

1980-01-01

Analytical studies related to space shuttle navigation are presented. Studies related to the addition of NAVSTAR Global Positioning System user equipment to the shuttle avionics suite are presented. The GPS studies center about navigation accuracy covariance analyses for both developmental and operational phases of GPS, as well as for various orbiter mission phases.

Study of CETA Plans and Reservation Economic Development. Executive Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fazio, Ernest J., Jr.; Kelly, Patricia F.

Field study and analysis of program documents were undertaken in the first phase of a multi-phased research effort to improve and strengthen the relationships between CETA programs and economic development activities on Indian reservations. Exploratory in nature, the study examined the approaches developed by 24 Indian reservations and Native…

Multiscale correlations of iron phases and heavy metals in technogenic magnetic particles from contaminated soils.

PubMed

Yu, Xiuling; Lu, Shenggao

2016-12-01

Technogenic magnetic particles (TMPs) are carriers of heavy metals and organic contaminants, which derived from anthropogenic activities. However, little information on the relationship between heavy metals and TMP carrier phases at the micrometer scale is available. This study determined the distribution and association of heavy metals and magnetic phases in TMPs in three contaminated soils at the micrometer scale using micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) and micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (μ-XANES) spectroscopy. Multiscale correlations of heavy metals in TMPs were elucidated using wavelet transform analysis. μ-XRF mapping showed that Fe was enriched and closely correlated with Co, Cr, and Pb in TMPs from steel industrial areas. Fluorescence mapping and wavelet analysis showed that ferroalloy was a major magnetic signature and heavy metal carrier in TMPs, because most heavy metals were highly associated with ferroalloy at all size scales. Multiscale analysis revealed that heavy metals in the TMPs were from multiple sources. Iron K-edge μ-XANES spectra revealed that metallic iron, ferroalloy, and magnetite were the main iron magnetic phases in the TMPs. The relative percentage of these magnetic phases depended on their emission sources. Heatmap analysis revealed that Co, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Ni were mainly derived from ferroalloy particles, while As was derived from both ferroalloy and metallic iron phases. Our results indicated the scale-dependent correlations of magnetic phases and heavy metals in TMPs. The combination of synchrotron based X-ray microprobe techniques and multiscale analysis provides a powerful tool for identifying the magnetic phases from different sources and quantifying the association of iron phases and heavy metals at micrometer scale. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A randomized phase II/III study of cabazitaxel versus vinflunine in metastatic or locally advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelium (SECAVIN).

PubMed

Bellmunt, J; Kerst, J M; Vázquez, F; Morales-Barrera, R; Grande, E; Medina, A; González Graguera, M B; Rubio, G; Anido, U; Fernández Calvo, O; González-Billalabeitia, E; Van den Eertwegh, A J M; Pujol, E; Perez-Gracia, J L; González Larriba, J L; Collado, R; Los, M; Maciá, S; De Wit, R

2017-07-01

Despite the advent of immunotherapy in urothelial cancer, there is still a need to find effective cytotoxic agents beyond first and second lines. Vinflunine is the only treatment approved in this setting by the European Medicines Agency and taxanes are also widely used in second line. Cabazitaxel is a taxane with activity in docetaxel-refractory cancers. A randomized study was conducted to compare its efficacy versus vinflunine. This is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase II/III study, following a Simon's optimal method with stopping rules based on an interim futility analysis and a formal efficacy analysis at the end of the phase II. ECOG Performance Status, anaemia and liver metastases were stratification factors. Primary objectives were overall response rate for the phase II and overall survival for the phase III. Seventy patients were included in the phase II across 19 institutions in Europe. Baseline characteristics were well balanced between the two arms. Three patients (13%) obtained a partial response on cabazitaxel (95% CI 2.7-32.4) and six patients (30%) in the vinflunine arm (95% CI 11.9-54.3). Median progression-free survival for cabazitaxel was 1.9 versus 2.9 months for vinflunine (P = 0.039). The study did not proceed to phase III since the futility analysis showed a lack of efficacy of cabazitaxel. A trend for overall survival benefit was found favouring vinflunine (median 7.6 versus 5.5 months). Grade 3- to 4-related adverse events were seen in 41% patients with no difference between the two arms. This phase II/III second line bladder study comparing cabazitaxel with vinflunine was closed when the phase II showed a lack of efficacy of the cabazitaxel arm. Vinflunine results were consistent with those known previously. NCT01830231. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Lack of effect of perampanel on QT interval duration: Results from a thorough QT analysis and pooled partial seizure Phase III clinical trials.

PubMed

Yang, Haichen; Laurenza, Antonio; Williams, Betsy; Patten, Anna; Hussein, Ziad; Ferry, Jim

2015-08-01

Perampanel is a selective, noncompetitive AMPA receptor antagonist approved as adjunctive treatment for partial seizures. To assess potential for delayed cardiac repolarization, a Phase I thorough QT study was performed, supplemented by plasma concentration-QT data modeled from 3 pooled Phase III studies. The Phase I thorough QT study (double-blind, combined fixed-sequence, parallel-group) quantified the effect of perampanel (6 mg once daily for 7 days, followed by dose escalation to a single 8-mg dose, a single 10-mg dose, then 12 mg once daily for 7 days), moxifloxacin positive control (single 400-mg dose on Day 16), and placebo on QT interval duration in healthy subjects (N = 261). Electrocardiograms were recorded at baseline, Day 7 (post 6 mg dose), and Day 16 (post 12 mg dose). Statistical comparisons were between the highest approved perampanel dose (12 mg) versus placebo, a "mid-therapeutic" dose (6 mg) versus placebo, and moxifloxacin versus placebo. Acknowledging that the Phase I thorough QT study could not incorporate a true "supratherapeutic" dose due to length of titration and tolerability concerns in healthy subjects, Phase III studies of perampanel included expanded electrocardiogram safety evaluations specifically intended to support concentration-QT response modeling. The lack of effect of perampanel on the QT interval is shown from pooled analysis of 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled, 19-week, Phase III studies with perampanel doses ≤ 12 mg (N = 1038, total perampanel; and N=442, placebo) in patients with partial seizures. QT measures were corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's (QTcF; the primary endpoint) and Bazett's (QTcB) formulas. In the Phase I thorough QT study, the positive control moxifloxacin caused peak time-matched, baseline-adjusted, placebo-corrected (ΔΔ) QTcF of 12.15 ms at 4h postdose, confirming a drug effect on QTc interval and study assessment sensitivity. Mean baseline-adjusted (Δ) QTcF versus nominal time curves were comparable between perampanel 12 mg and placebo, with most ΔQTcF values being slightly negative. Healthy subjects receiving perampanel 6 and 12 mg doses for 7 days showed no evidence of effects on cardiac repolarization. Peak ΔΔQTcF was 2.34 ms at 1.5h postdose for perampanel 6 mg and 3.92 ms at 0.5h postdose for perampanel 12 mg. At every time point, the upper 95% confidence limit of ΔΔQTcF for perampanel 6 and 12 mg was <10 ms. Phase III studies revealed no clinically significant difference between patients with partial seizures treated with perampanel or placebo in QTcF and QTcB values >450 ms, with no dose-dependent increases or large incremental changes from baseline of >60 ms. Regression analysis of individual plasma perampanel concentrations versus corresponding QTc interval values in Phase I thorough QT and Phase III studies demonstrated no relationship between perampanel concentrations and QT interval duration. Treatment with perampanel 6 mg and 12 mg for 7 days did not delay cardiac repolarization in healthy volunteers. In a population analysis of 1480 patients with partial seizures treated with perampanel doses ≤ 12 mg or placebo, no clinically significant trends in QT interval data were noted. Based on the thorough QT study and evaluations from pooled Phase III studies, there is no evidence of prolonged QT interval duration with perampanel treatment. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Application of phase correction to improve the interpretation of crude oil spectra obtained using 7 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Cho, Yunju; Qi, Yulin; O'Connor, Peter B; Barrow, Mark P; Kim, Sunghwan

2014-01-01

In this study, a phase-correction technique was applied to the study of crude oil spectra obtained using a 7 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). 7 T FT-ICR MS had not been widely used for oil analysis due to the lower resolving power compared with high field FT-ICR MS. For low field instruments, usage of data that has not been phase-corrected results in an inability to resolve critical mass splits of C3 and SH4 (3.4 mDa), and (13)C and CH (4.5 mDa). This results in incorrect assignments of molecular formulae, and discontinuous double bond equivalents (DBE) and carbon number distributions of S1, S2, and hydrocarbon classes are obtained. Application of phase correction to the same data, however, improves the reliability of assignments and produces continuous DBE and carbon number distributions. Therefore, this study clearly demonstrates that phase correction improves data analysis and the reliability of assignments of molecular formulae in crude oil anlayses.

Phase synchronization of neuronal noise in mouse hippocampal epileptiform dynamics.

PubMed

Serletis, Demitre; Carlen, Peter L; Valiante, Taufik A; Bardakjian, Berj L

2013-02-01

Organized brain activity is the result of dynamical, segregated neuronal signals that may be used to investigate synchronization effects using sophisticated neuroengineering techniques. Phase synchrony analysis, in particular, has emerged as a promising methodology to study transient and frequency-specific coupling effects across multi-site signals. In this study, we investigated phase synchronization in intracellular recordings of interictal and ictal epileptiform events recorded from pairs of cells in the whole (intact) mouse hippocampus. In particular, we focused our analysis on the background noise-like activity (NLA), previously reported to exhibit complex neurodynamical properties. Our results show evidence for increased linear and nonlinear phase coupling in NLA across three frequency bands [theta (4-10 Hz), beta (12-30 Hz) and gamma (30-80 Hz)] in the ictal compared to interictal state dynamics. We also present qualitative and statistical evidence for increased phase synchronization in the theta, beta and gamma frequency bands from paired recordings of ictal NLA. Overall, our results validate the use of background NLA in the neurodynamical study of epileptiform transitions and suggest that what is considered "neuronal noise" is amenable to synchronization effects in the spatiotemporal domain.

Analysis and IbM simulation of the stages in bacterial lag phase: basis for an updated definition.

PubMed

Prats, Clara; Giró, Antoni; Ferrer, Jordi; López, Daniel; Vives-Rego, Josep

2008-05-07

The lag phase is the initial phase of a culture that precedes exponential growth and occurs when the conditions of the culture medium differ from the pre-inoculation conditions. It is usually defined by means of cell density because the number of individuals remains approximately constant or slowly increases, and it is quantified with the lag parameter lambda. The lag phase has been studied through mathematical modelling and by means of specific experiments. In recent years, Individual-based Modelling (IbM) has provided helpful insights into lag phase studies. In this paper, the definition of lag phase is thoroughly examined. Evolution of the total biomass and the total number of bacteria during lag phase is tackled separately. The lag phase lasts until the culture reaches a maximum growth rate both in biomass and cell density. Once in the exponential phase, both rates are constant over time and equal to each other. Both evolutions are split into an initial phase and a transition phase, according to their growth rates. A population-level mathematical model is presented to describe the transitional phase in cell density. INDividual DIScrete SIMulation (INDISIM) is used to check the outcomes of this analysis. Simulations allow the separate study of the evolution of cell density and total biomass in a batch culture, they provide a depiction of different observed cases in lag evolution at the individual-cell level, and are used to test the population-level model. The results show that the geometrical lag parameter lambda is not appropriate as a universal definition for the lag phase. Moreover, the lag phase cannot be characterized by a single parameter. For the studied cases, the lag phases of both the total biomass and the population are required to fully characterize the evolution of bacterial cultures. The results presented prove once more that the lag phase is a complex process that requires a more complete definition. This will be possible only after the phenomena governing the population dynamics at an individual level of description, and occurring during the lag and exponential growth phases, are well understood.

Effect of thermal annealing on the phase evolution of silver tungstate in Ag/WO₃ films.

PubMed

Bose, R Jolly; Sreedharan, R Sreeja; Krishnan, R Resmi; Reddy, V R; Gupta, Mukul; Ganesan, V; Sudheer, S K; Pillai, V P Mahadevan

2015-06-15

Silver/tungsten oxide multi-layer films are deposited over quartz substrates by RF magnetron sputtering technique and the films are annealed at temperatures 200, 400 and 600°C. The effect of thermal annealing on the phase evolution of silver tungstate phase in Ag/WO3 films is studied extensively using techniques like X-ray diffraction, micro-Raman analysis, atomic force microscopy and photoluminescence studies. The XRD pattern of the as-deposited film shows only the peaks of cubic phase of silver. The film annealed at 200°C shows the presence of XRD peaks corresponding to orthorhombic phase of Ag2WO4 and peaks corresponding to cubic phase of silver with reduced intensity. It is found that, as annealing temperature increases, the volume fraction of Ag decreases and that of Ag2WO4 phase increases and becomes highest at a temperature of 400°C. When the temperature increases beyond 400°C, the volume fraction of Ag2WO4 decreases, due to its decomposition into silver and oxygen deficient phase Ag2W4O13. The micro-Raman spectra of the annealed films show the characteristic bands of tungstate phase which is in agreement with XRD analysis. The surface morphology of the films studied by atomic force microscopy reveals that the particle size and r.m.s roughness are highest for the sample annealed at 400°C. In the photoluminescence study, the films with silver tungstate phase show an emission peak in blue region centered around the wavelength 441 nm (excitation wavelength 256 nm). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Defense Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR). Volume 2. Navy Abstracts of Phase 1 Awards from FY 1988 SBIR Solicitation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-05-01

SAN DIEGO, CA 92107 CONTRACT NUMBER: ROBIE FAULKNER TITLE: STUDY OF A LOW WAKE SUBMARINE PERISCOPE AND MAST FAIRING TOPIC# 220 OFFICE: NUSC IDENT...OF THIS PROPOSED PHASE I PROGRAM IS TO ACCOMPLISH A DESIGN STUDY AND ANALYSIS WHICH WILL DETAIL HOW TO OBTAIN WAKE REDUCTION OF A SUBMARINE MAST AND...OR PERISCOPE. THE DESIGN STUDY AND ANALYSIS ARE AIMED AT DETAILING HOW TO ACHIEVE WAKE REDUCTION AND TO DETERMINE IF THE PROPOSED APPROACH OF USING A

Effect of Massage Therapy on Labor Pain Reduction in Primiparous Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials in Iran.

PubMed

Ranjbaran, Mehdi; Khorsandi, Maahboobeh; Matourypour, Pegah; Shamsi, Mohsen

2017-01-01

Pain is a common experience for women during labor. Therefore, pain relief care for mothers during labor is very important. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of massage therapy on labor pain reduction in primiparous women. In this meta-analysis, the databases of Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Iranmedex, Scientific Information Database (SID), and Magiran were searched for published articles in English and Persian language up to January 2016. Among the studies, with regard to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 studies were selected. Data were analyzed by using Stata software version 11, and standard mean difference (SMD) of effects of massage therapy was calculated. The heterogeneity among studies was evaluated by the Chi-square based Q-test and I 2 statistics. The results of Chi-square based on Q-test and I 2 statistics showed heterogeneity among studies in the latent phase ( Q = 63.52, P value < 0.001 and I 2 = 87.4%), active phase ( Q = 26.42, P value < 0.001, and I 2 = 77.3%), and transitional phase ( Q = 104.84, P value <0.001, and I 2 = 95.2%). Results showed that massage therapy reduces labor pain in the latent phase (SMD = -1.23, 95% CI: -1.73 to -0.74), active phase (SMD = -1.59, 95% CI: -2.06 to -1.12), and transitional phase (SMD = -1.90, 95% CI: -3.09 to -0.71). This study provides valid evidence for the effect of massage therapy in Iran for labor pain relief. Therefore, the use of massage therapy can be recommended in the primiparous women.

Automated mini-column solid-phase extraction cleanup for high-throughput analysis of chemical contaminants in foods by low-pressure gas chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study demonstrated the application of an automated high-throughput mini-cartridge solid-phase extraction (mini-SPE) cleanup for the rapid low-pressure gas chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LPGC-MS/MS) analysis of pesticides and environmental contaminants in QuEChERS extracts of foods. ...

Investigation of Portevin-Le Chatelier band with temporal phase analysis of speckle interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Zhenyu; Zhang, Qingchuan; Wu, Xiaoping

2003-04-01

A new method combining temporal phase analysis with dynamic digital speckle pattern interferometry is proposed to study Portevin-Le Chatelier effect quantitatively. The principle bases on that the phase difference of interference speckle patterns is a time-dependent function related to the object deformation. The interference speckle patterns of specimen are recorded with high sampling rate while PLC effect occurs, and the 2D displacement map of PLC band and its width are obtained by analyzing the displacement of specimen with proposed method.

Global positioning system network analysis with phase ambiguity resolution applied to crustal deformation studies in California

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dong, Da-Nan; Bock, Yehuda

1989-01-01

An efficient algorithm is developed for multisession adjustment of GPS data with simultaneous orbit determination and ambiguity resolution. Application of the algorithm to the analysis of data from a five-year campaign in progress in southern and central California to monitor tectonic motions using observations by GPS satellites, demonstrates improvements in estimates of station position and satellite orbits when the phase ambiguities are resolved. Most of the phase ambiguities in the GPS network were resolved, particularly for all the baselines of geophysical interest in California.

Inferring Functional Neural Connectivity with Phase Synchronization Analysis: A Review of Methodology

PubMed Central

Sun, Junfeng; Li, Zhijun; Tong, Shanbao

2012-01-01

Functional neural connectivity is drawing increasing attention in neuroscience research. To infer functional connectivity from observed neural signals, various methods have been proposed. Among them, phase synchronization analysis is an important and effective one which examines the relationship of instantaneous phase between neural signals but neglecting the influence of their amplitudes. In this paper, we review the advances in methodologies of phase synchronization analysis. In particular, we discuss the definitions of instantaneous phase, the indexes of phase synchronization and their significance test, the issues that may affect the detection of phase synchronization and the extensions of phase synchronization analysis. In practice, phase synchronization analysis may be affected by observational noise, insufficient samples of the signals, volume conduction, and reference in recording neural signals. We make comments and suggestions on these issues so as to better apply phase synchronization analysis to inferring functional connectivity from neural signals. PMID:22577470

Observation of an Opposition Surge on Triton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbert, B. D.; Buratti, B. J.; Schmidt, B.; Bauer, J. M.; Hicks, M. D.

2004-11-01

Ground-based observations of Neptune's moon Triton taken during the summers of 2000, 2003, and 2004 show a rotational light curve with a large amplitude. This is in stark contrast to data from the 1989 Voyager II flyby, which implies significant changes have occurred on Triton's surface since that time. The light curve has two notable regions, one that is significantly brighter than was observed in 1989 and one that is significantly darker. Data were also taken at a broad range of solar phase angles, allowing for a comprehensive study of the effects of phase on Triton's brightness. Analysis of the phase curve yields a solar phase coefficient close to zero for phases greater than 0.08 degrees, a number in close agreement with past studies that focused on higher phase angles. We also report a previously unrecognized opposition surge. Preliminary analysis suggests that the surge has different characteristics in the dark and bright regions currently visible on Triton, implying a non-homogenous regolith. Funding for this project was provided in part by the New York Space Grant Consortium and the NASA Undergraduate Student Research Program.

Ethanol- and trifluoroethanol-induced changes in phase states of DPPC membranes. Prodan emission-excitation fluorescence spectroscopy supported by PARAFAC analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horochowska, Martyna; Cieślik-Boczula, Katarzyna; Rospenk, Maria

2018-03-01

It has been shown that Prodan emission-excitation fluorescence spectroscopy supported by Parallel Factor (PARAFAC) analysis is a fast, simple and sensitive method used in the study of the phase transition from the noninterdigitated gel (Lβ‧) state to the interdigitated gel (LβI) phase, triggered by ethanol and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) molecules in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholines (DPPC) membranes. The relative contribution of lipid phases with spectral characteristics of each pure phase component has been presented as a function of an increase in alcohol concentration. It has been stated that both alcohol molecules can induce a formation of the LβI phase, but TFE is over six times stronger inducer of the interdigitated phase in DPPC membranes than ethanol molecules. Moreover, in the TFE-mixed DPPC membranes, the transition from the Lβ‧ to LβI phase is accompanied by a formation of the fluid phase, which most probably serves as a boundary phase between the Lβ‧ and LβI regions. Contrary to the three phase-state model of TFE-mixed DPPC membranes, in ethanol-mixed DPPC membranes only the two phase-state model has been detected.

Identifying Effective Design Approaches to Allocate Genotypes in Two-Phase Designs: A Case Study in Pelargonium zonale

PubMed Central

Molenaar, Heike; Boehm, Robert; Piepho, Hans-Peter

2018-01-01

Robust phenotypic data allow adequate statistical analysis and are crucial for any breeding purpose. Such data is obtained from experiments laid out to best control local variation. Additionally, experiments frequently involve two phases, each contributing environmental sources of variation. For example, in a former experiment we conducted to evaluate production related traits in Pelargonium zonale, there were two consecutive phases, each performed in a different greenhouse. Phase one involved the propagation of the breeding strains to obtain the stem cutting count, and phase two involved the assessment of root formation. The evaluation of the former study raised questions regarding options for improving the experimental layout: (i) Is there a disadvantage to using exactly the same design in both phases? (ii) Instead of generating a separate layout for each phase, can the design be optimized across both phases, such that the mean variance of a pair-wise treatment difference (MVD) can be decreased? To answer these questions, alternative approaches were explored to generate two-phase designs either in phase-wise order (Option 1) or across phases (Option 2). In Option 1 we considered the scenarios (i) using in both phases the same experimental design and (ii) randomizing each phase separately. In Option 2, we considered the scenarios (iii) generating a single design with eight replicates and splitting these among the two phases, (iv) separating the block structure across phases by dummy coding, and (v) design generation with optimal alignment of block units in the two phases. In both options, we considered the same or different block structures in each phase. The designs were evaluated by the MVD obtained by the intra-block analysis and the joint inter-block–intra-block analysis. The smallest MVD was most frequently obtained for designs generated across phases rather than for each phase separately, in particular when both phases of the design were separated with a single pseudo-level. The joint optimization ensured that treatment concurrences were equally balanced across pairs, one of the prerequisites for an efficient design. The proposed alternative approaches can be implemented with any model-based design packages with facilities to formulate linear models for treatment and block structures. PMID:29354145

In-depth analysis of the substorm recovery phase using electron and proton induced emissions from satellite observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryant, Chad Richard

The aurora is a well known phenomenon in the night sky. The observer of the ground can only see part of what is truly happening. The active aurora observed from the ground relates in many cases to what is termed a magnetospheric substorm. Recent research has been involved in determining the cause of these events while other parts of the substorm have been little studied. While additional progress will be made through conventional analysis and observations of the substorm onset, new approaches are advantageous to clarify different aspects of magnetospheric substorms. Very little quantitative analysis has been completed on what is called the recovery phase. This dissertation represents an attempt to achieve the first in-depth quantitative study of the recovery phase. It will use conventional electron auroral observations as well as an exceptional new dataset courtesy of global images of proton aurora. To effectively exploit the observations, new analysis tools were developed to expand our understanding of the recovery phase. In this dissertation the use of the auroral substorm power was determined to be a good analytical method in working with magnetospheric substorms. The start and end of the recovery phase and the decay of the recovery phase were all analysed using this methodology. It was found that the decay of the recovery phase is exponential but can be interrupted by enhancements that are related to flows in the magnetotail and that the region from where the flow comes determines the optical signature that is seen in the ionosphere. An example shows how the unique proton dataset provides new possibilities for observations when compared to conventional electron auroral observations. All of these results provide valuable new insights into current magnetospheric substorm models.

Equilibrium p-T Phase Diagram of Boron: Experimental Study and Thermodynamic Analysis

PubMed Central

Solozhenko, Vladimir L.; Kurakevych, Oleksandr O.

2013-01-01

Solid-state phase transformations and melting of high-purity crystalline boron have been in situ and ex situ studied at pressures to 20 GPa in the 1500–2500 K temperature range where diffusion processes become fast and lead to formation of thermodynamically stable phases. The equilibrium phase diagram of boron has been constructed based on thermodynamic analysis of experimental and literature data. The high-temperature part of the diagram contains p-T domains of thermodynamic stability of rhombohedral β-B106, orthorhombic γ-B28, pseudo-cubic (tetragonal) t'-B52, and liquid boron (L). The positions of two triple points have been experimentally estimated, i.e. β–t'–L at ~ 8.0 GPa and ~ 2490 K; and β–γ–t' at ~ 9.6 GPa and ~ 2230 K. Finally, the proposed phase diagram explains all thermodynamic aspects of boron allotropy and significantly improves our understanding of the fifth element. PMID:23912523

The Pilot Phase of the Global Soil Wetness Project Phase 3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, H.; Oki, T.

2015-12-01

After the second phase of the Global Soil Wetness Project (GSWP2) as an early global continuous gridded multi-model analysis, a comprehensive set of land surface fluxes and state variables became available. It has been broadly utilized in the hydrology community, and its success has evolved to take advantages of recent scientific progress and to extend the relatively short time span (1986-1995) of the previous project. In the third phase proposed here (GSWP3), an extensive set of quantities for hydro-energy-eco systems will be produced to investigate their long-term (1901-2010) changes. The energy-water-carbon cycles and their interactions are also examined subcomponent-wise with appropriate model verifications in ensemble land simulations. In this study, the preliminary results and problems found from the first round analysis of the GSWP3 pilot study are shown. Also, it is discussed how the global offline simulation activity contributes to wider communities and a bigger scope such as Climate Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6).

Spatiotemporal dynamics of rhythmic spinal interneurons measured with two-photon calcium imaging and coherence analysis.

PubMed

Kwan, Alex C; Dietz, Shelby B; Zhong, Guisheng; Harris-Warrick, Ronald M; Webb, Watt W

2010-12-01

In rhythmic neural circuits, a neuron often fires action potentials with a constant phase to the rhythm, a timing relationship that can be functionally significant. To characterize these phase preferences in a large-scale, cell type-specific manner, we adapted multitaper coherence analysis for two-photon calcium imaging. Analysis of simulated data showed that coherence is a simple and robust measure of rhythmicity for calcium imaging data. When applied to the neonatal mouse hindlimb spinal locomotor network, the phase relationships between peak activity of >1,000 ventral spinal interneurons and motor output were characterized. Most interneurons showed rhythmic activity that was coherent and in phase with the ipsilateral motor output during fictive locomotion. The phase distributions of two genetically identified classes of interneurons were distinct from the ensemble population and from each other. There was no obvious spatial clustering of interneurons with similar phase preferences. Together, these results suggest that cell type, not neighboring neuron activity, is a better indicator of an interneuron's response during fictive locomotion. The ability to measure the phase preferences of many neurons with cell type and spatial information should be widely applicable for studying other rhythmic neural circuits.

Proteomics Analysis of Lactobacillus casei Zhang, a New Probiotic Bacterium Isolated from Traditional Home-made Koumiss in Inner Mongolia of China*

PubMed Central

Wu, Rina; Wang, Weiwei; Yu, Dongliang; Zhang, Wenyi; Li, Yan; Sun, Zhihong; Wu, Junrui; Meng, He; Zhang, Heping

2009-01-01

Lactobacillus casei Zhang, isolated from traditional home-made koumiss in Inner Mongolia of China, was considered as a new probiotic bacterium by probiotic selection tests. We carried out a proteomics study to identify and characterize proteins expressed by L. casei Zhang in the exponential phase and stationary phase. Cytosolic proteins of the strain cultivated in de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe broth were resolved by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis using pH 4–7 linear gradients. The number of protein spots quantified from the gels was 487 ± 21 (exponential phase) and 494 ± 13 (stationary phase) among which a total of 131 spots were identified by MALDI-TOF/MS and/or MALDI-TOF/TOF according to significant growth phase-related differences or high expression intensity proteins. Accompanied by the cluster of orthologous groups (COG), codon adaptation index (CAI), and GRAVY value analysis, the study provided a very first insight into the profile of protein expression as a reference map of L. casei. Forty-seven spots were also found in the study that showed statistically significant differences between exponential phase and stationary phase. Thirty-three of the spots increased at least 2.5-fold in the stationary phase in comparison with the exponential phase, including 19 protein spots (e.g. Hsp20, DnaK, GroEL, LuxS, pyruvate kinase, and GalU) whose intensity up-shifted above 3.0-fold. Transcriptional profiles were conducted to confirm several important differentially expressed proteins by using real time quantitative PCR. The analysis suggests that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly categorized as stress response proteins and key components of central and intermediary metabolism, indicating that these proteins might play a potential important role for the adaptation to the surroundings, especially the accumulation of lactic acid in the course of growth, and the physiological processes in bacteria cell. PMID:19508964

Detailed analysis of CAMS procedures for phase 3 using ground truth inventories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carnes, J. G.

1979-01-01

The results of a study of Procedure 1 as used during LACIE Phase 3 are presented. The study was performed by comparing the Procedure 1 classification results with digitized ground-truth inventories. The proportion estimation accuracy, dot labeling accuracy, and clustering effectiveness are discussed.

Organizational culture and climate for promoting innovativeness.

PubMed

Joseph, M Lindell

2015-03-01

The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of nurse leaders and nurses in a hospital whose patient care mission was stated as innovation. Nurses are critically positioned to provide creative and innovative solutions that make a difference in the lives of patients, organizations, communities, and the profession. This 2-phase qualitative study used a content analysis and thematic analysis approach to describe experiences and to generate a beginning conceptual framework of the experience. Results from phase 1 and phase 2 of this study demonstrate that innovativeness in nursing is a multifaceted phenomenon consisting of workplace antecedents followed by a social process. Nursing innovation requires organizational commitment to allow employees to inquire and question organizational practices and issues on behalf of the mission, patient care, and nursing practice.

Discrimination of radiation quality through second harmonic out-of-phase cw-ESR detection.

PubMed

Marrale, Maurizio; Longo, Anna; Brai, Maria; Barbon, Antonio; Brustolon, Marina

2014-02-01

The ability to discriminate the quality of ionizing radiation is important because the biological effects produced in tissue strongly depends on both absorbed dose and linear energy transfer (LET) of ionizing particles. Here we present an experimental electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis aimed at discriminating the effective LETs of various radiation beams (e.g., 19.3 MeV protons, (60)Co photons and thermal neutrons). The measurement of the intensities of the continuous wave spectrometer signal channel first harmonic in-phase and the second harmonic out-of-phase components are used to distinguish the radiation quality. A computational analysis, was carried out to evaluate the dependence of the first harmonic in-phase and second harmonic out-of-phase components on microwave power, modulation amplitude and relaxation times, and highlights that these components could be used to point out differences in the relaxation times. On the basis of this numerical analysis the experimental results are discussed. The methodology described in this study has the potential to provide information on radiation quality.

A novel technique for phase synchrony measurement from the complex motor imaginary potential of combined body and limb action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Zhong-xing; Wan, Bai-kun; Ming, Dong; Qi, Hong-zhi

2010-08-01

In this study, we proposed and evaluated the use of the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) technique combined with phase synchronization analysis to investigate the human brain synchrony of the supplementary motor area (SMA) and primary motor area (M1) during complex motor imagination of combined body and limb action. We separated the EEG data of the SMA and M1 into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using the EMD method and determined the characteristic IMFs by power spectral density (PSD) analysis. Thereafter, the instantaneous phases of the characteristic IMFs were obtained by the Hilbert transformation, and the single-trial phase-locking value (PLV) features for brain synchrony measurement between the SMA and M1 were investigated separately. The classification performance suggests that the proposed approach is effective for phase synchronization analysis and is promising for the application of a brain-computer interface in motor nerve reconstruction of the lower limbs.

Feasibility Study for Low Drag Acoustic Liners Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riedel, Brian; Wu, Jackie

2017-01-01

This report documents the design and structural analysis as a final deliverable for the Phase 1 contract activity. Also included is a community noise test plan, which is a key deliverable for Phase 2. Finally, a high-level estimate (Phase 3 deliverable) is provided for the work statement of Phases 2-4, which covers the build of two inlet test articles, planning and execution of a flight test with the test inlets, as well as data analysis and final documentation. The two test inlets will be compared to the production baseline inlet configuration. There is also a plan to test one of the inlets "hardwalled" using speed tape or some other similar tape to block the acoustic perforations.

System technology analysis of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles: Moderate lift/drag (0.75-1.5). Volume 3: Cost estimates and work breakdown structure/dictionary, phase 1 and 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Technology payoffs of representative ground based (Phase 1) and space based (Phase 2) mid lift/drag ratio aeroassisted orbit transfer vehicles (AOTV) were assessed and prioritized. A narrative summary of the cost estimates and work breakdown structure/dictionary for both study phases is presented. Costs were estimated using the Grumman Space Programs Algorithm for Cost Estimating (SPACE) computer program and results are given for four AOTV configurations. The work breakdown structure follows the standard of the joint government/industry Space Systems Cost Analysis Group (SSCAG). A table is provided which shows cost estimates for each work breakdown structure element.

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

Appel, Markus, E-mail: appel@ill.eu; Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38000 Grenoble; Frick, Bernhard

We report on quasielastic neutron spectroscopy experiments on ferrocene (bis(η{sup 5}-cyclopentadienyl)iron) in its three different crystalline phases: the disordered monoclinic crystalline phase (T > 164 K), the metastable triclinic phase (T < 164 K), and the stable orthorhombic phase (T < 250 K). The cyclopentadienyl rings in ferrocene are known to undergo rotational reorientations for which the analysis of our large data set suggests partially a revision of the known picture of the dynamics and allows for an extension and completion of previous studies. In the monoclinic phase, guided by structural information, we propose a model for rotational jumps amongmore » non-equivalent sites in contrast to the established 5-fold jump rotation model. The new model takes the dynamical disorder into account and allows the cyclopentadienyl rings to reside in two different configurations which are found to be twisted by an angle of approximately 30°. In the triclinic phase, our analysis demands the use of a 2-ring model accounting for crystallographically independent sites with different barriers to rotation. For the orthorhombic phase of ferrocene, we confirm a significantly increased barrier of rotation using neutron backscattering spectroscopy. Our data analysis includes multiple scattering corrections and presents a novel approach of simultaneous analysis of different neutron scattering data by combining elastic and inelastic fixed window temperature scans with energy spectra, providing a very robust and reliable mean of extracting the individual activation energies of overlapping processes.« less

Brain-wave measures of workload in advanced cockpits: The transition of technology from laboratory to cockpit simulator, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horst, Richard L.; Mahaffey, David L.; Munson, Robert C.

1989-01-01

The present Phase 2 small business innovation research study was designed to address issues related to scalp-recorded event-related potential (ERP) indices of mental workload and to transition this technology from the laboratory to cockpit simulator environments for use as a systems engineering tool. The project involved five main tasks: (1) Two laboratory studies confirmed the generality of the ERP indices of workload obtained in the Phase 1 study and revealed two additional ERP components related to workload. (2) A task analysis' of flight scenarios and pilot tasks in the Advanced Concepts Flight Simulator (ACFS) defined cockpit events (i.e., displays, messages, alarms) that would be expected to elicit ERPs related to workload. (3) Software was developed to support ERP data analysis. An existing ARD-proprietary package of ERP data analysis routines was upgraded, new graphics routines were developed to enhance interactive data analysis, and routines were developed to compare alternative single-trial analysis techniques using simulated ERP data. (4) Working in conjunction with NASA Langley research scientists and simulator engineers, preparations were made for an ACFS validation study of ERP measures of workload. (5) A design specification was developed for a general purpose, computerized, workload assessment system that can function in simulators such as the ACFS.

Methodology of health-related quality of life analysis in phase III advanced non-small-cell lung cancer clinical trials: a critical review.

PubMed

Fiteni, Frédéric; Anota, Amélie; Westeel, Virginie; Bonnetain, Franck

2016-02-18

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is recognized as a component endpoint for cancer therapy approvals. The aim of this review was to evaluate the methodology of HRQoL analysis and reporting in phase III clinical trials of first-line chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). A search in MEDLINE databases identified phase III clinical trials in first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC, published between January 2008 to December 2014. Two authors independently extracted information using predefined data abstraction forms. A total of 55 phase III advanced NSCLC trials were identified. HRQoL was declared as an endpoint in 27 studies (49%). Among these 27 studies, The EORTC questionnaire Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 was used in 13 (48%) of the studies and The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General was used in 12 (44%) trials. The targeted dimensions of HRQoL, the minimal clinically important difference and the statistical approaches for dealing with missing data were clearly specified in 13 (48.1%), 9 (33.3%) and 5 (18.5%) studies, respectively. The most frequent statistical methods for HRQoL analysis were: the mean change from baseline (33.3%), the linear mixed model for repeated measures (22.2%) and time to HRQoL score deterioration (18.5%). For each targeted dimension, the results for each group, the estimated effect size and its precision were clearly reported in 4 studies (14.8%), not clearly reported in 11 studies (40.7%) and not reported at all in 12 studies (44.4%). This review demonstrated the weakness and the heterogeneity of the measurement, analysis, and reporting of HRQoL in phase III advanced NSCLC trials. Precise and uniform recommendations are needed to compare HRQoL results across publications and to provide understandable messages for patients and clinicians.

Automated Phase Segmentation for Large-Scale X-ray Diffraction Data Using a Graph-Based Phase Segmentation (GPhase) Algorithm.

PubMed

Xiong, Zheng; He, Yinyan; Hattrick-Simpers, Jason R; Hu, Jianjun

2017-03-13

The creation of composition-processing-structure relationships currently represents a key bottleneck for data analysis for high-throughput experimental (HTE) material studies. Here we propose an automated phase diagram attribution algorithm for HTE data analysis that uses a graph-based segmentation algorithm and Delaunay tessellation to create a crystal phase diagram from high throughput libraries of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. We also propose the sample-pair based objective evaluation measures for the phase diagram prediction problem. Our approach was validated using 278 diffraction patterns from a Fe-Ga-Pd composition spread sample with a prediction precision of 0.934 and a Matthews Correlation Coefficient score of 0.823. The algorithm was then applied to the open Ni-Mn-Al thin-film composition spread sample to obtain the first predicted phase diagram mapping for that sample.

Poly(1-allylimidazole)-grafted silica, a new specific stationary phase for reversed-phase and anion-exchange liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Sun, Min; Qiu, Hongdeng; Wang, Licheng; Liu, Xia; Jiang, Shengxiang

2009-05-01

A new specific stationary phase based on poly(1-allylimidazole)-grafted silica has been synthesized and characterized, by infrared spectra, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results of test showed that poly(1-allylimidazole) can effectively mask the residual silanol groups and reduce the adverse effect of residual silanol. Using this stationary phase, phenol compounds, aniline compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were successfully separated with symmetric peak shapes in the reversed-phase chromatography. Inorganic anions (IO(3)(-), BrO(3)(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-), I(-), SCN(-)) were also separated completely in the anion-exchange chromatography using sodium chloride solution as the mobile phase. The effects of pH and the concentration of eluent on the separation of inorganic anions were studied. The separation mechanism appears to involve the mixed interactions of hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, pi-pi, electrostatic, and anion-exchange interactions.

Preparation and evaluation of a silica-based 1-alkyl-3-(propyl-3-sulfonate) imidazolium zwitterionic stationary phase for high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Qiu, Hongdeng; Jiang, Qiong; Wei, Zheng; Wang, Xusheng; Liu, Xia; Jiang, Shengxiang

2007-09-07

A new zwitterionic stationary phase based on silica bonded with 1-alkyl-3-(propyl-3-sulfonate) imidazolium was synthesized and characterized in this paper. The materials have been confirmed and evaluated by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Potassium and calcium were separated simultaneously with several common inorganic anions including an iodate, chloride, bromide, nitrate and iodide on the phase. The effects of the concentration, organic solvent and pH of the eluent on the separation of anions were studied. Operated in the anion-exchange mode, this new stationary phase shows considerable promise for the separation of anions. Bases, vitamins and three imidazolium ionic liquids with different alkyl chains are also separated successfully on this column. The stationary phase has multiple retention mechanisms, such as anion-exchange, electrostatic attraction and repulsion interactions, and hydrophobic interaction between the zwitterionic stationary phase and specimens.

Definition of two-phase flow behaviors for spacecraft design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reinarts, Thomas R.; Best, Frederick R.; Miller, Katherine M.; Hill, Wayne S.

1991-01-01

Data for complete models of two-phase flow in microgravity are taken from in-flight experiments and applied to an adiabatic flow-regime analysis to study the feasibility of two-phase systems for spacecraft. The data are taken from five in-flight experiments by Hill et al. (1990) in which a two-phase pump circulates a freon mixture and vapor and liquid flow streams are measured. Adiabatic flow regimes are analyzed based on the experimental superficial velocities of liquid and vapor, and comparisons are made with the results of two-phase flow regimes at 1 g. A motion analyzer records the flow characteristics at a rate of 1000 frames/sec, and stratified flow regimes are reported at 1 g. The flow regimes observed under microgravitational conditions are primarily annular and include slug and bubbly-slug regimes. The present data are of interest to the design and analysis of two-phase thermal-management systems for use in space missions.

Development of the RFBB “Bargouzine” concept for Ariane-5 evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sumin, Yuriy; Kostromin, Sergey F.; Panichkin, Nikolai; Prel, Yves; Osin, Mikhail; Iranzo-Greus, David; Prampolini, Marco

2009-10-01

This paper presents the study of a concept of Ariane-5 evolution by means of replacement of two solid-propellant boosters EAP with two liquid-propellant reusable fly-back boosters (RFBBs) called "Bargouzine". The main design feature of the reference RFBB is LOX/LH2 propellant, the canard aerodynamic configuration with delta wings and rocket engines derived from Vulcain-2 identical to that of the central core except for the nozzle length. After separation RFBBs return back by use of air breathing engines mounted in the aft part and then landing on a runway. The aim of the study is a more detailed investigation of critical technology issues concerning reliability, re-usability and maintenance requirements. The study was performed in three main phases: system trade-off, technical consolidation, and programmatic synthesis. The system trade-off includes comparative analysis of two systems with three and four engines on each RFBB and determination of the necessary thrust level taking into account thrust reservation for emergency situations. Besides, this phase contains trade-off on booster aerodynamic configurations and abort scenario analysis. The second phase includes studying of controllability during the ascent phase and separation, thermo-mechanical design, development of ground interfaces and attachment means, and turbojets engine analysis taking into account reusability.

Application of Haddon's matrix in qualitative research methodology: an experience in burns epidemiology.

PubMed

Deljavan, Reza; Sadeghi-Bazargani, Homayoun; Fouladi, Nasrin; Arshi, Shahnam; Mohammadi, Reza

2012-01-01

Little has been done to investigate the application of injury specific qualitative research methods in the field of burn injuries. The aim of this study was to use an analytical tool (Haddon's matrix) through qualitative research methods to better understand people's perceptions about burn injuries. This study applied Haddon's matrix as a framework and an analytical tool for a qualitative research methodology in burn research. Both child and adult burn injury victims were enrolled into a qualitative study conducted using focus group discussion. Haddon's matrix was used to develop an interview guide and also through the analysis phase. The main analysis clusters were pre-event level/human (including risky behaviors, belief and cultural factors, and knowledge and education), pre-event level/object, pre-event phase/environment and event and post-event phase (including fire control, emergency scald and burn wound management, traditional remedies, medical consultation, and severity indicators). This research gave rise to results that are possibly useful both for future injury research and for designing burn injury prevention plans. Haddon's matrix is applicable in a qualitative research methodology both at data collection and data analysis phases. The study using Haddon's matrix through a qualitative research methodology yielded substantially rich information regarding burn injuries that may possibly be useful for prevention or future quantitative research.

Phase synchronization of instrumental music signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Sayan; Palit, Sanjay Kumar; Banerjee, Santo; Ariffin, M. R. K.; Bhattacharya, D. K.

2014-06-01

Signal analysis is one of the finest scientific techniques in communication theory. Some quantitative and qualitative measures describe the pattern of a music signal, vary from one to another. Same musical recital, when played by different instrumentalists, generates different types of music patterns. The reason behind various patterns is the psycho-acoustic measures - Dynamics, Timber, Tonality and Rhythm, varies in each time. However, the psycho-acoustic study of the music signals does not reveal any idea about the similarity between the signals. For such cases, study of synchronization of long-term nonlinear dynamics may provide effective results. In this context, phase synchronization (PS) is one of the measures to show synchronization between two non-identical signals. In fact, it is very critical to investigate any other kind of synchronization for experimental condition, because those are completely non identical signals. Also, there exists equivalence between the phases and the distances of the diagonal line in Recurrence plot (RP) of the signals, which is quantifiable by the recurrence quantification measure τ-recurrence rate. This paper considers two nonlinear music signals based on same raga played by two eminent sitar instrumentalists as two non-identical sources. The psycho-acoustic study shows how the Dynamics, Timber, Tonality and Rhythm vary for the two music signals. Then, long term analysis in the form of phase space reconstruction is performed, which reveals the chaotic phase spaces for both the signals. From the RP of both the phase spaces, τ-recurrence rate is calculated. Finally by the correlation of normalized tau-recurrence rate of their 3D phase spaces and the PS of the two music signals has been established. The numerical results well support the analysis.

The Use of Concept Map as a Consolidation Phase Based STAD to Enhance Students’ Comprehension about Environmental Pollution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nugroho, O. F.; Chandra, D. T.; Sanjaya, Y.; Pendidikan Indonesia, Universitas

2017-02-01

The purpose of this study was to improve students’ concept comprehension using concept map as a consolidation phase based STAD. This study was conducted by randomized control group pretest-posttest. Data was collected by using an instrument test to evaluate the effect of concept map as a consolidation phase based STAD on students’understanding about environmental pollution. Data was analyzed using normalized gain (n-gain) and independent t-test. The n-gain analysis shows the increased of students’s understanding about environmental pollution at experimental group arehigher than at the control group. The result of this study showed that students’ comprehension at the experimental class (0,53) higher compared to the control group (0,23). Whilst the t-test analysis shows that there is a significant effect of mapping concept as a consolidation phase based STAD towards students’ concept comprehension. It can be concluded that the implementation of mapping concept based STAD may improve the students’s understanding on science concept.

Spatially resolved texture and microstructure evolution of additively manufactured and gas gun deformed 304L stainless steel investigated by neutron diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction

DOE PAGES

Takajo, Shigehiro; Brown, Donald William; Clausen, Bjorn; ...

2018-04-30

In this study, we report the characterization of a 304L stainless steel cylindrical projectile produced by additive manufacturing. The projectile was compressively deformed using a Taylor Anvil Gas Gun, leading to a huge strain gradient along the axis of the deformed cylinder. Spatially resolved neutron diffraction measurements on the HIgh Pressure Preferred Orientation time-of-flight diffractometer (HIPPO) and Spectrometer for Materials Research at Temperature and Stress diffractometer (SMARTS) beamlines at the Los Alamos Neutron Science CEnter (LANSCE) with Rietveld and single-peak analysis were used to quantitatively evaluate the volume fractions of the α, γ, and ε phases as well as residualmore » strain and texture. The texture of the γ phase is consistent with uniaxial compression, while the α texture can be explained by the Kurdjumov–Sachs relationship from the γ texture after deformation. This indicates that the material first deformed in the γ phase and subsequently transformed at larger strains. The ε phase was only found in volumes close to the undeformed material with a texture connected to the γ texture by the Shoji–Nishiyama orientation relationship. This allows us to conclude that the ε phase occurs as an intermediate phase at lower strain, and is superseded by the α phase when strain increases further. We found a proportionality between the root-mean-squared microstrain of the γ phase, dominated by the dislocation density, with the α volume fraction, consistent with strain-induced martensite α formation. In conclusion, knowledge of the sample volume with the ε phase from the neutron diffraction analysis allowed us to identify the ε phase by electron back scatter diffraction analysis, complementing the neutron diffraction analysis with characterization on the grain level.« less

Spatially resolved texture and microstructure evolution of additively manufactured and gas gun deformed 304L stainless steel investigated by neutron diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction

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

Takajo, Shigehiro; Brown, Donald William; Clausen, Bjorn

In this study, we report the characterization of a 304L stainless steel cylindrical projectile produced by additive manufacturing. The projectile was compressively deformed using a Taylor Anvil Gas Gun, leading to a huge strain gradient along the axis of the deformed cylinder. Spatially resolved neutron diffraction measurements on the HIgh Pressure Preferred Orientation time-of-flight diffractometer (HIPPO) and Spectrometer for Materials Research at Temperature and Stress diffractometer (SMARTS) beamlines at the Los Alamos Neutron Science CEnter (LANSCE) with Rietveld and single-peak analysis were used to quantitatively evaluate the volume fractions of the α, γ, and ε phases as well as residualmore » strain and texture. The texture of the γ phase is consistent with uniaxial compression, while the α texture can be explained by the Kurdjumov–Sachs relationship from the γ texture after deformation. This indicates that the material first deformed in the γ phase and subsequently transformed at larger strains. The ε phase was only found in volumes close to the undeformed material with a texture connected to the γ texture by the Shoji–Nishiyama orientation relationship. This allows us to conclude that the ε phase occurs as an intermediate phase at lower strain, and is superseded by the α phase when strain increases further. We found a proportionality between the root-mean-squared microstrain of the γ phase, dominated by the dislocation density, with the α volume fraction, consistent with strain-induced martensite α formation. In conclusion, knowledge of the sample volume with the ε phase from the neutron diffraction analysis allowed us to identify the ε phase by electron back scatter diffraction analysis, complementing the neutron diffraction analysis with characterization on the grain level.« less

Relative phase asynchrony and long-range correlation of long-term solar magnetic activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Linhua

2017-07-01

Statistical signal processing is one of the most important tasks in a large amount of areas of scientific studies, such as astrophysics, geophysics, and space physics. Phase recurrence analysis and long-range persistence are the two dynamical structures of the underlying processes for the given natural phenomenon. Linear and nonlinear time series analysis approaches (cross-correlation analysis, cross-recurrence plot, wavelet coherent transform, and Hurst analysis) are combined to investigate the relative phase interconnection and long-range correlation between solar activity and geomagnetic activity for the time interval from 1932 January to 2017 January. The following prominent results are found: (1) geomagnetic activity lags behind sunspot numbers with a phase shift of 21 months, and they have a high level of asynchronous behavior; (2) their relative phase interconnections are in phase for the periodic scales during 8-16 years, but have a mixing behavior for the periodic belts below 8 years; (3) both sunspot numbers and geomagnetic activity can not be regarded as a stochastic phenomenon because their dynamical behaviors display a long-term correlation and a fractal nature. We believe that the presented conclusions could provide further information on understanding the dynamical coupling of solar dynamo process with geomagnetic activity variation, and the crucial role of solar and geomagnetic activity in the long-term climate change.

Wavelet Analysis of Turbulent Spots and Other Coherent Structures in Unsteady Transition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lewalle, Jacques

1998-01-01

This is a secondary analysis of a portion of the Halstead data. The hot-film traces from an embedded stage of a low pressure turbine have been extensively analyzed by Halstead et al. In this project, wavelet analysis is used to develop the quantitative characterization of individual coherent structures in terms of size, amplitude, phase, convection speed, etc., as well as phase-averaged time scales. The purposes of the study are (1) to extract information about turbulent time scales for comparison with unsteady model results (e.g. k/epsilon). Phase-averaged maps of dominant time scales will be presented; and (2) to evaluate any differences between wake-induced and natural spots that might affect model performance. Preliminary results, subject to verification with data at higher frequency resolution, indicate that spot properties are independent of their phase relative to the wake footprints: therefore requirements for the physical content of models are kept relatively simple. Incidentally, we also observed that spot substructures can be traced over several stations; further study will examine their possible impact.

Atmosphere, Magnetosphere and Plasmas in Space (AMPS). Spacelab payload definition study. Volume 7, book 2: AMPS phase C/D analysis and planning document

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The results are presented of the AMPS Phase C/D (Design, Development, and Operations) program analysis and planning effort. Cost and schedule estimates are included. Although the AMPS program has been specifically addressed, these task descriptions are basically adaptable to a broader-based program incorporating additional or different Spacelab/orbiter payloads.

[Construction of an educational technology for teaching about nursing on peripheral venipuncture].

PubMed

Frota, Natasha Marques; Barros, Lívia Moreira; de Araújo, Thiago Moura; Caldini, Luana Nunes; do Nascimento, Jennara Cândido; Caetano, Joselany Afio

2013-06-01

The aim of the study was to describe the construction of a course on peripheral venipuncture using the Information and Communication Technologies. This is a methodological research, developed at the Federal University of Ceara from January to March 2012. The construction phases are: the analysis, design and development according to the theoretical framework of Galvis-Panqueva. In the analysis, objectives, content target audience, the study environment and technology infrastructure were delimited. During the design phase the environment interface and navigation structure of the course were evaluated. The development consisted in the materialization of all that was designed in the previous phase Once all three phases of construction of the course were conducted it was available in the Virtual Learning Environment SOLAR. The finalproduct of the course is presented as support of nursing students and consequently the training of future nurses in their care practice on peripheral venipuncture.

Phase-locking dynamics in optoelectronic oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Abhijit; Sarkar, Jayjeet; Das, NikhilRanjan; Biswas, Baidyanath

2018-05-01

This paper analyzes the phase-locking phenomenon in single-loop optoelectronic microwave oscillators considering weak and strong radio frequency (RF) signal injection. The analyses are made in terms of the lock-range, beat frequency and the spectral components of the unlocked-driven oscillator. The influence of RF injection signal on the frequency pulling of the unlocked-driven optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is also studied. An approximate expression for the amplitude perturbation of the oscillator is derived and the influence of amplitude perturbation on the phase-locking dynamics is studied. It is shown that the analysis clearly reveals the phase-locking phenomenon and the associated frequency pulling mechanism starting from the fast-beat state through the quasi-locked state to the locked state of the pulled OEO. It is found that the unlocked-driven OEO output signal has a very non-symmetrical sideband distribution about the carrier. The simulation results are also given in partial support to the conclusions of the analysis.

Effect of lag time distribution on the lag phase of bacterial growth - a Monte Carlo analysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The objective of this study is to use Monte Carlo simulation to evaluate the effect of lag time distribution of individual bacterial cells incubated under isothermal conditions on the development of lag phase. The growth of bacterial cells of the same initial concentration and mean lag phase durati...

Effect of Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle on Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

PubMed

Brar, Tejinder Kaur; Singh, K D; Kumar, Avnish

2015-10-01

Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is a measure of the cardiac autonomic tone, displays physiological changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The functions of the ANS in various phases of the menstrual cycle were examined in some studies. The aim of our study was to observe the effect of menstrual cycle on cardiac autonomic function parameters in healthy females. A cross-sectional (observational) study was conducted on 50 healthy females, in the age group of 18-25 years. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was recorded by Physio Pac (PC-2004). The data consisted of Time Domain Analysis and Frequency Domain Analysis in menstrual, proliferative and secretory phase of menstrual cycle. Data collected was analysed statistically using student's pair t-test. The difference in mean heart rate, LF power%, LFnu and HFnu in menstrual and proliferative phase was found to be statistically significant. The difference in mean RR, Mean HR, RMSSD (the square root of the mean of the squares of the successive differences between adjacent NNs.), NN50 (the number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms), pNN50 (the proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs.), VLF (very low frequency) power, LF (low frequency) power, LF power%, HF power %, LF/HF ratio, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in proliferative and secretory phase. The difference in Mean RR, Mean HR, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in secretory and menstrual phases. From the study it can be concluded that sympathetic nervous activity in secretory phase is greater than in the proliferative phase, whereas parasympathetic nervous activity is predominant in proliferative phase.

Effect of Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle on Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

PubMed Central

Singh, K. D.; Kumar, Avnish

2015-01-01

Background Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which is a measure of the cardiac autonomic tone, displays physiological changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The functions of the ANS in various phases of the menstrual cycle were examined in some studies. Aims and Objectives The aim of our study was to observe the effect of menstrual cycle on cardiac autonomic function parameters in healthy females. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional (observational) study was conducted on 50 healthy females, in the age group of 18-25 years. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was recorded by Physio Pac (PC-2004). The data consisted of Time Domain Analysis and Frequency Domain Analysis in menstrual, proliferative and secretory phase of menstrual cycle. Data collected was analysed statistically using student’s pair t-test. Results The difference in mean heart rate, LF power%, LFnu and HFnu in menstrual and proliferative phase was found to be statistically significant. The difference in mean RR, Mean HR, RMSSD (the square root of the mean of the squares of the successive differences between adjacent NNs.), NN50 (the number of pairs of successive NNs that differ by more than 50 ms), pNN50 (the proportion of NN50 divided by total number of NNs.), VLF (very low frequency) power, LF (low frequency) power, LF power%, HF power %, LF/HF ratio, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in proliferative and secretory phase. The difference in Mean RR, Mean HR, LFnu and HFnu was found to be statistically significant in secretory and menstrual phases. Conclusion From the study it can be concluded that sympathetic nervous activity in secretory phase is greater than in the proliferative phase, whereas parasympathetic nervous activity is predominant in proliferative phase. PMID:26557512

Latent Growth Curve Analysis of Fear during a Speech Task before and after Treatment for Social Phobia

PubMed Central

Price, Matthew; Anderson, Page L.

2011-01-01

Models of social phobia highlight the importance of anticipatory anxiety in the experience of fear during a social situation. Anticipatory anxiety has been shown to be highly correlated with performance anxiety for a variety of social situations. A few studies show that average ratings of anxiety during the anticipation and performance phases of a social situation decline following treatment. Evidence also suggests that the point of confrontation with the feared stimulus is the peak level of fear. No study to date has evaluated the pattern of anxious responding across the anticipation, confrontation, and performance phases before and after treatment, which is the focus of the current study. Socially phobic individuals (N=51) completed a behavioral avoidance task before and after two types of manualized cognitive behavioral therapy, and gave ratings of fear during the anticipation and performance phases. Results from latent growth curve analysis were the same for the two treatments and suggest that before treatment, anxiety sharply increased during the anticipation phase, was highly elevated at the confrontation, and, to a gradually increased during the performance phase. After treatment, anxiety increased during the anticipation phase, although at a much slower rate than at pretreatment, peaking at confrontation, and declined at the performance phase. The findings suggest that anticipatory experiences are critical to the experience of fear for public speaking and should be incorporated into exposures. PMID:21907972

Understanding and scaffolding Danish schoolteachers’ motivation for using classroom-based physical activity: study protocol for a mixed methods study

PubMed Central

Skovgaard, Thomas; Bredahl, Thomas

2018-01-01

Introduction The benefits of physical activity for children’s health, both mental and physical, and its positive effects on academic achievement are well established. Research also emphasises that schools could provide a natural setting for regular physical activity. There is, however, a limited amount of knowledge about teachers’ views when it comes to integrating physical activity as part of teaching. The aim of this study is to understand teachers’ motivation for integrating physical activity as part of teaching and to assess their need for guidance and support. Methods and analysis The study uses an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Schools from across Denmark are included in the sample. The design comprises two separated phases—a quantitative and qualitative phase. The quantitative phase is guided by the self-determination theory where teachers’ motivation will be measured using the Work Task Motivation Scale for Teachers. The theory of scaffolding guides the qualitative phase, which consists of in-depth interviews with participants selected from the quantitative phase based on levels of motivation and on demographic information. In accordance with the study aims, the analysis of data will identify teachers’ internal and external levels of motivation. The purpose of the qualitative phase is to enhance understanding of teachers’ motivation and of their need for support in the use of physical activity in teaching. Ethics and dissemination All relevant ethics approvals have been acquired. All participants in this study will provide written informed consent prior to data collection. All data emerging from the quantitative and qualitative phase will be anonymised for analysis. Ethics approval was requested from the Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics for Southern Denmark approval ID S-20162000–40 and the Danish Data Protection Agency approval ID 16/15491). The study was deemed not notifiable by both authorities. Trial registration number NCT02894346; Pre-results. PMID:29540419

Structure analysis of turbulent liquid phase by POD and LSE techniques

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

Munir, S., E-mail: shahzad-munir@comsats.edu.pk; Muthuvalu, M. S.; Siddiqui, M. I.

2014-10-24

In this paper, vortical structures and turbulence characteristics of liquid phase in both single liquid phase and two-phase slug flow in pipes were studied. Two dimensional velocity vector fields of liquid phase were obtained by Particle image velocimetry (PIV). Two cases were considered one single phase liquid flow at 80 l/m and second slug flow by introducing gas at 60 l/m while keeping liquid flow rate same. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and Linear stochastic estimation techniques were used for the extraction of coherent structures and analysis of turbulence in liquid phase for both cases. POD has successfully revealed large energymore » containing structures. The time dependent POD spatial mode coefficients oscillate with high frequency for high mode numbers. The energy distribution of spatial modes was also achieved. LSE has pointed out the coherent structured for both cases and the reconstructed velocity fields are in well agreement with the instantaneous velocity fields.« less

Bonded-phase extraction column isolation of organic compounds in groundwater at a hazardous waste site

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rostad, C.E.; Pereira, W.E.; Ratcliff, S.M.

1984-01-01

A procedure for isolation of hazardous organic compounds from water for gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis Is presented and applied to creosote- and pentachlorophenol-contaminated groundwater resulting from wood-treatment processes. This simple procedure involved passing a 50-100-mL sample through a bonded-phase extraction column, eluting the trapped organic compounds from the column with 2-4 mL of solvent, and evaporating the sample to 100 ??L with a stream of dry nitrogen, after which the sample was ready for gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. Representative compounds indicative of creosote contamination were used for recovery and precision studies from the cyclohexyl-bonded phase. Recovery of these compounds from n-octyl-, n-octadecyl-, cyclohexyl-, and phenyl-bonded phases was compared. The bonded phase that exhibited the best recovery and least bias toward acidic or basic cmpounds was the n-octadecyl phase. Detailed compound Identification Is given for compounds Isolated from creosote- and pentachlorophenol-contaminated groundwater using the cyclohexyl-bonded phase.

Analysis of SBIR phase I and phase II review results at the National Institutes of Health.

PubMed

Vener, K J; Calkins, B M

1991-09-01

A cohort of phase I and phase II summary statements for the SBIR grant applications was evaluated to determine the strengths and weaknesses in approved and disapproved applications. An analysis of outcome variables (disapproval or unfunded status) was examined with respect to exposure variables (strengths or shortcomings). Logistic regression models were developed for comparisons to measure the predictive value of shortcomings and strengths to the outcomes. Disapproved phase I results were compared with an earlier 1985 study. Although the magnitude of the frequencies of shortcomings was greater in the present study, the relative rankings within shortcoming class were more alike than different. Also, the frequencies of shortcomings were, with one exception, not significantly different in the two studies. Differences in the summary statement review may have accounted for some differences observed between the 1985 data and results of the present study. Comparisons of Approved/Disapproved and Approved-Unfunded/Funded yielded the following observations. For phase I applicants, a lack of a clearly stated, testable hypothesis, a poorly qualified or described investigative team, and inadequate methodological approaches contributed significantly (in that order) to a rating of disapproval. A critical flaw for phase II proposals was failure to accomplish objectives of the phase I study. Methodological issues also dominate the distinctions in both comparison groups. A clear result of the data presented here and that published previously is that SBIR applicants need continuing assistance to improve the chances of their success. These results should serve as a guide to assist NIH staff as they provide information to prospective applicants focusing on key elements of the application. A continuing review of the SBIR program would be helpful to evaluate the quality of the submitted science.

Auto Correlation Analysis of Coda Waves from Local Earthquakes for Detecting Temporal Changes in Shallow Subsurface Structures: the 2011 Tohoku-Oki, Japan Earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakahara, Hisashi

2015-02-01

For monitoring temporal changes in subsurface structures I propose to use auto correlation functions of coda waves from local earthquakes recorded at surface receivers, which probably contain more body waves than surface waves. Use of coda waves requires earthquakes resulting in decreased time resolution for monitoring. Nonetheless, it may be possible to monitor subsurface structures in sufficient time resolutions in regions with high seismicity. In studying the 2011 Tohoku-Oki, Japan earthquake (Mw 9.0), for which velocity changes have been previously reported, I try to validate the method. KiK-net stations in northern Honshu are used in this analysis. For each moderate earthquake normalized auto correlation functions of surface records are stacked with respect to time windows in the S-wave coda. Aligning the stacked, normalized auto correlation functions with time, I search for changes in phases arrival times. The phases at lag times of <1 s are studied because changes at shallow depths are focused. Temporal variations in the arrival times are measured at the stations based on the stretching method. Clear phase delays are found to be associated with the mainshock and to gradually recover with time. The amounts of the phase delays are 10 % on average with the maximum of about 50 % at some stations. The deconvolution analysis using surface and subsurface records at the same stations is conducted for validation. The results show the phase delays from the deconvolution analysis are slightly smaller than those from the auto correlation analysis, which implies that the phases on the auto correlations are caused by larger velocity changes at shallower depths. The auto correlation analysis seems to have an accuracy of about several percent, which is much larger than methods using earthquake doublets and borehole array data. So this analysis might be applicable in detecting larger changes. In spite of these disadvantages, this analysis is still attractive because it can be applied to many records on the surface in regions where no boreholes are available.

Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) engine, phase A study. Volume 2: Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mellish, J. A.

1979-01-01

The hydrogen oxygen engine used in the orbiter transfer vehicle is described. The engine design is analyzed and minimum engine performance and man rating requirements are discussed. Reliability and safety analysis test results are presented and payload, risk and cost, and engine installation parameters are defined. Engine tests were performed including performance analysis, structural analysis, thermal analysis, turbomachinery analysis, controls analysis, and cycle analysis.

Subsurface imaging and cell refractometry using quantitative phase/ shear-force feedback microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edward, Kert; Farahi, Faramarz

2009-10-01

Over the last few years, several novel quantitative phase imaging techniques have been developed for the study of biological cells. However, many of these techniques are encumbered by inherent limitations including 2π phase ambiguities and diffraction limited spatial resolution. In addition, subsurface information in the phase data is not exploited. We hereby present a novel quantitative phase imaging system without 2 π ambiguities, which also allows for subsurface imaging and cell refractometry studies. This is accomplished by utilizing simultaneously obtained shear-force topography information. We will demonstrate how the quantitative phase and topography data can be used for subsurface and cell refractometry analysis and will present results for a fabricated structure and a malaria infected red blood cell.

Anomalous behaviour of thermodynamic properties at successive phase transitions in (NH4)3GeF7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bogdanov, Evgeniy V.; Kartashev, Andrey V.; Pogoreltsev, Evgeniy I.; Gorev, Mikhail V.; Laptash, Natalia M.; Flerov, Igor N.

2017-12-01

Heat capacity, thermal dilatation, susceptibility to hydrostatic pressure and dielectric properties associated with succession of three phase transitions below room temperature in double fluoride salt (NH4)3GeF7 were studied. A possible transformation into the parent Pm-3m cubic phase was not observed up to the decomposition of compound. Nonferroelectric nature of structural distortions was confirmed. The DTA under pressure studies revealed a high temperature stability of two phases: P4/mbm and Pbam. The entropies of the phase transitions agree well with the model of structural distortions. Analysis of the thermal properties associated with the individual phase transitions in the framework of thermodynamic equations has shown a high reliability of the data obtained.

MinION Analysis and Reference Consortium: Phase 1 data release and analysis

PubMed Central

Eccles, David A.; Zalunin, Vadim; Urban, John M.; Piazza, Paolo; Bowden, Rory J.; Paten, Benedict; Mwaigwisya, Solomon; Batty, Elizabeth M.; Simpson, Jared T.; Snutch, Terrance P.

2015-01-01

The advent of a miniaturized DNA sequencing device with a high-throughput contextual sequencing capability embodies the next generation of large scale sequencing tools. The MinION™ Access Programme (MAP) was initiated by Oxford Nanopore Technologies™ in April 2014, giving public access to their USB-attached miniature sequencing device. The MinION Analysis and Reference Consortium (MARC) was formed by a subset of MAP participants, with the aim of evaluating and providing standard protocols and reference data to the community. Envisaged as a multi-phased project, this study provides the global community with the Phase 1 data from MARC, where the reproducibility of the performance of the MinION was evaluated at multiple sites. Five laboratories on two continents generated data using a control strain of Escherichia coli K-12, preparing and sequencing samples according to a revised ONT protocol. Here, we provide the details of the protocol used, along with a preliminary analysis of the characteristics of typical runs including the consistency, rate, volume and quality of data produced. Further analysis of the Phase 1 data presented here, and additional experiments in Phase 2 of E. coli from MARC are already underway to identify ways to improve and enhance MinION performance. PMID:26834992

LiOH - H2O2 - H2O trinary system study for the selection of optimal conditions of lithium peroxide synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nefedov, R. A.; Ferapontov, Yu A.; Kozlova, N. P.

2016-01-01

Using solubility method the decay kinetics of peroxide products contained in liquid phase of LiOH - H2O2 - H2O trinary system with 2 to 6% by wt hydrogen peroxide content in liquid phase in 21 to 33 °C temperature range has been studied. Conducted studies have allowed to determine temperature and concentration limits of solid phase existence of Li2O2·H2O content, distinctness of which has been confirmed using chemical and qualitative X- ray phase analysis. Stabilizing effect of solid phase of Li2O2·H2O content on hydrogen peroxide decay contained in liquid phase of LiOH - H2O2 - H2O trinary system under conditions of experiments conducted has been shown.

Development and Preliminary Validation of the Collective Efficacy Questionnaire for Sports

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Short, Sandra E.; Sullivan, Philip; Feltz, Deborah L.

2005-01-01

This study presents the development and preliminary validation of the Collective Efficacy Questionnaire for Sports (CEQS). The study was conducted in 3 phases. In Phase 1, a 42-item questionnaire was developed and tested with 271 college-aged student-athletes. An exploratory factor analysis revealed 5 collective efficacy factors with 27 items…

Space Transfer Concepts and Analyses for Exploration Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodcock, Gordon R.

1993-01-01

This report covers the third phase of a broad-scoped and systematic study of space transfer concepts for human lunar and Mars missions. The study addressed issues that were raised during Phase 2, developed generic Mars missions profile analysis data, and conducted preliminary analysis of the Mars in-space transportation requirements and implementation from Stafford Committee Synthesis Report. The major effort of the study was the development of the first Lunar Outpost (FLO) baseline which evolved from the Space Station Freedom Hab Module. Modifications for the First Lunar Outpost were made to meet mission requirements and technology advancements.

Comparison of core-shell and totally porous ultra high performance liquid chromatographic stationary phases based on their selectivity towards alfuzosin compounds.

PubMed

Szulfer, Jarosław; Plenis, Alina; Bączek, Tomasz

2014-06-13

This paper focuses on the application of a column classification system based on the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven for the characterization of physicochemical properties of core-shell and ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic stationary phases, followed by the verification of the reliability of the obtained column classification in pharmaceutical practice. In the study, 7 stationary phases produced in core-shell technology and 18 ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic columns were chromatographically tested, and ranking lists were built on the FKUL-values calculated against two selected reference columns. In the column performance test, an analysis of alfuzosin in the presence of related substances was carried out using the brands of the stationary phases with the highest ranking positions. Next, a system suitability test as described by the European Pharmacopoeia monograph was performed. Moreover, a study was also performed to achieve a purposeful shortening of the analysis time of the compounds of interest using the selected stationary phases. Finally, it was checked whether methods using core-shell and ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic columns can be an interesting alternative to the high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the analysis of alfuzosin in pharmaceutical practice. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Agricultural Commodity and Utility Carriers Hours of Service Exemption Analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-05-01

The study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 compares the safety performance of agricultural and non-agricultural carriers for the period 2005 through 2008, and also examines two additional industries: livestock and utility carriers, whose operatio...

CHROMATOGRAPHIC AND MASS SPECTRAL STUDIES OF PERFLUOROOCTANESULFONATE AND THREE PERFLUOROOCTANESULFONAMIDES

EPA Science Inventory

The chromatographic and mass spectral characteristics of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and three nitrogen-substituted perfluorooctanesulfonamides have been obtained. A methyl/phenol mixed phase fused silica capillary column was used for GC analysis, while a C18 reversed phase ...

Numerical simulation analysis of four-stage mutation of solid-liquid two-phase grinding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Junye; Liu, Yang; Hou, Jikun; Hu, Jinglei; Zhang, Hengfu; Wu, Guiling

2018-03-01

In order to explore the numerical simulation of solid-liquid two-phase abrasive grain polishing and abrupt change tube, in this paper, the fourth order abrupt change tube was selected as the research object, using the fluid mechanics software to simulate,based on the theory of solid-liquid two-phase flow dynamics, study on the mechanism of AFM micromachining a workpiece during polishing.Analysis at different inlet pressures, the dynamic pressure distribution pipe mutant fourth order abrasive flow field, turbulence intensity, discuss the influence of the inlet pressure of different abrasive flow polishing effect.

Anion binding by bambus[6]uril probed in the gas phase and in solution.

PubMed

Révész, Agnes; Schröder, Detlef; Svec, Jan; Wimmerová, Michaela; Sindelar, Vladimir

2011-10-20

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is used to probe the binding of small anions to the macrocycle of bambus[6]uril. For the halide ions, the experimental patterns suggest F(-) < Cl(-) < Br(-) < I(-), which is consistent with the order of anion binding found in the condensed phase. Parallel equilibrium studies in the condensed phase establish the association constants of halide anions and bambus[6]uril in mixed solvents. A detailed analysis of the mass spectrometric data is used to shed light on the correlations between the binding constants in the condensed phase and the ion abundances observed using ESI-MS. From the analysis it becomes apparent that ESI-MS can indeed represent the situation in solution to some extent, but the sampling in the gas-phase experiment is not 1:1 compared to that in solution.

A low bioimpedance phase angle predicts a higher mortality and lower nutritional status in chronic dialysis patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dumler Md, Francis

2010-04-01

Bioelectrical impedance analysis is an established technique for body composition analysis. The phase angle parameter, an index of body cell mass, tissue hydration, and membrane integrity, makes it suitable for assessing nutritional status and survivability. We evaluated the significance of a low phase angle value on nutritional status and mortality in 285 chronic dialysis patients during a longitudinal prospective observational study. Patients in the lower phase angle tertile had decreased body weight, body mass index, fat free mass, body cell mass, and lower serum albumin concentrations than those in the higher tertile (P<001). In addition, mortality rates were significantly lower (P=0.05) in the highest tertile patients. In conclusion, the phase angle is a useful method for identifying dialysis patients at high risk for malnutrition and increased mortality.

Psychosocial Responses During Different Phases of Sport-Injury Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Study

PubMed Central

Clement, Damien; Arvinen-Barrow, Monna; Fetty, Tera

2015-01-01

Context: Athletic trainers have traditionally conceptualized rehabilitation programs in terms of 3 distinct physiologic phases; however, these phases appear to neglect athletes' psychosocial responses to their injuries. Objective: To document injured athletes' psychosocial responses during the different phases of injury rehabilitation. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II university in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 8 previously injured athletes (4 men and 4 women) participated in the study. Data Collection and Analysis: We collected participant data by using semistructured interviews, transcribed verbatim and analyzed by directed content analysis. Established themes were triangulated to determine trustworthiness. Results: Initially, athletes' cognitive appraisals were predominately negative in nature, leading to negative emotions. These appraisals changed after diagnosis and when moving to the reaction-to-rehabilitation phase and the reaction-to-sport phase. During the reaction-to-rehabilitation phase, athletes reported mixed cognitive appraisals and identified frustration as the main emotional response. When returning to sport, athletes reflected on the lessons learned, yet they expressed some doubts related to their ability to return to play. These cognitive appraisals served as a precursor to the resulting emotional responses of nervousness and reinjury anxiety, as well as excitement. Throughout the various phases of rehabilitation, athletes reported seeking out social support: initially from significant others and then from their athletic trainers during the reaction-to-rehabilitation phase. Conclusions: The results appear to support the use of the integrated model of psychological response to sport injury and the rehabilitation process and the 3 phases of rehabilitation as a framework for understanding how physical and psychosocial factors may interact during sport-injury rehabilitation. Understanding this interaction may help athletic trainers provide better care to their injured athletes. PMID:25322346

Analysis of Due Process Decisions in Idaho: 2004 to 2012

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wattam, Marni Jo

2014-01-01

This study used an explanatory mixed methods design to examine special education due process outcomes in Idaho for the time period of January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2012. The study was done in two phases. Phase one of the study explored what types of special education related issues are being brought before the state hearing officer(s) as due process…

Grain size dependent phase stabilities and presence of a monoclinic (Pm) phase in the morphotropic phase boundary region of (1-x)Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3-xPbTiO3 piezoceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Upadhyay, Ashutosh; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar

2015-04-01

Results of the room temperature structural studies on (1-x)Bi(Mg1/2Ti1/2)O3-xPbTiO3 ceramics using Rietveld analysis of the powder x-ray diffraction data in the composition range 0.28 ≤ x ≤ 0.45 are presented. The morphotropic phase boundary region exhibits coexistence of monoclinic (space group Pm) and tetragonal (space group P4 mm) phases in the composition range 0.33 ≤ x ≤ 0.40. The structure is nearly single phase monoclinic (space group Pm) in the composition range 0.28 ≤ x ≤ 0.32. The structure for the compositions with x ≥ 0.45 is found to be predominantly tetragonal with space group P4 mm. Rietveld refinement of the structure rules out the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases in the morphotropic phase boundary region reported by earlier authors. The Rietveld structure analysis for the sample x = .35 calcined at various temperatures reveals that phase fraction of the coexisting phases in the morphotropic phase boundary region varies with grain size. The structural parameters of the two coexisting phases also change slightly with changing grain size.

Requirements Analysis Study for Master Pump Shutdown System Project Development Specification [SEC 1 and 2

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

BEVINS, R.R.

This document has been updated during the definitive design portion of the first phase of the W-314 Project to capture additional software requirements and is planned to be updated during the second phase of the W-314 Project to cover the second phase of the Project's scope. The objective is to provide requirement traceability by recording the analysis/basis for the functional descriptions of the master pump shutdown system. This document identifies the sources of the requirements and/or how these were derived. Each requirement is validated either by quoting the source or an analysis process involving the required functionality, performance characteristics, operationsmore » input or engineering judgment.« less

IUS/TUG orbital operations and mission support study. Volume 2: Interim upper stage operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Background data and study results are presented for the interim upper stage (IUS) operations phase of the IUS/tug orbital operations study. The study was conducted to develop IUS operational concepts and an IUS baseline operations plan, and to provide cost estimates for IUS operations. The approach used was to compile and evaluate baseline concepts, definitions, and system, and to use that data as a basis for the IUS operations phase definition, analysis, and costing analysis. Both expendable and reusable IUS configurations were analyzed and two autonomy levels were specified for each configuration. Topics discussed include on-orbit operations and interfaces with the orbiter, the tracking and data relay satellites and ground station support capability analysis, and flight control center sizing to support the IUS operations.

Tuning a High Transmission Ion Guide to Prevent Gas-Phase Proton Exchange During H/D Exchange MS Analysis.

PubMed

Guttman, Miklos; Wales, Thomas E; Whittington, Dale; Engen, John R; Brown, Jeffery M; Lee, Kelly K

2016-04-01

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry (MS) for protein structural analysis has been adopted for many purposes, including biopharmaceutical development. One of the benefits of examining amide proton exchange by mass spectrometry is that it can readily resolve different exchange regimes, as evidenced by either binomial or bimodal isotope patterns. By careful analysis of the isotope pattern during exchange, more insight can be obtained on protein behavior in solution. However, one must be sure that any observed bimodal isotope patterns are not artifacts of analysis and are reflective of the true behavior in solution. Sample carryover and certain stationary phases are known as potential sources of bimodal artifacts. Here, we describe an additional undocumented source of deuterium loss resulting in artificial bimodal patterns for certain highly charged peptides. We demonstrate that this phenomenon is predominantly due to gas-phase proton exchange between peptides and bulk solvent within the initial stages of high-transmission conjoined ion guides. Minor adjustments of the ion guide settings, as reported here, eliminate the phenomenon without sacrificing signal intensity. Such gas-phase deuterium loss should be appreciated for all HDX-MS studies using such ion optics, even for routine studies not focused on interpreting bimodal spectra. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Learning curves for single incision and conventional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a multidimensional analysis.

PubMed

Park, Yoonah; Yong, Yuen Geng; Yun, Seong Hyeon; Jung, Kyung Uk; Huh, Jung Wook; Cho, Yong Beom; Kim, Hee Cheol; Lee, Woo Yong; Chun, Ho-Kyung

2015-05-01

This study aimed to compare the learning curves and early postoperative outcomes for conventional laparoscopic (CL) and single incision laparoscopic (SIL) right hemicolectomy (RHC). This retrospective study included the initial 35 cases in each group. Learning curves were evaluated by the moving average of operative time, mean operative time of every five consecutive cases, and cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. The learning phase was considered overcome when the moving average of operative times reached a plateau, and when the mean operative time of every five consecutive cases reached a low point and subsequently did not vary by more than 30 minutes. Six patients with missing data in the CL RHC group were excluded from the analyses. According to the mean operative time of every five consecutive cases, learning phase of SIL and CL RHC was completed between 26 and 30 cases, and 16 and 20 cases, respectively. Moving average analysis revealed that approximately 31 (SIL) and 25 (CL) cases were needed to complete the learning phase, respectively. CUSUM analysis demonstrated that 10 (SIL) and two (CL) cases were required to reach a steady state of complication-free performance, respectively. Postoperative complications rate was higher in SIL than in CL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (17.1% vs. 3.4%). The learning phase of SIL RHC is longer than that of CL RHC. Early oncological outcomes of both techniques were comparable. However, SIL RHC had a statistically insignificant higher complication rate than CL RHC during the learning phase.

[The Moodle platform: A useful tool for training in life support. Analysis of satisfaction questionnaires from students and instructors of the semFYC advanced life support courses].

PubMed

Cordero Torres, Juan Antonio; Caballero Oliver, Antonio

2015-01-01

The aim of this study is to assess the validity and use of a mixed method of training in life support. The use of Moodle to implement an online pre-sessional phase prior to a "classic" classroom phase of teaching in this type of course is the main novelty. Analysis of satisfaction questionnaires of students and instructors of a mixed course in the advanced life support program of SemFYC (ESVAP). Moodle platform. semFYC Virtual Classroom. Students and instructors participating in the semFYC advanced life support program, ESVAP. Qualitative analysis. The majority of students rate as very useful (50%) or useful (45.37%) the existence of an online pre-sessional phase, and consider that it has helped them very much (42.20%) or quite a lot (48.62%) to make the most of the face-to-face sessions. For instructors, they considered that the existence of an online pre-sessional phase was very useful (89%) or useful (11%) for the development of the face-to-face sessions. The analysis of the results concluded that: 1) the students considered a prior non-face to face phase as very useful, and it helped them much/very much in the face to face phase, and 2) the instructors believe that the non-face to face phase had helped them a lot in the presentations and efficiency of the workshops in the face-to-face phase. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Phase diagram of the LiNO3-NaNO3-NaCl-Sr(NO3)2 salt system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasulov, A. I.; Gasanaliev, A. M.; Mamedova, A. K.; Gamataeva, B. Yu.

2015-04-01

The phase diagram of the quaternary LiNO3-NaNO3-NaCl-Sr(NO3)2 system is studied by means of differential thermal analysis, and the compositions and crystallization temperatures of nonvariant equilibrium phases are revealed. The temperature dependence of conductivity in eutectic and peritectic salt compositions is investigated.

Family and Community Studies (FACS) Fourth Interim Report, Phase I and Activities and Timelines for Phase II.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Espinoza, Renato; And Others

Discussed in this paper is a preliminary analysis of findings from data gathered during the first phase of a research project exploring the processes whereby the nature of the mother's occupation affects her family life, especially (1) her partnership in decisions about housework, child care and education and (2) the negotiation of the allocation…

Proteomic analysis of growth phase-dependent expression of Legionella pneumophila proteins which involves regulation of bacterial virulence traits.

PubMed

Hayashi, Tsuyoshi; Nakamichi, Masahiro; Naitou, Hirotaka; Ohashi, Norio; Imai, Yasuyuki; Miyake, Masaki

2010-07-22

Legionella pneumophila, which is a causative pathogen of Legionnaires' disease, expresses its virulent traits in response to growth conditions. In particular, it is known to become virulent at a post-exponential phase in vitro culture. In this study, we performed a proteomic analysis of differences in expression between the exponential phase and post-exponential phase to identify candidates associated with L. pneumophila virulence using 2-Dimentional Fluorescence Difference Gel Electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) combined with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Of 68 identified proteins that significantly differed in expression between the two growth phases, 64 were up-regulated at a post-exponential phase. The up-regulated proteins included enzymes related to glycolysis, ketone body biogenesis and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) biogenesis, suggesting that L. pneumophila may utilize sugars and lipids as energy sources, when amino acids become scarce. Proteins related to motility (flagella components and twitching motility-associated proteins) were also up-regulated, predicting that they enhance infectivity of the bacteria in host cells under certain conditions. Furthermore, 9 up-regulated proteins of unknown function were found. Two of them were identified as novel bacterial factors associated with hemolysis of sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). Another 2 were found to be translocated into macrophages via the Icm/Dot type IV secretion apparatus as effector candidates in a reporter assay with Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase. The study will be helpful for virulent analysis of L. pneumophila from the viewpoint of physiological or metabolic modulation dependent on growth phase.

Lipid phase behavior studied with a quartz crystal microbalance: A technique for biophysical studies with applications in screening

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peschel, Astrid; Langhoff, Arne; Uhl, Eva; Dathathreyan, Aruna; Haindl, Susanne; Johannsmann, Diethelm; Reviakine, Ilya

2016-11-01

Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) is emerging as a versatile tool for studying lipid phase behavior. The technique is attractive for fundamental biophysical studies as well applications because of its simplicity, flexibility, and ability to work with very small amounts of material crucial for biomedical studies. Further progress hinges on the understanding of the mechanism, by which a surface-acoustic technique such as QCM, senses lipid phase changes. Here, we use a custom-built instrument with improved sensitivity to investigate phase behavior in solid-supported lipid systems of different geometries (adsorbed liposomes and bilayers). We show that we can detect a model anesthetic (ethanol) through its effect on the lipid phase behavior. Further, through the analysis of the overtone dependence of the phase transition parameters, we show that hydrodynamic effects are important in the case of adsorbed liposomes, and viscoelasticity is significant in supported bilayers, while layer thickness changes make up the strongest contribution in both systems.

Cell segmentation in phase contrast microscopy images via semi-supervised classification over optics-related features.

PubMed

Su, Hang; Yin, Zhaozheng; Huh, Seungil; Kanade, Takeo

2013-10-01

Phase-contrast microscopy is one of the most common and convenient imaging modalities to observe long-term multi-cellular processes, which generates images by the interference of lights passing through transparent specimens and background medium with different retarded phases. Despite many years of study, computer-aided phase contrast microscopy analysis on cell behavior is challenged by image qualities and artifacts caused by phase contrast optics. Addressing the unsolved challenges, the authors propose (1) a phase contrast microscopy image restoration method that produces phase retardation features, which are intrinsic features of phase contrast microscopy, and (2) a semi-supervised learning based algorithm for cell segmentation, which is a fundamental task for various cell behavior analysis. Specifically, the image formation process of phase contrast microscopy images is first computationally modeled with a dictionary of diffraction patterns; as a result, each pixel of a phase contrast microscopy image is represented by a linear combination of the bases, which we call phase retardation features. Images are then partitioned into phase-homogeneous atoms by clustering neighboring pixels with similar phase retardation features. Consequently, cell segmentation is performed via a semi-supervised classification technique over the phase-homogeneous atoms. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach produces quality segmentation of individual cells and outperforms previous approaches. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flow cytometric DNA analysis of cirrhotic liver cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma can provide a new prognostic factor.

PubMed

Ruà, S; Comino, A; Fruttero, A; Torchio, P; Bouzari, H; Taraglio, S; Torchio, B; Capussotti, L

1996-09-15

DNA flow cytometry of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells has been investigated in many studies, but, to the best of our knowledge, there are no data on DNA analysis of cirrhotic parenchyma around the HCC. In this study, cell kinetics and ploidy of parenchymal cells around HCC were performed to ascertain if this would predict the possibility of recurrence in the cirrhotic areas. The DNA content of 93 cases of HCC and of cirrhotic liver around the tumor nodules was analyzed by flow cytometry. Ploidy and proliferative index of HCC and cirrhotic liver were compared with macroscopic, histologic, and clinical features of each case and linked with the behavior of these tumors. Survival curves were assessed according to the Kaplan-Meier method. A multivariate analysis based on Cox proportional hazards regression model was performed on cases of diploid cirrhosis cells in which the S-phase fraction was evaluable. The univariate analysis of survival suggested significant roles for age, number of intrahepatic nodules, Edmondson-Steiner's classification, portal invasion, vascular invasion, presence of necrosis, hepatitis B surface antigen, alpha-feto-protein, Child's score, ploidy, and S-phase fraction of HCC cells. The DNA analysis of the cirrhotic cells showed that polyploidy was dramatically reduced in patients with HCC, compared with normal hepatocytes, and aneuploid clones were present among diploid cells. High S-phase fraction of cirrhotic cells and Child-Pugh classification were the strongest independent parameters affecting the tumor behavior in this study. The results of this study suggest that S-phase fraction of cirrhotic liver parenchyma may be employed as a new parameter in the prognostic evaluation of HCC patients.

Preparation, characterization and application of a reversed phase liquid chromatography/hydrophilic interaction chromatography mixed-mode C18-DTT stationary phase.

PubMed

Wang, Qing; Long, Yao; Yao, Lin; Xu, Li; Shi, Zhi-Guo; Xu, Lanying

2016-01-01

A mixed-mode chromatographic stationary phase, C18-DTT (dithiothreitol) silica (SiO2) was prepared through "thiol-ene" click chemistry. The obtained material was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscope, nitrogen adsorption analysis and contact angle analysis. Chromatographic performance of the C18-DTT was systemically evaluated by studying the effect of acetonitrile content, pH, buffer concentration of the mobile phase and column temperature. It was demonstrated that the novel stationary phase possessed reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC)/hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) mixed-mode property. The stop-flow test revealed that C18-DTT exhibited excellent compatibility with 100% aqueous mobile phase. Additionally, the stability and column-to-column reproducibility of the C18-DTT material were satisfactory, with relative standard deviations of retention factor of the tested analytes (verapamil, fenbufen, guanine, tetrandrine and nicotinic acid) in the range of 1.82-3.72% and 0.85-1.93%, respectively. Finally, the application of C18-DTT column was demonstrated in the separation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aromatic carboxylic acids, alkaloids, nucleo-analytes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It had great resolving power in the analysis of various compounds in HILIC and RPLC chromatographic conditions and was a promising RPLC/HILIC mixed-mode stationary phase. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of hydroquinone and some of its ethers by using capillary electrochromatography.

PubMed

Desiderio, C; Ossicini, L; Fanali, S

2000-07-28

Capillary electrochromatography (CEC) was used for the analysis of relevant compounds in cosmetic preparation. Hydroquinone (HQ) and some of its ethers (methyl-, dimethyl-, benzyl-, phenyl-, propyl-HQ derivatives) were analyzed by using an octadecylsilica (ODS) stationary phase packed in fused-silica capillary (100 microm I.D.; 30 cm and 21.5 cm total and effective lengths, respectively). 20 mM Ammonium acetate pH 6-acetonitrile (50-70%) were the mobile phases used for the experiments. The acetonitrile (ACN) content strongly influenced the resolution of the studied compounds as well as the efficiency and the retention factor. Baseline resolution for the studied analytes was achieved at both the lowest and the highest percentage of ACN, the last one providing the shortest analysis time. Mobile phase containing 70% of ACN was therefore used for the analysis of an extract of skin-toning cream declared to contain HQ. Good repeatability of both retention times, peak areas and peak areas ratio (Asample/Ainternational standard) was found. The calibration graphs were linear in the concentration range studied (5-90 microg/ml) with correlation coefficients between 0.9975 and 09991. The analysis of the cosmetic preparation revealed the presence of HQ (1.72%, w/w) and of two additional peaks (not identified).

Effects of gravity reduction on phase equilibria. Part 1: Unary and binary isostructural solids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, D. J., Jr.

1975-01-01

Analysis of the Skylab II M553 Experiment samples resulted in the hypothesis that the reduced gravity environment was altering the melting and solidification reactions. A theoretical study was conducted to define the conditions under which such alteration of phase relations is feasible, determine whether it is restricted to space processing, and, if so, ascertain which alloy systems or phase reactions are most likely to demonstrate such effects. Phase equilibria of unary and binary systems with a single solid phase (unary and isomorphous) were considered.

Text grouping in patent analysis using adaptive K-means clustering algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shanie, Tiara; Suprijadi, Jadi; Zulhanif

2017-03-01

Patents are one of the Intellectual Property. Analyzing patent is one requirement in knowing well the development of technology in each country and in the world now. This study uses the patent document coming from the Espacenet server about Green Tea. Patent documents related to the technology in the field of tea is still widespread, so it will be difficult for users to information retrieval (IR). Therefore, it is necessary efforts to categorize documents in a specific group of related terms contained therein. This study uses titles patent text data with the proposed Green Tea in Statistical Text Mining methods consists of two phases: data preparation and data analysis stage. The data preparation phase uses Text Mining methods and data analysis stage is done by statistics. Statistical analysis in this study using a cluster analysis algorithm, the Adaptive K-Means Clustering Algorithm. Results from this study showed that based on the maximum value Silhouette, generate 87 clusters associated fifteen terms therein that can be utilized in the process of information retrieval needs.

Characterization of Homopolymer and Polymer Blend Films by Phase Sensitive Acoustic Microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ngwa, Wilfred; Wannemacher, Reinhold; Grill, Wolfgang

2003-03-01

CHARACTERIZATION OF HOMOPOLYMER AND POLYMER BLEND FILMS BY PHASE SENSITIVE ACOUSTIC MICROSCOPY W Ngwa, R Wannemacher, W Grill Institute of Experimental Physics II, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany Abstract We have used phase sensitive acoustic microscopy (PSAM) to study homopolymer thin films of polystyrene (PS) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), as well as PS/PMMA blend films. We show from our results that PSAM can be used as a complementary and highly valuable technique for elucidating the three-dimensional (3D) morphology and micromechanical properties of thin films. Three-dimensional image acquisition with vector contrast provides the basis for: complex V(z) analysis (per image pixel), 3D image processing, height profiling, and subsurface image analysis of the polymer films. Results show good agreement with previous studies. In addition, important new information on the three dimensional structure and properties of polymer films is obtained. Homopolymer film structure analysis reveals (pseudo-) dewetting by retraction of droplets, resulting in a morphology that can serve as a starting point for the analysis of polymer blend thin films. The outcome of confocal laser scanning microscopy studies, performed on the same samples are correlated with the obtained results. Advantages and limitations of PSAM are discussed.

Phase diagram and high-pressure boundary of hydrate formation in the ethane-water system.

PubMed

Kurnosov, Alexander V; Ogienko, Andrey G; Goryainov, Sergei V; Larionov, Eduard G; Manakov, Andrey Y; Lihacheva, Anna Y; Aladko, Eugeny Y; Zhurko, Fridrikh V; Voronin, Vladimir I; Berger, Ivan F; Ancharov, Aleksei I

2006-11-02

Dissociation temperatures of gas hydrate formed in the ethane-water system were studied at pressures up to 1500 MPa. In situ neutron diffraction analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis in a diamond anvil cell showed that the gas hydrate formed in the ethane-water system at 340, 700, and 1840 MPa and room temperature belongs to the cubic structure I (CS-I). Raman spectra of C-C vibrations of ethane molecules in the hydrate phase, as well as the spectra of solid and liquid ethane under high-pressure conditions were studied at pressures up to 6900 MPa. Within 170-3600 MPa Raman shift of the C-C vibration mode of ethane in the hydrate phase did not show any discontinuities, which could be evidence of possible phase transformations. The upper pressure boundary of high-pressure hydrate existence was discovered at the pressure of 3600 MPa. This boundary corresponds to decomposition of the hydrate to solid ethane and ice VII. The type of phase diagram of ethane-water system was proposed in the pressure range of hydrate formation (0-3600 MPa).

Safety profile of biologic drugs in the therapy of Crohn disease: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

PubMed

Moćko, Paweł; Kawalec, Paweł; Pilc, Andrzej

2016-12-01

Crohn disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease which occurs especially in developed countries of Western Europe and North America. The aim of the study was to compare the safety profile of biologic drugs in patients with CD. A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL databases, until April 27, 2016. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the safety of biologic drugs (infliximab, adalimumab, vedolizumab, certolizumab pegol, and ustekinumab) with one another or with placebo in patients with CD. The network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted for an induction phase (6-10 weeks) and maintenance phase (52-56 weeks) with a Bayesian hierarchical random effects model in the ADDIS ® software. The PROSPERO registration number was CRD42016032606. Ten RCTs were included in the systematic review with NMA. In the case of the induction phase, the NMA could be conducted for the assessment of the relative safety profile of adalimumab, vedolizumab, certolizumab pegol, and ustekinumab, and in the case of the maintenance phase-of infliximab, adalimumab, and vedolizumab. There were no significant differences in the rate of adverse events in patients treated with biologics. Statistical analysis revealed that vedolizumab had the greatest probability of being the safest treatment in most endpoints in the induction phase and adalimumab-in the maintenance phase. No significant differences between the biologics in the relative safety profile analysis were observed. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings, including head-to-head comparisons between the analyzed biologics. Copyright © 2016 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.

Fatigue damage evaluation of short fiber CFRP based on phase information of thermoelastic temperature change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakagami, Takahide; Shiozawa, Daiki; Nakamura, Yu; Nonaka, Shinichi; Hamada, Kenichi

2017-05-01

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is widely used for structural members of transportation vehicles such as automobile, aircraft or spacecraft, utilizing its excellent specific strength and specific rigidity in contrast with the metal. Short carbon fiber composite materials are receiving a lot of attentions because of their excellent moldability and productivity, however they show complicated behaviors in fatigue fracture due to the random fibers orientation. In this study, thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) using an infrared thermography was applied to the evaluation of fatigue damage in short carbon fiber composites. The distributions of the thermoelastic temperature change was measured during the fatigue test, as well as the phase difference between the thermoelastic temperature change and applied loading signal. Evolution of fatigue damages was detected from distributions of thermoelastic temperature change according to the thermoelastic damage analysis (TDA) procedure. It was also found that fatigue damage evolution was clearly detected than ever by the newly developed thermoelastic phase damage analysis (TPDA) in which damaged area was emphasized in the differential phase delay images utilizing the nature that carbon fiber show opposite phase thermoelastic temperature change.

Exploring and Testing the Predictors of New Faculty Success: A Mixed Methods Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stupnisky, R. H.; Weaver-Hightower, M. B.; Kartoshkina, Y.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate and test the factors contributing to new faculty members' success. In the first phase, qualitative analysis of focus groups revealed four prominent themes affecting new faculty members: expectations, collegiality, balance, and location. In the second phase, new faculty members completed an…

Patterns of Teacher's Instructional Moves: What Makes Mathematical Instructional Practices Unique?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pinter, Holly Henderson

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine patterns in fourth-grade teachers' use of instructional moves in the implementation of standards-based mathematical teaching practices. Using a mixed methods sequential explanatory design, the study consisted of two phases: quantitative selection and qualitative analysis. The first phase of the study…

Pulse phase-coherent timing and spectroscopy of CXOU J164710.2-45521 outbursts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez Castillo, Guillermo A.; Israel, Gian Luca; Esposito, Paolo; Pons, José A.; Rea, Nanda; Turolla, Roberto; Viganò, Daniele; Zane, Silvia

2014-06-01

We present a long-term phase-coherent timing analysis and pulse-phase resolved spectroscopy for the two outbursts observed from the transient anomalous X-ray pulsar CXOU J164710.2-455216. For the first outburst we used 11 Chandra and XMM-Newton observations between 2006 September and 2009 August, the longest baseline yet for this source. We obtain a coherent timing solution with P = 10.61065583(4) s, Ṗ = 9.72(1) × 10-13 s s-1 and P̈ = -1.05(5) × 10-20 s s-2. Under the standard assumptions this implies a surface dipolar magnetic field of ˜1014 G, confirming this source as a standard B magnetar. We also study the evolution of the pulse profile (shape, intensity and pulsed fraction) as a function of time and energy. Using the phase-coherent timing solution we perform a phase-resolved spectroscopy analysis, following the spectral evolution of pulse-phase features, which hints at the physical processes taking place on the star. The results are discussed from the perspective of magnetothermal evolution models and the untwisting magnetosphere model. Finally, we present similar analysis for the second, less intense, 2011 outburst. For the timing analysis we used Swift data together with 2 XMM-Newton and Chandra pointings. The results inferred for both outbursts are compared and briefly discussed in a more general framework.

Novel nanoporous sorbent for solid-phase extraction in petroleum fingerprinting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alayande, S. Oluwagbemiga; Hlengilizwe, Nyoni; Dare, E. Olugbenga; Msagati, Titus A. M.; Akinlabi, A. Kehinde; Aiyedun, P. O.

2016-04-01

Sample preparation is crucial in the analysis of petroleum and its derivatives. In this study, developing affordable sorbent for petroleum fingerprinting analysis using polymer waste such expanded polystyrene was explored. The potential of electrospun expanded polystyrene (EPS) as a sorbent for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique was investigated, and its efficiency was compared with commercial cartridges such as alumina, silica and alumina/silica hybrid commercial for petroleum fingerprinting analysis. The chromatograms showed that the packed electrospun EPS fibre demonstrated excellent properties for SPE applications relative to the hybrid cartridges.

Evaluating MEDEVAC Force Structure Requirements Using an Updated Army Scenario, Total Army Analysis Admission Data, Monte Carlo Simulation, and Theater Structure.

PubMed

Fulton, Lawrence; Kerr, Bernie; Inglis, James M; Brooks, Matthew; Bastian, Nathaniel D

2015-07-01

In this study, we re-evaluate air ambulance requirements (rules of allocation) and planning considerations based on an Army-approved, Theater Army Analysis scenario. A previous study using workload only estimated a requirement of 0.4 to 0.6 aircraft per admission, a significant bolus over existence-based rules. In this updated study, we estimate requirements for Phase III (major combat operations) using a simulation grounded in previously published work and Phase IV (stability operations) based on four rules of allocation: unit existence rules, workload factors, theater structure (geography), and manual input. This study improves upon previous work by including the new air ambulance mission requirements of Department of Defense 51001.1, Roles and Functions of the Services, by expanding the analysis over two phases, and by considering unit rotation requirements known as Army Force Generation based on Department of Defense policy. The recommendations of this study are intended to inform future planning factors and already provided decision support to the Army Aviation Branch in determining force structure requirements. Reprint & Copyright © 2015 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

Volume 1: Survey of Available Information in Support of the Energy-Water Bandwidth Study of Desalination Systems

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

Rao, Prakash; Aghajanzadeh, Arian; Sheaffer, Paul

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has set a goal to reduce the cost of seawater desalination systems to $0.50/ cubic meter (m 3) through the development of technology pathways to reduce energy, capital, operating, soft, and system integration costs.1 In support of this goal and to evaluate the technology pathways to lower the energy and carbon intensity of desalination while also reducing the total water cost, DOE is undertaking a comprehensive study of the energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions for desalination technologies and systems. This study is being undertaken in two phases. Phase 1, Survey ofmore » Available Information in Support of the Energy-Water Bandwidth Study of Desalination Systems, collected the background information that will underpin Phase 2, the Energy Water Bandwidth Study for Desalination Systems. This report (Volume 1) summarizes the results from Phase 1. The results from Phase 2 will be summarized in Volume 2: Energy Water Bandwidth Study for Desalination Systems (Volume 2). The analysis effort for Phase 2 will utilize similar methods as other industry-specific Energy Bandwidth Studies developed by DOE,2 which has provided a framework to evaluate and compare energy savings potentials within and across manufacturing sectors at the macroscale. Volume 2 will assess the current state of desalination energy intensity and reduction potential through the use of advanced and emerging technologies. For the purpose of both phases of study, energy intensity is defined as the amount of energy required per unit of product water output (for example, kilowatt-hours per cubic meter of water produced). These studies will expand the scope of previous sectorial bandwidth studies by also evaluating CO 2 intensity and reduction opportunities and informing a techno-economic analysis of desalination systems. Volume 2 is expected to be completed in 2017.« less

Rheological investigation of self-emulsification process.

PubMed

Biradar, Shailesh V; Dhumal, Ravindra S; Paradkar, Anant

2009-01-01

Aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of self-emulsification through rheological analysis of intermediate liquid crystalline (LC) phase formed during self-emulsification process. Binary system of tween 80 (T80) and imwitor 742 (I742) was used and different SES were prepared with I742 at 10, 30, 50, 70 and 90% w/w concentration levels. Self-emulsification was monitored by visual observations and droplet size measurement. Mesophases obtained by 50% v/v hydration of SES were utilized for polarizing microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and rheological studies. Good emulsification with nano sized droplets was observed for SES 30% as compared to micron sized droplets for other SES. In polarizing microscopy, formation of intermediate LC phase was observed in all SES. Lamellar phase was evident in 30% SES while other SES exhibited micellar cubic phase. Presence of high level of structurally bound water in thermal analysis confirmed mesophase formation in all SES. In frequency sweep, decrease in elastic modulus, and an increase in phase degree and loss tangent was observed for 30% SES. Exactly opposite trend was seen in other SES. Thus, rheological studies concluded presence of weak and fragile mesophase structure in 30% SES while LC phase structure with little structural buildup was observed in other SES. This weak mesosphere structure in SES 30% presented no or very little resistance against strain induced deformation. Therefore, during emulsification, weak mesophase in SES 30% ruptured with ease and released jet of nanosize droplets compared to coarse droplets for other SES. This study signifies the effect of viscoelastic properties of intermediate LC phase on self-emulsification performance.

Multivariate areal analysis of the impact and efficiency of the family planning programme in peninsular Malaysia.

PubMed

Tan Boon Ann

1987-06-01

The findings of the final phase of a 3-phase multivariate areal analysis study undertaken by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in 5 countries of the Asian and Pacific Region, including Malaysia, to examine the impact of family planning programs on fertility and reproduction are reported. The study used Malaysia's administrative district as the unit of analysis because the administration and implementation of socioeconomic development activities, as well as the family planning program, depend to a large extent on the decisions of local organizations at the district or state level. In phase 1, existing program and nonprogram data were analyzed using the multivariate technique to separate the impact of the family planning program net of other developmental efforts. The methodology in the 2nd phase consisted of in-depth investigation of selected areas in order to discern the dynamics and determinants of efficiency. The insights gained in phase 2 regarding dynamics of performance were used in phase 3 to refine the input variables of the phase 1 model. Thereafter, the phase 1 analysis was repeated. Insignificant variables and factors were trimmed in order to present a simplified model for studying the impact of environmental, socioeconomic development, family planning programs, and related factors on fertility. The inclusion of a set of family planning program and development variables in phase 3 increased the predictive power of the impact model. THe explained variance for total fertility rate (TFR) of women under 30 years increased from 71% in phase 1 to 79%. It also raised the explained variance of the efficiency model from 34% to 70%. For women age 30 years and older, their TFR was affected directly by the ethnic composition variable (.76), secondary educational status (-.45), and modern nonagricultural occupation (.42), among others. When controlled for other socioeconomic development and environmental indicators, the nonagricultural activities had a positive direct effect on TFR. No direct effects were found to come from other socioeconomic development indicators, once these factors were controlled. The 3 factors that had direct effects on the fertility of women below age 30 were ethnic composition (.33), contraceptive pevalence (-.32), and secondary educational status (-.25). Other family planning program variables (contraceptive knowledge) and socioeconomic development indicators (exposure to modernization as measured by television ownership and health/living conditions as measured by infant mortality rate) affected fertility significantly but indirectly.

In situ synchrotron XRD analysis of the kinetics of spodumene phase transitions.

PubMed

L Moore, Radhika; Mann, Jason P; Montoya, Alejandro; Haynes, Brian S

2018-04-25

The phase transition by thermal activation of natural α-spodumene was followed by in situ synchrotron XRD in the temperature range 896 to 940 °C. We observed both β- and γ-spodumene as primary products in approximately equal proportions. The rate of the α-spodumene inversion is first order and highly sensitive to temperature (apparent activation energy ∼800 kJ mol-1). The γ-spodumene product is itself metastable, forming β-spodumene, with the total product mass fraction ratio fγ/fβ decreasing as the conversion of α-spodumene continues. We found the relationship between the product yields and the degree of conversion of α-spodumene to be the same at all temperatures in the range studied. A model incorporating first order kinetics of the α- and γ-phase inversions with invariant rate constant ratio describes the results accurately. Theoretical phonon analysis of the three phases indicates that the γ phase contains crystallographic instabilities, whilst the α and β phases do not.

Remedial investigation/feasibility study for the Clinch River/Poplar Creek operable unit. Volume 5. Appendixes G, H, I, J

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

NONE

1995-09-01

The Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Program for Phase 2 of the Clinch River Remedial Investigation (CRRI) was designed to comply with both Department of Energy (DOE) Order 5700.6C and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) QAMS-005/80 (EPA 1980a) guidelines. QA requirements and the general QA objectives for Phase 2 data were defined in the Phase 2 Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP)-Quality Assurance Project Plan, and scope changes noted in the Phase 2 Sampling and Analysis Plan Addendum. The QA objectives for Phase 2 data were the following: (1) Scientific data generated will withstand scientific and legal scrutiny. (2) Data will be gatheredmore » using appropriate procedures for sample collection, sample handling and security, chain of custody (COC), laboratory analyses, and data reporting. (3) Data will be of known precision and accuracy. (4) Data will meet data quality objectives (DQOs) defined in the Phase 2 SAP.« less

Proteomic analysis of early phase of conidia germination in Aspergillus nidulans.

PubMed

Oh, Young Taek; Ahn, Chun-Seob; Kim, Jeong Geun; Ro, Hyeon-Su; Lee, Chang-Won; Kim, Jae Won

2010-03-01

In order to investigate proteins involved in early phase of conidia germination, proteomic analysis was performed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-GE) in conjunction with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS). The expression levels of 241 proteins varied quantitatively with statistical significance (P<0.05) at the early phase of the germination stage. Out of these 57 were identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Through classification of physiological functions from Conserved Domain Database analysis, among the identified proteins, 21, 13, and 6 proteins were associated with energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and protein folding process, respectively. Interestingly, eight proteins, which are involved in detoxification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including catalase A, thioredoxin reductase, and mitochondrial peroxiredoxin, were also identified. The expression levels of the genes were further confirmed using Northern blot and reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR analyses. This study represents the first proteomic analysis of early phase of conidia germination and will contribute to a better understanding of the molecular events involved in conidia germination process. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measuring motivation and volition of nursing students in nontraditional learning environments.

PubMed

Nagelsmith, Laurie; Bryer, Jason; Yan, Zheng

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to identify the best fitting model to represent interrelationships between motivation, volition, and academic success for adult nursing students learning in nontraditional environments. Participants (N=297) completed a survey that incorporated two measures: the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ) and the academic volitional strategies inventory (AVSI) as well as demographic information. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for data analysis. In phase 1, EFA resulted in factors that generally aligned with previous theoretical factors as defined by the psychometrics used. In Phase 2 of the analysis, CFA validated the use of predefined factor structures. In Phase 3, SEM analysis revealed that motivation has a larger effect on grade point average (GPA; beta = .28, p < .01) than volition (beta = .15, p < .05). The covariance between motivation and volition (r = .42, p < .01) was also found to be significant. These results suggest that there is a significant relationship among motivation, volition, and academic success for adult learners studying in nontraditional learning environments. These findings are consistent with and elaborate the relationship between motivation and volition with a population and setting underrepresented in the research.

Gait Analysis of Symptomatic Flatfoot in Children: An Observational Study.

PubMed

Kim, Ha Yong; Shin, Hyuck Soo; Ko, Jun Hyuck; Cha, Yong Han; Ahn, Jae Hoon; Hwang, Jae Yeon

2017-09-01

Flatfoot deformity is a lever arm disease that incurs kinetic inefficiency during gait. The purpose of this study was to measure the degree of kinetic inefficiency by comparing the gait analysis data of a flatfoot group with a normal control group. The patient group consisted of 26 children (21 males and 5 females) with symptomatic flatfoot. They were examined with gait analysis between May 2005 and February 2014. Exclusion criteria were patients with secondary flatfoot caused by neuromuscular disorders, tarsal coalition, vertical talus, or others. Patients' mean age was 9.5 years (range, 7 to 13 years). The gait analysis data of the study group and the normal control group were compared. The mean vertical ground reaction force (GRF) in the push-off phase was 0.99 for the patient group and 1.15 for the control group ( p < 0.05). The mean ankle moment in the sagittal plane during the push-off phase was 0.89 for the patient group and 1.27 for the control group ( p < 0.05). The mean ankle power in the sagittal plane during the push-off phase was 1.38 for the patient group and 2.52 for the control group ( p < 0.05). The aforementioned results show that patients with pes planovalgus had a reduction of moment, power, and GRF in the push-off phase during gait. Symptomatic flatfeet had a moment inefficiency of 30% and power inefficiency of 45% during gait compared to feet with preserved medial longitudinal arches.

Phase-Pure and Multiphase Ceramic Waste Forms: Microstructure Evolution and Cesium Immobilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tumurugoti, Priyatham

Efforts of this thesis are directed towards developing ceramic waste forms as a potential replacement for the conventional glass waste forms for the safe immobilization and disposal of nuclear wastes from the legacy weapons programs as well as commercial power production. The body of this work consists of two equal parts with first focused on multiphase waste form containing hollandite as major phase and the later, on single-phase hollandites for Cs incorporation. Part I: Multiphase waste forms:. Hollandite-rich multiphase waste form compositions processed by melt-solidification and spark plasma sintering (SPS) were characterized, compared, and validated for nuclear waste incorporation. Phase identification by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) confirm hollandite as the major phase present in these samples along with perovskite, pyrochlore and zirconolite. Distribution of select elements observed by wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (WDS) maps indicate that Cs forms a secondary phase during SPS processing, which is considered undesirable. On the other hand Cs partitioned into hollandite phase in melt-processed samples. Further analysis of hollandite structure in melt-processed composition, by selected area electron diffraction (SAED), reveals ordered arrangement of tunnel ions (Ba/Cs) and vacancies, suggesting efficient Cs incorporation into the lattice. Following the microstructural analysis, the crystallization behavior of the multiphase composition during melt-processing was studied. The phase assemblage and evolution of hollandite, zirconolite, pyrochlore, and perovskite type structures during melt processing were studied using thermal analysis, in-situ XRD, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Samples prepared by melting followed by annealing and quenching were analyzed to determine and measure the progression of the phase assemblage. Samples were melted at 1500°C and heat-treated at crystallization temperatures of 1285°C and 1325°C corresponding to exothermic events identified from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Results indicate that the selected multiphase composition partially melts at 1500°C with hollandite coexisting as crystalline phase. Perovskite and zirconolite phases crystallized from the residual melt at temperatures below 1350°C. Depending on their respective thermal histories, different quenched samples were found to have different phase assemblages including phases such as perovskite, zirconolite and TiO2. Part II: Single phase waste forms. Hollandites with compositions Ba1.15-xCs2xCr 2.3Ti5.7O16 have been identified as promising lattices to host Cs. Series of compositions with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1.15 were prepared by sol-gel synthesis, characterized, and analyzed for Cs retention properties. Phase-pure hollandites adopting monoclinic symmetry (I2/m) were observed to form in the compositional range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4. Structural models for the compositions: x = 0, 0.15, and 0.25, were developed from Rietveld analysis of powder XRD and neutron diffraction data. Refined anisotropic displacement parameters (beta ij) for Ba and Cs ions in the hollandite tunnels indicate local disorder of Ba/Cs along the tunnel direction. In addition, weak super lattice reflections have also been observed in XRD patterns. Our data suggests the presence of supercell structures with ordered tunnel cations for the phase-pure hollandites studied. Finally, the performance of phase-pure hollandites have been evaluated qualitatively by chemical durability testing and ion-irradiation experiments. Elemental analysis of the leachants after 7-day leach tests show that Cs and Cr were extracted from the lattice together. No direct correlation between structural parameters or Cs content was observed. The simulated light-ion (He2+) and heavy-ion (Kr3+) irradiation experiments reveal that all the hollandite compositions studied undergo amorphization during alpha-decay events, and the extent of it increases with the Cs content. In summary, the present work validates melt-processing as an effective method to prepare multiphase waste forms with the desired phase assemblage. Ba1.15-xCs2xCr2.3Ti5.7O16 hollandite has been identified as an effective ceramic host for Cs immobilization and appropriate structural models for hollandites with different Cs levels have been developed. The structural information may be used to study or simulate the lattice-environment interaction.

A study of system requirements for Phobos/Deimos missions. Volume 2: Phase 1 results, satellite rendezvous and landing missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

The feasibility of a satellite rendezvous, landing, and roving mission to the Martian satellites Phobos and Deimos is considered. Mission-oriented analysis, systems analysis, and conceptual design studies are presented.

Analyzing the texture changes in the quantitative phase maps of adipocytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roitshtain, Darina; Sharabani-Yosef, Orna; Gefen, Amit; Shaked, Natan T.

2016-03-01

We present a new analysis tool for studying texture changes in the quantitative phase maps of live cells acquired by wide-field interferometry. The sensitivity of wide-field interferometry systems to small changes in refractive index enables visualizing cells and inner cell organelles without the using fluorescent dyes or other cell-invasive approaches, which may affect the measurement and require external labeling. Our label-free texture-analysis tool is based directly on the optical path delay profile of the sample and does not necessitate decoupling refractive index and thickness in the cell quantitative phase profile; thus, relevant parameters can be calculated using a single-frame acquisition. Our experimental system includes low-coherence wide-field interferometer, combined with simultaneous florescence microscopy system for validation. We used this system and analysis tool for studying lipid droplets formation in adipocytes. The latter demonstration is relevant for various cellular functions such as lipid metabolism, protein storage and degradation to viral replication. These processes are functionally linked to several physiological and pathological conditions, including obesity and metabolic diseases. Quantification of these biological phenomena based on the texture changes in the cell phase map has a potential as a new cellular diagnosis tool.

Midcourse Guidance Study for Tactical Guided Weapons. Volume I. Survey and Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-08-01

relatively moderate when compared to air intercept guidance requirements.) The alignment phase involved the comparison of gyrocom- passing (using... phase of flight for discrete updates. The AFBGW aero and guidance configuration is derived from current Air Force glide weapon concepts. The AFBGW... comparable midcourse flight phase . Harpoon and Standard Arm represent performance levels similar to the AFBGW requirements, but differences in

Multi-temporal InSAR analysis to reduce uncertainties and assess time-dependence of deformation in the northern Chilean forearc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manjunath, D.; Gomez, F.; Loveless, J.

2005-12-01

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) provides unprecedented spatial imaging of crustal deformation. However, for small deformations, such as those due to interseismic strain accumulation, potentially significant uncertainty may result from other sources of interferometric phase, such as atmospheric effects, errors in satellite baseline, and height errors in the reference digital elevation model (DEM). We aim to constrain spatial and temporal variations in crustal deformation of the northern Chilean forearc region of the Andean subduction zone (19° - 22°S) using multiple interferograms spanning 1995 - 2000. The study area includes the region of the 1995 Mw 8.1 Antofagasta earthquake and the region to the north. In contrast to previous InSAR-based studies of the Chilean forearc, we seek to distinguish interferometric phase contributions from linear and nonlinear deformation, height errors in the DEM, and atmospheric effects. Understanding these phase contributions reduces the uncertainties on the deformation rates and provides a view of the time-dependence of deformation. The inteferograms cover a 150 km-wide swath spanning two adjacent orbital tracks. Our study involves the analysis of more than 28 inteferograms along each track. Coherent interferograms in the hyper-arid Atacama Desert permit spatial phase unwrapping. Initial estimates of topographic phase were determined using 3'' DEM data from the SRTM mission. We perform a pixel-by-pixel analysis of the unwrapped phase to identify time- and baseline-dependent phase contributions, using the Gamma Remote Sensing radar software. Atmospheric phase, non-linear deformation, and phase noise were further distinguished using a combination of spatial and temporal filters. Non-linear deformation is evident for up to 2.5 years following the 1995 earthquake, followed by a return to time-linear, interseismic strain accumulation. The regional trend of linear deformation, characterized by coastal subsidence and relative uplift inland, is consistent with the displacement field expected for a locked subduction zone. Our improved determination of deformation rates is used to formulate a new elastic model of interseismic strain in the Chilean forearc.

Labeled carbon dioxide (C18O2): an indicator gas for phase II in expirograms.

PubMed

Schulz, Holger; Schulz, Anne; Eder, Gunter; Heyder, Joachim

2004-11-01

Carbon dioxide labeled with 18O (C18O2) was used as a tracer gas for single-breath measurements in six anesthetized, mechanically ventilated beagle dogs. C18O2 is taken up quasi-instantaneously in the gas-exchanging region of the lungs but much less so in the conducting airways. Its use allows a clear separation of phase II in an expirogram even from diseased individuals and excludes the influence of alveolar concentration differences. Phase II of a C18O2 expirogram mathematically corresponds to the cumulative distribution of bronchial pathways to be traversed completely in the course of exhalation. The derivative of this cumulative distribution with respect to respired volume was submitted to a power moment analysis to characterize volumetric mean (position), standard deviation (broadness), and skewness (asymmetry) of phase II. Position is an estimate of dead space volume, whereas broadness and skewness are measures of the range and asymmetry of functional airway pathway lengths. The effects of changing ventilatory patterns and of changes in airway size (via carbachol-induced bronchoconstriction) were studied. Increasing inspiratory or expiratory flow rates or tidal volume had only minor influence on position and shape of phase II. With the introduction of a postinspiratory breath hold, phase II was continually shifted toward the airway opening (maximum 45% at 16 s) and became steeper by up to 16%, whereas skewness showed a biphasic response with a moderate decrease at short breath holding and a significant increase at longer breath holds. Stepwise bronchoconstriction decreased position up to 45 +/- 2% and broadness of phase II up to 43 +/- 4%, whereas skewness was increased up to twofold at high-carbachol concentrations. Under all circumstances, position of phase II by power moment analysis and dead space volume by the Fowler technique agreed closely in our healthy dogs. Overall, power moment analysis provides a more comprehensive view on phase II of single-breath expirograms than conventional dead space volume determinations and may be useful for respiratory physiology studies as well as for the study of diseased lungs.

Study of the correlation properties of the surface structure of nc-Si/a-Si:H films with different fractions of the crystalline phase

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

Alpatov, A. V., E-mail: pgnv@mail.ru; Vikhrov, S. P.; Kazanskii, A. G.

The correlation properties of the structure of nc-Si/a-Si:H films with different volume fractions of the crystalline phase are studied using 2D detrended fluctuation analysis. Study of the surface relief of experimental samples showed that with increasing in volume fraction of the crystalline phase in the nc-Si/a-Si:H films, the size and number of nanoclusters on their surface grow. The size of Si nanocrystals in the a-Si:H matrix (6–8 nm) indicates the formation of coarse nanoclusters due to the self-organization of Si nanocrystals in groups under laser radiation. According to 2D detrended fluctuation analysis data, the number of correlation vectors (harmonic components)more » in the nc-Si/a-Si:H film structure increased with an increase in the nanocrystal fraction in the films.« less

Fundamental study for scattering suppression in biological tissue using digital phase-conjugate light with intensity modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toda, Sogo; Kato, Yuji; Kudo, Nobuki; Shimizu, Koichi

2017-04-01

For transillumination imaging of an animal body, we have attempted to suppress the scattering effect in a turbid medium. It is possible to restore the optical image before scattering using phase-conjugate light. We examined the effect of intensity information as well as the phase information for the restoration of the original light distribution. In an experimental analysis using animal tissue, the contributions of the phase- and the intensity-information to the image restoration through turbid medium were demonstrated.

Standard spacecraft economic analysis. Volume 2: Findings and conclusions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, E. D.; Large, J. P.

1976-01-01

The comparative program costs associated with use of various standardized spacecraft for Air Force space test program missions to be flown on the space shuttle were studied in two phases. In the first phase, a variety of procurement mixes composed of existing or programmed NASA standard spacecraft designs and an Air Force standard spacecraft design were considered. The second phase dealt with additional procurement options using an upgraded version of an existing NASA design. The results of both phases are discussed.

Evaluation of the Current Status of the Combinatorial Approach for the Study of Phase Diagrams

PubMed Central

Wong-Ng, W.

2012-01-01

This paper provides an evaluation of the effectiveness of using the high throughput combinatorial approach for preparing phase diagrams of thin film and bulk materials. Our evaluation is based primarily on examples of combinatorial phase diagrams that have been reported in the literature as well as based on our own laboratory experiments. Various factors that affect the construction of these phase diagrams are examined. Instrumentation and analytical approaches needed to improve data acquisition and data analysis are summarized. PMID:26900530

Note: Dynamic analysis of a robotic fish motion with a caudal fin with vertical phase differences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Dongwon; Kim, Kyung-Soo; Kim, Soohyun; Kyung, Jinho; Lee, Sunghwi

2013-03-01

In this paper, a robotic fish with a caudal fin with vertical phase differences is studied, especially focusing on the energy consumption. Energies for thrusting a conventional robotic fish and one with caudal fin with vertical phase differences are obtained and compared each other. It is shown that a robotic fish with a caudal fin with vertical phase differences can save more energy, which implies the efficient thrusting via a vertically waving caudal fin.

Using cognitive work analysis to explore activity allocation within military domains.

PubMed

Jenkins, D P; Stanton, N A; Salmon, P M; Walker, G H; Young, M S

2008-06-01

Cognitive work analysis (CWA) is frequently advocated as an approach for the analysis of complex socio-technical systems. Much of the current CWA literature within the military domain pays particular attention to its initial phases; work domain analysis and contextual task analysis. Comparably, the analysis of the social and organisational constraints receives much less attention. Through the study of a helicopter mission planning system software tool, this paper describes an approach for investigating the constraints affecting the distribution of work. The paper uses this model to evaluate the potential benefits of the social and organisational analysis phase within a military context. The analysis shows that, through its focus on constraints, the approach provides a unique description of the factors influencing the social organisation within a complex domain. This approach appears to be compatible with existing approaches and serves as a validation of more established social analysis techniques. As part of the ergonomic design of mission planning systems, the social organisation and cooperation analysis phase of CWA provides a constraint-based description informing allocation of function between key actor groups. This approach is useful because it poses questions related to the transfer of information and optimum working practices.

Study of Ti 4+ substitution in ZrW 2O 8 negative thermal expansion materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Buysser, Klaartje; Van Driessche, Isabel; Putte, Bart Vande; Schaubroeck, Joseph; Hoste, Serge

2007-08-01

Powder XRD-analysis and thermo-mechanical analysis on sintered TiO 2-WO 3-ZrO 2 mixtures revealed the formation of Zr 1-xTi xW 2O 8 solid solutions. A noticeable decrease in unit cell parameter ' a' and in the order-disorder transition temperature could be seen in the case of Zr 1-xTi xW 2O 8 solid solutions. Studies performed on other ZrW 2O 8 solid solutions have attributed an increase in phase transition temperature to a decrease in free lattice volume, whereas a decrease in phase transition temperature was suggested to be due to the presence of a more disordered state. Our studies indicate that the phase transition temperature in our materials is strongly influenced by the bond dissociation energy of the substituting ion-oxygen bond. A decrease in bond strength may compensate for the effect of a decrease in lattice free volume, lowering the phase transition temperature as the degree of substitution by Ti 4+ increases. This hypothesis is proved by differential scanning calorimetry.

Data Envelopment Analysis: Measurement of Educational Efficiency in Texas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carter, Lacy

2012-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficiency of Texas public school districts through Data Envelopment Analysis. The Data Envelopment Analysis estimation method calculated and assigned efficiency scores to each of the 931 school districts considered in the study. The efficiency scores were utilized in two phases. First, the school…

Wirelessly Networked Digital Phased Array: Analysis and Development of a Phase Synchronization Concept

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA THESIS Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited WIRELESSLY NETWORKED...DIGITAL PHASED ARRAY: ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PHASE SYNCHRONIZATION CONCEPT by Micael Grahn September 2007 Thesis Advisor...September 2007 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED Master’s Thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Wirelessly Networked Digital Phased Array: Analysis and

Bifurcation study of phase oscillator systems with attractive and repulsive interaction.

PubMed

Burylko, Oleksandr; Kazanovich, Yakov; Borisyuk, Roman

2014-08-01

We study a model of globally coupled phase oscillators that contains two groups of oscillators with positive (synchronizing) and negative (desynchronizing) incoming connections for the first and second groups, respectively. This model was previously studied by Hong and Strogatz (the Hong-Strogatz model) in the case of a large number of oscillators. We consider a generalized Hong-Strogatz model with a constant phase shift in coupling. Our approach is based on the study of invariant manifolds and bifurcation analysis of the system. In the case of zero phase shift, various invariant manifolds are analytically described and a new dynamical mode is found. In the case of a nonzero phase shift we obtained a set of bifurcation diagrams for various systems with three or four oscillators. It is shown that in these cases system dynamics can be complex enough and include multistability and chaotic oscillations.

Bifurcation study of phase oscillator systems with attractive and repulsive interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burylko, Oleksandr; Kazanovich, Yakov; Borisyuk, Roman

2014-08-01

We study a model of globally coupled phase oscillators that contains two groups of oscillators with positive (synchronizing) and negative (desynchronizing) incoming connections for the first and second groups, respectively. This model was previously studied by Hong and Strogatz (the Hong-Strogatz model) in the case of a large number of oscillators. We consider a generalized Hong-Strogatz model with a constant phase shift in coupling. Our approach is based on the study of invariant manifolds and bifurcation analysis of the system. In the case of zero phase shift, various invariant manifolds are analytically described and a new dynamical mode is found. In the case of a nonzero phase shift we obtained a set of bifurcation diagrams for various systems with three or four oscillators. It is shown that in these cases system dynamics can be complex enough and include multistability and chaotic oscillations.

Phased-mission system analysis using Boolean algebraic methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Somani, Arun K.; Trivedi, Kishor S.

1993-01-01

Most reliability analysis techniques and tools assume that a system is used for a mission consisting of a single phase. However, multiple phases are natural in many missions. The failure rates of components, system configuration, and success criteria may vary from phase to phase. In addition, the duration of a phase may be deterministic or random. Recently, several researchers have addressed the problem of reliability analysis of such systems using a variety of methods. A new technique for phased-mission system reliability analysis based on Boolean algebraic methods is described. Our technique is computationally efficient and is applicable to a large class of systems for which the failure criterion in each phase can be expressed as a fault tree (or an equivalent representation). Our technique avoids state space explosion that commonly plague Markov chain-based analysis. A phase algebra to account for the effects of variable configurations and success criteria from phase to phase was developed. Our technique yields exact (as opposed to approximate) results. The use of our technique was demonstrated by means of an example and present numerical results to show the effects of mission phases on the system reliability.

Development of a scale for attitude toward condom use for migrant workers in India.

PubMed

Talukdar, Arunansu; Bal, Runa; Sanyal, Debasis; Roy, Krishnendu; Talukdar, Payel Sengupta

2008-02-01

The propaganda for the use of condoms remains one of the mainstay for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. In spite of the proven efficacy of condom, some moral, social and psychological obstacles are still prevalent, hindering the use of condoms. The study tried to construct a short condom-attitude scale for use among the migrant workers, a major bridge population in India. The study was conducted among the male migrant workers who were 18-49 years old, sexually active and had heard about condoms and were engaged in nonformal jobs. We recruited 234 and 280 candidates for Phase 1 and Phase 2 respectively. Ten items from the original 40-item Brown's ATC (attitude towards condom) scale were selected in Phase 1. After analysis of Phase 1 results, using principal component analysis six items were found appropriate for measuring attitude towards condom use. These six items were then administered in another group in Phase 2. Utilizing Pearson's correlations, scale items were examined in terms of their mean response scores and the correlation matrix between items. Cornbach's alpha and construct validity were also assessed for the entire sample. Study subjects were categorized as condom users and nonusers. The scale structure was explored by analyzing response scores with respect to the items, using principal component analysis followed by varimax rotation analysis. Principal component analysis revealed that the first factor accounted for 71% of the variance, with eigenvalue greater than one. Eigenvalues of the second factor was less than one. Application of screen test suggests only one factor was dominant. Mean score of six items among condom users was 20.45 and that among nonusers was 16.67, which was statistically significant (P<0.01). Cornbach's alpha coefficient was 0.92. This tailor-made attitude-toward-condom-use scale, targeted for most vulnerable people in India, can be included in any rapid survey for assessing the existing beliefs and attitudes toward condoms and also for evaluating efficacy of an intervention program.

Structural and magnetic properties of nanocomposite iron-containing SiCxNy films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pushkarev, R. V.; Fainer, N. I.; Maurya, K. K.

2017-02-01

New ferromagnetic films with composition SiCxNyFez were synthesized using chemical vapor deposition technique. Films were deposited using ferrocene, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and hydrogen gaseous mixture. Chemical and phase composition of the films were studied by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction with grazing incidence (GI-XRD). FTIR spectra analysis confirmed the existence of Si-C and Si-N bonds. Graphite inclusions and amorphous carbon were determined by Raman spectra analysis. The surface of the SiCxNyFez films studied by SEM is covered by nanocrystallites of iron oxide Fe3O4 phase. The main purpose of GI-XRD analysis is to describe the layered structure of the films in detail. It was shown by GI-XRD study, that phase composition of the SiCxNyFez films varies from iron oxide Fe3O4 to iron silicide Fe3Si and silicon carbide SiC with the deposition temperature growing. It was established, that SiCxNyFez films are perspective for application in the spintronic field.

ENSO Related Inter-Annual Lightning Variability from the Full TRMM LIS Lightning Climatology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clark, Austin; Cecil, Daniel

2018-01-01

The El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) contributes to inter-annual variability of lightning production more than any other atmospheric oscillation. This study further investigated how ENSO phase affects lightning production in the tropics and subtropics using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS). Lightning data were averaged into mean annual warm, cold, and neutral 'years' for analysis of the different phases and compared to model reanalysis data. An examination of the regional sensitivities and preliminary analysis of three locations was conducted using model reanalysis data to determine the leading convective mechanisms in these areas and how they might respond to the ENSO phases

Phase II cancer clinical trials for biomarker-guided treatments.

PubMed

Jung, Sin-Ho

2018-01-01

The design and analysis of cancer clinical trials with biomarker depend on various factors, such as the phase of trials, the type of biomarker, whether the used biomarker is validated or not, and the study objectives. In this article, we demonstrate the design and analysis of two Phase II cancer clinical trials, one with a predictive biomarker and the other with an imaging prognostic biomarker. Statistical testing methods and their sample size calculation methods are presented for each trial. We assume that the primary endpoint of these trials is a time to event variable, but this concept can be used for any type of endpoint.

Exploratory double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled extension study of edaravone (MCI-186) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PubMed

2017-10-01

Following the first phase III study of edaravone for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), this extension study was performed to evaluate longer-term efficacy and safety. Patients given edaravone in the first 24-week phase III study (Cycles 1-6) were randomised to edaravone (E-E) or placebo (E-P) in the subsequent 24-week double-blind period (Cycles 7-12). Patients given placebo in phase III were switched to edaravone (P-E). Subsequently, all patients received edaravone for 12 weeks (Cycles 13-15). Efficacy endpoints included revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R) score. Analysis populations were the full analysis set (FAS) and the efficacy-expected subpopulation (EESP) defined by post-hoc analysis of the first phase III study. The least-squares mean and standard error of the intergroup difference (E-E vs. E-P) of change in the ALSFRS-R score from Cycles 7-12 was 1.16 ± 0.93 (p = 0.2176) in the FAS, and 1.85 ± 1.14 (p = 0.1127) in the EESP. The ALSFRS-R score changed almost linearly in the E-E group throughout Cycles 1-15 (60 weeks). The incidence of serious adverse events associated with ALS progression was higher in E-E than in E-P. Edaravone might have potential efficacy for up to 15 cycles when used to treat patients in the EESP with careful safety monitoring.

Mission Analysis for the Don Quijote Phase-A Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cano, Juan L.; Sanchez, Mariano; Cornara, Stefania; Carnelli, Ian

2007-01-01

The Don Quijote Phase-A study is a definition study funded by ESA and devoted to the analysis of the possibilities to deflect a Near Earth Object (NEO) in the range of 300-800 m diameter. DEIMOS Space S.L. and EADS Astrium have teamed up within this study to form one of the three consortia that have analyzed these aspects for ESA. Target asteroids for the mission are 1989 ML, 2002 AT4 and Apophis. This paper presents the mission analysis activities within the consortium providing: low-thrust interplanetary rendezvous Orbiter trajectories to the target asteroids, ballistic interplanetary trajectories for the Impactor, Orbiter arrival description at the asteroids, Orbiter stable orbits characterization at the asteroid, deflection determination by means of a Radio Science Experiment (RSE) as well as the mission timelines and overall mission scenarios.

Solid-state diffusion-controlled growth of the phases in the Au-Sn system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baheti, Varun A.; Kashyap, Sanjay; Kumar, Praveen; Chattopadhyay, Kamanio; Paul, Aloke

2018-01-01

The solid state diffusion-controlled growth of the phases is studied for the Au-Sn system in the range of room temperature to 200 °C using bulk and electroplated diffusion couples. The number of product phases in the interdiffusion zone decreases with the decrease in annealing temperature. These phases grow with significantly high rates even at the room temperature. The growth rate of the AuSn4 phase is observed to be higher in the case of electroplated diffusion couple because of the relatively small grains and hence high contribution of the grain boundary diffusion when compared to the bulk diffusion couple. The diffraction pattern analysis indicates the same equilibrium crystal structure of the phases in these two types of diffusion couples. The analysis in the AuSn4 phase relating the estimated tracer diffusion coefficients with grain size, crystal structure, the homologous temperature of experiments and the concept of the sublattice diffusion mechanism in the intermetallic compounds indicate that Au diffuses mainly via the grain boundaries, whereas Sn diffuses via both the grain boundaries and the lattice.

Phase-plane analysis of the totally asymmetric simple exclusion process with binding kinetics and switching between antiparallel lanes

PubMed Central

Kuan, Hui-Shun; Betterton, Meredith D.

2016-01-01

Motor protein motion on biopolymers can be described by models related to the totally asymmetric simple exclusion process (TASEP). Inspired by experiments on the motion of kinesin-4 motors on antiparallel microtubule overlaps, we analyze a model incorporating the TASEP on two antiparallel lanes with binding kinetics and lane switching. We determine the steady-state motor density profiles using phase-plane analysis of the steady-state mean field equations and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations. We focus on the density-density phase plane, where we find an analytic solution to the mean field model. By studying the phase-space flows, we determine the model’s fixed points and their changes with parameters. Phases previously identified for the single-lane model occur for low switching rate between lanes. We predict a multiple coexistence phase due to additional fixed points that appear as the switching rate increases: switching moves motors from the higher-density to the lower-density lane, causing local jamming and creating multiple domain walls. We determine the phase diagram of the model for both symmetric and general boundary conditions. PMID:27627345

Relationship between Acute Phase of Chronic Periodontitis and Meteorological Factors in the Maintenance Phase of Periodontal Treatment: A Pilot Study.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Noriko; Ekuni, Daisuke; Tomofuji, Takaaki; Morita, Manabu

2015-08-05

The acute phase of chronic periodontitis may occur even in patients during supportive periodontal therapy. However, the details are not fully understood. Since the natural environment, including meteorology affects human health, we hypothesized that weather conditions may affect occurrence of acute phase of chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between weather conditions and acute phase of chronic periodontitis in patients under supportive periodontal therapy. Patients who were diagnosed with acute phase of chronic periodontitis under supportive periodontal therapy during 2011-2013 were selected for this study. We performed oral examinations and collected questionnaires and meteorological data. Of 369 patients who experienced acute phase of chronic periodontitis, 153 had acute phase of chronic periodontitis without direct-triggered episodes. When using the autoregressive integrated moving average model of time-series analysis, the independent covariant of maximum hourly range of barometric pressure, maximum hourly range of temperature, and maximum daily wind speed were significantly associated with occurrence of acute phase of chronic periodontitis (p < 0.05), and 3.1% of the variations in these occurrence over the study period were explained by these factors. Meteorological variables may predict occurrence of acute phase of chronic periodontitis.

Pilot study assessing differentiation of steatosis hepatis, hepatic iron overload, and combined disease using two-point dixon MRI at 3 T: in vitro and in vivo results of a 2D decomposition technique.

PubMed

Boll, Daniel T; Marin, Daniele; Redmon, Grace M; Zink, Stephen I; Merkle, Elmar M

2010-04-01

The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether two-point Dixon MRI using a 2D decomposition technique facilitates metabolite differentiation between lipids and iron in standardized in vitro liver phantoms with in vivo patient validation and allows semiquantitative in vitro assessment of metabolites associated with steatosis, iron overload, and combined disease. The acrylamide-based phantoms were made to reproduce the T1- and T2-weighted MRI appearances of physiologic hepatic parenchyma and hepatic steatosis-iron overload by the admixture of triglycerides and ferumoxides. Combined disease was simulated using joint admixtures of triglycerides and ferumoxides at various concentrations. For phantom validation, 30 patients were included, of whom 10 had steatosis, 10 had iron overload, and 10 had no liver disease. For MRI an in-phase/opposed-phase T1-weighted sequence with TR/TE(opposed-phase)/TE(in-phase) of 4.19/1.25/2.46 was used. Fat/water series were obtained by Dixon-based algorithms. In-phase and opposed-phase and fat/water ratios were calculated. Statistical cluster analysis assessed ratio pairs of physiologic liver, steatosis, iron overload, and combined disease in 2D metabolite discrimination plots. Statistical assessment proved that metabolite decomposition in phantoms simulating steatosis (1.77|0.22; in-phase/opposed-phase|fat/water ratios), iron overload (0.75|0.21), and healthy control subjects (1.09|0.05) formed three clusters with distinct ratio pairs. Patient validation for hepatic steatosis (3.29|0.51), iron overload (0.56|0.41), and normal control subjects (0.99|0.05) confirmed this clustering (p < 0.001). One-dimensional analysis assessing in vitro combined disease only with in-phase/opposed-phase ratios would have failed to characterize metabolites. The 2D analysis plotting in-phase/opposed-phase and fat/water ratios (2.16|0.59) provided accurate semiquantitative metabolite decomposition (p < 0.001). MR Dixon imaging facilitates metabolite decomposition of intrahepatic lipids and iron using in vitro phantoms with in vivo patient validation. The proposed decomposition technique identified distinct in-phase/opposed-phase and fat/water ratios for in vitro steatosis, iron overload, and combined disease.

Phenotypic diversity of diploid and haploid Emiliania huxleyi cells and of cells in different growth phases revealed by comparative metabolomics.

PubMed

Mausz, Michaela A; Pohnert, Georg

2015-01-01

In phytoplankton a high species diversity of microalgae co-exists at a given time. But diversity is not only reflected by the species composition. Within these species different life phases as well as different metabolic states can cause additional diversity. One important example is the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi. Diploid cells play an important role in marine ecosystems since they can form massively abundant algal blooms but in addition the less abundant haploid life phase of E. huxleyi occurs in lower quantities. Both life phases may fulfill different functions in the plankton. We hypothesize that in addition to the functional diversity caused by this life phase transition the growth stage of cells can also influence the metabolic composition and thus the ecological impact of E. huxleyi. Here we introduce a metabolomic survey in dependence of life phases as well as different growth phases to reveal such changes. The comparative metabolomic approach is based on the extraction of intracellular metabolites from intact microalgae, derivatization and analysis by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Automated data processing and statistical analysis using canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP) revealed unique metabolic profiles for each life phase. Concerning the correlations of metabolites to growth phases, complex patterns were observed. As for example the saccharide mannitol showed its highest concentration in the exponential phase, whereas fatty acids were correlated to stationary and sterols to declining phase. These results are indicative for specific ecological roles of these stages of E. huxleyi and are discussed in the context of previous physiological and ecological studies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Unusual structural phase transition in [N(C2H5)4][N(CH3)4][ZnBr4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krawczyk, Monika K.; Ingram, Adam; Cach, Ryszard; Czapla, Zbigniew; Czupiński, Olaf; Dacko, Sławomir; Staniorowski, Piotr

2018-04-01

The new hybrid organic-inorganic crystal [N(C2H5)4][N(CH3)4][ZnBr4] was grown and its physical properties and structural phase transition are presented. On the basis of thermal analysis (DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), DTA (differential thermal analysis), DTG), X-ray structural, dilatometric and dielectric studies as well as optical observation, the reversible first-order phase transition at 490/488 K on heating and cooling run, respectively, has been found. An appearance of domain structure of ferroelastic type gives evidence for an untypical lowering of crystal symmetry during the phase transition. At room temperature, the satisfying crystal structure solution was found in the tetragonal system, in the P?21m space group.

Finite size scaling analysis on Nagel-Schreckenberg model for traffic flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balouchi, Ashkan; Browne, Dana

2015-03-01

The traffic flow problem as a many-particle non-equilibrium system has caught the interest of physicists for decades. Understanding the traffic flow properties and though obtaining the ability to control the transition from the free-flow phase to the jammed phase plays a critical role in the future world of urging self-driven cars technology. We have studied phase transitions in one-lane traffic flow through the mean velocity, distributions of car spacing, dynamic susceptibility and jam persistence -as candidates for an order parameter- using the Nagel-Schreckenberg model to simulate traffic flow. The length dependent transition has been observed for a range of maximum velocities greater than a certain value. Finite size scaling analysis indicates power-law scaling of these quantities at the onset of the jammed phase.

Design and analysis of linear oscillatory single-phase permanent magnet generator for free-piston stirling engine systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jeong-Man; Choi, Jang-Young; Lee, Kyu-Seok; Lee, Sung-Ho

2017-05-01

This study focuses on the design and analysis of a linear oscillatory single-phase permanent magnet generator for free-piston stirling engine (FPSE) systems. In order to implement the design of linear oscillatory generator (LOG) for suitable FPSEs, we conducted electromagnetic analysis of LOGs with varying design parameters. Then, detent force analysis was conducted using assisted PM. Using the assisted PM gave us the advantage of using mechanical strength by detent force. To improve the efficiency, we conducted characteristic analysis of eddy-current loss with respect to the PM segment. Finally, the experimental result was analyzed to confirm the prediction of the FEA.

What the Tweets Say: A Critical Analysis of Twitter Research in Language Learning from 2009 to 2016

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hattem, David; Lomicka, Lara

2016-01-01

This study presents an overview and critical analysis of the literature related to Twitter and language learning published from 2009 to 2016. Seventeen studies were selected for inclusion based on a four-phase identification procedure, which helped us to identify published studies that resulted in a content analysis of themes in the articles…

SOLID PROPELLANT COMBUSTION MECHANISM STUDIES.

DTIC Science & Technology

SOLID ROCKET PROPELLANTS, BURNING RATE), LOW PRESSURE, COMBUSTION PRODUCTS, QUENCHING, THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY, KINETIC THEORY, SURFACE PROPERTIES, PHASE STUDIES, SOLIDS, GASES, PYROLYSIS, MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS.

Analysis of force profile during a maximum voluntary isometric contraction task.

PubMed

Househam, Elizabeth; McAuley, John; Charles, Thompson; Lightfoot, Timothy; Swash, Michael

2004-03-01

This study analyses maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and its measurement by recording the force profile during maximal-effort, 7-s hand-grip contractions. Six healthy subjects each performed three trials repeated at short intervals to study variation from fatigue. These three trials were performed during three separate sessions at daily intervals to look at random variation. A pattern of force development during a trial was identified. An initiation phase, with or without an initiation peak, was followed by a maintenance phase, sometimes with secondary pulses and an underlying decline in force. Of these three MVIC parameters, maximum force during the maintenance phase showed less random variability compared to intertrial fatigue variability than did maximum force during the initiation phase or absolute maximum force. Analysis of MVIC as a task, rather than a single, maximal value reveals deeper levels of motor control in its generation. Thus, force parameters other than the absolute maximum force may be better suited to quantification of muscle performance in health and disease.

Hexagonal OsB 2: Sintering, microstructure and mechanical properties

DOE PAGES

Xie, Zhilin; Lugovy, Mykola; Orlovskaya, Nina; ...

2015-02-07

In this study, the metastable high pressure ReB 2-type hexagonal OsB 2 bulk ceramics was produced by spark plasma sintering. The phase composition, microstructure, and mechanical behavior of the sintered OsB 2 were studied by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, TEM, SEM, EDS, and nanoindentation. The produced ceramics was rather porous and contained a mixture of hexagonal (~80 wt.%) and orthorhombic (~20 wt.%) phases as identified by X-ray diffraction and EBSD analysis. Two boron-rich phases, which do not contain Os, were also identified by TEM and SEM/EDS analysis. Nanoindentation measurements yielded a hardness of 31 ± 9 GPa and Young’s modulusmore » of 574 ± 112 GPa, indicating that the material is rather hard and very stiff; but, it is very prone to crack formation and propagation, which is indicative of a very brittle nature of this material. Improvements in the sintering regime are required in order to produce dense, homogeneous and single phase hexagonal OsB 2 bulk ceramics.« less

Using the analytical hierarchy process to assess the environmental vulnerabilities of basins in Taiwan.

PubMed

Chang, Chia-Ling; Chao, Yu-Chi

2012-05-01

Every year, Taiwan endures typhoons and earthquakes; these natural hazards often induce landslides and debris flows. Therefore, watershed management strategies must consider the environmental vulnerabilities of local basins. Because many factors affect basin ecosystems, this study applied multiple criteria analysis and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate seven criteria in three phases (geographic phase, hydrologic phase, and societal phase). This study focused on five major basins in Taiwan: the Tan-Shui River Basin, the Ta-Chia River Basin, the Cho-Shui River Basin, the Tseng-Wen River Basin, and the Kao-Ping River Basin. The objectives were a comprehensive examination of the environmental characteristics of these basins and a comprehensive assessment of their environmental vulnerabilities. The results of a survey and AHP analysis showed that landslide area is the most important factor for basin environmental vulnerability. Of all these basins, the Cho-Shui River Basin in central Taiwan has the greatest environmental vulnerability.

Experimental study and thermodynamic modeling of the Al–Co–Cr–Ni system

DOE PAGES

Gheno, Thomas; Liu, Xuan L.; Lindwall, Greta; ...

2015-09-21

In this study, a thermodynamic database for the Al–Co–Cr–Ni system is built via the Calphad method by extrapolating re-assessed ternary subsystems. A minimum number of quaternary parameters are included, which are optimized using experimental phase equilibrium data obtained by electron probe micro-analysis and x-ray diffraction analysis of NiCoCrAlY alloys spanning a wide compositional range, after annealing at 900 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C, and water quenching. These temperatures are relevant to oxidation and corrosion resistant MCrAlY coatings, where M corresponds to some combination of nickel and cobalt. Comparisons of calculated and measured phase compositions show excellent agreement for themore » β–γ equilibrium, and good agreement for three-phase β–γ–σ and β–γ–α equilibria. An extensive comparison with existing Ni-base databases (TCNI6, TTNI8, NIST) is presented in terms of phase compositions.« less

The Slug and Churn Turbulence Characteristics of Oil-Gas-Water Flows in a Vertical Small Pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Weixin; Han, Yunfeng; Wang, Dayang; Zhao, An; Jin, Ningde

2017-08-01

The intention of the present study was to investigate the slug and churn turbulence characteristics of a vertical upward oil-gas-water three-phase flow. We firstly carried out a vertical upward oil-gas-water three-phase flow experiment in a 20-mm inner diameter (ID) pipe to measure the fluctuating signals of a rotating electric field conductance sensor under different flow patterns. Afterwards, typical flow patterns were identified with the aid of the texture structures in a cross recurrence plot. Recurrence quantitative analysis and multi-scale cross entropy (MSCE) algorithms were applied to investigate the turbulence characteristics of slug and churn flows with the varying flow parameters. The results suggest that with cross nonlinear analysis, the underlying dynamic characteristics in the evolution from slug to churn flow can be well understood. The present study provides a novel perspective for the analysis of the spatial-temporal evolution instability and complexity in oil-gas-water three-phase flow.

Raman spectra and phase transitions in Rb{sub 2}KInF{sub 6} elpasolite

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

Krylov, A. S.; Krylova, S. N., E-mail: slanky@iph.krasn.ru; Vtyurin, A. N.

2011-01-15

The Raman spectra of Rb{sub 2}KInF{sub 6} elpasolite crystal have been studied in a wide temperature range, including two phase transitions: from the cubic phase to the tetragonal phase and then to the monoclinic phase. Several anomalies of internal modes of InF{sub 6} octahedra and low-frequency lattice vibrations, which are related to the structural changes at the transition points, have been found and quantitatively analyzed. The results of a quantitative analysis of the temperature dependences of the parameters of spectral lines are in good agreement with the thermodynamic data on the phase transitions.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patiromer and Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate: A New Armamentarium for the Treatment of Hyperkalemia.

PubMed

Meaney, Calvin J; Beccari, Mario V; Yang, Yang; Zhao, Jiwei

2017-04-01

To compare and contrast the efficacy and safety of patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (ZS-9) in the treatment of hyperkalemia. A systematic review and meta-analysis of phase II and III clinical trial data was completed. Eight studies (two phase II and four phase III trials with two subgroup analyses) were included in the qualitative analysis, and six studies (two phase II and four phase III trials) were included in the meta-analysis. Significant heterogeneity was found in the meta-analysis with an I 2 value ranging from 80.6-99.6%. A random-effects meta-analysis was applied for all end points. Each clinical trial stratified results by hyperkalemia severity and dosing; therefore, these were considered separate treatment groups in the meta-analysis. For patiromer, a significant -0.70 mEq/L (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.48 to -0.91 mEq/L) change was noted in potassium at 4 weeks. At day 3 of patiromer treatment, potassium change was -0.36 mEq/L (range of standard deviation 0.07-0.30). The primary end point for ZS-9-change in potassium at 48 hours-was -0.67 mEq/L (95% CI -0.45 to -0.89 mEq/L). By 1 hour after ZS-9 administration, change in potassium was -0.17 mEq/L (95% CI -0.05 to -0.30). Analysis of pooled adverse effects from these trials indicates that patiromer was associated with more gastrointestinal upset (7.6% constipation, 4.5% diarrhea) and electrolyte depletion (7.1% hypomagnesemia), whereas ZS-9 was associated with the adverse effects of urinary tract infections (1.1%) and edema (0.9%). Patiromer and ZS-9 represent significant pharmacologic advancements in the treatment of hyperkalemia. Both agents exhibited statistically and clinically significant reductions in potassium for the primary end point of this meta-analysis. Given the adverse effect profile and the observed time-dependent effects, ZS-9 may play more of a role in treating acute hyperkalemia. © 2017 Pharmacotherapy Publications, Inc.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patiromer and Sodium Zirconium Cyclosilicate: A New Armamentarium for the Treatment of Hyperkalemia

PubMed Central

Meaney, Calvin J.; Beccari, Mario V.; Yang, Yang; Zhao, Jiwei

2017-01-01

Objective To compare and contrast the efficacy and safety of patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate (ZS-9) in the treatment of hyperkalemia. Design A systematic review and meta-analysis of phase II and III clinical trial data was completed. Patients or Participants Eight studies (2 phase II and 4 phase III trials with 2 subgroup analyses) were included in the qualitative analysis whereas six studies (2 phase II and 4 phase III trials) were included in the meta-analysis. Measurements and Results There was significant heterogeneity in the meta-analysis with an I2 value ranging from 80.6–99.6%. A random-effects meta-analysis was applied for all endpoints. Each clinical trial stratified results by hyperkalemia severity and dosing; therefore, these were considered separate treatment groups in the meta-analysis. For patiromer, there was a significant −0.70mEq/L (95% confidence interval [CI] −0.48 to −0.91mEq/L) change in potassium at 4 weeks. At day 3 of patiromer treatment, potassium change was −0.36mEq/L (range of standard deviation: 0.07 to 0.30). The primary endpoint for ZS-9-- change in potassium at 48 hours-- was −0.67mEq/L (95% CI −0.45 to −0.89mEq/L). By 1 hour after ZS-9 administration, change in potassium was −0.17mEq/L (95% CI −0.05 to −0.30). Analysis of pooled adverse effects from these trials indicates that patiromer was associated with more gastrointestinal upset (7.6% constipation, 4.5% diarrhea) and electrolyte depletion (7.1% hypomagnesemia), whereas ZS-9 was associated with adverse effects of urinary tract infections (1.1%) and edema (0.9%). Conclusion Patiromer and ZS-9 represent significant pharmacologic advancements in the treatment of hyperkalemia. Both agents exhibited statistically and clinically significant reductions in potassium for the primary endpoint of this meta-analysis. Given the adverse effect profile and the observed time dependent effects, ZS-9 may play more of a role in treating acute hyperkalemia. PMID:28122118

Comparative study viruses with computer-aided phase microscope AIRYSCAN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tychinsky, Vladimir P.; Koufal, Georgy E.; Perevedentseva, Elena V.; Vyshenskaia, Tatiana V.

1996-12-01

Traditionally viruses are studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after complicated procedure of sample preparation without the possibility to study it under natural conditions. We obtained images of viruses (Vaccinia virus, Rotavirus) and rickettsias (Rickettsia provazekii, Coxiella burnetti) in native state with computer-aided phase microscope airyscan -- the interference microscope of Linnik layout with phase modulation of the reference wave with dissector image tube as coordinate-sensitive photodetector and computer processing of phase image. A light source was the He-Ne laser. The main result is coincidence of dimensions and shape of phase images with available information concerning their morphology obtained with SEM and other methods. The fine structure of surface and nuclei is observed. This method may be applied for virus recognition and express identification, investigation of virus structure and the analysis of cell-virus interaction.

Finite element analysis of the tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation during oxidation of zirconium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Platt, P.; Frankel, P.; Gass, M.; Howells, R.; Preuss, M.

2014-11-01

Corrosion is a key limiting factor in the degradation of zirconium alloys in light water reactors. Developing a mechanistic understanding of the corrosion process offers a route towards improving safety and efficiency as demand increases for higher burn-up of fuel. Oxides formed on zirconium alloys are composed of both monoclinic and meta-stable tetragonal phases, and are subject to a number of potential mechanical degradation mechanisms. The work presented investigates the link between the tetragonal to monoclinic oxide phase transformation and degradation of the protective character of the oxide layer. To achieve this, Abaqus finite element analysis of the oxide phase transformation has been carried out. Study of the change in transformation strain energy shows how relaxation of oxidation induced stress and fast fracture at the metal-oxide interface could destabilise the tetragonal phase. Central to this is the identification of the transformation variant most likely to form, and understanding why twinning of the transformed grain is likely to occur. Development of transformation strain tensors and analysis of the strain components allows some separation of dilatation and shear effects. Maximum principal stress is used as an indication of fracture in the surrounding oxide layer. Study of the stress distributions shows the way oxide fracture is likely to occur and the differing effects of dilatation and shape change. Comparison with literature provides qualitative validation of the finite element simulations.

Formation of the molecular crystal structure during the vacuum sublimation of paracetamol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyaev, A. P.; Rubets, V. P.; Antipov, V. V.; Bordei, N. S.

2015-04-01

The results from structural and thermal studies on the formation of molecular crystals during the vacuum sublimation of paracetamol from its vapor phase are given. It is established that the vapor-crystal phase transition proceeds in a complicated way as the superposition of two phase transitions: a first-order phase transition with a change in density, and a second-order phase transition with a change in ordering. It is shown that the latter is a smeared phase transition that proceeds with the formation of a pretransitional phase that is irreversibly dissipated during phase transformation, leading to the formation of crystals of the rhombic syngony. Data from differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis are presented along with microphotographs.

Mathematical Development and Computational Analysis of Harmonic Phase-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (HARP-MRI) Based on Bloch Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Diffusion Model for Myocardial Motion.

PubMed

Dada, Michael O; Jayeoba, Babatunde; Awojoyogbe, Bamidele O; Uno, Uno E; Awe, Oluseyi E

2017-09-13

Harmonic Phase-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (HARP-MRI) is a tagged image analysis method that can measure myocardial motion and strain in near real-time and is considered a potential candidate to make magnetic resonance tagging clinically viable. However, analytical expressions of radially tagged transverse magnetization in polar coordinates (which is required to appropriately describe the shape of the heart) have not been explored because the physics required to directly connect myocardial deformation of tagged Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) transverse magnetization in polar geometry and the appropriate harmonic phase parameters are not yet available. The analytical solution of Bloch NMR diffusion equation in spherical geometry with appropriate spherical wave tagging function is important for proper analysis and monitoring of heart systolic and diastolic deformation with relevant boundary conditions. In this study, we applied Harmonic Phase MRI method to compute the difference between tagged and untagged NMR transverse magnetization based on the Bloch NMR diffusion equation and obtained radial wave tagging function for analysis of myocardial motion. The analytical solution of the Bloch NMR equations and the computational simulation of myocardial motion as developed in this study are intended to significantly improve healthcare for accurate diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cardiovascular related deceases at the lowest cost because MRI scan is still one of the most expensive anywhere. The analysis is fundamental and significant because all Magnetic Resonance Imaging techniques are based on the Bloch NMR flow equations.

Correlation of cetuximab-induced skin rash and outcomes of solid tumor patients treated with cetuximab: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Abdel-Rahman, Omar; Fouad, Mona

2015-02-01

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the correlation between cetuximab-induced skin rash and outcomes of solid tumor patients treated with cetuximab. Eligible studies included phase I, II and III trials of patients with solid tumors on cetuximab; describing events of skin rash and correlating skin rash with overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS) and/or overall response rate (ORR). Our search strategy yielded 409 potentially relevant citations on CETUXIMAB from Pubmed/Medline, CENTRAL Cochrane registry and ASCO meeting library. After exclusion of ineligible studies, a total of 13 clinical trials were considered eligible for the meta-analysis, including 4 phase III trials, 8 phase II trials and one phase I trial. The occurrence of cetuximab-induced rash in patients was highly associated with improvements in PFS (HR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.63-0.86, P<0.0002), OS (HR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.47-0.76, P<0.0001), and ORR (RR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.26-1.81, P<0.00001), as compared to patients without rash. Exploratory subgroup analysis showed no effect of tumor types on the RR of ORR. Our meta-analysis has demonstrated that cetuximab-induced rash is associated with a significantly improved OS, PFS and ORR. Cetuximab-induced skin rash may represent a prognostic factor in patients with advanced solid tumors. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Milestone in the NTB phase investigation and beyond: direct insight into molecular self-assembly.

PubMed

Ivšić, Trpimir; Vinković, Marijana; Baumeister, Ute; Mikleušević, Ana; Lesac, Andreja

2014-12-14

Although liquid-crystalline materials are most widely exploited for flat-panel displays, their ability to self-organize into periodically ordered nanostructures gives rise to a broad variety of additional applications. The recently discovered low-temperature nematic phase (N(TB)) with unusual characteristics generated considerable attention within the scientific community: despite the fact that the molecules from which the phase is composed are not chiral, the helicoidal structure of the phase is strongly implicated. Here we report on combined experimental, computational and spectroscopic studies of the structural aspects influencing formation of the N(TB) phase as well as on the molecular organization within the phase. In an extensive DFT study, the structure-property prerequisite was traced to a "bent-propeller" shape of the molecule. We also demonstrate the first utilization of liquid state NMR for direct analysis of intermolecular interactions within thermotropic liquid-crystalline phases, providing new insight into molecular packing that can lead towards design of novel chiral functional materials. The synergy of experimental, computational and NMR studies suggests a syn-parallel helical molecular organization within the N(TB) phase.

PRT Impact Study - Operational Phase : Volume 1. Travel Analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-03-01

Part of a three-volume work, this report describes the analysis performed on travel data collected for the Pre-PRT Impact Study. The data analyzed consist of travel behavior, travel patterns, model utilization and travel costs of various modes of tra...

PRT Impact Study Pre-PRT Phase : Volume 1. Travel Analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1976-03-01

Part of a three-volume work, this report describes the analysis performed on travel data collected for the Pre-PRT Impact Study. The data analyzed consist of travel behavior, travel patterns, model utilization and travel costs of various modes of tra...

Design and analysis of coherent OCDM en/decoder based on photonic crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chongfu; Qiu, Kun

2008-08-01

The design and performance analysis of a new coherent optical en/decoder based on photonic crystal (PhC) for optical code -division -multiple (OCDM) are presented in this paper. In this scheme, the optical pulse phase and time delay can be flexibly controlled by photonic crystal phase shifter and time delayer by using the appropriate design of fabrication. According to the PhC transmission matrix theorem, combination calculation of the impurity and normal period layers is applied, and performances of the PhC-based optical en/decoder are also analyzed. The reflection, transmission, time delay characteristic and optical spectrum of pulse en/decoded are studied for the waves tuned in the photonic band-gap by numerical calculation. Theoretical analysis and numerical results indicate that the optical pulse is achieved to properly phase modulation and time delay, and an auto-correlation of about 8 dB ration and cross-correlation is gained, which demonstrates the applicability of true pulse phase modulation in a number of applications.

From Theory to Practice: An Analysis of Multicultural Education in an American Pacific Island University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Kirk; Inoue, Yukiko

This study explored multicultural education at a minority university in the Pacific, the University of Guam. The study represented Phase 2 of a research project that began in 1999 with the goal of further understanding the practice of multicultural pedagogy in higher education. Phase 1 measured the attitudes and perceptions of faculty members…

Structure Evolution of BaTiO3 on Co Doping: X-ray diffraction and Raman study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mansuri, Amantulla; Mishra, Ashutosh

2016-10-01

In the present study, we have synthesize polycrystalline samples of BaTi1-xCoxO3 (x = 0, 0.05 and 0.1) with standard solid state reaction technique. The obtained samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. The detail structural analysis has been performed by Rietveld refinement using Fullprof program. The structural analysis reveal the samples are chemical pure and crystallize in tetragonal phase with space group Pm3m. We observe an increase in lattice parameters which results due to substitution of Co2+ with large ionic radii (0.9) for smaller ionic radii (0.6) Ti4+. Moreover peak at 45.5° shift to 45° on Co doping, which is due to structure phase transition from tetragonal to cubic. Raman study infers that the intensity of characteristic peaks decreases and linewidth increases with Co doping. The bands linked with the tetragonal structure (307 cm1) decreased due to the tetragonal-towards-cubic phase transition with Co doping. Our structural study reveals the expansion of BTO unit cell and tetragonal-to-cubic phase transformation takes place, results from different characterization techniques are conclusive and show structural evolution with Co doping.

Phase study and surface morphology of beta-alumina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tak, S. K.

2018-05-01

Beta alumina ceramic is well known as a polycrystalline ceramic material. The characteristic crystal structure of beta-alumina makes it useful as a separator in sodium sulphur batteries and other electrochemical devices requiring the passage of sodium ions. β"-alumina powders for this study were prepared by zeta process. The pellets were sintered at different microwave power levels and power schedule to optimize the sintering conditions to obtain preferred β" phase with improved microstructure. Phase identification was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). XRD analysis shows increase in β'' phase as the sintering temperature was increased from 1400°C to 1600°C. Surface morphology of the pellets was carried out by Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM). SEM studies revealed the formation and growth of platelet grains with interconnected porosity.

Meson properties in asymmetric matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mammarella, Andrea; Mannarelli, Massimo

2018-03-01

In this work we study dynamic and thermodynamic (at T = 0) properties of mesons in asymmetric matter in the framework of Chiral Perturbation Theory. We consider a system at vanishing temperature with nonzero isospin chemical potential and strangeness chemical potential; meson masses and mixing in the normal phase, the pion condensation phase and the kaon condensation phase are described. We find differences with previous works, but the results presented here are supported by both theory group analysis and by direct calculations. Some pion decay channels in the normal and the pion condensation phases are studied, finding a nonmonotonic behavior of the decay width as a function of µ I . Furthermore, pressure, density and equation of state of the system at T = 0 are studied, finding remarkable agreement with analogue studies performed by lattice calculations.

Learning curves for single incision and conventional laparoscopic right hemicolectomy: a multidimensional analysis

PubMed Central

Park, Yoonah; Yong, Yuen Geng; Jung, Kyung Uk; Huh, Jung Wook; Cho, Yong Beom; Kim, Hee Cheol; Lee, Woo Yong; Chun, Ho-Kyung

2015-01-01

Purpose This study aimed to compare the learning curves and early postoperative outcomes for conventional laparoscopic (CL) and single incision laparoscopic (SIL) right hemicolectomy (RHC). Methods This retrospective study included the initial 35 cases in each group. Learning curves were evaluated by the moving average of operative time, mean operative time of every five consecutive cases, and cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. The learning phase was considered overcome when the moving average of operative times reached a plateau, and when the mean operative time of every five consecutive cases reached a low point and subsequently did not vary by more than 30 minutes. Results Six patients with missing data in the CL RHC group were excluded from the analyses. According to the mean operative time of every five consecutive cases, learning phase of SIL and CL RHC was completed between 26 and 30 cases, and 16 and 20 cases, respectively. Moving average analysis revealed that approximately 31 (SIL) and 25 (CL) cases were needed to complete the learning phase, respectively. CUSUM analysis demonstrated that 10 (SIL) and two (CL) cases were required to reach a steady state of complication-free performance, respectively. Postoperative complications rate was higher in SIL than in CL group, but the difference was not statistically significant (17.1% vs. 3.4%). Conclusion The learning phase of SIL RHC is longer than that of CL RHC. Early oncological outcomes of both techniques were comparable. However, SIL RHC had a statistically insignificant higher complication rate than CL RHC during the learning phase. PMID:25960990

Study of the kinematic and dynamic characteristics of a wormgear transmission for helicopter applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sun, D. C.; Yuan, Qin

1994-01-01

The first phase of the study of the performance of a wormgear transmission is reported. In this phase the work included the selection of a double-enveloping wormgear type, and its dimensions, suitable for use in helicopter transmissions; the 3-D graphics representation of the selected wormgear using the I-DEAS software; the analysis of the kinematics of meshing; the analysis of load sharing among the meshing teeth; and the implementation of the analyses in a computer program. The report describes the analyses, their results, and the use of the computer programs.

Development of pharmaceutical clear gel based on Peceol®, lecithin, ethanol and water: Physicochemical characterization and stability study.

PubMed

Mouri, Abdelkader; Diat, Olivier; El Ghzaoui, Abdeslam; Ly, Isabelle; Dorandeu, Christophe; Maurel, Jean Claude; Devoisselle, Jean-Marie; Legrand, Philippe

2015-11-01

The phase behavior of the four-components Peceol®/lecithin/ethanol/water system has been studied in a part of the phase diagram poor in water and varying the lecithin/Peceol® ratio. Using several complementary techniques such as Karl Fischer titration, rheology, polarized microscopy and SAXS measurements several nanostructures of the complex systems were identified. W/O microemulsion (L2) as well as an inverted hexagonal (H2) liquid-crystal phase were studied. The analysis of the different phase transitions allows us to understand the effect of lecithin on the water solubilization efficiency of this clear gel and to show its pharmaceutical interest among lecithin organogels. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of AlFeCuCrMg{sub x} (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.7) alloy powders by mechanical alloying

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

Maulik, Ornov; Kumar, Vinod, E-mail: vkt.meta@mnit.ac.in; Adjunct Faculty, Materials Research Centre, Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur 302017

2015-12-15

Novel AlFeCuCrMg{sub x} (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.7 mol) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) were synthesized by mechanical alloying. The effect of Mg content on the phase evolution of HEAs was investigated using X-Ray diffractometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern analysis. The particle morphology and composition of HEAs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermodynamic parameters were calculated and analyzed to explain the formation of a solid solution. XRD analysis revealed BCC as major phase and FCC as a minor phase in as-milled AlFeCuCr and AlFeCuCrMg{sub 0.5} HEAs. Also, XRD analysis of as-milledmore » AlFeCuCrMg, AlFeCuCrMg{sub 1.7} confirmed the formation of two BCC phases (BCC 1 and BCC 2). TEM–SAED analysis of AlFeCuCrMg{sub x} HEAs concurred with XRD results. Microstructural features and mechanism for solid solution formation have been conferred in detail. Phase formation of the present HEAs has been correlated with calculated thermodynamic parameters. Differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA) of these alloys confirmed that there is no substantial phase change up to 500 °C. - Highlights: • Novel AlFeCuCrMg{sub x} (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.7) HEAs were prepared by mechanical alloying. • Phase evolution and lattice parameter were studied by X-Ray Diffraction. • Crystallite size and lattice microstrain calculated failed to obey the Williamson–Hall method. • Criterions for formation of simple solid solution were compared to the thermodynamic parameters of the present HEAs. • Increase in the Mg concentration in AlMg{sub x}FeCuCr (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.7) HEAs supports the formation of BCC phase.« less

A class of all digital phase locked loops - Modeling and analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reddy, C. P.; Gupta, S. C.

1973-01-01

An all digital phase locked loop which tracks the phase of the incoming signal once per carrier cycle is proposed. The different elements and their functions, and the phase lock operation are explained in detail. The general digital loop operation is governed by a nonlinear difference equation from which a suitable model is developed. The lock range for the general model is derived. The performance of the digital loop for phase step and frequency step inputs for different levels of quantization without loop filter are studied. The analytical results are checked by simulating the actual system on the digital computer.

Texture analysis of ultrahigh field T2*-weighted MR images of the brain: application to Huntington's disease.

PubMed

Doan, Nhat Trung; van den Bogaard, Simon J A; Dumas, Eve M; Webb, Andrew G; van Buchem, Mark A; Roos, Raymund A C; van der Grond, Jeroen; Reiber, Johan H C; Milles, Julien

2014-03-01

To develop a framework for quantitative detection of between-group textural differences in ultrahigh field T2*-weighted MR images of the brain. MR images were acquired using a three-dimensional (3D) T2*-weighted gradient echo sequence on a 7 Tesla MRI system. The phase images were high-pass filtered to remove phase wraps. Thirteen textural features were computed for both the magnitude and phase images of a region of interest based on 3D Gray-Level Co-occurrence Matrix, and subsequently evaluated to detect between-group differences using a Mann-Whitney U-test. We applied the framework to study textural differences in subcortical structures between premanifest Huntington's disease (HD), manifest HD patients, and controls. In premanifest HD, four phase-based features showed a difference in the caudate nucleus. In manifest HD, 7 magnitude-based features showed a difference in the pallidum, 6 phase-based features in the caudate nucleus, and 10 phase-based features in the putamen. After multiple comparison correction, significant differences were shown in the putamen in manifest HD by two phase-based features (both adjusted P values=0.04). This study provides the first evidence of textural heterogeneity of subcortical structures in HD. Texture analysis of ultrahigh field T2*-weighted MR images can be useful for noninvasive monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Structural and physical property study of sol-gel synthesized CoFe2-xHoxO4 nano ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patankar, K. K.; Ghone, D. M.; Mathe, V. L.; Kaushik, S. D.

2018-05-01

CoFe2-xHoxO4 (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) ferrites were prepared by the suitably modified Sol-Gel technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the substituted samples show phase pure formation till 10% substitution, which is far higher phase pure than the earlier reports. Upon further substitution an inevitable secondary phase of HoFeO3 along with the spinel phase despite regulating synthesis parameters in the sol-gel reaction route. These results are further corroborated more convincingly by room temperature neutron diffraction. Morphological features of the ferrites were studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The magnetic parameters viz. the saturation magnetization (Ms), coercivity (Hc) and remanence (Mr) were determined from room temperature isothermal magnetization. These parameters were found to decrease with increase in Ho substitution. The decrease in magnetization is analyzed in the light of exchange interactions between rare earth and transition metal ions. Magnetostriction measurements revealed interesting results and the presence of a secondary phase was found to be responsible for decreased measu-red magnetostriction values. The solubility limit of Ho in CoFe2O4 lattice is also reflected from the X-ray and neutron diffraction analysis and magnetostriction studies.

The Effect of Heart Rate on Exposure Window and Best Phase for Stress Perfusion Computed Tomography: Lessons From the CORE320 Study.

PubMed

Steveson, Chloe; Schuijf, Joanne D; Vavere, Andrea L; Mather, Richard T; Caton, Teresa; Mehra, Vishal; Betoko, Aisha; Cox, Christopher; Lima, Joao Ac; George, Richard T

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of heart rate on exposure window, best phase, and image quality for stress computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in the CORE320 study. The CTP data sets were analyzed to determine the best phase for perfusion analysis. A predefined exposure window covering 75% to 95% of the R-R cycle was used. Of the 368 patients included in the analysis, 93% received oral β blockade before the rest scan. The median heart rate during the stress acquisition was 69 bpm (interquartile range [IQR], 60-77). The median best phase was 81% (IQR, 76-90), and length of exposure window was 22% (IQR, 19-24). The best phase was significantly later in the cardiac cycle with higher heart rates (P < 0.001), and higher heart rates resulted in a small, but higher number of poor quality scans (6%, P < 0.001). The median effective dose of the stress scan was 5.3 mSv (IQR, 3.8-6.1). Stress myocardial CTP imaging can be performed using prospective electrocardiography triggering, an exposure window of 75% to 95%, and β-blockade resulting in good or excellent image quality in the majority (80%) of patients while maintaining a low effective radiation dose.

Benefits of Atrial Substrate Modification Guided by Electrogram Similarity and Phase Mapping Techniques to Eliminate Rotors and Focal Sources Versus Conventional Defragmentation in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

PubMed

Lin, Yenn-Jiang; Lo, Men-Tzung; Chang, Shih-Lin; Lo, Li-Wei; Hu, Yu-Feng; Chao, Tze-Fan; Chung, Fa-Po; Liao, Jo-Nan; Lin, Chin-Yu; Kuo, Huan-Yu; Chang, Yi-Chung; Lin, Chen; Tuan, Ta-Chuan; Vincent Young, Hsu-Wen; Suenari, Kazuyoshi; Dan Do, Van Buu; Raharjo, Suunu Budhi; Huang, Norden E; Chen, Shih-Ann

2016-11-01

This prospective study compared the efficacy of atrial substrate modification guided by a nonlinear phase mapping technique with that of conventional substrate ablation. The optimal ablation strategy for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) was unknown. In phase 1 study, we applied a cellular automation technique to simulate the electrical wave propagation to improve the phase mapping algorithm, involving analysis of high-similarity electrogram regions. In addition, we defined rotors and focal AF sources, using the physical parameters of the divergence and curvature forces. In phase 2 study, we enrolled 68 patients with persistent AF undergoing substrate modification into 2 groups, group-1 (n = 34) underwent similarity index (SI) and phase mapping techniques; group-2 (n = 34) received complex fractionated atrial electrogram ablation with commercially available software. Group-1 received real-time waveform similarity measurements in which a phase mapping algorithm was applied to localize the sources. We evaluated the single-procedure freedom from AF. In group-1, we identified an average of 2.6 ± 0.89 SI regions per chamber. These regions involved rotors and focal sources in 65% and 77% of patients in group-1, respectively. Group-1 patients had shorter ablation procedure times, higher termination rates, and significant reduction in AF recurrence compared to group-2 and a trend toward benefit for all atrial arrhythmias. Multivariate analysis showed that substrate mapping using nonlinear similarity and phase mapping was the independent predictor of freedom from AF recurrence (hazard ratio: 0.26; 95% confidence interval: 0.09 to 0.74; p = 0.01). Our study showed that for persistent AF ablation, a specified substrate modification guided by nonlinear phase mapping could eliminate localized re-entry and non-pulmonary focal sources after pulmonary vein isolation. Copyright © 2016 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of electrical and magnetic bio-signals associated with motor performance and fatigue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Bing

This dissertation reports findings centered principally on comprehensive research related to human bio-signals (EEG, MEG, EMG and fMRI) acquired during repetitive maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) that induced severe fatigue. Fatigue is a common experience that reduces productivity and quality of life and increases chances of injury. Although abundant information has been gained in the last several decades regarding muscular and spinal-level mechanisms of muscle fatigue, very little is known about how cortical centers control and respond to fatigue. The main purpose of this study was to examine the fatigue effects on the central nervous system by analyzing the bio-signals collected in the designed experiments. Healthy human subjects were asked to perform a series of repetitive handgrip MVCs with their dominant hand until exhaustion. Handgrip forces, electrical activity (EMG) from primary and non-primary muscles, and EEG, MEG, or fMRI signals from different locations of the brain were recorded simultaneously. The time series data were segmented into several physiologically meaningful epochs (time phases), from rest to preparation to movement execution/sustaining. A series of studies, including motor-related cortical potential (MRCP) analysis, power spectrum analysis, time-frequency (spectrogram) analysis of EEG, EEG source localization and nonlinear analysis (fractal dimension and largest Lyapunov exponent), and fMRI analysis, was applied to the data. We hypothesized that the fatigue effects would act differently on brain signals of different phases. The MRCP results showed that the negative potential (NP) related to motor task preparation only had minimal changes with fatigue. The power of all EEG frequencies did not alter significantly during the preparation phase but decreased significantly during the sustained phase of the contraction. The fractal dimension and the largest Lyapunov exponent decreased significantly during the sustained phase as fatigue progressed. On the other hand, the fMRI results only exhibited insignificant fatigue-related reductions of brain activation volume and no significant change of dipole strength derived from multi-channel EEG data. These results have been interpreted by a hypothetical neurophysiological model, in which two groups of cortical neurons (phasic and tonic) are preferentially activated in each physiological phase of the voluntary motor action.

An introduction to wavelet analysis in oceanography and meteorology - With application to the dispersion of Yanai waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyers, Steven D.; Kelly, B. G.; O'Brien, J. J.

1993-01-01

Wavelet analysis is a relatively new technique that is an important addition to standard signal analysis methods. Unlike Fourier analysis that yields an average amplitude and phase for each harmonic in a dataset, the wavelet transform produces an instantaneous estimate or local value for the amplitude and phase of each harmonic. This allows detailed study of nonstationary spatial or time-dependent signal characteristics. The wavelet transform is discussed, examples are given, and some methods for preprocessing data for wavelet analysis are compared. By studying the dispersion of Yanai waves in a reduced gravity equatorial model, the usefulness of the transform is demonstrated. The group velocity is measured directly over a finite range of wavenumbers by examining the time evolution of the transform. The results agree well with linear theory at higher wavenumber but the measured group velocity is reduced at lower wavenumbers, possibly due to interaction with the basin boundaries.

Abnormal auditory synchronization in stuttering: A magnetoencephalographic study.

PubMed

Kikuchi, Yoshikazu; Okamoto, Tsuyoshi; Ogata, Katsuya; Hagiwara, Koichi; Umezaki, Toshiro; Kenjo, Masamutsu; Nakagawa, Takashi; Tobimatsu, Shozo

2017-02-01

In a previous magnetoencephalographic study, we showed both functional and structural reorganization of the right auditory cortex and impaired left auditory cortex function in people who stutter (PWS). In the present work, we reevaluated the same dataset to further investigate how the right and left auditory cortices interact to compensate for stuttering. We evaluated bilateral N100m latencies as well as indices of local and inter-hemispheric phase synchronization of the auditory cortices. The left N100m latency was significantly prolonged relative to the right N100m latency in PWS, while healthy control participants did not show any inter-hemispheric differences in latency. A phase-locking factor (PLF) analysis, which indicates the degree of local phase synchronization, demonstrated enhanced alpha-band synchrony in the right auditory area of PWS. A phase-locking value (PLV) analysis of inter-hemispheric synchronization demonstrated significant elevations in the beta band between the right and left auditory cortices in PWS. In addition, right PLF and PLVs were positively correlated with stuttering frequency in PWS. Taken together, our data suggest that increased right hemispheric local phase synchronization and increased inter-hemispheric phase synchronization are electrophysiological correlates of a compensatory mechanism for impaired left auditory processing in PWS. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Influence of auditory attention on sentence recognition captured by the neural phase.

PubMed

Müller, Jana Annina; Kollmeier, Birger; Debener, Stefan; Brand, Thomas

2018-03-07

The aim of this study was to investigate whether attentional influences on speech recognition are reflected in the neural phase entrained by an external modulator. Sentences were presented in 7 Hz sinusoidally modulated noise while the neural response to that modulation frequency was monitored by electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings in 21 participants. We implemented a selective attention paradigm including three different attention conditions while keeping physical stimulus parameters constant. The participants' task was either to repeat the sentence as accurately as possible (speech recognition task), to count the number of decrements implemented in modulated noise (decrement detection task), or to do both (dual task), while the EEG was recorded. Behavioural analysis revealed reduced performance in the dual task condition for decrement detection, possibly reflecting limited cognitive resources. EEG analysis revealed no significant differences in power for the 7 Hz modulation frequency, but an attention-dependent phase difference between tasks. Further phase analysis revealed a significant difference 500 ms after sentence onset between trials with correct and incorrect responses for speech recognition, indicating that speech recognition performance and the neural phase are linked via selective attention mechanisms, at least shortly after sentence onset. However, the neural phase effects identified were small and await further investigation. © 2018 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Improving the Quality of Radiographs in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Utilizing Educational Interventions.

PubMed

Gupta, Ashish O; Rorke, Jeanne; Abubakar, Kabir

2015-08-01

We aimed to develop an educational tool to improve the radiograph quality, sustain this improvement overtime, and reduce the number of repeat radiographs. A three phase quality control study was conducted at a tertiary care NICU. A retrospective data collection (phase1) revealed suboptimal radiograph quality and led to an educational intervention and development of X-ray preparation checklist (primary intervention), followed by a prospective data collection for 4 months (phase 2). At the end of phase 2, interim analysis revealed a gradual decline in radiograph quality, which prompted a more comprehensive educational session with constructive feedback to the NICU staff (secondary intervention), followed by another data collection for 6 months (phase 3). There was a significant improvement in the quality of radiographs obtained after primary educational intervention (phase 2) compared with phase 1 (p < 0.001). During interim analysis after phase 2, radiograph quality declined but still remained significantly better than phase 1. Secondary intervention resulted in significant improvement in radiograph quality to > 95% in all domains of image quality. No radiographs were repeated in phase 3, compared with 5.8% (16/277) in phase 1. A structured, collaborated educational intervention successfully improves the radiograph quality and decreases the need for repeat radiographs and radiation exposure in the neonates. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Aerosol-Phase Production of Nitrogen-Containing Oligomers After Uptake of Methylglyoxal and Cloud Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Haan, D. O.; Riva, M.; Surratt, J. D.; Cazaunau, M.; Doussin, J. F.

2016-12-01

Minimal organic aerosol forms when aerosol particles are exposed to gas-phase methylglyoxal, but condensed phase laboratory studies of aerosol chemistry have suggested that methylglyoxal is a significant source of oligomerized aerosol material. In this study, various types of seed particles were exposed to gaseous methylglyoxal and then cloud-processed in the CESAM chamber. The gas phase was continuously probed by high-resolution PTR-MS during the experiments, and the particle phase WSOC was chemically characterized by high-resolution UPLC/ESI-DAD-QTOFMS. Uptake of methylglyoxal to dry particles caused optical rather than size changes, along with the release of imine products to the gas phase. High RH and cloud processing released some particle-bound methylglyoxal back to the gas phase but triggered an uptake of imine products. Analysis of the particle phase identified N-containing aldol condensation products derived from methylglyoxal, imine (produced from methylglyoxal and amine reactions), acetaldehyde (produced by methylglyoxal photolysis) and hydroxyacetone (produced by methylglyoxal disproportionation) monomers.

Paclitaxel and carboplatin in early phase studies: Roswell Park Cancer Institute experience in the subset of patients with lung cancer.

PubMed

Creaven, P J; Raghavan, D; Pendyala, L; Loewen, G; Kindler, H L; Berghorn, E J

1997-08-01

The combination of paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) given by 3-hour infusion followed by carboplatin infused over 30 minutes has been evaluated in a series of phase I studies and is currently being explored in a phase II study in patients with limited- and extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. Pharmacokinetic measurements were performed at all dose levels in the phase I studies, in which the use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in previously treated patients enabled more than twice the dose of paclitaxel to be given with low to moderate doses of carboplatin (dosed to a target area under the concentration-time curve of 4.0 mg x min x mL[-1]). Treatment-naive patients tolerated high paclitaxel doses (270 mg/m2) with carboplatin (dosed to a target area under the curve of 4.5 mg x min x mL[-1]) without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. Twenty-three patients (including previously treated and untreated) with non-small cell lung cancer were entered at a variety of paclitaxel doses in the phase I studies. At 100 to 205 mg/m2 paclitaxel, none of nine treated patients responded; at 230 to 290 mg/m2, four (29%) of 14 responded. In the phase II study of paclitaxel 250 mg/m2 in previously untreated patients with small cell lung cancer, two of five evaluable patients with extensive-stage disease have shown a partial response. In a preliminary analysis of the pharmacodynamics of paclitaxel in relation to neurotoxicity (dose limiting in two of three phase I studies), neurotoxicity correlated with the total dose of paclitaxel, the area under the curve, and the peak paclitaxel concentration, but not with the length of time plasma paclitaxel levels remained above 0.05 micromol/L. These correlations were not strong, however, and analysis of these data is ongoing.

Understanding and scaffolding Danish schoolteachers' motivation for using classroom-based physical activity: study protocol for a mixed methods study.

PubMed

Knudsen, Louise Stjerne; Skovgaard, Thomas; Bredahl, Thomas

2018-03-14

The benefits of physical activity for children's health, both mental and physical, and its positive effects on academic achievement are well established. Research also emphasises that schools could provide a natural setting for regular physical activity. There is, however, a limited amount of knowledge about teachers' views when it comes to integrating physical activity as part of teaching. The aim of this study is to understand teachers' motivation for integrating physical activity as part of teaching and to assess their need for guidance and support. The study uses an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Schools from across Denmark are included in the sample. The design comprises two separated phases-a quantitative and qualitative phase. The quantitative phase is guided by the self-determination theory where teachers' motivation will be measured using the Work Task Motivation Scale for Teachers. The theory of scaffolding guides the qualitative phase, which consists of in-depth interviews with participants selected from the quantitative phase based on levels of motivation and on demographic information. In accordance with the study aims, the analysis of data will identify teachers' internal and external levels of motivation. The purpose of the qualitative phase is to enhance understanding of teachers' motivation and of their need for support in the use of physical activity in teaching. All relevant ethics approvals have been acquired. All participants in this study will provide written informed consent prior to data collection. All data emerging from the quantitative and qualitative phase will be anonymised for analysis. Ethics approval was requested from the Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics for Southern Denmark approval ID S-20162000-40 and the Danish Data Protection Agency approval ID 16/15491). The study was deemed not notifiable by both authorities. NCT02894346; Pre-results. © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Concept Maps as Instructional Tools for Improving Learning of Phase Transitions in Object-Oriented Analysis and Design

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shin, Shin-Shing

2016-01-01

Students attending object-oriented analysis and design (OOAD) courses typically encounter difficulties transitioning from requirements analysis to logical design and then to physical design. Concept maps have been widely used in studies of user learning. The study reported here, based on the relationship of concept maps to learning theory and…

Space shuttle navigation analysis. Volume 2: Baseline system navigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, H. L.; Luders, G.; Matchett, G. A.; Rains, R. G.

1980-01-01

Studies related to the baseline navigation system for the orbiter are presented. The baseline navigation system studies include a covariance analysis of the Inertial Measurement Unit calibration and alignment procedures, postflight IMU error recovery for the approach and landing phases, on-orbit calibration of IMU instrument biases, and a covariance analysis of entry and prelaunch navigation system performance.

Multimodal pressure-flow method to assess dynamics of cerebral autoregulation in stroke and hypertension.

PubMed

Novak, Vera; Yang, Albert C C; Lepicovsky, Lukas; Goldberger, Ary L; Lipsitz, Lewis A; Peng, Chung-Kang

2004-10-25

This study evaluated the effects of stroke on regulation of cerebral blood flow in response to fluctuations in systemic blood pressure (BP). The autoregulatory dynamics are difficult to assess because of the nonstationarity and nonlinearity of the component signals. We studied 15 normotensive, 20 hypertensive and 15 minor stroke subjects (48.0 +/- 1.3 years). BP and blood flow velocities (BFV) from middle cerebral arteries (MCA) were measured during the Valsalva maneuver (VM) using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. A new technique, multimodal pressure-flow analysis (MMPF), was implemented to analyze these short, nonstationary signals. MMPF analysis decomposes complex BP and BFV signals into multiple empirical modes, representing their instantaneous frequency-amplitude modulation. The empirical mode corresponding to the VM BP profile was used to construct the continuous phase diagram and to identify the minimum and maximum values from the residual BP (BPR) and BFV (BFVR) signals. The BP-BFV phase shift was calculated as the difference between the phase corresponding to the BPR and BFVR minimum (maximum) values. BP-BFV phase shifts were significantly different between groups. In the normotensive group, the BFVR minimum and maximum preceded the BPR minimum and maximum, respectively, leading to large positive values of BP-BFV shifts. In the stroke and hypertensive groups, the resulting BP-BFV phase shift was significantly smaller compared to the normotensive group. A standard autoregulation index did not differentiate the groups. The MMPF method enables evaluation of autoregulatory dynamics based on instantaneous BP-BFV phase analysis. Regulation of BP-BFV dynamics is altered with hypertension and after stroke, rendering blood flow dependent on blood pressure.

Scanning and transmission electron microscopic analysis of ampullary segment of oviduct during estrous cycle in caprines.

PubMed

Sharma, R K; Singh, R; Bhardwaj, J K

2015-01-01

The ampullary segment of the mammalian oviduct provides suitable milieu for fertilization and development of zygote before implantation into uterus. It is, therefore, in the present study, the cyclic changes in the morphology of ampullary segment of goat oviduct were studied during follicular and luteal phases using scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Topographical analysis revealed the presence of uniformly ciliated ampullary epithelia, concealing apical processes of non-ciliated cells along with bulbous secretory cells during follicular phase. The luteal phase was marked with decline in number of ciliated cells with increased occurrence of secretory cells. The ultrastructure analysis has demonstrated the presence of indented nuclear membrane, supranuclear cytoplasm, secretory granules, rough endoplasmic reticulum, large lipid droplets, apically located glycogen masses, oval shaped mitochondria in the secretory cells. The ciliated cells were characterized by the presence of elongated nuclei, abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum, oval or spherical shaped mitochondria with crecentric cristae during follicular phase. However, in the luteal phase, secretory cells were possessing highly indented nucleus with diffused electron dense chromatin, hyaline nucleosol, increased number of lipid droplets. The ciliated cells had numerous fibrous granules and basal bodies. The parallel use of scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques has enabled us to examine the cyclic and hormone dependent changes occurring in the topography and fine structure of epithelium of ampullary segment and its cells during different reproductive phases that will be great help in understanding major bottle neck that limits success rate in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer technology. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of the quality of the reporting of phase II clinical trials in oncology: A systematic review.

PubMed

Rivoirard, Romain; Langrand-Escure, Julien; Oriol, Mathieu; Tinquaut, Fabien; Chauvin, Franck; Rancoule, Chloé; Magné, Nicolas; Bourmaud, Aurélie

2018-05-01

To describe the current state of knowledge concerning the quality of reporting in phase II clinical trials in oncology and to describe the various methods published allowing this quality evaluation. databases including MEDLINE and COCHRANE were searched. Reviews and meta-analyses analyzing the quality of the reporting of phase II trials in oncology were included. Descriptive analysis of the results was performed. Thirteen publications were retained. Only 2 publications adopted a systematic approach of evaluation of the quality of reporting by overall scores. The Key Methodological Score (KMS), proposed by Grellety et al., gathering 3 items, seemed adapted for such an evaluation. A score of 3/3 was found in 16.1% of the 156 phase II trials analysed by this score. The other reviews used a qualitative analysis to evaluate the reporting, via an analysis of a single criterion, generally the statistical plan of the study. This item was considered as having been correctly reported in less than 50% of the analysed articles. The quality of reporting in phase II trials in oncology is a field that has been investigated very little (13 publications). When it is studied, the estimated level of quality is not satisfactory, whatever the method employed. The use of an overall score of evaluation is a path which should be pursued, in order to get reliable results. It also seems necessary to propose strong recommendations, which would create a consensus for the methodology and the reporting of these studies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Probabilistic risk assessment of the Space Shuttle. Phase 3: A study of the potential of losing the vehicle during nominal operation. Volume 5: Auxiliary shuttle risk analyses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fragola, Joseph R.; Maggio, Gaspare; Frank, Michael V.; Gerez, Luis; Mcfadden, Richard H.; Collins, Erin P.; Ballesio, Jorge; Appignani, Peter L.; Karns, James J.

1995-01-01

Volume 5 is Appendix C, Auxiliary Shuttle Risk Analyses, and contains the following reports: Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Space Shuttle Phase 1 - Space Shuttle Catastrophic Failure Frequency Final Report; Risk Analysis Applied to the Space Shuttle Main Engine - Demonstration Project for the Main Combustion Chamber Risk Assessment; An Investigation of the Risk Implications of Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster Chamber Pressure Excursions; Safety of the Thermal Protection System of the Space Shuttle Orbiter - Quantitative Analysis and Organizational Factors; Space Shuttle Main Propulsion Pressurization System Probabilistic Risk Assessment, Final Report; and Space Shuttle Probabilistic Risk Assessment Proof-of-Concept Study - Auxiliary Power Unit and Hydraulic Power Unit Analysis Report.

A comprehensive study on the structural evolution of HfO 2 thin films doped with various dopants

DOE PAGES

Park, Min Hyuk; Schenk, Tony; Fancher, Christopher M.; ...

2017-04-19

The origin of the unexpected ferroelectricity in doped HfO 2 thin films is now considered to be the formation of a non-centrosymmetric Pca2 1 orthorhombic phase. Due to the polycrystalline nature of the films as well as their extremely small thickness (~10 nm) and mixed orientation and phase composition, structural analysis of doped HfO 2 thin films remains a challenging task. As a further complication, the structural similarities of the orthorhombic and tetragonal phase are difficult to distinguish by typical structural analysis techniques such as X-ray diffraction. To resolve this issue, the changes in the grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD)more » patterns of HfO 2 films doped with Si, Al, and Gd are systematically examined. For all dopants, the shift of o111/ t101 diffraction peak is observed with increasing atomic layer deposition (ALD) cycle ratio, and this shift is thought to originate from the orthorhombic to P4 2/ nmc tetragonal phase transition with decreasing aspect ratio (2 a/(b + c) for orthorhombic and c/a for the tetragonal phase). For quantitative phase analysis, Rietveld refinement is applied to the GIXRD patterns. A progressive phase transition from P2 1/c monoclinic to orthorhombic to tetragonal is confirmed for all dopants, and a strong relationship between orthorhombic phase fraction and remanent polarization value is uniquely demonstrated. The concentration range for the ferroelectric properties was the narrowest for the Si-doped HfO 2 films. As a result, the dopant size is believed to strongly affect the concentration range for the ferroelectric phase stabilization, since small dopants can strongly decrease the free energy of the tetragonal phase due to their shorter metal–oxygen bonds.« less

A comprehensive study on the structural evolution of HfO 2 thin films doped with various dopants

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

Park, Min Hyuk; Schenk, Tony; Fancher, Christopher M.

The origin of the unexpected ferroelectricity in doped HfO 2 thin films is now considered to be the formation of a non-centrosymmetric Pca2 1 orthorhombic phase. Due to the polycrystalline nature of the films as well as their extremely small thickness (~10 nm) and mixed orientation and phase composition, structural analysis of doped HfO 2 thin films remains a challenging task. As a further complication, the structural similarities of the orthorhombic and tetragonal phase are difficult to distinguish by typical structural analysis techniques such as X-ray diffraction. To resolve this issue, the changes in the grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD)more » patterns of HfO 2 films doped with Si, Al, and Gd are systematically examined. For all dopants, the shift of o111/ t101 diffraction peak is observed with increasing atomic layer deposition (ALD) cycle ratio, and this shift is thought to originate from the orthorhombic to P4 2/ nmc tetragonal phase transition with decreasing aspect ratio (2 a/(b + c) for orthorhombic and c/a for the tetragonal phase). For quantitative phase analysis, Rietveld refinement is applied to the GIXRD patterns. A progressive phase transition from P2 1/c monoclinic to orthorhombic to tetragonal is confirmed for all dopants, and a strong relationship between orthorhombic phase fraction and remanent polarization value is uniquely demonstrated. The concentration range for the ferroelectric properties was the narrowest for the Si-doped HfO 2 films. As a result, the dopant size is believed to strongly affect the concentration range for the ferroelectric phase stabilization, since small dopants can strongly decrease the free energy of the tetragonal phase due to their shorter metal–oxygen bonds.« less

Characterizing the correlations between local phase fractions of gas-liquid two-phase flow with wire-mesh sensor.

PubMed

Tan, C; Liu, W L; Dong, F

2016-06-28

Understanding of flow patterns and their transitions is significant to uncover the flow mechanics of two-phase flow. The local phase distribution and its fluctuations contain rich information regarding the flow structures. A wire-mesh sensor (WMS) was used to study the local phase fluctuations of horizontal gas-liquid two-phase flow, which was verified through comparing the reconstructed three-dimensional flow structure with photographs taken during the experiments. Each crossing point of the WMS is treated as a node, so the measurement on each node is the phase fraction in this local area. An undirected and unweighted flow pattern network was established based on connections that are formed by cross-correlating the time series of each node under different flow patterns. The structure of the flow pattern network reveals the relationship of the phase fluctuations at each node during flow pattern transition, which is then quantified by introducing the topological index of the complex network. The proposed analysis method using the WMS not only provides three-dimensional visualizations of the gas-liquid two-phase flow, but is also a thorough analysis for the structure of flow patterns and the characteristics of flow pattern transition. This article is part of the themed issue 'Supersensing through industrial process tomography'. © 2016 The Author(s).

Characterizing the correlations between local phase fractions of gas–liquid two-phase flow with wire-mesh sensor

PubMed Central

Liu, W. L.; Dong, F.

2016-01-01

Understanding of flow patterns and their transitions is significant to uncover the flow mechanics of two-phase flow. The local phase distribution and its fluctuations contain rich information regarding the flow structures. A wire-mesh sensor (WMS) was used to study the local phase fluctuations of horizontal gas–liquid two-phase flow, which was verified through comparing the reconstructed three-dimensional flow structure with photographs taken during the experiments. Each crossing point of the WMS is treated as a node, so the measurement on each node is the phase fraction in this local area. An undirected and unweighted flow pattern network was established based on connections that are formed by cross-correlating the time series of each node under different flow patterns. The structure of the flow pattern network reveals the relationship of the phase fluctuations at each node during flow pattern transition, which is then quantified by introducing the topological index of the complex network. The proposed analysis method using the WMS not only provides three-dimensional visualizations of the gas–liquid two-phase flow, but is also a thorough analysis for the structure of flow patterns and the characteristics of flow pattern transition. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Supersensing through industrial process tomography’. PMID:27185959

78 FR 36298 - Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Federal Way Transit...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-17

..., and an alternatives analysis study. Early scoping notification for the alternatives analysis phase was... alternatives analysis findings, and other background technical reports are available on the project Web site... about the proposed [[Page 36299

Self-monitoring and psychoeducation in bipolar patients with a smart-phone application (SIMPLe) project: design, development and studies protocols.

PubMed

Hidalgo-Mazzei, Diego; Mateu, Ainoa; Reinares, María; Undurraga, Juan; Bonnín, Caterina del Mar; Sánchez-Moreno, José; Vieta, Eduard; Colom, Francesc

2015-03-20

New technologies have recently been used for monitoring signs and symptoms of mental health illnesses and particularly have been tested to improve the outcomes in bipolar disorders. Web-based psychoeducational programs for bipolar disorders have also been implemented, yet to our knowledge, none of them have integrated both approaches in one single intervention. The aim of this project is to develop and validate a smartphone application to monitor symptoms and signs and empower the self-management of bipolar disorder, offering customized embedded psychoeducation contents, in order to identify early symptoms and prevent relapses and hospitalizations. The project will be carried out in three complementary phases, which will include a feasibility study (first phase), a qualitative study (second phase) and a randomized controlled trial (third phase) comparing the smartphone application (SIMPLe) on top of treatment as usual with treatment as usual alone. During the first phase, feasibility and satisfaction will be assessed with the application usage log data and with an electronic survey. Focus groups will be conducted and technical improvements will be incorporated at the second phase. Finally, at the third phase, survival analysis with multivariate data analysis will be performed and relationships between socio-demographic, clinical variables and assessments scores with relapses in each group will be explored. This project could result in a highly available, user-friendly and not costly monitoring and psychoeducational intervention that could improve the outcome of people suffering from bipolar disorders in a practical and secure way. Clinical Trials.gov: NCT02258711 (October 2014).

Vocal Acoustic and Auditory-Perceptual Characteristics During Fluctuations in Estradiol Levels During the Menstrual Cycle: A Longitudinal Study.

PubMed

Arruda, Polyanna; Diniz da Rosa, Marine Raquel; Almeida, Larissa Nadjara Alves; de Araujo Pernambuco, Leandro; Almeida, Anna Alice

2018-03-07

Estradiol production varies cyclically, changes in levels are hypothesized to affect the voice. The main objective of this study was to investigate vocal acoustic and auditory-perceptual characteristics during fluctuations in the levels of the hormone estradiol during the menstrual cycle. A total of 44 volunteers aged between 18 and 45 were selected. Of these, 27 women with regular menstrual cycles comprised the test group (TG) and 17 combined oral contraceptive users comprised the control group (CG). The study was performed in two phases. In phase 1, anamnesis was performed. Subsequently, the TG underwent blood sample collection for measurement of estradiol levels and voice recording for later acoustic and auditory-perceptual analysis. The CG underwent only voice recording. Phase 2 involved the same measurements as phase 1 for each group. Variables were evaluated using descriptive and inferential analysis to compare groups and phases and to determine relationships between variables. Voice changes were found during the menstrual cycle, and such changes were determined to be related to variations in estradiol levels. Impaired voice quality was observed to be associated with decreased levels of estradiol. The CG did not demonstrate significant vocal changes during phases 1 and 2. The TG showed significant increases in vocal parameters of roughness, tension, and instability during phase 2 (the period of low estradiol levels) when compared with the CG. Low estradiol levels were also found to be negatively correlated with the parameters of tension, instability, and jitter and positively correlated with fundamental voice frequency. Copyright © 2018 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phase transition analysis of V-shaped liquid crystal: Combined temperature-dependent FTIR and density functional theory approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Swapnil; Singh, Harshita; Karthick, T.; Tandon, Poonam; Prasad, Veena

2018-01-01

Temperature-dependent Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) combined with density functional theory (DFT) is employed to study the mechanism of phase transitions of V-shaped bent-core liquid crystal. Since it has a large number of flexible bonds, one-dimensional potential energy scan (PES) was performed on the flexible bonds and predicted the most stable conformer I. A detailed analysis of vibrational normal modes of conformer I have been done on the basis of potential energy distribution. The good agreement between the calculated spectrum of conformer I and observed FTIR spectrum at room temperature validates our theoretical structure model. Furthermore, the prominent changes observed in the stretching vibrational bands of CH3/CH2, Cdbnd O, ring CC, ring CO, ring CH in-plane bending, and ring CH out-of-plane bending at Iso → nematic phase transition (at 155 °C) have been illustrated. However, the minor changes in the spectral features observed for the other phase transitions might be due to the shape or bulkiness of molecules. Combined FTIR and PES study beautifully explained the dynamics of the molecules, molecular realignment, H-bonding, and conformational changes at the phase transitions.

Effects of plasticization and shear stress on phase structure development and properties of soy protein blends.

PubMed

Chen, Feng; Zhang, Jinwen

2010-11-01

In this study, soy protein concentrate (SPC) was used as a plastic component to blend with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT). Effects of SPC plasticization and blend composition on its deformation during mixing were studied in detail. Influence of using water as the major plasticizer and glycerol as the co-plasticizer on the deformation of the SPC phase during mixing was explored. The effect of shear stress, as affected by SPC loading level, on the phase structure of SPC in the blends was also investigated. Quantitative analysis of the aspect ratio of SPC particles was conducted by using ImageJ software, and an empirical model predicting the formation of percolated structure was applied. The experimental results and the model prediction showed a fairly good agreement. The experimental results and statistic analysis suggest that both SPC loading level and its water content prior to compounding had significant influences on development of the SPC phase structure and were correlated in determining the morphological structures of the resulting blends. Consequently, physical and mechanical properties of the blends greatly depended on the phase morphology and PBAT/SPC ratio of the blends.

Observation of paramorphic phenomenon and non-tilted orthogonal smectic phases in hydrogen bonded ferroelectric liquid crystals for photonic applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subhasri, P.; Venugopal, D.; Jayaprakasam, R.; Chitravel, T.; Vijayakumar, V. N.

2018-06-01

A new class of hydrogen bonded ferroelectric liquid crystals (HBFLC) have been designed and synthesized by intermolecular hydrogen bonds between mesogenic 4-decyloxybenzoic acid (10OBA) and non-mesogenic (R)-(+)-Methylsuccinic acid (MSA) which have been confirmed through experimental and theoretical studies. Further, Mulliken population analysis clearly reveals that the existence of hydrogen bonds, strength and dynamic properties. Textural observation and its corresponding enthalpy values are analyzed by polarizing optical microscope (POM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) respectively. Paramorphic changes in Sm C* phase due to the change of refractive index, which clearly reveal that the complex could be used for filtering action in photonic devices. The transition from lone pair to π* with large stabilization energy evidently exposes the chiral phases in the present HBFLC complex. Intermolecular interaction is analyzed by using natural bond orbital (NBO) studies. The highest energy in the HOMO-LUMO shows the stable phase in the HBFLC complex. Molecular structure of the HBFLC complex possesses the monoclinic which has been evinced through x-ray analysis. The randomly oriented bunch of homogeneous molecules in Sm A* phase of the HBFLC complex is reported.

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: analysis of pediatric fat estimate errors due to tissue hydration effects.

PubMed

Testolin, C G; Gore, R; Rivkin, T; Horlick, M; Arbo, J; Wang, Z; Chiumello, G; Heymsfield, S B

2000-12-01

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) percent (%) fat estimates may be inaccurate in young children, who typically have high tissue hydration levels. This study was designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of pediatric tissue hydration effects on DXA %fat estimates. Phase 1 was experimental and included three in vitro studies to establish the physical basis of DXA %fat-estimation models. Phase 2 extended phase 1 models and consisted of theoretical calculations to estimate the %fat errors emanating from previously reported pediatric hydration effects. Phase 1 experiments supported the two-compartment DXA soft tissue model and established that pixel ratio of low to high energy (R values) are a predictable function of tissue elemental content. In phase 2, modeling of reference body composition values from birth to age 120 mo revealed that %fat errors will arise if a "constant" adult lean soft tissue R value is applied to the pediatric population; the maximum %fat error, approximately 0.8%, would be present at birth. High tissue hydration, as observed in infants and young children, leads to errors in DXA %fat estimates. The magnitude of these errors based on theoretical calculations is small and may not be of clinical or research significance.

Influence of Boundary Conditions on Regional Air Quality Simulations—Analysis of AQMEII Phase 3 Results

EPA Science Inventory

Chemical boundary conditions are a key input to regional-scale photochemical models. In this study, performed during the third phase of the Air Quality Model Evaluation International Initiative (AQMEII3), we perform annual simulations over North America with chemical boundary con...

A high resolution computer tomography scoring system to predict culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in the emergency department.

PubMed

Yeh, Jun-Jun; Neoh, Choo-Aun; Chen, Cheng-Ren; Chou, Christine Yi-Ting; Wu, Ming-Ting

2014-01-01

This study evaluated the use of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to predict the presence of culture-positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in adult patients with pulmonary lesions in the emergency department (ED). The study included a derivation phase and validation phase with a total of 8,245 patients with pulmonary disease. There were 132 patients with culture-positive PTB in the derivation phase and 147 patients with culture-positive PTB in the validation phase. Imaging evaluation of pulmonary lesions included morphology and segmental distribution. The post-test probability ratios between both phases in three prevalence areas were analyzed. In the derivation phase, a multivariate analysis model identified cavitation, consolidation, and clusters/nodules in right or left upper lobe (except anterior segment) and consolidation of the superior segment of the right or left lower lobe as independent positive factors for culture-positive PTB, while consolidation of the right or left lower lobe (except superior segment) were independent negative factors. An ideal cutoff point based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was obtained at a score of 1. The sensitivity, specificity, positivity predictive value, and negative predictive value from derivation phase were 98.5% (130/132), 99.7% (3997/4008), 92.2% (130/141), and 99.9% (3997/3999). Based on the predicted positive likelihood ratio value of 328.33 in derivation phase, the post-test probability was observed to be 91.5% in the derivation phase, 92.5% in the validation phase, 94.5% in a high TB prevalence area, 91.0% in a moderate prevalence area, and 76.8% in moderate-to-low prevalence area. Our model using HRCT, which is feasible to perform in the ED, can promptly diagnose culture-positive PTB in moderate and moderate-to-low prevalence areas.

The effect of reaction conditions on formation of wet precipitated calcium phosphates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Chen; Cao, Peng

2015-03-01

The precipitation process discussed in the present study involves the addition of alkaline solutions to an acidic calcium phosphate suspension. Several parameters (pH, pH buffer reagent, ageing and stirring) were investigated. The synthesized powders were calcined at 1000°C for 1 h in air, in order to study the thermal stability and crystalline phase compositions. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ESEM analysis were used for sample characterization. It is found that all these processing parameters affect the crystalline phases evolved and resultant microstructures. Phase evolution occurred at an elevated pH level. The pH buffer reagent would affect both the phase composition and microstructure. Ageing was essential for the phase maturation. Stirring accelerated the reaction process by providing a homogeneous medium for precipitation.

Case study: Use of isothiazolinone and nitro-morpholine biocides to control microbial contamination in diesel and gasoline storage and distribution systems

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

Chesneau, H.L.; Passman, F.J.; Daniels, D.

1995-05-01

Responding to feed-back from its retail outlet network, a major, vertically integrated petroleum company undertook to diagnose and remediate diesel and gasoline performance problems. Analysis of samples from tanks at refinery, distribution terminal and retail outlet sites established that uncontrolled microbial contamination was rampant throughout the distribution system. The company then developed and instituted a two-phase action plan. During Phase I, all tanks received corrective (shock) biocide treatment preceding mechanical tank cleaning and fuel polishing. An ongoing Phase II program currently includes routine sampling and analysis combined with periodic preventive biocide treatment. This paper describes the initial problem diagnosis, correctivemore » action plan and preventive program; recommending the Phase II program as a model for all companies involved with refining, distribution or retailing gasoline.« less

Structural and electronic properties of in-plane phase engineered WSe2: A DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhart, Ankush; Kapoor, Pooja; Sharma, Munish; Sharma, Raman; Ahluwalia, P. K.

2018-04-01

We present first principal investigations on structural and electronic properties of in-plane phase engineered WSe2 with armchair type interface. The 2H and 1T phases of WSe2, joined along x-direction is a natural metal-semiconductor heterostructure and therefore shows potential for applications in 2D electronics and opto-electronics. The electronic properties transit towards metallic 1T region. No inflections across interface shows negligible mismatch strain which is unlike what has been reported for MoS2. Charge density analysis shows charge accumulation on 1T domain. This can lead to reduction of Schottky barrier heights at the metal-semiconductor junction. STM analysis confirms transition of 1T phase towards distorted 1T' structure. The present results provide essential insights for nano-devices using 2D hybrid materials.

Miscibility at the immiscible liquid/liquid interface: A molecular dynamics study of thermodynamics and mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karnes, John J.; Benjamin, Ilan

2018-01-01

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the dissolution of water into an adjacent, immiscible organic liquid phase. Equilibrium thermodynamic and structural properties are calculated during the transfer of water molecule(s) across the interface using umbrella sampling. The net free energy of transfer agrees reasonably well with experimental solubility values. We find that water molecules "prefer" to transfer into the adjacent phase one-at-a-time, without co-transfer of the hydration shell, as in the case of evaporation. To study the dynamics and mechanism of transfer of water to liquid nitrobenzene, we collected over 400 independent dissolution events. Analysis of these trajectories suggests that the transfer of water is facilitated by interfacial protrusions of the water phase into the organic phase, where one water molecule at the tip of the protrusion enters the organic phase by the breakup of a single hydrogen bond.

Fatigue Damage Evaluation of Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics Based on Phase Information of Thermoelastic Temperature Change.

PubMed

Shiozawa, Daiki; Sakagami, Takahide; Nakamura, Yu; Nonaka, Shinichi; Hamada, Kenichi

2017-12-06

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) is widely used for structural members of transportation vehicles such as automobile, aircraft, or spacecraft, utilizing its excellent specific strength and specific rigidity in contrast with the metal. Short carbon fiber composite materials are receiving a lot of attentions because of their excellent moldability and productivity, however they show complicated behaviors in fatigue fracture due to the random fibers orientation. In this study, thermoelastic stress analysis (TSA) using an infrared thermography was applied to evaluate fatigue damage in short carbon fiber composites. The distribution of the thermoelastic temperature change was measured during the fatigue test, as well as the phase difference between the thermoelastic temperature change and applied loading signal. Evolution of fatigue damage was detected from the distribution of thermoelastic temperature change according to the thermoelastic damage analysis (TDA) procedure. It was also found that fatigue damage evolution was more clearly detected than before by the newly developed thermoelastic phase damage analysis (TPDA) in which damaged area was emphasized in the differential phase delay images utilizing the property that carbon fiber shows opposite phase thermoelastic temperature change.

Computerized Liquid Crystal Phase Identification by Neural Networks Analysis of Polarizing Microscopy Textures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karaszi, Zoltan; Konya, Andrew; Dragan, Feodor; Jakli, Antal; CPIP/LCI; CS Dept. of Kent State University Collaboration

Polarizing optical microscopy (POM) is traditionally the best-established method of studying liquid crystals, and using POM started already with Otto Lehman in 1890. An expert, who is familiar with the science of optics of anisotropic materials and typical textures of liquid crystals, can identify phases with relatively large confidence. However, for unambiguous identification usually other expensive and time-consuming experiments are needed. Replacement of the subjective and qualitative human eye-based liquid crystal texture analysis with quantitative computerized image analysis technique started only recently and were used to enhance the detection of smooth phase transitions, determine order parameter and birefringence of specific liquid crystal phases. We investigate if the computer can recognize and name the phase where the texture was taken. To judge the potential of reliable image recognition based on this procedure, we used 871 images of liquid crystal textures belonging to five main categories: Nematic, Smectic A, Smectic C, Cholesteric and Crystal, and used a Neural Network Clustering Technique included in the data mining software package in Java ``WEKA''. A neural network trained on a set of 827 LC textures classified the remaining 44 textures with 80% accuracy.

Thermal analysis of 3-mol%-yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia powder doped with copper oxide

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

Seidensticker, J.R.; Mayo, M.J.

Thermal analysis was performed upon 3-mol%-yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP) which had been doped with CuO using an aqueous adsorption technique. Cyclic differential thermal analysis (DTA) scans indicated that the CuO present on the powder surfaces first transforms to Cu{sub 2}O and then melts. The molten Cu{sub 2}O then reacts with yttria at the powder surfaces to form a new phase containing Y, Cu, and O. Because Y takes time to diffuse to the particle surfaces, the apparent melting point of this new phase appears at higher temperatures in initial DTA scans than in subsequent scans. Vaporization of the moltenmore » copper-oxide-rich phase at the temperatures studied causes a gradual shift in composition from Y{sub 2}Cu{sub 4}O{sub 5} to the less copper-rich Y{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 5} phase. The presence of the Y{sub 2}Cu{sub 2}O{sub 5} phase in CuO-doped 3Y-TZP allows for previous sintering and superplasticity results to be explained.« less

Lyapunov exponents and phase diagrams reveal multi-factorial control over TRAIL-induced apoptosis

PubMed Central

Aldridge, Bree B; Gaudet, Suzanne; Lauffenburger, Douglas A; Sorger, Peter K

2011-01-01

Receptor-mediated apoptosis proceeds via two pathways: one requiring only a cascade of initiator and effector caspases (type I behavior) and the second requiring an initiator–effector caspase cascade and mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (type II behavior). Here, we investigate factors controlling type I versus II phenotypes by performing Lyapunov exponent analysis of an ODE-based model of cell death. The resulting phase diagrams predict that the ratio of XIAP to pro-caspase-3 concentrations plays a key regulatory role: type I behavior predominates when the ratio is low and type II behavior when the ratio is high. Cell-to-cell variability in phenotype is observed when the ratio is close to the type I versus II boundary. By positioning multiple tumor cell lines on the phase diagram we confirm these predictions. We also extend phase space analysis to mutations affecting the rate of caspase-3 ubiquitylation by XIAP, predicting and showing that such mutations abolish all-or-none control over activation of effector caspases. Thus, phase diagrams derived from Lyapunov exponent analysis represent a means to study multi-factorial control over a complex biochemical pathway. PMID:22108795

Phase behavior of thermotropic chiral liquid crystal with wide blue phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jessy, P. J.; Radha, S.; Nainesh, Patel

2018-04-01

We modified the phase transitions of a thermotropic chiral nematic liquid crystal system with various concentrations of chiral component and investigated their phase behavior and optical properties. The study shows that coupling between chirality and nematicity of liquid crystals lead to changes in phase morphology with extended temperature window of blue phase including human body temperatures and enhanced thermochromism performance. The temperature dependent refractive index analysis in the visible spectral region reveals that the optical modulation due to pitch variation of helical pattern results in the creation of new mesophases and more pronounced chirality in mixtures leading to blue phase which can be controlled by the chiral concentration. The appearance of extended blue phases with primary colors will pave way for the development of new photonic devices.

Effect of CO2 partial pressure and different CO2 phases on carbon steel corrosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahlobo, MGR; Premlall, K.; Olubambi, PA

2017-12-01

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the recent promising technology aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emission. Like many other developed technologies, CCS is faced with great challenges such as pipeline transportation failure due to corrosion. There are many factors contributing to steel corrosion during the pipeline transportation of carbon dioxide (CO2). This study focuses on CO2 partial pressure and different phases of CO2 as some of the factors contributing to steel corrosion. Carbon steel was used as a testing specimen. High pressure reactor was used in this study to compress CO2 from low to high pressures ultimately changing the CO2 from gaseous phase to gas/liquid phase (subcritical) and to dense phase (supercritical). Weight loss method was employed to determine the corrosion rate while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) were used to study the carbon steel morphology and phase analysis. Using low magnification digital camera, the type of corrosion that took place on the carbon steel surface was identified.

Quantum phase transition between cluster and antiferromagnetic states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Son, W.; Amico, L.; Fazio, R.; Hamma, A.; Pascazio, S.; Vedral, V.

2011-09-01

We study a Hamiltonian system describing a three-spin-1/2 cluster-like interaction competing with an Ising-like exchange. We show that the ground state in the cluster phase possesses symmetry protected topological order. A continuous quantum phase transition occurs as result of the competition between the cluster and Ising terms. At the critical point the Hamiltonian is self-dual. The geometric entanglement is also studied and used to investigate the quantum phase transition. Our findings in one dimension corroborate the analysis of the two-dimensional generalization of the system, indicating, at a mean-field level, the presence of a direct transition between an antiferromagnetic and a valence bond solid ground state.

3D FT-IR imaging spectroscopy of phase-separation in a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(L-lactic acid) blend

Treesearch

Miriam Unger; Julia Sedlmair; Heinz W. Siesler; Carol Hirschmugl; Barbara Illman

2014-01-01

In the present study, 3D FT-IR spectroscopic imaging measurements were applied to study the phase separation of a poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) (50:50 wt.%) polymer blend film. While in 2D projection imaging the z-dependent information is overlapped, thereby complicating the analysis, FT-IR spectro-micro-tomography,...

Regeneration cycle and the covariant Lyapunov vectors in a minimal wall turbulence.

PubMed

Inubushi, Masanobu; Takehiro, Shin-ichi; Yamada, Michio

2015-08-01

Considering a wall turbulence as a chaotic dynamical system, we study regeneration cycles in a minimal wall turbulence from the viewpoint of orbital instability by employing the covariant Lyapunov analysis developed by [F. Ginelli et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 99, 130601 (2007)]. We divide the regeneration cycle into two phases and characterize them with the local Lyapunov exponents and the covariant Lyapunov vectors of the Navier-Stokes turbulence. In particular, we show numerically that phase (i) is dominated by instabilities related to the sinuous mode and the streamwise vorticity, and there is no instability in phase (ii). Furthermore, we discuss a mechanism of the regeneration cycle, making use of an energy budget analysis.

A system for analysis and classification of voice communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Older, H. J.; Jenney, L. L.; Garland, L.

1973-01-01

A method for analysis and classification of verbal communications typically associated with manned space missions or simulations was developed. The study was carried out in two phases. Phase 1 was devoted to identification of crew tasks and activities which require voice communication for accomplishment or reporting. Phase 2 entailed development of a message classification system and a preliminary test of its feasibility. The classification system permits voice communications to be analyzed to three progressively more specific levels of detail and to be described in terms of message content, purpose, and the participants in the information exchange. A coding technique was devised to allow messages to be recorded by an eight-digit number.

Texture and phase analysis of deformed SUS304 by using HIPPO

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

Takajo, Shigehiro; Vogel, Sven C.

2016-11-15

These slides represent the author's research activity at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), which is about texture and phase analysis of deformed SUS304 by using HIPPO. The following topics are covered: diffraction histogram at each sample position, diffraction histogram (all bank data averaged), possiblity of ε-phase, MAUD analysis with including ε-phase.

Efficacy and Safety of Lubiprostone in Patients with Opioid-Induced Constipation: Phase 3 Study Results and Pooled Analysis of the Effect of Concomitant Methadone Use on Clinical Outcomes.

PubMed

Spierings, Egilius L H; Drossman, Douglas A; Cryer, Byron; Mazen Jamal, M; Losch-Beridon, Taryn; Mareya, Shadreck M; Wang, Martin

2018-06-01

The efficacy and safety of oral lubiprostone for relieving symptoms of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in patients with chronic noncancer pain were evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. These data were also pooled with those from two similar phase 3 studies to explore the effects of methadone on treatment response. In the primary study, adults with OIC (fewer than three spontaneous bowel movements [SBMs] per week) were randomized to receive lubiprostone 24 mcg or placebo twice daily for 12 weeks. The primary end point was a change from baseline in the frequency of SBMs at week 8 in patients without a prior dose reduction. For the pooled analysis, the efficacy of lubiprostone was compared with placebo in patients receiving methadone or nonmethadone opioids. Responders were defined as patients with nine or more weeks of nonmissing SBM data who had one or more additional SBMs per week from baseline for each week that data were available and three or more SBMs per week for nine or more weeks. In the primary study, the change from baseline at week 8 in SBM frequency was similar in the lubiprostone and placebo groups (P = 0.842). In the pooled analysis, the response rate was significantly higher with lubiprostone treatment vs placebo for patients receiving nonmethadone opioids (P = 0.002) but was similar between lubiprostone treatment and placebo in patients receiving methadone (P = 0.692). The safety profile of lubiprostone was unaffected by methadone use. The phase 3 study did not meet its primary efficacy end point. However, analysis of pooled data from all phase 3 studies in the OIC clinical development program, stratified by methadone opioid usage, confirmed that lubiprostone is effective for treatment of OIC in patients taking nonmethadone opioids; no safety concerns were identified based on the type of opioid used.

Phase holdups in three-phase fluidized beds in the presence of disc promoter

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

Murty, M.S.N.; Ramesh, K.V.; Venkateswarlu, P.

2011-02-15

Three-phase fluidized beds are found to have wide applications in process industries. The present investigation essentially comprises of the studies on gas holdup, liquid holdup and bed porosity in three-phase fluidized beds with coaxially placed disc promoter. Holdup data were obtained from bed expansion and pressure drop measurements. Analysis of the data was done to elucidate the effects of dynamic and geometric parameters on gas holdup, liquid holdup and bed porosity. Data were correlated and useful equations were obtained from empirical modeling. (author)

The Study of Phase-shift Super-Frequency Induction Heating Power Supply

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qi, Hairun; Peng, Yonglong; Li, Yabin

This paper combines pulse-width phase-shift power modulation with fixed-angle phase-locked-control to adjust the inverter's output power, this method not only meets the work conditions of voltage inverter, but also realizes the large-scale of power modulation, and the main circuit is simple, the switching devices realize soft switching. This paper analyzes the relationship between the output power and phase-shift angle, the control strategy is simulated by Matlab/Simulink, and the results show that the method is feasible and meets the theoretical analysis

System technology analysis of aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles: Moderate lift/drag (0.75-1.5). Volume 2: Supporting research and technology report, phase 1 and 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1985-01-01

Technology payoffs of representative ground based (Phase 1) and space based (Phase 2) mid lift/drag ratio (L/D) aeroassisted orbit transfer vehicles (AOTV) were assessed and prioritized. The methodology employed to generate technology payoffs, the major payoffs identified, the urgency of the technology effort required, and the technology plans suggested are summarized for both study phases. Technology issues concerning aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, thermal protection, propulsion, and guidance, navigation and control are addressed.

Phase transitions and structural formation of PEG-PCL-PEG copolymer in the processes of fused deposition 3D printing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunaev, A.; Mariyanac, A.; Mironov, A.; Mironova, O.; Popov, V.; Syachina, M.

2018-04-01

In present work the analysis of thermal field distribution and thermal analysis were used to study phase and structural transformations in the block copolymer of polycaprolactone and polyethylene glycol in the process of scaffolds fabrication for tissue engineering using fused deposition modeling. It was shown that the intact polymer has a noticeable thermal history and formed degree of crystallinity which is close to its equilibrium value, while the microstructure of the polymer stays unchanged.

Automated vessel segmentation using cross-correlation and pooled covariance matrix analysis.

PubMed

Du, Jiang; Karimi, Afshin; Wu, Yijing; Korosec, Frank R; Grist, Thomas M; Mistretta, Charles A

2011-04-01

Time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) provides contrast dynamics in the vasculature and allows vessel segmentation based on temporal correlation analysis. Here we present an automated vessel segmentation algorithm including automated generation of regions of interest (ROIs), cross-correlation and pooled sample covariance matrix analysis. The dynamic images are divided into multiple equal-sized regions. In each region, ROIs for artery, vein and background are generated using an iterative thresholding algorithm based on the contrast arrival time map and contrast enhancement map. Region-specific multi-feature cross-correlation analysis and pooled covariance matrix analysis are performed to calculate the Mahalanobis distances (MDs), which are used to automatically separate arteries from veins. This segmentation algorithm is applied to a dual-phase dynamic imaging acquisition scheme where low-resolution time-resolved images are acquired during the dynamic phase followed by high-frequency data acquisition at the steady-state phase. The segmented low-resolution arterial and venous images are then combined with the high-frequency data in k-space and inverse Fourier transformed to form the final segmented arterial and venous images. Results from volunteer and patient studies demonstrate the advantages of this automated vessel segmentation and dual phase data acquisition technique. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Grain size dependent phase stabilities and presence of a monoclinic (Pm) phase in the morphotropic phase boundary region of (1−x)Bi(Mg{sub 1/2}Ti{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-xPbTiO{sub 3} piezoceramics

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

Upadhyay, Ashutosh; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar, E-mail: akhilesh-bhu@yahoo.com, E-mail: aksingh.mst@itbhu.ac.in

2015-04-14

Results of the room temperature structural studies on (1−x)Bi(Mg{sub 1/2}Ti{sub 1/2})O{sub 3}-xPbTiO{sub 3} ceramics using Rietveld analysis of the powder x-ray diffraction data in the composition range 0.28 ≤ x ≤ 0.45 are presented. The morphotropic phase boundary region exhibits coexistence of monoclinic (space group Pm) and tetragonal (space group P4 mm) phases in the composition range 0.33 ≤ x ≤ 0.40. The structure is nearly single phase monoclinic (space group Pm) in the composition range 0.28 ≤ x ≤ 0.32. The structure for the compositions with x ≥ 0.45 is found to be predominantly tetragonal with space group P4 mm. Rietveld refinement of the structure rules out the coexistence of rhombohedral and tetragonal phases inmore » the morphotropic phase boundary region reported by earlier authors. The Rietveld structure analysis for the sample x = .35 calcined at various temperatures reveals that phase fraction of the coexisting phases in the morphotropic phase boundary region varies with grain size. The structural parameters of the two coexisting phases also change slightly with changing grain size.« less

Phase transformations in an ascending adiabatic mixed-phase cloud volume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinsky, M.; Khain, A.; Korolev, A.

2015-04-01

Regimes of liquid-ice coexistence that may form in an adiabatic parcel ascending at constant velocity at freezing temperatures are investigated. Four zones with different microphysical structures succeeding one another along the vertical direction have been established. On the basis of a novel balance equation, analytical expressions are derived to determine the conditions specific for each of these zones. In particular, the necessary and sufficient conditions for formation of liquid water phase within an ascending parcel containing only ice particles are determined. The results are compared to findings reported in earlier studies. The role of the Wegener-Bergeron-Findeisen mechanism in the phase transformation is analyzed. The dependence of the phase relaxation time on height in the four zones is investigated on the basis of a novel analytical expression. The results obtained in the study can be instrumental for analysis and interpretation of observed mixed-phase clouds.

Structural studies of degradation process of zirconium dioxide tetragonal phase induced by grinding with dental bur

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piosik, A.; Żurowski, K.; Pietralik, Z.; Hędzelek, W.; Kozak, M.

2017-11-01

Zirconium dioxide has been widely used in dental prosthetics. However, the improper mechanical treatment can induce changes in the microstructure of zirconium dioxide. From the viewpoint of mechanical properties and performance, the phase transitions of ZrO2 from the tetragonal to the monoclinic phase induced by mechanical processing, are particularly undesirable. In this study, the phase transitions of yttrium stabilized zirconium dioxide (Y-TZP) induced by mechanical treatment are investigated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and powder diffraction (XRD). Mechanical stress was induced by different types of drills used presently in dentistry. At the same time the surface temperature was monitored during milling using a thermal imaging camera. Diffraction analysis allowed determination of the effect of temperature and mechanical processing on the scale of induced changes. The observed phase transition to the monoclinic phase was correlated with the methods of mechanical processing.

Influence of beam-loaded effects on phase-locking in the high power microwave oscillator

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

Li, Zhenghong; Zhou, Zhigang; Qiu, Rong

2014-06-15

Owing to the power limitation of a single device, much more attentions are focused on developing high power microwave (HPM) oscillators that can be phase-locked to the external signal in the recent HPM researches. Although the phase-locking is proved to be feasible in the conventional devices (such as magnetrons), challenges still exist in the HPM devices due to beam-loaded effects, which are more obvious in HPM devices because of its high current and the low Q-factor of the device. A simple structured HPM oscillator (Bitron) is introduced to study such effects on the phase-locking in the HPM oscillator. The self-consistentmore » analysis is carried out to study such effects together with particle in cell simulations. Then the modified Adler equation is established for the phase-locking HPM oscillator. Finally, conditions for the phase-locking in the HPM oscillator are given.« less

Study of the mechanical behavior of the hydride blister/rim structure in Zircaloy-4 using in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction

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

Lin, Jun-li; Han, Xiaochun; Heuser, Brent J.

2016-04-01

High-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction was utilized to study the mechanical response of the f.c.c delta hydride phase, the intermetallic precipitation with hexagonal C14 lave phase and the alpha-Zr phase in the Zircaloy-4 materials with a hydride rim/blister structure near one surface of the material during in-situ uniaxial tension experiment at 200 degrees C. The f.c.c delta was the only hydride phase observed in the rim/blister structure. The conventional Rietveld refinement was applied to measure the macro-strain equivalent response of the three phases. Two regions were delineated in the applied load versus lattice strain measurement: a linear elastic strain region andmore » region that exhibited load partitioning. Load partitioning was quantified by von Mises analysis. The three phases were observed to have similar elastic modulus at 200 degrees C.« less

Application of Risk Assessment Tools in the Continuous Risk Management (CRM) Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, Paul S.

2002-01-01

Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently implementing the Continuous Risk Management (CRM) Program developed by the Carnegie Mellon University and recommended by NASA as the Risk Management (RM) implementation approach. The four most frequently used risk assessment tools in the center are: (a) Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Hazard Analysis (HA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA), and Probabilistic Risk Analysis (PRA). There are some guidelines for selecting the type of risk assessment tools during the project formulation phase of a project, but there is not enough guidance as to how to apply these tools in the Continuous Risk Management process (CRM). But the ways the safety and risk assessment tools are used make a significant difference in the effectiveness in the risk management function. Decisions regarding, what events are to be included in the analysis, to what level of details should the analysis be continued, make significant difference in the effectiveness of risk management program. Tools of risk analysis also depends on the phase of a project e.g. at the initial phase of a project, when not much data are available on hardware, standard FMEA cannot be applied; instead a functional FMEA may be appropriate. This study attempted to provide some directives to alleviate the difficulty in applying FTA, PRA, and FMEA in the CRM process. Hazard Analysis was not included in the scope of the study due to the short duration of the summer research project.

Phase Equilibria in the ZnO-"FeO"-SiO2 System in Reducing Atmosphere and in the ZnO-"FeO"-SiO2-"Cu2O" System in Equilibrium with Liquid Copper Metal at 1250 °C (1523 K)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hidayat, Taufiq; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2018-05-01

Recent experimental studies in the ZnO-"FeO"-SiO2 system in reducing atmosphere demonstrated significant discrepancies with the current FactSage thermodynamic model developed using previous experimental data in this system in equilibrium with metallic iron and air. The present experimental study on phase equilibria in the ZnO-"FeO"-SiO2-"Cu2O" system in equilibrium with liquid copper at 1250 °C (1523 K) at low copper oxide concentrations in slag was initiated and undertaken to resolve these discrepancies. A high-temperature equilibration-rapid quenching-electron-probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) technique using a primary phase substrate support and closed system approach with Cu metal introduced to determine effective equilibrium oxygen partial pressure from the Cumetal/Cu2Oslag equilibria was applied to provide accurate information on the liquidus and corresponding solid compositions in the spinel, willemite, and tridymite primary phase fields. The present results confirmed the accuracy of the FactSage model, resolved discrepancies, and demonstrated significant uncertainties in the recent studies by other authors on the system in the open reducing atmosphere. The present study shows how this closed system approach can be used to obtain key thermodynamic data on phase equilibria in systems containing volatile metal species, overcoming the limitations and uncertainties encountered in conventional open gas/condensed phase equilibration with these systems. The study highlights the importance of the focus on obtaining accurate experimental data and the risks of misleading information from inadequate experimental control and analysis. The study also demonstrates that continuing in-depth critical review and analysis of the elemental reactions taking place in complex systems is an essential step in phase equilibrium research.

Phase transitions in (NH4)2MoO2F4 crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krylov, Alexander; Laptash, Natalia; Vtyurin, Alexander; Krylova, Svetlana

2016-11-01

The mechanisms of temperature and high pressure phase transitions have been studied by Raman spectroscopy. Room temperature (295 K) experiments under high hydrostatic pressure up to 3.6 GPa for (NH4)2 MoO2 F4 have been carried out. Experimental data indicates a phase transition into a new high-pressure phase for (NH4)2 MoO2 F4 at 1.2 GPa. This phase transition is related to the ordering anion octahedron groups [MoO2 F4]2- and is not associated with ammonium group. Raman spectra of small non-oriented crystals ranging from 10 to 350 K have been observed. The experiment shows anion groups [MoO2 F4]2- and ammonium in high temperature phase are disordered. The phase transition at T1 = 269.8 K is of the first-order, close to the tricritical point. The first temperature phase transition is related to the ordering anion octahedron groups [MoO2 F4]2-. Second phase transitions T2 = 180 K are associated with the ordering of ammonium. The data presented within this study demonstrate that 2D correlation analysis combined with traditional Raman spectroscopy are powerful tool to study phase transitions in the crystals.

Cardiovascular response to short-term fasting in menstrual phases in young women: an observational study.

PubMed

Ohara, Kumiko; Okita, Yoshimitsu; Kouda, Katsuyasu; Mase, Tomoki; Miyawaki, Chiemi; Nakamura, Harunobu

2015-08-28

Menstrual cycle-related symptoms are an important health issue for many women, and some may affect cardiac autonomic regulation. In the present study, we evaluated the cardiovascular and physiological stress response to 12-h short-term fasting in the menstrual phases of healthy young women. We performed a randomized crossover study. Subjects were seven female university students (age: 22.3 ± 1.0 years). The experiments comprised four sessions: meal intake in the follicular phase, meal intake in the luteal phase, fasting in the follicular phase, and fasting in the luteal phase. All subjects participated in a total of four experimental sessions during two successive phases (follicular and luteal phase in the same menstrual cycle, or luteal phase and follicular phase in the next menstrual cycle) according to a randomized crossover design. R-R intervals were continuously recorded before and after meals, and power spectral analysis of heart rate variability was performed. Other physiological data were obtained before and 20, 40, 60, and 80 min after meal intake or after the corresponding time point of meal intake (fasting in the follicular or luteal phase). Heart rate decreased during fasting in the follicular and luteal phases. High frequency power increased during fasting in the follicular and luteal phases. In addition, salivary cortisol concentrations decreased during fasting in the luteal phase. In the present study, short-term fasting resulted in higher parasympathetic activity and lower cortisol levels in the luteal phase in these young women. These results indicate a possibility to produce an anti-stress effect in the luteal phase, which may reduce menstrual symptoms.

Crystallization of spray-dried lactose/protein mixtures in humid air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shawqi Barham, A.; Kamrul Haque, Md.; Roos, Yrjö H.; Kieran Hodnett, B.

2006-10-01

An in situ crystallization technique with X-ray diffraction analysis complemented by ex situ scanning electron microscopy and chromatographic analysis of the α/( α+ β) solid-state anomeric ratios has been developed to study the crystallization of lactose/protein mixtures in humid air. This technique was used to determine changes in phase composition and morphology during crystallization. Following an induction period during which water is sorbed, crystallization is rapid and the predominant phase observed using the in situ method in spray-dried lactose/sodium-caseinate, albumin and gelatin is α-lactose monohydrate. However, in the case of spray-dried lactose/whey protein isolate (WPI) the predominant phase that appears is the α/ β mixed phase with smaller amounts of α-lactose monohydrate. With pure lactose the α/ β mixed phase appears as a transient shortly after the onset of crystallization and α-lactose monohydrate and β-lactose both appear as stable crystalline phases at longer times. Another transient phase with 2 θ=12.2°, 20.7° and 21.8° was observed in spray-dried lactose/albumin. This phase decomposed as α-lactose monohydrate developed. Three phases seem to persist in the case of spray-dried lactose/gelatin, namely the phase with peaks at 2 θ=12.2°, 20.7° and 21.8°, α-lactose monohydrate and β-lactose for the duration of the in situ experiment.

Effects of sharing information on drug administration errors in pediatric wards: a pre–post intervention study

PubMed Central

Chua, Siew-Siang; Choo, Sim-Mei; Sulaiman, Che Zuraini; Omar, Asma; Thong, Meow-Keong

2017-01-01

Background and purpose Drug administration errors are more likely to reach the patient than other medication errors. The main aim of this study was to determine whether the sharing of information on drug administration errors among health care providers would reduce such problems. Patients and methods This study involved direct, undisguised observations of drug administrations in two pediatric wards of a major teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This study consisted of two phases: Phase 1 (pre-intervention) and Phase 2 (post-intervention). Data were collected by two observers over a 40-day period in both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the study. Both observers were pharmacy graduates: Observer 1 just completed her undergraduate pharmacy degree, whereas Observer 2 was doing her one-year internship as a provisionally registered pharmacist in the hospital under study. A drug administration error was defined as a discrepancy between the drug regimen received by the patient and that intended by the prescriber and also drug administration procedures that did not follow standard hospital policies and procedures. Results from Phase 1 of the study were analyzed, presented and discussed with the ward staff before commencement of data collection in Phase 2. Results A total of 1,284 and 1,401 doses of drugs were administered in Phase 1 and Phase 2, respectively. The rate of drug administration errors reduced significantly from Phase 1 to Phase 2 (44.3% versus 28.6%, respectively; P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted odds of drug administration errors in Phase 1 of the study were almost three times that in Phase 2 (P<0.001). The most common types of errors were incorrect administration technique and incorrect drug preparation. Nasogastric and intravenous routes of drug administration contributed significantly to the rate of drug administration errors. Conclusion This study showed that sharing of the types of errors that had occurred was significantly associated with a reduction in drug administration errors. PMID:28356748

Benzene-induced myelotoxicity: application of flow cytofluorometry for the evaluation of early proliferative change in bone marrow.

PubMed Central

Irons, R D

1981-01-01

A detailed description of flow cytofluorometric DNA cell cycle analysis is presented. A number of studies by the author and other investigators are reviewed in which a method is developed for the analysis of cell cycle phase in bone marrow of experimental animals. Bone marrow cell cycle analysis is a sensitive indicator of changes in bone marrow proliferative activity occurring early in chemically-induced myelotoxicity. Cell cycle analysis, used together with other hematologic methods, has revealed benzene-induced toxicity in proliferating bone marrow cells to be cycle specific, appearing to affect a population in late S phase which then accumulate in G2/M. PMID:7016521

Lee-Yang zero analysis for the study of QCD phase structure

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

Ejiri, Shinji

2006-03-01

We comment on the Lee-Yang zero analysis for the study of the phase structure of QCD at high temperature and baryon number density by Monte-Carlo simulations. We find that the sign problem for nonzero density QCD induces a serious problem in the finite volume scaling analysis of the Lee-Yang zeros for the investigation of the order of the phase transition. If the sign problem occurs at large volume, the Lee-Yang zeros will always approach the real axis of the complex parameter plane in the thermodynamic limit. This implies that a scaling behavior which would suggest a crossover transition will notmore » be obtained. To clarify this problem, we discuss the Lee-Yang zero analysis for SU(3) pure gauge theory as a simple example without the sign problem, and then consider the case of nonzero density QCD. It is suggested that the distribution of the Lee-Yang zeros in the complex parameter space obtained by each simulation could be more important information for the investigation of the critical endpoint in the (T,{mu}{sub q}) plane than the finite volume scaling behavior.« less

Analysis of dead zone sources in a closed-loop fiber optic gyroscope.

PubMed

Chong, Kyoung-Ho; Choi, Woo-Seok; Chong, Kil-To

2016-01-01

Analysis of the dead zone is among the intensive studies in a closed-loop fiber optic gyroscope. In a dead zone, a gyroscope cannot detect any rotation and produces a zero bias. In this study, an analysis of dead zone sources is performed in simulation and experiments. In general, the problem is mainly due to electrical cross coupling and phase modulation drift. Electrical cross coupling is caused by interference between modulation voltage and the photodetector. The cross-coupled signal produces spurious gyro bias and leads to a dead zone if it is larger than the input rate. Phase modulation drift as another dead zone source is due to the electrode contamination, the piezoelectric effect of the LiNbO3 substrate, or to organic fouling. This modulation drift lasts for a short or long period of time like a lead-lag filter response and produces gyro bias error, noise spikes, or dead zone. For a more detailed analysis, the cross-coupling effect and modulation phase drift are modeled as a filter and are simulated in both the open-loop and closed-loop modes. The sources of dead zone are more clearly analyzed in the simulation and experimental results.

Effect of additional of Hoodia Gordonii and seaweed powder on the sensory and physicochemical properties of brown rice bar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hajal, Masturah Ebni; Ghani, Maaruf Abd; Daud, Norlida Mat

2015-09-01

Awareness of the nutritional content of food has increased with the emergence of various health products in the market. Cereal bar is one of the beneficial foods among consumer that concern on their healthy food. This study was conducted to develop a brown rice bar that contain active ingredients (H. gordonii and seaweed powder) and to determine the effect on sensory evaluation and physicochemical properties (colour, texture and proximate analysis) of this product. This study consisted of two phases in which the first phase consisted of development of ten formulations including control. All of the formulations were undergo analysis of colour, texture and sensory evaluation. Based on the sensory evaluation, Control (H. gordonii: 0%, seaweed: 0%) and two best formulations that consist of formulation 6 (H. gordonii: 1.6%; seaweed: 2.8%) and formulation 9 (H. gordonii: 2.4%, seaweed: 2.8%) were chosen to undergo the second phase which is proximate analysis. Base on the result, were significant different (p<0.05) on proximate analysis except for the protein and moisture content. Therefore, it can be concluded that H. gordonii is a good source of fiber when adding in a bar.

Concentration, distribution and source apportionment of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the southeast suburb of Beijing, China.

PubMed

Zhang, Shucai; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Kaiyan; Shen, Yating; Hu, Lianwu; Wang, Xuejun

2009-04-01

Total suspended particle samples and gas phase samples were collected at three representative sampling sites in the southeastern suburb of Beijing from March 2005 to January 2006. The samples were analyzed for 16 US EPA priority PAHs using GC/MS. Concentrations of Sigma PAHs in particle and gas phases were 0.21-1.18 x 10(3) ng m(-3) and 9.5 x 10(2) ng-1.03 x 10(5) ng m(-3), respectively. PAH concentrations displayed seasonal variation in the order of winter>spring>autumn>summer for particle phase, and winter>autumn>summer>spring for gas phase. Partial correlation analysis indicates that PAH concentrations in particle phase are negatively correlated with temperature and positively correlated with air pollution index of SO(2). No significant correlation is observed between gas phase PAHs and the auxiliary parameters. Sources of PAH are identified through principal component analysis, and source contributions are estimated through multiple linear regression. Major sources of atmospheric PAHs in the study area include coal combustion, coke industry, vehicular emission and natural gas combustion.

Characterizing the information content of cloud thermodynamic phase retrievals from the notional PACE OCI shortwave reflectance measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coddington, O. M.; Vukicevic, T.; Schmidt, K. S.; Platnick, S.

2017-08-01

We rigorously quantify the probability of liquid or ice thermodynamic phase using only shortwave spectral channels specific to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite, and the notional future Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem imager. The results show that two shortwave-infrared channels (2135 and 2250 nm) provide more information on cloud thermodynamic phase than either channel alone; in one case, the probability of ice phase retrieval increases from 65 to 82% by combining 2135 and 2250 nm channels. The analysis is performed with a nonlinear statistical estimation approach, the GEneralized Nonlinear Retrieval Analysis (GENRA). The GENRA technique has previously been used to quantify the retrieval of cloud optical properties from passive shortwave observations, for an assumed thermodynamic phase. Here we present the methodology needed to extend the utility of GENRA to a binary thermodynamic phase space (i.e., liquid or ice). We apply formal information content metrics to quantify our results; two of these (mutual and conditional information) have not previously been used in the field of cloud studies.

A comparative ecotoxicity analysis of α- and γ-phase aluminium oxide nanoparticles towards a freshwater bacterial isolate Bacillus licheniformis.

PubMed

Pakrashi, Sunandan; Kumar, Deepak; Iswarya, V; Bhuvaneshwari, M; Chandrasekaran, N; Mukherjee, Amitava

2014-12-01

Crystalline structure of nanoparticles may influence their physicochemical behaviour as well as their toxicological impact on biota. The differences in orientation of the atoms result in the variations in chemical stability. Thus, toxicological impacts of different crystalline phases of aluminium oxide nanoparticles are expected to vary. The present study brings out a comparative toxicity analysis of γ-phase and α-phase aluminium oxide nanoparticles of comparable hydrodynamic size range towards a freshwater bacterial isolate Bacillus licheniformis at low exposure concentrations (5, 1, 0.5 and 0.05 µg/mL). Upon 2-h exposure, the α-aluminium oxide particles showed lower toxicity than the γ-phase aluminium oxide. The lower level of oxidative stress generation and cell membrane damage in case of the α-phase aluminium oxide nanoparticles substantiated the toxicity results. The involvement of protein, lipopolysaccharides in nanoparticle-cell surface interaction, was noted in both the cases. To conclude, the crystallinity of aluminium oxide nanoparticles played an important role in the interaction and the toxicity response.

Plasma wave experiment for the ISEE-3 mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scarf, F. L.

1982-01-01

Analysis of data from a scientific instrument designed to study solar wind and plasma wave phenomena on the ISEE-3 mission is presented. The performance of work on the data analysis phase is summarized.

Simultaneous Evaluation of Life Cycle Dynamics between a Host Paramecium and the Endosymbionts of Paramecium bursaria Using Capillary Flow Cytometry.

PubMed

Takahashi, Toshiyuki

2016-08-17

Endosymbioses are driving forces underlying cell evolution. The endosymbiosis exhibited by Paramecium bursaria is an excellent model with which to study symbiosis. A single-cell microscopic analysis of P. bursaria reveals that endosymbiont numbers double when the host is in the division phase. Consequently, endosymbionts must arrange their cell cycle schedule if the culture-condition-dependent change delays the generation time of P. bursaria. However, it remains poorly understood whether endosymbionts keep pace with the culture-condition-dependent behaviors of P. bursaria, or not. Using microscopy and flow cytometry, this study investigated the life cycle behaviors occurring between endosymbionts and the host. To establish a connection between the host cell cycle and endosymbionts comprehensively, multivariate analysis was applied. The multivariate analysis revealed important information related to regulation between the host and endosymbionts. Results show that dividing endosymbionts underwent transition smoothly from the division phase to interphase, when the host was in the logarithmic phase. In contrast, endosymbiont division stagnated when the host was in the stationary phase. This paper explains that endosymbionts fine-tune their cell cycle pace with their host and that a synchronous life cycle between the endosymbionts and the host is guaranteed in the symbiosis of P. bursaria.

Simultaneous Evaluation of Life Cycle Dynamics between a Host Paramecium and the Endosymbionts of Paramecium bursaria Using Capillary Flow Cytometry

PubMed Central

Takahashi, Toshiyuki

2016-01-01

Endosymbioses are driving forces underlying cell evolution. The endosymbiosis exhibited by Paramecium bursaria is an excellent model with which to study symbiosis. A single-cell microscopic analysis of P. bursaria reveals that endosymbiont numbers double when the host is in the division phase. Consequently, endosymbionts must arrange their cell cycle schedule if the culture-condition-dependent change delays the generation time of P. bursaria. However, it remains poorly understood whether endosymbionts keep pace with the culture-condition-dependent behaviors of P. bursaria, or not. Using microscopy and flow cytometry, this study investigated the life cycle behaviors occurring between endosymbionts and the host. To establish a connection between the host cell cycle and endosymbionts comprehensively, multivariate analysis was applied. The multivariate analysis revealed important information related to regulation between the host and endosymbionts. Results show that dividing endosymbionts underwent transition smoothly from the division phase to interphase, when the host was in the logarithmic phase. In contrast, endosymbiont division stagnated when the host was in the stationary phase. This paper explains that endosymbionts fine-tune their cell cycle pace with their host and that a synchronous life cycle between the endosymbionts and the host is guaranteed in the symbiosis of P. bursaria. PMID:27531180

Production of coconut protein powder from coconut wet processing waste and its characterization.

PubMed

Naik, Aduja; Raghavendra, S N; Raghavarao, K S M S

2012-07-01

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been gaining popularity in recent times. During its production, byproducts such as coconut skim milk and insoluble protein are obtained which are underutilized or thrown away to the environment at present. This study deals with utilization of these byproducts to obtain a value-added product, namely, coconut protein powder. When coconut milk was subjected to centrifugation, three phases, namely, fat phase (coconut cream), aqueous phase (coconut skim milk), and solid phase (insoluble protein) were obtained. The coconut skim milk and insoluble protein were mixed and homogenized before spray drying to obtain a dehydrated protein powder. The proximate analysis of the powder showed high protein content (33 % w/w) and low fat content (3 % w/w). Protein solubility was studied as a function of pH and ionic content of solvent. Functional properties such as water hydration capacity, fat absorption capacity, emulsifying properties, wettability, and dispersibility of coconut protein powder were evaluated along with morphological characterization, polyphenol content, and color analysis. Coconut protein powder has shown to have good emulsifying properties and hence has potential to find applications in emulsified foods. Sensory analysis showed high overall quality of the product, indicating that coconut protein powder could be a useful food ingredient.

Finite element analysis of the femur during stance phase of gait based on musculoskeletal model simulation.

PubMed

Seo, Jeong-Woo; Kang, Dong-Won; Kim, Ju-Young; Yang, Seung-Tae; Kim, Dae-Hyeok; Choi, Jin-Seung; Tack, Gye-Rae

2014-01-01

In this study, the accuracy of the inputs required for finite element analysis, which is mainly used for the biomechanical analysis of bones, was improved. To ensure a muscle force and joint contact force similar to the actual values, a musculoskeletal model that was based on the actual gait experiment was used. Gait data were obtained from a healthy male adult aged 29 who had no history of musculoskeletal disease and walked normally (171 cm height and 72 kg weight), and were used as inputs for the musculoskeletal model simulation to determine the muscle force and joint contact force. Among the phases of gait, which is the most common activity in daily life, the stance phase is the most affected by the load. The results data were extracted from five events in the stance phase: heel contact (ST1), loading response (ST2), early mid-stance (ST2), late mid-stance (ST4), and terminal stance (ST5). The results were used as the inputs for the finite element model that was formed using 1.5mm intervals computed tomography (CT) images and the maximum Von-Mises stress and the maximum Von-Mises strain of the right femur were examined. The maximum stress and strain were lowest at the ST4. The maximum values for the femur occurred in the medial part and then in the lateral part after the mid-stance. In this study, the results of the musculoskeletal model simulation using the inverse-dynamic analysis were utilized to improve the accuracy of the inputs, which affected the finite element analysis results, and the possibility of the bone-specific analysis according to the lapse of time was examined.

Transient Rotor Activity During Prolonged 3-Dimensional Phase Mapping in Human Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

PubMed

Pathik, Bhupesh; Kalman, Jonathan M; Walters, Tomos; Kuklik, Pawel; Zhao, Jichao; Madry, Andrew; Prabhu, Sandeep; Nalliah, Chrishan; Kistler, Peter; Lee, Geoffrey

2018-01-01

This study sought to validate a 3-dimensional (3D) phase mapping system and determine the distribution of dominant propagation patterns in persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Currently available systems display phase as simplified 2-dimensional maps. We developed a novel 3D phase mapping system that uses the 3D location of basket catheter electrodes and the patient's 3D left atrial surface geometry to interpolate phase and create a 3D representation of phase progression. Six-min AF recordings from the left atrium were obtained in 14 patients using the Constellation basket catheter and analyzed offline. Exported signals underwent both phase and traditional activation analysis and were then visualized using a novel 3D mapping system. Analysis involved: 1) validation of phase analysis by comparing beat-to-beat AF cycle length calculated using phase inversion with that determined from activation timing in the same 20-s segment; 2) validation of 3D phase by comparing propagation patterns observed using 3D phase with 3D activation in the same 1-min segment; and 3) determining the distribution of dominant propagation patterns in 6-min recordings using 3D phase. There was strong agreement of beat-to-beat AF cycle length between activation analysis and phase inversion (R 2  = 0.91). There was no significant difference between 3D activation and 3D phase in mean percentage of propagation patterns classified as single wavefronts (p = 0.99), focal activations (p = 0.26), disorganized activity (p = 0.76), or multiple wavefronts (p = 0.70). During prolonged 3D phase, single wavefronts were the most common propagation pattern (50.2%). A total of 34 rotors were seen in 9 of 14 patients. All rotors were transient with mean duration of 1.0 ± 0.6 s. Rotors were only observed in areas of high electrode density where the interelectrode distance was significantly shorter than nonrotor sites (7.4 [interquartile range: 6.3 to 14.6] vs. 15.3 mm [interquartile range: 10.1 to 22.2]; p < 0.001). During prolonged 3D phase mapping, transient rotors were observed in 64% of patients and reformed at the same anatomic location in 44% of patients. The electrode density of the basket catheter may limit the detection of rotors. Copyright © 2018 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The outburst decay of the low magnetic field magnetar SWIFT J1822.3-1606: phase-resolved analysis and evidence for a variable cyclotron feature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez Castillo, Guillermo A.; Israel, Gian Luca; Tiengo, Andrea; Salvetti, David; Turolla, Roberto; Zane, Silvia; Rea, Nanda; Esposito, Paolo; Mereghetti, Sandro; Perna, Rosalba; Stella, Luigi; Pons, José A.; Campana, Sergio; Götz, Diego; Motta, Sara

2016-03-01

We study the timing and spectral properties of the low-magnetic field, transient magnetar SWIFT J1822.3-1606 as it approached quiescence. We coherently phase-connect the observations over a time-span of ˜500 d since the discovery of SWIFT J1822.3-1606 following the Swift-Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) trigger on 2011 July 14, and carried out a detailed pulse phase spectroscopy along the outburst decay. We follow the spectral evolution of different pulse phase intervals and find a phase and energy-variable spectral feature, which we interpret as proton cyclotron resonant scattering of soft photon from currents circulating in a strong (≳1014 G) small-scale component of the magnetic field near the neutron star surface, superimposed to the much weaker (˜3 × 1013 G) magnetic field. We discuss also the implications of the pulse-resolved spectral analysis for the emission regions on the surface of the cooling magnetar.

Molecular dynamics and residual entropy in the soft crystal, SmE phase, of 4-butyl-4'-isothiocyano-1,1'-biphenyl.

PubMed

Ishimaru, Shin'ichi; Saito, Kazuya; Ikeuchi, Satoaki; Massalska-Arodz, Maria; Witko, Waclaw

2005-05-26

Molecular dynamics and resulting disorder in the soft crystal, smectic E (SmE) phase, were studied in detail for the title compound, 4-butyl-4'-isothiocyano-1,1'-biphenyl (4TCB), by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and adiabatic calorimetry. The ordered crystal phase of 4TCB was realized for the first time under ambient pressure after long two-step annealing and used as the reference state in the analysis of the experimental results. Four motional modes were identified in the SmE phase through the analysis of the (1)H NMR T(1). The residual entropy was determined as ca. 6 J K(-1) mol(-1). This magnitude implies that most of the disorder in the SmE phase at high temperatures is removed on cooling except for the head-to-tail disorder of the rod-shaped 4TCB molecule. Standard thermodynamic functions are tabulated below 375 K.

Molecular analysis of bacterial microbiota associated with oysters (Crassostrea gigas and Crassostrea corteziensis) in different growth phases at two cultivation sites.

PubMed

Trabal, Natalia; Mazón-Suástegui, José M; Vázquez-Juárez, Ricardo; Asencio-Valle, Felipe; Morales-Bojórquez, Enrique; Romero, Jaime

2012-08-01

Microbiota presumably plays an essential role in inhibiting pathogen colonization and in the maintenance of health in oysters, but limited data exist concerning their different growth phases and conditions. We analyzed the bacterial microbiota composition of two commercial oysters: Crassostrea gigas and Crassostrea corteziensis. Differences in microbiota were assayed in three growth phases: post-larvae at the hatchery, juvenile, and adult at two grow-out cultivation sites. Variations in the microbiota were assessed by PCR analysis of the 16S rRNA gene in DNA extracted from depurated oysters. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) profiles were studied using Dice's similarity coefficient (Cs) and statistical principal component analysis (PCA). The microbiota composition was determined by sequencing temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) bands. The RFLP analysis of post-larvae revealed homology in the microbiota of both oyster species (Cs > 88 %). Dice and PCA analyses of C. corteziensis but not C. gigas showed differences in the microbiota according to the cultivation sites. The sequencing analysis revealed low bacterial diversity (primarily β-Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Spirochaetes), with Burkholderia cepacia being the most abundant bacteria in both oyster species. This study provides the first description of the microbiota in C. corteziensis, which was shown to be influenced by cultivation site conditions. During early growth, we observed that B. cepacia colonized and remained strongly associated with the two oysters, probably in a symbiotic host-bacteria relationship. This association was maintained in the three growth phases and was not altered by environmental conditions or the management of the oysters at the grow-out site.

Analysis of the phase control of the ITER ICRH antenna array. Influence on the load resilience and radiated power spectrum

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

Messiaen, A., E-mail: a.messiaen@fz-juelich.de; Ongena, J.; Vervier, M.

2015-12-10

The paper analyses how the phasing of the ITER ICRH 24 strap array evolves from the power sources up to the strap currents of the antenna. The study of the phasing control and coherence through the feeding circuits with prematching and automatic matching and decoupling network is made by modeling starting from the TOPICA matrix of the antenna array for a low coupling plasma profile and for current drive phasing (worst case for mutual coupling effects). The main results of the analysis are: (i) the strap current amplitude is well controlled by the antinode V{sub max} amplitude of the feedingmore » lines, (ii) the best toroidal phasing control is done by the adjustment of the mean phase of V{sub max} of each poloidal straps column, (iii) with well adjusted system the largest strap current phasing error is ±20°, (iv) the effect on load resilience remains well below the maximum affordable VSWR of the generators, (v) the effect on the radiated power spectrum versus k{sub //} computed by means of the coupling code ANTITER II remains small for the considered cases.« less

Effects of liquid layers and distribution patterns on three-phase saturation and relative permeability relationships: a micromodel study.

PubMed

Tsai, Jui-Pin; Chang, Liang-Cheng; Hsu, Shao-Yiu; Shan, Hsin-Yu

2017-12-01

In the current study, we used micromodel experiments to study three-phase fluid flow in porous media. In contrast to previous studies, we simultaneously observed and measured pore-scale fluid behavior and three-phase constitutive relationships with digital image acquisition/analysis, fluid pressure control, and permeability assays. Our results showed that the fluid layers significantly influenced pore-scale, three-phase fluid displacement as well as water relative permeability. At low water saturation, water relative permeability not only depended on water saturation but also on the distributions of air and diesel. The results also indicate that the relative permeability-saturation model proposed by Parker et al. (1987) could not completely describe the experimental data from our three-phase flow experiments because these models ignore the effects of phase distribution. A simple bundle-of-tubes model shows that the water relative permeability was proportional to the number of apparently continuous water paths before the critical stage in which no apparently continuous water flow path could be found. Our findings constitute additional information about the essential constitutive relationships involved in both the understanding and the modeling of three-phase flows in porous media.

Inverse Thermal Analysis of Titanium GTA Welds Using Multiple Constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambrakos, S. G.; Shabaev, A.; Huang, L.

2015-06-01

Inverse thermal analysis of titanium gas-tungsten-arc welds using multiple constraint conditions is presented. This analysis employs a methodology that is in terms of numerical-analytical basis functions for inverse thermal analysis of steady-state energy deposition in plate structures. The results of this type of analysis provide parametric representations of weld temperature histories that can be adopted as input data to various types of computational procedures, such as those for prediction of solid-state phase transformations. In addition, these temperature histories can be used to construct parametric function representations for inverse thermal analysis of welds corresponding to other process parameters or welding processes whose process conditions are within similar regimes. The present study applies an inverse thermal analysis procedure that provides for the inclusion of constraint conditions associated with both solidification and phase transformation boundaries.

Longitudinal analysis of the group A Streptococcus transcriptome in experimental pharyngitis in cynomolgus macaques.

PubMed

Virtaneva, Kimmo; Porcella, Stephen F; Graham, Morag R; Ireland, Robin M; Johnson, Claire A; Ricklefs, Stacy M; Babar, Imran; Parkins, Larye D; Romero, Romina A; Corn, G Judson; Gardner, Don J; Bailey, John R; Parnell, Michael J; Musser, James M

2005-06-21

Identification of the genetic events that contribute to host-pathogen interactions is important for understanding the natural history of infectious diseases and developing therapeutics. Transcriptome studies conducted on pathogens have been central to this goal in recent years. However, most of these investigations have focused on specific end points or disease phases, rather than analysis of the entire time course of infection. To gain a more complete understanding of how bacterial gene expression changes over time in a primate host, the transcriptome of group A Streptococcus (GAS) was analyzed during an 86-day infection protocol in 20 cynomolgus macaques with experimental pharyngitis. The study used 260 custom Affymetrix (Santa Clara, CA) chips, and data were confirmed by TaqMan analysis. Colonization, acute, and asymptomatic phases of disease were identified. Successful colonization and severe inflammation were significantly correlated with an early onset of superantigen gene expression. The differential expression of two-component regulators covR and spy0680 (M1_spy0874) was significantly associated with GAS colony-forming units, inflammation, and phases of disease. Prophage virulence gene expression and prophage induction occurred predominantly during high pathogen cell densities and acute inflammation. We discovered that temporal changes in the GAS transcriptome were integrally linked to the phase of clinical disease and host-defense response. Knowledge of the gene expression patterns characterizing each phase of pathogen-host interaction provides avenues for targeted investigation of proven and putative virulence factors and genes of unknown function and will assist vaccine research.

Safety Guided Design of Crew Return Vehicle in Concept Design Phase Using STAMP/STPA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakao, H.; Katahira, M.; Miyamoto, Y.; Leveson, N.

2012-01-01

In the concept development and design phase of a new space system, such as a Crew Vehicle, designers tend to focus on how to implement new technology. Designers also consider the difficulty of using the new technology and trade off several system design candidates. Then they choose an optimal design from the candidates. Safety should be a key aspect driving optimal concept design. However, in past concept design activities, safety analysis such as FTA has not used to drive the design because such analysis techniques focus on component failure and component failure cannot be considered in the concept design phase. The solution to these problems is to apply a new hazard analysis technique, called STAMP/STPA. STAMP/STPA defines safety as a control problem rather than a failure problem and identifies hazardous scenarios and their causes. Defining control flow is the essential in concept design phase. Therefore STAMP/STPA could be a useful tool to assess the safety of system candidates and to be part of the rationale for choosing a design as the baseline of the system. In this paper, we explain our case study of safety guided concept design using STPA, the new hazard analysis technique, and model-based specification technique on Crew Return Vehicle design and evaluate benefits of using STAMP/STPA in concept development phase.

A Study on the Difficulties of Learning Phase Transition in Object-Oriented Analysis and Design from the Viewpoint of Semantic Distance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shin, Shin-Shing

2015-01-01

Students in object-oriented analysis and design (OOAD) courses typically encounter difficulties transitioning from object-oriented analysis (OOA) to logical design (OOLD). This study conducted an empirical experiment to examine these learning difficulties by evaluating differences between OOA-to-OOLD and OOLD-to-object-oriented-physical-design…

A class of all digital phase locked loops - Modelling and analysis.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reddy, C. P.; Gupta, S. C.

1972-01-01

An all digital phase locked loop which tracks the phase of the incoming signal once per carrier cycle is proposed. The different elements and their functions, and the phase lock operation are explained in detail. The general digital loop operation is governed by a non-linear difference equation from which a suitable model is developed. The lock range for the general model is derived. The performance of the digital loop for phase step, and frequency step inputs for different levels of quantization without loop filter, are studied. The analytical results are checked by simulating the actual system on the digital computer.

Simulation model for a seven-phase BLDCM drive system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Sang-Hoon; Lee, Won-Cheol; Lee, Jung-Hyo; Yu, Jae-Sung; Kim, Gyu-Sik; Won, Chung-Yuen

2007-12-01

BLDC motors have many advantages over brushed DC motors and induction motors. So, BLDC motors extend their application to many industrial fields. In this paper, the digital simulation and modeling of a 7-phase brushless DC motor have been presented. The 14-switch inverter and a 7-phase brushless DC motor drive system are simulated using hysteresis current controller and logic of switching pattern with the Boolean¡s function. Through some simulations, we found that our modeling and analysis of a 7-phase BLDCM with PWM inverter would be helpful for the further studies of the multi-phase BLDCM drive systems.

Casual Dock Work: Profile of Diseases and Injuries and Perception of Influence on Health

PubMed Central

Cezar-Vaz, Marta Regina; de Almeida, Marlise Capa Verde; Bonow, Clarice Alves; Rocha, Laurelize Pereira; Borges, Anelise Miritz; Piexak, Diéssica Roggia

2014-01-01

The present study aimed to identify the profile of diseases and injuries that affect casual dock workers and identify casual dock workers’ perceptions of positive and negative work influences on their health. This study consisted of two phases. The first phase was a quantitative study composed of a retrospective analysis, conducted with 953 medical records. The second phase of the research is a non-random sample with 51 casual dock workers. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 19.0. The average age of the casual dock workers was 48.7. Concerning working time, the majority had more than 19.6 years of dock work experience. In the first phase, 527 pathologic diagnoses were identified. The diagnoses that affected the musculoskeletal system (15.8%, N = 152; p < 0.01) were highlighted. Consequences to physical health produced by accidents stood out, with fracture registration predominating (12.8%, N = 122; p < 0.05). Significant differences were found for positive work influence on the cardiovascular system and family health. It was concluded that the diagnoses obtained are related to the influence of dock work perception and have motivated an introduction of preventive measures. PMID:24557521

Thermodynamic analysis of fuels in gas phase: ethanol, gasoline and ethanol - gasoline predicted by DFT method.

PubMed

Neto, A F G; Lopes, F S; Carvalho, E V; Huda, M N; Neto, A M J C; Machado, N T

2015-10-01

This paper presents a theoretical study using density functional theory to calculate thermodynamics properties of major molecules compounds at gas phase of fuels like gasoline, ethanol, and gasoline-ethanol mixture in thermal equilibrium on temperature range up to 1500 K. We simulated a composition of gasoline mixture with ethanol for a thorough study of thermal energy, enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, entropy, heat capacity at constant pressure with respect to temperature in order to study the influence caused by ethanol as an additive to gasoline. We used semi-empirical computational methods as well in order to know the efficiency of other methods to simulate fuels through this methodology. In addition, the ethanol influence through the changes in percentage fractions of chemical energy released in combustion reaction and the variations on thermal properties for autoignition temperatures of fuels was analyzed. We verified how ethanol reduces the chemical energy released by gasoline combustion and how at low temperatures the gas phase fuels in thermal equilibrium have similar thermodynamic behavior. Theoretical results were compared with experimental data, when available, and showed agreement. Graphical Abstract Thermodynamic analysis of fuels in gas phase.

Scientific white paper on concentration-QTc modeling.

PubMed

Garnett, Christine; Bonate, Peter L; Dang, Qianyu; Ferber, Georg; Huang, Dalong; Liu, Jiang; Mehrotra, Devan; Riley, Steve; Sager, Philip; Tornoe, Christoffer; Wang, Yaning

2018-06-01

The International Council for Harmonisation revised the E14 guideline through the questions and answers process to allow concentration-QTc (C-QTc) modeling to be used as the primary analysis for assessing the QTc interval prolongation risk of new drugs. A well-designed and conducted QTc assessment based on C-QTc modeling in early phase 1 studies can be an alternative approach to a thorough QT study for some drugs to reliably exclude clinically relevant QTc effects. This white paper provides recommendations on how to plan and conduct a definitive QTc assessment of a drug using C-QTc modeling in early phase clinical pharmacology and thorough QT studies. Topics included are: important study design features in a phase 1 study; modeling objectives and approach; exploratory plots; the pre-specified linear mixed effects model; general principles for model development and evaluation; and expectations for modeling analysis plans and reports. The recommendations are based on current best modeling practices, scientific literature and personal experiences of the authors. These recommendations are expected to evolve as their implementation during drug development provides additional data and with advances in analytical methodology.

Non-Conventional Techniques for the Study of Phase Transitions in NiTi-Based Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nespoli, Adelaide; Villa, Elena; Passaretti, Francesca; Albertini, Franca; Cabassi, Riccardo; Pasquale, Massimo; Sasso, Carlo Paolo; Coïsson, Marco

2014-07-01

Differential scanning calorimetry and electrical resistance measurements are the two most common techniques for the study of the phase transition path and temperatures of shape memory alloys (SMA) in stress-free condition. Besides, it is well known that internal friction measurements are also useful for this purpose. There are indeed some further techniques which are seldom used for the basic characterization of SMA transition: dilatometric analysis, magnetic measurements, and Seebeck coefficient study. In this work, we discuss the attitude of these techniques for the study of NiTi-based phase transition. Measurements were conducted on several fully annealed Ni50- x Ti50Cu x samples ranging from 3 to 10 at.% in Cu content, fully annealed at 850 °C for 1 h in vacuum and quenched in water at room temperature. Results show that all these techniques are sensitive to phase transition, and they provide significant information about the existence of intermediate phases.

Formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs via coacervation--a pilot study using febantel.

PubMed

De Jaeghere, W; De Geest, B G; Van Bocxlaer, J; Remon, J P; Vervaet, C; Antunes da Fonseca, A

2013-11-01

In this study, febantel was dissolved under increased temperature in a nonionic surfactant Lutrol L44® and subsequently mixed into an aqueous maltodextrin solution. After 8h under static conditions, coacervation or phase separation took place. (1)H NMR spectra and HPLC analysis showed that the upper phase contained mainly all febantel, while no febantel was detected in the lower phase. Fluorescent microscopy showed that maltodextrin is distributed in the lower phase. Coacervation proved to be a promising formulation technology for certain poorly water-soluble drugs, such as febantel. The coacervate phase showed an increase in in vitro dissolution kinetics, compared to Rintal® granules. These results were confirmed in an in vivo study performed on dogs. Febantel and fenbendazole showed a significant increase in plasma concentration compared to Rintal® granules. Further studies have to be performed to transform coacervates into a solid dosage form and to prove broad applicability to other poorly soluble drugs. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Variance of foot biomechanical parameters across age groups for the elderly people in Romania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deselnicu, D. C.; Vasilescu, A. M.; Militaru, G.

2017-10-01

The paper presents the results of a fieldwork study conducted in order to analyze major causal factors that influence the foot deformities and pathologies of elderly women in Romania. The study has an exploratory and descriptive nature and uses quantitative methodology. The sample consisted of 100 elderly women from Romania, ranging from 55 to over 75 years of age. The collected data was analyzed on multiple dimensions using a statistic analysis software program. The analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences across age groups in terms of several biomechanical parameters such as travel speed, toe off phase and support phase in the case of elderly women.

Dielectric relaxation study of Pb(Yb0.5Ta0.5)O3 near ferroelectric phase transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Praharaj, S.; Biswas, P.; Rout, D.

2018-05-01

The dielectric relaxation study of Pb(Yb0.5Ta0.5)O3 was investigated by dielectric and impedance measurements. A weak relaxor behavior was observed in the specimen near to the antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transition. The frequency dependence of Tm analysis confirms the existence of polar nano regions and the interaction between them as well. The depressed semicircles in the impedance plot suggest poly dispersive (non Debye type) nature of the dielectric phenomena in the sample. The dielectric relaxation was further investigated through the analysis of frequency dependence imaginary part of impedance and modulus data.

Freud: a software suite for high-throughput simulation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harper, Eric; Spellings, Matthew; Anderson, Joshua; Glotzer, Sharon

Computer simulation is an indispensable tool for the study of a wide variety of systems. As simulations scale to fill petascale and exascale supercomputing clusters, so too does the size of the data produced, as well as the difficulty in analyzing these data. We present Freud, an analysis software suite for efficient analysis of simulation data. Freud makes no assumptions about the system being analyzed, allowing for general analysis methods to be applied to nearly any type of simulation. Freud includes standard analysis methods such as the radial distribution function, as well as new methods including the potential of mean force and torque and local crystal environment analysis. Freud combines a Python interface with fast, parallel C + + analysis routines to run efficiently on laptops, workstations, and supercomputing clusters. Data analysis on clusters reduces data transfer requirements, a prohibitive cost for petascale computing. Used in conjunction with simulation software, Freud allows for smart simulations that adapt to the current state of the system, enabling the study of phenomena such as nucleation and growth, intelligent investigation of phases and phase transitions, and determination of effective pair potentials.

Analysis of Explosives in Soil Using Solid Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography: Environmental Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Analysis of Explosives in Soil Using Solid Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography Howard T. Mayfield Air Force Research...Abstract: Current methods for the analysis of explosives in soils utilize time consuming sample preparation workups and extractions. The method detection...chromatography/mass spectrometry to provide a con- venient and sensitive analysis method for explosives in soil. Keywords: Explosives, TNT, solid phase

Milk thistle and indinavir: a randomized controlled pharmacokinetics study and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Mills, Edward; Wilson, Kumanan; Clarke, Mike; Foster, Brian; Walker, Scott; Rachlis, Beth; DeGroot, Nick; Montori, Victor M; Gold, Wayne; Phillips, Elizabeth; Myers, Stephen; Gallicano, Keith

2005-03-01

To determine whether ingestion of milk thistle affects the pharmacokinetics of indinavir. We conducted a three-period, randomized controlled trial with 16 healthy participants. We randomized participants to milk thistle or control. All participants received initial dosing of indinavir, and baseline indinavir levels were obtained (AUC(0-8)) (phase I). The active group were then given 450 mg milk-thistle extract capsules to be taken t.i.d. from day 2 to day 30. The control group received no plant extract. On day 29 and day 30, indinavir dosing and sampling was repeated in both groups as before (phase II). After a wash-out period of 7 days, indinavir dosing and sampling were repeated as before (phase III). All participants completed the trial, but two were excluded from analysis due to protocol violation. There were no significant between-group differences. Active group mean AUC(0-8) indinavir decreased by 4.4% (90% CI, -27.5% to -26%, P=0.78) from phase I to phase II in the active group, and by 17.3% (90% CI, -37.3% to +9%, P=0.25) in phase III. Control group mean AUC(0-8) decreased by 21.5% (90% CI, -43% to +8%, P=0.2) from phase I to phase II and by 38.5% (90% CI, -55.3% to -15.3%, P=0.01) of baseline at phase III. To place our findings in context, milk thistle-indinavir trials were identified through systematic searches of the literature. A meta-analysis of three milk thistle-indinavir trials revealed a non-significant pooled mean difference of 1% in AUC(0-8) (95% CI, -53% to 55%, P=0.97). Indinavir levels were not reduced significantly in the presence of milk thistle.

Investigation of phase evolution of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) by in situ synchrotron high-temperature powder diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Xin; Huang, Saifang; Zhang, Weijun; Cao, Peng; Huang, Zhaohui; Gao, Wei

2014-03-01

In situ synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction was used to study the high-temperature phase evolution of CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) precursors prepared via solid-state and sol-gel methods. After the precursors are heated to 1225 °C, the CCTO phase is the main phase observed in the calcined powder, with the presence of some minor impurities. Comparing the two precursors, we found that the onset temperature for the CCTO phase formation is 800 °C in the sol-gel precursor, lower than that in the solid-state precursor (875 °C). Intermediate phases were only observed in the sol-gel precursor. Both precursors are able to be calcined to sub-micrometric sized powders. Based on the synchrotron data along with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), the phase formation sequence and mechanism during calcination are proposed in this study.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Gas- and Particle-Phase Products of VOC Oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakker-Arkema, J.; Ziemann, P. J.

2017-12-01

Controlled environmental chamber studies are important for determining atmospheric reaction mechanisms and gas and aerosol products formed in the oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Such information is necessary for developing detailed chemical models for use in predicting the atmospheric fate of VOCs and also secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation. However, complete characterization of atmospheric oxidation reactions, including gas- and particle-phase product yields, and reaction branching ratios, are difficult to achieve. In this work, we investigated the reactions of terminal and internal alkenes with OH radicals in the presence of NOx in an attempt to fully characterize the chemistry of these systems while minimizing and accounting for the inherent uncertainties associated with environmental chamber experiments. Gas-phase products (aldehydes formed by alkoxy radical decomposition) and particle-phase products (alkyl nitrates, β-hydroxynitrates, dihydroxynitrates, 1,4-hydroxynitrates, 1,4-hydroxycarbonyls, and dihydroxycarbonyls) formed through pathways involving addition of OH to the C=C double bond as well as H-atom abstraction were identified and quantified using a suite of analytical techniques. Particle-phase products were analyzed in real time with a thermal desorption particle beam mass spectrometer; and off-line by collection onto filters, extraction, and subsequent analysis of functional groups by derivatization-spectrophotometric methods developed in our lab. Derivatized products were also separated by liquid chromatography for molecular quantitation by UV absorbance and identification using chemical ionization-ion trap mass spectrometry. Gas phase aldehydes were analyzed off-line by collection onto Tenax and a 5-channel denuder with subsequent analysis by gas chromatography, or by collection onto DNPH-coated cartridges and subsequent analysis by liquid chromatography. The full product identification and quantitation, with careful minimization of uncertainties for the various components of the experiment and analyses, demonstrates our capability to comprehensively and accurately analyze the complex chemical composition of products formed in the oxidation of organic compounds in laboratory chamber studies.

Low-frequency periodicity in the coordination of progressive handwriting.

PubMed

Thomassen, A J; Meulenbroek, R G

1998-11-01

The paper addresses the question how the effector segments are coordinated during handwriting, in particular as a function of the left-to-right progression within words. It studies the phase relations between wrist and finger-joint rotations during a repetitive graphic task (long words consisting of letters 'e'), and it subjects the resulting continuous phase-relation plots to autocorrelation analysis. A novel phenomenon, viz. that of low-frequency (1-Hz) periodicity, is observed which presumably reflects adjustments of the coordination pattern about once per second, i.e., after every three or four letters 'e'. Moreover, word length and word position are found to affect this periodicity in a predictable manner. These results are related to those of an earlier study which used an ad-hoc method of analysing wrist-finger coordination adjustments. The paper underlines the value of phase-relation analysis for certain graphic tasks, but it also points out its limitations for this purpose.

Analytical and experimental study of high phase order induction motors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klingshirn, Eugene A.

1989-01-01

Induction motors having more than three phases were investigated to determine their suitability for electric vehicle applications. The objective was to have a motor with a current rating lower than that of a three-phase motor. The name chosen for these is high phase order (HPO) motors. Motors having six phases and nine phases were given the most attention. It was found that HPO motors are quite suitable for electric vehicles, and for many other applications as well. They have characteristics which are as good as or better than three-phase motors for practically all applications where polyphase induction motors are appropriate. Some of the analysis methods are presented, and several of the equivalent circuits which facilitate the determination of harmonic currents and losses, or currents with unbalanced sources, are included. The sometimes large stator currents due to harmonics in the source voltages are pointed out. Filters which can limit these currents were developed. An analysis and description of these filters is included. Experimental results which confirm and illustrate much of the theory are also included. These include locked rotor test results and full-load performance with an open phase. Also shown are oscillograms which display the reduction in harmonic currents when a filter is used with the experimental motor supplied by a non-sinusoidal source.

Extension of the carotenoid test to superficially porous C18 bonded phases, aromatic ligand types and new classical C18 bonded phases.

PubMed

Lesellier, E

2012-11-30

The recent introduction of new stationary phases for liquid chromatography based on superficially porous particles, called core-shell or fused-core, dramatically improved the separation performances through very high efficiency, due mainly to reduced eddy diffusion. However, few studies have evaluated the retention and selectivity of C18 phases based on such particles, despite some retention order change reported in literature between some of these phases. The carotenoid test has been developed a few years ago in the goal to compare the chromatographic properties of C18 bonded phases. Based on the analysis of carotenoid pigments by using Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC), it allows, with a single analysis, to measure three main properties of reversed phase chromatography stationary phases: hydrophobicity, polar surface activity and shape selectivity. Previous studies showed the effect of the endcapping treatment, the bonding density, the pore size, and the type of bonding (monomeric vs. polymeric) on these studied properties, and described the classification map used for a direct column comparison. It was applied to ten ODS superficially porous stationary phases, showing varied chromatographic behaviors amongst these phases. As expected, due to the lower specific surface area, these superficially porous phases are less hydrophobic than the fully porous one. In regards of the polar surface activity (residual silanols) and to the shape selectivity, some of these superficially porous phases display close chromatographic properties (Poroshell 120, Halo C18, Ascentis Express, Accucore C18, Nucleoshell C18 on one side and Aeris Wide pore, Aeris peptide and Kinetex XDB on the other side), whereas others, Kinetex C18 and Halo peptide ES C18 display more specific ones. Besides, they can be compared to classical fully porous phases, in the goal to improve method transfer from fully to superficially porous particles. By the way, the paper also report the extension of the test to other ligands such as naphtyl, cholester, phenyl-hexyl, or to the new ODS bonded phases, such as charge surface hybrid phases, High Strength Silica, and Hybrid ones, and also presents results for identical brands using different particle size, such as Luna and Synergi phases. Phenyl-hexyl and napthyl ligands show rather close properties, low hydrophobicity, high polar surface activity and specific shape selectivity, whereas, at the opposite, the cholester phase display a polymeric behavior and a high hydrophobicity. Finally, additional classical (fully porous particles) C18 bonded phases are also reported to complete the data set presented in previous papers. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study of lifting operation of a tripod foundation for offshore wind turbine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, H.; Li, L.; Ong, M. C.

2017-12-01

This study addresses numerical analysis of the installation of a tripod foundation using a heavy lift vessel (HLV). Limiting sea states are firstly predicted in the frequency domain based on crane tip vertical motions using linear transfer functions. Then, numerical modelling and simulations are carried out in the time domain to analyse the coupled dynamic system taking into consideration of the nonlinearities of the system. In time-domain analysis, two lifting phases are brought into focus, i.e., the lift-off and the lowering phases. For the lift-off phase, two scenarios are considered, i.e., lift-off from the own deck of the HLV and lift-off from a transport barge. Moreover, comparative studies using two types of installation vessels, a floating vessel and a Jack-up, are investigated for the lowering process. Critical responses including the motions of the tripod and the lift wire tensions are presented and compared under various environmental and loading conditions.

Assessment of the chromatographic lipophilicity of eight cephalosporins on different stationary phases.

PubMed

Dąbrowska, Monika; Starek, Małgorzata; Komsta, Łukasz; Szafrański, Przemysław; Stasiewicz-Urban, Anna; Opoka, Włodzimierz

2017-04-01

The retention behaviors were investigated for a series of eight cephalosporins in thin-layer chromatography (TLC) using stationary phases of RP-2, RP-8, RP-18, NH 2 , DIOL, and CN chemically bonded silica gel. Additionally, various binary mobile phases (water/methanol and water/acetone) were used in different volume proportions. The retention behavior of the analyzed molecules was defined by R M0 constant. In addition, reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was performed in lipophilicity studies by using immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) stationary phase. Obtained chromatographic data (R M0 and logk' IAM ) were correlated with the lipophilicity, expressed as values of the log calculated (logP calc ) and experimental (logP exp(shake-flask) ) partition coefficient. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied in order to obtain an overview of similarity or dissimilarity among the analyzed compounds. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed to compare the separation characteristics of the applied stationary phases. This study was undertaken to identify the best chromatographic system and chromatographic data processing method to enable the prediction of logP values. A comprehensive chromatographic investigation into the retention of the analyzed cephalosporins revealed a similar behavior on RP-18, RP-8 and CN stationary phases. The weak correlations obtained between experimental and certain computed lipophilicity indices revealed that R M0 and PC1/RM are relevant lipophilicity parameters and the RP-8, CN and RP-18 plates are appropriate stationary phases for lipophilicity investigation, whereas computational approaches still cannot fully replace experimentation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental Investigation of Gas/Slag/Matte/Tridymite Equilibria in the Cu-Fe-O-S-Si System in Controlled Atmospheres: Development of Technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fallah-Mehrjardi, Ata; Hidayat, Taufiq; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2017-12-01

The majority of primary pyrometallurgical copper making processes involve the formation of two immiscible liquid phases, i.e., matte product and the slag phase. There are significant gaps and discrepancies in the phase equilibria data of the slag and the matte systems due to issues and difficulties in performing the experiments and phase analysis. The present study aims to develop an improved experimental methodology for accurate characterisation of gas/slag/matte/tridymite equilibria in the Cu-Fe-O-S-Si system under controlled atmospheres. The experiments involve high-temperature equilibration of synthetic mixtures on silica substrates in CO/CO2/SO2/Ar atmospheres, rapid quenching of samples into water, and direct composition measurement of the equilibrium phases using Electron Probe X-ray Microanalysis (EPMA). A four-point-test procedure was applied to ensure the achievement of equilibrium, which included the following: (i) investigation of equilibration as a function of time, (ii) assessment of phase homogeneity, (iii) confirmation of equilibrium by approaching from different starting conditions, and (iv) systematic analysis of the reactions specific to the system. An iterative improved experimental methodology was developed using this four-point-test approach to characterize the complex multi-component, multi-phase equilibria with high accuracy and precision. The present study is a part of a broader overall research program on the characterisation of the multi-component (Cu-Fe-O-S-Si-Al-Ca-Mg), multi-phase (gas/slag/matte/metal/solids) systems with minor elements (Pb, Zn, As, Bi, Sn, Sb, Ag, and Au).

Cortical plasticity between the pain and pain-free phases in patients with episodic tension-type headache.

PubMed

Chen, Bing; He, Yuan; Xia, Lei; Guo, Li-Li; Zheng, Jin-Long

2016-12-01

State-related brain structural alterations in patients with episodic tension-type headache (ETTH) are unclear. We aimed to conduct a longitudinal study to explore dynamic gray matter (GM) changes between the pain and pain-free phases in ETTH. We recruited 40 treatment-naïve ETTH patients and 40 healthy controls. All participants underwent brain structural scans on a 3.0-T MRI system. ETTH patients were scanned in and out of pain phases. Voxel-based morphometry analysis was used to determine the differences in regional gray matter density (GMD) between groups. Additional regression analysis was used to identify any associations between regional GMD and clinical symptoms. ETTH patients exhibited reduced GMD in the bilateral primary somatosensory cortex, and increased GMD in the bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and anterior insula for the in pain phase compared with the out of pain phase. The out of pain phase of ETTH patients exhibited no regions with higher or lower GMD compared with healthy controls. GMD in the left ACC and left anterior insula was negatively correlated with headache days. GMD in the left ACC was negatively correlated with anxiety and depressive symptoms in ETTH patients. This is the first study to demonstrate dynamic and reversible GMD changes between the pain and pain-free phases in ETTH patients. However, this balance might be disrupted by increased headache days and progressive anxiety and depressive symptoms.

TDRSS telecommunications study. Phase 1: Final report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cahn, C. R.; Cnossen, R. S.

1974-01-01

A parametric analysis of the telecommunications support capability of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) was performed. Emphasis was placed on maximizing support capability provided to the user while minimizing impact on the user spacecraft. This study evaluates the present TDRSS configuration as presented in the TDRSS Definition Phase Study Report, December 1973 to determine potential changes for improving the overall performance. In addition, it provides specifications of the user transponder equipment to be used in the TDRSS.

Analysis of Mission Effectiveness: Modern System Architecture Tools for Project Developers

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

operator input and scripted instructions to describe low-level flow. Note that the case study in Chapter IV describes one pass through evaluation...capability of the sensors. A constraint on the case study is that each sensor type must cover the entire operations area. Cost is a function of 53...completed. 5. Assessment This case study focuses on the first recursive refinement phase completed in a multi-phase effort to demonstrate the effects

Standard spacecraft economic analysis. Volume 1: Executive summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, E. D.; Large, J. P.

1976-01-01

A study of the comparative program costs associated with use of various standardized spacecraft for Air Force space test program missions to be flown on the space shuttle during the 1980-1990 time period is reviewed. The first phase of the study considered a variety of procurement mixes composed of existing or programmed NASA standard spacecraft designs and a Air Force standard spacecraft design. The results were briefed to a joint NASA/Air Force audience on July 11, 1976. The second phase considered additional procurement options using an upgraded version of an existing NASA design. The results of both phases are summarized.

Formation, Phase, and Elemental Composition of Micro- and Nano-Dimensional Particles of the Fe-Ti System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dresvyannikov, A. F.; Kolpakov, M. E.

2018-05-01

X-ray fluorescence, X-ray phase analysis, and transmission Mössbauer and NGR spectrometry are used to study the formation, phase, and elemental composition of Fe-Ti particles. The interaction between Fe(III) ions and dispersed titanium in an aqueous solution containing chloride ions and HF is studied. It is shown that the resulting Fe-Ti samples are a set of core-shell microparticles with titanium cores coated with micro- and nanosized α-Fe nucleation centers with the thinness outer layer of iron(III) oxide characterized by a developed surface.

The Emotional Impact of Forced Migration on Iranian-Americans

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Golestaneh, Hamideh

2015-01-01

In this phenomenological study, thematic analysis was used to gain a better understanding of the lived experience of six Iranian-Americans who migrate Iran for safety and a better life. The researcher assessed the participants' journey phase by phase, to get a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. Overall, emigrating from Iran had both negative…

Performance of a Zerovalent Iron Reactive Barrier for the Treatment of Arsenic in Groundwater: Part 2. Geochemical Modeling and Solid Phase Studies

EPA Science Inventory

Arsenic uptake processes were evaluated in a zerovalent iron reactive barrier installed at a lead smelting facility using geochemical modeling, solid-phase analysis, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques. Aqueous speciation of arsenic plays a key role in directing arsenic...

Comprehensive risk analysis for structure type selection.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-04-01

Optimization of bridge selection and design traditionally has been sought in terms of the finished structure. This study presents a : more comprehensive risk-based analysis that includes user costs and accidents during the construction phase. Costs f...

Drainage identification analysis and mapping, phase 2 : technical brief.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-01-01

This research studied, tested and rectified the compatibility issue related to the recent upgrades of : NJDOT vendor inspection software, and uploaded all collected data to make Drainage Identification : Analysis and Mapping System (DIAMS) current an...

A multinational, open-label, phase 2 study of ruxolitinib in Asian patients with myelofibrosis: Japanese subset analysis.

PubMed

Oritani, Kenji; Okamoto, Shinichiro; Tauchi, Tetsuzo; Saito, Shigeki; Ohishi, Kohshi; Handa, Hiroshi; Takenaka, Katsuto; Gopalakrishna, Prashanth; Amagasaki, Taro; Ito, Kazuo; Akashi, Koichi

2015-03-01

Ruxolitinib is a potent Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2 inhibitor that has demonstrated rapid and durable improvements in splenomegaly and symptoms and a survival benefit in 2 phase 3 trials in patients with myelofibrosis. Ruxolitinib was well tolerated and effectively reduced splenomegaly and symptom burden in Asian patients with myelofibrosis in the Asian multinational, phase 2 Study A2202. We present a subset analysis of Japanese patients (n = 30) in Study A2202. At data cutoff, 22 patients were ongoing; 8 discontinued, mainly due to adverse events (n = 4). At week 24, 33 % of patients achieved ≥35 % reduction from baseline in spleen volume; 56.0 % achieved ≥50 % reduction from baseline in total symptom score, as measured by the 7-day Myelofibrosis Symptom Assessment Form v2.0. The most common adverse events were anemia (63 %), thrombocytopenia (40 %), nasopharyngitis (37 %), decreased platelet counts (30 %), and diarrhea (30 %). Dose reductions or interruptions due to hemoglobin decreases were more frequent in Japanese patients; no loss of efficacy and no discontinuations due to hematologic abnormalities were observed. Ruxolitinib was well tolerated in Japanese patients and provided substantial reductions in splenomegaly and myelofibrosis-related symptoms similar to those observed in the overall Asian population and phase 3 COMFORT studies.

Teleophthalmology in Practice: Lessons Learned from a Pilot Project

PubMed Central

Ayatollahi, Haleh; Nourani, Aynaz; Khodaveisi, Taleb; Aghaei, Hossein; Mohammadpour, Mehrdad

2017-01-01

Introduction: Ophthalmology is a medical specialty which may benefit from using telemedicine and teleophthalmology services. Such services are significantly important in the poor, remote, and impassable geographical areas, where there is no access to the ophthalmology services and ophthalmologists. This study aimed to design and implement a teleophthalmology system using the method of store-and-forward. Methods: The study was conducted in 2015 and consisted of two main phases. The first phase was based requirement analysis, and in the second phase, after designing the prototype, an initial usability testing was undertaken in a teaching hospital. The participants of the study were 10 optometrists and 10 ophthalmologists (cornea specialists). For each phase of the research, a questionnaire was used to collect data, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: In this study, users’ requirements were initially investigated. Then, the teleophthalmology system was designed based on the literature review and the results derived from the requirements’ analysis. Finally, usability testing showed that the users were relatively satisfied with the system. Conclusion: According to the results, it can be concluded that the teleophthalmology technology can be used in the country by optometrists and ophthalmologists to improve eye health care services and to prevent the prevalence of curable eye diseases. PMID:29081869

Evolution of Instrumentation for the Study of Gas-Phase Ion/Ion Chemistry via Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Xia, Yu; McLuckey, Scott A.

2008-01-01

The scope of gas phase ion/ion chemistry accessible to mass spectrometry is largely defined by the available tools. Due to the development of novel instrumentation, a wide range of reaction phenomenologies have been noted, many of which have been studied extensively and exploited for analytical applications. This perspective presents the development of mass spectrometry-based instrumentation for the study of the gas phase ion/ion chemistry in which at least one of the reactants is multiply-charged. The instrument evolution is presented within the context of three essential elements required for any ion/ion reaction study: the ionization source(s), the reaction vessel or environment, and the mass analyzer. Ionization source arrangements have included source combinations that allow for reactions between multiply charged ions of one polarity and singly charged ions of opposite polarity, arrangements that enable the study of reactions of multiply charged ions of opposite polarity, and most recently, arrangements that allow for ion formation from more than two ion sources. Gas phase ion/ion reaction studies have been performed at near atmospheric pressure in flow reactor designs and within electrodynamic ion traps operated in the mTorr range. With ion trap as a reaction vessel, ionization and reaction processes can be independently optimized and ion/ion reactions can be implemented within the context of MSn experiments. Spatial separation of the reaction vessel from the mass analyzer allows for the use of any form of mass analysis in conjunction with ion/ion reactions. Time-of-flight mass analysis, for example, has provided significant improvements in mass analysis figures of merit relative to mass filters and ion traps. PMID:18083527

Analysis of the respirogram phase of Korean wrestling athletes compared with nonathletes for sports physiotherapy research.

PubMed

Shin, Yong-Sub; Yang, Seung-Min; Kim, Mee-Young; Lee, Lim-Kyu; Park, Byoung-Sun; Lee, Won-Deok; Noh, Ji-Woong; Kim, Ju-Hyun; Lee, Jeong-Uk; Kwak, Taek-Yong; Lee, Tae-Hyun; Kim, Ju-Young; Park, Jaehong; Kim, Junghwan

2016-01-01

[Purpose] Respiratory function is important for patients including athletes who require physical therapy for respiratory dysfunction. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the differences in the respirograms between Korean wrestling athletes and nonathletes according to phase for the study of sports physiotherapy. [Subjects and Methods] Respiratory function was measured using spirometry in both the athletes and nonathletes while they were in a sitting position. [Results] Spirometry parameters in the athletes were significantly higher than in the nonathletes. In respirogram phasic analysis, the expiratory area and total area of forced vital capacity were significantly increased in the athletes compared with the nonathletes. The slopes of the forced vital capacity for athletes at slopes 1, 2, and 3 of the A area were significantly increased. In correlative analysis, chest circumference was significantly correlated with slope 3 of the A area of the forced vital capacity. [Conclusion] The results suggest that the differences in changes in the phases of the respirogram between the Korean wrestling athletes and nonathletes may in part contribute to our understanding of respiratory function in sports physiotherapy research.

Phase behavior of gemini surfactant hexylene-1,6-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) and polyelectrolyte NaPAA.

PubMed

Pi, Yingying; Shang, Yazhuo; Peng, Changjun; Liu, Honglai; Hu, Ying; Jiang, Jianwen

2006-07-01

The phase behavior of aqueous mixtures of gemini surfactant hexylene-1,6-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (12-6-12) and oppositely charged polyelectrolyte sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA) has been studied experimentally. Compared to the mixtures of the traditional surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and NaPAA, the gel phase region in the 12-6-12/NaPAA solution is larger. Element analysis reveals that NaPAA in the gel phase tends to replace the counterions of surfactant micelle and to release its own counterions. Spherical aggregates are observed in either top or bottom gel phase as detected by transmission electron microscopy. The addition of sodium bromide (NaBr) leads to a decrease in the gel phase region and the occurrence of a new cream phase.

Structural, microstructural and thermal analysis of U-(6-x)Zr-xNb alloys (x = 0, 2, 4, 6)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaity, Santu; Banerjee, Joydipta; Parida, S. C.; Bhasin, Vivek

2018-06-01

Uranium-rich U-Zr-Nb alloy is considered as a good alternative fuel for fast reactors from the perspective of excellent dimensional stability and desired thermo-physical properties to achieve higher burnup. Detailed investigations related to the structural and microstructural characterization, thermal expansion, phase transformation, microhardness were carried out on U-6Zr, U-4Zr-2Nb, U-2Zr-4Nb and U-6Nb alloys (composition in wt%) where the total amount of alloying elements was restricted to 6 wt%. Structural, microstructural and thermal analysis studies revealed that these alloys undergo a series of transformations from high temperature bcc γ-phase to a variety of equilibrium and intermediate phases depending upon alloy composition, cooling rate and quenching. The structural analysis was carried out by Rietveld refinement. The data of U-Nb and U-Zr-Nb alloys have been highlighted and compared with binary U-Zr alloy.

Multimodal pressure-flow method to assess dynamics of cerebral autoregulation in stroke and hypertension

PubMed Central

Novak, Vera; Yang, Albert CC; Lepicovsky, Lukas; Goldberger, Ary L; Lipsitz, Lewis A; Peng, Chung-Kang

2004-01-01

Background This study evaluated the effects of stroke on regulation of cerebral blood flow in response to fluctuations in systemic blood pressure (BP). The autoregulatory dynamics are difficult to assess because of the nonstationarity and nonlinearity of the component signals. Methods We studied 15 normotensive, 20 hypertensive and 15 minor stroke subjects (48.0 ± 1.3 years). BP and blood flow velocities (BFV) from middle cerebral arteries (MCA) were measured during the Valsalva maneuver (VM) using transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Results A new technique, multimodal pressure-flow analysis (MMPF), was implemented to analyze these short, nonstationary signals. MMPF analysis decomposes complex BP and BFV signals into multiple empirical modes, representing their instantaneous frequency-amplitude modulation. The empirical mode corresponding to the VM BP profile was used to construct the continuous phase diagram and to identify the minimum and maximum values from the residual BP (BPR) and BFV (BFVR) signals. The BP-BFV phase shift was calculated as the difference between the phase corresponding to the BPR and BFVR minimum (maximum) values. BP-BFV phase shifts were significantly different between groups. In the normotensive group, the BFVR minimum and maximum preceded the BPR minimum and maximum, respectively, leading to large positive values of BP-BFV shifts. Conclusion In the stroke and hypertensive groups, the resulting BP-BFV phase shift was significantly smaller compared to the normotensive group. A standard autoregulation index did not differentiate the groups. The MMPF method enables evaluation of autoregulatory dynamics based on instantaneous BP-BFV phase analysis. Regulation of BP-BFV dynamics is altered with hypertension and after stroke, rendering blood flow dependent on blood pressure. PMID:15504235

Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder (LAWS) phase 1. Volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

This report summarizes and documents the results of the 12-month phase 1 work effort. The objective of phase 1 was to establish the conceptional definition of the laser atmospheric wind sounder (LAWS) sensor system, including accommodations analyses to ensure compatibility with the Space Station Freedom (SSF) and the Earth Observing System (EOS) Polar Orbiting Platform (POP). Various concepts were investigated with trade studies performed to select the configuration to be carried forward to the phase 2 Preliminary Design Definition. A summary of the LAWS system and subsystem trade studies that were performed leading to the baseline design configuration is presented in the appendix. The overall objective of the LAWS Project is to define, design, and implement an operational space based facility, LAWS, for accurate measurement of Earth wind profiles. Phase 1 addressed three major areas: (1) requirements definition; (2) instrument concepts and configurations; and (3) performance analysis. For the LAWS instrument concepts and configurations, the issues which press the technological state of the art are reliable detector lifetime and laser performance and lifetime. Lag angle compensation, pointing accuracy, satellite navigation, and telescope design are significant technical issues, but they are considered to be currently state of the art. The primary issues for performance analysis concern interaction with the atmosphere in terms of backscatter and attenuation, wind variance, and cloud blockage. The phase 1 tasks were formulated to address these significant technical issues and demonstrate the technical feasibility of the LAWS concept. Primary emphasis was placed on analysis/trade and identification of candidate concepts. Promising configurations were evaluated for performance, sensitivities, risks, and budgetary costs. Lockheed's baseline LAWS configuration is presented.

Analysis of Loss-of-Coolant Accidents in the NIST Research Reactor - Early Phase

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

Baek, Joo S.; Diamond, David

A study of the fuel temperature during the early phase of a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) in the NIST research reactor (NBSR) was completed. Previous studies had been reported in the preliminary safety analysis report for the conversion of the NBSR from high-enriched uranium (HEU) fuel to low-enriched (LEU) fuel. Those studies had focused on the most vulnerable LOCA situation, namely, a double-ended guillotine break in the time period after reactor trip when water is drained from either the coolant channels inside the fuel elements or the region outside the fuel elements. The current study fills in a gap in themore » analysis which is the early phase of the event when there may still be water present but the reactor is at power or immediately after reactor trip and pumps have tripped. The calculations were done, for both the current HEU-fueled core and the proposed LEU core, with the TRACE thermal-hydraulic systems code. Several break locations and different break sizes were considered. In all cases the increase in the clad (or fuel meat) temperature was relatively small so that a large margin to the temperature threshold for blistering (the Safety Limit for the NBSR) remained.« less

Solid-phase microextraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography: a complementary technique to solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography for the analysis of pesticide residues in strawberries.

PubMed

Wang, Z; Hennion, B; Urruty, L; Montury, M

2000-11-01

Solid-phase microextraction coupled with high performance liquid chromatography has been studied for the analysis of methiocarb, napropamide, fenoxycarb and bupirimate in strawberries. The strawberries were blended and centrifuged. Then, an aliquot of the resulting extracting solution was subjected to solid-phase microextraction (SPME) on a 60 microns polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fibre for 45 min at room temperature. The extracted pesticides on the SPME fibre were desorbed into SPME/high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) interface for HPLC analysis with diode-array detection (DAD). The method is organic solvent-free for the whole extraction process and is simple and easy to manipulate. The detection limits were shown to be at low microgram kg-1 level and the linear response covered the range from 0.05 to 2 mg kg-1 of pesticides in strawberries with a regression coefficient larger than 0.99. A good repeatability with RSDs between 2.92 and 9.25% was obtained, depending on compounds.

Machine learning of frustrated classical spin models. I. Principal component analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ce; Zhai, Hui

2017-10-01

This work aims at determining whether artificial intelligence can recognize a phase transition without prior human knowledge. If this were successful, it could be applied to, for instance, analyzing data from the quantum simulation of unsolved physical models. Toward this goal, we first need to apply the machine learning algorithm to well-understood models and see whether the outputs are consistent with our prior knowledge, which serves as the benchmark for this approach. In this work, we feed the computer data generated by the classical Monte Carlo simulation for the X Y model in frustrated triangular and union jack lattices, which has two order parameters and exhibits two phase transitions. We show that the outputs of the principal component analysis agree very well with our understanding of different orders in different phases, and the temperature dependences of the major components detect the nature and the locations of the phase transitions. Our work offers promise for using machine learning techniques to study sophisticated statistical models, and our results can be further improved by using principal component analysis with kernel tricks and the neural network method.

Qualitative analysis of MTEM response using instantaneous attributes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fayemi, Olalekan; Di, Qingyun

2017-11-01

This paper introduces new technique for qualitative analysis of multi-transient electromagnetic (MTEM) earth impulse response over complex geological structures. Instantaneous phase and frequency attributes were used in place of the conventional common offset section for improved qualitative interpretation of MTEM data by obtaining more detailed information from the earth impulse response. The instantaneous attributes were used to describe the lateral variation in subsurface resistivity and the visible geological structure with respect to given offsets. Instantaneous phase attribute was obtained by converting the impulse response into a complex form using the Hilbert transform. Conversely, the polynomial phase difference (PPD) estimator was favored over the center finite difference (CFD) approximation method in calculating the instantaneous frequency attribute because it is computationally efficient and has the ability to give a smooth variation of the instantaneous frequency over a common offset section. The observed results from the instantaneous attributes were in good agreement with both the subsurface model used and the apparent resistivity section obtained from the MTEM earth impulse response. Hence, this study confirms the capability of both instantaneous phase and frequency attributes as highly effective tools for MTEM qualitative analysis.

Technology verification phase. Dynamic isotope power system. Final report

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

Halsey, D.G.

1982-03-10

The Phase I requirements of the Kilowatt Isotope Power System (KIPS) program were to make a detailed Flight System Conceptual Design (FSCD) for an isotope fueled organic Rankine cycle power system and to build and test a Ground Demonstration System (GDS) which simulated as closely as possible the operational characteristics of the FSCD. The activities and results of Phase II, the Technology Verification Phase, of the program are reported. The objectives of this phase were to increase system efficiency to 18.1% by component development, to demonstrate system reliability by a 5000 h endurance test and to update the flight systemmore » design. During Phase II, system performance was improved from 15.1% to 16.6%, an endurance test of 2000 h was performed while the flight design analysis was limited to a study of the General Purpose Heat Source, a study of the regenerator manufacturing technique and analysis of the hardness of the system to a laser threat. It was concluded from these tests that the GDS is basically prototypic of a flight design; all components necessary for satisfactory operation were demonstrated successfully at the system level; over 11,000 total h of operation without any component failure attested to the inherent reliability of this type of system; and some further development is required, specifically in the area of performance. (LCL)« less

Computation material science of structural-phase transformation in casting aluminium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golod, V. M.; Dobosh, L. Yu

2017-04-01

Successive stages of computer simulation the formation of the casting microstructure under non-equilibrium conditions of crystallization of multicomponent aluminum alloys are presented. On the basis of computer thermodynamics and heat transfer during solidification of macroscale shaped castings are specified the boundary conditions of local heat exchange at mesoscale modeling of non-equilibrium formation the solid phase and of the component redistribution between phases during coalescence of secondary dendrite branches. Computer analysis of structural - phase transitions based on the principle of additive physico-chemical effect of the alloy components in the process of diffusional - capillary morphological evolution of the dendrite structure and the o of local dendrite heterogeneity which stochastic nature and extent are revealed under metallographic study and modeling by the Monte Carlo method. The integrated computational materials science tools at researches of alloys are focused and implemented on analysis the multiple-factor system of casting processes and prediction of casting microstructure.

Analysis of the Glass-Forming Ability of Fe-Er Alloys, Based on Thermodynamic Modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arutyunyan, N. A.; Zaitsev, A. I.; Dunaev, S. F.; Kalmykov, K. B.; El'nyakov, D. D.; Shaposhnikov, N. G.

2018-05-01

The Fe-Er phase diagram and thermodynamic properties of all its phases are assessed by means of self-consistent analysis. To refine the data on phase equilibria in the Fe-Er system, an investigation is performed in the 10-40 at % range of Er concentrations. The temperature-concentration dependences of the thermodynamic properties of a melt are presented using the model of ideal associated solutions. Thermodynamic parameters of each phase are obtained, and the calculated results are in agreement with available experimental data. The correlation between the thermodynamic properties of liquid Fe-Er alloys and their tendency toward amorphization are studied. It is shown that compositions of amorphous alloys prepared by melt quenching coincide with the ranges of concentration with the predominance of Fe3Er and FeEr2 associative groups that have large negative entropies of formation.

The statistical analysis of circadian phase and amplitude in constant-routine core-temperature data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, E. N.; Czeisler, C. A.

1992-01-01

Accurate estimation of the phases and amplitude of the endogenous circadian pacemaker from constant-routine core-temperature series is crucial for making inferences about the properties of the human biological clock from data collected under this protocol. This paper presents a set of statistical methods based on a harmonic-regression-plus-correlated-noise model for estimating the phases and the amplitude of the endogenous circadian pacemaker from constant-routine core-temperature data. The methods include a Bayesian Monte Carlo procedure for computing the uncertainty in these circadian functions. We illustrate the techniques with a detailed study of a single subject's core-temperature series and describe their relationship to other statistical methods for circadian data analysis. In our laboratory, these methods have been successfully used to analyze more than 300 constant routines and provide a highly reliable means of extracting phase and amplitude information from core-temperature data.

Analysis of Košice Meteorite by Mössbauer Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sitek, Jozef; Dekan, Július; Sedlačková, Katarína

2016-07-01

The 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy method was used to investigate iron-containing compounds in town Košice meteorite fallen on the territory of Slovakia in February 2010. The results showed that the Mössbauer spectra consisted of magnetic and non-magnetic components related to different iron-bearing phases. The non-magnetic phase includes olivine, pyroxene and traces of Fe3+ phase and the magnetic component comprises troilite (FeS) and iron-rich Fe-Ni alloy with hyperfine magnetic field typical for kamacite. Samples from meteorite were obtained in powder from different depths to inspect its heterogeneous composition. The content of kamacite increases to the detriment of troilite from the surface toward the centre of the sample. Measurements at liquid nitrogen temperature confirmed phase composition of investigated meteorite. Main constituent elements of studied samples were also determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Interaction of engineered nanomaterials with hydrophobic organic pollutants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahle-Demessie, E.; Han, Changseok; Zhao, Amy; Hahn, Bill; Grecsek, Heidi

2016-07-01

As nanomaterials become an increasing part of everyday consumer products, it is imperative to monitor their potential release during production, use and disposal, and to assess their impact on the health of humans and the ecosystem. This necessitates research to better understand how the properties of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) lead to their accumulation and redistribution in the environment, and to assess whether they could become novel pollutants or if they can affect the mobility and bioavailability of other toxins. This study focuses on understanding the influence of nanostructured-TiO2 and the interaction of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with organic pollutants in water. We studied the adsorption and water phase dispersion of model pollutants with relatively small water solubility (i.e., two- and three-ring polyaromatic hydrocarbons and insecticides) with respect to ENMs. The sorption of pollutants was measured based on water phase analysis, and by separating suspended particles from the water phase and analyzing dried samples using integrated thermal-chromatographic-mass spectroscopic (TGA/GC/MS) techniques. Solid phase analysis using a combination of TGA/GC/MS is a novel technique that can provide real-time quantitative analysis and which helps to understand the interaction of hydrophobic organic pollutants and ENMs. The adsorption of these contaminants to nanomaterials increased the concentration of the contaminants in the aqueous phase as compared to the ‘real’ partitioning due to the octanol-water partitioning. The study showed that ENMs can significantly influence the adsorption and dispersion of hydrophobic/low water soluble contaminants. The type of ENM, the exposure to light, and the water pH have a significant influence on the partitioning of pollutants.

Application of adaptive optics in complicated and integrated spatial multisensor system and its measurement analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Quanxin; Guo, Chunjie; Cai, Meng; Liu, Hua

2007-12-01

Adaptive Optics Expand System is a kind of new concept spatial equipment, which concerns system, cybernetics and informatics deeply, and is key way to improve advanced sensors ability. Traditional Zernike Phase Contrast Method is developed, and Accelerated High-level Phase Contrast Theory is established. Integration theory and mathematical simulation is achieved. Such Equipment, which is based on some crucial components, such as, core optical system, multi mode wavefront sensor and so on, is established for AOES advantageous configuration and global design. Studies on Complicated Spatial Multisensor System Integratation and measurement Analysis including error analysis are carried out.

A genome-wide association study follow-up suggests a possible role for PPARG in systemic sclerosis susceptibility

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) comprising a French cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) reported several non-HLA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing a nominal association in the discovery phase. We aimed to identify previously overlooked susceptibility variants by using a follow-up strategy. Methods Sixty-six non-HLA SNPs showing a P value <10-4 in the discovery phase of the French SSc GWAS were analyzed in the first step of this study, performing a meta-analysis that combined data from the two published SSc GWASs. A total of 2,921 SSc patients and 6,963 healthy controls were included in this first phase. Two SNPs, PPARG rs310746 and CHRNA9 rs6832151, were selected for genotyping in the replication cohort (1,068 SSc patients and 6,762 healthy controls) based on the results of the first step. Genotyping was performed by using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Results We observed nominal associations for both PPARG rs310746 (PMH = 1.90 × 10-6, OR, 1.28) and CHRNA9 rs6832151 (PMH = 4.30 × 10-6, OR, 1.17) genetic variants with SSc in the first step of our study. In the replication phase, we observed a trend of association for PPARG rs310746 (P value = 0.066; OR, 1.17). The combined overall Mantel-Haenszel meta-analysis of all the cohorts included in the present study revealed that PPARG rs310746 remained associated with SSc with a nominal non-genome-wide significant P value (PMH = 5.00 × 10-7; OR, 1.25). No evidence of association was observed for CHRNA9 rs6832151 either in the replication phase or in the overall pooled analysis. Conclusion Our results suggest a role of PPARG gene in the development of SSc. PMID:24401602

What aspects of intentional rounding work in hospital wards, for whom and in what circumstances? A realist evaluation protocol.

PubMed

Harris, Ruth; Sims, Sarah; Levenson, Ros; Gourlay, Stephen; Ross Cbe, Fiona; Davies, Nigel; Brearley, Sally; Favato, Giampiero; Grant, Robert

2017-01-09

Intentional rounding (IR) is a structured process whereby nurses in hospitals carry out regular checks, usually hourly, with individual patients using a standardised protocol to address issues of positioning, pain, personal needs and placement of items. The widespread implementation of IR across the UK has been driven by the recommendations of the Francis Inquiry although empirical evidence of its effectiveness is poor. This paper presents a protocol of a multimethod study using a realist evaluation approach to investigate the impact and effectiveness of IR in hospital wards on the organisation, delivery and experience of care from the perspective of patients, their family members and staff. The study will be conducted in four phases. Phase 1: theory development using realist synthesis to generate hypotheses about what the mechanisms of IR may be, what particular groups may benefit most or least and what contextual factors might be important to its success or failure which will be tested in subsequent phases of the study. Phase 2: a national survey of all NHS acute trusts to explore how IR is implemented and supported across England. Phase 3: case studies to explore how IR is implemented 'on the ground', including individual interviews with patients, family members and staff, non-participant observation, retrieval of routinely collected patient outcomes and cost analysis. Phase 4: accumulative data analysis across the phases to scrutinise data for patterns of congruence and discordance and develop an overall evaluation of what aspects of IR work, for whom and in what circumstances. The study has been approved by NHS South East Coast-Surrey Research Ethics Committee. Findings will be published in a wide range of outputs targeted at key audiences, including patient and carer organisations, nursing staff and healthcare managers. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Simple setup for gas-phase H/D exchange mass spectrometry coupled to electron transfer dissociation and ion mobility for analysis of polypeptide structure on a liquid chromatographic time scale.

PubMed

Mistarz, Ulrik H; Brown, Jeffery M; Haselmann, Kim F; Rand, Kasper D

2014-12-02

Gas-phase hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) is a fast and sensitive, yet unharnessed analytical approach for providing information on the structural properties of biomolecules, in a complementary manner to mass analysis. Here, we describe a simple setup for ND3-mediated millisecond gas-phase HDX inside a mass spectrometer immediately after ESI (gas-phase HDX-MS) and show utility for studying the primary and higher-order structure of peptides and proteins. HDX was achieved by passing N2-gas through a container filled with aqueous deuterated ammonia reagent (ND3/D2O) and admitting the saturated gas immediately upstream or downstream of the primary skimmer cone. The approach was implemented on three commercially available mass spectrometers and required no or minor fully reversible reconfiguration of gas-inlets of the ion source. Results from gas-phase HDX-MS of peptides using the aqueous ND3/D2O as HDX reagent indicate that labeling is facilitated exclusively through gaseous ND3, yielding similar results to the infusion of purified ND3-gas, while circumventing the complications associated with the use of hazardous purified gases. Comparison of the solution-phase- and gas-phase deuterium uptake of Leu-Enkephalin and Glu-Fibrinopeptide B, confirmed that this gas-phase HDX-MS approach allows for labeling of sites (heteroatom-bound non-amide hydrogens located on side-chains, N-terminus and C-terminus) not accessed by classical solution-phase HDX-MS. The simple setup is compatible with liquid chromatography and a chip-based automated nanoESI interface, allowing for online gas-phase HDX-MS analysis of peptides and proteins separated on a liquid chromatographic time scale at increased throughput. Furthermore, online gas-phase HDX-MS could be performed in tandem with ion mobility separation or electron transfer dissociation, thus enabling multiple orthogonal analyses of the structural properties of peptides and proteins in a single automated LC-MS workflow.

Analysis of temporal variation in human masticatory cycles during gum chewing.

PubMed

Crane, Elizabeth A; Rothman, Edward D; Childers, David; Gerstner, Geoffrey E

2013-10-01

The study investigated modulation of fast and slow opening (FO, SO) and closing (FC, SC) chewing cycle phases using gum-chewing sequences in humans. Twenty-two healthy adult subjects participated by chewing gum for at least 20s on the right side and at least 20s on the left side while jaw movements were tracked with a 3D motion analysis system. Jaw movement data were digitized, and chewing cycle phases were identified and analysed for all chewing cycles in a complete sequence. All four chewing cycle phase durations were more variant than total cycle durations, a result found in other non-human primates. Significant negative correlations existed between the opening phases, SO and FO, and between the closing phases, SC and FC; however, there was less consistency in terms of which phases were negatively correlated both between subjects, and between chewing sides within subjects, compared with results reported in other species. The coordination of intra-cycle phases appears to be flexible and to follow complex rules during gum-chewing in humans. Alternatively, the observed intra-cycle phase relationships could simply reflect: (1) variation in jaw kinematics due to variation in how gum was handled by the tongue on a chew-by-chew basis in our experimental design or (2) by variation due to data sampling noise and/or how phases were defined and identified. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phase composition and morphological characterization of human kidney stones using IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray Rietveld analysis.

PubMed

Chatterjee, Paramita; Chakraborty, Arup; Mukherjee, Alok K

2018-07-05

Pathological calcification in human urinary tract (kidney stones) is a common problem affecting an increasing number of people around the world. Analysis of such minerals or compounds is of fundamental importance for understanding their etiology and for the development of prophylactic measures. In the present study, structural characterization, phase quantification and morphological behaviour of thirty three (33) human kidney stones from eastern India have been carried out using IR spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Quantitative phase composition of kidney stones has been analyzed following the Rietveld method. Based on the quantitative estimates of constituent phases, the calculi samples have been classified into oxalate (OX), uric acid (UA), phosphate (PH) and mixed (MX) groups. Rietveld analysis of PXRD patterns showed that twelve (36%) of the renal calculi were composed exclusively of whewellite (calcium oxalate monohydrate, COM). The remaining twenty one (64%) stones were mixture of phases with oxalate as the major constituent in fourteen (67%) of these stones. The average crystallite size of whewellite in oxalate stones, as determined from the PXRD analysis, varies between 93 (1) nm and 202 (3) nm, whereas the corresponding sizes for the uric acid and struvite crystallites in UA and PH stones are 79 (1)-155 (4) nm and 69 (1)-123(1) nm, respectively. The size of hydroxyapatite crystallites, 10 (1)-21 (1) nm, is smaller by about one order of magnitude compared to other minerals in the kidney stones. A statistical analysis using fifty (50) kidney stones (33 calculi from the present study and 17 calculi reported earlier from our laboratory) revealed that the oxalate group (whewellite, weddellite or mixture of whewellite and weddellite as the major constituent) is the most prevalent (82%) kidney stone type in eastern India. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Examination of China’s performance and thematic evolution in quantum cryptography research using quantitative and computational techniques

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

This study performed two phases of analysis to shed light on the performance and thematic evolution of China’s quantum cryptography (QC) research. First, large-scale research publication metadata derived from QC research published from 2001–2017 was used to examine the research performance of China relative to that of global peers using established quantitative and qualitative measures. Second, this study identified the thematic evolution of China’s QC research using co-word cluster network analysis, a computational science mapping technique. The results from the first phase indicate that over the past 17 years, China’s performance has evolved dramatically, placing it in a leading position. Among the most significant findings is the exponential rate at which all of China’s performance indicators (i.e., Publication Frequency, citation score, H-index) are growing. China’s H-index (a normalized indicator) has surpassed all other countries’ over the last several years. The second phase of analysis shows how China’s main research focus has shifted among several QC themes, including quantum-key-distribution, photon-optical communication, network protocols, and quantum entanglement with an emphasis on applied research. Several themes were observed across time periods (e.g., photons, quantum-key-distribution, secret-messages, quantum-optics, quantum-signatures); some themes disappeared over time (e.g., computer-networks, attack-strategies, bell-state, polarization-state), while others emerged more recently (e.g., quantum-entanglement, decoy-state, unitary-operation). Findings from the first phase of analysis provide empirical evidence that China has emerged as the global driving force in QC. Considering China is the premier driving force in global QC research, findings from the second phase of analysis provide an understanding of China’s QC research themes, which can provide clarity into how QC technologies might take shape. QC and science and technology policy researchers can also use these findings to trace previous research directions and plan future lines of research. PMID:29385151

Examination of China's performance and thematic evolution in quantum cryptography research using quantitative and computational techniques.

PubMed

Olijnyk, Nicholas V

2018-01-01

This study performed two phases of analysis to shed light on the performance and thematic evolution of China's quantum cryptography (QC) research. First, large-scale research publication metadata derived from QC research published from 2001-2017 was used to examine the research performance of China relative to that of global peers using established quantitative and qualitative measures. Second, this study identified the thematic evolution of China's QC research using co-word cluster network analysis, a computational science mapping technique. The results from the first phase indicate that over the past 17 years, China's performance has evolved dramatically, placing it in a leading position. Among the most significant findings is the exponential rate at which all of China's performance indicators (i.e., Publication Frequency, citation score, H-index) are growing. China's H-index (a normalized indicator) has surpassed all other countries' over the last several years. The second phase of analysis shows how China's main research focus has shifted among several QC themes, including quantum-key-distribution, photon-optical communication, network protocols, and quantum entanglement with an emphasis on applied research. Several themes were observed across time periods (e.g., photons, quantum-key-distribution, secret-messages, quantum-optics, quantum-signatures); some themes disappeared over time (e.g., computer-networks, attack-strategies, bell-state, polarization-state), while others emerged more recently (e.g., quantum-entanglement, decoy-state, unitary-operation). Findings from the first phase of analysis provide empirical evidence that China has emerged as the global driving force in QC. Considering China is the premier driving force in global QC research, findings from the second phase of analysis provide an understanding of China's QC research themes, which can provide clarity into how QC technologies might take shape. QC and science and technology policy researchers can also use these findings to trace previous research directions and plan future lines of research.

Improvement of Epicentral Direction Estimation by P-wave Polarization Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oshima, Mitsutaka

2016-04-01

Polarization analysis has been used to analyze the polarization characteristics of waves and developed in various spheres, for example, electromagnetics, optics, and seismology. As for seismology, polarization analysis is used to discriminate seismic phases or to enhance specific phase (e.g., Flinn, 1965)[1], by taking advantage of the difference in polarization characteristics of seismic phases. In earthquake early warning, polarization analysis is used to estimate the epicentral direction using single station, based on the polarization direction of P-wave portion in seismic records (e.g., Smart and Sproules(1981) [2], Noda et al.,(2012) [3]). Therefore, improvement of the Estimation of Epicentral Direction by Polarization Analysis (EEDPA) directly leads to enhance the accuracy and promptness of earthquake early warning. In this study, the author tried to improve EEDPA by using seismic records of events occurred around Japan from 2003 to 2013. The author selected the events that satisfy following conditions. MJMA larger than 6.5 (JMA: Japan Meteorological Agency). Seismic records are available at least 3 stations within 300km in epicentral distance. Seismic records obtained at stations with no information on seismometer orientation were excluded, so that precise and quantitative evaluation of accuracy of EEDPA becomes possible. In the analysis, polarization has calculated by Vidale(1986) [4] that extended the method proposed by Montalbetti and Kanasewich(1970)[5] to use analytical signal. As a result of the analysis, the author found that accuracy of EEDPA improves by about 15% if velocity records, not displacement records, are used contrary to the author's expectation. Use of velocity records enables reduction of CPU time in integration of seismic records and improvement in promptness of EEDPA, although this analysis is still rough and further scrutiny is essential. At this moment, the author used seismic records that obtained by simply integrating acceleration records and applied no filtering. Further study on optimal type of filter and its application frequency band is necessary. In poster presentation, the results of aforementioned study shall be shown. [1] Flinn, E. A. (1965) , Signal analysis using rectilinearity and direction of particle motion. Proceedings of the IEEE, 53(12), 1874-1876. [2] Smart, E., & Sproules, H. (1981), Regional phase processors (No. SDAC-TR-81-1). TELEDYNE GEOTECH ALEXANDRIA VA SEISMIC DATA ANALYSIS CENTER. [3] Noda, S., Yamamoto, S., Sato, S., Iwata, N., Korenaga, M., & Ashiya, K. (2012). Improvement of back-azimuth estimation in real-time by using a single station record. Earth, planets and space, 64(3), 305-308. [4] Vidale, J. E. (1986). Complex polarization analysis of particle motion. Bulletin of the Seismological society of America, 76(5), 1393-1405. [5] Montalbetti, J. F., & Kanasewich, E. R. (1970). Enhancement of teleseismic body phases with a polarization filter. Geophysical Journal International, 21(2), 119-129.

Proteomics of the human endometrial glandular epithelium and stroma from the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle.

PubMed

Hood, Brian L; Liu, Baoquan; Alkhas, Addie; Shoji, Yutaka; Challa, Rusheeswar; Wang, Guisong; Ferguson, Susan; Oliver, Julie; Mitchell, Dave; Bateman, Nicholas W; Zahn, Christopher M; Hamilton, Chad A; Payson, Mark; Lessey, Bruce; Fazleabas, Asgerally T; Maxwell, G Larry; Conrads, Thomas P; Risinger, John I

2015-04-01

Despite its importance in reproductive biology and women's health, a detailed molecular-level understanding of the human endometrium is lacking. Indeed, no comprehensive studies have been undertaken to elucidate the important protein expression differences between the endometrial glandular epithelium and surrounding stroma during the proliferative and midsecretory phases of the menstrual cycle. We utilized laser microdissection to harvest epithelial cells and stromal compartments from proliferative and secretory premenopausal endometrial tissue and performed a global, quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis. This analysis identified 1224 total proteins from epithelial cells, among which 318 were differentially abundant between the proliferative and secretory phases (q < 0.05), and 1005 proteins from the stromal compartments, 19 of which were differentially abundant between the phases (q < 0.05). Several proteins were chosen for validation by immunohistochemistry in an independent set of uterine tissues, including carboxypeptidase M, tenascin C, neprilysin, and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family member 3 (ENPP3). ENPP3, which was elevated in epithelial glandular cells in the secretory phase, was confirmed to be elevated in midsecretory-phase baboon uterine lavage samples and also observed to have an N-linked glycosylated form that was not observed in the proliferative phase. This study provides a detailed view into the global proteomic alterations of the epithelial cells and stromal compartments of the cycling premenopausal endometrium. These proteomic alterations during endometrial remodeling provide a basis for numerous follow-up investigations on the function of these differentially regulated proteins and their role in reproductive biology and endometrial pathologies. © 2015 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.

Effect of Clozapine vs Other Second-Generation Antipsychotics on Hospitalization and Seclusion: A Retrospective Mirror-Image Study in a Japanese Public Psychiatric Hospital.

PubMed

Misawa, Fuminari; Suzuki, Takefumi; Fujii, Yasuo

2017-12-01

Clozapine has been regarded as the gold standard for patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but a recent network meta-analysis has questioned its relative superiority over other second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) such as olanzapine and risperidone. We conducted a retrospective mirror-image study of clozapine vs other SGAs to evaluate real-world effectiveness of clozapine in terms of the duration of hospitalization and seclusion, both of which represent a critical outcome. We included all patients who initiated clozapine at the Yamanashi Prefectural KITA Hospital and had continued to take any SGA(s) other than clozapine for at least 1 year before the initiation of clozapine. We obtained data on hospitalization and seclusion during 1 year of SGA treatment (SGA phase) and 1 year after the treatment was switched to clozapine (clozapine phase). The study included 35 patients (21 men, 31 with schizophrenia, 4 with schizoaffective disorder) with the average ± SD age of 37.3 ± 11.1 years. The results indicated that total hospitalization days did not differ significantly between SGA and clozapine treatment. However, total duration of seclusion was significantly shorter in the clozapine phase than in the SGA phase. Furthermore, the number of patients who were secluded at least once was significantly smaller in the clozapine phase than in the SGA phase. The results were essentially unchanged when outlier patients were excluded and only when patients taking olanzapine and/or risperidone during the SGA phase were considered. Although the findings from this retrospective analysis need to be further tested in prospective trials, they endorse the relative effectiveness of clozapine over other SGAs in the real world.

Strategies in maintenance for patients receiving long-term therapy (SIMPLE): a study of MMX mesalamine for the long-term maintenance of quiescent ulcerative colitis.

PubMed

Kane, Sunanda; Katz, Seymour; Jamal, M Mazen; Safdi, Michael; Dolin, Ben; Solomon, Dory; Palmen, Mary; Barrett, Karen

2012-06-01

This was a phase IV, multicenter, open-label, 12-14-month study to assess clinical recurrence in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who received maintenance treatment with MMX Multi Matrix System (MMX) mesalamine. A secondary outcome was the relationship between long-term efficacy and adherence. Patients with quiescent UC (no rectal bleeding; 0-1 bowel movements more than normal per day) were enrolled directly into a 12-month maintenance phase of the study during which they received MMX mesalamine 2.4 g/day given once daily (QD). Patients with active, mild-to-moderate UC at screening were enrolled into a 2-month acute phase; those who achieved quiescence could continue into the maintenance phase. The primary endpoint was clinical recurrence at Month 6. Of the 290 patients enrolled, 208 entered the maintenance phase; 152 directly and 56 via the acute phase. Following 6 and 12 months of treatment, 76.5% and 64.4% of evaluable patients, respectively, were recurrence-free. The majority of evaluable patients at Month 6 (81.6%) and Month 12 (79.4%) in the maintenance phase were ≥ 80% adherent to MMX mesalamine. At Month 6, clinical recurrence was observed in 20.6% of patients who were ≥ 80% adherent and 36.1% of patients with <80% adherence (P = 0.05 [post-hoc chi-square analysis]); 31.2% and 52.5% at Month 12 (P = 0.01 [post-hoc chi-square analysis]). MMX mesalamine 2.4 g/day QD is effective for maintaining quiescence in patients with UC. Furthermore, adherence to prescribed treatment yielded lower rates of clinical recurrence. Continued education regarding the importance of long-term 5-aminosalicylic acid therapy is warranted. Copyright © 2011 Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America, Inc.

Pressure Induced Phase Transition and Electronic Properties of 1d ZnO Nanocrystal: AN AB INITIO Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, Anurag; Tyagi, Neha

2012-10-01

We have analyzed the one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanocrystals in its wurtzite (B4); zinc-blende (B3) and rocksalt (B1) type phases, by means of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The energetic stability of nanocrystal has been analyzed using Revised Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof (revPBE) type parameterized GGA potential. The B3 type phase is most stable amongst other phases of nanocrystals. The computation of ground state properties for all the phases of ZnO nanocrystals finds that the bulk modulus are smaller than their bulk counterpart, in turn softening the material at reduced dimensions. The electronic band structure analysis confirms the semiconducting nature of B4 type phase whereas other two are metallic.

Twitter Use in Libraries: An Exploratory Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Aharony, Noa

2010-01-01

Microblogging is a relatively new phenomenon in online social networking that has become increasingly prevalent in the last few years. This study explores the use of Twitter in public and academic libraries to understand microblogging patterns. Analysis of the tweets was conducted in two phases: (1) statistical descriptive analysis and (2) content…

76 FR 60587 - Environmental Impact Statement; North Corridor Transit Project, Seattle (WA) Metropolitan Area...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-29

... alternatives identified through an Alternatives Analysis study completed by the project. Early scoping for the alternatives analysis phase was previously announced in the Federal Register on September 27, 2010. Results of the alternatives analysis are described below. DATES: Written comments on the scope of alternatives...

Developing learning material of introduction to operation research course based on problem-based learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yerizon; Jazwinarti; Yarman

2018-01-01

Students have difficulties experience in the course Introduction to Operational Research (PRO). The purpose of this study is to analyze the requirement of students in the developing lecturing materials PRO based Problem Based Learning which is valid, practice, and effective. Lecture materials are developed based on Plomp’s model. The development process of this device consists of 3 phases: front-end analysis/preliminary research, development/prototype phase and assessment phase. Preliminary analysis was obtained by observation and interview. From the research, it is found that students need the student’s worksheet (LKM) for several reasons: 1) no LKM available, 2) presentation of subject not yet based on real problem, 3) experiencing difficulties from current learning source.

Thin-plate spline analysis of mandibular growth.

PubMed

Franchi, L; Baccetti, T; McNamara, J A

2001-04-01

The analysis of mandibular growth changes around the pubertal spurt in humans has several important implications for the diagnosis and orthopedic correction of skeletal disharmonies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate mandibular shape and size growth changes around the pubertal spurt in a longitudinal sample of subjects with normal occlusion by means of an appropriate morphometric technique (thin-plate spline analysis). Ten mandibular landmarks were identified on lateral cephalograms of 29 subjects at 6 different developmental phases. The 6 phases corresponded to 6 different maturational stages in cervical vertebrae during accelerative and decelerative phases of the pubertal growth curve of the mandible. Differences in shape between average mandibular configurations at the 6 developmental stages were visualized by means of thin-plate spline analysis and subjected to permutation test. Centroid size was used as the measure of the geometric size of each mandibular specimen. Differences in size at the 6 developmental phases were tested statistically. The results of graphical analysis indicated a statistically significant change in mandibular shape only for the growth interval from stage 3 to stage 4 in cervical vertebral maturation. Significant increases in centroid size were found at all developmental phases, with evidence of a prepubertal minimum and of a pubertal maximum. The existence of a pubertal peak in human mandibular growth, therefore, is confirmed by thin-plate spline analysis. Significant morphological changes in the mandible during the growth interval from stage 3 to stage 4 in cervical vertebral maturation may be described as an upward-forward direction of condylar growth determining an overall "shrinkage" of the mandibular configuration along the measurement of total mandibular length. This biological mechanism is particularly efficient in compensating for major increments in mandibular size at the adolescent spurt.

Commerce Lab: Mission analysis. Payload integration study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marvin, G. D.

1984-01-01

The objectives of the commerce lab mission analysis and payload integration study are discussed. A mission model which accommodates commercial users and provides a basic data base for future mission planning is described. The data bases developed under this study include: (1) user requirements; (2) apparatus capabilities and availabilities; and (3) carrier capabilities. These data bases are synthesized in a trades and analysis phase along with the STS flight opportunities. Optimum missions are identified.

Identifying product order with restricted Boltzmann machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rao, Wen-Jia; Li, Zhenyu; Zhu, Qiong; Luo, Mingxing; Wan, Xin

2018-03-01

Unsupervised machine learning via a restricted Boltzmann machine is a useful tool in distinguishing an ordered phase from a disordered phase. Here we study its application on the two-dimensional Ashkin-Teller model, which features a partially ordered product phase. We train the neural network with spin configuration data generated by Monte Carlo simulations and show that distinct features of the product phase can be learned from nonergodic samples resulting from symmetry breaking. Careful analysis of the weight matrices inspires us to define a nontrivial machine-learning motivated quantity of the product form, which resembles the conventional product order parameter.

Langmuir wave phase-mixing in warm electron-positron-dusty plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pramanik, Sourav; Maity, Chandan

2018-04-01

An analytical study on nonlinear evolution of Langmuir waves in warm electron-positron-dusty plasmas is presented. The massive dust grains of either positively or negatively charged are assumed to form a fixed charge neutralizing background. A perturbative analysis of the fluid-Maxwell's equations confirms that the excited Langmuir waves phase-mix and eventually break, even at arbitrarily low amplitudes. It is shown that the nature of the dust-charge as well as the amount of dust grains can significantly influence the Langmuir wave phase-mixing process. The phase-mixing time is also found to increase with the temperature.

Phase transitions in the antiferromagnetic Ising model on a body-centered cubic lattice with interactions between next-to-nearest neighbors

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

Murtazaev, A. K.; Ramazanov, M. K., E-mail: sheikh77@mail.ru; Kassan-Ogly, F. A.

2015-01-15

Phase transitions in the antiferromagnetic Ising model on a body-centered cubic lattice are studied on the basis of the replica algorithm by the Monte Carlo method and histogram analysis taking into account the interaction of next-to-nearest neighbors. The phase diagram of the dependence of the critical temperature on the intensity of interaction of the next-to-nearest neighbors is constructed. It is found that a second-order phase transition is realized in this model in the investigated interval of the intensities of interaction of next-to-nearest neighbors.

Parents’ Participation in the Sexuality Education of Their Children in Rural Namibia: A Situational Analysis

PubMed Central

Lukolo, Linda Ndeshipandula; van Dyk, Agnes

2015-01-01

Talking about sexuality has never been easy in most Namibians cultures and it seems that most parents feel uncomfortable and embarrassed to talk openly with their children about sexuality. They do not participate in the sexuality education of their children, because they believe they are unable to provide quality and adequate sexuality information due to their lack of knowledge about human sexuality or their perceived inability to explain what they do know. The ultimate purpose of this study was to develop, describe, implement and evaluate an educational programme to empower rural parents to participate in the sexuality education of their children. The study was designed to be qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. It was performed in three phases. Phase 1 consisted of a situational analysis to explore and describe how parents provide sexuality education. Phase 2 consisted of the development of a conceptual framework that facilitated the development of an educational programme. In phase 3 the programme was implemented and evaluated, recommendations were made and conclusions drawn. The main findings revealed two themes: factors influencing parental participation in their children’s sexuality education, and the need for parental participation in their children’s sexuality education. This article is part of series of three article stems from a study on the topic of sexuality education empowerment programme of rural parents in Namibia. The three articles have the following titles: one: parent’s participation in sexuality education of their children: a situational analysis; two: conceptual framework developments that facilitate the development of an educational programme and three: programme implementation and evaluation. This article dealt with parent’s participation in sexuality education of their children: a situational analysis. PMID:25560329

Label-free proteome profiling reveals developmental-dependent patterns in young barley grains.

PubMed

Kaspar-Schoenefeld, Stephanie; Merx, Kathleen; Jozefowicz, Anna Maria; Hartmann, Anja; Seiffert, Udo; Weschke, Winfriede; Matros, Andrea; Mock, Hans-Peter

2016-06-30

Due to its importance as a cereal crop worldwide, high interest in the determination of factors influencing barley grain quality exists. This study focusses on the elucidation of protein networks affecting early grain developmental processes. NanoLC-based separation coupled to label-free MS detection was applied to gain insights into biochemical processes during five different grain developmental phases (pre-storage until storage phase, 3days to 16days after flowering). Multivariate statistics revealed two distinct developmental patterns during the analysed grain developmental phases: proteins showed either highest abundance in the middle phase of development - in the transition phase - or at later developmental stages - within the storage phase. Verification of developmental patterns observed by proteomic analysis was done by applying hypothesis-driven approaches, namely Western Blot analysis and enzyme assays. High general metabolic activity of the grain with regard to protein synthesis, cell cycle regulation, defence against oxidative stress, and energy production via photosynthesis was observed in the transition phase. Proteins upregulated in the storage phase are related towards storage protein accumulation, and interestingly to the defence of storage reserves against pathogens. A mixed regulatory pattern for most enzymes detected in our study points to regulatory mechanisms at the level of protein isoforms. In-depth understanding of early grain developmental processes of cereal caryopses is of high importance as they influence final grain weight and quality. Our knowledge about these processes is still limited, especially on proteome level. To identify key mechanisms in early barley grain development, a label-free data-independent proteomics acquisition approach has been applied. Our data clearly show, that proteins either exhibit highest expression during cellularization and the switch to the storage phase (transition phase, 5-7 DAF), or during storage product accumulation (10-16 DAF). The results highlight versatile cellular metabolic activity in the transition phase and strong convergence towards storage product accumulation in the storage phase. Notably, both phases are characterized by particular protective mechanism, such as scavenging of oxidative stress and defence against pathogens, during the transition and the storage phase, respectively. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phase transformations and phase equilibria in the Co–Sn–Ti system in the crystallization interval

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

Fartushna, Iu.; Bulanova, M.; National Technical University of Ukraine, Kiev Polytechnical Institute, Kiev

2016-12-15

The Co–Sn–Ti system was studied in the crystallization interval (below ~50 at% Sn) by the methods of Scanning Electron Microscopy, microprobe analysis, Differential Thermal Analysis, X-ray diffraction. The liquidus and solidus projections and the melting diagram were constructed. Only Co{sub 2}TiSn(τ1) ternary compound (Heusler phase-L1{sub 2}) was found in equilibria with the liquid in the concentration interval studied. Taking into account our recent data, the liquidus projection is characterized by the fields of primary crystallization of (βTi), (Co), binary-based phases Ti{sub 3}Sn, Ti{sub 2}Sn, Ti{sub 5}Sn{sub 3}, Ti{sub 6}Sn{sub 5}, Ti{sub 2}Co, TiCo, TiCo{sub 2} (c), TiCo{sub 2} (h), TiCo{submore » 3}, βCo{sub 3}Sn{sub 2}, CoSn and ternary τ1. The solidus projection is characterized by thirteen three-phase fields, which result from invariant four-phase equilibria, five are of eutectic type (E) and eight of transition type (U) and the existence of one more region Ti{sub 2}Sn{sub 3}+βCoSn{sub 3}+(Sn) in the solidus projection is discussed. - Graphical abstract: Liquidus projection of the Ti–РЎРѕ –Sn system. Fields of crystallization, isotherms and monovariant lines. - Highlights: • The Ti–Co–Sn system is first studied in the composition range up to 50% of Sn. • Liquidus and solidus projections, melting diagram and reaction scheme are constructed. • One ternary compound form in the studied temperature interval: (Co{sub 2}TiSn(τ1)).« less

National survey of availability of physical rehabilitation services in Iran: A mixed methods study

PubMed Central

Shirazikhah, Marzieh; Mirabzadeh, Arash; Sajadi, Homeira; Joghataei, Mohammad Taghi; Biglarian, Akbar; Mousavi, Tahmineh; Shahboulaghi, Farahnaz Mohammadi

2017-01-01

Background The prevalence of disability in Iran has increased due to ageing of the population and the presence of chronic diseases. However, little is known about the availability of rehabilitation services in Iran. Objective To study the availability of physical rehabilitation services in Iran. Methods This was a mixed method study. In the first phase, a qualitative design was conducted for designing an instrument with focus groups based on Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) instrument (developed by World Health Organization). Content analysis was used for data analysis. Then, in the second phase, a cross-sectional study was performed to collect the data with census method in Iran. This study was formed from June to October 2015, and samples consisted of all governmental, public non-governmental and private facilities established for rehabilitation centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Ministry of Labor, Cooperative and Social Welfare and the Iranian Red Crescent Society. Data analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 16). Descriptive statistical analysis (percentage and frequency) were calculated for quantitative data. Results In the first phase, the content analysis of qualitative data identified a Master Facilities List (MFL) of rehabilitation services and service providers in Iran. Results of the second phase showed that the rate of inpatient, outpatient, community-based and long-term care centers per 1,000,000 populations in Iran were 1.68, 89.24, 66.21 and 3.6, respectively. Also, that the rate of rehabilitation professionals including physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and audiologists were 3.90, 64.65, 22.09, 22.83 and 24.18 per 1,000,000 populations, respectively. Conclusion There is a need to increase the availability of rehabilitation services and to promote rehabilitation referrals by using an interdisciplinary team approach. PMID:29403619

The role of social media in recruiting for clinical trials in pregnancy.

PubMed

Shere, Mahvash; Zhao, Xiu Yan; Koren, Gideon

2014-01-01

Recruitment of women in the periconceptional period to clinical studies using traditional advertising through medical establishments is difficult and slow. Given the widespread use of the internet as a source for medical information and research, we analyze the impact of social media in the second phase of an ongoing randomized, open-label clinical trial among pregnant women. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of social media as a recruitment tool through the comparison of diverse recruitment techniques in two different phases of the trial. Recruitment in Phase 1 of the study consisted solely of traditional healthcare-based sources. This was compared to Phase 2 of the study where traditional recruitment was continued and expanded, while social media was used as a supplementary source. Yearly recruitment and recruitment rates in the two phases were compared using the Mann Whitney U test. The contributions of each recruitment source to overall recruitment were analyzed, and the impact of potential confounders on recruitment rate was evaluated using a multiple regression and Interrupted Time Series Analysis. In the first phase of the study, with over 56 months of recruitment using traditional sources, 35 women were enrolled in the study, resulting in a mean rate of ±0.62 recruits/month. In the 6 months implementing recruitment through social media, 45 women were recruited, for a 12-fold higher rate of ±7.5 recruits/month. Attrition rates remained constant, suggesting that social media had a positive impact on recruitment. The Interrupted Time Series Analysis detected a significant difference in recruitment after the intervention of social media (p<0.0001) with an evident increase in the number of recruits observed after the use of social media. Clinicians and scientists recruiting for clinical studies should learn how to use online social media platforms to improve recruitment rates, thus increasing recruitment efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The Role of Social Media in Recruiting for Clinical Trials in Pregnancy

PubMed Central

Shere, Mahvash; Zhao, Xiu Yan; Koren, Gideon

2014-01-01

Background Recruitment of women in the periconceptional period to clinical studies using traditional advertising through medical establishments is difficult and slow. Given the widespread use of the internet as a source for medical information and research, we analyze the impact of social media in the second phase of an ongoing randomized, open-label clinical trial among pregnant women. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of social media as a recruitment tool through the comparison of diverse recruitment techniques in two different phases of the trial. Methods Recruitment in Phase 1 of the study consisted solely of traditional healthcare-based sources. This was compared to Phase 2 of the study where traditional recruitment was continued and expanded, while social media was used as a supplementary source. Yearly recruitment and recruitment rates in the two phases were compared using the Mann Whitney U test. The contributions of each recruitment source to overall recruitment were analyzed, and the impact of potential confounders on recruitment rate was evaluated using a multiple regression and Interrupted Time Series Analysis. Results In the first phase of the study, with over 56 months of recruitment using traditional sources, 35 women were enrolled in the study, resulting in a mean rate of ±0.62 recruits/month. In the 6 months implementing recruitment through social media, 45 women were recruited, for a 12-fold higher rate of ±7.5 recruits/month. Attrition rates remained constant, suggesting that social media had a positive impact on recruitment. The Interrupted Time Series Analysis detected a significant difference in recruitment after the intervention of social media (p<0.0001) with an evident increase in the number of recruits observed after the use of social media. Conclusions Clinicians and scientists recruiting for clinical studies should learn how to use online social media platforms to improve recruitment rates, thus increasing recruitment efficiency and cost-effectiveness. PMID:24671210

Factors controlling crystallization of miserite glass-ceramic.

PubMed

Muhammed, Fenik K; Moorehead, Robert; van Noort, Richard; Pollington, Sarah

2015-12-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate a range of variables affecting the synthesis of a miserite glass-ceramic (GC). Miserite glass was synthesized by the melt quench technique. The crystallization kinetics of the glass were determined using Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). The glasses were ground with dry ball-milling and then sieved to different particle sizes prior to sintering. These particle sizes were submitted to heat treatment regimes in a high temperature furnace to form the GC. The crystal phases of the GC were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the microstructure of the cerammed glass. XRD analysis confirmed that the predominant crystalline phase of the GC was miserite along with a minor crystalline phase of cristobalite only when the particle size is <20 μm and the heat treatment at 1000°C was carried out for 4h and slowly cooled at the furnace rate. For larger particle sizes and faster cooling rates, a pseudowollastonite crystalline phase was produced. Short sintering times produced either a pseudowollastonite or xonotolite crystalline phase. The current study has shown that particle size and heat treatment schedules are major factors in controlling the synthesis of miserite GC. Copyright © 2015 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Micro versus macro solid phase extraction for monitoring water contaminants: a preliminary study using trihalomethanes.

PubMed

Alexandrou, Lydon D; Spencer, Michelle J S; Morrison, Paul D; Meehan, Barry J; Jones, Oliver A H

2015-04-15

Solid phase extraction is one of the most commonly used pre-concentration and cleanup steps in environmental science. However, traditional methods need electrically powered pumps, can use large volumes of solvent (if multiple samples are run), and require several hours to filter a sample. Additionally, if the cartridge is open to the air volatile compounds may be lost and sample integrity compromised. In contrast, micro cartridge based solid phase extraction can be completed in less than 2 min by hand, uses only microlitres of solvent and provides comparable concentration factors to established methods. It is also an enclosed system so volatile components are not lost. The sample can also be eluted directly into a detector (e.g. a mass spectrometer) if required. However, the technology is new and has not been much used for environmental analysis. In this study we compare traditional (macro) and the new micro solid phase extraction for the analysis of four common volatile trihalomethanes (trichloromethane, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and tribromomethane). The results demonstrate that micro solid phase extraction is faster and cheaper than traditional methods with similar recovery rates for the target compounds. This method shows potential for further development in a range of applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Facilitating an L2 Book Club: A Conversation-Analytic Study of Task Management

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ro, Eunseok

2018-01-01

This study employs conversation analysis to examine a facilitator's interactional practices in the post-expansion phase of students' presentations in the context of a book club for second language learning. The analysis shows how the facilitator establishes intersubjectivity with regard to the ongoing task and manages students' task performance.…

The radial growth phase of malignant melanoma: multi-phase modelling, numerical simulations and linear stability analysis.

PubMed

Ciarletta, P; Foret, L; Ben Amar, M

2011-03-06

Cutaneous melanoma is disproportionately lethal despite its relatively low incidence and its potential for cure in the early stages. The aim of this study is to foster understanding of the role of microstructure on the occurrence of morphological changes in diseased skin during melanoma evolution. The authors propose a biomechanical analysis of its radial growth phase, investigating the role of intercellular/stromal connections on the initial stages of epidermis invasion. The radial growth phase of a primary melanoma is modelled within the multi-phase theory of mixtures, reproducing the mechanical behaviour of the skin layers and of the epidermal-dermal junction. The theoretical analysis takes into account those cellular processes that have been experimentally observed to disrupt homeostasis in normal epidermis. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the loss of adhesiveness of the melanoma cells both to the basal laminae, caused by deregulation mechanisms of adherent junctions, and to adjacent keratynocytes, consequent to a downregulation of E-cadherin, are the fundamental biomechanical features for promoting tumour initiation. Finally, the authors provide the mathematical proof of a long wavelength instability of the tumour front during the early stages of melanoma invasion. These results open the perspective to correlate the early morphology of a growing melanoma with the biomechanical characteristics of its micro-environment.

Development and validation of a fatigue assessment scale for U.S. construction workers.

PubMed

Zhang, Mingzong; Sparer, Emily H; Murphy, Lauren A; Dennerlein, Jack T; Fang, Dongping; Katz, Jeffrey N; Caban-Martinez, Alberto J

2015-02-01

To develop a fatigue assessment scale and test its reliability and validity for commercial construction workers. Using a two-phased approach, we first identified items (first phase) for the development of a Fatigue Assessment Scale for Construction Workers (FASCW) through review of existing scales in the scientific literature, key informant interviews (n = 11) and focus groups (three groups with six workers each) with construction workers. The second phase included assessment for the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the new scale using a repeated-measures study design with a convenience sample of construction workers (n = 144). Phase one resulted in a 16-item preliminary scale that after factor analysis yielded a final 10-item scale with two sub-scales ("Lethargy" and "Bodily Ailment"). During phase two, the FASCW and its subscales demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (alpha coefficients were FASCW [0.91], Lethargy [0.86] and Bodily Ailment [0.84]) and acceptable test-retest reliability (Pearson Correlations Coefficients: 0.59-0.68; Intraclass Correlation Coefficients: 0.74-0.80). Correlation analysis substantiated concurrent and convergent validity. A discriminant analysis demonstrated that the FASCW differentiated between groups with arthritis status and different work hours. The 10-item FASCW with good reliability and validity is an effective tool for assessing the severity of fatigue among construction workers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Optimization of SEM-EDS to determine the C–A–S–H composition in matured cement paste samples

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

Rossen, J.E., E-mail: john.rossen@alumni.epfl.ch

Microanalysis of characteristic X-rays in the SEM is a powerful method to assess the chemical composition of phases in cement pastes, in particular the calcium silicate hydrate containing aluminium (C–A–S–H). Nevertheless, many variables may influence the results obtained, due mainly to the intimate mixing of C–A–S–H with other hydrate phases and the susceptibility of this phase to damage by the electron beam. In this study the effect of various acquisition parameters was examined, along with methods to determine an “average” C–A–S–H composition. The results acquired in the SEM were compared with the analysis of the same samples in the TEM,more » where phases can be analyzed without intermixing. A simple method was used to obtain compositions from SEM based analysis that are very close to those which can be obtained in the TEM. - Highlights: •The intermixing of phases is the limiting factor in the analysis of C–A–S–H composition by SEM-EDS •Guidelines to limit beam damage and properly analyze C–A–S–H composition by SEM-EDS are given •SEM-EDS and TEM-EDS give similar results when proper data treatment is made.« less

The radial growth phase of malignant melanoma: multi-phase modelling, numerical simulations and linear stability analysis

PubMed Central

Ciarletta, P.; Foret, L.; Ben Amar, M.

2011-01-01

Cutaneous melanoma is disproportionately lethal despite its relatively low incidence and its potential for cure in the early stages. The aim of this study is to foster understanding of the role of microstructure on the occurrence of morphological changes in diseased skin during melanoma evolution. The authors propose a biomechanical analysis of its radial growth phase, investigating the role of intercellular/stromal connections on the initial stages of epidermis invasion. The radial growth phase of a primary melanoma is modelled within the multi-phase theory of mixtures, reproducing the mechanical behaviour of the skin layers and of the epidermal–dermal junction. The theoretical analysis takes into account those cellular processes that have been experimentally observed to disrupt homeostasis in normal epidermis. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the loss of adhesiveness of the melanoma cells both to the basal laminae, caused by deregulation mechanisms of adherent junctions, and to adjacent keratynocytes, consequent to a downregulation of E-cadherin, are the fundamental biomechanical features for promoting tumour initiation. Finally, the authors provide the mathematical proof of a long wavelength instability of the tumour front during the early stages of melanoma invasion. These results open the perspective to correlate the early morphology of a growing melanoma with the biomechanical characteristics of its micro-environment. PMID:20656740

Analysis of Phenix end-of-life natural convection test with the MARS-LMR code

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

Jeong, H. Y.; Ha, K. S.; Lee, K. L.

The end-of-life test of Phenix reactor performed by the CEA provided an opportunity to have reliable and valuable test data for the validation and verification of a SFR system analysis code. KAERI joined this international program for the analysis of Phenix end-of-life natural circulation test coordinated by the IAEA from 2008. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the capability of existing SFR system analysis code MARS-LMR and to identify any limitation of the code. The analysis was performed in three stages: pre-test analysis, blind posttest analysis, and final post-test analysis. In the pre-test analysis, the design conditionsmore » provided by the CEA were used to obtain a prediction of the test. The blind post-test analysis was based on the test conditions measured during the tests but the test results were not provided from the CEA. The final post-test analysis was performed to predict the test results as accurate as possible by improving the previous modeling of the test. Based on the pre-test analysis and blind test analysis, the modeling for heat structures in the hot pool and cold pool, steel structures in the core, heat loss from roof and vessel, and the flow path at core outlet were reinforced in the final analysis. The results of the final post-test analysis could be characterized into three different phases. In the early phase, the MARS-LMR simulated the heat-up process correctly due to the enhanced heat structure modeling. In the mid phase before the opening of SG casing, the code reproduced the decrease of core outlet temperature successfully. Finally, in the later phase the increase of heat removal by the opening of the SG opening was well predicted with the MARS-LMR code. (authors)« less

Spiritual Health in Nursing From the Viewpoint of Islam.

PubMed

Heydari, Abbas; Khorashadizadeh, Fatemeh; Heshmati Nabavi, Fatemeh; Mazlom, Seyed Reza; Ebrahimi, Mahdi

2016-06-01

In order to gain a more detailed insight into the concept of spiritual health, a hybrid model of concept analysis was used to remove some of the ambiguity surrounding the conceptual meaning of spiritual health in Islamic and Iranian contexts. The purpose of this study was to clarify the meaning and nature of the spiritual health concept in the context of the practice of Islam among Iranian patients. The current concept analysis was undertaken according to the modified traditional hybrid model, which consists of five phases: theoretical phase, initial fieldwork phase, initial analytical phase, and final fieldwork and final analytical phase. In the theoretical phases of the study, the concept of spiritual health was described based on a literature review of publications dealing with the Islamic viewpoint (years: from 2013 to 2014, Databases and search engines: Pubmed, SID, Magiran, Noormax, Google Scholar, Google and IranMex, Languages: English and Persian, Keywords: spiritual health AND (Islam OR Quran), spirituality AND (Islam OR Quran), complete human AND Islam, healthy heart (Galb Salim) AND Islam, healthy life (Hayat tayebeh) AND Islam, calm soul (Nafse motmaeneh) And Islam and healthy wisdom (Aghle Salim) AND Islam). Purposive sampling was conducted and nine participants were selected. Semi-structured interviews and observations were conducted periodically for data collection after obtaining informed consent. Observational, theoretical, and methodological notes were made. Then, using MAXQUDA 7 software, the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The relevant literature in the theoretical phase uncovered the attributes of the concept of spiritual health, including love of the Creator, duty-based life, religious rationality, psychological balance, and attention to afterlife. These attributes were explored in depth in later stages. Finally, the definition of spiritual health was developed. Islam has a unique perspective on spiritual health as it encompasses all aspects of human beings. Thus, it is necessary to carefully study the difference between the Islamic concept of spiritual health and that of other religions and ideologies to design suitable and useful nursing care for Iranian patients that satisfy their spiritual needs.

Spiritual Health in Nursing From the Viewpoint of Islam

PubMed Central

Heydari, Abbas; Khorashadizadeh, Fatemeh; Heshmati Nabavi, Fatemeh; Mazlom, Seyed Reza; Ebrahimi, Mahdi

2016-01-01

Context In order to gain a more detailed insight into the concept of spiritual health, a hybrid model of concept analysis was used to remove some of the ambiguity surrounding the conceptual meaning of spiritual health in Islamic and Iranian contexts. The purpose of this study was to clarify the meaning and nature of the spiritual health concept in the context of the practice of Islam among Iranian patients. Evidence Acquisition The current concept analysis was undertaken according to the modified traditional hybrid model, which consists of five phases: theoretical phase, initial fieldwork phase, initial analytical phase, and final fieldwork and final analytical phase. In the theoretical phases of the study, the concept of spiritual health was described based on a literature review of publications dealing with the Islamic viewpoint (years: from 2013 to 2014, Databases and search engines: Pubmed, SID, Magiran, Noormax, Google Scholar, Google and IranMex, Languages: English and Persian, Keywords: spiritual health AND (Islam OR Quran), spirituality AND (Islam OR Quran), complete human AND Islam, healthy heart (Galb Salim) AND Islam, healthy life (Hayat tayebeh) AND Islam, calm soul (Nafse motmaeneh) And Islam and healthy wisdom (Aghle Salim) AND Islam). Purposive sampling was conducted and nine participants were selected. Semi-structured interviews and observations were conducted periodically for data collection after obtaining informed consent. Observational, theoretical, and methodological notes were made. Then, using MAXQUDA 7 software, the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results The relevant literature in the theoretical phase uncovered the attributes of the concept of spiritual health, including love of the Creator, duty-based life, religious rationality, psychological balance, and attention to afterlife. These attributes were explored in depth in later stages. Finally, the definition of spiritual health was developed. Conclusions Islam has a unique perspective on spiritual health as it encompasses all aspects of human beings. Thus, it is necessary to carefully study the difference between the Islamic concept of spiritual health and that of other religions and ideologies to design suitable and useful nursing care for Iranian patients that satisfy their spiritual needs. PMID:27621915

Experimental research of phase transitions in a melt of high-purity aluminum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorontsov, V. B.; Pershin, V. K.

2017-12-01

This scientific work is devoted to the studying of the genetic connection structures of solid and liquid phases. In this paper Fourier analysis of acoustic emission (AE) signals accompanying heating of high purity aluminum from the melting point up to 860 °C was performed. The experimental data allowed to follow the dynamics of disorder zones in the melt with increasing melt temperature up to their complete destruction. The presented results of spectral analysis of the signals were analyzed from the standpoint of the theory of cluster melting metals.

Spectral analysis and quantum chemical studies of chair and twist-boat conformers of cycloheximide in gas and solution phases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tokatli, A.; Ucun, F.; Sütçü, K.; Osmanoğlu, Y. E.; Osmanoğlu, Ş.

2018-02-01

In this study the conformational behavior of cycloheximide in the gas and solution (CHCl3) phases has theoretically been investigated by spectroscopic and quantum chemical properties using density functional theory (wB97X-D) method with 6-31++G(d,p) basis set, for the first time. The calculated IR results reveal that in the ground state the molecule exits as a mixture of the chair and twist-boat conformers in the gas phase, while the calculated NMR results reveal that it only exits as the chair conformer in the solution phase. In order to obtain the contributions coming from intramolecular interactions to the stability of the conformers in the gas and solution phases, the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), noncovalent interactions (NCI) method, and natural bond orbital analysis (NBO) have been employed. The QTAIM and NCI methods indicated that by intramolecular interactions with bond critical point (BCP) the twist-boat conformer is more stabilized than the chair conformer, while by steric interactions it is more destabilized. Considering that these interactions balance each other, the stabilities of the conformers are understood to be dictated by the van der Waals interactions. The NBO analyses show that the hyperconjugative and steric effects play an important role in the stabilization in the gas and solution phases. Furthermore, to get a better understanding of the chemical behavior of this important antibiotic drug we have evaluated and, commented the global and local reactivity descriptors of the both conformers. Finally, the EPR analysis of γ-irradiated cycloheximide has been done. The comparison of the experimental and calculated data have showed the inducement of a radical structure of (CH2)2ĊCH2 in the molecule. The experimental EPR spectrum has also confirmed that the molecule simultaneously exists in the chair and twist-boat conformers in the solid phase.

Streamline Your Project: A Lifecycle Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Viren, John

2000-01-01

Discusses one approach to project organization providing a baseline lifecycle model for multimedia/CBT development. This variation of the standard four-phase model of Analysis, Design, Development, and Implementation includes a Pre-Analysis phase, called Definition, and a Post-Implementation phase, known as Maintenance. Each phase is described.…

Improved imputation accuracy in Hispanic/Latino populations with larger and more diverse reference panels: applications in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)

PubMed Central

Nelson, Sarah C.; Stilp, Adrienne M.; Papanicolaou, George J.; Taylor, Kent D.; Rotter, Jerome I.; Thornton, Timothy A.; Laurie, Cathy C.

2016-01-01

Imputation is commonly used in genome-wide association studies to expand the set of genetic variants available for analysis. Larger and more diverse reference panels, such as the final Phase 3 of the 1000 Genomes Project, hold promise for improving imputation accuracy in genetically diverse populations such as Hispanics/Latinos in the USA. Here, we sought to empirically evaluate imputation accuracy when imputing to a 1000 Genomes Phase 3 versus a Phase 1 reference, using participants from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Our assessments included calculating the correlation between imputed and observed allelic dosage in a subset of samples genotyped on a supplemental array. We observed that the Phase 3 reference yielded higher accuracy at rare variants, but that the two reference panels were comparable at common variants. At a sample level, the Phase 3 reference improved imputation accuracy in Hispanic/Latino samples from the Caribbean more than for Mainland samples, which we attribute primarily to the additional reference panel samples available in Phase 3. We conclude that a 1000 Genomes Project Phase 3 reference panel can yield improved imputation accuracy compared with Phase 1, particularly for rare variants and for samples of certain genetic ancestry compositions. Our findings can inform imputation design for other genome-wide association studies of participants with diverse ancestries, especially as larger and more diverse reference panels continue to become available. PMID:27346520

Phase transition phenomenon: A compound measure analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Bo Soo; Park, Chanhi; Ryu, Doojin; Song, Wonho

2015-06-01

This study investigates the well-documented phenomenon of phase transition in financial markets using combined information from both return and volume changes within short time intervals. We suggest a new measure for the phase transition behaviour of markets, calculated as a return distribution conditional on local variance in volume imbalance, and show that this measure successfully captures phase transition behaviour under various conditions. We analyse the intraday trade and quote dataset from the KOSPI 200 index futures, which includes detailed information on the original order size and the type of each initiating investor. We find that among these two competing factors, the submitted order size yields more explanatory power on the phenomenon of market phase transition than the investor type.

Frequency-phase analysis of resting-state functional MRI

PubMed Central

Goelman, Gadi; Dan, Rotem; Růžička, Filip; Bezdicek, Ondrej; Růžička, Evžen; Roth, Jan; Vymazal, Josef; Jech, Robert

2017-01-01

We describe an analysis method that characterizes the correlation between coupled time-series functions by their frequencies and phases. It provides a unified framework for simultaneous assessment of frequency and latency of a coupled time-series. The analysis is demonstrated on resting-state functional MRI data of 34 healthy subjects. Interactions between fMRI time-series are represented by cross-correlation (with time-lag) functions. A general linear model is used on the cross-correlation functions to obtain the frequencies and phase-differences of the original time-series. We define symmetric, antisymmetric and asymmetric cross-correlation functions that correspond respectively to in-phase, 90° out-of-phase and any phase difference between a pair of time-series, where the last two were never introduced before. Seed maps of the motor system were calculated to demonstrate the strength and capabilities of the analysis. Unique types of functional connections, their dominant frequencies and phase-differences have been identified. The relation between phase-differences and time-delays is shown. The phase-differences are speculated to inform transfer-time and/or to reflect a difference in the hemodynamic response between regions that are modulated by neurotransmitters concentration. The analysis can be used with any coupled functions in many disciplines including electrophysiology, EEG or MEG in neuroscience. PMID:28272522

Spectroscopic Doppler analysis for visible-light optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Xiao; Liu, Wenzhong; Duan, Lian; Zhang, Hao F.

2017-12-01

Retinal oxygen metabolic rate can be effectively measured by visible-light optical coherence tomography (vis-OCT), which simultaneously quantifies oxygen saturation and blood flow rate in retinal vessels through spectroscopic analysis and Doppler measurement, respectively. Doppler OCT relates phase variation between sequential A-lines to the axial flow velocity of the scattering medium. The detectable phase shift is between -π and π due to its periodicity, which limits the maximum measurable unambiguous velocity without phase unwrapping. Using shorter wavelengths, vis-OCT is more vulnerable to phase ambiguity since flow induced phase variation is linearly related to the center wavenumber of the probing light. We eliminated the need for phase unwrapping using spectroscopic Doppler analysis. We split the whole vis-OCT spectrum into a series of narrow subbands and reconstructed vis-OCT images to extract corresponding Doppler phase shifts in all the subbands. Then, we quantified flow velocity by analyzing subband-dependent phase shift using linear regression. In the phantom experiment, we showed that spectroscopic Doppler analysis extended the measurable absolute phase shift range without conducting phase unwrapping. We also tested this method to quantify retinal blood flow in rodents in vivo.

Effect of Modulation of ENSO by Decadal and Multidecadal Ocean-Atmospheric Oscillations on Continental US Streamflows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, S.; Abebe, A.; Srivastava, P.; Chaubey, I.

2017-12-01

Evaluation of the influences of individual and coupled oceanic-atmospheric oscillations on streamflow at a regional scale in the United States is the focus of this study. The main climatic oscillations considered in this study are: El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Unimpacted or minimally impacted by water management streamflow data from the Model Parameter Estimation Experiment (MOPEX) were used in this study. Two robust and novel non-parametric tests, namely, the rank based partial least square (PLS) and the Joint Rank Fit (JRFit) procedures were used to identify the individual and coupled effect of oscillations on streamflow across continental U.S. (CONUS), respectively. Moreover, the interactive effects of ENSO with decadal and multidecadal cycles were tested and quantified using the JRFit interaction test. The analysis of ENSO indicated higher streamflows during La Niña phase compared to the El Niño phase in Northwest, Northeast and the lower part of Ohio Valley while the opposite occurs for rest of the climatic regions in US. Two distinct climate regions (Northwest and Southeast) were identified from the PDO analysis where PDO negative phase results in increased streamflow than PDO positive phase. Consistent negative and positive correlated regions around the CONUS were identified for AMO and NAO, respectively. The interaction test of ENSO with decadal and multidecadal oscillations showed that El Niño is modulated by the negative phase of PDO and NAO, and the positive phase of AMO, respectively, in the Upper Midwest. However, La Niña is modulated by the positive phase of AMO and PDO in Ohio Valley and Northeast while in Southeast and the South it is modulated by AMO negative phase. Results of this study will assist water managers to understand the streamflow change patterns across the CONUS at decadal and multi-decadal time scales. The information derived from this study would be helpful for regional water managers in forecasting regional water availability and help them develop drought adaptation and mitigation policies by incorporating information based on the large scale ocean-atmospheric cycles.

The Vlasov-Navier-Stokes System in a 2D Pipe: Existence and Stability of Regular Equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glass, Olivier; Han-Kwan, Daniel; Moussa, Ayman

2018-05-01

In this paper, we study the Vlasov-Navier-Stokes system in a 2D pipe with partially absorbing boundary conditions. We show the existence of stationary states for this system near small Poiseuille flows for the fluid phase, for which the kinetic phase is not trivial. We prove the asymptotic stability of these states with respect to appropriately compactly supported perturbations. The analysis relies on geometric control conditions which help to avoid any concentration phenomenon for the kinetic phase.

Analysis of Low-Pressure Gas-Phase Pyrolytic Reactions by Mass Spectrometric Techniques,

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-01-01

temperatures and pressures known only as a polymeric substance, is similarly obtained in high purity by heating the polymer to its melting point (105-110’ C...filaments for Curie- point pyrolysis’ J.Anal.Appl.Pyrolysis. 5 (1983) 1-7 (with Helge Egsgaard) 4) ’Heterogeneous catalysis in gas phase reactions studied...by Curie- point pyrolysis. Gas phase pyrolysis of methyl dithio- acetat’ J.Anal.Appl.Pyrolysis. 5 (1983) 257-259 (with Helge Egsgaard) 5) ’Continuous

Nonadiabatic Berry phase in nanocrystalline magnets

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

Skomski, R.; Sellmyer, D. J.

2016-12-20

In this study, it is investigated how a Berry phase is created in polycrystalline nanomagnets and how the phase translates into an emergent magnetic field and into a topological Hall-effect contribution. The analysis starts directly from the spin of the conduction electrons and does not involve any adiabatic Hamiltonian. Completely random spin alignment in the nanocrystallites does not lead to a nonzero emergent field, but a modulation of the local magnetization does. As an explicit example, we consider a wire with a modulated cone angle.

Does Post-task Declarative Learning Have an Influence on Early Motor Memory Consolidation Over Day? An fMRI Study

PubMed Central

Rothkirch, Inken; Wolff, Stephan; Margraf, Nils G.; Pedersen, Anya; Witt, Karsten

2018-01-01

Previous studies demonstrated the influence of the post-learning period on procedural motor memory consolidation. In an early period after the acquisition, motor skills are vulnerable to modifications during wakefulness. Indeed, specific interventions such as world-list learning within this early phase of motor memory consolidation seem to enhance motor performance as an indicator for successful consolidation. This finding highlights the idea that manipulations of procedural and declarative memory systems during the early phase of memory consolidation over wakefulness may influence off-line consolidation. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during initial motor sequence learning and motor sequence recall, we indirectly assess the influence of a secondary task taken place in the early phase of memory consolidation. All participants were scanned using fMRI during the learning phase of a serial reaction time task (SRTT) at 8 a.m. Afterwards, they were randomly assigned to one of five conditions. One group performed a declarative verbal, one a declarative nonverbal learning task. Two groups worked on attention tasks. A control group passed a resting condition. Participants stayed awake the whole day and performed the SRTT in the MRI scanner 12 h later at 8 p.m. At the behavioral level, the analysis of the reaction times failed to show a significant group difference. The primary analysis assessing fMRI data based on the contrast (sequence – random) between learning and retrieval also did not show any significant group differences. Therefore, our main analysis do not support the hypothesis that a secondary task influences the retrieval of the SRTT. In a more liberal fMRI analysis, we compared only the sequence blocks of the SRTT from learning to recall. BOLD signal decreased in the ipsilateral cerebellum and the supplementary motor area solely in the verbal learning group. Although our primary analysis failed to show significant changes between our groups, results of the secondary analysis could be an indication for a beneficial effect of the verbal declarative task in the early post-learning phase. A nonverbal learning task did not affect the activation within the motor network. Further studies are needed to replicate this finding and to assess the usefulness of this manipulation. PMID:29755315

Does Post-task Declarative Learning Have an Influence on Early Motor Memory Consolidation Over Day? An fMRI Study.

PubMed

Rothkirch, Inken; Wolff, Stephan; Margraf, Nils G; Pedersen, Anya; Witt, Karsten

2018-01-01

Previous studies demonstrated the influence of the post-learning period on procedural motor memory consolidation. In an early period after the acquisition, motor skills are vulnerable to modifications during wakefulness. Indeed, specific interventions such as world-list learning within this early phase of motor memory consolidation seem to enhance motor performance as an indicator for successful consolidation. This finding highlights the idea that manipulations of procedural and declarative memory systems during the early phase of memory consolidation over wakefulness may influence off-line consolidation. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during initial motor sequence learning and motor sequence recall, we indirectly assess the influence of a secondary task taken place in the early phase of memory consolidation. All participants were scanned using fMRI during the learning phase of a serial reaction time task (SRTT) at 8 a.m. Afterwards, they were randomly assigned to one of five conditions. One group performed a declarative verbal, one a declarative nonverbal learning task. Two groups worked on attention tasks. A control group passed a resting condition. Participants stayed awake the whole day and performed the SRTT in the MRI scanner 12 h later at 8 p.m. At the behavioral level, the analysis of the reaction times failed to show a significant group difference. The primary analysis assessing fMRI data based on the contrast (sequence - random) between learning and retrieval also did not show any significant group differences. Therefore, our main analysis do not support the hypothesis that a secondary task influences the retrieval of the SRTT. In a more liberal fMRI analysis, we compared only the sequence blocks of the SRTT from learning to recall. BOLD signal decreased in the ipsilateral cerebellum and the supplementary motor area solely in the verbal learning group. Although our primary analysis failed to show significant changes between our groups, results of the secondary analysis could be an indication for a beneficial effect of the verbal declarative task in the early post-learning phase. A nonverbal learning task did not affect the activation within the motor network. Further studies are needed to replicate this finding and to assess the usefulness of this manipulation.

Phase 0/I/II Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials Program (Consortia) | Division of Cancer Prevention

Cancer.gov

Five cancer research centers lead multiple collaborative networks to assess potential cancer preventive agents and to conduct early clinical development of promising preventive agents. Also called the Consortia for Early Phase Prevention Trials, the studies require extensive biomarker analysis, investigation of the biologic effects of the cancer preventive agents on their

NHEXAS PHASE I ARIZONA STUDY--STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE--COMPENDIUM OF METHODS FOR ANALYSIS OF TRACE METALS AND PESTICIDES IN DIETARY SAMPLES USING TOTAL DIET STUDY PROCEDURES (FDA-COMPENDIUM)

EPA Science Inventory

This compendium contains seven SOPs developed by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) laboratories for methods of analyzing trace metals in dietary samples collected using Total Diet study procedures. The SOPs include the following: (1) Quality Control for Analysis of NHEXAS Food o...

A Meta-Analysis of National Research: Effects of Teaching Strategies on Student Achievement in Science in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schroeder, Carolyn M.; Scott, Timothy P.; Tolson, Homer; Huang, Tse-Yang; Lee, Yi-Hsuan

2007-01-01

This project consisted of a meta-analysis of U.S. research published from 1980 to 2004 on the effect of specific science teaching strategies on student achievement. The six phases of the project included study acquisition, study coding, determination of intercoder objectivity, establishing criteria for inclusion of studies, computation of effect…

Phase equilibria in the Bi 2TeO 5Bi 2SeO 5 system and a high temperature neutron powder diffraction study of Bi 2SeO 5

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dityatyev, Oleg A.; Smidt, Peer; Stefanovich, Sergey Yu; Lightfoot, Philip; Dolgikh, Valery A.; Opperman, Heinrich

2004-09-01

Phase equilibria in the Bi 2TeO 5Bi 2SeO 5 system were studied by X-ray, DTA and second harmonic generation (SHG). The samples were synthesized by solid state reactions of the Bi, Te and Se oxides. The phase diagram is interpreted as a quasibinary peritectic one with wide ranges of solid solutions on the basis of both compounds. The SHG study showed Bi 2SeO 5 to undergo a phase transition at about 250 °C. Neutron diffraction (25-650 °C) showed no major changes in the structure of Bi 2SeO 5 at high temperatures. However, the analysis of the oxygen atom thermal factors and site occupancies suggested that the mechanism of the phase transformation is an order-disorder transition involving reorientation of the SeO 3 group.

Glass Formation, Phase Equilibria, and Thermodynamic Assessment of the Al-Ce-Co System Assisted by First-Principles Energy Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Michael C.; Ünlü, Necip; Mihalkovic, Marek; Widom, Michael; Shiflet, G. J.

2007-10-01

This study investigates glass formation, phase equilibria, and thermodynamic descriptions of the Al-rich Al-Ce-Co ternary system using a novel approach that combines critical experiments, CALPHAD modeling, and first-principles (FP) calculations. The glass formation range (GFR) and a partial 500 °C isotherm are determined using a range of experimental techniques including melt spinning, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), X-ray diffraction, and differential thermal analysis (DTA). Three stable ternary phases are confirmed, namely, Al8CeCo2, Al4CeCo, and AlCeCo, while a metastable phase, Al5CeCo2, was discovered. The equilibrium and metastable phases identified by the present and earlier reported experiments, together with many hypothetical ternary compounds, are further studied by FP calculations. Based on new experimental data and FP calculations, the thermodynamics of the Al-rich Al-Co-Ce system is optimized using the CALPHAD method. Application to glass formation is discussed in light of present studies.

Mechanical properties of in situ consolidated nanocrystalline multi-phase Al-Pb-W alloy studied by nanoindentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varam, Sreedevi; Prasad, Muvva D.; Rao, K. Bhanu Sankara; Rajulapati, Koteswararao V.

2016-12-01

Formation of chunks of various sizes ranging between 2 and 6 mm was achieved using high-energy ball milling in Al-1at.%Pb-1at.%W alloy system at room temperature during milling itself, aiding in in situ consolidation. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies indicate the formation of multi-phase structure with nanocrystalline structural features. From TEM data, an average grain size of 23 nm was obtained for Al matrix and the second-phase particles were around 5 nm. A high strain rate sensitivity (SRS) of 0.071 ± 0.004 and an activation volume of 4.71b3 were measured using nanoindentation. Modulus mapping studies were carried out using Berkovich tip in dynamic mechanical analysis mode coupled with in situ scanning probe microscopy imaging. The salient feature of this investigation is highlighting the role of different phases, their crystal structures and the resultant interfaces on the overall SRS and activation volume of a multi-phase nc material.

Topologically Close-packed Phase Formation in High Entropy Alloys: A Review of Calphad and Experimental Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guruvidyathri, K.; Hari Kumar, K. C.; Yeh, J. W.; Murty, B. S.

2017-11-01

One of the major challenges in high entropy alloy (HEA) research is to obtain single-phase solid solutions by proper selection of components and processing techniques. Often one encounters situations where topologically close-packed (TCP) phases are present in the HEA microstructures. TCP phases are a class of intermetallic phases that are in general considered undesirable. The ability to predict these phases in HEAs using the Calphad (CALculation of PHAse Diagrams) method has been shown to accelerate the identification of promising compositions. In this review, an analysis of the reported Calphad studies and corresponding microstructural information on HEAs is done to evaluate the success of the Calphad method for TCP phases. A total of 52 alloys with 123 post-heat treatment microstructures reported so far have been compared. Challenges and issues in experiments and calculations are brought out with a possible way forward.

Venous phase of computed tomography angiography increases spot sign detection, but intracerebral hemorrhage expansion is greater in spot signs detected in arterial phase.

PubMed

Rodriguez-Luna, David; Dowlatshahi, Dar; Aviv, Richard I; Molina, Carlos A; Silva, Yolanda; Dzialowski, Imanuel; Lum, Cheemun; Czlonkowska, Anna; Boulanger, Jean-Martin; Kase, Carlos S; Gubitz, Gord; Bhatia, Rohit; Padma, Vasantha; Roy, Jayanta; Stewart, Teri; Huynh, Thien J; Hill, Michael D; Demchuk, Andrew M

2014-03-01

Variability in computed tomography angiography (CTA) acquisitions may be one explanation for the modest accuracy of the spot sign for predicting intracerebral hemorrhage expansion detected in the multicenter Predicting Hematoma Growth and Outcome in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Contrast Bolus CT (PREDICT) study. This study aimed to determine the frequency of the spot sign in intracerebral hemorrhage and its relationship with hematoma expansion depending on the phase of image acquisition. PREDICT study was a prospective observational cohort study of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage presenting within 6 hours from onset. A post hoc analysis of the Hounsfield units of an artery and venous structure were measured on CTA source images of the entire PREDICT cohort in a core laboratory. Each CTA study was classified into arterial or venous phase and into 1 of 5 specific image acquisition phases. Significant hematoma expansion and total hematoma enlargement were recorded at 24 hours. Overall (n=371), 77.9% of CTA were acquired in arterial phase. The spot sign, present in 29.9% of patients, was more frequently seen in venous phase as compared with arterial phase (39% versus 27.3%; P=0.041) and the later the phase of image acquisition (P=0.095). Significant hematoma expansion (P=0.253) and higher total hematoma enlargement (P=0.019) were observed more frequently among spot sign-positive patients with earlier phases of image acquisition. Later image acquisition of CTA improves the frequency of spot sign detection. However, spot signs identified in earlier phases may be associated with greater absolute enlargement. A multiphase CTA including arterial and venous acquisitions could be optimal in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

Diabetes, a global public health challenge with a high epidemiological and economic burden on health systems in Latin America.

PubMed

Arredondo, Armando; Azar, Alejandra; Recamán, Ana Lucía

2018-07-01

This manuscript presents the results of an analysis that highlights the challenges of diabetes as a global public health problem. The analysis was conducted in two phases: the first phase deals with primary data and results of a longitudinal study to provide evidence on the Mexican case. Regarding epidemiological changes between 2014 and 2016, there is an increase of 9-13% (p < .001). Comparing the economic burden from epidemiological changes in 2014 versus 2016 (p < .05), there is a 26% increase. The total amount spent on diabetes in 2015 (US dollars) was $ 8,974,662,570. This includes $ 3,981,426,810 in direct costs and $ 4993,235,752 in indirect costs. The second phase emphasises the analysis of diabetes as a major global public health challenge in the Americas. For this purpose a comparative analysis of epidemiological trends was carried out in seven selected Latin American countries (LACs). The results of both phases showed evidence leading to the conclusion that if the risk factors and models of health care remain as they currently are in LACs, there will be a high economic impact to patients' pockets and to health systems, which could lead to financial collapse.

James Webb Space Telescope Orbit Determination Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoon, Sungpil; Rosales, Jose; Richon, Karen

2014-01-01

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is designed to study and answer fundamental astrophysical questions from an orbit about the Sun-Earth/Moon L2 libration point, 1.5 million km away from Earth. This paper describes the results of an orbit determination (OD) analysis of the JWST mission emphasizing the challenges specific to this mission in various mission phases. Three mid-course correction (MCC) maneuvers during launch and early orbit phase and transfer orbit phase are required for the spacecraft to reach L2. These three MCC maneuvers are MCC-1a at Launch+12 hours, MCC-1b at L+2.5 days and MCC-2 at L+30 days. Accurate OD solutions are needed to support MCC maneuver planning. A preliminary analysis shows that OD performance with the given assumptions is adequate to support MCC maneuver planning. During the nominal science operations phase, the mission requires better than 2 cm/sec velocity estimation performance to support stationkeeping maneuver planning. The major challenge to accurate JWST OD during the nominal science phase results from the unusually large solar radiation pressure force acting on the huge sunshield. Other challenges are stationkeeping maneuvers at 21-day intervals to keep JWST in orbit around L2, frequent attitude reorientations to align the JWST telescope with its targets and frequent maneuvers to unload momentum accumulated in the reaction wheels. Monte Carlo analysis shows that the proposed OD approach can produce solutions that meet the mission requirements.

Study of dynamics of two-phase flow through a minichannel by means of recurrences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Litak, Grzegorz; Górski, Grzegorz; Mosdorf, Romuald; Rysak, Andrzej

2017-05-01

By changing air and water flow rates in the two-phase (air-water) flow through a minichannel, we observed the evolution of air bubbles and slugs patterns. This spatiotemporal behaviour was identified qualitatively by using a digital camera. Simultaneously, we provided a detailed analysis of these phenomena by using the corresponding sequences of light transmission time series recorded with a laser-phototransistor sensor. To distinguish particular patterns, we used recurrence plots and recurrence quantification analysis. Finally, we showed that the maxima of various recurrence quantificators obtained from the laser time series could follow the bubble and slugs patterns in studied ranges of air and water flows.

Phase 3 study of selected tether applications in space, mid-term review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

Topics addressed include: guidelines for the Space Transportation System (STS) payload deployer design; mini-orbital maneuvering vehicle (MOMV) design: shuttle tether deployer systems (STEDS); cost modeling; tethered platform analysis; fuel savings analysis; and STEDS control simulation.

Quantitative comparison of tympanic membrane displacements using two optical methods to recover the optical phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santiago-Lona, Cynthia V.; Hernández-Montes, María del Socorro; Mendoza-Santoyo, Fernando; Esquivel-Tejeda, Jesús

2018-02-01

The study and quantification of the tympanic membrane (TM) displacements add important information to advance the knowledge about the hearing process. A comparative statistical analysis between two commonly used demodulation methods employed to recover the optical phase in digital holographic interferometry, namely the fast Fourier transform and phase-shifting interferometry, is presented as applied to study thin tissues such as the TM. The resulting experimental TM surface displacement data are used to contrast both methods through the analysis of variance and F tests. Data are gathered when the TMs are excited with continuous sound stimuli at levels 86, 89 and 93 dB SPL for the frequencies of 800, 1300 and 2500 Hz under the same experimental conditions. The statistical analysis shows repeatability in z-direction displacements with a standard deviation of 0.086, 0.098 and 0.080 μm using the Fourier method, and 0.080, 0.104 and 0.055 μm with the phase-shifting method at a 95% confidence level for all frequencies. The precision and accuracy are evaluated by means of the coefficient of variation; the results with the Fourier method are 0.06143, 0.06125, 0.06154 and 0.06154, 0.06118, 0.06111 with phase-shifting. The relative error between both methods is 7.143, 6.250 and 30.769%. On comparing the measured displacements, the results indicate that there is no statistically significant difference between both methods for frequencies at 800 and 1300 Hz; however, errors and other statistics increase at 2500 Hz.

Cross-cultural validation of instruments measuring health beliefs about colorectal cancer screening among Korean Americans.

PubMed

Lee, Shin-Young; Lee, Eunice E

2015-02-01

The purpose of this study was to report the instrument modification and validation processes to make existing health belief model scales culturally appropriate for Korean Americans (KAs) regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening utilization. Instrument translation, individual interviews using cognitive interviewing, and expert reviews were conducted during the instrument modification phase, and a pilot test and a cross-sectional survey were conducted during the instrument validation phase. Data analyses of the cross-sectional survey included internal consistency and construct validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The main issues identified during the instrument modification phase were (a) cultural and linguistic translation issues and (b) newly developed items reflecting Korean cultural barriers. Cross-sectional survey analyses during the instrument validation phase revealed that all scales demonstrate good internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha=.72~.88). Exploratory factor analysis showed that susceptibility and severity loaded on the same factor, which may indicate a threat variable. Items with low factor loadings in the confirmatory factor analysis may relate to (a) lack of knowledge about fecal occult blood testing and (b) multiple dimensions of the subscales. Methodological, sequential processes of instrument modification and validation, including translation, individual interviews, expert reviews, pilot testing and a cross-sectional survey, were provided in this study. The findings indicate that existing instruments need to be examined for CRC screening research involving KAs.

Toward Exploring the Synergy Between Cloud Radar Polarimetry and Doppler Spectral Analysis in Deep Cold Precipitating Systems in the Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oue, Mariko; Kollias, Pavlos; Ryzhkov, Alexander; Luke, Edward P.

2018-03-01

The study of Arctic ice and mixed-phase clouds, which are characterized by a variety of ice particle types in the same cloudy volume, is challenging research. This study illustrates a new approach to qualitative and quantitative analysis of the complexity of ice and mixed-phase microphysical processes in Arctic deep precipitating systems using the combination of Ka-band zenith-pointing radar Doppler spectra and quasi-vertical profiles of polarimetric radar variables measured by a Ka/W-band scanning radar. The results illustrate the frequent occurrence of multimodal Doppler spectra in the dendritic/planar growth layer, where locally generated, slower-falling particle populations are well separated from faster-falling populations in terms of Doppler velocity. The slower-falling particle populations contribute to an increase of differential reflectivity (ZDR), while an enhanced specific differential phase (KDP) in this dendritic growth temperature range is caused by both the slower and faster-falling particle populations. Another area with frequent occurrence of multimodal Doppler spectra is in mixed-phase layers, where both populations produce ZDR and KDP values close to 0, suggesting the occurrence of a riming process. Joint analysis of the Doppler spectra and the polarimetric radar variables provides important insight into the microphysics of snow formation and allows the separation of the contributions of ice of different habits to the values of reflectivity and ZDR.

Bayesian hierarchical models for smoothing in two-phase studies, with application to small area estimation.

PubMed

Ross, Michelle; Wakefield, Jon

2015-10-01

Two-phase study designs are appealing since they allow for the oversampling of rare sub-populations which improves efficiency. In this paper we describe a Bayesian hierarchical model for the analysis of two-phase data. Such a model is particularly appealing in a spatial setting in which random effects are introduced to model between-area variability. In such a situation, one may be interested in estimating regression coefficients or, in the context of small area estimation, in reconstructing the population totals by strata. The efficiency gains of the two-phase sampling scheme are compared to standard approaches using 2011 birth data from the research triangle area of North Carolina. We show that the proposed method can overcome small sample difficulties and improve on existing techniques. We conclude that the two-phase design is an attractive approach for small area estimation.

[Application analysis of Nursing Care Systematization according to Horta's Conceptual Model].

PubMed

da Cunha, Sandra Maria Botelho; Barros, Alba Lúcia Botura Leite

2005-01-01

This study has as purpose to analyse the implementation of the Nursing Care Systematization in a private hospital in medical surgical units. Results evidenced that the Horta's Conceptual Model was present only in part of nursing hystory instrument, that the remaining phases of nursing process were not inter-related and that there was a lack of coherence of the prescribed actions in relation to the patient's health condition. From the results of the study it can be concluded that the model used for Nursing Care Systematization is eclectic, not obeying therefore, only to Horta's conceptual model; the totality of the data had not been collected in some phases of the nursing process; there is no correlation of the phases in the majority of analyzed patient records; diagnostic and planning phases do not comprise the phases of the nursing process as proposed by Horta.

Thermodynamic properties and p-T phase diagrams of (NH4)3M3+F6 cryolites (M3+: Ga, Sc)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorev, M. V.; Flerov, I. N.; Tressaud, A.

1999-10-01

Calorimetric and high pressure experiments are used to establish thermodynamic features of (NH4)3M3+F6 cryolites with M3+: Ga, Sc as they undergo one and three structural phase transitions, respectively. The heat capacity measurements performed between 80 K and 370 K, using an adiabatic calorimeter, have shown that all phase transitions under study are first order with different closeness to the tricritical point. The total entropy change in the Sc compound connected with the successive transformations is almost equal to the entropy change in the Ga cryolite. The effect of hydrostatic pressure has been studied up to 0.6 GPa, using differential thermographic analysis. The p-T phase diagrams of both cryolites were found to be rather complicated, including triple points. The experimental results are considered as connected with order-disorder phase transitions.

Crystallization studies and dielectric properties of (Ba0.7Sr0.3)TiO3 in bariumaluminosilicate glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divya, P. V.; Vignesh, G.; Kumar, V.

2007-12-01

Ferroelectric glass-ceramics with a basic composition (1 - y)(Ba0.70Sr0.30)TiO3 : y(BaO : Al2O3 : 2SiO2) have been synthesized by the sol-gel method. The major crystalline phase is the perovskite. The crystallization of the ferroelectric phase in the glass matrix have been studied using differential thermal analysis and x-ray diffraction and the kinetic parameters characterizing the crystallization have been determined using an Arrhenius model. Glass contents <= 5 mol% promoted liquid phase sintering, which reduced the sintering temperature to 1250 °C. The dielectric permittivity of the glass-ceramic samples decreased and the ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition became more diffuse with increasing glass content. The dielectric connectivity of the ferroelectric phase in the composite have also been investigated and are reported.

A Laterally-Mobile Mixed Polymer/Polyelectrolyte Brush Undergoes a Macroscopic Phase Separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hoyoung; Park, Hae-Woong; Tsouris, Vasilios; Choi, Je; Mustafa, Rafid; Lim, Yunho; Meron, Mati; Lin, Binhua; Won, You-Yeon

2013-03-01

We studied mixed PEO and PDMAEMA brushes. The question we attempted to answer was: When the chain grafting points are laterally mobile, how will this lateral mobility influence the structure and phase behavior of the mixed brush? Two different model mixed PEO/PDMAEMA brush systems were prepared: a mobile mixed brush by spreading a mixture of two diblock copolymers, PEO-PnBA and PDMAEMA-PnBA, onto the air-water interface, and an inseparable mixed brush using a PEO-PnBA-PDMAEMA triblock copolymer having respective brush molecular weights matched to those of the diblock copolymers. These two systems were investigated by surface pressure-area isotherm, X-ray reflectivity and AFM imaging measurements. The results suggest that the mobile mixed brush undergoes a lateral macroscopic phase separation at high chain grafting densities, whereas the inseparable system is only microscopically phase separated under comparable brush density conditions. We also conducted an SCF analysis of the phase behavior of the mixed brush system. This analysis further supported the experimental findings. The macroscopic phase separation observed in the mobile system is in contrast to the microphase separation behavior commonly observed in two-dimensional laterally-mobile small molecule mixtures.

Melting and Vaporization of the 1223 Phase in the System (Tl-Pb-Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O)

PubMed Central

Cook, L. P.; Wong-Ng, W.; Paranthaman, P.

1996-01-01

The melting and vaporization of the 1223 [(Tl,Pb):(Ba,Sr):Ca:Cu] oxide phase in the system (Tl-Pb-Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O) have been investigated using a combination of dynamic methods (differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, effusion) and post-quenching characterization techniques (powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry). Vaporization rates, thermal events, and melt compositions were followed as a function of thallia loss from a 1223 stoichiometry. Melting and vaporization equilibria of the 1223 phase are complex, with as many as seven phases participating simultaneously. At a total pressure of 0.1 MPa the 1223 phase was found to melt completely at (980 ± 5) °C in oxygen, at a thallia partial pressure (pTl2O) of (4.6 ± 0.5) kPa, where the quoted uncertainties are standard uncertainties, i.e., 1 estimated standard deviation. The melting reaction involves five other solids and a liquid, nominally as follows: 1223→1212+(Ca,Sr)2CuO3+(Sr,Ca)CuO2+BaPbO3+(Ca,Sr)O+Liquid Stoichiometries of the participating phases have been determined from microchemical analysis, and substantial elemental substitution on the 1212 and 1223 crystallographic sites is indicated. The 1223 phase occurs in equilibrium with liquids from its melting point down to at least 935 °C. The composition of the lowest melting liquid detected for the bulk compositions of this study has been measured using microchemical analysis. Applications to the processing of superconducting wires and tapes are discussed. PMID:27805086

Phase degradation in BxGa1-xN films grown at low temperature by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunning, Brendan P.; Moseley, Michael W.; Koleske, Daniel D.; Allerman, Andrew A.; Lee, Stephen R.

2017-04-01

Using metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy, a comprehensive study of BxGa1-xN growth on GaN and AlN templates is described. BGaN growth at high-temperature and high-pressure results in rough surfaces and poor boron incorporation efficiency, while growth at low-temperature and low-pressure (750-900 °C and 20 Torr) using nitrogen carrier gas results in improved surface morphology and boron incorporation up to 7.4% as determined by nuclear reaction analysis. However, further structural analysis by transmission electron microscopy and x-ray pole figures points to severe degradation of the high boron composition films, into a twinned cubic structure with a high density of stacking faults and little or no room temperature photoluminescence emission. Films with <1% triethylboron (TEB) flow show more intense, narrower x-ray diffraction peaks, near-band-edge photoluminescence emission at 362 nm, and primarily wurtzite-phase structure in the x-ray pole figures. For films with >1% TEB flow, the crystal structure becomes dominated by the cubic phase. Only when the TEB flow is zero (pure GaN), does the cubic phase entirely disappear from the x-ray pole figure, suggesting that under these growth conditions even very low boron compositions lead to mixed crystalline phases.

Solution-phase microwave assisted parallel synthesis, biological evaluation and in silico docking studies of 2-chlorobenzoyl thioureas derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Muhammad Riaz; Zaib, Sumera; Rauf, Muhammad Khawar; Ebihara, Masahiro; Badshah, Amin; Zahid, Muhammad; Nadeem, Muhammad Arif; Iqbal, Jamshed

2018-07-01

An efficient and facile microwave-assisted solution phase parallel synthesis for a 38-member library of N-aroyl-N‧-aryl thioureas was accomplished successfully. These analogues (1-38) were synthesized under identical set of conditions. It has been observed that the reaction time was drastically reduced from 8 to 12 h for conventional methods to only 10-15 mins. Products obtained were more than 98% pure, as characterized by elemental analysis along with FT-IR and 1H, 13C NMR. The solid-phase structural analysis was accomplished by single crystal XRD analysis. The urease inhibitory potential of synthetic compounds was tested and compounds were found to inhibit urease in moderate to significant manner. Compound 17 was the most potent inhibitor of urease having an IC50 value of 0.17 ± 0.1 μM. To check the cytotoxic profile of the derivatives, lungs cancer cell lines were used. Cytotoxicity analysis revealed remarkable toxicity of the compounds against tested lungs carcinoma and compounds showed variation in inhibition activity due to the substituents attached. The molecular docking studies were carried out to identify the possible binding modes of potent inhibitors in the active site of enzyme. The results suggested that the compounds can be further investigated and used against different cancers.