Dental Radiology I Student Guide [and Instructor Guide].

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fox Valley Technical Coll., Appleton, WI.

The dental radiology student and instructor guides provide instruction in the following units: (1) x-ray physics; (2) x-ray production; (3) radiation health and safety; (4) radiographic anatomy and pathology; (5) darkroom setup and chemistry; (6) bisecting angle technique; (7) paralleling technique; (8) full mouth survey technique--composition and…

Laser-photodetector timing station instruction and maintenance manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strader, E. A.

1986-01-01

A laser photodetector station is used for detecting the arrival of a projectile at a specific point along a ballistic range. The system can be employed on either an open or evacuated range, with small projectiles, and at hypervelocities. The setup procedures, maintenance, and system components are described.

Bridging the Gap in Volleyball. From Basic Instruction to Game Play.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dawson, Linda; Polvino, Geri

1982-01-01

Using volleyball "mini games," which emphasize, one at a time, skills needed to play volleyball, helps students to develop skills needed to play. Mini games described are: (1) forearm pass; (2) overhand pass; (3) overhand pass; (4) overhand serve; (5) mini volleyball; and (6) alternate court set-up. (CJ)

A debugger-interpreter with setup facilities for assembly programs

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

Dolinskii, I.S.; Zisel`man, I.M.; Belotskii, S.L.

1995-11-01

In this paper a software program allowing one to introduce and debug the descriptions of the von Nuemann architecture processors and their assemblers, efficiently debug assembly programs, and investigate the instruction sets of the described processors is considered. For a description of the processor sematics and assembler syntax, a metassembly language is suggested.

Problem-Based Learning in Wind Energy Using Virtual and Real Setups

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Santos-Martin, D.; Alonso-Martinez, J.; Eloy-Garcia Carrasco, J.; Arnaltes, S.

2012-01-01

The use of wind energy is now an established fact, and many educational institutions are introducing this topic into their engineering studies. Problem-based learning (PBL), as a student-centered instructional approach, has contributed to important developments in engineering education over the last few years. This paper presents the experience of…

On the Integration of Remote Experimentation into Undergraduate Laboratories--Pedagogical Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Esche, Sven K.

2005-01-01

This paper presents an Internet-based open approach to laboratory instruction. In this article, the author talks about an open laboratory approach using a multi-user multi-device remote facility. This approach involves both the direct contact with the computer-controlled laboratory setup of interest with the students present in the laboratory…

Inquiry Based-Computational Experiment, Acquisition of Threshold Concepts and Argumentation in Science and Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Psycharis, Sarantos

2016-01-01

Computational experiment approach considers models as the fundamental instructional units of Inquiry Based Science and Mathematics Education (IBSE) and STEM Education, where the model take the place of the "classical" experimental set-up and simulation replaces the experiment. Argumentation in IBSE and STEM education is related to the…

The focal plane reception pattern calculation for a paraboloidal antenna with a nearby fence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schmidt, Richard F.; Cheng, Hwai-Soon; Kao, Michael W.

1987-01-01

A computer simulation program is described which is used to estimate the effects of a proximate diffraction fence on the performance of paraboloid antennas. The computer program is written in FORTRAN. The physical problem, mathematical formulation and coordinate references are described. The main control structure of the program and the function of the individual subroutines are discussed. The Job Control Language set-up and program instruction are provided in the user's instruction to help users execute the present program. A sample problem with an appropriate output listing is made available as an illustration of the usage of the program.

CNC Turning Center Operations and Prove Out. Computer Numerical Control Operator/Programmer. 444-334.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Skowronski, Steven D.

This student guide provides materials for a course designed to instruct the student in the recommended procedures used when setting up tooling and verifying part programs for a two-axis computer numerical control (CNC) turning center. The course consists of seven units. Unit 1 discusses course content and reviews and demonstrates set-up procedures…

External audits of electron beams using mailed TLD dosimetry: preliminary results.

PubMed

Gomola, I; Van Dam, J; Isern-Verdum, J; Verstraete, J; Reymen, R; Dutreix, A; Davis, B; Huyskens, D

2001-02-01

A feasibility study has been performed to investigate the possibility of using mailed thermoluminescence dosimetry (TLD) for external audits of clinical electron beams in Europe. In the frame of the EC Network Project for Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy, instruction sheets and mailing procedures have been defined for mailed TLD dosimetry using the dedicated holder developed by a panel of experts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Three hundred and thirty electron beam set-ups have been checked in the reference centres and some local centres of the EC Network Project and in addition through the centres participating to the EORTC Radiotherapy Group trial 22922. The mean ratio of measured dose to stated dose is 0.2% and the standard deviation of measured dose to stated dose is 3.2%. In seven beam set-ups, deviations greater than 10% were observed (max. 66%), showing the usefulness of these checks. The results of this feasibility study (instruction sheets, mailing procedures, holder) are presently endorsed by the EQUAL-ESTRO structure in order to offer in the future to all ESTRO members the possibility to request external audits of clinical electron beams.

Broadband Fan Noise Prediction System for Turbofan Engines. Volume 1; Setup_BFaNS User's Manual and Developer's Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morin, Bruce L.

2010-01-01

Pratt & Whitney has developed a Broadband Fan Noise Prediction System (BFaNS) for turbofan engines. This system computes the noise generated by turbulence impinging on the leading edges of the fan and fan exit guide vane, and noise generated by boundary-layer turbulence passing over the fan trailing edge. BFaNS has been validated on three fan rigs that were tested during the NASA Advanced Subsonic Technology Program (AST). The predicted noise spectra agreed well with measured data. The predicted effects of fan speed, vane count, and vane sweep also agreed well with measurements. The noise prediction system consists of two computer programs: Setup_BFaNS and BFaNS. Setup_BFaNS converts user-specified geometry and flow-field information into a BFaNS input file. From this input file, BFaNS computes the inlet and aft broadband sound power spectra generated by the fan and FEGV. The output file from BFaNS contains the inlet, aft and total sound power spectra from each noise source. This report is the first volume of a three-volume set documenting the Broadband Fan Noise Prediction System: Volume 1: Setup_BFaNS User s Manual and Developer s Guide; Volume 2: BFaNS User's Manual and Developer s Guide; and Volume 3: Validation and Test Cases. The present volume begins with an overview of the Broadband Fan Noise Prediction System, followed by step-by-step instructions for installing and running Setup_BFaNS. It concludes with technical documentation of the Setup_BFaNS computer program.

The Army and the Need for an Amphibious Capability

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-23

prevailing Army-Marine amphibious set-up was unsound because only the Army had both the means and the grasp of the problem to plan, prepare, and... The Army and the Need for an Amphibious Capability A Monograph by MAJ Joseph E. Malone United States Army...this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data

Study of Laminar Flame 2-D Scalar Values at Various Fuel to Air Ratios Using an Imaging Fourier-Transform Spectrometer and 2-D CFD Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

NASA- Glenn’s Chemical Equilibrium with Applications (CEA) program. UNICORN CFD predictions were in excellent agreement with CEA calculations at...49 Appendix A – UNICORN CFD Inputs and Instruction .....................................................50 Appendix B – NASA-Glenn...17 Figure 7: Schematic of UNICORN CFD card setup. ........................................................ 18 Figure 8: Averaged flame

Computer code for estimating installed performance of aircraft gas turbine engines. Volume 2: Users manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kowalski, E. J.

1979-01-01

A computerized method which utilizes the engine performance data and estimates the installed performance of aircraft gas turbine engines is presented. This installation includes: engine weight and dimensions, inlet and nozzle internal performance and drag, inlet and nacelle weight, and nacelle drag. A user oriented description of the program input requirements, program output, deck setup, and operating instructions is presented.

The use of computers in a materials science laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neville, J. P.

1990-01-01

The objective is to make available a method of easily recording the microstructure of a sample by means of a computer. The method requires a minimum investment and little or no instruction on the operation of a computer. An outline of the setup involving a black and white TV camera, a digitizer control box, a metallurgical microscope and a computer screen, printer, and keyboard is shown.

Transformation-aware Exploit Generation using a HI-CFG

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-16

testing has many limitations of its own: it can require significant target -specific setup to perform well; it is unlikely to trigger vulnerabilities...check fails represents a potential vulnerability, but a conservative analysis can produce false positives , so we can use exploit generation to find...warnings that correspond to true positives . We can also find potentially vulnerable instructions in the course of a manual binary- level security audit

Automated Iodine Monitoring System Development (AIMS). [shuttle prototype

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

The operating principle of the automated iodine monitoring/controller system (AIMS) is described along with several design modifications. The iodine addition system is also discussed along with test setups and calibration; a facsimile of the optical/mechanical portion of the iodine monitor was fabricated and tested. The appendices include information on shuttle prototype AIMS, preliminary prime item development specifications, preliminary failure modes and effects analysis, and preliminary operating and maintenance instructions.

ENRAF Series 854 Advanced Technology Gauge (ATG) Acceptance Test Procedure

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

HUBER, J.H.

1999-08-17

This procedure provides acceptance testing for Enraf Series 854 level gauges used to monitor levels in Hanford Waste Storage Tanks. The test will verify that the gauge functions according to the manufacturer's instructions and specifications and is properly setup prior to being delivered to the tank farm area. This ATP does not set up the gauge for any specific tank, but is generalized to permit testing the gauge prior to installation package preparation.

Kinematic Labs with Mobile Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinser, Jason M.

2015-07-01

This book provides 13 labs spanning the common topics in the first semester of university-level physics. Each lab is designed to use only the student's smartphone, laptop and items easily found in big-box stores or a hobby shop. Each lab contains theory, set-up instructions and basic analysis techniques. All of these labs can be performed outside of the traditional university lab setting and initial costs averaging less than 8 per student, per lab.

Support for hands-on optics immersions (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spalding, Gabriel C.; McCann, Lowell I.

2016-09-01

The Advanced Laboratory Physics Association (ALPhA) is an official affiliate organization of the AAPT, supporting upper-level undergraduate instructional lab education in physics. The ALPhA Immersions program is intended to be an efficient use of an instructor's time: with expert colleague-mentors on hand they spend 2.5 days learning a key new instructional experiment (of their choice) well enough to confidently teach it to the students at their home institutions. At an ALPhA Immersion, participants work in groups of no more than three per experimental setup. Our follow-up surveys support the notion that this individualized, concentrated focus directly results in significant updating and improvement of undergraduate laboratory instruction in physics across the country. Such programs have the effect of encouraging investment, on the part of individual institutions. For example, we have disseminated ideas, training, and equipment for contemporary single-photon-based instructional labs dealing with core, contemporary issues in Quantum Mechanics. By the time this paper is presented, ALPhA will have delivered at least 420 single-photon detectors to a wide variety of educational institutions. We have also partnered with the non-profit Jonathan F. Reichert Foundation to support equipment acquisition by institutions participating in our wide variety of training programs.

The learning unit "Orthodontic set-up" as a new-media module in teaching.

PubMed

Asselmeyer, T; Fischer, V; Matthies, H; Schwestka-Polly, R

2004-07-01

The present study examines the extent to which computer-assisted learning units provided independently of place and time are used in self-study as a supplement to the classical classroom instruction of dental students. Indications as to whether such teaching modules improve training in orthodontics should be obtained from this. Attention was focussed on the implementation and evaluation of the "Orthodontic set-up" teaching module, which can be accessed in the Internet and Intranet of the university. The didactic arrangement offered classical university courses in parallel (four lectures on the subjects of occlusion, function, diagnostics, and therapy) in addition to the electronically communicated teaching contents. In addition, intensive supervision during the production of the set-up was guaranteed. The use of this multimedia learning concept was in general assessed positively by 63 surveyed students in the 2002/03 winter semester. The results revealed on the one hand the intensity of use and features of the acquisition of knowledge (use types), and on the other hand, in terms of professional relevance, the contents were found to be well explained, didactically attractive, and understandably presented. However, numerous drawbacks were also mentioned (technical and time problems; qualification deficits). The experience gained in this project should encourage more future investment in the development of alternative university didactic models.

Vicarious audiovisual learning in perfusion education.

PubMed

Rath, Thomas E; Holt, David W

2010-12-01

Perfusion technology is a mechanical and visual science traditionally taught with didactic instruction combined with clinical experience. It is difficult to provide perfusion students the opportunity to experience difficult clinical situations, set up complex perfusion equipment, or observe corrective measures taken during catastrophic events because of patient safety concerns. Although high fidelity simulators offer exciting opportunities for future perfusion training, we explore the use of a less costly low fidelity form of simulation instruction, vicarious audiovisual learning. Two low fidelity modes of instruction; description with text and a vicarious, first person audiovisual production depicting the same content were compared. Students (n = 37) sampled from five North American perfusion schools were prospectively randomized to one of two online learning modules, text or video.These modules described the setup and operation of the MAQUET ROTAFLOW stand-alone centrifugal console and pump. Using a 10 question multiple-choice test, students were assessed immediately after viewing the module (test #1) and then again 2 weeks later (test #2) to determine cognition and recall of the module content. In addition, students completed a questionnaire assessing the learning preferences of today's perfusion student. Mean test scores from test #1 for video learners (n = 18) were significantly higher (88.89%) than for text learners (n = 19) (74.74%), (p < .05). The same was true for test #2 where video learners (n = 10) had an average score of 77% while text learners (n = 9) scored 60% (p < .05). Survey results indicated video learners were more satisfied with their learning module than text learners. Vicarious audiovisual learning modules may be an efficacious, low cost means of delivering perfusion training on subjects such as equipment setup and operation. Video learning appears to improve cognition and retention of learned content and may play an important role in how we teach perfusion in the future, as simulation technology becomes more prevalent.

A Psychophysical Protocol to Develop Ergonomic Recommendations for Sitting and Standing Workstations.

PubMed

Lin, Michael Y; Catalano, Paul; Dennerlein, Jack T

2016-06-01

The aim of this study was to determine user self-selected setup for both sitting and standing computer workstations and identify major differences. No current ergonomic setup guideline for standing computer workstations is available. Twenty adult participants completed four 45-min sessions of simulated office computer work with an adjustable sit-stand computer workstation. Placement and relative position of all workstation components, including a cordless mouse, a cordless keyboard, a height-adjustable desk, and a 22-inch monitor mounted on a mechanical-assisted arm were recorded during the four sessions, which alternated between sitting and standing for each session. Participants were interrupted four times within each session, and the workstation was "reset" to extreme locations. Participants were instructed to adjust the location to achieve the most comfortable arrangement and to make as many adjustments during the session to achieve this goal. Overall, users placed the keyboard closer to their body (sternum), set desk height lower than their elbow, and set the monitor lower relative to their eyes with a greater upward tilt while standing compared to sitting. During the 45-min sessions, the number of adjustments participants made became smaller and over the four sessions was consistent, suggesting the psychophysical protocol was effective and consistent. Users preferred different workstation setups for sitting and standing computer workstations. Therefore, future setup guidelines and principles for standing computer workstations may not be simply translated from those for sitting. These results can serve as the first step toward making recommendations to establish ergonomic guidelines for standing computer workstation arrangement. © 2016, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Designing learning environments to teach interactive Quantum Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez Puente, Sonia M.; Swagten, Henk J. M.

2012-10-01

This study aims at describing and analysing systematically an interactive learning environment designed to teach Quantum Physics, a second-year physics course. The instructional design of Quantum Physics is a combination of interactive lectures (using audience response systems), tutorials and self-study in unit blocks, carried out with small groups. Individual formative feedback was introduced as a rapid assessment tool to provide an overview on progress and identify gaps by means of questioning students at three levels: conceptual; prior knowledge; homework exercises. The setup of Quantum Physics has been developed as a result of several loops of adjustments and improvements from a traditional-like type of teaching to an interactive classroom. Results of this particular instructional arrangement indicate significant gains in students' achievements in comparison with the traditional structure of this course, after recent optimisation steps such as the implementation of an individual feedback system.

Memory-Based Deception Detection: Extending the Cognitive Signature of Lying From Instructed to Self-Initiated Cheating.

PubMed

Geven, Linda M; Ben-Shakhar, Gershon; Kindt, Merel; Verschuere, Bruno

2018-06-15

From a cognitive perspective, lying can be regarded as a complex cognitive process requiring the interplay of several executive functions. Meta-analytic research on 114 studies encompassing 3,307 participants (Suchotzki, Verschuere, Van Bockstaele, Ben-Shakhar, & Crombez, ) suggests that computerized paradigms can reliably assess the cognitive burden of lying, with large reaction time differences between lying and truth telling. These studies, however, lack a key ingredient of real-life deception, namely self-initiated behavior. Research participants have typically been instructed to commit a mock crime and conceal critical information, whereas in real life, people freely choose whether or not to engage in antisocial behavior. In this study, participants (n = 433) engaged in a trivia quiz and were provided with a monetary incentive for high accuracy performance. Participants were randomly allocated to either a condition where they were instructed to cheat on the quiz (mimicking the typical laboratory set-up) or to a condition in which they were provided with the opportunity to cheat, yet without explicit instructions to do so. Assessments of their response times in a subsequent Concealed Information Test (CIT) revealed that both instructed cheaters (n = 107) and self-initiated cheaters (n = 142) showed the expected RT-slowing for concealed information. The data indicate that the cognitive signature of lying is not restricted to explicitly instructed cheating, but it can also be observed for self-initiated cheating. These findings are highly encouraging from an ecological validity perspective. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Topics in Cognitive Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Cognitive Science Society. Inc.

Integrated Baseline System (IBS). Version 1.03, System Management Guide

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

Williams, J.R.; Bailey, S.; Bower, J.C.

This IBS System Management Guide explains how to install or upgrade the Integrated Baseline System (IBS) software package. The IBS is an emergency management planning and analysis tool that was developed under the direction of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This guide includes detailed instructions for installing the IBS software package on a Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) VAX computer from the IBS distribution tapes. The installation instructions include procedures for both first-time installations and upgrades to existing IBS installations. To ensure that the system manager has the background necessary for successful installation of the IBS package, this guide alsomore » includes information on IBS computer requirements, software organization, and the generation of IBS distribution tapes. When special utility programs are used during IBS installation and setups, this guide refers you to the IBS Utilities Guide for specific instructions. This guide also refers you to the IBS Data Management Guide for detailed descriptions of some IBS data files and structures. Any special requirements for installation are not documented here but should be included in a set of installation notes that come with the distribution tapes.« less

Web-Based Computational Chemistry Education with CHARMMing I: Lessons and Tutorial

PubMed Central

Miller, Benjamin T.; Singh, Rishi P.; Schalk, Vinushka; Pevzner, Yuri; Sun, Jingjun; Miller, Carrie S.; Boresch, Stefan; Ichiye, Toshiko; Brooks, Bernard R.; Woodcock, H. Lee

2014-01-01

This article describes the development, implementation, and use of web-based “lessons” to introduce students and other newcomers to computer simulations of biological macromolecules. These lessons, i.e., interactive step-by-step instructions for performing common molecular simulation tasks, are integrated into the collaboratively developed CHARMM INterface and Graphics (CHARMMing) web user interface (http://www.charmming.org). Several lessons have already been developed with new ones easily added via a provided Python script. In addition to CHARMMing's new lessons functionality, web-based graphical capabilities have been overhauled and are fully compatible with modern mobile web browsers (e.g., phones and tablets), allowing easy integration of these advanced simulation techniques into coursework. Finally, one of the primary objections to web-based systems like CHARMMing has been that “point and click” simulation set-up does little to teach the user about the underlying physics, biology, and computational methods being applied. In response to this criticism, we have developed a freely available tutorial to bridge the gap between graphical simulation setup and the technical knowledge necessary to perform simulations without user interface assistance. PMID:25057988

Web-based computational chemistry education with CHARMMing I: Lessons and tutorial.

PubMed

Miller, Benjamin T; Singh, Rishi P; Schalk, Vinushka; Pevzner, Yuri; Sun, Jingjun; Miller, Carrie S; Boresch, Stefan; Ichiye, Toshiko; Brooks, Bernard R; Woodcock, H Lee

2014-07-01

This article describes the development, implementation, and use of web-based "lessons" to introduce students and other newcomers to computer simulations of biological macromolecules. These lessons, i.e., interactive step-by-step instructions for performing common molecular simulation tasks, are integrated into the collaboratively developed CHARMM INterface and Graphics (CHARMMing) web user interface (http://www.charmming.org). Several lessons have already been developed with new ones easily added via a provided Python script. In addition to CHARMMing's new lessons functionality, web-based graphical capabilities have been overhauled and are fully compatible with modern mobile web browsers (e.g., phones and tablets), allowing easy integration of these advanced simulation techniques into coursework. Finally, one of the primary objections to web-based systems like CHARMMing has been that "point and click" simulation set-up does little to teach the user about the underlying physics, biology, and computational methods being applied. In response to this criticism, we have developed a freely available tutorial to bridge the gap between graphical simulation setup and the technical knowledge necessary to perform simulations without user interface assistance.

Design it yourself (DIY): in-house instructional design for online pharmacology.

PubMed

Loftus, Jay; Stavraky, Tom; Urquhart, Bradley L

2014-12-01

Demand for e-learning courses has risen dramatically placing pressure on institutions to offer more online courses. Third party vendors now offer courses that can be embedded directly into learning management systems. When transitioning from in-class to e-learning formats, instructors must decide whether to use commercially available courses or design in-house. The objective of this study was to evaluate our transition from delivering introductory pharmacology via a purchased e-pack to an in-house designed course. A team that included an instructional designer, an education specialist and a content expert created an online course in pharmacology. Merrill's first principles of instruction were used as a guide for the design of our online course. Where appropriate, multiple forms of media were introduced to reinforce concepts. We compared grades and design strategy from a previous iteration that was delivered using a commercially available e-pack. A cost analysis was conducted to determine the institutional setup and maintenance costs of in-house course design. The mean final grade from the in-house designed course was 81.9 (0.5) % compared to 76.4 (0.5) % for the e-pack course (P < 0.001). Course evaluations were significantly improved for the in-house course compared to the e-pack. Cost-analysis demonstrated that designing a course in-house has a high initial cost ($111,180.57) but can be maintained with minimal institutional cost ($500) in future offerings. Our results demonstrate that effective courses can be designed in-house and this should be a viable option for institutions that have appropriate resources to support instructional design.

STUDY OF K- -> π 0e-/line{ν }eγ and K- -> π 0μ -/line{ν }μ γ DECAY WITH ISTRA + SETUP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolotov, V. N.; Guschin, E. N.; Duk, V. A.; Laptev, S. V.; Lebedev, V. A.; Mazurov, A. E.; Polyarush, A. Yu.; Postoev, V. E.; Akimenko, S. A.; Britvich, G. I.; Datsko, K. V.; Filin, A. P.; Inyakin, A. V.; Konstantinov, V. F.; Konstantinov, A. S.; Korolkov, I. Y.; Khmelnikov, V. A.; Leontiev, V. M.; Novikov, V. P.; Obraztsov, V. F.; Polyakov, V. A.; Romanovsky, V. I.; Shelikhov, V. I.; Tchikilev, O. G.; Uvarov, V. A.; Yushchenko, O. P.

2006-10-01

This file contains the instructions for the proceedings of the 12th Lomonosov Conference on Elementary Particle Physics. In this place the abstract of the contribution should be placed. Results of study of the K- -> π 0e-/line{ν }eγ decay at ISTRA+ setup are presented. 3852 events of this decay have been observed. The ratio Br(K- -> π 0e-/line{ν }eγ )/Br(K- -> π 0e-/line{ν }e)=(0.63 ± 0.02(stat) ± 0.03(syst)) \\cdot 10-2 for E*γ > 30MeV, θ *eγ > 20o. Br(K- -> π 0e-/line{ν }eγ ) is found to be (3.05 ±0.02) · 10-4 (assuming PDG value for Ke3 branching ratio). Theoretical predictions give Br = 2.8 · 10-4 (tree level) and Br = 3.0 · 10-4(O(p4) level). The obtained value for the asymmetry Aζ (with the same cuts for E*γ and θ *eγ ) is Aζ = -0.015 ± 0.021. At present it is the best estimate of this asymmetry.

Broadband Fan Noise Prediction System for Turbofan Engines. Volume 2; BFaNS User's Manual and Developer's Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morin, Bruce L.

2010-01-01

Pratt & Whitney has developed a Broadband Fan Noise Prediction System (BFaNS) for turbofan engines. This system computes the noise generated by turbulence impinging on the leading edges of the fan and fan exit guide vane, and noise generated by boundary-layer turbulence passing over the fan trailing edge. BFaNS has been validated on three fan rigs that were tested during the NASA Advanced Subsonic Technology Program (AST). The predicted noise spectra agreed well with measured data. The predicted effects of fan speed, vane count, and vane sweep also agreed well with measurements. The noise prediction system consists of two computer programs: Setup_BFaNS and BFaNS. Setup_BFaNS converts user-specified geometry and flow-field information into a BFaNS input file. From this input file, BFaNS computes the inlet and aft broadband sound power spectra generated by the fan and FEGV. The output file from BFaNS contains the inlet, aft and total sound power spectra from each noise source. This report is the second volume of a three-volume set documenting the Broadband Fan Noise Prediction System: Volume 1: Setup_BFaNS User s Manual and Developer s Guide; Volume 2: BFaNS User s Manual and Developer s Guide; and Volume 3: Validation and Test Cases. The present volume begins with an overview of the Broadband Fan Noise Prediction System, followed by step-by-step instructions for installing and running BFaNS. It concludes with technical documentation of the BFaNS computer program.

Tools, strategies and qualitative approach in relation to suicidal attempts and ideation in the elderly.

PubMed

Cavalcante, Fátima Gonçalves; Minayo, Maria Cecília de Souza; Gutierrez, Denise Machado Duran; de Sousa, Girliani Silva; da Silva, Raimunda Magalhães; Moura, Rosylaine; Meneghel, Stela Nazareth; Grubits, Sonia; Conte, Marta; Cavalcante, Ana Célia Sousa; Figueiredo, Ana Elisa Bastos; Mangas, Raimunda Matilde do Nascimento; Fachola, María Cristina Heuguerot; Izquierdo, Giovane Mendieta

2015-06-01

The article analyses the quality and consistency of a comprehensive interview guide, adapted to study attempted suicide and its ideation among the elderly, and imparts the method followed in applying this tool. The objective is to show how the use of a semi-structured interview and the organization and data analysis set-up were tested and perfected by a network of researchers from twelve universities or research centers in Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia. The method involved application and evaluation of the tool and joint production of an instruction manual on data collection, systematization and analysis. The methodology was followed in 67 interviews with elderly people of 60 or older and in 34 interviews with health professionals in thirteen Brazilian municipalities and in Montevideo and Bogotá, allowing the consistency of the tool and the applicability of the method to be checked, during the process and at the end. The enhanced guide and the instructions for reproducing it are presented herein. The results indicate the suitability and credibility of this methodological approach, tested and certified in interdisciplinary and interinstitutional terms.

A New Way of Using the Interactive Whiteboard in a High School Physics Classroom: A Case Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gregorcic, Bor; Etkina, Eugenia; Planinsic, Gorazd

2017-02-01

In recent decades, the interactive whiteboard (IWB) has become a relatively common educational tool in Western schools. The IWB is essentially a large touch screen, that enables the user to interact with digital content in ways that are not possible with an ordinary computer-projector-canvas setup. However, the unique possibilities of IWBs are rarely leveraged to enhance teaching and learning beyond the primary school level. This is particularly noticeable in high school physics. We describe how a high school physics teacher learned to use an IWB in a new way, how she planned and implemented a lesson on the topic of orbital motion of planets, and what tensions arose in the process. We used an ethnographic approach to account for the teacher's and involved students' perspectives throughout the process of teacher preparation, lesson planning, and the implementation of the lesson. To interpret the data, we used the conceptual framework of activity theory. We found that an entrenched culture of traditional white/blackboard use in physics instruction interferes with more technologically innovative and more student-centered instructional approaches that leverage the IWB's unique instructional potential. Furthermore, we found that the teacher's confidence in the mastery of the IWB plays a crucial role in the teacher's willingness to transfer agency within the lesson to the students.

Demonstrating the Direction of Angular Velocity in Circular Motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Demircioglu, Salih; Yurumezoglu, Kemal; Isik, Hakan

2015-09-01

Rotational motion is ubiquitous in nature, from astronomical systems to household devices in everyday life to elementary models of atoms. Unlike the tangential velocity vector that represents the instantaneous linear velocity (magnitude and direction), an angular velocity vector is conceptually more challenging for students to grasp. In physics classrooms, the direction of an angular velocity vector is taught by the right-hand rule, a mnemonic tool intended to aid memory. A setup constructed for instructional purposes may provide students with a more easily understood and concrete method to observe the direction of the angular velocity. This article attempts to demonstrate the angular velocity vector using the observable motion of a screw mounted to a remotely operated toy car.

Controlling multiple manipulators using RIPS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Yulun; Jordan, Steve; Mangaser, Amante; Butner, Steve

1989-01-01

A prototype of the RIPS architecture (Robotic Instruction Processing System) was developed. A two arm robot control experiment is underway to characterize the architecture as well as research multi-arm control. This experiment uses two manipulators to cooperatively position an object. The location of the object is specified by the host computer's mouse. Consequently, real time kinematics and dynamics are necessary. The RIPS architecture is specialized so that it can satisfy these real time constraints. The two arm experimental set-up is discussed. A major part of this work is the continued development of a good programming environment for RIPS. The C++ language is employed and favorable results exist in the targeting of this language to the RIPS hardware.

An investigation comparing traditional recitation instruction to computer tutorials which combine three-dimensional animation with varying levels of visual complexity, including digital video in teaching various chemistry topics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graves, A. Palmer

This study examines the effect of increasing the visual complexity used in computer assisted instruction in general chemistry. Traditional recitation instruction was used as a control for the experiment. One tutorial presented a chemistry topic using 3-D animation showing molecular activity and symbolic representation of the macroscopic view of a chemical phenomenon. A second tutorial presented the same topic but simultaneously presented students with a digital video movie showing the phenomena and 3-D animation showing the molecular view of the phenomena. This experimental set-up was used in two different experiments during the first semester of college level general chemistry course. The topics covered were the molecular effect of heating water through the solid-liquid phase change and the kinetic molecular theory used in explaining pressure changes. The subjects used in the experiment were 236 college students enrolled in a freshman chemistry course at a large university. The data indicated that the simultaneous presentation of digital video, showing the solid to liquid phase change of water, with a molecular animation, showing the molecular behavior during the phase change, had a significant effect on student particulate understanding when compared to traditional recitation. Although the effect of the KMT tutorial was not statistically significant, there was a positive effect on student particulate understanding. The use of computer tutorial also had a significant effect on student attitude toward their comprehension of the lesson.

Little bits of diamond: Optically detected magnetic resonance of nitrogen-vacancy centers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haimei; Belvin, Carina; Li, Wanyi; Wang, Jennifer; Wainwright, Julia; Berg, Robbie; Bridger, Joshua

2018-03-01

We give instructions for the construction and operation of a simple apparatus for performing optically detected magnetic resonance measurements on diamond samples containing high concentrations of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers. Each NV center has a spin degree of freedom that can be manipulated and monitored by a combination of visible and microwave radiation. We observe Zeeman shifts in the presence of small external magnetic fields and describe a simple method to optically measure magnetic field strengths with a spatial resolution of several microns. The activities described are suitable for use in an advanced undergraduate lab course, powerfully connecting core quantum concepts to cutting edge applications. An even simpler setup, appropriate for use in more introductory settings, is also presented.

ENRAF Series 854 Advanced Technology Gauge (ATG) with SPU ll Card for Leak Detector Use Acceptance Test Procedure

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

SMITH, S.G.

1999-08-13

This procedure checks the Enraf gauge received at Hanford is completely functional and has received no shipping damage. This procedure does not certify the gauge operation. The manufacturer certifies gauge operation. This procedure provides acceptance testing for Enraf Series 854 level gauges used to detect leaks in Hanford Waste Storage Tank annuli. The test will verify that the gauge functions according to the manufacturer's instructions and specifications and is properly setup prior to being delivered to the tank farm area. This ATP does not set up the gauge for any specific tank, but is generalized to permit testing the gaugemore » prior to installation package preparation.« less

Setting up a clinic to assess children and young people for female genital mutilation.

PubMed

Hodes, Deborah; Creighton, Sarah M

2017-02-01

It is now mandatory for health, social care professionals and teachers to report to the police all under-18s where female genital mutilation (FGM) has been disclosed by the child or where physical signs of FGM are seen. Such referrals are likely to result in a request for medical examination. New multiagency statutory guidance sets out instructions for physical examination but provides no details how services should be set-up. This review gives practical guidance learnt from the first year of the UK's only dedicated children's FGM service. 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/.

Battery Data MI Importer Template Quick Start Guide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levinson, Laurie H.

2017-01-01

In order to ensure the persistent availability and reliability of test data generated over the course of the project, the M-SHELLS Project has decided to store acquired test data, as well as associated pedigree information, in the Granta Materials Intelligence (MI) database. To facilitate that effort, an importer template and associated graphical user interface (GUI) software have been developed, with this guide providing the operating instructions for their use. The template and automation software GUI are contained in the BatteryDataImporter.xlsm Excel workbook, and are to be used to import M-SHELLS summary, or pedigree, data and the associated raw test data results into an importer template-based file, formatted in such a way as to be ready for immediate upload to the Test Data: Battery Performance table of the Granta MI database. The provided GUI enables the user to select the appropriate summary data file(s), with each file containing the required information to identify any associated raw test data file(s) to be processed. In addition to describing the setup and operation of the importer template and GUI software, this guide also provides instructions for uploading processed data to the database and for viewing the data following upload.

Layperson training for cardiopulmonary resuscitation: when less is better.

PubMed

Roppolo, Lynn P; Saunders, Timothy; Pepe, Paul E; Idris, Ahamed H

2007-06-01

Basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including use of automated external defibrillators, unequivocally saves lives. However, even when motivated, those wishing to acquire training traditionally have faced a myriad of barriers including the typical time commitment (3-4 h) and the number of certified instructors and equipment caches required. The recent introduction of innovative video-based self-instruction, utilizing individualized inflatable manikins, provides an important breakthrough in cardiopulmonary-resuscitation training. Definitive studies now show that many dozens of persons can be trained simultaneously to perform basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, including appropriate use of an automated external defibrillator, in less than 30 min. Such training not only requires much less labor intensity and avoids the need for multiple certified instructors, but also, because it is largely focused on longer and more repetitious performance of skills, these life-saving lessons can be retained for long periods of time. Simpler to set-up and implement, the half-hour video-based self-instruction makes it easier for employers, churches, civic groups, school systems and at-risk persons at home to implement such training and it will likely facilitate more frequent re-training. It is now hoped that the ultimate benefit will be more lives saved in communities worldwide.

Programming chemistry in DNA-addressable bioreactors

PubMed Central

Fellermann, Harold; Cardelli, Luca

2014-01-01

We present a formal calculus, termed the chemtainer calculus, able to capture the complexity of compartmentalized reaction systems such as populations of possibly nested vesicular compartments. Compartments contain molecular cargo as well as surface markers in the form of DNA single strands. These markers serve as compartment addresses and allow for their targeted transport and fusion, thereby enabling reactions of previously separated chemicals. The overall system organization allows for the set-up of programmable chemistry in microfluidic or other automated environments. We introduce a simple sequential programming language whose instructions are motivated by state-of-the-art microfluidic technology. Our approach integrates electronic control, chemical computing and material production in a unified formal framework that is able to mimic the integrated computational and constructive capabilities of the subcellular matrix. We provide a non-deterministic semantics of our programming language that enables us to analytically derive the computational and constructive power of our machinery. This semantics is used to derive the sets of all constructable chemicals and supermolecular structures that emerge from different underlying instruction sets. Because our proofs are constructive, they can be used to automatically infer control programs for the construction of target structures from a limited set of resource molecules. Finally, we present an example of our framework from the area of oligosaccharide synthesis. PMID:25121647

Going "open" with mesoscopy: a new dimension on multi-view imaging.

PubMed

Gualda, Emilio; Moreno, Nuno; Tomancak, Pavel; Martins, Gabriel G

2014-03-01

OpenSPIM and OpenSpinMicroscopy emerged as open access platforms for Light Sheet and Optical Projection Imaging, often called as optical mesoscopy techniques. Both projects can be easily reproduced using comprehensive online instructions that should foster the implementation and further development of optical imaging techniques with sample rotation control. This additional dimension in an open system offers the possibility to make multi-view microscopy easily modified and will complement the emerging commercial solutions. Furthermore, it is deeply based on other open platforms such as MicroManager and Arduino, enabling development of tailored setups for very specific biological questions. In our perspective, the open access principle of OpenSPIM and OpenSpinMicroscopy is a game-changer, helping the concepts of light sheet and optical projection tomography (OPT) to enter the mainstream of biological imaging.

The GENIE Neutrino Monte Carlo Generator: Physics and User Manual

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

Andreopoulos, Costas; Barry, Christopher; Dytman, Steve

2015-10-20

GENIE is a suite of products for the experimental neutrino physics community. This suite includes i) a modern software framework for implementing neutrino event generators, a state-of-the-art comprehensive physics model and tools to support neutrino interaction simulation for realistic experimental setups (the Generator product), ii) extensive archives of neutrino, charged-lepton and hadron scattering data and software to produce a comprehensive set of data/MC comparisons (the Comparisons product), and iii) a generator tuning framework and fitting applications (the Tuning product). This book provides the definite guide for the GENIE Generator: It presents the software architecture and a detailed description of itsmore » physics model and official tunes. In addition, it provides a rich set of data/MC comparisons that characterise the physics performance of GENIE. Detailed step-by-step instructions on how to install and configure the Generator, run its applications and analyze its outputs are also included.« less

PySCeSToolbox: a collection of metabolic pathway analysis tools.

PubMed

Christensen, Carl D; Hofmeyr, Jan-Hendrik S; Rohwer, Johann M

2018-01-01

PySCeSToolbox is an extension to the Python Simulator for Cellular Systems (PySCeS) that includes tools for performing generalized supply-demand analysis, symbolic metabolic control analysis, and a framework for investigating the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Each tool addresses a different aspect of metabolic behaviour, control, and regulation; the tools complement each other and can be used in conjunction to better understand higher level system behaviour. PySCeSToolbox is available on Linux, Mac OS X and Windows. It is licensed under the BSD 3-clause licence. Code, setup instructions and a link to documentation can be found at https://github.com/PySCeS/PyscesToolbox. jr@sun.ac.za. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author (2017). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Operating manual for the R200 downhole recorder with husky hunter retriever

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Roy A.; Rorabaugh, James I.

1988-01-01

The R200 Downhole Recorder is a battery-powered device that, when placed in a well casing, monitors water levels for a period of up to 1 year. This instrument measures a 1- to 70-foot range of water levels. These water-level data can be retrieved through use of a commercially available portable microcomputer. The R200 Downhole Recorder was developed at the U.S. Geological Survey 's Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. This operating manual describes the R200 Downhole Recorder, provides initial set-up instructions, and gives directions for on-site operation. Design specifications and routine maintenance steps are included. The R200 data-retriever program is a user-friendly, menu-driven program. The manual guides the user through the procedures required to perform specific operations. Numerous screens are reproduced in the text with a discussion of user input for desired responses. Help is provided for specific problems. (USGS)

Operating manual for the R200 downhole recorder with Tandy 102 retriever

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnson, Roy A.; Rorabaugh, James I.

1988-01-01

The R200 Downhole Recorder is a battery-powered device that, when placed in a well casing, monitors water levels for a period of up to 1 year. This instrument measures a 1- to 70-ft range of water levels. These water level data can be retrieved through use of a commercially available portable microcomputer. The R200 Downhole Recorder was developed at the U. S. Geological Survey 's Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility, Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. This operating manual describes the R200 Downhole Recorder, provides initial set-up instructions, and gives directions for on-site operation. Design specifications and routine maintenance steps are included. The R200 data-retriever program is a user-friendly, menu-driven program. The manual guides the user through the procedures required to perform specific operations. Numerous screens are reproduced in the text with a discussion of user input for desired responses. Help is provided for specific problems. (USGS)

Juicy lemons for measuring basic empathic resonance.

PubMed

Hagenmuller, Florence; Rössler, Wulf; Wittwer, Amrei; Haker, Helene

2014-10-30

Watch or even think of someone biting into a juicy lemon and your saliva will flow. This is a phenomenon of resonance, best described by the Perception-Action Model, where a physiological state in a person is activated through observation of this state in another. Within a broad framework of empathy, including manifold abilities depending on the Perception-Action link, resonance has been proposed as one physiological substrate for empathy. Using 49 healthy subjects, we developed a standardized salivation paradigm to assess empathic resonance at the autonomic level. Our results showed that this physiological resonance correlated positively with self-reported empathic concern. The salivation test, delivered an objective and continuous measure, was simple to implement in terms of setup and instruction, and could not easily be unintentionally biased or intentionally manipulated by participants. Therefore, these advantages make such a test a useful tool for assessing empathy-related abilities in psychiatric populations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Open-source, community-driven microfluidics with Metafluidics.

PubMed

Kong, David S; Thorsen, Todd A; Babb, Jonathan; Wick, Scott T; Gam, Jeremy J; Weiss, Ron; Carr, Peter A

2017-06-07

Microfluidic devices have the potential to automate and miniaturize biological experiments, but open-source sharing of device designs has lagged behind sharing of other resources such as software. Synthetic biologists have used microfluidics for DNA assembly, cell-free expression, and cell culture, but a combination of expense, device complexity, and reliance on custom set-ups hampers their widespread adoption. We present Metafluidics, an open-source, community-driven repository that hosts digital design files, assembly specifications, and open-source software to enable users to build, configure, and operate a microfluidic device. We use Metafluidics to share designs and fabrication instructions for both a microfluidic ring-mixer device and a 32-channel tabletop microfluidic controller. This device and controller are applied to build genetic circuits using standard DNA assembly methods including ligation, Gateway, Gibson, and Golden Gate. Metafluidics is intended to enable a broad community of engineers, DIY enthusiasts, and other nontraditional participants with limited fabrication skills to contribute to microfluidic research.

Efficacy and workload analysis of a fixed vertical couch position technique and a fixed‐action–level protocol in whole‐breast radiotherapy

PubMed Central

Verhoeven, Karolien; Weltens, Caroline; Van den Heuvel, Frank

2015-01-01

Quantification of the setup errors is vital to define appropriate setup margins preventing geographical misses. The no‐action–level (NAL) correction protocol reduces the systematic setup errors and, hence, the setup margins. The manual entry of the setup corrections in the record‐and‐verify software, however, increases the susceptibility of the NAL protocol to human errors. Moreover, the impact of the skin mobility on the anteroposterior patient setup reproducibility in whole‐breast radiotherapy (WBRT) is unknown. In this study, we therefore investigated the potential of fixed vertical couch position‐based patient setup in WBRT. The possibility to introduce a threshold for correction of the systematic setup errors was also explored. We measured the anteroposterior, mediolateral, and superior–inferior setup errors during fractions 1–12 and weekly thereafter with tangential angled single modality paired imaging. These setup data were used to simulate the residual setup errors of the NAL protocol, the fixed vertical couch position protocol, and the fixed‐action–level protocol with different correction thresholds. Population statistics of the setup errors of 20 breast cancer patients and 20 breast cancer patients with additional regional lymph node (LN) irradiation were calculated to determine the setup margins of each off‐line correction protocol. Our data showed the potential of the fixed vertical couch position protocol to restrict the systematic and random anteroposterior residual setup errors to 1.8 mm and 2.2 mm, respectively. Compared to the NAL protocol, a correction threshold of 2.5 mm reduced the frequency of mediolateral and superior–inferior setup corrections with 40% and 63%, respectively. The implementation of the correction threshold did not deteriorate the accuracy of the off‐line setup correction compared to the NAL protocol. The combination of the fixed vertical couch position protocol, for correction of the anteroposterior setup error, and the fixed‐action–level protocol with 2.5 mm correction threshold, for correction of the mediolateral and the superior–inferior setup errors, was proved to provide adequate and comparable patient setup accuracy in WBRT and WBRT with additional LN irradiation. PACS numbers: 87.53.Kn, 87.57.‐s

Cone beam CT-based set-up strategies with and without rotational correction for stereotactic body radiation therapy in the liver.

PubMed

Bertholet, Jenny; Worm, Esben; Høyer, Morten; Poulsen, Per

2017-06-01

Accurate patient positioning is crucial in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) due to a high dose regimen. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is often used for patient positioning based on radio-opaque markers. We compared six CBCT-based set-up strategies with or without rotational correction. Twenty-nine patients with three implanted markers received 3-6 fraction liver SBRT. The markers were delineated on the mid-ventilation phase of a 4D-planning-CT. One pretreatment CBCT was acquired per fraction. Set-up strategy 1 used only translational correction based on manual marker match between the CBCT and planning CT. Set-up strategy 2 used automatic 6 degrees-of-freedom registration of the vertebrae closest to the target. The 3D marker trajectories were also extracted from the projections and the mean position of each marker was calculated and used for set-up strategies 3-6. Translational correction only was used for strategy 3. Translational and rotational corrections were used for strategies 4-6 with the rotation being either vertebrae based (strategy 4), or marker based and constrained to ±3° (strategy 5) or unconstrained (strategy 6). The resulting set-up error was calculated as the 3D root-mean-square set-up error of the three markers. The set-up error of the spinal cord was calculated for all strategies. The bony anatomy set-up (2) had the largest set-up error (5.8 mm). The marker-based set-up with unconstrained rotations (6) had the smallest set-up error (0.8 mm) but the largest spinal cord set-up error (12.1 mm). The marker-based set-up with translational correction only (3) or with bony anatomy rotational correction (4) had equivalent set-up error (1.3 mm) but rotational correction reduced the spinal cord set-up error from 4.1 mm to 3.5 mm. Marker-based set-up was substantially better than bony-anatomy set-up. Rotational correction may improve the set-up, but further investigations are required to determine the optimal correction strategy.

Programming chemistry in DNA-addressable bioreactors.

PubMed

Fellermann, Harold; Cardelli, Luca

2014-10-06

We present a formal calculus, termed the chemtainer calculus, able to capture the complexity of compartmentalized reaction systems such as populations of possibly nested vesicular compartments. Compartments contain molecular cargo as well as surface markers in the form of DNA single strands. These markers serve as compartment addresses and allow for their targeted transport and fusion, thereby enabling reactions of previously separated chemicals. The overall system organization allows for the set-up of programmable chemistry in microfluidic or other automated environments. We introduce a simple sequential programming language whose instructions are motivated by state-of-the-art microfluidic technology. Our approach integrates electronic control, chemical computing and material production in a unified formal framework that is able to mimic the integrated computational and constructive capabilities of the subcellular matrix. We provide a non-deterministic semantics of our programming language that enables us to analytically derive the computational and constructive power of our machinery. This semantics is used to derive the sets of all constructable chemicals and supermolecular structures that emerge from different underlying instruction sets. Because our proofs are constructive, they can be used to automatically infer control programs for the construction of target structures from a limited set of resource molecules. Finally, we present an example of our framework from the area of oligosaccharide synthesis. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

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

Tanabe, S; Utsunomiya, S; Abe, E

Purpose: To assess an accuracy of fiducial maker-based setup using ExacTrac (ExT-based setup) as compared with soft tissue-based setup using Cone-beam CT (CBCT-based setup) for patients with prostate cancer receiving intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for the purpose of investigating whether ExT-based setup can be an alternative to CBCT-based setup. Methods: The setup accuracy was analyzed prospectively for 7 prostate cancer patients with implanted three fiducial markers received IMRT. All patients were treated after CBCT-based setup was performed and corresponding shifts were recorded. ExacTrac images were obtained before and after CBCT-based setup. The fiducial marker-based shifts were calculated based on thosemore » two images and recorded on the assumption that the setup correction was carried out by fiducial marker-based auto correction. Mean and standard deviation of absolute differences and the correlation between CBCT and ExT shifts were estimated. Results: A total of 178 image dataset were analyzed. On the differences between CBCT and ExT shifts, 133 (75%) of 178 image dataset resulted in smaller differences than 3 mm in all dimensions. Mean differences in the anterior-posterior (AP), superior-inferior (SI), and left-right (LR) dimensions were 1.8 ± 1.9 mm, 0.7 ± 1.9 mm, and 0.6 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. The percentages of shift agreements within ±3 mm were 76% for AP, 90% for SI, and 100% for LR. The Pearson coefficient of correlation for CBCT and ExT shifts were 0.80 for AP, 0.80 for SI, and 0.65 for LR. Conclusion: This work showed that the accuracy of ExT-based setup was correlated with that of CBCT-based setup, implying that ExT-based setup has a potential ability to be an alternative to CBCT-based setup. The further work is to specify the conditions that ExT-based setup can provide the accuracy comparable to CBCT-based setup.« less

RF magnetized ring-shaped plasma for target utilization obtained with circular magnet monopole arrangement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amzad Hossain, Md.; Ohtsu, Yasunori

2018-01-01

We proposed a new setup for generating outer ring-shaped radio frequency (RF) magnetized plasma near the chamber wall using monopole magnet setups. Three monopole magnet setups with (a) R = 5 mm, (b) R = 20 mm, and (c) R = 35 mm were investigated, where R is the gap between the magnets in consecutive circles. The distributions of the two dimensional magnetic flux lines, the absolute value of the horizontal magnetic flux density, and the discharge voltage were investigated for the proposed setups to produce outer ring-shaped plasma. A highly luminous ring-shaped plasma was observed for the setup (a), whereas multi-ring discharges were observed for the setups (b) and (c). It was found that the electron temperature decreases with increasing gas pressure for all cases. The electron temperatures were 2.42, 1.71, and 1.15 eV at an Ar gas pressure of 4 Pa for setups (a), (b), and (c), respectively. The plasma density was approximately the same for setups (b) and (c) at all gas pressures. The highest plasma densities were 6.26 × 1015, 1.06 × 1016, and 1.11 × 1016 m-3 at 5 Pa for setups (a), (b), and (c), respectively. It was found that the electron mean free path was 41.4, 63.17, and 84.66 mm at an Ar gas pressure of 5 Pa for setups (a), (b), and (c), respectively. The electron neutral collision frequency for setup (a) was higher than those for setups (b) and (c) at a constant RF power of 40 W and an axial distance of z = 13 mm from the target surface. The radial profile of the ion saturation current for setup (b) was more uniform than those for setups (a) and (c).

ASD FieldSpec Calibration Setup and Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olive, Dan

2001-01-01

This paper describes the Analytical Spectral Devices (ASD) Fieldspec Calibration Setup and Techniques. The topics include: 1) ASD Fieldspec FR Spectroradiometer; 2) Components of Calibration; 3) Equipment list; 4) Spectral Setup; 5) Spectral Calibration; 6) Radiometric and Linearity Setup; 7) Radiometric setup; 8) Datadets Required; 9) Data files; and 10) Field of View Measurement. This paper is in viewgraph form.

Infant multiple breath washout using a new commercially available device: Ready to replace the previous setup?

PubMed

Kentgens, Anne-Christianne; Guidi, Marisa; Korten, Insa; Kohler, Lena; Binggeli, Severin; Singer, Florian; Latzin, Philipp; Anagnostopoulou, Pinelopi

2018-05-01

Multiple breath washout (MBW) is a sensitive test to measure lung volumes and ventilation inhomogeneity from infancy on. The commonly used setup for infant MBW, based on ultrasonic flowmeter, requires extensive signal processing, which may reduce robustness. A new setup may overcome some previous limitations but formal validation is lacking. We assessed the feasibility of infant MBW testing with the new setup and compared functional residual capacity (FRC) values of the old and the new setup in vivo and in vitro. We performed MBW in four healthy infants and four infants with cystic fibrosis, as well as in a Plexiglas lung simulator using realistic lung volumes and breathing patterns, with the new (Exhalyzer D, Spiroware 3.2.0, Ecomedics) and the old setup (Exhalyzer D, WBreath 3.18.0, ndd) in random sequence. The technical feasibility of MBW with the new device-setup was 100%. Intra-subject variability in FRC was low in both setups, but differences in FRC between the setups were considerable (mean relative difference 39.7%, range 18.9; 65.7, P = 0.008). Corrections of software settings decreased FRC differences (14.0%, -6.4; 42.3, P = 0.08). Results were confirmed in vitro. MBW measurements with the new setup were feasible in infants. However, despite attempts to correct software settings, outcomes between setups were not interchangeable. Further work is needed before widespread application of the new setup can be recommended. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The effect of systematic set-up deviations on the absorbed dose distribution for left-sided breast cancer treated with respiratory gating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edvardsson, A.; Ceberg, S.

2013-06-01

The aim of this study was 1) to investigate interfraction set-up uncertainties for patients treated with respiratory gating for left-sided breast cancer, 2) to investigate the effect of the inter-fraction set-up on the absorbed dose-distribution for the target and organs at risk (OARs) and 3) optimize the set-up correction strategy. By acquiring multiple set-up images the systematic set-up deviation was evaluated. The effect of the systematic set-up deviation on the absorbed dose distribution was evaluated by 1) simulation in the treatment planning system and 2) measurements with a biplanar diode array. The set-up deviations could be decreased using a no action level correction strategy. Not using the clinically implemented adaptive maximum likelihood factor for the gating patients resulted in better set-up. When the uncorrected set-up deviations were simulated the average mean absorbed dose was increased from 1.38 to 2.21 Gy for the heart, 4.17 to 8.86 Gy to the left anterior descending coronary artery and 5.80 to 7.64 Gy to the left lung. Respiratory gating can induce systematic set-up deviations which would result in increased mean absorbed dose to the OARs if not corrected for and should therefore be corrected for by an appropriate correction strategy.

Analysis of dispatching rules in a stochastic dynamic job shop manufacturing system with sequence-dependent setup times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Pankaj; Jain, Ajai

2014-12-01

Stochastic dynamic job shop scheduling problem with consideration of sequence-dependent setup times are among the most difficult classes of scheduling problems. This paper assesses the performance of nine dispatching rules in such shop from makespan, mean flow time, maximum flow time, mean tardiness, maximum tardiness, number of tardy jobs, total setups and mean setup time performance measures viewpoint. A discrete event simulation model of a stochastic dynamic job shop manufacturing system is developed for investigation purpose. Nine dispatching rules identified from literature are incorporated in the simulation model. The simulation experiments are conducted under due date tightness factor of 3, shop utilization percentage of 90% and setup times less than processing times. Results indicate that shortest setup time (SIMSET) rule provides the best performance for mean flow time and number of tardy jobs measures. The job with similar setup and modified earliest due date (JMEDD) rule provides the best performance for makespan, maximum flow time, mean tardiness, maximum tardiness, total setups and mean setup time measures.

Electro fluido dynamic techniques to design instructive biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery

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

Guarino, Vincenzo, E-mail: vguarino@unina.it; Altobelli, Rosaria; Cirillo, Valentina

A large variety of processes and tools is continuously investigated to discover new solutions to design instructive materials with controlled chemical, physical and biological properties for tissue engineering and drug delivery. Among them, electro fluido dynamic techniques (EFDTs) are emerging as an interesting strategy, based on highly flexible and low-cost processes, to revisit old biomaterial’s manufacturing approach by utilizing electrostatic forces as the driving force for the fabrication of 3D architectures with controlled physical and chemical functionalities to guide in vitro and in vivo cell activities. By a rational selection of polymer solution properties and process conditions, EFDTs allow tomore » produce fibres and/or particles at micro and/or nanometric size scale which may be variously assembled by tailored experimental setups, thus giving the chance to generate a plethora of different 3D devices able to incorporate biopolymers (i.e., proteins, polysaccharides) or active molecules (e.g., drugs) for different applications. Here, we focus on the optimization of basic EFDTs - namely electrospinning, electrospraying and electrodynamic atomization - to develop active platforms (i.e., monocomponent, protein and drug loaded scaffolds and µ-scaffolds) made of synthetic (PCL, PLGA) or natural (chitosan, alginate) polymers. In particular, we investigate how to set materials and process parameters to impart specific morphological, biochemical or physical cues to trigger all the fundamental cell–biomaterial and cell– cell cross-talking elicited during regenerative processes, in order to reproduce the complex microenvironment of native or pathological tissues.« less

Electro fluido dynamic techniques to design instructive biomaterials for tissue engineering and drug delivery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guarino, Vincenzo; Altobelli, Rosaria; Cirillo, Valentina; Ambrosio, Luigi

2015-12-01

A large variety of processes and tools is continuously investigated to discover new solutions to design instructive materials with controlled chemical, physical and biological properties for tissue engineering and drug delivery. Among them, electro fluido dynamic techniques (EFDTs) are emerging as an interesting strategy, based on highly flexible and low-cost processes, to revisit old biomaterial's manufacturing approach by utilizing electrostatic forces as the driving force for the fabrication of 3D architectures with controlled physical and chemical functionalities to guide in vitro and in vivo cell activities. By a rational selection of polymer solution properties and process conditions, EFDTs allow to produce fibres and/or particles at micro and/or nanometric size scale which may be variously assembled by tailored experimental setups, thus giving the chance to generate a plethora of different 3D devices able to incorporate biopolymers (i.e., proteins, polysaccharides) or active molecules (e.g., drugs) for different applications. Here, we focus on the optimization of basic EFDTs - namely electrospinning, electrospraying and electrodynamic atomization - to develop active platforms (i.e., monocomponent, protein and drug loaded scaffolds and µ-scaffolds) made of synthetic (PCL, PLGA) or natural (chitosan, alginate) polymers. In particular, we investigate how to set materials and process parameters to impart specific morphological, biochemical or physical cues to trigger all the fundamental cell-biomaterial and cell- cell cross-talking elicited during regenerative processes, in order to reproduce the complex microenvironment of native or pathological tissues.

Heuristic Evaluation and Usability Testing of a Computerized Patient-Reported Outcomes Survey for Headache Sufferers

PubMed Central

Saris-Baglama, Renee N.; Smith, Kevin J.; DeRosa, Michael A.; Paulsen, Christine A.; Hogue, Sarah J.

2011-01-01

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate usability of a prototype tablet PC-administered computerized adaptive test (CAT) of headache impact and patient feedback report, referred to as HEADACHE-CAT. Materials and Methods Heuristic evaluation specialists (n = 2) formed a consensus opinion on the application's strengths and areas for improvement based on general usability principles and human factors research. Usability testing involved structured interviews with headache sufferers (n = 9) to assess how they interacted with and navigated through the application, and to gather input on the survey and report interface, content, visual design, navigation, instructions, and user preferences. Results Specialists identified the need for improved instructions and text formatting, increased font size, page setup that avoids scrolling, and simplified presentation of feedback reports. Participants found the tool useful, and indicated a willingness to complete it again and recommend it to their healthcare provider. However, some had difficulty using the onscreen keyboard and autoadvance option; understanding the difference between generic and headache-specific questions; and interpreting score reports. Conclusions Heuristic evaluation and user testing can help identify usability problems in the early stages of application development, and improve the construct validity of electronic assessments such as the HEADACHE-CAT. An improved computerized HEADACHE-CAT measure can offer headache sufferers an efficient tool to increase patient self-awareness, monitor headaches over time, aid patient–provider communications, and improve quality of life. PMID:21214341

High-resolution continuous-flow analysis setup for water isotopic measurement from ice cores using laser spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emanuelsson, B. D.; Baisden, W. T.; Bertler, N. A. N.; Keller, E. D.; Gkinis, V.

2015-07-01

Here we present an experimental setup for water stable isotope (δ18O and δD) continuous-flow measurements and provide metrics defining the performance of the setup during a major ice core measurement campaign (Roosevelt Island Climate Evolution; RICE). We also use the metrics to compare alternate systems. Our setup is the first continuous-flow laser spectroscopy system that is using off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (OA-ICOS; analyzer manufactured by Los Gatos Research, LGR) in combination with an evaporation unit to continuously analyze water samples from an ice core. A Water Vapor Isotope Standard Source (WVISS) calibration unit, manufactured by LGR, was modified to (1) enable measurements on several water standards, (2) increase the temporal resolution by reducing the response time and (3) reduce the influence from memory effects. While this setup was designed for the continuous-flow analysis (CFA) of ice cores, it can also continuously analyze other liquid or vapor sources. The custom setups provide a shorter response time (~ 54 and 18 s for 2013 and 2014 setup, respectively) compared to the original WVISS unit (~ 62 s), which is an improvement in measurement resolution. Another improvement compared to the original WVISS is that the custom setups have a reduced memory effect. Stability tests comparing the custom and WVISS setups were performed and Allan deviations (σAllan) were calculated to determine precision at different averaging times. For the custom 2013 setup the precision after integration times of 103 s is 0.060 and 0.070 ‰ for δ18O and δD, respectively. The corresponding σAllan values for the custom 2014 setup are 0.030, 0.060 and 0.043 ‰ for δ18O, δD and δ17O, respectively. For the WVISS setup the precision is 0.035, 0.070 and 0.042 ‰ after 103 s for δ18O, δD and δ17O, respectively. Both the custom setups and WVISS setup are influenced by instrumental drift with δ18O being more drift sensitive than δD. The σAllan values for δ18O are 0.30 and 0.18 ‰ for the custom 2013 and WVISS setup, respectively, after averaging times of 104 s (2.78 h). Using response time tests and stability tests, we show that the custom setups are more responsive (shorter response time), whereas the University of Copenhagen (UC) setup is more stable. More broadly, comparisons of different setups address the challenge of integrating vaporizer/spectrometer isotope measurement systems into a CFA campaign with many other analytical instruments.

SU-E-J-22: A Feasibility Study On KV-Based Whole Breast Radiation Patient Setup

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

Huang, Q; Zhang, M; Yue, N

Purpose: In room kilovoltage x-ray (kV) imaging provides higher contrast than Megavoltage (MV) imaging with faster acquisition time compared with on-board cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), thus improving patient setup accuracy and efficiency. In this study we evaluated the clinical feasibility of utilizing kV imaging for whole breast radiation patient setup. Methods: For six breast cancer patients with whole breast treatment plans using two opposed tangential fields, MV-based patient setup was conducted by aligning patient markers with in room lasers and MV portal images. Beam-eye viewed kV images were acquired using Varian OBI system after the set up process. In housemore » software was developed to transfer MLC blocks information overlaying onto kV images to demonstrate the field shape for verification. KV-based patient digital shift was derived by performing rigid registration between kV image and the digitally reconstructed radiography (DRR) to align the bony structure. This digital shift between kV-based and MV-based setup was defined as setup deviation. Results: Six sets of kV images were acquired for breast patients. The mean setup deviation was 2.3mm, 2.2mm and 1.8mm for anterior-posterior, superior-inferior and left-right direction respectively. The average setup deviation magnitude was 4.3±1.7mm for six patients. Patient with large breast had a larger setup deviation (4.4–6.2mm). There was no strong correlation between MV-based shift and setup deviation. Conclusion: A preliminary clinical workflow for kV-based whole breast radiation setup was established and tested. We observed setup deviation of the magnitude below than 5mm. With the benefit of providing higher contrast and MLC block overlaid on the images for treatment field verification, it is feasible to use kV imaging for breast patient setup.« less

[Comparison of four identical electronic noses and three measurement set-ups].

PubMed

Koczulla, R; Hattesohl, A; Biller, H; Hofbauer, J; Hohlfeld, J; Oeser, C; Wirtz, H; Jörres, R A

2011-08-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be used as biomarkers in exhaled air. VOC profiles can be detected by an array of nanosensors of an electronic nose. These profiles can be analysed using bioinformatics. It is, however, not known whether different devices of the same model measure identically and to which extent different set-ups and the humidity of the inhaled air influence the VOC profile. Three different measuring set-ups were designed and three healthy control subjects were measured with each of them, using four devices of the same model (Cyranose 320™, Smiths Detection). The exhaled air was collected in a plastic bag. Either ambient air was used as reference (set-up Leipzig), or the reference air was humidified (100% relative humidity) (set-up Marburg and set-up Munich). In the set-up Marburg the subjects inhaled standardised medical air (Aer medicinalis Linde, AGA AB) out of a compressed air bottle through a demand valve; this air (after humidification) was also used as reference. In the set-up Leipzig the subjects inhaled VOC-filtered ambient air, in the set-up Munich unfiltered room air. The data were evaluated using either the real-time data or the changes in resistance as calculated by the device. The results were clearly dependent on the set-up. Apparently, humidification of the reference air could reduce the variance between devices, but this result was also dependent on the evaluation method used. When comparing the three subjects, the set-ups Munich and Marburg mapped these in a similar way, whereas not only the signals but also the variance of the set-up Leipzig were larger. Measuring VOCs with an electronic nose has not yet been standardised and the set-up significantly affects the results. As other researchers use further methods, it is currently not possible to draw generally accepted conclusions. More systematic tests are required to find the most sensitive and reliable but still feasible set-up so that comparability is improved. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Length matters: Improved high field EEG-fMRI recordings using shorter EEG cables.

PubMed

Assecondi, Sara; Lavallee, Christina; Ferrari, Paolo; Jovicich, Jorge

2016-08-30

The use of concurrent EEG-fMRI recordings has increased in recent years, allowing new avenues of medical and cognitive neuroscience research; however, currently used setups present problems with data quality and reproducibility. We propose a compact experimental setup for concurrent EEG-fMRI at 4T and compare it to a more standard reference setup. The compact setup uses short EEG cables connecting to the amplifiers, which are placed right at the back of the head RF coil on a form-fitting extension force-locked to the patient MR bed. We compare the two setups in terms of sensitivity to MR-room environmental noise, interferences between measuring devices (EEG or fMRI), and sensitivity to functional responses in a visual stimulation paradigm. The compact setup reduces the system sensitivity to both external noise and MR-induced artefacts by at least 60%, with negligible EEG noise induced from the mechanical vibrations of the cryogenic cooling compression pump. The compact setup improved EEG data quality and the overall performance of MR-artifact correction techniques. Both setups were similar in terms of the fMRI data, with higher reproducibility for cable placement within the scanner in the compact setup. This improved compact setup may be relevant to MR laboratories interested in reducing the sensitivity of their EEG-fMRI experimental setup to external noise sources, setting up an EEG-fMRI workplace for the first time, or for creating a more reproducible configuration of equipment and cables. Implications for safety and ergonomics are discussed. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of an office ergonomics training and chair intervention on worker knowledge, behavior and musculoskeletal risk.

PubMed

Robertson, Michelle; Amick, Benjamin C; DeRango, Kelly; Rooney, Ted; Bazzani, Lianna; Harrist, Ron; Moore, Anne

2009-01-01

A large-scale field intervention study was undertaken to examine the effects of office ergonomics training coupled with a highly adjustable chair on office workers' knowledge and musculoskeletal risks. Office workers were assigned to one of three study groups: a group receiving the training and adjustable chair (n=96), a training-only group (n=63), and a control group (n=57). The office ergonomics training program was created using an instructional systems design model. A pre/post-training knowledge test was administered to all those who attended the training. Body postures and workstation set-ups were observed before and after the intervention. Perceived control over the physical work environment was higher for both intervention groups as compared to workers in the control group. A significant increase in overall ergonomic knowledge was observed for the intervention groups. Both intervention groups exhibited higher level behavioral translation and had lower musculoskeletal risk than the control group.

Music Interventions and Child Development: A Critical Review and Further Directions

PubMed Central

Dumont, Elisabeth; Syurina, Elena V.; Feron, Frans J. M.; van Hooren, Susan

2017-01-01

Research on the impact of music interventions has indicated positive effects on a variety of skills. These findings suggest musical interventions may have further potential to support educational processes and development of children. This paper reviews the latest evidence on the effect of musical interventions on the development of primary school-aged children. Four electronic databases were searched from January 2010 through June 2016 using music, music instruction, music education, music lesson, music training, development, child, student, and pupil as key words for the search. Two reviewers independently evaluated the studies to determine whether they met the stated inclusion criteria. Studies were compared on study setup, methodological quality, intervention components, outcome variables, and efficacy. A review of these selected studies (n = 46) suggestive beneficial effects of music intervention on development of children, although clear conclusions cannot be drawn. Possible influencing factors that might contribute to the outcome of intervention are reviewed and recommendations for further research are made. PMID:29033877

The Face of the Chameleon: The Experience of Facial Mimicry for the Mimicker and the Mimickee

PubMed Central

Kulesza, Wojciech Marek; Cisłak, Aleksandra; Vallacher, Robin R.; Nowak, Andrzej; Czekiel, Martyna; Bedynska, Sylwia

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT This research addressed three questions concerning facial mimicry: (a) Does the relationship between mimicry and liking characterize all facial expressions, or is it limited to specific expressions? (b) Is the relationship between facial mimicry and liking symmetrical for the mimicker and the mimickee? (c) Does conscious mimicry have consequences for emotion recognition? A paradigm is introduced in which participants interact over a computer setup with a confederate whose prerecorded facial displays of emotion are synchronized with participants’ behavior to create the illusion of social interaction. In Experiment 1, the confederate did or did not mimic participants’ facial displays of various subsets of basic emotions. Mimicry promoted greater liking for the confederate regardless of which emotions were mimicked. Experiment 2 reversed these roles: participants were instructed to mimic or not to mimic the confederate’s facial displays. Mimicry did not affect liking for the confederate but it did impair emotion recognition. PMID:25811746

SU-E-J-15: A Patient-Centered Scheme to Mitigate Impacts of Treatment Setup Error

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

Yang, L; Southern Medical University, Guangzhou; Tian, Z

2014-06-01

Purpose: Current Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is plan-centered. At each treatment fraction, we position the patient to match the setup in treatment plan. Inaccurate setup can compromise delivered dose distribution, and hence leading to suboptimal treatments. Moreover, current setup approach via couch shift under image guidance can correct translational errors, while rotational and deformation errors are hard to address. To overcome these problems, we propose in this abstract a patient-centered scheme to mitigate impacts of treatment setup errors. Methods: In the patient-centered scheme, we first position the patient on the couch approximately matching the planned-setup. Our Supercomputing Online Replanningmore » Environment (SCORE) is then employed to design an optimal treatment plan based on the daily patient geometry. It hence mitigates the impacts of treatment setup error and reduces the requirements on setup accuracy. We have conducted simulations studies in 10 head-and-neck (HN) patients to investigate the feasibility of this scheme. Rotational and deformation setup errors were simulated. Specifically, 1, 3, 5, 7 degrees of rotations were put on pitch, roll, and yaw directions; deformation errors were simulated by splitting neck movements into four basic types: rotation, lateral bending, flexion and extension. Setup variation ranges are based on observed numbers in previous studies. Dosimetric impacts of our scheme were evaluated on PTVs and OARs in comparison with original plan dose with original geometry and original plan recalculated dose with new setup geometries. Results: With conventional plan-centered approach, setup error could lead to significant PTV D99 decrease (−0.25∼+32.42%) and contralateral-parotid Dmean increase (−35.09∼+42.90%). The patientcentered approach is effective in mitigating such impacts to 0∼+0.20% and −0.03∼+5.01%, respectively. Computation time is <128 s. Conclusion: Patient-centered scheme is proposed to mitigate setup error impacts using replanning. Its superiority in terms of dosimetric impacts and feasibility has been shown through simulation studies on HN cases.« less

High-resolution continuous flow analysis setup for water isotopic measurement from ice cores using laser spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emanuelsson, B. D.; Baisden, W. T.; Bertler, N. A. N.; Keller, E. D.; Gkinis, V.

2014-12-01

Here we present an experimental setup for water stable isotopes (δ18O and δD) continuous flow measurements. It is the first continuous flow laser spectroscopy system that is using Off-Axis Integrated Cavity Output Spectroscopy (OA-ICOS; analyzer manufactured by Los Gatos Research - LGR) in combination with an evaporation unit to continuously analyze sample from an ice core. A Water Vapor Isotopic Standard Source (WVISS) calibration unit, manufactured by LGR, was modified to: (1) increase the temporal resolution by reducing the response time (2) enable measurements on several water standards, and (3) to reduce the influence from memory effects. While this setup was designed for the Continuous Flow Analysis (CFA) of ice cores, it can also continuously analyze other liquid or vapor sources. The modified setup provides a shorter response time (~54 and 18 s for 2013 and 2014 setup, respectively) compared to the original WVISS unit (~62 s), which is an improvement in measurement resolution. Another improvement compared to the original WVISS is that the modified setup has a reduced memory effect. Stability tests comparing the modified WVISS and WVISS setups were performed and Allan deviations (σAllan) were calculated to determine precision at different averaging times. For the 2013 modified setup the precision after integration times of 103 s are 0.060 and 0.070‰ for δ18O and δD, respectively. For the WVISS setup the corresponding σAllan values are 0.030, 0.060 and 0.043‰ for δ18O, δD and δ17O, respectively. For the WVISS setup the precision is 0.035, 0.070 and 0.042‰ after 103 s for δ18O, δD and δ17O, respectively. Both the modified setups and WVISS setup are influenced by instrumental drift with δ18O being more drift sensitive than δD. The σAllan values for δ18O of 0.30 and 0.18‰ for the modified (2013) and WVISS setup, respectively after averaging times of 104 s (2.78 h). The Isotopic Water Analyzer (IWA)-modified WVISS setup used during the 2013 Roosevelt Island Climate Evolution (RICE) ice core processing campaign achieved high precision measurements, in particular for δD, with high temporal resolution for the upper part of the core, where a seasonally resolved isotopic signal is preserved.

Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) quality assurance network in the Czech Republic.

PubMed

Kroutilķková, Daniela; Novotný, Josef; Judas, Libor

2003-02-01

The Czech thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) quality assurance network was established in 1997. Its aim is to pursue a regular independent quality audit in Czech radiotherapy centres and to support state supervision. The audit is realised via mailed TL dosimetry. The TLD system consists of encapsulated LiF:Mg,Ti powder (type MT-N) read with Harshaw manual reader model 4000. Basic mode of the TLD audit covers measurements under reference conditions, specifically beam calibration checks for all clinically used photon and electron beams. Advanced mode consists of measurements under both reference and non-reference conditions using a solid multipurpose phantom ('Leuven phantom') for photon beams. The radiotherapy centres are instructed to deliver to the TLD on central beam axis absorbed dose of 2 Gy calculated with their treatment planning system for a particular treatment set-up. The TLD measured doses are compared with the calculated ones. Deviations of +/-3% are considered acceptable for both basic and advanced mode of the audit. There are 34 radiotherapy centres in the Czech Republic. They undergo the basic mode of the TLD audit regularly every 2 years. If a centre shows a deviation outside the acceptance level, it is audited more often. Presently, most of the checked beams comply with the acceptance level. The advanced TLD audit has been implemented as a pilot study for the present. The results were mostly within the acceptance limit for the measurements on-axis, whereas for off-axis points they fell beyond the limit more frequently, especially for set-ups with inhomogeneities, oblique incidence and wedges. The results prove the importance of the national TLD quality assurance network. It has contributed to the improvement of clinical dosimetry in the Czech Republic. In addition, it helps the regulatory authority to monitor effectively and regularly radiotherapy centres.

Piezoelectric and optical setup to measure an electrical field: application to the longitudinal near-field generated by a tapered coax.

PubMed

Euphrasie, S; Vairac, P; Cretin, B; Lengaigne, G

2008-03-01

We propose a new setup to measure an electrical field in one direction. This setup is made of a piezoelectric sintered lead zinconate titanate film and an optical interferometric probe. We used this setup to investigate how the shape of the extremity of a coaxial cable influences the longitudinal electrical near-field generated by it. For this application, we designed our setup to have a spatial resolution of 100 microm in the direction of the electrical field. Simulations and experiments are presented.

Kilovoltage cone-beam CT imaging dose during breast radiotherapy: A dose comparison between a left and right breast setup

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

Quinn, Alexandra, E-mail: Alexandra.quinn@health.nsw.gov.au; Centre for Medical Radiation Physics, University of Wollongong, NSW; Liverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, NSW

2014-07-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the delivered dose from a kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography (kV-CBCT) acquired in breast treatment position for a left and right breast setup. The dose was measured with thermoluminescent dosimeters positioned within a female anthropomorphic phantom at organ locations. Imaging was performed on an Elekta Synergy XVI system with the phantom setup on a breast board. The image protocol involved 120 kVp, 140 mAs, and a 270° arc rotation clockwise 0° to 270° for the left breast setup and 270° to 180° for the right breast setup (maximum arc rotations possible). The dosemore » delivered to the left breast, right breast, and heart was 5.1 mGy, 3.9 mGy, and 4.0 mGy for the left breast setup kV-CBCT, and 6.4 mGy, 6.0 mGy, and 4.8 mGy for the right breast setup kV-CBCT, respectively. The rotation arc of the kV-CBCT influenced the dose delivered, with the right breast setup kV-CBCT found to deliver a dose of up to 4 mGy or 105% higher to the treated breast′s surface in comparison with the left breast setup. This is attributed to the kV-CBCT source being more proximal to the anterior of the phantom for a right breast setup, whereas the source is more proximal to the posterior of the patient for a left-side scan.« less

Poster - 33: Dosimetry Comparison of Prone Breast Forward and Inverse Treatment planning considering daily setup variations

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

Jiang, Runqing; Zhan, Lixin; Osei, Ernest

2016-08-15

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of daily setup variations on prone breast forward field-in-field (FinF) and inverse IMRT treatment planning. Methods: Rando Phantom (Left breast) and Pixy phantom (Right breast) were built and CT scanned in prone position. The treatment planning (TP) is performed in Eclipse TP system. Forward FinF plan and inverse IMRT plan were created to satisfy the CTV coverage and OARs criteria. The daily setup variations were assumed to be 5 mm at left-right, superior-inferior, and anterior-posterior directions. The DVHs of CTV coverage and OARs were compared for both forward FinFmore » plan and inverse IMRT plans due to 5mm setup variation. Results and Discussions: DVHs of CTV coverage had fewer variations for 5m setup variation for forward FinF and inverse IMRT plan for both phantoms. However, for the setup variations in the left-right direction, the DVH of CTV coverage of IMRT plan showed the worst variation due to lateral setup variation for both phantoms. For anterior-posterior variation, the CTV could not get full coverage when the breast chest wall is shallow; however, with the guidance of MV imaging, breast chest wall will be checked during the MV imaging setup. So the setup variations have more effects on inverse IMRT plan, compared to forward FinF plan, especially in the left-right direction. Conclusions: The Forward FinF plan was recommended clinically considering daily setup variation.« less

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

Ribezzi-Crivellari, M.; Huguet, J. M.; Ritort, F.

We present a dual-trap optical tweezers setup which directly measures forces using linear momentum conservation. The setup uses a counter-propagating geometry, which allows momentum measurement on each beam separately. The experimental advantages of this setup include low drift due to all-optical manipulation, and a robust calibration (independent of the features of the trapped object or buffer medium) due to the force measurement method. Although this design does not attain the high-resolution of some co-propagating setups, we show that it can be used to perform different single molecule measurements: fluctuation-based molecular stiffness characterization at different forces and hopping experiments on molecularmore » hairpins. Remarkably, in our setup it is possible to manipulate very short tethers (such as molecular hairpins with short handles) down to the limit where beads are almost in contact. The setup is used to illustrate a novel method for measuring the stiffness of optical traps and tethers on the basis of equilibrium force fluctuations, i.e., without the need of measuring the force vs molecular extension curve. This method is of general interest for dual trap optical tweezers setups and can be extended to setups which do not directly measure forces.« less

AQUATOX Setup Guide

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

The new Guidance in AQUATOX Setup and Application provides a quick start guide to introduce major model features, as well as being a type of cookbook to guide basic model setup, calibration, and validation.

Experimental setup for investigation of two-phase (water-air) flows in a tube

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazunin, D. V.; Lashkov, V. A.; Mashek, I. Ch.; Khoronzhuk, R. S.

2018-05-01

A special setup was designed and built at St. Petersburg State University for providing experimental research in flow dynamics of the of air-water mixtures in a pipeline. The test section of the setup allows simulating a wide range of flow regimes of a gas-liquid mixture. The parameters of the experimental setup are given; the initial test results are discussed.

Feasibility study of a take-home array-based functional electrical stimulation system with automated setup for current functional electrical stimulation users with foot-drop.

PubMed

Prenton, Sarah; Kenney, Laurence P; Stapleton, Claire; Cooper, Glen; Reeves, Mark L; Heller, Ben W; Sobuh, Mohammad; Barker, Anthony T; Healey, Jamie; Good, Timothy R; Thies, Sibylle B; Howard, David; Williamson, Tracey

2014-10-01

To investigate the feasibility of unsupervised community use of an array-based automated setup functional electrical stimulator for current foot-drop functional electrical stimulation (FES) users. Feasibility study. Gait laboratory and community use. Participants (N=7) with diagnosis of unilateral foot-drop of central neurologic origin (>6mo) who were regular users of a foot-drop FES system (>3mo). Array-based automated setup FES system for foot-drop (ShefStim). Logged usage, logged automated setup times for the array-based automated setup FES system and diary recording of problems experienced, all collected in the community environment. Walking speed, ankle angles at initial contact, foot clearance during swing, and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology version 2.0 (QUEST version 2.0) questionnaire, all collected in the gait laboratory. All participants were able to use the array-based automated setup FES system. Total setup time took longer than participants' own FES systems, and automated setup time was longer than in a previous study of a similar system. Some problems were experienced, but overall, participants were as satisfied with this system as their own FES system. The increase in walking speed (N=7) relative to no stimulation was comparable between both systems, and appropriate ankle angles at initial contact (N=7) and foot clearance during swing (n=5) were greater with the array-based automated setup FES system. This study demonstrates that an array-based automated setup FES system for foot-drop can be successfully used unsupervised. Despite setup's taking longer and some problems, users are satisfied with the system and it would appear as effective, if not better, at addressing the foot-drop impairment. Further product development of this unique system, followed by a larger-scale and longer-term study, is required before firm conclusions about its efficacy can be reached. Copyright © 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Accuracy of off-line bioluminescence imaging to localize targets in preclinical radiation research.

PubMed

Tuli, Richard; Armour, Michael; Surmak, Andrew; Reyes, Juvenal; Iordachita, Iulian; Patterson, Michael; Wong, John

2013-04-01

In this study, we investigated the accuracy of using off-line bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and tomography (BLT) to guide irradiation of small soft tissue targets on a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) with on-board cone beam CT (CBCT) capability. A small glass bulb containing BL cells was implanted as a BL source in the abdomen of 11 mouse carcasses. Bioluminescence imaging and tomography were acquired for each carcass. Six carcasses were setup visually without immobilization and 5 were restrained in position with tape. All carcasses were setup in treatment position on the SARRP where the centroid position of the bulb on CBCT was taken as "truth". In the 2D visual setup, the carcass was setup by aligning the point of brightest luminescence with the vertical beam axis. In the CBCT assisted setup, the pose of the carcass on CBCT was aligned with that on the 2D BL image for setup. For both 2D setup methods, the offset of the bulb centroid on CBCT from the vertical beam axis was measured. In the BLT-CBCT fusion method, the 3D torso on BLT and CBCT was registered and the 3D offset of the respective source centroids was calculated. The setup results were independent of the carcass being immobilized or not due to the onset of rigor mortis. The 2D offset of the perceived BL source position from the CBCT bulb position was 2.3 mm ± 1.3 mm. The 3D offset between BLT and CBCT was 1.5 mm ± 0.9 mm. Given the rigidity of the carcasses, the setup results represent the best that can be achieved with off-line 2D BLI and 3D BLT. The setup uncertainty would require the use of undesirably large margin of 4-5 mm. The results compel the implementation of on-board BLT capability on the SARRP to eliminate setup error and to improve BLT accuracy.

Accuracy of Off-Line Bioluminescence Imaging to Localize Targets in Preclinical Radiation Research

PubMed Central

Tuli, Richard; Armour, Michael; Surmak, Andrew; Reyes, Juvenal; Iordachita, Iulian; Patterson, Michael; Wong, John

2013-01-01

In this study, we investigated the accuracy of using off-line bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and tomography (BLT) to guide irradiation of small soft tissue targets on a small animal radiation research platform (SARRP) with on-board cone beam CT (CBCT) capability. A small glass bulb containing BL cells was implanted as a BL source in the abdomen of 11 mouse carcasses. Bioluminescence imaging and tomography were acquired for each carcass. Six carcasses were setup visually without immobilization and 5 were restrained in position with tape. All carcasses were setup in treatment position on the SARRP where the centroid position of the bulb on CBCT was taken as “truth”. In the 2D visual setup, the carcass was setup by aligning the point of brightest luminescence with the vertical beam axis. In the CBCT assisted setup, the pose of the carcass on CBCT was aligned with that on the 2D BL image for setup. For both 2D setup methods, the offset of the bulb centroid on CBCT from the vertical beam axis was measured. In the BLT-CBCT fusion method, the 3D torso on BLT and CBCT was registered and the 3D offset of the respective source centroids was calculated. The setup results were independent of the carcass being immobilized or not due to the onset of rigor mortis. The 2D offset of the perceived BL source position from the CBCT bulb position was 2.3 mm ± 1.3 mm. The 3D offset between BLT and CBCT was 1.5 mm ± 0.9 mm. Given the rigidity of the carcasses, the setup results represent the best that can be achieved with off-line 2D BLI and 3D BLT. The setup uncertainty would require the use of undesirably large margin of 4–5 mm. The results compel the implementation of on-board BLT capability on the SARRP to eliminate setup error and to improve BLT accuracy. PMID:23578189

Commissioning and quality assurance of an integrated system for patient positioning and setup verification in particle therapy.

PubMed

Pella, A; Riboldi, M; Tagaste, B; Bianculli, D; Desplanques, M; Fontana, G; Cerveri, P; Seregni, M; Fattori, G; Orecchia, R; Baroni, G

2014-08-01

In an increasing number of clinical indications, radiotherapy with accelerated particles shows relevant advantages when compared with high energy X-ray irradiation. However, due to the finite range of ions, particle therapy can be severely compromised by setup errors and geometric uncertainties. The purpose of this work is to describe the commissioning and the design of the quality assurance procedures for patient positioning and setup verification systems at the Italian National Center for Oncological Hadrontherapy (CNAO). The accuracy of systems installed in CNAO and devoted to patient positioning and setup verification have been assessed using a laser tracking device. The accuracy in calibration and image based setup verification relying on in room X-ray imaging system was also quantified. Quality assurance tests to check the integration among all patient setup systems were designed, and records of daily QA tests since the start of clinical operation (2011) are presented. The overall accuracy of the patient positioning system and the patient verification system motion was proved to be below 0.5 mm under all the examined conditions, with median values below the 0.3 mm threshold. Image based registration in phantom studies exhibited sub-millimetric accuracy in setup verification at both cranial and extra-cranial sites. The calibration residuals of the OTS were found consistent with the expectations, with peak values below 0.3 mm. Quality assurance tests, daily performed before clinical operation, confirm adequate integration and sub-millimetric setup accuracy. Robotic patient positioning was successfully integrated with optical tracking and stereoscopic X-ray verification for patient setup in particle therapy. Sub-millimetric setup accuracy was achieved and consistently verified in daily clinical operation.

[Statistical Process Control (SPC) can help prevent treatment errors without increasing costs in radiotherapy].

PubMed

Govindarajan, R; Llueguera, E; Melero, A; Molero, J; Soler, N; Rueda, C; Paradinas, C

2010-01-01

Statistical Process Control (SPC) was applied to monitor patient set-up in radiotherapy and, when the measured set-up error values indicated a loss of process stability, its root cause was identified and eliminated to prevent set-up errors. Set up errors were measured for medial-lateral (ml), cranial-caudal (cc) and anterior-posterior (ap) dimensions and then the upper control limits were calculated. Once the control limits were known and the range variability was acceptable, treatment set-up errors were monitored using sub-groups of 3 patients, three times each shift. These values were plotted on a control chart in real time. Control limit values showed that the existing variation was acceptable. Set-up errors, measured and plotted on a X chart, helped monitor the set-up process stability and, if and when the stability was lost, treatment was interrupted, the particular cause responsible for the non-random pattern was identified and corrective action was taken before proceeding with the treatment. SPC protocol focuses on controlling the variability due to assignable cause instead of focusing on patient-to-patient variability which normally does not exist. Compared to weekly sampling of set-up error in each and every patient, which may only ensure that just those sampled sessions were set-up correctly, the SPC method enables set-up error prevention in all treatment sessions for all patients and, at the same time, reduces the control costs. Copyright © 2009 SECA. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Low-Cost Manufacturing, Usability, and Security: An Analysis of Bluetooth Simple Pairing and Wi-Fi Protected Setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuo, Cynthia; Walker, Jesse; Perrig, Adrian

Bluetooth Simple Pairing and Wi-Fi Protected Setup specify mechanisms for exchanging authentication credentials in wireless networks. Both Simple Pairing and Protected Setup support multiple setup mechanisms, which increases security risks and hurts the user experience. To improve the security and usability of these specifications, we suggest defining a common baseline for hardware features and a consistent, interoperable user experience across devices.

Setup errors and effectiveness of Optical Laser 3D Surface imaging system (Sentinel) in postoperative radiotherapy of breast cancer.

PubMed

Wei, Xiaobo; Liu, Mengjiao; Ding, Yun; Li, Qilin; Cheng, Changhai; Zong, Xian; Yin, Wenming; Chen, Jie; Gu, Wendong

2018-05-08

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) plus postoperative radiotherapy has become the standard treatment for early-stage breast cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the setup accuracy of optical surface imaging by the Sentinel system with cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) imaging currently used in our clinic for patients received BCS. Two optical surface scans were acquired before and immediately after couch movement correction. The correlation between the setup errors as determined by the initial optical surface scan and CBCT was analyzed. The deviation of the second optical surface scan from the reference planning CT was considered an estimate for the residual errors for the new method for patient setup correction. The consequences in terms for necessary planning target volume (PTV) margins for treatment sessions without setup correction applied. We analyzed 145 scans in 27 patients treated for early stage breast cancer. The setup errors of skin marker based patient alignment by optical surface scan and CBCT were correlated, and the residual setup errors as determined by the optical surface scan after couch movement correction were reduced. Optical surface imaging provides a convenient method for improving the setup accuracy for breast cancer patient without unnecessary imaging dose.

Multipurpose setup for low-temperature conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Augustyns, V.; Trekels, M.; Gunnlaugsson, H. P.; Masenda, H.; Temst, K.; Vantomme, A.; Pereira, L. M. C.

2017-05-01

We describe an experimental setup for conversion electron Mössbauer spectroscopy (CEMS) at low temperature. The setup is composed of a continuous flow cryostat (temperature range of 4.2-500 K), detector housing, three channel electron multipliers, and corresponding electronics. We demonstrate the capabilities of the setup with CEMS measurements performed on a sample consisting of a thin enriched 57Fe film, with a thickness of 20 nm, deposited on a silicon substrate. We also describe exchangeable adaptations (lid and sample holder) which extend the applicability of the setup to emission Mössbauer spectroscopy as well as measurements under an applied magnetic field.

Claims and Appeals (Medicare)

MedlinePlus

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Water level effects on breaking wave setup for Pacific Island fringing reefs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becker, J. M.; Merrifield, M. A.; Ford, M.

2014-02-01

The effects of water level variations on breaking wave setup over fringing reefs are assessed using field measurements obtained at three study sites in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Mariana Islands in the western tropical Pacific Ocean. At each site, reef flat setup varies over the tidal range with weaker setup at high tide and stronger setup at low tide for a given incident wave height. The observed water level dependence is interpreted in the context of radiation stress gradients specified by an idealized point break model generalized for nonnormally incident waves. The tidally varying setup is due in part to depth-limited wave heights on the reef flat, as anticipated from previous reef studies, but also to tidally dependent breaking on the reef face. The tidal dependence of the breaking is interpreted in the context of the point break model in terms of a tidally varying wave height to water depth ratio at breaking. Implications for predictions of wave-driven setup at reef-fringed island shorelines are discussed.

Preventive Visit and Yearly Wellness Exams

MedlinePlus

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SU-E-J-55: End-To-End Effectiveness Analysis of 3D Surface Image Guided Voluntary Breath-Holding Radiotherapy for Left Breast

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

Lin, M; Feigenberg, S

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of using 3D-surface-image to guide breath-holding (BH) left-side breast treatment. Methods Two 3D surface image guided BH procedures were implemented and evaluated: normal-BH, taking BH at a comfortable level, and deep-inspiration-breath-holding (DIBH). A total of 20 patients (10 Normal-BH and 10 DIBH) were recruited. Patients received a BH evaluation using a commercialized 3D-surface- tracking-system (VisionRT, London, UK) to quantify the reproducibility of BH positions prior to CT scan. Tangential 3D/IMRT plans were conducted. Patients were initially setup under free-breathing (FB) condition using the FB surface obtained from the untaged CT to ensure a correct patientmore » position. Patients were then guided to reach the planned BH position using the BH surface obtained from the BH CT. Action-levels were set at each phase of treatment process based on the information provided by the 3D-surface-tracking-system for proper interventions (eliminate/re-setup/ re-coaching). We reviewed the frequency of interventions to evaluate its effectiveness. The FB-CBCT and port-film were utilized to evaluate the accuracy of 3D-surface-guided setups. Results 25% of BH candidates with BH positioning uncertainty > 2mm are eliminated prior to CT scan. For >90% of fractions, based on the setup deltas from3D-surface-trackingsystem, adjustments of patient setup are needed after the initial-setup using laser. 3D-surface-guided-setup accuracy is comparable as CBCT. For the BH guidance, frequency of interventions (a re-coaching/re-setup) is 40%(Normal-BH)/91%(DIBH) of treatments for the first 5-fractions and then drops to 16%(Normal-BH)/46%(DIBH). The necessity of re-setup is highly patient-specific for Normal-BH but highly random among patients for DIBH. Overall, a −0.8±2.4 mm accuracy of the anterior pericardial shadow position was achieved. Conclusion 3D-surface-image technology provides effective intervention to the treatment process and ensures favorable day-to-day setup accuracy. DIBH setup appears to be more uncertain and this would be the patient group who will definitely benefit from the extra information of 3D surface setup.« less

Positron lifetime setup based on DRS4 evaluation board

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petriska, M.; Sojak, S.; Slugeň, V.

2014-04-01

A digital positron lifetime setup based on DRS4 evaluation board designed at the Paul Scherrer Institute has been constructed and tested in the Positron annihilation laboratory Slovak University of Technology Bratislava. The high bandwidth, low power consumption and short readout time make DRS4 chip attractive for positron annihilation lifetime (PALS) setup, replacing traditional ADCs and TDCs. A software for PALS setup online and offline pulse analysis was developed with Qt,Qwt and ALGLIB libraries.

Wave setup over a Pacific Island fringing reef

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vetter, O.; Becker, J. M.; Merrifield, M. A.; Pequignet, A.-C.; Aucan, J.; Boc, S. J.; Pollock, C. E.

2010-12-01

Measurements obtained across a shore-attached, fringing reef on the southeast coast of the island of Guam are examined to determine the relationship between incident waves and wave-driven setup during storm and nonstorm conditions. Wave setup on the reef flat correlates well (r > 0.95) and scales near the shore as approximately 35% of the incident root mean square wave height in 8 m water depth. Waves generated by tropical storm Man-Yi result in a 1.3 m setup during the peak of the storm. Predictions based on traditional setup theory (steady state, inviscid cross-shore momentum and depth-limited wave breaking) and an idealized model of localized wave breaking at the fore reef are in agreement with the observations. The reef flat setup is used to estimate a similarity parameter at breaking that is in agreement with observations from a steeply sloping sandy beach. A weak (˜10%) increase in setup is observed across the reef flat during wave events. The inclusion of bottom stress in the cross-shore momentum balance may account for a portion of this signal, but this assessment is inconclusive as the reef flat currents in some cases are in the wrong direction to account for the increase. An independent check of fringing reef setup dynamics is carried out for measurements at the neighboring island of Saipan with good agreement.

On-Line Use of Three-Dimensional Marker Trajectory Estimation From Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Projections for Precise Setup in Radiotherapy for Targets With Respiratory Motion

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

Worm, Esben S., E-mail: esbeworm@rm.dk; Department of Medical Physics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus; Hoyer, Morten

2012-05-01

Purpose: To develop and evaluate accurate and objective on-line patient setup based on a novel semiautomatic technique in which three-dimensional marker trajectories were estimated from two-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) projections. Methods and Materials: Seven treatment courses of stereotactic body radiotherapy for liver tumors were delivered in 21 fractions in total to 6 patients by a linear accelerator. Each patient had two to three gold markers implanted close to the tumors. Before treatment, a CBCT scan with approximately 675 two-dimensional projections was acquired during a full gantry rotation. The marker positions were segmented in each projection. From this, the three-dimensionalmore » marker trajectories were estimated using a probability based method. The required couch shifts for patient setup were calculated from the mean marker positions along the trajectories. A motion phantom moving with known tumor trajectories was used to examine the accuracy of the method. Trajectory-based setup was retrospectively used off-line for the first five treatment courses (15 fractions) and on-line for the last two treatment courses (6 fractions). Automatic marker segmentation was compared with manual segmentation. The trajectory-based setup was compared with setup based on conventional CBCT guidance on the markers (first 15 fractions). Results: Phantom measurements showed that trajectory-based estimation of the mean marker position was accurate within 0.3 mm. The on-line trajectory-based patient setup was performed within approximately 5 minutes. The automatic marker segmentation agreed with manual segmentation within 0.36 {+-} 0.50 pixels (mean {+-} SD; pixel size, 0.26 mm in isocenter). The accuracy of conventional volumetric CBCT guidance was compromised by motion smearing ({<=}21 mm) that induced an absolute three-dimensional setup error of 1.6 {+-} 0.9 mm (maximum, 3.2) relative to trajectory-based setup. Conclusions: The first on-line clinical use of trajectory estimation from CBCT projections for precise setup in stereotactic body radiotherapy was demonstrated. Uncertainty in the conventional CBCT-based setup procedure was eliminated with the new method.« less

Optimization-based manufacturing scheduling with multiple resources and setup requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Dong; Luh, Peter B.; Thakur, Lakshman S.; Moreno, Jack, Jr.

1998-10-01

The increasing demand for on-time delivery and low price forces manufacturer to seek effective schedules to improve coordination of multiple resources and to reduce product internal costs associated with labor, setup and inventory. This study describes the design and implementation of a scheduling system for J. M. Product Inc. whose manufacturing is characterized by the need to simultaneously consider machines and operators while an operator may attend several operations at the same time, and the presence of machines requiring significant setup times. The scheduling problem with these characteristics are typical for many manufacturers, very difficult to be handled, and have not been adequately addressed in the literature. In this study, both machine and operators are modeled as resources with finite capacities to obtain efficient coordination between them, and an operator's time can be shared by several operations at the same time to make full use of the operator. Setups are explicitly modeled following our previous work, with additional penalties on excessive setups to reduce setup costs and avoid possible scraps. An integer formulation with a separable structure is developed to maximize on-time delivery of products, low inventory and small number of setups. Within the Lagrangian relaxation framework, the problem is decomposed into individual subproblems that are effectively solved by using dynamic programming with additional penalties embedded in state transitions. Heuristics is then developed to obtain a feasible schedule following on our previous work with new mechanism to satisfy operator capacity constraints. The method has been implemented using the object-oriented programming language C++ with a user-friendly interface, and numerical testing shows that the method generates high quality schedules in a timely fashion. Through simultaneous consideration of machines and operators, machines and operators are well coordinated to facilitate the smooth flow of parts through the system. The explicit modeling of setups and the associated penalties let parts with same setup requirements clustered together to avoid excessive setups.

Collider shot setup for Run 2 observations and suggestions

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

Annala, J.; Joshel, B.

1996-01-31

This note is intended to provoke discussion on Collider Run II shot setup. We hope this is a start of activities that will converge on a functional description of what is needed for shot setups in Collider Run II. We will draw on observations of the present shot setup to raise questions and make suggestions for the next Collider run. It is assumed that the reader has some familiarity with the Collider operational issues. Shot setup is defined to be the time between the end of a store and the time the Main Control Room declares colliding beams. This ismore » the time between Tevatron clock events SCE and SCB. This definition does not consider the time experiments use to turn on their detectors. This analysis was suggested by David Finley. The operational scenarios for Run II will require higher levels of reliability and speed for shot setup. See Appendix I and II. For example, we estimate that a loss of 3 pb{sup {minus}1}/week (with 8 hour stores) will occur if shot setups take 90 minutes instead of 30 minutes. In other words: If you do 12 shots for one week and accept an added delay of one minute in each shot, you will loose more than 60 nb{sup {minus}1} for that week alone (based on a normal shot setup of 30 minutes). These demands should lead us to be much more pedantic about all the factors that affect shot setups. Shot setup will be viewed as a distinct process that is composed of several inter- dependent `components`: procedures, hardware, controls, and sociology. These components don`t directly align with the different Accelerator Division departments, but are topical groupings of the needed accelerator functions. Defining these components, and categorizing our suggestions within them, are part of the goal of this document. Of course, some suggestions span several of these components.« less

Effect of patient setup errors on simultaneously integrated boost head and neck IMRT treatment plans

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

Siebers, Jeffrey V.; Keall, Paul J.; Wu Qiuwen

2005-10-01

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine dose delivery errors that could result from random and systematic setup errors for head-and-neck patients treated using the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB)-intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) technique. Methods and Materials: Twenty-four patients who participated in an intramural Phase I/II parotid-sparing IMRT dose-escalation protocol using the SIB treatment technique had their dose distributions reevaluated to assess the impact of random and systematic setup errors. The dosimetric effect of random setup error was simulated by convolving the two-dimensional fluence distribution of each beam with the random setup error probability density distribution. Random setup errorsmore » of {sigma} = 1, 3, and 5 mm were simulated. Systematic setup errors were simulated by randomly shifting the patient isocenter along each of the three Cartesian axes, with each shift selected from a normal distribution. Systematic setup error distributions with {sigma} = 1.5 and 3.0 mm along each axis were simulated. Combined systematic and random setup errors were simulated for {sigma} = {sigma} = 1.5 and 3.0 mm along each axis. For each dose calculation, the gross tumor volume (GTV) received by 98% of the volume (D{sub 98}), clinical target volume (CTV) D{sub 90}, nodes D{sub 90}, cord D{sub 2}, and parotid D{sub 50} and parotid mean dose were evaluated with respect to the plan used for treatment for the structure dose and for an effective planning target volume (PTV) with a 3-mm margin. Results: Simultaneous integrated boost-IMRT head-and-neck treatment plans were found to be less sensitive to random setup errors than to systematic setup errors. For random-only errors, errors exceeded 3% only when the random setup error {sigma} exceeded 3 mm. Simulated systematic setup errors with {sigma} = 1.5 mm resulted in approximately 10% of plan having more than a 3% dose error, whereas a {sigma} = 3.0 mm resulted in half of the plans having more than a 3% dose error and 28% with a 5% dose error. Combined random and systematic dose errors with {sigma} = {sigma} = 3.0 mm resulted in more than 50% of plans having at least a 3% dose error and 38% of the plans having at least a 5% dose error. Evaluation with respect to a 3-mm expanded PTV reduced the observed dose deviations greater than 5% for the {sigma} = {sigma} = 3.0 mm simulations to 5.4% of the plans simulated. Conclusions: Head-and-neck SIB-IMRT dosimetric accuracy would benefit from methods to reduce patient systematic setup errors. When GTV, CTV, or nodal volumes are used for dose evaluation, plans simulated including the effects of random and systematic errors deviate substantially from the nominal plan. The use of PTVs for dose evaluation in the nominal plan improves agreement with evaluated GTV, CTV, and nodal dose values under simulated setup errors. PTV concepts should be used for SIB-IMRT head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma patients, although the size of the margins may be less than those used with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy.« less

Feedforward operation of a lens setup for large defocus and astigmatism correction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verstraete, Hans R. G. W.; Almasian, MItra; Pozzi, Paolo; Bilderbeek, Rolf; Kalkman, Jeroen; Faber, Dirk J.; Verhaegen, Michel

2016-04-01

In this manuscript, we present a lens setup for large defocus and astigmatism correction. A deformable defocus lens and two rotational cylindrical lenses are used to control the defocus and astigmatism. The setup is calibrated using a simple model that allows the calculation of the lens inputs so that a desired defocus and astigmatism are actuated on the eye. The setup is tested by determining the feedforward prediction error, imaging a resolution target, and removing introduced aberrations.

Laser-induced transient grating setup with continuously tunable period

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

Vega-Flick, A.; Applied Physics Department, CINVESTAV-Unidad Mérida, Carretera Antigua a Progreso Km 6, Cordemex, Mérida, Yucatán 97310 Mexico; Eliason, J. K.

2015-12-15

We present a modification of the laser-induced transient grating setup enabling continuous tuning of the transient grating period. The fine control of the period is accomplished by varying the angle of the diffraction grating used to split excitation and probe beams. The setup has been tested by measuring dispersion of bulk and surface acoustic waves in both transmission and reflection geometries. The presented modification is fully compatible with optical heterodyne detection and can be easily implemented in any transient grating setup.

Pragmatic setup for bioparticle responses by dielectrophoresis for resource limited environment application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Mohd Anuar Md; Yeop Majlis, Burhanuddin; Kayani, Aminuddin Ahmad

2017-12-01

Various dielectrophoretic responses of bioparticles, including cell-chain, spinning, rotation and clustering, are of high interest in the field due to their benefit into application for biomedical and clinical implementation potential. Numerous attempts using sophisticated equipment setup have been studied to perform those dielectrophoretic responses, however, for development into resource limited environment application, such as portable, sustainable and environmental friendly diagnostic tools, establishment of pragmatic setup using standard, non-sophisticated and low-cost equipment is of important task. Here we show the advantages in the judicious design optimization of tip microelectrode, also with selection of suspending medium and optimization of electric signal configuration in establishing setup that can promote the aforementioned dielectrophoretic responses within standard equipments, i.e. pragmatic setup.

Single-Camera Stereoscopy Setup to Visualize 3D Dusty Plasma Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romero-Talamas, C. A.; Lemma, T.; Bates, E. M.; Birmingham, W. J.; Rivera, W. F.

2016-10-01

A setup to visualize and track individual particles in multi-layered dusty plasma flows is presented. The setup consists of a single camera with variable frame rate, and a pair of adjustable mirrors that project the same field of view from two different angles to the camera, allowing for three-dimensional tracking of particles. Flows are generated by inclining the plane in which the dust is levitated using a specially designed setup that allows for external motion control without compromising vacuum. Dust illumination is achieved with an optics arrangement that includes a Powell lens that creates a laser fan with adjustable thickness and with approximately constant intensity everywhere. Both the illumination and the stereoscopy setup allow for the camera to be placed at right angles with respect to the levitation plane, in preparation for magnetized dusty plasma experiments in which there will be no direct optical access to the levitation plane. Image data and analysis of unmagnetized dusty plasma flows acquired with this setup are presented.

Noiseless amplification of weak coherent fields exploiting energy fluctuations of the field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Partanen, Mikko; Häyrynen, Teppo; Oksanen, Jani; Tulkki, Jukka

2012-12-01

Quantum optics dictates that amplification of a pure state by any linear deterministic amplifier always introduces noise in the signal and results in a mixed output state. However, it has recently been shown that noiseless amplification becomes possible if the requirement of a deterministic operation is relaxed. Here we propose and analyze a noiseless amplification scheme where the energy required to amplify the signal originates from the stochastic fluctuations in the field itself. In contrast to previous amplification setups, our setup shows that a signal can be amplified even if no energy is added to the signal from external sources. We investigate the relation between the amplification and its success rate as well as the statistics of the output states after successful and failed amplification processes. Furthermore, we also optimize the setup to find the maximum success rates in terms of the reflectivities of the beam splitters used in the setup and discuss the relation of our setup with the previous setups.

Experimental instruction in photonics for high school students: approaches to managing problems faced

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choong, Zhengyang

2017-08-01

Student research projects are increasingly common at the K-12 level. However, students often face difficulties in the course of their school research projects such as setting realistic timelines and expectations, handling problems stemming from a lack of self-confidence, as well as being sufficiently disciplined for sustained communication and experimentation. In this work, we explore manifestations of these problems in the context of a photonics project, characterising the spectrum of the breakdown flash from Silicon Avalanche Photodiodes. We report on the process of planning and building the setup, data collection, analysis and troubleshooting, as well as the technical and human problems at each step. Approaches that were found to be helpful in managing the aforementioned problems are discussed, including an attention to detail during experimental work, as well as communicating in a forthcoming manner. Œe former allowed for clearer planning and the setting of quantifiable proximal goals; the latter helped in motivating discipline, and also helped in the understanding of research as an iterative learning process without a clear definition of success or failure.

Development and operation of a mobile test facility for education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, Christopher T.

The automotive industry saw a large shift towards vehicle electrification after the turn of the century. It became necessary to ensure that new and existing engineers were qualified to design and calibrate these new systems. To ensure this training, Michigan Tech received a grant to develop a curriculum based around vehicle electrification. As part of this agenda, the Michigan Tech Mobile Laboratory was developed to provide hands-on training for professional engineers and technicians in hybrid electric vehicles and vehicle electrification. The Mobile Lab has since then increased the scope of the delivered curriculum to include other automotive areas and even customizable course content to meet specific needs. This thesis outlines the development of the Mobile Laboratory and its powertrain test facilities. The focus of this thesis is to discuss the different hardware and software systems within the lab and test cells. Detailed instructions on the operation and maintenance of each of the systems are discussed. In addition, this thesis outlines the setup and operation of the necessary equipment for several of the experiments for the on and off campus courses and seminars.

Real-time digital data-acquisition system for determining load characteristics. Volume 2: Operating, programming and maintenance instructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podesto, B.; Lapointe, A.; Larose, G.; Robichaud, Y.; Vaillancourt, C.

1981-03-01

The design and construction of a Real-Time Digital Data Acquisition System (RTDDAS) to be used in substations for on-site recording and preprocessing load response data were included. The gathered data can be partially processed on site to compute the apparent, active and reactive powers, voltage and current rms values, and instantaneous values of phase voltages and currents. On-site processing capability is provided for rapid monitoring of the field data to ensure that the test setup is suitable. Production analysis of field data is accomplished off-line on a central computer from data recorded on a dual-density (800/1600) magnetic tape which is IBM-compatible. Parallel channels of data can be recorded at a variable rate from 480 to 9000 samples per second per channel. The RTDDAS is housed in a 9.1 m (30-ft) trailer which is shielded from electromagnetic interference and protected by isolators from switching surges. The test must sometimes be performed. Information pertaining to the installation, software operation, and maintenance is presented.

Comparison of six electromyography acquisition setups on hand movement classification tasks

PubMed Central

Pizzolato, Stefano; Tagliapietra, Luca; Cognolato, Matteo; Reggiani, Monica; Müller, Henning

2017-01-01

Hand prostheses controlled by surface electromyography are promising due to the non-invasive approach and the control capabilities offered by machine learning. Nevertheless, dexterous prostheses are still scarcely spread due to control difficulties, low robustness and often prohibitive costs. Several sEMG acquisition setups are now available, ranging in terms of costs between a few hundred and several thousand dollars. The objective of this paper is the relative comparison of six acquisition setups on an identical hand movement classification task, in order to help the researchers to choose the proper acquisition setup for their requirements. The acquisition setups are based on four different sEMG electrodes (including Otto Bock, Delsys Trigno, Cometa Wave + Dormo ECG and two Thalmic Myo armbands) and they were used to record more than 50 hand movements from intact subjects with a standardized acquisition protocol. The relative performance of the six sEMG acquisition setups is compared on 41 identical hand movements with a standardized feature extraction and data analysis pipeline aimed at performing hand movement classification. Comparable classification results are obtained with three acquisition setups including the Delsys Trigno, the Cometa Wave and the affordable setup composed of two Myo armbands. The results suggest that practical sEMG tests can be performed even when costs are relevant (e.g. in small laboratories, developing countries or use by children). All the presented datasets can be used for offline tests and their quality can easily be compared as the data sets are publicly available. PMID:29023548

Comparison of six electromyography acquisition setups on hand movement classification tasks.

PubMed

Pizzolato, Stefano; Tagliapietra, Luca; Cognolato, Matteo; Reggiani, Monica; Müller, Henning; Atzori, Manfredo

2017-01-01

Hand prostheses controlled by surface electromyography are promising due to the non-invasive approach and the control capabilities offered by machine learning. Nevertheless, dexterous prostheses are still scarcely spread due to control difficulties, low robustness and often prohibitive costs. Several sEMG acquisition setups are now available, ranging in terms of costs between a few hundred and several thousand dollars. The objective of this paper is the relative comparison of six acquisition setups on an identical hand movement classification task, in order to help the researchers to choose the proper acquisition setup for their requirements. The acquisition setups are based on four different sEMG electrodes (including Otto Bock, Delsys Trigno, Cometa Wave + Dormo ECG and two Thalmic Myo armbands) and they were used to record more than 50 hand movements from intact subjects with a standardized acquisition protocol. The relative performance of the six sEMG acquisition setups is compared on 41 identical hand movements with a standardized feature extraction and data analysis pipeline aimed at performing hand movement classification. Comparable classification results are obtained with three acquisition setups including the Delsys Trigno, the Cometa Wave and the affordable setup composed of two Myo armbands. The results suggest that practical sEMG tests can be performed even when costs are relevant (e.g. in small laboratories, developing countries or use by children). All the presented datasets can be used for offline tests and their quality can easily be compared as the data sets are publicly available.

Measuring uncertainty in dose delivered to the cochlea due to setup error during external beam treatment of patients with cancer of the head and neck.

PubMed

Yan, M; Lovelock, D; Hunt, M; Mechalakos, J; Hu, Y; Pham, H; Jackson, A

2013-12-01

To use Cone Beam CT scans obtained just prior to treatments of head and neck cancer patients to measure the setup error and cumulative dose uncertainty of the cochlea. Data from 10 head and neck patients with 10 planning CTs and 52 Cone Beam CTs taken at time of treatment were used in this study. Patients were treated with conventional fractionation using an IMRT dose painting technique, most with 33 fractions. Weekly radiographic imaging was used to correct the patient setup. The authors used rigid registration of the planning CT and Cone Beam CT scans to find the translational and rotational setup errors, and the spatial setup errors of the cochlea. The planning CT was rotated and translated such that the cochlea positions match those seen in the cone beam scans, cochlea doses were recalculated and fractional doses accumulated. Uncertainties in the positions and cumulative doses of the cochlea were calculated with and without setup adjustments from radiographic imaging. The mean setup error of the cochlea was 0.04 ± 0.33 or 0.06 ± 0.43 cm for RL, 0.09 ± 0.27 or 0.07 ± 0.48 cm for AP, and 0.00 ± 0.21 or -0.24 ± 0.45 cm for SI with and without radiographic imaging, respectively. Setup with radiographic imaging reduced the standard deviation of the setup error by roughly 1-2 mm. The uncertainty of the cochlea dose depends on the treatment plan and the relative positions of the cochlea and target volumes. Combining results for the left and right cochlea, the authors found the accumulated uncertainty of the cochlea dose per fraction was 4.82 (0.39-16.8) cGy, or 10.1 (0.8-32.4) cGy, with and without radiographic imaging, respectively; the percentage uncertainties relative to the planned doses were 4.32% (0.28%-9.06%) and 10.2% (0.7%-63.6%), respectively. Patient setup error introduces uncertainty in the position of the cochlea during radiation treatment. With the assistance of radiographic imaging during setup, the standard deviation of setup error reduced by 31%, 42%, and 54% in RL, AP, and SI direction, respectively, and consequently, the uncertainty of the mean dose to cochlea reduced more than 50%. The authors estimate that the effects of these uncertainties on the probability of hearing loss for an individual patient could be as large as 10%.

Measuring uncertainty in dose delivered to the cochlea due to setup error during external beam treatment of patients with cancer of the head and neck

PubMed Central

Yan, M.; Lovelock, D.; Hunt, M.; Mechalakos, J.; Hu, Y.; Pham, H.; Jackson, A.

2013-01-01

Purpose: To use Cone Beam CT scans obtained just prior to treatments of head and neck cancer patients to measure the setup error and cumulative dose uncertainty of the cochlea. Methods: Data from 10 head and neck patients with 10 planning CTs and 52 Cone Beam CTs taken at time of treatment were used in this study. Patients were treated with conventional fractionation using an IMRT dose painting technique, most with 33 fractions. Weekly radiographic imaging was used to correct the patient setup. The authors used rigid registration of the planning CT and Cone Beam CT scans to find the translational and rotational setup errors, and the spatial setup errors of the cochlea. The planning CT was rotated and translated such that the cochlea positions match those seen in the cone beam scans, cochlea doses were recalculated and fractional doses accumulated. Uncertainties in the positions and cumulative doses of the cochlea were calculated with and without setup adjustments from radiographic imaging. Results: The mean setup error of the cochlea was 0.04 ± 0.33 or 0.06 ± 0.43 cm for RL, 0.09 ± 0.27 or 0.07 ± 0.48 cm for AP, and 0.00 ± 0.21 or −0.24 ± 0.45 cm for SI with and without radiographic imaging, respectively. Setup with radiographic imaging reduced the standard deviation of the setup error by roughly 1–2 mm. The uncertainty of the cochlea dose depends on the treatment plan and the relative positions of the cochlea and target volumes. Combining results for the left and right cochlea, the authors found the accumulated uncertainty of the cochlea dose per fraction was 4.82 (0.39–16.8) cGy, or 10.1 (0.8–32.4) cGy, with and without radiographic imaging, respectively; the percentage uncertainties relative to the planned doses were 4.32% (0.28%–9.06%) and 10.2% (0.7%–63.6%), respectively. Conclusions: Patient setup error introduces uncertainty in the position of the cochlea during radiation treatment. With the assistance of radiographic imaging during setup, the standard deviation of setup error reduced by 31%, 42%, and 54% in RL, AP, and SI direction, respectively, and consequently, the uncertainty of the mean dose to cochlea reduced more than 50%. The authors estimate that the effects of these uncertainties on the probability of hearing loss for an individual patient could be as large as 10%. PMID:24320510

The Compact and Inexpensive "Arrowhead" Setup for Holographic Interferometry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ladera, Celso L.; Donoso, Guillermo

2011-01-01

Hologram recording and holographic interferometry are intrinsically sensitive to phase changes, and therefore both are easily perturbed by minuscule optical path perturbations. It is therefore very convenient to bank on holographic setups with a reduced number of optical components. Here we present a compact off-axis holographic setup that…

Cryocooler based test setup for high current applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, Jedidiah; Das, Nisith Kr.; Roy, Anindya; Duttagupta, Anjan

2018-04-01

A cryo-cooler based cryogenic test setup has been designed, fabricated, and tested. The setup incorporates two numbers of cryo-coolers, one for sample cooling and the other one for cooling the large magnet coil. The performance and versatility of the setup has been tested using large samples of high-temperature superconductor magnet coil as well as short samples with high current. Several un-calibrated temperature sensors have been calibrated using this system. This paper presents the details of the system along with results of different performance tests.

Tissue type determination by impedance measurement: A bipolar and monopolar comparison

PubMed Central

Sharp, Jack; Bouazza-Marouf, Kaddour; Noronha, Dorita; Gaur, Atul

2017-01-01

Background: In certain medical applications, it is necessary to be able to determine the position of a needle inside the body, specifically with regards to identifying certain tissue types. By measuring the electrical impedance of specific tissue types, it is possible to determine the type of tissue the tip of the needle (or probe) is at. Materials and Methods: Two methods have been investigated for electric impedance detection; bipolar and monopolar. Commercially available needle electrodes are of a monopolar type. Although many patents exist on the bipolar setups, these have not as yet been commercialized. This paper reports a comparison of monopolar and bipolar setups for tissue type determination. In vitro experiments were carried out on pork to compare this investigation with other investigations in this field. Results: The results show that both monopolar and bipolar setups are capable of determining tissue type. However, the bipolar setup showed slightly better results; the difference between the different soft tissue type impedances was greater compared to the monopolar method. Conclusion: Both monopolar and bipolar electrical impedance setups work very similarly in inhomogeneous volumes such as biological tissue. There is a clear potential for clinical applications with impedance-based needle guidance, with both the monopolar and bipolar setups. It is, however, worth noting that the bipolar setup is more versatile. PMID:28217047

Numerical investigation of a scalable setup for efficient terahertz generation using a segmented tilted-pulse-front excitation.

PubMed

Pálfalvi, László; Tóth, György; Tokodi, Levente; Márton, Zsuzsanna; Fülöp, József András; Almási, Gábor; Hebling, János

2017-11-27

A hybrid-type terahertz pulse source is proposed for high energy terahertz pulse generation. It is the combination of the conventional tilted-pulse-front setup and a transmission stair-step echelon-faced nonlinear crystal with a period falling in the hundred-micrometer range. The most important advantage of the setup is the possibility of using plane parallel nonlinear optical crystal for producing good-quality, symmetric terahertz beam. Another advantage of the proposed setup is the significant reduction of imaging errors, which is important in the case of wide pump beams that are used in high energy experiments. A one dimensional model was developed for determining the terahertz generation efficiency, and it was used for quantitative comparison between the proposed new hybrid setup and previously introduced terahertz sources. With lithium niobate nonlinear material, calculations predict an approximately ten-fold increase in the efficiency of the presently described hybrid terahertz pulse source with respect to that of the earlier proposed setup, which utilizes a reflective stair-step echelon and a prism shaped nonlinear optical crystal. By using pump pulses of 50 mJ pulse energy, 500 fs pulse length and 8 mm beam spot radius, approximately 1% conversion efficiency and 0.5 mJ terahertz pulse energy can be reached with the newly proposed setup.

COMPARISON OF LAPAROSCOPIC SKILLS PERFORMANCE USING SINGLE-SITE ACCESS (SSA) DEVICES VS. AN INDEPENDENT-PORT SSA APPROACH

PubMed Central

Schill, Matthew R.; Varela, J. Esteban; Frisella, Margaret M.; Brunt, L. Michael

2015-01-01

Background We compared performance of validated laparoscopic tasks on four commercially available single site access (SSA) access devices (AD) versus an independent port (IP) SSA set-up. Methods A prospective, randomized comparison of laparoscopic skills performance on four AD (GelPOINT™, SILS™ Port, SSL Access System™, TriPort™) and one IP SSA set-up was conducted. Eighteen medical students (2nd–4th year), four surgical residents, and five attending surgeons were trained to proficiency in multi-port laparoscopy using four laparoscopic drills (peg transfer, bean drop, pattern cutting, extracorporeal suturing) in a laparoscopic trainer box. Drills were then performed in random order on each IP-SSA and AD-SSA set-up using straight laparoscopic instruments. Repetitions were timed and errors recorded. Data are mean ± SD, and statistical analysis was by two-way ANOVA with Tukey HSD post-hoc tests. Results Attending surgeons had significantly faster total task times than residents or students (p< 0.001), but the difference between residents and students was NS. Pair-wise comparisons revealed significantly faster total task times for the IP-SSA set-up compared to all four AD-SSA’s within the student group only (p<0.05). Total task times for residents and attending surgeons showed a similar profile, but the differences were NS. When data for the three groups was combined, the total task time was less for the IP-SSA set-up than for each of the four AD-SSA set-ups (p < 0.001). Similarly,, the IP-SSA set-up was significantly faster than 3 of 4 AD-SSA set-ups for peg transfer, 3 of 4 for pattern cutting, and 2 of 4 for suturing. No significant differences in error rates between IP-SSA and AD-SSA set-ups were detected. Conclusions When compared to an IP-SSA laparoscopic set-up, single site access devices are associated with longer task performance times in a trainer box model, independent of level of training. Task performance was similar across different SSA devices. PMID:21993938

The Effect of Vegetation on Sea-Swell Waves, Infragravity Waves and Wave-Induced Setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roelvink, J. A.; van Rooijen, A.; McCall, R. T.; Van Dongeren, A.; Reniers, A.; van Thiel de Vries, J.

2016-02-01

Aquatic vegetation in the coastal zone (e.g. mangrove trees) attenuates wave energy and thereby reduces flood risk along many shorelines worldwide. However, in addition to the attenuation of incident-band (sea-swell) waves, vegetation may also affect infragravity-band (IG) waves and the wave-induced water level setup (in short: wave setup). Currently, knowledge on the effect of vegetation on IG waves and wave setup is lacking, while they are they are key parameters for coastal risk assessment. In this study, the process-based storm impact model XBeach was extended with formulations for attenuation of sea-swell and IG waves as well as the effect on the wave setup, in two modes: the sea-swell wave phase-resolving (non-hydrostatic) and the phase-averaged (surfbeat) mode. In surfbeat mode a wave shape model was implemented to estimate the wave phase and to capture the intra-wave scale effect of emergent vegetation and nonlinear waves on the wave setup. Both modeling modes were validated using data from two flume experiments and show good skill in computing the attenuation of both sea-swell and IG waves as well as the effect on the wave-induced water level setup. In surfbeat mode, the prediction of nearshore mean water levels greatly improved when using the wave shape model, while in non-hydrostatic mode this effect is directly accounted for. Subsequently, the model was used to study the influence of the bottom profile slope and the location of the vegetation field on the computed wave setup with and without vegetation. It was found that the reduction is wave setup is strongly related to the location of vegetation relative to the wave breaking point, and that the wave setup is lower for milder slopes. The extended version of XBeach developed within this study can be used to study the nearshore hydrodynamics on coasts fronted by vegetation such as mangroves. It can also serve as tool for storm impact studies on coasts with aquatic vegetation, and can help to quantify the coastal protection function of vegetation.

Optimizing Mouse Surgery with Online Rectal Temperature Monitoring and Preoperative Heat Supply. Effects on Post-Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury.

PubMed

Marschner, Julian A; Schäfer, Hannah; Holderied, Alexander; Anders, Hans-Joachim

2016-01-01

Body temperature affects outcomes of tissue injury. We hypothesized that online body core temperature recording and selective interventions help to standardize peri-interventional temperature control and the reliability of outcomes in experimental renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). We recorded core temperature in up to seven mice in parallel using a Thermes USB recorder and ret-3-iso rectal probes with three different protocols. Setup A: Heating pad during ischemia time; Setup B: Heating pad from incision to wound closure; Setup C: A ventilated heating chamber before surgery and during ischemia time with surgeries performed on a heating pad. Temperature profile recording displayed significant declines upon installing anesthesia. The profile of the baseline experimental setup A revealed that <1% of the temperature readings were within the target range of 36.5 to 38.5°C. Setup B and C increased the target range readings to 34.6 ± 28.0% and 99.3 ± 1.5%, respectively. Setup C significantly increased S3 tubular necrosis, neutrophil influx, and mRNA expression of kidney injury markers. In addition, using setup C different ischemia times generated a linear correlation with acute tubular necrosis parameters at a low variability, which further correlated with the degree of kidney atrophy 5 weeks after surgery. Changing temperature control setup A to C was equivalent to 10 minutes more ischemia time. We conclude that body temperature drops quickly in mice upon initiating anesthesia. Immediate heat supply, e.g. in a ventilated heating chamber, and online core temperature monitoring can help to standardize and optimize experimental outcomes.

Clinical experience with a 3D surface patient setup system for alignment of partial-breast irradiation patients

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

Bert, Christoph; Metheany, Katherine G.; Doppke, Karen P.

2006-03-15

Purpose: To assess the utility of surface imaging on patient setup for accelerated partial-breast irradiation (APBI). Methods and Material: A photogrammetry system was used in parallel to APBI setup by laser and portal imaging. Surface data were acquired after laser and port-film setup for 9 patients. Surfaces were analyzed in comparison to a reference surface from the first treatment session by use of rigid transformations. The surface model after laser setup was used in a simulated photogrammetry setup procedure. In addition, breathing data were acquired by surface acquisition at a frame rate of 7 Hz. Results: Mean 3D displacement wasmore » 7.3 mm (SD, 4.4 mm) and 7.6 mm (SD, 4.2 mm) for laser and port film, respectively. Simulated setup with the photogrammetry system yielded mean displacement of 1 mm (SD, 1.2 mm). Distance analysis resulted in mean distances of 3.7 mm (SD, 4.9 mm), 4.3 mm (SD, 5.6 mm), and 1.6 mm (SD, 2.4 mm) for laser, port film, and photogrammetry, respectively. Breathing motion at isocenter was smaller than 3.7 mm, with a mean of 1.9 mm (SD, 1.1 mm). Conclusions: Surface imaging for PBI setup appears promising. Alignment of the 3D breast surface achieved by stereo-photogrammetry shows greater breast topology congruence than when patients are set up by laser or portal imaging. A correlation of breast surface and CTV must be quantitatively established.« less

A Flexible Pilot-Scale Setup for Real-Time Studies in Process Systems Engineering

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Panjapornpon, Chanin; Fletcher, Nathan; Soroush, Masoud

2006-01-01

This manuscript describes a flexible, pilot-scale setup that can be used for training students and carrying out research in process systems engineering. The setup allows one to study a variety of process systems engineering concepts such as design feasibility, design flexibility, control configuration selection, parameter estimation, process and…

Treatability Study Pilot Test Operation Field Photos

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

Li, Jun

Photos in each group are in chronological order as captured: Group I Tank Platform Setup, November 14, 2017; Group II Tank Setup, November 15, 2017; Group III Aboveground Injestion System (AIS) Setup, November 20, 2017; Group IV Chemical Mixing, November 21, 2017; Group V KB-1 Bacteria Injection, November 27, 2017; Group VI Miscellaneous.

Field instrumentation and testing to study set-up phenomenon of piles driven into Louisiana clayey soils : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-07-01

This research study aims to investigate the pile set-up phenomenon for clayey soils and develop empirical models to predict pile set-up : resistance at certain time after end of driving (EOD). To fulfill the objective, a total number of twelve prestr...

Technical Note: Introduction of variance component analysis to setup error analysis in radiotherapy

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

Matsuo, Yukinori, E-mail: ymatsuo@kuhp.kyoto-u.ac.

Purpose: The purpose of this technical note is to introduce variance component analysis to the estimation of systematic and random components in setup error of radiotherapy. Methods: Balanced data according to the one-factor random effect model were assumed. Results: Analysis-of-variance (ANOVA)-based computation was applied to estimate the values and their confidence intervals (CIs) for systematic and random errors and the population mean of setup errors. The conventional method overestimates systematic error, especially in hypofractionated settings. The CI for systematic error becomes much wider than that for random error. The ANOVA-based estimation can be extended to a multifactor model considering multiplemore » causes of setup errors (e.g., interpatient, interfraction, and intrafraction). Conclusions: Variance component analysis may lead to novel applications to setup error analysis in radiotherapy.« less

SU-E-J-88: The Study of Setup Error Measured by CBCT in Postoperative Radiotherapy for Cervical Carcinoma

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

Runxiao, L; Aikun, W; Xiaomei, F

2015-06-15

Purpose: To compare two registration methods in the CBCT guided radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma, analyze the setup errors and registration methods, determine the margin required for clinical target volume(CTV) extending to planning target volume(PTV). Methods: Twenty patients with cervical carcinoma were enrolled. All patients were underwent CT simulation in the supine position. Transfering the CT images to the treatment planning system and defining the CTV, PTV and the organs at risk (OAR), then transmit them to the XVI workshop. CBCT scans were performed before radiotherapy and registered to planning CT images according to bone and gray value registration methods. Comparedmore » two methods and obtain left-right(X), superior-inferior(Y), anterior-posterior (Z) setup errors, the margin required for CTV to PTV were calculated. Results: Setup errors were unavoidable in postoperative cervical carcinoma irradiation. The setup errors measured by method of bone (systemic ± random) on X(1eft.right),Y(superior.inferior),Z(anterior.posterior) directions were(0.24±3.62),(0.77±5.05) and (0.13±3.89)mm, respectively, the setup errors measured by method of grey (systemic ± random) on X(1eft-right), Y(superior-inferior), Z(anterior-posterior) directions were(0.31±3.93), (0.85±5.16) and (0.21±4.12)mm, respectively.The spatial distributions of setup error was maximum in Y direction. The margins were 4 mm in X axis, 6 mm in Y axis, 4 mm in Z axis respectively.These two registration methods were similar and highly recommended. Conclusion: Both bone and grey registration methods could offer an accurate setup error. The influence of setup errors of a PTV margin would be suggested by 4mm, 4mm and 6mm on X, Y and Z directions for postoperative radiotherapy for cervical carcinoma.« less

Evaluation of overall setup accuracy and adequate setup margins in pelvic image-guided radiotherapy: Comparison of the male and female patients

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

Laaksomaa, Marko, E-mail: marko.laaksomaa@pshp.fi; Kapanen, Mika; Department of Medical Physics, Tampere University Hospital

We evaluated adequate setup margins for the radiotherapy (RT) of pelvic tumors based on overall position errors of bony landmarks. We also estimated the difference in setup accuracy between the male and female patients. Finally, we compared the patient rotation for 2 immobilization devices. The study cohort included consecutive 64 male and 64 female patients. Altogether, 1794 orthogonal setup images were analyzed. Observer-related deviation in image matching and the effect of patient rotation were explicitly determined. Overall systematic and random errors were calculated in 3 orthogonal directions. Anisotropic setup margins were evaluated based on residual errors after weekly image guidance.more » The van Herk formula was used to calculate the margins. Overall, 100 patients were immobilized with a house-made device. The patient rotation was compared against 28 patients immobilized with CIVCO's Kneefix and Feetfix. We found that the usually applied isotropic setup margin of 8 mm covered all the uncertainties related to patient setup for most RT treatments of the pelvis. However, margins of even 10.3 mm were needed for the female patients with very large pelvic target volumes centered either in the symphysis or in the sacrum containing both of these structures. This was because the effect of rotation (p ≤ 0.02) and the observer variation in image matching (p ≤ 0.04) were significantly larger for the female patients than for the male patients. Even with daily image guidance, the required margins remained larger for the women. Patient rotations were largest about the lateral axes. The difference between the required margins was only 1 mm for the 2 immobilization devices. The largest component of overall systematic position error came from patient rotation. This emphasizes the need for rotation correction. Overall, larger position errors and setup margins were observed for the female patients with pelvic cancer than for the male patients.« less

A versatile setup using femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering

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

Shen, Yujie, E-mail: styojm@physics.tamu.edu; Voronine, Dmitri V.; Sokolov, Alexei V.

2015-08-15

We report a versatile setup based on the femtosecond adaptive spectroscopic techniques for coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering. The setup uses a femtosecond Ti:Sapphire oscillator source and a folded 4f pulse shaper, in which the pulse shaping is carried out through conventional optical elements and does not require a spatial light modulator. Our setup is simple in alignment, and can be easily switched between the collinear single-beam and the noncollinear two-beam configurations. We demonstrate the capability for investigating both transparent and highly scattering samples by detecting transmitted and reflected signals, respectively.

Influence of different setups of the Frankfort horizontal plane on 3-dimensional cephalometric measurements.

PubMed

Santos, Rodrigo Mologni Gonçalves Dos; De Martino, José Mario; Haiter Neto, Francisco; Passeri, Luis Augusto

2017-08-01

The Frankfort horizontal (FH) is a plane that intersects both porions and the left orbitale. However, other combinations of points have also been used to define this plane in 3-dimensional cephalometry. These variations are based on the hypothesis that they do not affect the cephalometric analysis. We investigated the validity of this hypothesis. The material included cone-beam computed tomography data sets of 82 adult subjects with Class I molar relationship. A third-party method of cone-beam computed tomography-based 3-dimensional cephalometry was performed using 7 setups of the FH plane. Six lateral cephalometric hard tissue measurements relative to the FH plane were carried out for each setup. Measurement differences were calculated for each pair of setups of the FH plane. The number of occurrences of differences greater than the limits of agreement was counted for each of the 6 measurements. Only 3 of 21 pairs of setups had no occurrences for the 6 measurements. No measurement had no occurrences for the 21 pairs of setups. Setups based on left or right porion and both orbitales had the greatest number of occurrences for the 6 measurements. This investigation showed that significant and undesirable measurement differences can be produced by varying the definition of the FH plane. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a New Optical Measuring Set-Up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miroshnichenko, I. P.; Parinov, I. A.

2018-06-01

The paper proposes a description of the developed optical measuring set-up for the contactless recording and processing of measurement results for small spatial (linear and angular) displacements of control surfaces based on the use of laser technologies and optical interference methods. The proposed set-up is designed to solve all the arising measurement tasks in the study of the physical and mechanical properties of new materials and in the process of diagnosing the state of structural materials by acoustic active methods of nondestructive testing. The structure of the set-up, its constituent parts are described, and the features of construction and functioning during measurements are discussed. New technical solutions for the implementation of the components of the set-up under consideration are obtained. The purpose and description of the original specialized software, used to perform a priori analysis of measurement results, are present, while performing measurements, for a posteriori analysis of measurement results. Moreover, the influences of internal and external disturbance effects on the measurement results and correcting measurement results directly in their implementation are determined. The technical solutions, used in the set-up, are protected by the patents of the Russian Federation for inventions, and software is protected by the certificates of state registration of computer programs. The proposed set-up is intended for use in instrumentation, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, aviation, energy sector, etc.

Development of intelligent instruments with embedded HTTP servers for control and data acquisition in a cryogenic setup--The hardware, firmware, and software implementation.

PubMed

Antony, Joby; Mathuria, D S; Datta, T S; Maity, Tanmoy

2015-12-01

The power of Ethernet for control and automation technology is being largely understood by the automation industry in recent times. Ethernet with HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is one of the most widely accepted communication standards today. Ethernet is best known for being able to control through internet from anywhere in the globe. The Ethernet interface with built-in on-chip embedded servers ensures global connections for crate-less model of control and data acquisition systems which have several advantages over traditional crate-based control architectures for slow applications. This architecture will completely eliminate the use of any extra PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) or similar control hardware in any automation network as the control functions are firmware coded inside intelligent meters itself. Here, we describe the indigenously built project of a cryogenic control system built for linear accelerator at Inter University Accelerator Centre, known as "CADS," which stands for "Complete Automation of Distribution System." CADS deals with complete hardware, firmware, and software implementation of the automated linac cryogenic distribution system using many Ethernet based embedded cryogenic instruments developed in-house. Each instrument works as an intelligent meter called device-server which has the control functions and control loops built inside the firmware itself. Dedicated meters with built-in servers were designed out of ARM (Acorn RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) Machine) and ATMEL processors and COTS (Commercially Off-the-Shelf) SMD (Surface Mount Devices) components, with analog sensor front-end and a digital back-end web server implementing remote procedure call over HTTP for digital control and readout functions. At present, 24 instruments which run 58 embedded servers inside, each specific to a particular type of sensor-actuator combination for closed loop operations, are now deployed and distributed across control LAN (Local Area Network). A group of six categories of such instruments have been identified for all cryogenic applications required for linac operation which were designed to build this medium-scale cryogenic automation setup. These devices have special features like remote rebooters, daughter boards for PIDs (Proportional Integral Derivative), etc., to operate them remotely in radiation areas and also have emergency switches by which each device can be taken to emergency mode temporarily. Finally, all the data are monitored, logged, controlled, and analyzed online at a central control room which has a user-friendly control interface developed using LabVIEW(®). This paper discusses the overall hardware, firmware, software design, and implementation for the cryogenics setup.

Optimizing Mouse Surgery with Online Rectal Temperature Monitoring and Preoperative Heat Supply. Effects on Post-Ischemic Acute Kidney Injury

PubMed Central

Holderied, Alexander; Anders, Hans-Joachim

2016-01-01

Body temperature affects outcomes of tissue injury. We hypothesized that online body core temperature recording and selective interventions help to standardize peri-interventional temperature control and the reliability of outcomes in experimental renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). We recorded core temperature in up to seven mice in parallel using a Thermes USB recorder and ret-3-iso rectal probes with three different protocols. Setup A: Heating pad during ischemia time; Setup B: Heating pad from incision to wound closure; Setup C: A ventilated heating chamber before surgery and during ischemia time with surgeries performed on a heating pad. Temperature profile recording displayed significant declines upon installing anesthesia. The profile of the baseline experimental setup A revealed that <1% of the temperature readings were within the target range of 36.5 to 38.5°C. Setup B and C increased the target range readings to 34.6 ± 28.0% and 99.3 ± 1.5%, respectively. Setup C significantly increased S3 tubular necrosis, neutrophil influx, and mRNA expression of kidney injury markers. In addition, using setup C different ischemia times generated a linear correlation with acute tubular necrosis parameters at a low variability, which further correlated with the degree of kidney atrophy 5 weeks after surgery. Changing temperature control setup A to C was equivalent to 10 minutes more ischemia time. We conclude that body temperature drops quickly in mice upon initiating anesthesia. Immediate heat supply, e.g. in a ventilated heating chamber, and online core temperature monitoring can help to standardize and optimize experimental outcomes. PMID:26890071

Gas diffusion electrode setup for catalyst testing in concentrated phosphoric acid at elevated temperatures

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

Wiberg, Gustav K. H., E-mail: gustav.wiberg@gmail.com, E-mail: m.arenz@chem.ku.dk; Fleige, Michael; Arenz, Matthias, E-mail: gustav.wiberg@gmail.com, E-mail: m.arenz@chem.ku.dk

2015-02-15

We present a detailed description of the construction and testing of an electrochemical cell setup allowing the investigation of a gas diffusion electrode containing carbon supported high surface area catalysts. The setup is designed for measurements in concentrated phosphoric acid at elevated temperature, i.e., very close to the actual conditions in high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). The cell consists of a stainless steel flow field and a PEEK plastic cell body comprising the electrochemical cell, which exhibits a three electrode configuration. The cell body and flow field are braced using a KF-25 vacuum flange clamp, which allowsmore » an easy assembly of the setup. As demonstrated, the setup can be used to investigate temperature dependent electrochemical processes on high surface area type electrocatalysts, but it also enables quick screening tests of HT-PEMFC catalysts under realistic conditions.« less

Design of experimental setup for supercritical CO2 jet under high ambient pressure conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Huaizhong; Li, Gensheng; He, Zhenguo; Wang, Haizhu; Zhang, Shikun

2016-12-01

With the commercial extraction of hydrocarbons in shale and tight reservoirs, efficient methods are needed to accelerate developing process. Supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) jet has been considered as a potential way due to its unique fluid properties. In this article, a new setup is designed for laboratory experiment to research the SC-CO2 jet's characteristics in different jet temperatures, pressures, standoff distances, ambient pressures, etc. The setup is composed of five modules, including SC-CO2 generation system, pure SC-CO2 jet system, abrasive SC-CO2 jet system, CO2 recovery system, and data acquisition system. Now, a series of rock perforating (or case cutting) experiments have been successfully conducted using the setup about pure and abrasive SC-CO2 jet, and the results have proven the great perforating efficiency of SC-CO2 jet and the applications of this setup.

Design of experimental setup for supercritical CO2 jet under high ambient pressure conditions.

PubMed

Shi, Huaizhong; Li, Gensheng; He, Zhenguo; Wang, Haizhu; Zhang, Shikun

2016-12-01

With the commercial extraction of hydrocarbons in shale and tight reservoirs, efficient methods are needed to accelerate developing process. Supercritical CO 2 (SC-CO 2 ) jet has been considered as a potential way due to its unique fluid properties. In this article, a new setup is designed for laboratory experiment to research the SC-CO 2 jet's characteristics in different jet temperatures, pressures, standoff distances, ambient pressures, etc. The setup is composed of five modules, including SC-CO 2 generation system, pure SC-CO 2 jet system, abrasive SC-CO 2 jet system, CO 2 recovery system, and data acquisition system. Now, a series of rock perforating (or case cutting) experiments have been successfully conducted using the setup about pure and abrasive SC-CO 2 jet, and the results have proven the great perforating efficiency of SC-CO 2 jet and the applications of this setup.

Advanced setup for high-pressure and low-temperature neutron diffraction at hydrostatic conditions

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

Lokshin, Konstantin A.; Zhao Yusheng

2005-06-15

We describe a design of the experimental setup for neutron diffraction studies at low temperatures and hydrostatic pressure. The significant benefit of the setup, compared to the previous methods, is that it makes possible the simultaneous collection of neutrons diffracted at the 30 deg. -150 deg. range with no contamination by the primary scattering from the sample surroundings and without cutting out the incident and diffracted beams. The suggested design is most useful for third-generation time-of-flight diffractometers and constant wavelength instruments. Application of the setup expands the capabilities of high-pressure neutron diffraction, allowing time-resolved kinetics and structural studies, multihistogram Rietveld,more » and pair distribution function and texture analyses. The high efficiency of the setup was proven for the HIPPO diffractometer at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center under pressures up to 10 kbar and temperatures from 4 to 300 K.« less

Gas diffusion electrode setup for catalyst testing in concentrated phosphoric acid at elevated temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiberg, Gustav K. H.; Fleige, Michael; Arenz, Matthias

2015-02-01

We present a detailed description of the construction and testing of an electrochemical cell setup allowing the investigation of a gas diffusion electrode containing carbon supported high surface area catalysts. The setup is designed for measurements in concentrated phosphoric acid at elevated temperature, i.e., very close to the actual conditions in high temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs). The cell consists of a stainless steel flow field and a PEEK plastic cell body comprising the electrochemical cell, which exhibits a three electrode configuration. The cell body and flow field are braced using a KF-25 vacuum flange clamp, which allows an easy assembly of the setup. As demonstrated, the setup can be used to investigate temperature dependent electrochemical processes on high surface area type electrocatalysts, but it also enables quick screening tests of HT-PEMFC catalysts under realistic conditions.

A versatile and reconfigurable setup for all-terahertz time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy.

PubMed

Elezzabi, A Y; Maraghechi, P

2012-05-01

A versatile optical setup for all-terahertz (THz) time resolved pump-probe spectroscopy was designed and tested. By utilizing a dual THz pulse generator emitter module, independent and synchronized THz radiation pump and probe pulses were produced, thus eliminating the need for THz beam splitters and the limitations associated with their implementation. The current THz setup allows for precise control of the electric fields splitting ratio between the THz radiation pump and probe pulses, as well as in-phase, out-of-phase, and polarization dependent pump-probe spectroscopy. Since the present THz pump-probe setup does not require specialized THz radiation optical components, such as phase shifters, polarization rotators, or wide bandwidth beam splitters, it can be easily implemented with minimal alterations to a conventional THz time domain spectroscopy system. The present setup is valuable for studying the time dynamics of THz coherent phenomena in solid-state, chemical, and biological systems.

SU-C-BRD-02: A Team Focused Clinical Implementation and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis of HDR Skin Brachytherapy Using Valencia and Leipzig Surface Applicators

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

Sayler, E; Harrison, A; Eldredge-Hindy, H

Purpose: and Leipzig applicators (VLAs) are single-channel brachytherapy surface applicators used to treat skin lesions up to 2cm diameter. Source dwell times can be calculated and entered manually after clinical set-up or ultrasound. This procedure differs dramatically from CT-based planning; the novelty and unfamiliarity could lead to severe errors. To build layers of safety and ensure quality, a multidisciplinary team created a protocol and applied Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to the clinical procedure for HDR VLA skin treatments. Methods: team including physicists, physicians, nurses, therapists, residents, and administration developed a clinical procedure for VLA treatment. The procedure wasmore » evaluated using FMEA. Failure modes were identified and scored by severity, occurrence, and detection. The clinical procedure was revised to address high-scoring process nodes. Results: Several key components were added to the clinical procedure to minimize risk probability numbers (RPN): -Treatments are reviewed at weekly QA rounds, where physicians discuss diagnosis, prescription, applicator selection, and set-up. Peer review reduces the likelihood of an inappropriate treatment regime. -A template for HDR skin treatments was established in the clinical EMR system to standardize treatment instructions. This reduces the chances of miscommunication between the physician and planning physicist, and increases the detectability of an error during the physics second check. -A screen check was implemented during the second check to increase detectability of an error. -To reduce error probability, the treatment plan worksheet was designed to display plan parameters in a format visually similar to the treatment console display. This facilitates data entry and verification. -VLAs are color-coded and labeled to match the EMR prescriptions, which simplifies in-room selection and verification. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary planning and FMEA increased delectability and reduced error probability during VLA HDR Brachytherapy. This clinical model may be useful to institutions implementing similar procedures.« less

Computer Controlled Magnetotransport Setup for the Characterization of Semiconductor Thin Films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ducoudray, G. O.; Collazo, R.; Martinez, A.

1997-01-01

We have considered a computer controlled magnetotransport setup using LabWindows environment. It allows for measurements of resistivity, Hall resistance, carrier concentration and charge mobility in semiconductor thin films using a van der Pauw configuration. The setup features an electromagnet (B = 0.7 Tesla) a 80486-DX 33 computer with a National Instrument AT-MIO 16 AD/DA and a GPIB interface board. A Keithely 224 current source and a Keithley 196 digital voltmeter were also used in the setup. Plans for the addition of capabilities to allow for magnetic field sweeping and the performance of measurements as a function of temperature will be presented.

Measuring the Earth’s magnetic field dip angle using a smartphone-aided setup: a simple experiment for introductory physics laboratories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arabasi, Sameer; Al-Taani, Hussein

2017-03-01

Measurement of the Earth’s magnetic field dip angle is a widely used experiment in most introductory physics laboratories. In this paper we propose a smartphone-aided setup that takes advantage of the smartphone’s magnetometer sensor to measure the Earth’s magnetic field dip angle. This set-up will help students visualize the vector nature of the Earth’s magnetic field, especially high school and first year college students who are not quite experienced with vectors. This set-up is affordable and easy to use and could be easily produced by any high school or college physics instructor.

Qualified measurement setup of polarization extinction ratio for Panda PMF with LC/UPC connector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thongdaeng, Rutsuda; Worasucheep, Duang-rudee; Ngiwprom, Adisak

2018-03-01

Polarization Extinction Ratio (PER) is one of the key parameters for Polarization Maintaining Fiber (PMF) connector. Based on our previous studies, the bending radius of fiber greater than 1.5 cm will not affect the insertion loss of PMF [1]. Moreover, the measured PER of Panda PMF with LC/UPC connectors is more stable when that PMF is coiled around a hot rod with a minimum of 3-cm in diameter at 75°C temperature [2]. Hence, the hot rod with less constrained 6-cm in diameter at constant 75°C was selected for this PER measurement. Two PER setups were verified and compared for measuring LC/UPC PMF connectors. The Polarized Laser Source (PLS) at 1550 nm wavelength and PER meter from OZ Optics were used in both setups, in which the measured connector was connected to PLS at 0° angle while the other end was connected to PER meter. In order to qualify our setups, the percentage of Repeatability and Reproducibility (%R&R) were tested and calculated. In each setup, the PER measurement was repeated 3 trials by 3 appraisers using 10 LC/UPC PMF connectors (5 LC/UPC PMF patchcords with 3.5+/-0.5 meters in length) in random order. The 1st setup, PMF was coiled at a larger 20-cm diameter for 3 to 5 loops and left in room temperature during the test. The 2nd setup, PMF was coiled around a hot rod at constant 75°C with 6-cm diameter for 8 to 10 loops for at least 5 minutes before testing. There are 3 ranges of %R&R acceptation guide line: <10% is acceptable, between 10% - 30% is marginal, and <30% is unacceptable. According to our results, the %R&R of the 1st PER test setup was 16.2% as marginality, and the 2nd PER test setup was 8.9% as acceptance. Thus, providing the better repeatability and reproducibility, this 2nd PER test setup having PMF coiled around a hot rod at constant 75°C with 6-cm diameter was selected for our next study of the impact of hot temperature on PER in LC/UPC PMF connector.

Comparison of Fiber Optic and Conduit Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Setup for In-Line Fermentation Monitoring.

PubMed

Koch, Cosima; Posch, Andreas E; Herwig, Christoph; Lendl, Bernhard

2016-12-01

The performance of a fiber optic and an optical conduit in-line attenuated total reflection mid-infrared (IR) probe during in situ monitoring of Penicillium chrysogenum fermentation were compared. The fiber optic probe was connected to a sealed, portable, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) process spectrometer via a plug-and-play interface. The optical conduit, on the other hand, was connected to a FT-IR process spectrometer via a knuckled probe with mirrors that had to be adjusted prior to each fermentation, which were purged with dry air. Penicillin V (PenV) and its precursor phenoxyacetic acid (POX) concentrations were determined by online high-performance liquid chromatography and the obtained concentrations were used as reference to build partial least squares regression models. Cross-validated root-mean-square errors of prediction were found to be 0.2 g L -1 (POX) and 0.19 g L -1 (PenV) for the fiber optic setup and 0.17 g L -1 (both POX and PenV) for the conduit setup. Higher noise-levels and spectrum-to-spectrum variations of the fiber optic setup lead to higher noise of estimated (i.e., unknown) POX and PenV concentrations than was found for the conduit setup. It seems that trade-off has to be made between ease of handling (fiber optic setup) and measurement accuracy (optical conduit setup) when choosing one of these systems for bioprocess monitoring. © The Author(s) 2016.

Thai National Telescope beam simulator testbed development status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buisset, Christophe; Prasit, Apirat; Lépine, Thierry; Poshyachinda, Saran; Leckngam, A.

2016-07-01

The Thai National Telescope (TNT) is a Ritchey-Chretien Telescope with a clear aperture ΦM1 = 2.3 m, a focal ratio f/10 and a central obstruction Obsc = 0.3. The TNT is the main instrument of the Thai National Observatory (TNO) which is located near the summit of the Doi Inthanon, situated in the Chiang Mai Province of Thailand at altitude 2,457 meters. The median seeing on this site is approximately 0.9" and is remarkably stable on most nights, rarely exceeding 2". We decided to develop an optical setup to simulate in laboratory conditions the geometry of the TNT output beam. This, in order to carefully prepare and to improve the efficiency of the test to be performed in real conditions at the TNT focal plane level. We specified the setup to be representative of the TNT optical design, beam aperture, central obscuration, geometry of the spider, wavefront quality and PSF size under various seeing conditions. This setup comprises 2 identical Cassegrain telescopes mounted on dedicated supports with 5 degree-of-Freedom. The first application of this setup will be the preparation of the TNT optical alignment. The second application of this setup will be the development and the test of the future instruments for the TNT such as a focal reducer or a spectrograph. In this paper, we discuss the setup specifications we describe the setup optical and mechanical design and we present the performance.

SU-E-J-39: Dosimetric Benefit of Implanted Marker-Based CBCT Setup for Definitive Prostatic Radiotherapy

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

Zhen, H; Wu, Z; Bluemenfeld, P

Purpose Daily setup for definitive prostatic radiotherapy is challenged by suboptimal visibility of the prostate boundary and daily variation of rectum shape and position. For patients with improved bowel preparation, we conducted a dosimetric comparison between prostate implanted marker (IM)-based daily setup and anterior rectal wall (ARW)-based setup, with the hypothesis that the former leads to adequate target coverage with better rectal sparing. Methods Five IMRT/VMAT prostate cases with implanted markers were selected for analysis. Daily CBCT showed improvement of the rectal volume compared to planning CT. For each patient, the prostate and rectum were contoured on three CBCT imagesmore » (fraction 5/15/25) with subsequent physician review. The CBCTs were then registered to a planning CT using IM-based registration. The deviation of ARW positions from planning CT to CBCT were analyzed at various sup-inf levels (−1.8 cm to 1.8 cm from level of prostate center). To estimate the potential dosimetric impact from ARW-based setup, the treatment plans were recalculated using A-P shifts ranging from −1mm to +6mm. Clinically important rectum DVH values including Dmax, D3cc and Dmean were computed. Results For the studied patients, we observed on average 32% rectum volume reduction from planning CT to CBCT. As a Results, the ARW on average shifts posteriorly by −1mm to +5mm, depending on the sup-inf level of observation, with larger shifts observed at more superior levels. Recalculation shows that when ARW shifts 1mm posteriorly, ARW-based CBCT setup leads to a 1.0%, 4.2%, and 3.2% increase in rectum Dmax, D3cc, and Dmean, respectively, compared to IM-based setup. The dosimetric deviations increase to 4.7%, 25.8% and 24.7% when ARW shifts 6mm posteriorly. No significant prostate-only dose difference was observed. Conclusion For patients with improved bowel preparation, IM-based CBCT setup leads to accurate prostate coverage along with significantly lower rectal dose, compared to ARW-based setup.« less

MO-FG-CAMPUS-JeP3-02: A Novel Setup Approach to Improve C-Spine Curvature Reproducibility for Head and Neck Radiotherapy Using Optical Surface Imaging with Two Regions of Interest

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

Ryan, K; Gil, M; Li, G

Purpose: To develop a novel approach to improve cervical spine (c-spine) curvature reproducibility for head and neck (HN) patients using optical surface imaging (OSI) with two regions of interests (ROIs). Methods: The OSI-guided, two-step setup procedure requires two ROIs: ROI-1 of the shoulders and ROI-2 of the face. The neck can be stretched or squeezed in superior-inferior (SI) direction using a specially-designed sliding head support. We hypothesize that when these two ROIs are aligned, the c-spine should fall into a naturally reproducible position under same setup conditions. An anthropomorphous phantom test was performed to examine neck pitch angles comparing withmore » the calculated angles. Three volunteers participated in the experiments, which start with conventional HN setup using skin markers and room lasers. An OSI image and lateral photo-picture were acquired as the references. In each of the three replicate tests, conventional setup was first applied after volunteers got on the couch. ROI-1 was aligned by moving the body, followed by ROI-2 alignment via adjusting head position and orientation under real-time OSI guidance. A final static OSI image and lateral picture were taken to evaluate both anterior and posterior surface alignments. Three degrees of freedom can be adjusted if an open-face mask was applied, including head SI shift using the sliding head support and pitch-and-roll rotations using a commercial couch extension. Surface alignment was analyzed comparing with conventional setup. Results: The neck pitch angle measured by OSI is consistent with the calculated (0.2±0.6°). Volunteer study illustrated improved c-spine setup reproducibility using OSI comparing with conventional setup. ROI alignments with 2mm/1° tolerance are achieved within 3 minutes. Identical knee support is important to achieve ROI-1 pitch alignment. Conclusion: The feasibility of this novel approach has been demonstrated for c-spine curvature setup reproducibility. Further evaluation is necessary with bony alignment variation in patient studies. This study is in part supported by the NIH (U54CA137788).« less

Initial clinical experience with a video-based patient positioning system.

PubMed

Johnson, L S; Milliken, B D; Hadley, S W; Pelizzari, C A; Haraf, D J; Chen, G T

1999-08-01

To report initial clinical experience with an interactive, video-based patient positioning system that is inexpensive, quick, accurate, and easy to use. System hardware includes two black-and-white CCD cameras, zoom lenses, and a PC equipped with a frame grabber. Custom software is used to acquire and archive video images, as well as to display real-time subtraction images revealing patient misalignment in multiple views. Two studies are described. In the first study, video is used to document the daily setup histories of 5 head and neck patients. Time-lapse cine loops are generated for each patient and used to diagnose and correct common setup errors. In the second study, 6 twice-daily (BID) head and neck patients are positioned according to the following protocol: at AM setups conventional treatment room lasers are used; at PM setups lasers are used initially and then video is used for 1-2 minutes to fine-tune the patient position. Lateral video images and lateral verification films are registered off-line to compare the distribution of setup errors per patient, with and without video assistance. In the first study, video images were used to determine the accuracy of our conventional head and neck setup technique, i.e., alignment of lightcast marks and surface anatomy to treatment room lasers and the light field. For this initial cohort of patients, errors ranged from sigma = 5 to 7 mm and were patient-specific. Time-lapse cine loops of the images revealed sources of the error, and as a result, our localization techniques and immobilization device were modified to improve setup accuracy. After the improvements, conventional setup errors were reduced to sigma = 3 to 5 mm. In the second study, when a stereo pair of live subtraction images were introduced to perform daily "on-line" setup correction, errors were reduced to sigma = 1 to 3 mm. Results depended on patient health and cooperation and the length of time spent fine-tuning the position. An interactive, video-based patient positioning system was shown to reduce setup errors to within 1 to 3 mm in head and neck patients, without a significant increase in overall treatment time or labor-intensive procedures. Unlike retrospective portal image analysis, use of two live-video images provides the therapists with immediate feedback and allows for true 3-D positioning and correction of out-of-plane rotation before radiation is delivered. With significant improvement in head and neck alignment and the elimination of setup errors greater than 3 to 5 mm, margins associated with treatment volumes potentially can be reduced, thereby decreasing normal tissue irradiation.

Huygens' inspired multi-pendulum setups: Experiments and stability analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoogeboom, F. N.; Pogromsky, A. Y.; Nijmeijer, H.

2016-11-01

This paper examines synchronization of a set of metronomes placed on a lightweight foam platform. Two configurations of the set of metronomes are considered: a row setup containing one-dimensional coupling and a cross setup containing two-dimensional coupling. Depending on the configuration and coupling between the metronomes, i.e., the platform parameters, in- and/or anti-phase synchronized behavior is observed in the experiments. To explain this behavior, mathematical models of a metronome and experimental setups have been derived and used in a local stability analysis. It is numerically and experimentally demonstrated that varying the coupling parameters for both configurations has a significant influence on the stability of the synchronized solutions.

Application of genetic algorithm in integrated setup planning and operation sequencing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kafashi, Sajad; Shakeri, Mohsen

2011-01-01

Process planning is an essential component for linking design and manufacturing process. Setup planning and operation sequencing is two main tasks in process planning. Many researches solved these two problems separately. Considering the fact that the two functions are complementary, it is necessary to integrate them more tightly so that performance of a manufacturing system can be improved economically and competitively. This paper present a generative system and genetic algorithm (GA) approach to process plan the given part. The proposed approach and optimization methodology analyses the TAD (tool approach direction), tolerance relation between features and feature precedence relations to generate all possible setups and operations using workshop resource database. Based on these technological constraints the GA algorithm approach, which adopts the feature-based representation, optimizes the setup plan and sequence of operations using cost indices. Case study show that the developed system can generate satisfactory results in optimizing the setup planning and operation sequencing simultaneously in feasible condition.

Grouping in decomposition method for multi-item capacitated lot-sizing problem with immediate lost sales and joint and item-dependent setup cost

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narenji, M.; Fatemi Ghomi, S. M. T.; Nooraie, S. V. R.

2011-03-01

This article examines a dynamic and discrete multi-item capacitated lot-sizing problem in a completely deterministic production or procurement environment with limited production/procurement capacity where lost sales (the loss of customer demand) are permitted. There is no inventory space capacity and the production activity incurs a fixed charge linear cost function. Similarly, the inventory holding cost and the cost of lost demand are both associated with a linear no-fixed charge function. For the sake of simplicity, a unit of each item is assumed to consume one unit of production/procurement capacity. We analyse a different version of setup costs incurred by a production or procurement activity in a given period of the planning horizon. In this version, called the joint and item-dependent setup cost, an additional item-dependent setup cost is incurred separately for each produced or ordered item on top of the joint setup cost.

Comparison of Different Ion Mobility Setups Using Poly (Ethylene Oxide) PEO Polymers: Drift Tube, TIMS, and T-Wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haler, Jean R. N.; Massonnet, Philippe; Chirot, Fabien; Kune, Christopher; Comby-Zerbino, Clothilde; Jordens, Jan; Honing, Maarten; Mengerink, Ynze; Far, Johann; Dugourd, Philippe; De Pauw, Edwin

2018-01-01

Over the years, polymer analyses using ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) measurements have been performed on different ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) setups. In order to be able to compare literature data taken on different IM(-MS) instruments, ion heating and ion temperature evaluations have already been explored. Nevertheless, extrapolations to other analytes are difficult and thus straightforward same-sample instrument comparisons seem to be the only reliable way to make sure that the different IM(-MS) setups do not greatly change the gas-phase behavior. We used a large range of degrees of polymerization (DP) of poly(ethylene oxide) PEO homopolymers to measure IMS drift times on three different IM-MS setups: a homemade drift tube (DT), a trapped (TIMS), and a traveling wave (T-Wave) IMS setup. The drift time evolutions were followed for increasing polymer DPs (masses) and charge states, and they are found to be comparable and reproducible on the three instruments. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Quantum games with a multi-slit electron diffraction set-up

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iqbal, A.

2003-05-01

A set-up is proposed to play a quantum version of the famous bimatrix game of Prisoners' Dilemma. Multi-slit electron diffraction with each player's pure strategy consisting of opening one of the two slits at his/her disposal are essential features of the set-up. Instead of entanglement the association of waves with travelling material objects is suggested as another resource to play quantum games.

Color structured light system of chest wall motion measurement for respiratory volume evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Huijun; Cheng, Yuan; Liu, Dongdong; Zhang, Xiaodong; Zhang, Jue; Que, Chengli; Wang, Guangfa; Fang, Jing

2010-03-01

We present a structured light system to dynamically measure human chest wall motion for respiratory volume estimation. Based on a projection of an encoded color pattern and a few active markers attached to the trunk, respiratory volumes are obtained by evaluating the 3-D topographic changes of the chest wall in an anatomically consistent measuring region during respiration. Three measuring setups are established: a single-sided illuminating-recording setup for standing posture, an inclined single-sided setup for supine posture, and a double-sided setup for standing posture. Results are compared with the pneumotachography and show good agreement in volume estimations [correlation coefficient: R>0.99 (P<0.001) for all setups]. The isovolume tests present small variations of the obtained volume during the isovolume maneuver (standard deviation<0.085 L for all setups). After validation by the isovolume test, an investigation of a patient with pleural effusion using the proposed method shows pulmonary functional differences between the diseased and the contralateral sides of the thorax, and subsequent improvement of this imbalance after drainage. These results demonstrate the proposed optical method is capable of not only whole respiratory volume evaluation with high accuracy, but also regional pulmonary function assessment in different chest wall behaviors, with the advantage of whole-field measurement.

Applying a subtraction technique to minimize cochlear implant artifact with soundfield and direct audio input stimulations.

PubMed

Atcherson, Samuel R; Damji, Zohra; Upson, Steve

2011-11-01

We explored the feasibility of a subtraction technique described by Friesen and Picton to remove the cochlear implant (CI) artifact to long duration stimuli in the soundfield and using direct input all through the participant's preferred MAP. Friesen and Picton previously explored this technique by recording cortical potentials in four CI users with 1000 pulse per second (pps) stimuli, bypassing the speech processor. Cortical auditory evoked potentials (N1-P2) to 1000 Hz tones were recorded from a post-lingually deafened adult with three different stimulus presentation setups: soundfield to processor T-mic (SF), soundfield to lapel mic (SF-LM), and direct input (DI). Stimuli were presented at 65 dB SPL(A). The SF setup required stabilizing the head to minimize changes in magnitude for the CI artifact. The SF-LM and DI setups did not require head stabilization, but were evaluated as alternatives to the SF setup. Clear N1-P2 responses were obtained with comparable waveform morphologies, amplitudes, and latencies despite some differences in the magnitude of the CI artifact for the different stimulus presentation setups. The results of this study demonstrate that subtraction technique is feasible for recording N1-P2 responses in CI users, though further studies are needed for the three stimulation setups.

Uncertainty quantification in operational modal analysis with stochastic subspace identification: Validation and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reynders, Edwin; Maes, Kristof; Lombaert, Geert; De Roeck, Guido

2016-01-01

Identified modal characteristics are often used as a basis for the calibration and validation of dynamic structural models, for structural control, for structural health monitoring, etc. It is therefore important to know their accuracy. In this article, a method for estimating the (co)variance of modal characteristics that are identified with the stochastic subspace identification method is validated for two civil engineering structures. The first structure is a damaged prestressed concrete bridge for which acceleration and dynamic strain data were measured in 36 different setups. The second structure is a mid-rise building for which acceleration data were measured in 10 different setups. There is a good quantitative agreement between the predicted levels of uncertainty and the observed variability of the eigenfrequencies and damping ratios between the different setups. The method can therefore be used with confidence for quantifying the uncertainty of the identified modal characteristics, also when some or all of them are estimated from a single batch of vibration data. Furthermore, the method is seen to yield valuable insight in the variability of the estimation accuracy from mode to mode and from setup to setup: the more informative a setup is regarding an estimated modal characteristic, the smaller is the estimated variance.

Accurate setup of paraspinal patients using a noninvasive patient immobilization cradle and portal imaging.

PubMed

Lovelock, D Michael; Hua, Chiaho; Wang, Ping; Hunt, Margie; Fournier-Bidoz, Nathalie; Yenice, Kamil; Toner, Sean; Lutz, Wendell; Amols, Howard; Bilsky, Mark; Fuks, Zvi; Yamada, Yoshiya

2005-08-01

Because of the proximity of the spinal cord, effective radiotherapy of paraspinal tumors to high doses requires highly conformal dose distributions, accurate patient setup, setup verification, and patient immobilization. An immobilization cradle has been designed to facilitate the rapid setup and radiation treatment of patients with paraspinal disease. For all treatments, patients were set up to within 2.5 mm of the design using an amorphous silicon portal imager. Setup reproducibility of the target using the cradle and associated clinical procedures was assessed by measuring the setup error prior to any correction. From 350 anterior/posterior images, and 303 lateral images, the standard deviations, as determined by the imaging procedure, were 1.3 m, 1.6 m, and 2.1 in the ant/post, right/left, and superior/inferior directions. Immobilization was assessed by measuring patient shifts between localization images taken before and after treatment. From 67 ant/post image pairs and 49 lateral image pairs, the standard deviations were found to be less than 1 mm in all directions. Careful patient positioning and immobilization has enabled us to develop a successful clinical program of high dose, conformal radiotherapy of paraspinal disease using a conventional Linac equipped with dynamic multileaf collimation and an amorphous silicon portal imager.

The virtual slice setup.

PubMed

Lytton, William W; Neymotin, Samuel A; Hines, Michael L

2008-06-30

In an effort to design a simulation environment that is more similar to that of neurophysiology, we introduce a virtual slice setup in the NEURON simulator. The virtual slice setup runs continuously and permits parameter changes, including changes to synaptic weights and time course and to intrinsic cell properties. The virtual slice setup permits shocks to be applied at chosen locations and activity to be sampled intra- or extracellularly from chosen locations. By default, a summed population display is shown during a run to indicate the level of activity and no states are saved. Simulations can run for hours of model time, therefore it is not practical to save all of the state variables. These, in any case, are primarily of interest at discrete times when experiments are being run: the simulation can be stopped momentarily at such times to save activity patterns. The virtual slice setup maintains an automated notebook showing shocks and parameter changes as well as user comments. We demonstrate how interaction with a continuously running simulation encourages experimental prototyping and can suggest additional dynamical features such as ligand wash-in and wash-out-alternatives to typical instantaneous parameter change. The virtual slice setup currently uses event-driven cells and runs at approximately 2 min/h on a laptop.

Helical tomotherapy setup variations in canine nasal tumor patients immobilized with a bite block.

PubMed

Kubicek, Lyndsay N; Seo, Songwon; Chappell, Richard J; Jeraj, Robert; Forrest, Lisa J

2012-01-01

The purpose of our study was to compare setup variation in four degrees of freedom (vertical, longitudinal, lateral, and roll) between canine nasal tumor patients immobilized with a mattress and bite block, versus a mattress alone. Our secondary aim was to define a clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) expansion margin based on our mean systematic error values associated with nasal tumor patients immobilized by a mattress and bite block. We evaluated six parameters for setup corrections: systematic error, random error, patient-patient variation in systematic errors, the magnitude of patient-specific random errors (root mean square [RMS]), distance error, and the variation of setup corrections from zero shift. The variations in all parameters were statistically smaller in the group immobilized by a mattress and bite block. The mean setup corrections in the mattress and bite block group ranged from 0.91 mm to 1.59 mm for the translational errors and 0.5°. Although most veterinary radiation facilities do not have access to Image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT), we identified a need for more rigid fixation, established the value of adding IGRT to veterinary radiation therapy, and define the CTV-PTV setup error margin for canine nasal tumor patients immobilized in a mattress and bite block. © 2012 Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.

Evaluation of a head-repositioner and Z-plate system for improved accuracy of dose delivery.

PubMed

Charney, Sarah C; Lutz, Wendell R; Klein, Mary K; Jones, Pamela D

2009-01-01

Radiation therapy requires accurate dose delivery to targets often identifiable only on computed tomography (CT) images. Translation between the isocenter localized on CT and laser setup for radiation treatment, and interfractional head repositioning are frequent sources of positioning error. The objective was to design a simple, accurate apparatus to eliminate these sources of error. System accuracy was confirmed with phantom and in vivo measurements. A head repositioner that fixates the maxilla via dental mold with fiducial marker Z-plates attached was fabricated to facilitate the connection between the isocenter on CT and laser treatment setup. A phantom study targeting steel balls randomly located within the head repositioner was performed. The center of each ball was marked on a transverse CT slice on which six points of the Z-plate were also visible. Based on the relative position of the six Z-plate points and the ball center, the laser setup position on each Z-plate and a top plate was calculated. Based on these setup marks, orthogonal port films, directed toward each target, were evaluated for accuracy without regard to visual setup. A similar procedure was followed to confirm accuracy of in vivo treatment setups in four dogs using implanted gold seeds. Sequential port films of three dogs were made to confirm interfractional accuracy. Phantom and in vivo measurements confirmed accuracy of 2 mm between isocenter on CT and the center of the treatment dose distribution. Port films confirmed similar accuracy for interfractional treatments. The system reliably connects CT target localization to accurate initial and interfractional radiation treatment setup.

SU-F-T-642: Sub Millimeter Accurate Setup of More Than Three Vertebrae in Spinal SBRT with 6D Couch

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

Wang, X; Zhao, Z; Yang, J

Purpose: To assess the initial setup accuracy in treating more than 3 vertebral body levels in spinal SBRT using a 6D couch. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed last 20 spinal SBRT patients (4 cervical, 9 thoracic, 7 lumbar/sacrum) treated in our clinic. These patients in customized immobilization device were treated in 1 or 3 fractions. Initial setup used ExacTrac and Brainlab 6D couch to align target within 1 mm and 1 degree, following by a cone beam CT (CBCT) for verification. Our current standard practice allows treating a maximum of three continuous vertebrae. Here we assess the possibility to achieve submore » millimeter setup accuracy for more than three vertebrae by examining the residual error in every slice of CBCT. The CBCT had a range of 17.5 cm, which covered 5 to 9 continuous vertebrae depending on the patient and target location. In the study, CBCT from the 1st fraction treatment was rigidly registered with the planning CT in Pinnacle. The residual setup error of a vertebra was determined by expanding the vertebra contour on the planning CT to be large enough to enclose the corresponding vertebra on CBCT. The margin of the expansion was considered as setup error. Results: Out of the 20 patients analyzed, initial setup accuracy can be achieved within 1 mm for a span of 5 or more vertebrae starting from T2 vertebra to inferior vertebra levels. 2 cervical and 2 upper thoracic patients showed the cervical spine was difficult to achieve sub millimeter accuracy for multi levels without a customized immobilization headrest. Conclusion: If the curvature of spinal columns can be reproduced in customized immobilization device during treatment as simulation, multiple continuous vertebrae can be setup within 1 mm with the use of a 6D couch.« less

Analysis of Prostate Patient Setup and Tracking Data: Potential Intervention Strategies

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

Su Zhong, E-mail: zsu@floridaproton.org; Zhang Lisha; Murphy, Martin

Purpose: To evaluate the setup, interfraction, and intrafraction organ motion error distributions and simulate intrafraction intervention strategies for prostate radiotherapy. Methods and Materials: A total of 17 patients underwent treatment setup and were monitored using the Calypso system during radiotherapy. On average, the prostate tracking measurements were performed for 8 min/fraction for 28 fractions for each patient. For both patient couch shift data and intrafraction organ motion data, the systematic and random errors were obtained from the patient population. The planning target volume margins were calculated using the van Herk formula. Two intervention strategies were simulated using the tracking data:more » the deviation threshold and period. The related planning target volume margins, time costs, and prostate position 'fluctuation' were presented. Results: The required treatment margin for the left-right, superoinferior, and anteroposterior axes was 8.4, 10.8, and 14.7 mm for skin mark-only setup and 1.3, 2.3, and 2.8 mm using the on-line setup correction, respectively. Prostate motion significantly correlated among the superoinferior and anteroposterior directions. Of the 17 patients, 14 had prostate motion within 5 mm of the initial setup position for {>=}91.6% of the total tracking time. The treatment margin decreased to 1.1, 1.8, and 2.3 mm with a 3-mm threshold correction and to 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm with an every-2-min correction in the left-right, superoinferior, and anteroposterior directions, respectively. The periodic corrections significantly increase the treatment time and increased the number of instances when the setup correction was made during transient excursions. Conclusions: The residual systematic and random error due to intrafraction prostate motion is small after on-line setup correction. Threshold-based and time-based intervention strategies both reduced the planning target volume margins. The time-based strategies increased the treatment time and the in-fraction position fluctuation.« less

Performance of velocity vector estimation using an improved dynamic beamforming setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munk, Peter; Jensen, Joergen A.

2001-05-01

Estimation of velocity vectors using transverse spatial modulation has previously been presented. Initially, the velocity estimation was improved using an approximated dynamic beamformer setup instead of a static combined with a new velocity estimation scheme. A new beamformer setup for dynamic control of the acoustic field, based on the Pulsed Plane Wave Decomposition (PPWD), is presented. The PPWD gives an unambiguous relation between a given acoustic field and the time functions needed on an array transducer for transmission. Applying this method for the receive beamformation results in a setup of the beamformer with different filters for each channel for each estimation depth. The method of the PPWD is illustrated by analytical expressions of the decomposed acoustic field and these results are used for simulation. Results of velocity estimates using the new setup are given on the basis of simulated and experimental data. The simulation setup is an attempt to approximate the situation present when performing a scanning of the carotid artery with a linear array. Measurement of the flow perpendicular to the emission direction is possible using the approach of transverse spatial modulation. This is most often the case in a scanning of the carotid artery, where the situation is handled by an angled Doppler setup in the present ultrasound scanners. The modulation period of 2 mm is controlled for a range of 20-40 mm which covers the typical range of the carotid artery. A 6 MHz array on a 128-channel system is simulated. The flow setup in the simulation is based on a vessel with a parabolic flow profile for a 60 and 90-degree flow angle. The experimental results are based on the backscattered signal from a sponge mounted in a stepping device. The bias and std. Dev. Of the velocity estimate are calculated for four different flow angles (50,60,75 and 90 degrees). The velocity vector is calculated using the improved 2D estimation approach at a range of depths.

Pupil light reflex evoked by light-emitting diode and computer screen: Methodology and association with need for recovery in daily life.

PubMed

Wang, Yang; Zekveld, Adriana A; Wendt, Dorothea; Lunner, Thomas; Naylor, Graham; Kramer, Sophia E

2018-01-01

Pupil light reflex (PLR) has been widely used as a method for evaluating parasympathetic activity. The first aim of the present study is to develop a PLR measurement using a computer screen set-up and compare its results with the PLR generated by a more conventional setup using light-emitting diode (LED). The parasympathetic nervous system, which is known to control the 'rest and digest' response of the human body, is considered to be associated with daily life fatigue. However, only few studies have attempted to test the relationship between self-reported daily fatigue and physiological measurement of the parasympathetic nervous system. Therefore, the second aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between daily-life fatigue, assessed using the Need for Recovery scale, and parasympathetic activity, as indicated by the PLR parameters. A pilot study was conducted first to develop a PLR measurement set-up using a computer screen. PLRs evoked by light stimuli with different characteristics were recorded to confirm the influence of light intensity, flash duration, and color on the PLRs evoked by the system. In the subsequent experimental study, we recorded the PLR of 25 adult participants to light flashes generated by the screen set-up as well as by a conventional LED set-up. PLR parameters relating to parasympathetic and sympathetic activity were calculated from the pupil responses. We tested the split-half reliability across two consecutive blocks of trials, and the relationships between the parameters of PLRs evoked by the two set-ups. Participants rated their need for recovery prior to the PLR recordings. PLR parameters acquired in the screen and LED set-ups showed good reliability for amplitude related parameters. The PLRs evoked by both set-ups were consistent, but showed systematic differences in absolute values of all parameters. Additionally, higher need for recovery was associated with faster and larger constriction of the PLR. This study assessed the PLR generated by a computer screen and the PLR generated by a LED. The good reliability within set-ups and the consistency between the PLRs evoked by the set-ups indicate that both systems provides a valid way to evoke the PLR. A higher need for recovery was associated with faster and larger constricting PLRs, suggesting increased levels of parasympathetic nervous system activity in people experiencing higher levels of need for recovery on a daily basis.

3D-printed tracheoesophageal puncture and prosthesis placement simulator.

PubMed

Barber, Samuel R; Kozin, Elliott D; Naunheim, Matthew R; Sethi, Rosh; Remenschneider, Aaron K; Deschler, Daniel G

A tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) allows for speech after total laryngectomy. However, TEP placement is technically challenging, requiring a coordinated series of steps. Surgical simulators improve technical skills and reduce operative time. We hypothesize that a reusable 3-dimensional (3D)-printed TEP simulator will facilitate comprehension and rehearsal prior to actual procedures. The simulator was designed using Fusion360 (Autodesk, San Rafael, CA). Components were 3D-printed in-house using an Ultimaker 2+ (Ultimaker, Netherlands). Squid simulated the common tracheoesophageal wall. A Blom-Singer TEP (InHealth Technologies, Carpinteria, CA) replicated placement. Subjects watched an instructional video and completed pre- and post-simulation surveys. The simulator comprised 3D-printed parts: the esophageal lumen and superficial stoma. Squid was placed between components. Ten trainees participated. Significant differences existed between junior and senior residents with surveys regarding anatomy knowledge(p<0.05), technical details(p<0.01), and equipment setup(p<0.01). Subjects agreed that simulation felt accurate, and rehearsal raised confidence in future procedures. A 3D-printed TEP simulator is feasible for surgical training. Simulation involving multiple steps may accelerate technical skills and improve education. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulation of Posterior Alpha Activity by Spatial Attention Allows for Controlling A Continuous Brain-Computer Interface.

PubMed

Horschig, Jörn M; Oosterheert, Wouter; Oostenveld, Robert; Jensen, Ole

2015-11-01

Here we report that the modulation of alpha activity by covert attention can be used as a control signal in an online brain-computer interface, that it is reliable, and that it is robust. Subjects were instructed to orient covert visual attention to the left or right hemifield. We decoded the direction of attention from the magnetoencephalogram by a template matching classifier and provided the classification outcome to the subject in real-time using a novel graphical user interface. Training data for the templates were obtained from a Posner-cueing task conducted just before the BCI task. Eleven subjects participated in four sessions each. Eight of the subjects achieved classification rates significantly above chance level. Subjects were able to significantly increase their performance from the first to the second session. Individual patterns of posterior alpha power remained stable throughout the four sessions and did not change with increased performance. We conclude that posterior alpha power can successfully be used as a control signal in brain-computer interfaces. We also discuss several ideas for further improving the setup and propose future research based on solid hypotheses about behavioral consequences of modulating neuronal oscillations by brain computer interfacing.

Design and Analysis of an Experimental Setup for Determining the Burst Strength and Material Properties of Hollow Cylinders

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-12-01

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA THESIS Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited DESIGN AND ANALYSIS...2. REPORT DATE December 2015 3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED Master’s Thesis 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF AN EXPERIMENTAL SETUP...Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF AN EXPERIMENTAL SETUP FOR DETERMINING THE BURST STRENGTH AND MATERIAL

Design, development, and demonstration of a fully LabVIEW controlled in situ electrochemical Fourier transform infrared setup combined with a wall-jet electrode to investigate the electrochemical interface of nanoparticulate electrocatalysts under reaction conditions.

PubMed

Nesselberger, Markus; Ashton, Sean J; Wiberg, Gustav K H; Arenz, Matthias

2013-07-01

We present a detailed description of the construction of an in situ electrochemical ATR-FTIR setup combined with a wall-jet electrode to investigate the electrocatalytic properties of nanoparticulate catalysts in situ under controlled mass transport conditions. The presented setup allows the electrochemical interface to be probed in combination with the simultaneous determination of reaction rates. At the same time, the high level of automation allows it to be used as a standard tool in electrocatalysis research. The performance of the setup was demonstrated by probing the oxygen reduction reaction on a platinum black catalyst in sulfuric electrolyte.

Setup for irradiation and characterization of materials and Si particle detectors at cryogenic temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Väyrynen, S.; Pusa, P.; Sane, P.; Tikkanen, P.; Räisänen, J.; Kuitunen, K.; Tuomisto, F.; Härkönen, J.; Kassamakov, I.; Tuominen, E.; Tuovinen, E.

2007-03-01

A novel facility for proton irradiation with sample cryocooling has been developed at the Accelerator Laboratory of Helsinki University (equipped with a 5 MV tandem accelerator). The setup enables unique experiments to be carried out within the temperature range of 10-300 K. The setup has been constructed for "on-line" studies of vacancies with positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) including the option for optical ionization of the vacancies, and for current-voltage ( IV) measurements of irradiated silicon particle detectors. The setup is described in detail and typical performance characteristics are provided. The facility functionality was tested by performing PAS experiments with high-resistivity silicon and by IV measurements for two types of irradiated silicon particle detectors.

Dosimetric impact of daily setup variations during treatment of canine nasal tumors using intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

PubMed

Deveau, Michael A; Gutiérrez, Alonso N; Mackie, Thomas R; Tomé, Wolfgang A; Forrest, Lisa J

2010-01-01

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can be employed to yield precise dose distributions that tightly conform to targets and reduce high doses to normal structures by generating steep dose gradients. Because of these sharp gradients, daily setup variations may have an adverse effect on clinical outcome such that an adjacent normal structure may be overdosed and/or the target may be underdosed. This study provides a detailed analysis of the impact of daily setup variations on optimized IMRT canine nasal tumor treatment plans when variations are not accounted for due to the lack of image guidance. Setup histories of ten patients with nasal tumors previously treated using helical tomotherapy were replanned retrospectively to study the impact of daily setup variations on IMRT dose distributions. Daily setup shifts were applied to IMRT plans on a fraction-by-fraction basis. Using mattress immobilization and laser alignment, mean setup error magnitude in any single dimension was at least 2.5 mm (0-10.0 mm). With inclusions of all three translational coordinates, mean composite offset vector was 5.9 +/- 3.3 mm. Due to variations, a loss of equivalent uniform dose for target volumes of up to 5.6% was noted which corresponded to a potential loss in tumor control probability of 39.5%. Overdosing of eyes and brain was noted by increases in mean normalized total dose and highest normalized dose given to 2% of the volume. Findings suggest that successful implementation of canine nasal IMRT requires daily image guidance to ensure accurate delivery of precise IMRT distributions when non-rigid immobilization techniques are utilized. Unrecognized geographical misses may result in tumor recurrence and/or radiation toxicities to the eyes and brain.

DOSIMETRIC IMPACT OF DAILY SETUP VARIATIONS DURING TREATMENT OF CANINE NASAL TUMORS USING INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIATION THERAPY

PubMed Central

Deveau, Michael A.; Gutiérrez, Alonso N.; Mackie, Thomas R.; Tomé, Wolfgang A.; Forrest, Lisa J.

2009-01-01

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can be employed to yield precise dose distributions that tightly conform to targets and reduce high doses to normal structures by generating steep dose gradients. Because of these sharp gradients, daily setup variations may have an adverse effect on clinical outcome such that an adjacent normal structure may be overdosed and/or the target may be underdosed. This study provides a detailed analysis of the impact of daily setup variations on optimized IMRT canine nasal tumor treatment plans when variations are not accounted for due to the lack of image guidance. Setup histories of ten patients with nasal tumors previously treated using helical tomotherapy were replanned retrospectively to study the impact of daily setup variations on IMRT dose distributions. Daily setup shifts were applied to IMRT plans on a fraction-by-fraction basis. Using mattress immobilization and laser alignment, mean setup error magnitude in any single dimension was at least 2.5mm (0-10.0mm). With inclusions of all three translational coordinates, mean composite offset vector was 5.9±3.3mm. Due to variations, a loss of equivalent uniform dose (EUD) for target volumes of up to 5.6% was noted which corresponded to a potential loss in TCP of 39.5%. Overdosing of eyes and brain was noted by increases in mean normalized total dose (NTDmean) and highest normalized dose given to 2% of the volume (NTD2%). Findings suggest that successful implementation of canine nasal IMRT requires daily image guidance to ensure accurate delivery of precise IMRT distributions when non-rigid immobilization techniques are utilized. Unrecognized geographical misses may result in tumor recurrence and/or radiation toxicities to the eyes and brain. PMID:20166402

Patterns of intrafractional motion and uncertainties of treatment setup reference systems in accelerated partial breast irradiation for right- and left-sided breast cancer.

PubMed

Yue, Ning J; Goyal, Sharad; Kim, Leonard H; Khan, Atif; Haffty, Bruce G

2014-01-01

This study investigated the patterns of intrafractional motion and accuracy of treatment setup strategies in 3-dimensional conformal radiation therapy of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) for right- and left-sided breast cancers. Sixteen right-sided and 17 left-sided breast cancer patients were enrolled in an institutional APBI trial in which gold fiducial markers were strategically sutured to the surgical cavity walls. Daily pre- and postradiation therapy kV imaging were performed and were matched to digitally reconstructed radiographs based on bony anatomy and fiducial markers, respectively, to determine the intrafractional motion. The positioning differences of the laser-tattoo and the bony anatomy-based setups with respect to the marker-based setup (benchmark) were determined to evaluate their accuracy. Statistical differences were found between the right- and left-sided APBI treatments in vector directions of intrafractional motion and treatment setup errors in the reference systems, but less in their overall magnitudes. The directional difference was more pronounced in the lateral direction. It was found that the intrafractional motion and setup reference systems tended to deviate in the right direction for the right-sided breast treatments and in the left direction for the left-sided breast treatments. It appears that the fiducial markers placed in the seroma cavity exhibit side dependent directional intrafractional motion, although additional data may be needed to further validate the conclusion. The bony anatomy-based treatment setup improves the accuracy over laser-tattoo. But it is inadequate to rely on bony anatomy to assess intrafractional target motion in both magnitude and direction. Copyright © 2014 American Society for Radiation Oncology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A novel algorithm for detecting active propulsion in wheelchair users following spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Popp, Werner L; Brogioli, Michael; Leuenberger, Kaspar; Albisser, Urs; Frotzler, Angela; Curt, Armin; Gassert, Roger; Starkey, Michelle L

2016-03-01

Physical activity in wheelchair-bound individuals can be assessed by monitoring their mobility as this is one of the most intense upper extremity activities they perform. Current accelerometer-based approaches for describing wheelchair mobility do not distinguish between self- and attendant-propulsion and hence may overestimate total physical activity. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an inertial measurement unit based algorithm to monitor wheel kinematics and the type of wheelchair propulsion (self- or attendant-) within a "real-world" situation. Different sensor set-ups were investigated, ranging from a high precision set-up including four sensor modules with a relatively short measurement duration of 24 h, to a less precise set-up with only one module attached at the wheel exceeding one week of measurement because the gyroscope of the sensor was turned off. The "high-precision" algorithm distinguished self- and attendant-propulsion with accuracy greater than 93% whilst the long-term measurement set-up showed an accuracy of 82%. The estimation accuracy of kinematic parameters was greater than 97% for both set-ups. The possibility of having different sensor set-ups allows the use of the inertial measurement units as high precision tools for researchers as well as unobtrusive and simple tools for manual wheelchair users. Copyright © 2016 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Survival of occlusal ART restorations in primary molars placed in school environment and hospital dental setup-one year follow-up study.

PubMed

Roshan, Noor-Mohammed; Sakeenabi, Basha

2011-11-01

The objectives of this clinical study were to: evaluate the survival of occlusal atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) restorations, on a longitudinal basis, in the primary molars of children; and compare the success rate of ART restorations placed in school environment and in hospital dental setup. One dentist placed 120 ART restorations in 60 five- to seven year-olds who had bilateral matched pairs of carious primary molars. A split-mouth design was used to place restorations in school and in hospital dental setup, which were assigned randomly to contralateral sides. Restorations were evaluated after 6 and 12 months using the ART criteria. The survival rate of ART restorations placed in school environment was 82.2% at the 6-month assessment and 77.77% at the 12-month assessment. The success rates of ART restorations placed in hospital dental setup in the 2 assessments were 87.7% and 81.48%, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the ART restorations placed in school environment and hospital dental setup in both assessments (P > O.05). The main cause of failure was the loss of restoration. The one year success rate of occlusal ART restorations in primary molars was moderately successful. The ART technique's done in hospital dental setup was not proven to be better than restorations placed in school environment.

Development of a fatigue testing setup for dielectric elastomer membrane actuators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, M.; Rizzello, G.; Seelecke, S.

2017-04-01

Dielectric elastomers (DE's) represent a transduction technology with high potential in many fields, including industries, due to their low weight, flexibility, and small energy consumption. For industrial applications, it is of fundamental importance to quantify the lifetime of DE technology, in terms of electrical and mechanical fatigue, when operating in realistic environmental conditions. This work contributes toward this direction, by presenting the development of an experimental setup which permits systematic fatigue testing of DE membranes. The setup permits to apply both mechanical and electrical stimuli to several membranes simultaneously, while measuring at the same time their mechanical (force, deformation) and electrical response (capacitance, resistance). In its final state, the setup will allow to test up to 15 DE membranes at the same time for several thousands of cycles. Control of the modules, monitoring of the actuators, and data acquisition are realized on a cRio FPGA-system running with LabVIEW. The setup is located in a climate chamber, in order to investigate the fatigue mechanisms at different environmental conditions, i.e., in terms of temperature and humidity. The setup consists of two main parts, namely a fatigue group and a measurement group. The fatigue group stays permanently in the climate chamber, while the measurement group is assembled to the fatigue group and allows to perform measurements at 20°C.

An experimental setup for the simultaneous measurement of thermoelectric power of two samples from 77 K to 500 K.

PubMed

Tripathi, T S; Bala, M; Asokan, K

2014-08-01

We report on an experimental setup for the simultaneous measurement of the thermoelectric power (TEP) of two samples in the temperature range from 77 K to 500 K using optimum electronic instruments. The setup consists of two rectangular copper bars in a bridge arrangement for sample mounting, two surface mount (SM) chip resistors for creating alternate temperature gradient, and a type E thermocouple in differential geometry for gradient temperature (ΔT) measurement across the samples. In addition, a diode arrangement has been made for the alternate heating of SM resistors using only one DC current source. The measurement accuracy of ΔT increases with the differential thermocouple arrangement. For the calibration of the setup, measurements of TEP on a high purity (99.99%) platinum wire and type K thermocouple wires Chromel and Alumel have been performed from 77 K to 500 K with respect to copper lead wires. Additionally, this setup can be utilized to calibrate an unknown sample against a sample of known absolute TEP.

An experimental setup for the simultaneous measurement of thermoelectric power of two samples from 77 K to 500 K

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

Tripathi, T. S.; Bala, M.; Asokan, K.

2014-08-01

We report on an experimental setup for the simultaneous measurement of the thermoelectric power (TEP) of two samples in the temperature range from 77 K to 500 K using optimum electronic instruments. The setup consists of two rectangular copper bars in a bridge arrangement for sample mounting, two surface mount (SM) chip resistors for creating alternate temperature gradient, and a type E thermocouple in differential geometry for gradient temperature (ΔT) measurement across the samples. In addition, a diode arrangement has been made for the alternate heating of SM resistors using only one DC current source. The measurement accuracy of ΔTmore » increases with the differential thermocouple arrangement. For the calibration of the setup, measurements of TEP on a high purity (99.99%) platinum wire and type K thermocouple wires Chromel and Alumel have been performed from 77 K to 500 K with respect to copper lead wires. Additionally, this setup can be utilized to calibrate an unknown sample against a sample of known absolute TEP.« less

Analysis of aerobic granular sludge formation based on grey system theory.

PubMed

Zhang, Cuiya; Zhang, Hanmin

2013-04-01

Based on grey entropy analysis, the relational grade of operational parameters with aerobic granular sludge's granulation indicators was studied. The former consisted of settling time (ST), aeration time (AT), superficial gas velocity (SGV), height/diameter (H/D) ratio and organic loading rates (OLR), the latter included sludge volume index (SVI) and set-up time. The calculated result showed that for SVI and set-up time, the influence orders and the corresponding grey entropy relational grades (GERG) were: SGV (0.9935) > AT (0.9921) > OLR (0.9894) > ST (0.9876) > H/D (0.9857) and SGV (0.9928) > H/D (0.9914) > AT (0.9909) > OLR (0.9897) > ST (0.9878). The chosen parameters were all key impact factors as each GERG was larger than 0.98. SGV played an important role in improving SVI transformation and facilitating the set-up process. The influence of ST on SVI and set-up time was relatively low due to its dual functions. SVI transformation and rapid set-up demanded different optimal H/D ratio scopes (10-20 and 16-20). Meanwhile, different functions could be obtained through adjusting certain factors' scope.

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

Loehle, Stefan; Lein, Sebastian

A revised scientific instrument to measure simultaneously kinetic temperatures of different atoms from their optical emission profile is reported. Emission lines are simultaneously detected using one single scanning Fabry-Perot-interferometer (FPI) for a combined spectroscopic setup to acquire different emission lines simultaneously. The setup consists in a commercial Czerny-Turner spectrometer configuration which is combined with a scanning Fabry-Perot interferometer. The fast image acquisition mode of an intensified charge coupled device camera allows the detection of a wavelength interval of interest continuously while acquiring the highly resolved line during the scan of the FPI ramp. Results using this new setup are presentedmore » for the simultaneous detection of atomic nitrogen and oxygen in a high enthalpy air plasma flow as used for atmospheric re-entry research and their respective kinetic temperatures derived from the measured line profiles. The paper presents the experimental setup, the calibration procedure, and an exemplary result. The determined temperatures are different, a finding that has been published so far as due to a drawback of the experimental setup of sequential measurements, and which has now to be investigated in more detail.« less

Thermodynamics of information exchange between two coupled quantum dots

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kutvonen, Aki; Sagawa, Takahiro; Ala-Nissila, Tapio

2016-03-01

We propose a setup based on two coupled quantum dots where thermodynamics of a measurement can be quantitatively characterized. The information obtained in the measurement can be utilized by performing feedback in a manner apparently breaking the second law of thermodynamics. In this way the setup can be operated as a Maxwell's demon, where both the measurement and feedback are performed separately by controlling an external parameter. This is analogous to the case of the original Szilard engine. Since the setup contains both the microscopic demon and the engine itself, the operation of the whole measurement-feedback cycle can be explained in detail at the level of single realizations. In addition, we derive integral fluctuation relations for both the bare and coarse-grained entropy productions in the setup.

A multi-purpose reaction cell for the investigation of reactions under solvothermal conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heidenreich, N.; Rütt, U.; Köppen, M.; Inge, A. Ken; Beier, S.; Dippel, A.-C.; Suren, R.; Stock, N.

2017-10-01

A new versatile and easy-to-use remote-controlled reactor setup aimed at the analysis of chemical reactions under solvothermal conditions has been constructed. The reactor includes a heating system that can precisely control the temperature inside the reaction vessels in a range between ambient temperature and 180 °C. As reaction vessels, two sizes of commercially available borosilicate vessels (Vmax = 5 and 11 ml) can be used. The setup furthermore includes the option of stirring and injecting of up to two liquid additives or one solid during the reaction to initiate very fast reactions, quench reactions, or alter chemical parameters. In addition to a detailed description of the general setup and its functionality, three examples of studies conducted using this setup are presented.

The Development of an Optically Active Laser Schlieren System with Application to High Pressure Solid Propellant Combustion.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-01

mass diffusion in the immediate region 13 wmmmm mm/mmn*****^^1 «•PIII^ BPP of the combustion zone remain major points of disagreement for many...setup (S2-2f2a S3 = 2f3 ) virtual image I • (9/2 f3 - i/2f2 ) — Fig.12 Virtual image setup(S2 =0.5 f2 aS3 = 3f3) 38 h v. / V image f + obje

Optimizing and Evaluating an Integrated SPECT-CmT System Dedicated to Improved 3-D Breast Cancer Imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-05-01

mammography," (2008). 4. H. M. Warren-Forward and L. Duggan, "Towards in vivo TLD dosimetry in mammography," Br J Radiol 77, 426-432 (2004). 5. X. Wu, G...thermoluminescent detectors ( TLDs ) were used in the experiments but, after consultation with experts in the field of radiation dosimetry , it was decided...prohibitively expensive to use TLDs for the various study setups and that the dosimetry results from one setup could be extended to similar setups that

Super-resolution with an SLM and two intensity images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alcalá Ochoa, Noé; de León, Y. Ponce

2018-06-01

It is reported a method which may simplify the optical setups used to achieve super-resolution through the amplitude multiplication of two waves. For this end we decompose a super-resolving pupil into two complex masks and with the aid of a Spatial Light Modulator (LCoS) we obtain two intensity images that are subtracted. With this proposal, the traditional experimental optical setups are considerably simplified, with the additional benefit that different masks can be utilized without needing to perform the setup alignment each time.

Method and apparatus for checking the stability of a setup for making reflection type holograms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lackner, H. G. (Inventor)

1974-01-01

A method and apparatus are described for checking the stability of a setup for recording reflection-type (white light) holograms. Two sets of interference fringes are simultaneously obtained, one giving information about coherence and stability of the setup alone and the other demonstrating coherence of the entire system, including the holographic recording plate. Special emphasis is given to the stability of the plate, due to the fact that any minute vibration might severely degrade or completely destroy the recording.

Cone-Beam Computed Tomography–Guided Positioning of Laryngeal Cancer Patients with Large Interfraction Time Trends in Setup and Nonrigid Anatomy Variations

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

Gangsaas, Anne, E-mail: a.gangsaas@erasmusmc.nl; Astreinidou, Eleftheria; Quint, Sandra

2013-10-01

Purpose: To investigate interfraction setup variations of the primary tumor, elective nodes, and vertebrae in laryngeal cancer patients and to validate protocols for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided correction. Methods and Materials: For 30 patients, CBCT-measured displacements in fractionated treatments were used to investigate population setup errors and to simulate residual setup errors for the no action level (NAL) offline protocol, the extended NAL (eNAL) protocol, and daily CBCT acquisition with online analysis and repositioning. Results: Without corrections, 12 of 26 patients treated with radical radiation therapy would have experienced a gradual change (time trend) in primary tumor setup ≥4more » mm in the craniocaudal (CC) direction during the fractionated treatment (11/12 in caudal direction, maximum 11 mm). Due to these trends, correction of primary tumor displacements with NAL resulted in large residual CC errors (required margin 6.7 mm). With the weekly correction vector adjustments in eNAL, the trends could be largely compensated (CC margin 3.5 mm). Correlation between movements of the primary and nodal clinical target volumes (CTVs) in the CC direction was poor (r{sup 2}=0.15). Therefore, even with online setup corrections of the primary CTV, the required CC margin for the nodal CTV was as large as 6.8 mm. Also for the vertebrae, large time trends were observed for some patients. Because of poor CC correlation (r{sup 2}=0.19) between displacements of the primary CTV and the vertebrae, even with daily online repositioning of the vertebrae, the required CC margin around the primary CTV was 6.9 mm. Conclusions: Laryngeal cancer patients showed substantial interfraction setup variations, including large time trends, and poor CC correlation between primary tumor displacements and motion of the nodes and vertebrae (internal tumor motion). These trends and nonrigid anatomy variations have to be considered in the choice of setup verification protocol and planning target volume margins. eNAL could largely compensate time trends with minor prolongation of fraction time.« less

SU-F-T-383: Robustness for Patient Setup Error in Total Body Irradiation Using Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT)

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

Takahashi, Y; National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba; Tachibana, H

Purpose: Total body irradiation (TBI) and total marrow irradiation (TMI) using Tomotherapy have been reported. A gantry-based linear accelerator uses one isocenter during one rotational irradiation. Thus, 3–5 isocenter points should be used for a whole plan of TBI-VMAT during smoothing out the junctional dose distribution. IGRT provides accurate and precise patient setup for the multiple junctions, however it is evident that some setup errors should occur and affect accuracy of dose distribution in the area. In this study, we evaluated the robustness for patient’s setup error in VMAT-TBI. Methods: VMAT-TBI Planning was performed in an adult whole-body human phantommore » using Eclipse. Eight full arcs with four isocenter points using 6MV-X were used to cover the entire whole body. Dose distribution was optimized using two structures of patient’s body as PTV and lung. The two arcs were shared with one isocenter and the two arcs were 5 cm-overlapped with the other two arcs. Point absolute dose using ionization-chamber and planer relative dose distribution using film in the junctional regions were performed using water-equivalent slab phantom. In the measurements, several setup errors of (+5∼−5mm) were added. Results: The result of the chamber measurement shows the deviations were within ±3% when the setup errors were within ±3 mm. In the planer evaluation, the pass ratio of gamma evaluation (3%/2mm) shows more than 90% if the errors within ±3 mm. However, there were hot/cold areas in the edge of the junction even with acceptable gamma pass ratio. 5 mm setup error caused larger hot and cold areas and the dosimetric acceptable areas were decreased in the overlapped areas. Conclusion: It can be clinically acceptable for VMAT-TBI when patient setup error is within ±3mm. Averaging effects from patient random error would be helpful to blur the hot/cold area in the junction.« less

SU-E-J-44: A Novel Approach to Quantify Patient Setup and Target Motion for Real-Time Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT)

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

Li, S; Charpentier, P; Sayler, E

2015-06-15

Purpose Isocenter shifts and rotations to correct patient setup errors and organ motion cannot remedy some shape changes of large targets. We are investigating new methods in quantification of target deformation for realtime IGRT of breast and chest wall cancer. Methods Ninety-five patients of breast or chest wall cancer were accrued in an IRB-approved clinical trial of IGRT using 3D surface images acquired at daily setup and beam-on time via an in-room camera. Shifts and rotations relating to the planned reference surface were determined using iterative-closest-point alignment. Local surface displacements and target deformation are measured via a ray-surface intersection andmore » principal component analysis (PCA) of external surface, respectively. Isocenter shift, upper-abdominal displacement, and vectors of the surface projected onto the two principal components, PC1 and PC2, were evaluated for sensitivity and accuracy in detection of target deformation. Setup errors for some deformed targets were estimated by superlatively registering target volume, inner surface, or external surface in weekly CBCT or these outlines on weekly EPI. Results Setup difference according to the inner-surface, external surface, or target volume could be 1.5 cm. Video surface-guided setup agreed with EPI results to within < 0.5 cm while CBCT results were sometimes (∼20%) different from that of EPI (>0.5 cm) due to target deformation for some large breasts and some chest walls undergoing deep-breath-hold irradiation. Square root of PC1 and PC2 is very sensitive to external surface deformation and irregular breathing. Conclusion PCA of external surfaces is quick and simple way to detect target deformation in IGRT of breast and chest wall cancer. Setup corrections based on the target volume, inner surface, and external surface could be significant different. Thus, checking of target shape changes is essential for accurate image-guided patient setup and motion tracking of large deformable targets. NIH grant for the first author as cionsultant and the last author as the PI.« less

Couch height–based patient setup for abdominal radiation therapy

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

Ohira, Shingo; Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita; Ueda, Yoshihiro

2016-04-01

There are 2 methods commonly used for patient positioning in the anterior-posterior (A-P) direction: one is the skin mark patient setup method (SMPS) and the other is the couch height–based patient setup method (CHPS). This study compared the setup accuracy of these 2 methods for abdominal radiation therapy. The enrollment for this study comprised 23 patients with pancreatic cancer. For treatments (539 sessions), patients were set up by using isocenter skin marks and thereafter treatment couch was shifted so that the distance between the isocenter and the upper side of the treatment couch was equal to that indicated on themore » computed tomographic (CT) image. Setup deviation in the A-P direction for CHPS was measured by matching the spine of the digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) of a lateral beam at simulation with that of the corresponding time-integrated electronic portal image. For SMPS with no correction (SMPS/NC), setup deviation was calculated based on the couch-level difference between SMPS and CHPS. SMPS/NC was corrected using 2 off-line correction protocols: no action level (SMPS/NAL) and extended NAL (SMPS/eNAL) protocols. Margins to compensate for deviations were calculated using the Stroom formula. A-P deviation > 5 mm was observed in 17% of SMPS/NC, 4% of SMPS/NAL, and 4% of SMPS/eNAL sessions but only in one CHPS session. For SMPS/NC, 7 patients (30%) showed deviations at an increasing rate of > 0.1 mm/fraction, but for CHPS, no such trend was observed. The standard deviations (SDs) of systematic error (Σ) were 2.6, 1.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mm and the root mean squares of random error (σ) were 2.1, 2.6, 2.7, and 0.9 mm for SMPS/NC, SMPS/NAL, SMPS/eNAL, and CHPS, respectively. Margins to compensate for the deviations were wide for SMPS/NC (6.7 mm), smaller for SMPS/NAL (4.6 mm) and SMPS/eNAL (3.1 mm), and smallest for CHPS (2.2 mm). Achieving better setup with smaller margins, CHPS appears to be a reproducible method for abdominal patient setup.« less

SU-F-J-142: Proposed Method to Broaden Inclusion Potential of Patients Able to Use the Calypso Tracking System in Prostate Radiotherapy

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

Fiedler, D; Kuo, H; Bodner, W

2016-06-15

Purpose: To introduce a non-standard method of patient setup, using BellyBoard immobilization, to better utilize the localization and tracking potential of an RF-beacon system with EBRT for prostate cancer. Methods: An RF-beacon phantom was imaged using a wide bore CT scanner, both in a standard level position and with a known rotation (4° pitch and 7.5° yaw). A commercial treatment planning system (TPS) was used to determine positional coordinates of each beacon, and the centroid of the three beacons for both setups. For each setup at the Linac, kV AP and Rt Lateral images were obtained. A full characterization ofmore » the RF-beacon system in clinical mode was completed for various beacons’ array-to-centroid distances, which includes vertical, lateral, and longitudinal offset data, as well as pitch and yaw offset measurements for the tilted phantom. For the single patient who has been setup using the proposed BellyBoard method, a supine simulation was first obtained. When abdominal protrusion was found to be exceeding the limits of the RF-Beacon system through distance-based analysis in the TPS, the patient is re-simulated prone with the BellyBoard. Array to centroid distance is measured again in the TPS, and if found to be within the localization or tracking region it is applied. Results: Characterization of limitations for the RF-beacon system in clinical mode showed acceptable consistency of offset determination for phantom setup accuracy. The nonstandard patient setup method reduced the beacons’ centroid-to-array distance by 8.32cm, from 25.13cm to 16.81cm; completely out of tracking range (greater than 20cm) to within setup tracking range (less than 20cm). Conclusion: Using the RF-beacon system in combination with this novel patient setup can allow patients who would otherwise not be candidates for beacon enhanced EBRT to now be able to benefit from the reduced PTV margins of this treatment method.« less

Computer Series, 107.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Birk, James P., Ed.

1989-01-01

Presented is a simple laboratory set-up for teaching microprocessor-controlled data acquisition as a part of an instrumental analysis course. Discussed are the experimental set-up, experimental procedures, and technical considerations for this technique. (CW)

A Novel Experimental Setup to Investigate Magnetized Dusty Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romero-Talamas, C. A.; Larocque, P.; Alvarez, J.; Sardin, J.

2013-10-01

Progress on the design and construction of a novel experimental setup to investigate dusty plasmas at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is presented. The setup includes separation adjustability of discharge electrodes and their orientation with respect to gravity without breaking vacuum, and a pair of water-cooled coils to produce magnetic fields with strengths of up to several Tesla. The coils' orientation is also designed to be adjustable with respect to gravity. A pulse-forming network to power the coils with flattop times of several seconds is under design. The setup is mounted inside a large glass bell jar to provide wide optical access to the dusty plasmas, and to minimize interference of chamber walls and mounts with imposed electric or magnetic fields. Planned experiments include crystallization and wave propagation under strong magnetic fields.

A differential dielectric spectroscopy setup to measure the electric dipole moment and net charge of colloidal quantum dots.

PubMed

Kortschot, R J; Bakelaar, I A; Erné, B H; Kuipers, B W M

2014-03-01

A sensitive dielectric spectroscopy setup is built to measure the response of nanoparticles dispersed in a liquid to an alternating electric field over a frequency range from 10(-2) to 10(7) Hz. The measured complex permittivity spectrum records both the rotational dynamics due to a permanent electric dipole moment and the translational dynamics due to net charges. The setup consists of a half-transparent capacitor connected in a bridge circuit, which is balanced on pure solvent only, using a software-controlled compensating voltage. In this way, the measured signal is dominated by the contributions of the nanoparticles rather than by the solvent. We demonstrate the performance of the setup with measurements on a dispersion of colloidal CdSe quantum dots in the apolar liquid decalin.

Comparison of 2c- and 3cLIF droplet temperature imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Palmer, Johannes; Reddemann, Manuel A.; Kirsch, Valeri; Kneer, Reinhold

2018-06-01

This work presents "pulsed 2D-3cLIF-EET" as a measurement setup for micro-droplet internal temperature imaging. The setup relies on a third color channel that allows correcting spatially changing energy transfer rates between the two applied fluorescent dyes. First measurement results are compared with results of two slightly different versions of the recent "pulsed 2D-2cLIF-EET" method. Results reveal a higher temperature measurement accuracy of the recent 2cLIF setup. Average droplet temperature is determined by the 2cLIF setup with an uncertainty of less than 1 K and a spatial deviation of about 3.7 K. The new 3cLIF approach would become competitive, if the existing droplet size dependency is anticipated by an additional calibration and if the processing algorithm includes spatial measurement errors more appropriately.

Moving bed reactor setup to study complex gas-solid reactions.

PubMed

Gupta, Puneet; Velazquez-Vargas, Luis G; Valentine, Charles; Fan, Liang-Shih

2007-08-01

A moving bed scale reactor setup for studying complex gas-solid reactions has been designed in order to obtain kinetic data for scale-up purpose. In this bench scale reactor setup, gas and solid reactants can be contacted in a cocurrent and countercurrent manner at high temperatures. Gas and solid sampling can be performed through the reactor bed with their composition profiles determined at steady state. The reactor setup can be used to evaluate and corroborate model parameters accounting for intrinsic reaction rates in both simple and complex gas-solid reaction systems. The moving bed design allows experimentation over a variety of gas and solid compositions in a single experiment unlike differential bed reactors where the gas composition is usually fixed. The data obtained from the reactor can also be used for direct scale-up of designs for moving bed reactors.

A high sensitivity ultralow temperature RF conductance and noise measurement setup.

PubMed

Parmentier, F D; Mahé, A; Denis, A; Berroir, J-M; Glattli, D C; Plaçais, B; Fève, G

2011-01-01

We report on the realization of a high sensitivity RF noise measurement scheme to study small current fluctuations of mesoscopic systems at milli-Kelvin temperatures. The setup relies on the combination of an interferometric amplification scheme and a quarter-wave impedance transformer, allowing the measurement of noise power spectral densities with gigahertz bandwidth up to five orders of magnitude below the amplifier noise floor. We simultaneously measure the high frequency conductance of the sample by derivating a portion of the signal to a microwave homodyne detection. We describe the principle of the setup, as well as its implementation and calibration. Finally, we show that our setup allows to fully characterize a subnanosecond on-demand single electron source. More generally, its sensitivity and bandwidth make it suitable for applications manipulating single charges at GHz frequencies.

Experimental setup for the study of resonant inelastic X-ray scattering of organometallic complexes in gas phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, I.; Guillemin, R.; Marchenko, T.; Travnikova, O.; Ablett, J. M.; Rueff, J.-P.; Piancastelli, M.-N.; Simon, M.; Journel, L.

2018-06-01

A new setup has been designed and built to study organometallic complexes in gas phase at the third-generation Synchrotron radiation sources. This setup consists of a new homemade computer-controlled gas cell that allows us to sublimate solid samples by accurately controlling the temperature. This cell has been developed to be a part of the high-resolution X-ray emission spectrometer permanently installed at the GALAXIES beamline of the French National Synchrotron Facility SOLEIL. To illustrate the capabilities of the setup, the cell has been successfully used to record high-resolution Kα emission spectra of gas-phase ferrocene F e (C5H5) 2 and to characterize their dependence with the excitation energy. This will allow to extend resonant X-ray emission to different organometallic molecules.

Dosimetric effects of patient rotational setup errors on prostate IMRT treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Weihua; Yang, Yong; Li, Xiang; Heron, Dwight E.; Saiful Huq, M.; Yue, Ning J.

2006-10-01

The purpose of this work is to determine dose delivery errors that could result from systematic rotational setup errors (ΔΦ) for prostate cancer patients treated with three-phase sequential boost IMRT. In order to implement this, different rotational setup errors around three Cartesian axes were simulated for five prostate patients and dosimetric indices, such as dose-volume histogram (DVH), tumour control probability (TCP), normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) and equivalent uniform dose (EUD), were employed to evaluate the corresponding dosimetric influences. Rotational setup errors were simulated by adjusting the gantry, collimator and horizontal couch angles of treatment beams and the dosimetric effects were evaluated by recomputing the dose distributions in the treatment planning system. Our results indicated that, for prostate cancer treatment with the three-phase sequential boost IMRT technique, the rotational setup errors do not have significant dosimetric impacts on the cumulative plan. Even in the worst-case scenario with ΔΦ = 3°, the prostate EUD varied within 1.5% and TCP decreased about 1%. For seminal vesicle, slightly larger influences were observed. However, EUD and TCP changes were still within 2%. The influence on sensitive structures, such as rectum and bladder, is also negligible. This study demonstrates that the rotational setup error degrades the dosimetric coverage of target volume in prostate cancer treatment to a certain degree. However, the degradation was not significant for the three-phase sequential boost prostate IMRT technique and for the margin sizes used in our institution.

Positioning accuracy for lung stereotactic body radiotherapy patients determined by on-treatment cone-beam CT imaging

PubMed Central

Richmond, N D; Pilling, K E; Peedell, C; Shakespeare, D; Walker, C P

2012-01-01

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for early stage non-small cell lung cancer is an emerging treatment option in the UK. Since relatively few high-dose ablative fractions are delivered to a small target volume, the consequences of a geometric miss are potentially severe. This paper presents the results of treatment delivery set-up data collected using Elekta Synergy (Elekta, Crawley, UK) cone-beam CT imaging for 17 patients immobilised using the Bodyfix system (Medical Intelligence, Schwabmuenchen, Germany). Images were acquired on the linear accelerator at initial patient treatment set-up, following any position correction adjustments, and post-treatment. These were matched to the localisation CT scan using the Elekta XVI software. In total, 71 fractions were analysed for patient set-up errors. The mean vector error at initial set-up was calculated as 5.3±2.7 mm, which was significantly reduced to 1.4±0.7 mm following image guided correction. Post-treatment the corresponding value was 2.1±1.2 mm. The use of the Bodyfix abdominal compression plate on 5 patients to reduce the range of tumour excursion during respiration produced mean longitudinal set-up corrections of −4.4±4.5 mm compared with −0.7±2.6 mm without compression for the remaining 12 patients. The use of abdominal compression led to a greater variation in set-up errors and a shift in the mean value. PMID:22665927

A Comparative Study of Health Status and Quality of Life of Elderly People Living in Old Age Homes and within Family Setup in Raigad District, Maharashtra.

PubMed

Amonkar, Priyanka; Mankar, Madhavi Jogesh; Thatkar, Pandurang; Sawardekar, Pradeep; Goel, Rajesh; Anjenaya, Seema

2018-01-01

The traditional concept of family in India to provide support to the elderly is changing soon with disintegration of joint families. In this scenario the concept of old age homes (OAHs) is gaining momentum and the number of people seeking OAH care is rapidly increasing. However, not much is known about the quality of life (QOL) of Indian elderly staying in the OAH setup. To assess and compare the Health status, Quality of Life and Depression in elderly people living in OAHs & within family using WHOQOL -OLD questionnaire & Geriatric Depression Scale. A cross sectional study was conducted in elderly aged above 60 years of age. After taking a written consent and matching for age and sex & socioeconomic status, 60 elderly from OAHs & 120 elderly living within family setup were selected randomly. The WHOQOL-OLD standard questionnaire & GDS were used to assess quality of life & depression in elderly. The QOL of elderly in domains of autonomy, past present & future activities, social participation and intimacy was better in family setup (60.62, 70.62, 66.14 and 58.43) as compared to OAHs (51.35, 62.91, 59.47and 41.16) (p<0.05). There was statistically significant difference in mean geriatric depression scores of both the group (3.96 within family setup and 5.76 in OAH's). Quality of life of elderly within family setup was better as compared to elderly in OAHs.

ATLAS offline software performance monitoring and optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauhan, N.; Kabra, G.; Kittelmann, T.; Langenberg, R.; Mandrysch, R.; Salzburger, A.; Seuster, R.; Ritsch, E.; Stewart, G.; van Eldik, N.; Vitillo, R.; Atlas Collaboration

2014-06-01

In a complex multi-developer, multi-package software environment, such as the ATLAS offline framework Athena, tracking the performance of the code can be a non-trivial task in itself. In this paper we describe improvements in the instrumentation of ATLAS offline software that have given considerable insight into the performance of the code and helped to guide the optimization work. The first tool we used to instrument the code is PAPI, which is a programing interface for accessing hardware performance counters. PAPI events can count floating point operations, cycles, instructions and cache accesses. Triggering PAPI to start/stop counting for each algorithm and processed event results in a good understanding of the algorithm level performance of ATLAS code. Further data can be obtained using Pin, a dynamic binary instrumentation tool. Pin tools can be used to obtain similar statistics as PAPI, but advantageously without requiring recompilation of the code. Fine grained routine and instruction level instrumentation is also possible. Pin tools can additionally interrogate the arguments to functions, like those in linear algebra libraries, so that a detailed usage profile can be obtained. These tools have characterized the extensive use of vector and matrix operations in ATLAS tracking. Currently, CLHEP is used here, which is not an optimal choice. To help evaluate replacement libraries a testbed has been setup allowing comparison of the performance of different linear algebra libraries (including CLHEP, Eigen and SMatrix/SVector). Results are then presented via the ATLAS Performance Management Board framework, which runs daily with the current development branch of the code and monitors reconstruction and Monte-Carlo jobs. This framework analyses the CPU and memory performance of algorithms and an overview of results are presented on a web page. These tools have provided the insight necessary to plan and implement performance enhancements in ATLAS code by identifying the most common operations, with the call parameters well understood, and allowing improvements to be quantified in detail.

Linear positioning laser calibration setup of CNC machine tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sui, Xiulin; Yang, Congjing

2002-10-01

The linear positioning laser calibration setup of CNC machine tools is capable of executing machine tool laser calibraiotn and backlash compensation. Using this setup, hole locations on CNC machien tools will be correct and machien tool geometry will be evaluated and adjusted. Machien tool laser calibration and backlash compensation is a simple and straightforward process. First the setup is to 'find' the stroke limits of the axis. Then the laser head is then brought into correct alignment. Second is to move the machine axis to the other extreme, the laser head is now aligned, using rotation and elevation adjustments. Finally the machine is moved to the start position and final alignment is verified. The stroke of the machine, and the machine compensation interval dictate the amount of data required for each axis. These factors determine the amount of time required for a through compensation of the linear positioning accuracy. The Laser Calibrator System monitors the material temperature and the air density; this takes into consideration machine thermal growth and laser beam frequency. This linear positioning laser calibration setup can be used on CNC machine tools, CNC lathes, horizontal centers and vertical machining centers.

Biogas from mesophilic digestion of cow dung using charcoal and gelatin as additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, Md Rashedul; Salam, Bodius; Rahman, Md Mizanur; Mamun, Abdullah Al

2017-06-01

Biogas, a source of renewable energy is produced from bacteria in the process of biodegradation of organic matter under anaerobic conditions. A research work was performed to find out the production of biogas from cow dung using charcoal and gelatin as additives. Five laboatory scale experimental set-up were constructed using 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8% gelatin with cow dung as additive to perform the research work. For all the set-up 0.5% charcoal was also added. All the set-ups were made from 1-liter capacity conical flask. The amount of water and cow dung was used respectively 382 gm. and 318 gm. in every set-up. Total solid content was maintained 8% throughout all set-ups. The digesters were operated at ambient temperature of 26°-32°C. The total gas yield without using gelatin additive was found to be 12 L/kg cow dung. The maximum gas yield was found from 0.2% gelatin additive and 23% more as compared to without gelatin gas production. The retention time varied from 28 to 79 days for the experiments.

The influence of the test setup on knee joint kinematics - A meta-analysis of tibial rotation.

PubMed

Hacker, Steffen P; Ignatius, Anita; Dürselen, Lutz

2016-09-06

The human knee is one of the most investigated joints in the human body. Various test setups exist to measure and analyse knee kinematics in vitro which differ in a wide range of parameters. The purpose of this article is to find an answer to the question if the test setup influences the kinematic outcome of studies and to what extend the results can be compared. To answer this question, we compared the tibial rotation as a function of flexion angle presented in 19 published studies. Raw data was extracted via image segmentation from the graphs depicted in these publications and the differences between the publications was analysed. Additionally, all test setups were compared regarding four aspects: method for angle calculation, system for data acquisition, loading condition and testing rig design. The resulting correlation matrix shows the influence of the test setup on the study outcome. Our results indicate that each study needs to collect its own reference data. Finally, we provide a mean internal rotation as a function of flexion angle based on more than 140 specimens tested in 14 different studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Digital computer technique for setup and checkout of an analog computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ambaruch, R.

1968-01-01

Computer program technique, called Analog Computer Check-Out Routine Digitally /ACCORD/, generates complete setup and checkout data for an analog computer. In addition, the correctness of the analog program implementation is validated.

Measurement of high-energy prompt gamma-rays from neutron induced fission of U-235

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makii, Hiroyuki; Nishio, Katsuhisa; Hirose, Kentaro; Orlandi, Riccardo; Léguillon, Romain; Ogawa, Tatsuhiko; Soldner, Torsten; Hambsch, Franz-Josef; Astier, Alain; Pollitt, Andrew; Petrache, Costel; Tsekhanovich, Igor; Mathieu, Ludovic; Aïche, Mourad; Frost, Robert; Czajkowski, Serge; Guo, Song; Köster, Ulli

2017-09-01

We have developed a new setup to measure prompt γ-rays from the 235U(nth,f) reaction. The setup consists of two multi-wire proportional counters (MWPCs) to detect the fission fragments, two LaBr3(Ce) scintillators to measure the γ-rays. The highly efficient setup was installed at the PF1B beam line of the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL). We have successfully measured the γ-ray spectrum up to about 20 MeV for the fist time in neutron-induced fission.

A Compton scattering setup for pulse shape discrimination studies in germanium detectors.

PubMed

von Sturm, K; Belogurov, S; Brugnera, R; Garfagnini, A; Lippi, I; Modenese, L; Rosso, D; Turcato, M

2017-07-01

Pulse shape discrimination is an important handle to improve sensitivity in low background experiments. A dedicated setup was built to investigate the response of high-purity germanium detectors to single Compton scattered events. Using properly collimated γ-ray sources, it is possible to select events with known interaction location. The aim is to correlate the position dependent signal shape with geometrical and electrical properties of the detector. We report on design and performance of the setup with a first look on data. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SU-F-P-18: Development of the Technical Training System for Patient Set-Up Considering Rotational Correction in the Virtual Environment Using Three-Dimensional Computer Graphic Engine

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

Imura, K; Fujibuchi, T; Hirata, H

Purpose: Patient set-up skills in radiotherapy treatment room have a great influence on treatment effect for image guided radiotherapy. In this study, we have developed the training system for improving practical set-up skills considering rotational correction in the virtual environment away from the pressure of actual treatment room by using three-dimensional computer graphic (3DCG) engine. Methods: The treatment room for external beam radiotherapy was reproduced in the virtual environment by using 3DCG engine (Unity). The viewpoints to perform patient set-up in the virtual treatment room were arranged in both sides of the virtual operable treatment couch to assume actual performancemore » by two clinical staffs. The position errors to mechanical isocenter considering alignment between skin marker and laser on the virtual patient model were displayed by utilizing numerical values expressed in SI units and the directions of arrow marks. The rotational errors calculated with a point on the virtual body axis as the center of each rotation axis for the virtual environment were corrected by adjusting rotational position of the body phantom wound the belt with gyroscope preparing on table in a real space. These rotational errors were evaluated by describing vector outer product operations and trigonometric functions in the script for patient set-up technique. Results: The viewpoints in the virtual environment allowed individual user to visually recognize the position discrepancy to mechanical isocenter until eliminating the positional errors of several millimeters. The rotational errors between the two points calculated with the center point could be efficiently corrected to display the minimum technique mathematically by utilizing the script. Conclusion: By utilizing the script to correct the rotational errors as well as accurate positional recognition for patient set-up technique, the training system developed for improving patient set-up skills enabled individual user to indicate efficient positional correction methods easily.« less

Evaluation of setup uncertainties for single-fraction SRS by comparing two different mask-creation methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Jong Geun; Jang, Hyun Soo; Oh, Young Kee; Lee, Hyun Jeong; Kim, Eng Chan

2015-07-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the setup uncertainties for single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SF-SRS) based on clinical data with two different mask-creation methods using pretreatment con-beam computed tomography imaging guidance. Dedicated frameless fixation Brain- LAB masks for 23 patients were created as a routine mask (R-mask) making method, as explained in the BrainLAB's user manual. Alternative masks (A-masks), which were created by modifying the cover range of the R-masks for the patient's head, were used for 23 patients. The systematic errors including these for each mask and stereotactic target localizer were analyzed, and the errors were calculated as the means ± standard deviations (SD) from the left-right (LR), superior-inferior (SI), anterior-posterior (AP), and yaw setup corrections. In addition, the frequencies of the threedimensional (3D) vector length were analyzed. The values of the mean setup corrections for the R-mask in all directions were < 0.7 mm and < 0.1°, whereas the magnitudes of the SDs were relatively large compared to the mean values. In contrast, the means and SDs of the A-mask were smaller than those for the R-mask with the exception of the SD in the AP direction. The means and SDs in the yaw rotational direction for the R-mask and the A-mask system were comparable. 3D vector shifts of larger magnitude occurred more frequently for the R-mask than the A-mask. The setup uncertainties for each mask with the stereotactic localizing system had an asymmetric offset towards the positive AP direction. The A-mask-creation method, which is capable of covering the top of the patient's head, is superior to that for the R-mask, so the use of the A-mask is encouraged for SF-SRS to reduce the setup uncertainties. Moreover, careful mask-making is required to prevent possible setup uncertainties.

SU-E-T-657: Quantitative Assessment of Plan Robustness for Helical Tomotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer Radiotherapy

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

Matney, J; Lian, J; Chera, B

2015-06-15

Introduction: Geometric uncertainties in daily patient setup can lead to variations in the planned dose, especially when using highly conformal techniques such as helical Tomotherapy. To account for the potential effect of geometric uncertainty, our clinical practice is to expand critical structures by 3mm expansion into planning risk volumes (PRV). The PRV concept assumes the spatial dose cloud is insensitive to patient positioning. However, no tools currently exist to determine if a Tomotherapy plan is robust to the effects of daily setup variation. We objectively quantified the impact of geometric uncertainties on the 3D doses to critical normal tissues duringmore » helical Tomotherapy. Methods: Using a Matlab-based program created and validated by Accuray (Madison, WI), the planned Tomotherapy delivery sinogram recalculated dose on shifted CT datasets. Ten head and neck patients were selected for analysis. To simulate setup uncertainty, the patient anatomy was shifted ±3mm in the longitudinal, lateral and vertical axes. For each potential shift, the recalculated doses to various critical normal tissues were compared to the doses delivered to the PRV in the original plan Results: 18 shifted scenarios created from Tomotherapy plans for three patients with head and neck cancers were analyzed. For all simulated setup errors, the maximum doses to the brainstem, spinal cord, parotids and cochlea were no greater than 0.6Gy of the respective original PRV maximum. Despite 3mm setup shifts, the minimum dose delivered to 95% of the CTVs and PTVs were always within 0.4Gy of the original plan. Conclusions: For head and neck sites treated with Tomotherapy, the use of a 3mm PRV expansion provide a reasonable estimate of the dosimetric effects of 3mm setup uncertainties. Similarly, target coverage appears minimally effected by a 3mm setup uncertainty. Data from a larger number of patients will be presented. Future work will include other anatomical sites.« less

Analysis of image sharpness reproducibility on a novel engineered micro-CT scanner with variable geometry and embedded recalibration software.

PubMed

Panetta, D; Belcari, N; Del Guerra, A; Bartolomei, A; Salvadori, P A

2012-04-01

This study investigates the reproducibility of the reconstructed image sharpness, after modifications of the geometry setup, for a variable magnification micro-CT (μCT) scanner. All the measurements were performed on a novel engineered μCT scanner for in vivo imaging of small animals (Xalt), which has been recently built at the Institute of Clinical Physiology of the National Research Council (IFC-CNR, Pisa, Italy), in partnership with the University of Pisa. The Xalt scanner is equipped with an integrated software for on-line geometric recalibration, which will be used throughout the experiments. In order to evaluate the losses of image quality due to modifications of the geometry setup, we have made 22 consecutive acquisitions by changing alternatively the system geometry between two different setups (Large FoV - LF, and High Resolution - HR). For each acquisition, the tomographic images have been reconstructed before and after the on-line geometric recalibration. For each reconstruction, the image sharpness was evaluated using two different figures of merit: (i) the percentage contrast on a small bar pattern of fixed frequency (f = 5.5 lp/mm for the LF setup and f = 10 lp/mm for the HR setup) and (ii) the image entropy. We have found that, due to the small-scale mechanical uncertainty (in the order of the voxel size), a recalibration is necessary for each geometric setup after repositioning of the system's components; the resolution losses due to the lack of recalibration are worse for the HR setup (voxel size = 18.4 μm). The integrated on-line recalibration algorithm of the Xalt scanner allowed to perform the recalibration quickly, by restoring the spatial resolution of the system to the reference resolution obtained after the initial (off-line) calibration. Copyright © 2011 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Anxiety in children during occlusal ART restorations in primary molars placed in school environment and hospital dental setup.

PubMed

Roshan, N M; Sakeenabi, B

2012-01-01

To evaluate the anxiety in children during occlusal atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in the primary molars of children; and compare the anxiety for ART procedure performed in school environment and in hospital dental setup. A randomized controlled trial where one dentist placed 120 ART restorations in 60 five- to seven year-olds who had bilateral matched pairs of occlusal carious primary molars. A split-mouth design was used to place restorations in school and in hospital dental setup, which were assigned randomly to contralateral sides. Anxiety was evaluated by Modified Venhem score and the heart rate of the children at five fixed moments during dental treatment. At the entrance of the children into the treatment room, statistically significant difference between treatment in school environment and treatment in hospital dental setup for venham score and heart rate could be found (P = 0.023 and P = 0.037 respectively). At the start of the treatment procedure higher venham score and heart rate was observed in children treated in hospital dental setup in comparison with the children treated in school environment, finding was statistically significant (P = 0.011 and P = 0.029 respectively). During all other three points of treatment, the Venham scores of the children treated in school were lower than those of the children treated in hospital dental setup but statistically not significant (P > 0.05). Positive co-relation between Venham scores and Heart rate was established. No statistically significant relation could be established between boys and girls. Overall anxiety in children for ART treatment was found to be less and the procedure was well accepted irrespective of environment where treatment was performed Hospital dental setup by itself made children anxious during entrance and starting of the treatment when compared to children treated in school environment.

SU-F-P-23: Setup Uncertainties for the Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

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

Zhang, Q; Vigneri, P; Madu, C

2016-06-15

Purpose: The Exactrack X-ray system with six degree-of-freedom (6DoF) adjustment ability can be used for setup of lung stereotactic body radiation therapy. The setup uncertainties from ExacTrack 6D system were analyzed. Methods: The Exactrack X-ray 6D image guided radiotherapy system is used in our clinic. The system is an integration of 2 subsystems: (1): an infrared based optical position system and (2) a radiography kV x-ray imaging system. The infrared system monitors reflective body markers on the patient’s skin to assistant in the initial setup. The radiographic kV devices were used for patient positions verification and adjustment. The position verificationmore » was made by fusing the radiographs with the digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) images generated by simulation CT images using 6DoF fusion algorithms. Those results were recorded in our system. Gaussian functions were used to fit the data. Results: For 37 lung SBRT patients, the image registration results for the initial setup by using surface markers and for the verifications, were measured. The results were analyzed for 143 treatments. The mean values for the lateral, longitudinal, vertical directions were 0.1, 0.3 and 0.3mm, respectively. The standard deviations for the lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions were 0.62, 0.78 and 0.75mm respectively. The mean values for the rotations around lateral, longitudinal and vertical directions were 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 degrees respectively, with standard deviations of 0.36, 0.34, and 0.42 degrees. Conclusion: The setup uncertainties for the lung SBRT cases by using Exactrack 6D system were analyzed. The standard deviations of the setup errors were within 1mm for all three directions, and the standard deviations for rotations were within 0.5 degree.« less

Automated patient identification and localization error detection using 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional registration of kilovoltage x-ray setup images.

PubMed

Lamb, James M; Agazaryan, Nzhde; Low, Daniel A

2013-10-01

To determine whether kilovoltage x-ray projection radiation therapy setup images could be used to perform patient identification and detect gross errors in patient setup using a computer algorithm. Three patient cohorts treated using a commercially available image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) system that uses 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional (2D-3D) image registration were retrospectively analyzed: a group of 100 cranial radiation therapy patients, a group of 100 prostate cancer patients, and a group of 83 patients treated for spinal lesions. The setup images were acquired using fixed in-room kilovoltage imaging systems. In the prostate and cranial patient groups, localizations using image registration were performed between computed tomography (CT) simulation images from radiation therapy planning and setup x-ray images corresponding both to the same patient and to different patients. For the spinal patients, localizations were performed to the correct vertebral body, and to an adjacent vertebral body, using planning CTs and setup x-ray images from the same patient. An image similarity measure used by the IGRT system image registration algorithm was extracted from the IGRT system log files and evaluated as a discriminant for error detection. A threshold value of the similarity measure could be chosen to separate correct and incorrect patient matches and correct and incorrect vertebral body localizations with excellent accuracy for these patient cohorts. A 10-fold cross-validation using linear discriminant analysis yielded misclassification probabilities of 0.000, 0.0045, and 0.014 for the cranial, prostate, and spinal cases, respectively. An automated measure of the image similarity between x-ray setup images and corresponding planning CT images could be used to perform automated patient identification and detection of localization errors in radiation therapy treatments. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Eye-in-Hand Manipulation for Remote Handling: Experimental Setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Longchuan; Suominen, Olli; Aref, Mohammad M.; Mattila, Jouni; Ruiz, Emilio; Esque, Salvador

2018-03-01

A prototype for eye-in-hand manipulation in the context of remote handling in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)1 is presented in this paper. The setup consists of an industrial robot manipulator with a modified open control architecture and equipped with a pair of stereoscopic cameras, a force/torque sensor, and pneumatic tools. It is controlled through a haptic device in a mock-up environment. The industrial robot controller has been replaced by a single industrial PC running Xenomai that has a real-time connection to both the robot controller and another Linux PC running as the controller for the haptic device. The new remote handling control environment enables further development of advanced control schemes for autonomous and semi-autonomous manipulation tasks. This setup benefits from a stereovision system for accurate tracking of the target objects with irregular shapes. The overall environmental setup successfully demonstrates the required robustness and precision that remote handling tasks need.

Single Machine Scheduling and Due Date Assignment with Past-Sequence-Dependent Setup Time and Position-Dependent Processing Time

PubMed Central

Zhao, Chuan-Li; Hsu, Hua-Feng

2014-01-01

This paper considers single machine scheduling and due date assignment with setup time. The setup time is proportional to the length of the already processed jobs; that is, the setup time is past-sequence-dependent (p-s-d). It is assumed that a job's processing time depends on its position in a sequence. The objective functions include total earliness, the weighted number of tardy jobs, and the cost of due date assignment. We analyze these problems with two different due date assignment methods. We first consider the model with job-dependent position effects. For each case, by converting the problem to a series of assignment problems, we proved that the problems can be solved in O(n 4) time. For the model with job-independent position effects, we proved that the problems can be solved in O(n 3) time by providing a dynamic programming algorithm. PMID:25258727

A liquid jet setup for x-ray scattering experiments on complex liquids at free-electron laser sources

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

Steinke, I.; Lehmkühler, F., E-mail: felix.lehmkuehler@desy.de; Schroer, M. A.

2016-06-15

In this paper we describe a setup for x-ray scattering experiments on complex fluids using a liquid jet. The setup supports Small and Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) geometries. The jet is formed by a gas-dynamic virtual nozzle (GDVN) allowing for diameters ranging between 1 μm and 20 μm at a jet length of several hundred μm. To control jet properties such as jet length, diameter, or flow rate, the instrument is equipped with several diagnostic tools. Three microscopes are installed to quantify jet dimensions and stability in situ. The setup has been used at several beamlines performing both SAXSmore » and WAXS experiments. As a typical example we show an experiment on a colloidal dispersion in a liquid jet at the X-ray Correlation Spectroscopy instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser.« less

Apparatus for Investigating Momentum and Energy Conservation With MBL and Video Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

George, Elizabeth; Vazquez-Abad, Jesus

1998-04-01

We describe the development and use of a laboratory setup that is appropriate for computer-aided student investigation of the principles of conservation of momentum and mechanical energy in collisions. The setup consists of two colliding carts on a low-friction track, with one of the carts (the target) attached to a spring, whose extension or compression takes the place of the pendulum's rise in the traditional ballistic pendulum apparatus. Position vs. time data for each cart are acquired either by using two motion sensors or by digitizing images obtained with a video camera. This setup allows students to examine the time history of momentum and mechanical energy during the entire collision process, rather than simply focusing on the before and after regions. We believe that this setup is suitable for helping students gain understanding as the processes involved are simple to follow visually, to manipulate, and to analyze.

Refractive Index Compensation in Over-Determined Interferometric Systems

PubMed Central

Lazar, Josef; Holá, Miroslava; Číp, Ondřej; Čížek, Martin; Hrabina, Jan; Buchta, Zdeněk

2012-01-01

We present an interferometric technique based on a differential interferometry setup for measurement under atmospheric conditions. The key limiting factor in any interferometric dimensional measurement are fluctuations of the refractive index of air representing a dominating source of uncertainty when evaluated indirectly from the physical parameters of the atmosphere. Our proposal is based on the concept of an over-determined interferometric setup where a reference length is derived from a mechanical frame made from a material with a very low thermal coefficient. The technique allows one to track the variations of the refractive index of air on-line directly in the line of the measuring beam and to compensate for the fluctuations. The optical setup consists of three interferometers sharing the same beam path where two measure differentially the displacement while the third evaluates the changes in the measuring range, acting as a tracking refractometer. The principle is demonstrated in an experimental setup. PMID:23202037

Single machine scheduling and due date assignment with past-sequence-dependent setup time and position-dependent processing time.

PubMed

Zhao, Chuan-Li; Hsu, Chou-Jung; Hsu, Hua-Feng

2014-01-01

This paper considers single machine scheduling and due date assignment with setup time. The setup time is proportional to the length of the already processed jobs; that is, the setup time is past-sequence-dependent (p-s-d). It is assumed that a job's processing time depends on its position in a sequence. The objective functions include total earliness, the weighted number of tardy jobs, and the cost of due date assignment. We analyze these problems with two different due date assignment methods. We first consider the model with job-dependent position effects. For each case, by converting the problem to a series of assignment problems, we proved that the problems can be solved in O(n(4)) time. For the model with job-independent position effects, we proved that the problems can be solved in O(n(3)) time by providing a dynamic programming algorithm.

A dedicated AMS setup for medium mass isotopes at the Cologne FN tandem accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schiffer, M.; Altenkirch, R.; Feuerstein, C.; Müller-Gatermann, C.; Hackenberg, G.; Herb, S.; Bhandari, P.; Heinze, S.; Stolz, A.; Dewald, A.

2017-09-01

AMS measurements of medium mass isotopes, e.g. of 53Mn and 60Fe, are gaining interest in various fields of operation, especially geoscience. Therefore a dedicated AMS setup has been built at the Cologne 10 MV FN tandem accelerator. This setup is designed to obtain a sufficient suppression of the stable isobars at energies around 100 MeV. In this contribution we report on the actual status of the new setup and the first in-beam tests of its individual components. The isobar suppression is done with (dE/dx) techniques using combinations of energy degrader foils with an electrostatic analyzer (ESA) and a time of flight (ToF) system, as well as a (dE/dx),E gas ionization detector. Furthermore, the upgraded ion source and its negative ion yield measurement for MnO- are presented.

A liquid jet setup for x-ray scattering experiments on complex liquids at free-electron laser sources

DOE PAGES

Steinke, I.; Walther, M.; Lehmkühler, F.; ...

2016-06-01

In this study we describe a setup for x-ray scattering experiments on complex fluids using a liquid jet. The setup supports Small and Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS/WAXS) geometries. The jet is formed by a gas-dynamic virtual nozzle (GDVN) allowing for diameters ranging between 1 μm and 20 μm at a jet length of several hundred μm. To control jet properties such as jet length, diameter, or flow rate, the instrument is equipped with several diagnostic tools. Three microscopes are installed to quantify jet dimensions and stability in situ. The setup has been used at several beamlines performing both SAXSmore » and WAXS experiments. Finally, as a typical example we show an experiment on a colloidal dispersion in a liquid jet at the X-ray Correlation Spectroscopy instrument at the Linac Coherent Light Source free-electron laser.« less

Refractive index compensation in over-determined interferometric systems.

PubMed

Lazar, Josef; Holá, Miroslava; Číp, Ondřej; Čížek, Martin; Hrabina, Jan; Buchta, Zdeněk

2012-10-19

We present an interferometric technique based on a differential interferometry setup for measurement under atmospheric conditions. The key limiting factor in any interferometric dimensional measurement are fluctuations of the refractive index of air representing a dominating source of uncertainty when evaluated indirectly from the physical parameters of the atmosphere. Our proposal is based on the concept of an over-determined interferometric setup where a reference length is derived from a mechanical frame made from a material with a very low thermal coefficient. The technique allows one to track the variations of the refractive index of air on-line directly in the line of the measuring beam and to compensate for the fluctuations. The optical setup consists of three interferometers sharing the same beam path where two measure differentially the displacement while the third evaluates the changes in the measuring range, acting as a tracking refractometer. The principle is demonstrated in an experimental setup.

Reliable measurement of E. coli single cell fluorescence distribution using a standard microscope set-up.

PubMed

Cortesi, Marilisa; Bandiera, Lucia; Pasini, Alice; Bevilacqua, Alessandro; Gherardi, Alessandro; Furini, Simone; Giordano, Emanuele

2017-01-01

Quantifying gene expression at single cell level is fundamental for the complete characterization of synthetic gene circuits, due to the significant impact of noise and inter-cellular variability on the system's functionality. Commercial set-ups that allow the acquisition of fluorescent signal at single cell level (flow cytometers or quantitative microscopes) are expensive apparatuses that are hardly affordable by small laboratories. A protocol that makes a standard optical microscope able to acquire quantitative, single cell, fluorescent data from a bacterial population transformed with synthetic gene circuitry is presented. Single cell fluorescence values, acquired with a microscope set-up and processed with custom-made software, are compared with results that were obtained with a flow cytometer in a bacterial population transformed with the same gene circuitry. The high correlation between data from the two experimental set-ups, with a correlation coefficient computed over the tested dynamic range > 0.99, proves that a standard optical microscope- when coupled with appropriate software for image processing- might be used for quantitative single-cell fluorescence measurements. The calibration of the set-up, together with its validation, is described. The experimental protocol described in this paper makes quantitative measurement of single cell fluorescence accessible to laboratories equipped with standard optical microscope set-ups. Our method allows for an affordable measurement/quantification of intercellular variability, whose better understanding of this phenomenon will improve our comprehension of cellular behaviors and the design of synthetic gene circuits. All the required software is freely available to the synthetic biology community (MUSIQ Microscope flUorescence SIngle cell Quantification).

Conceptual study of a heavy-ion-ERDA spectrometer for energies below 6 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Julin, Jaakko; Sajavaara, Timo

2017-09-01

Elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) is a well established technique and it offers unique capabilities in thin film analysis. Simultaneous detection and depth profiling of all elements, including hydrogen, is possible only with time-of-flight ERDA. Bragg ionization chambers or ΔE - E detectors can also be used to identify the recoiling element if sufficiently high energies are used. The chief limitations of time-of-flight ERDA are the beam induced sample damage and the requirement of a relatively large accelerator. In this paper we propose a detector setup, which could be used with 3 MeV to 6 MeV medium heavy beams from either a single ended accelerator (40Ar) or from a tandem accelerator (39K). The detector setup consists of two timing detectors and a gas ionization chamber energy detector. Compared to use of very heavy low energy ions the hydrogen recoils with this beam have sufficient energy to be detected with current gas ionization chamber energy detector. To reduce the beam induced damage the proposed detector setup covers a solid angle larger than 1 msr, roughly an order of magnitude improvement over most time-of-flight ERDA setups. The setup could be used together with a small accelerator to be used for light element analysis of approximately 50 nm films. The concept is tested with 39K beam from a 1.7 MV Pelletron tandem accelerator with the Jyväskylä ToF-ERDA setup. In addition to the measurements effects related to low energies and increase in the solid angle are simulated with Monte Carlo methods.

Marker-based quantification of interfractional tumor position variation and the use of markers for setup verification in radiation therapy for esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Jin, Peng; van der Horst, Astrid; de Jong, Rianne; van Hooft, Jeanin E; Kamphuis, Martijn; van Wieringen, Niek; Machiels, Melanie; Bel, Arjan; Hulshof, Maarten C C M; Alderliesten, Tanja

2015-12-01

The aim of this study was to quantify interfractional esophageal tumor position variation using markers and investigate the use of markers for setup verification. Sixty-five markers placed in the tumor volumes of 24 esophageal cancer patients were identified in computed tomography (CT) and follow-up cone-beam CT. For each patient we calculated pairwise distances between markers over time to evaluate geometric tumor volume variation. We then quantified marker displacements relative to bony anatomy and estimated the variation of systematic (Σ) and random errors (σ). During bony anatomy-based setup verification, we visually inspected whether the markers were inside the planning target volume (PTV) and attempted marker-based registration. Minor time trends with substantial fluctuations in pairwise distances implied tissue deformation. Overall, Σ(σ) in the left-right/cranial-caudal/anterior-posterior direction was 2.9(2.4)/4.1(2.4)/2.2(1.8) mm; for the proximal stomach, it was 5.4(4.3)/4.9(3.2)/1.9(2.4) mm. After bony anatomy-based setup correction, all markers were inside the PTV. However, due to large tissue deformation, marker-based registration was not feasible. Generally, the interfractional position variation of esophageal tumors is more pronounced in the cranial-caudal direction and in the proximal stomach. Currently, marker-based setup verification is not feasible for clinical routine use, but markers can facilitate the setup verification by inspecting whether the PTV covers the tumor volume adequately. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Comparison between infrared optical and stereoscopic X-ray technologies for patient setup in image guided stereotactic radiotherapy.

PubMed

Tagaste, Barbara; Riboldi, Marco; Spadea, Maria F; Bellante, Simone; Baroni, Guido; Cambria, Raffaella; Garibaldi, Cristina; Ciocca, Mario; Catalano, Gianpiero; Alterio, Daniela; Orecchia, Roberto

2012-04-01

To compare infrared (IR) optical vs. stereoscopic X-ray technologies for patient setup in image-guided stereotactic radiotherapy. Retrospective data analysis of 233 fractions in 127 patients treated with hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy was performed. Patient setup at the linear accelerator was carried out by means of combined IR optical localization and stereoscopic X-ray image fusion in 6 degrees of freedom (6D). Data were analyzed to evaluate the geometric and dosimetric discrepancy between the two patient setup strategies. Differences between IR optical localization and 6D X-ray image fusion parameters were on average within the expected localization accuracy, as limited by CT image resolution (3 mm). A disagreement between the two systems below 1 mm in all directions was measured in patients treated for cranial tumors. In extracranial sites, larger discrepancies and higher variability were observed as a function of the initial patient alignment. The compensation of IR-detected rotational errors resulted in a significantly improved agreement with 6D X-ray image fusion. On the basis of the bony anatomy registrations, the measured differences were found not to be sensitive to patient breathing. The related dosimetric analysis showed that IR-based patient setup caused limited variations in three cases, with 7% maximum dose reduction in the clinical target volume and no dose increase in organs at risk. In conclusion, patient setup driven by IR external surrogates localization in 6D featured comparable accuracy with respect to procedures based on stereoscopic X-ray imaging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated patient setup and gating using cone beam computed tomography projections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wan, Hanlin; Bertholet, Jenny; Ge, Jiajia; Poulsen, Per; Parikh, Parag

2016-03-01

In radiation therapy, fiducial markers are often implanted near tumors and used for patient positioning and respiratory gating purposes. These markers are then used to manually align the patients by matching the markers in the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) reconstruction to those in the planning CT. This step is time-intensive and user-dependent, and often results in a suboptimal patient setup. We propose a fully automated, robust method based on dynamic programming (DP) for segmenting radiopaque fiducial markers in CBCT projection images, which are then used to automatically optimize the treatment couch position and/or gating window bounds. The mean of the absolute 2D segmentation error of our DP algorithm is 1.3+/- 1.0 mm for 87 markers on 39 patients. Intrafraction images were acquired every 3 s during treatment at two different institutions. For gated patients from Institution A (8 patients, 40 fractions), the DP algorithm increased the delivery accuracy (96+/- 6% versus 91+/- 11% , p  <  0.01) compared to the manual setup using kV fluoroscopy. For non-gated patients from Institution B (6 patients, 16 fractions), the DP algorithm performed similarly (1.5+/- 0.8 mm versus 1.6+/- 0.9 mm, p  =  0.48) compared to the manual setup matching the fiducial markers in the CBCT to the mean position. Our proposed automated patient setup algorithm only takes 1-2 s to run, requires no user intervention, and performs as well as or better than the current clinical setup.

Representation of Patients’ Hand Modulates Fear Reactions of Patients with Spider Phobia in Virtual Reality

PubMed Central

Peperkorn, Henrik M.; Diemer, Julia E.; Alpers, Georg W.; Mühlberger, Andreas

2016-01-01

Embodiment (i.e., the involvement of a bodily representation) is thought to be relevant in emotional experiences. Virtual reality (VR) is a capable means of activating phobic fear in patients. The representation of the patient’s body (e.g., the right hand) in VR enhances immersion and increases presence, but its effect on phobic fear is still unknown. We analyzed the influence of the presentation of the participant’s hand in VR on presence and fear responses in 32 women with spider phobia and 32 matched controls. Participants sat in front of a table with an acrylic glass container within reaching distance. During the experiment this setup was concealed by a head-mounted display (HMD). The VR scenario presented via HMD showed the same setup, i.e., a table with an acrylic glass container. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups. In one group, fear responses were triggered by fear-relevant visual input in VR (virtual spider in the virtual acrylic glass container), while information about a real but unseen neutral control animal (living snake in the acrylic glass container) was given. The second group received fear-relevant information of the real but unseen situation (living spider in the acrylic glass container), but visual input was kept neutral VR (virtual snake in the virtual acrylic glass container). Participants were instructed to touch the acrylic glass container with their right hand in 20 consecutive trials. Visibility of the hand was varied randomly in a within-subjects design. We found for all participants that visibility of the participant’s hand increased presence independently of the fear trigger. However, in patients, the influence of the virtual hand on fear depended on the fear trigger. When fear was triggered perceptually, i.e., by a virtual spider, the virtual hand increased fear. When fear was triggered by information about a real spider, the virtual hand had no effect on fear. Our results shed light on the significance of different fear triggers (visual, conceptual) in interaction with body representations. PMID:26973566

Representation of Patients' Hand Modulates Fear Reactions of Patients with Spider Phobia in Virtual Reality.

PubMed

Peperkorn, Henrik M; Diemer, Julia E; Alpers, Georg W; Mühlberger, Andreas

2016-01-01

Embodiment (i.e., the involvement of a bodily representation) is thought to be relevant in emotional experiences. Virtual reality (VR) is a capable means of activating phobic fear in patients. The representation of the patient's body (e.g., the right hand) in VR enhances immersion and increases presence, but its effect on phobic fear is still unknown. We analyzed the influence of the presentation of the participant's hand in VR on presence and fear responses in 32 women with spider phobia and 32 matched controls. Participants sat in front of a table with an acrylic glass container within reaching distance. During the experiment this setup was concealed by a head-mounted display (HMD). The VR scenario presented via HMD showed the same setup, i.e., a table with an acrylic glass container. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups. In one group, fear responses were triggered by fear-relevant visual input in VR (virtual spider in the virtual acrylic glass container), while information about a real but unseen neutral control animal (living snake in the acrylic glass container) was given. The second group received fear-relevant information of the real but unseen situation (living spider in the acrylic glass container), but visual input was kept neutral VR (virtual snake in the virtual acrylic glass container). Participants were instructed to touch the acrylic glass container with their right hand in 20 consecutive trials. Visibility of the hand was varied randomly in a within-subjects design. We found for all participants that visibility of the participant's hand increased presence independently of the fear trigger. However, in patients, the influence of the virtual hand on fear depended on the fear trigger. When fear was triggered perceptually, i.e., by a virtual spider, the virtual hand increased fear. When fear was triggered by information about a real spider, the virtual hand had no effect on fear. Our results shed light on the significance of different fear triggers (visual, conceptual) in interaction with body representations.

Delivery of calibration workshops covering herbicide application equipment : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-03-31

Proper herbicide sprayer set-up and calibration are critical to the success of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) herbicide program. Sprayer system set-up and calibration training is provided in annual continuing education herbicide wor...

Prototype electron lens set-up for the Tevatron beam-beam compensation

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

Crawford, C.; Saewert, G.; Santucci, J.

1999-05-17

A prototype "electron lens" for the Tevatron beam-beam compensation project is commissioned at Fermilab. We de-scribe the set-up, report results of the first tests of the elec-tron beam, and discuss future plans.

Improved setup and positioning accuracy using a three‐point customized cushion/mask/bite‐block immobilization system for stereotactic reirradiation of head and neck cancer

PubMed Central

Wang, He; Wang, Congjun; Tung, Samuel; Dimmitt, Andrew Wilson; Wong, Pei Fong; Edson, Mark A.; Garden, Adam S.; Rosenthal, David I.; Fuller, Clifton D.; Gunn, Gary B.; Takiar, Vinita; Wang, Xin A.; Luo, Dershan; Yang, James N.; Wong, Jennifer

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the setup and positioning uncertainty of a custom cushion/mask/bite‐block (CMB) immobilization system and determine PTV margin for image‐guided head and neck stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (HN‐SABR). We analyzed 105 treatment sessions among 21 patients treated with HN‐SABR for recurrent head and neck cancers using a custom CMB immobilization system. Initial patient setup was performed using the ExacTrac infrared (IR) tracking system and initial setup errors were based on comparison of ExacTrac IR tracking system to corrected online ExacTrac X‐rays images registered to treatment plans. Residual setup errors were determined using repeat verification X‐ray. The online ExacTrac corrections were compared to cone‐beam CT (CBCT) before treatment to assess agreement. Intrafractional positioning errors were determined using prebeam X‐rays. The systematic and random errors were analyzed. The initial translational setup errors were −0.8±1.3 mm, −0.8±1.6 mm, and 0.3±1.9 mm in AP, CC, and LR directions, respectively, with a three‐dimensional (3D) vector of 2.7±1.4 mm. The initial rotational errors were up to 2.4° if 6D couch is not available. CBCT agreed with ExacTrac X‐ray images to within 2 mm and 2.5°. The intrafractional uncertainties were 0.1±0.6 mm, 0.1±0.6 mm, and 0.2±0.5 mm in AP, CC, and LR directions, respectively, and 0.0∘±0.5°, 0.0∘±0.6°, and −0.1∘±0.4∘ in yaw, roll, and pitch direction, respectively. The translational vector was 0.9±0.6 mm. The calculated PTV margins mPTV(90,95) were within 1.6 mm when using image guidance for online setup correction. The use of image guidance for online setup correction, in combination with our customized CMB device, highly restricted target motion during treatments and provided robust immobilization to ensure minimum dose of 95% to target volume with 2.0 mm PTV margin for HN‐SABR. PACS number(s): 87.55.ne PMID:27167275

Kelly takes photo of BCAT-5 Payload Setup

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-02-23

ISS026-E-028666 (23 Feb. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Scott Kelly, Expedition 26 commander, uses a digital still camera to photograph the Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5 (BCAT-5) payload setup in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

Verification and implementation of set-up empirical models in pile design : research project capsule.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-08-01

The primary objectives of this research include: performing static and dynamic load tests on : newly instrumented test piles to better understand the set-up mechanism for individual soil : layers, verifying or recalibrating previously developed empir...

Implementation of an automated test setup for measuring electrical conductance of concrete.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

This project was designed to provide the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) with an automated laboratory setup for performing the rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) to measure the electrical conductance of concrete in accordance with a...

Estimating Setup of Driven Piles into Louisiana Clayey Soils

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-11-15

Two types of mathematical models for pile setup prediction, the Skov-Denver model and the newly developed rate-based model, have been established from all the dynamic and static testing data, including restrikes of the production piles, restrikes, st...

Estimating setup of driven piles into Louisiana clayey soils.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-11-15

Two types of mathematical models for pile setup prediction, the Skov-Denver model and the newly developed rate-based model, have been established from all the dynamic and static testing data, including restrikes of the production piles, restrikes, st...

Potential Damage to Flight Hardware from MIL-STD-462 CS02 Setup

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, Patrick K.; Block, Nathan F.

2003-01-01

The MIL-STD-462 CS02 conducted susceptibility test setup includes an audio transformer, with the secondary used as an inductor, and a large capacitor. Together, these two components form an L-type low-pass filter to minimize the injected test signal input into the power source. Some flight hardware power input configurations are not compatible with this setup and break into oscillation when powered up. This, in turn, can damage flight hardware. Such an oscillation resulted in the catastrophic failure of an item tested in the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Large electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Test Facility.

Potential Damage to Flight Hardware from MIL-STD-462 CS02 Setup

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, Patrick K.; Block, Nathan F.

2002-01-01

The MIL-STD-462 CS02 conducted susceptibility test setup, performed during electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, consists of an audio transformer with the secondary used as an inductor and a large capacitor. Together, these two components form an L-type low-pass filter to minimize the injected test signal input into the power source. Some flight hardware power input configurations are not compatible with this setup and break into oscillation when powered up. This can damage flight hardware and caused a catastrophic failure to an item tested in the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Large EMC Test Facility.

A multi-channel setup to study fractures in scintillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tantot, A.; Bouard, C.; Briche, R.; Lefèvre, G.; Manier, B.; Zaïm, N.; Deschanel, S.; Vanel, L.; Di Stefano, P. C. F.

2016-12-01

To investigate fractoluminescence in scintillating crystals used for particle detection, we have developed a multi-channel setup built around samples of double-cleavage drilled compression (DCDC) geometry in a controllable atmosphere. The setup allows the continuous digitization over hours of various parameters, including the applied load, and the compressive strain of the sample, as well as the acoustic emission. Emitted visible light is recorded with nanosecond resolution, and crack propagation is monitored using infrared lighting and camera. An example of application to \\text{B}{{\\text{i}}4}\\text{G}{{\\text{e}}3}{{\\text{O}}12} (BGO) is provided.

Overall view of test set-up in bldg 13 at JSC during docking set-up tests

NASA Image and Video Library

1974-08-04

S74-27049 (4 Aug. 1974) --- Overall view of test set-up in Building 23 at the Johnson Space Center during testing of the docking mechanisms for the joint U.S.-USSR Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The cinematic check was being made when this picture was taken. The test control room is on the right. The Soviet-developed docking system is atop the USA-NASA developed docking system. Both American and Soviet engineers can be seen taking part in the docking testing. The ASTP docking mission in Earth orbit is scheduled for July 1975.

Evaluation of dosimetric properties of shielding disk used in intraoperative electron radiotherapy: A Monte Carlo study.

PubMed

Robatjazi, Mostafa; Baghani, Hamid Reza; Mahdavic, Seied Rabi; Felici, Giuseppe

2018-05-01

A shielding disk is used for IOERT procedures to absorb radiation behind the target and protect underlying healthy tissues. Setup variation of shielding disk can affect the corresponding in-vivo dose distribution. In this study, the changes of dosimetric parameters due to the disk setup variations is evaluated using EGSnrc Monte Carlo (MC) code. The results can help treatment team to decide about the level of accuracy in the setup procedure and delivered dose to the target volume during IOERT. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Design of a setup for 252Cf neutron source for storage and analysis purpose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hei, Daqian; Zhuang, Haocheng; Jia, Wenbao; Cheng, Can; Jiang, Zhou; Wang, Hongtao; Chen, Da

2016-11-01

252Cf is a reliable isotopic neutron source and widely used in the prompt gamma ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) technique. A cylindrical barrel made by polymethyl methacrylate contained with the boric acid solution was designed for storage and application of a 5 μg 252Cf neutron source. The size of the setup was optimized with Monte Carlo code. The experiments were performed and the results showed the doses were reduced with the setup and less than the allowable limit. The intensity and collimating radius of the neutron beam could also be adjusted through different collimator.

A review of setup error in supine breast radiotherapy using cone-beam computed tomography

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

Batumalai, Vikneswary, E-mail: Vikneswary.batumalai@sswahs.nsw.gov.au; Liverpool and Macarthur Cancer Therapy Centres, New South Wales; Ingham Institute of Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales

2016-10-01

Setup error in breast radiotherapy (RT) measured with 3-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is becoming more common. The purpose of this study is to review the literature relating to the magnitude of setup error in breast RT measured with CBCT. The different methods of image registration between CBCT and planning computed tomography (CT) scan were also explored. A literature search, not limited by date, was conducted using Medline and Google Scholar with the following key words: breast cancer, RT, setup error, and CBCT. This review includes studies that reported on systematic and random errors, and the methods used when registeringmore » CBCT scans with planning CT scan. A total of 11 relevant studies were identified for inclusion in this review. The average magnitude of error is generally less than 5 mm across a number of studies reviewed. The common registration methods used when registering CBCT scans with planning CT scan are based on bony anatomy, soft tissue, and surgical clips. No clear relationships between the setup errors detected and methods of registration were observed from this review. Further studies are needed to assess the benefit of CBCT over electronic portal image, as CBCT remains unproven to be of wide benefit in breast RT.« less

A concept to transfer a therapeutic splint position into permanent occlusion with a customized lingual appliance.

PubMed

Sachse, Tina; Schwestka-Polly, Rainer; Flieger, Stefanie; Wiechmann, Dirk

2012-05-21

The role of occlusion concerning temporomandibular disorder is still unclear but seems to be the only component of the stomathognathic system dentists are able to change morphologically. The aim of the paper is to describe the orthodontist's approach for transferring and maintaining a therapeutic splint position into permanent occlusion using a fully customized lingual appliance. Fixed acrylic bite planes on lower molars were used to maintain a symptom-free condyle position prior to orthodontic treatment. Silicone impressions of the arches including the fixed bite planes were used for the Incognito laboratory procedure. Two digital setups were made. One setup represents the target occlusion. A second setup including the bite planes was used to fabricate an additional set of lower molar brackets. In the leveling stage all teeth except the lower molars were settled to maintain the therapeutic condyle position. Finally, the fixed bite planes were stepwise removed and molar brackets were replaced to establish the permanent occlusion planned with the first setup. The advantage of an individual lingual appliance consists in the high level of congruence between the fabricated setups and the final clinical result. Both the individual scope for design and the precision of the appliance were vitally important in the treatment of a patient with a functional disorder of the masticatory system.

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

Zhang, JY; Hong, DL

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the patient set-up error and interfraction target coverage in cervical cancer using image-guided adaptive radiotherapy (IGART) with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: Twenty cervical cancer patients undergoing intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) were randomly selected. All patients were matched to the isocenter using laser with the skin markers. Three dimensional CBCT projections were acquired by the Varian Truebeam treatment system. Set-up errors were evaluated by radiation oncologists, after CBCT correction. The clinical target volume (CTV) was delineated on each CBCT, and the planning target volume (PTV) coverage of each CBCT-CTVs was analyzed.more » Results: A total of 152 CBCT scans were acquired from twenty cervical cancer patients, the mean set-up errors in the longitudinal, vertical, and lateral direction were 3.57, 2.74 and 2.5mm respectively, without CBCT corrections. After corrections, these were decreased to 1.83, 1.44 and 0.97mm. For the target coverage, CBCT-CTV coverage without CBCT correction was 94% (143/152), and 98% (149/152) with correction. Conclusion: Use of CBCT verfication to measure patient setup errors could be applied to improve the treatment accuracy. In addition, the set-up error corrections significantly improve the CTV coverage for cervical cancer patients.« less

Needleless electrospinning with twisted wire spinneret

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holopainen, Jani; Penttinen, Toni; Santala, Eero; Ritala, Mikko

2015-01-01

A needleless electrospinning setup named ‘Needleless Twisted Wire Electrospinning’ was developed. The polymer solution is electrospun from the surface of a twisted wire set to a high voltage and collected on a cylindrical collector around the wire. Multiple Taylor cones are simultaneously self-formed on the downward flowing solution. The system is robust and simple with no moving parts aside from the syringe pump used to transport the solution to the top of the wire. The structure and process parameters of the setup and the results on the preparation of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), hydroxyapatite (HA) and bioglass fibers with the setup are presented. PVP fiber sheets with areas of 40 × 120 cm2 and masses up to 1.15 g were prepared. High production rates of 5.23 g h-1 and 1.40 g h-1 were achieved for PVP and HA respectively. The major limiting factor of the setup is drying of the polymer solution on the wire during the electrospinning process which will eventually force to interrupt the process for cleaning of the wire. Possible solutions to this problem and other ways to develop the setup are discussed. The presented system provides a simple way to increase the production rate and area of fiber sheet as compared with the conventional needle electrospinning.

Real-time real-sky dual-conjugate adaptive optics experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knutsson, Per; Owner-Petersen, Mette

2006-06-01

The current status of a real-time real-sky dual-conjugate adaptive optics experiment is presented. This experiment is a follow-up on a lab experiment at Lund Observatory that demonstrated dual-conjugate adaptive optics on a static atmosphere. The setup is to be placed at Lund Observatory. This means that the setup will be available 24h a day and does not have to share time with other instruments. The optical design of the experiment is finalized. A siderostat will be used to track the guide object and all other optical components are placed on an optical table. A small telescope, 35 cm aperture, is used and following this a tip-tilt mirror and two deformable mirrors are placed. The wave-front sensor is a Shack-Hartmann sensor using a SciMeasure Li'l Joe CCD39 camera system. The maximum update rate of the setup will be 0.5 kHz and the control system will be running under Linux. The effective wavelength will be 750 nm. All components in the setup have been acquired and the completion of the setup is underway. Collaborating partners in this project are the Applied Optics Group at National University of Ireland, Galway and the Swedish Defense Research Agency.

Delft Dashboard: a quick setup tool for coastal and estuarine models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nederhoff, C., III; Van Dongeren, A.; Van Ormondt, M.; Veeramony, J.

2016-02-01

We developed easy-to-use Delft DashBoard (DDB) software for the rapid set-up of coastal and estuarine hydrodynamic and basic morphological numerical models. In the "Model Maker" toolbox, users have the capability to set-up Delft3D models, in a minimal amount of time (in the order of a hour), for any location in the world. DDB draws upon public internet data sources of bathymetry and tidesto construct the model. With additional toolboxes, these models can be forced with parameterized hurricane wind fields, uplift of the sea surface due to tsunamis nested in publically available ocean models and forced with meteo data (wind speed, pressure, temperature) In this presentation we will show the skill of a model which is setup with Delft Dashboard and compare it to well-calibrated benchmark models. These latter models have been set-up using detailed input data and boundary conditions. We have tested the functionality of Delft DashBoard and evaluate the performance and robustness of the DDB model system on a variety of cases, ranging from a coastal to basin models. Furthermore, we have performed a sensitivity study to investigate the most critical physical and numerical processes. The software can benefit operational modellers, as well as scientists and consultants.

Virtual hydrology observatory: an immersive visualization of hydrology modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Simon; Cruz-Neira, Carolina; Habib, Emad; Gerndt, Andreas

2009-02-01

The Virtual Hydrology Observatory will provide students with the ability to observe the integrated hydrology simulation with an instructional interface by using a desktop based or immersive virtual reality setup. It is the goal of the virtual hydrology observatory application to facilitate the introduction of field experience and observational skills into hydrology courses through innovative virtual techniques that mimic activities during actual field visits. The simulation part of the application is developed from the integrated atmospheric forecast model: Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF), and the hydrology model: Gridded Surface/Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis (GSSHA). Both the output from WRF and GSSHA models are then used to generate the final visualization components of the Virtual Hydrology Observatory. The various visualization data processing techniques provided by VTK are 2D Delaunay triangulation and data optimization. Once all the visualization components are generated, they are integrated into the simulation data using VRFlowVis and VR Juggler software toolkit. VR Juggler is used primarily to provide the Virtual Hydrology Observatory application with fully immersive and real time 3D interaction experience; while VRFlowVis provides the integration framework for the hydrologic simulation data, graphical objects and user interaction. A six-sided CAVETM like system is used to run the Virtual Hydrology Observatory to provide the students with a fully immersive experience.

What Box: A task for assessing language lateralization in young children.

PubMed

Badcock, Nicholas A; Spooner, Rachael; Hofmann, Jessica; Flitton, Atlanta; Elliott, Scott; Kurylowicz, Lisa; Lavrencic, Louise M; Payne, Heather M; Holt, Georgina K; Holden, Anneka; Churches, Owen F; Kohler, Mark J; Keage, Hannah A D

2018-07-01

The assessment of active language lateralization in infants and toddlers is challenging. It requires an imaging tool that is unintimidating, quick to setup, and robust to movement, in addition to an engaging and cognitively simple language processing task. Functional Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (fTCD) offers a suitable technique and here we report on a suitable method to elicit active language production in young children. The 34-second "What Box" trial presents an animated face "searching" for an object. The face "finds" a box that opens to reveal a to-be-labelled object. In a sample of 95 children (1 to 5 years of age), 81% completed the task-32% with ≥10 trials. The task was validated (ρ = 0.4) against the gold standard Word Generation task in a group of older adults (n = 65, 60-85 years of age), though was less likely to categorize lateralization as left or right, indicative of greater measurement variability. Existing methods for active language production have been used with 2-year-old children while passive listening has been conducted with sleeping 6-month-olds. This is the first active method to be successfully employed with infants through to pre-schoolers, forming a useful tool for populations in which complex instructions are problematic.

FPGA Sequencer for Radar Altimeter Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Berkun, Andrew C.; Pollard, Brian D.; Chen, Curtis W.

2011-01-01

A sequencer for a radar altimeter provides accurate attitude information for a reliable soft landing of the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL). This is a field-programmable- gate-array (FPGA)-only implementation. A table loaded externally into the FPGA controls timing, processing, and decision structures. Radar is memory-less and does not use previous acquisitions to assist in the current acquisition. All cycles complete in exactly 50 milliseconds, regardless of range or whether a target was found. A RAM (random access memory) within the FPGA holds instructions for up to 15 sets. For each set, timing is run, echoes are processed, and a comparison is made. If a target is seen, more detailed processing is run on that set. If no target is seen, the next set is tried. When all sets have been run, the FPGA terminates and waits for the next 50-millisecond event. This setup simplifies testing and improves reliability. A single vertex chip does the work of an entire assembly. Output products require minor processing to become range and velocity. This technology is the heart of the Terminal Descent Sensor, which is an integral part of the Entry Decent and Landing system for MSL. In addition, it is a strong candidate for manned landings on Mars or the Moon.

Complementing anatomy education using three-dimensional anatomy mobile software applications on tablet computers.

PubMed

Lewis, T L; Burnett, B; Tunstall, R G; Abrahams, P H

2014-04-01

Anatomy has traditionally been a cornerstone of medical education, which has been taught via dissection and didactic lectures. The rising prevalence of mobile tablet technology means medical software applications ("apps") play an increasingly important role in medical education. The applications highlighted in this article will aid anatomical educators to identify which are the most useful in clinical, academic, and educational environments. These have been systematically identified by downloading all applications with keywords related to anatomy and then carrying out qualitative assessment. Novel anatomy applications from developers such as Visible Body, 3D4Medical, and Pocket Anatomy allow students to visualize and manipulate complex anatomical structures using detailed 3D models. They often contain additional content including clinical correlations and a range of media from instructional videos to interactive quiz functions. The strength of tablet technology lies in its ability to consolidate and present anatomical information to the user in the most appropriate manner for their learning style. The only question mark remains over the level of detail and accuracy of these applications. Innovative medical educators who embrace tablet technology will find that anatomy applications serve as a useful learning tool when used in conjunction with existing teaching setups. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Implementation of a virtual laboratory for training on sound insulation testing and uncertainty calculations in acoustic tests.

PubMed

Asensio, C; Gasco, L; Ruiz, M; Recuero, M

2015-02-01

This paper describes a methodology and case study for the implementation of educational virtual laboratories for practice training on acoustic tests according to international standards. The objectives of this activity are (a) to help the students understand and apply the procedures described in the standards and (b) to familiarize the students with the uncertainty in measurement and its estimation in acoustics. The virtual laboratory will not focus on the handling and set-up of real acoustic equipment but rather on procedures and uncertainty. The case study focuses on the application of the virtual laboratory for facade sound insulation tests according to ISO 140-5:1998 (International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland, 1998), and the paper describes the causal and stochastic models and the constraints applied in the virtual environment under consideration. With a simple user interface, the laboratory will provide measurement data that the students will have to process to report the insulation results that must converge with the "virtual true values" in the laboratory. The main advantage of the virtual laboratory is derived from the customization of factors in which the student will be instructed or examined (for instance, background noise correction, the detection of sporadic corrupted observations, and the effect of instrument precision).

Changes in deviation of absorbed dose to water among users by chamber calibration shift.

PubMed

Katayose, Tetsurou; Saitoh, Hidetoshi; Igari, Mitsunobu; Chang, Weishan; Hashimoto, Shimpei; Morioka, Mie

2017-07-01

The JSMP01 dosimetry protocol had adopted the provisional 60 Co calibration coefficient [Formula: see text], namely, the product of exposure calibration coefficient N C and conversion coefficient k D,X . After that, the absorbed dose to water D w  standard was established, and the JSMP12 protocol adopted the [Formula: see text] calibration. In this study, the influence of the calibration shift on the measurement of D w among users was analyzed. The intercomparison of the D w using an ionization chamber was annually performed by visiting related hospitals. Intercomparison results before and after the calibration shift were analyzed, the deviation of D w among users was re-evaluated, and the cause of deviation was estimated. As a result, the stability of LINAC, calibration of the thermometer and barometer, and collection method of ion recombination were confirmed. The statistical significance of standard deviation of D w was not observed, but that of difference of D w among users was observed between N C and [Formula: see text] calibration. Uncertainty due to chamber-to-chamber variation was reduced by the calibration shift, consequently reducing the uncertainty among users regarding D w . The result also pointed out uncertainty might be reduced by accurate and detailed instructions on the setup of an ionization chamber.

Towards a molecular logic machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remacle, F.; Levine, R. D.

2001-06-01

Finite state logic machines can be realized by pump-probe spectroscopic experiments on an isolated molecule. The most elaborate setup, a Turing machine, can be programmed to carry out a specific computation. We argue that a molecule can be similarly programmed, and provide examples using two photon spectroscopies. The states of the molecule serve as the possible states of the head of the Turing machine and the physics of the problem determines the possible instructions of the program. The tape is written in an alphabet that allows the listing of the different pump and probe signals that are applied in a given experiment. Different experiments using the same set of molecular levels correspond to different tapes that can be read and processed by the same head and program. The analogy to a Turing machine is not a mechanical one and is not completely molecular because the tape is not part of the molecular machine. We therefore also discuss molecular finite state machines, such as sequential devices, for which the tape is not part of the machine. Nonmolecular tapes allow for quite long input sequences with a rich alphabet (at the level of 7 bits) and laser pulse shaping experiments provide concrete examples. Single molecule spectroscopies show that a single molecule can be repeatedly cycled through a logical operation.

The OpenPicoAmp: an open-source planar lipid bilayer amplifier for hands-on learning of neuroscience.

PubMed

Shlyonsky, Vadim; Dupuis, Freddy; Gall, David

2014-01-01

Understanding the electrical biophysical properties of the cell membrane can be difficult for neuroscience students as it relies solely on lectures of theoretical models without practical hands on experiments. To address this issue, we developed an open-source lipid bilayer amplifier, the OpenPicoAmp, which is appropriate for use in introductory courses in biophysics or neurosciences at the undergraduate level, dealing with the electrical properties of the cell membrane. The amplifier is designed using the common lithographic printed circuit board fabrication process and off-the-shelf electronic components. In addition, we propose a specific design for experimental chambers allowing the insertion of a commercially available polytetrafluoroethylene film. We provide a complete documentation allowing to build the amplifier and the experimental chamber. The students hand-out giving step-by step instructions to perform a recording is also included. Our experimental setup can be used in basic experiments in which students monitor the bilayer formation by capacitance measurement and record unitary currents produced by ionic channels like gramicidin A dimers. Used in combination with a low-cost data acquisition board this system provides a complete solution for hands-on lessons, therefore improving the effectiveness in teaching basic neurosciences or biophysics.

The OpenPicoAmp: An Open-Source Planar Lipid Bilayer Amplifier for Hands-On Learning of Neuroscience

PubMed Central

Shlyonsky, Vadim; Dupuis, Freddy; Gall, David

2014-01-01

Understanding the electrical biophysical properties of the cell membrane can be difficult for neuroscience students as it relies solely on lectures of theoretical models without practical hands on experiments. To address this issue, we developed an open-source lipid bilayer amplifier, the OpenPicoAmp, which is appropriate for use in introductory courses in biophysics or neurosciences at the undergraduate level, dealing with the electrical properties of the cell membrane. The amplifier is designed using the common lithographic printed circuit board fabrication process and off-the-shelf electronic components. In addition, we propose a specific design for experimental chambers allowing the insertion of a commercially available polytetrafluoroethylene film. We provide a complete documentation allowing to build the amplifier and the experimental chamber. The students hand-out giving step-by step instructions to perform a recording is also included. Our experimental setup can be used in basic experiments in which students monitor the bilayer formation by capacitance measurement and record unitary currents produced by ionic channels like gramicidin A dimers. Used in combination with a low-cost data acquisition board this system provides a complete solution for hands-on lessons, therefore improving the effectiveness in teaching basic neurosciences or biophysics. PMID:25251830

Space Station and Shuttle Payloads: Rack Insertion Device Pneumatic Assembly Setup and Test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conde, Nathan

2007-01-01

As part of my KSC summer internship, I was given the very cool task of writing a test preparation sheet (TPS). A TPS is a set of instructions for certain procedures or tasks, and serves as the documentation for the tasks. TPSs guide task leaders and technicians throughout the work procedures, safely, informing them of what steps will be hazardous, what precautions must be taken, and what to do in the case of an accident or emergency. I was placed in Boeing's Resupply & Return Division (R&R). R&R is responsible for sending up food and supplies to the International Space Station (ISS) with the use of three Italian Multi Purpose Logistics Modules - Leonardo, Donatello, and Raffaello. The supplies are loaded into Resupply Stowage Racks (RSRs) or Resupply Stowage Platforms (RSPs) (though, both are usually referred to as racks), depending on their size and shape. These racks are loaded into the modules with the help of a specialized crane known as the Rack Insertion Device (RID). The RID rests on four pneumatic air jacks, these allow for an operator to raise or lower the RID. The pneumatic air system supplies the air jacks with the necessary air pressure required to lift the RID.

Electronic field permeameter

DOEpatents

Chandler, Mark A.; Goggin, David J.; Horne, Patrick J.; Kocurek, Gary G.; Lake, Larry W.

1989-01-01

For making rapid, non-destructive permeability measurements in the field, a portable minipermeameter of the kind having a manually-operated gas injection tip is provided with a microcomputer system which operates a flow controller to precisely regulate gas flow rate to a test sample, and reads a pressure sensor which senses the pressure across the test sample. The microcomputer system automatically turns on the gas supply at the start of each measurement, senses when a steady-state is reached, collects and records pressure and flow rate data, and shuts off the gas supply immediately after the measurement is completed. Preferably temperature is also sensed to correct for changes in gas viscosity. The microcomputer system may also provide automatic zero-point adjustment, sensor calibration, over-range sensing, and may select controllers, sensors, and set-points for obtaining the most precise measurements. Electronic sensors may provide increased accuracy and precision. Preferably one microcomputer is used for sensing instrument control and data collection, and a second microcomputer is used which is dedicated to recording and processing the data, selecting the sensors and set-points for obtaining the most precise measurements, and instructing the user how to set-up and operate the minipermeameter. To provide mass data collection and user-friendly operation, the second microcomputer is preferably a lap-type portable microcomputer having a non-volatile or battery-backed CMOS memory.

Disentangling the f(R)-duality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broy, Benedict J.; Pedro, Francisco G.; Westphal, Alexander

2015-03-01

Motivated by UV realisations of Starobinsky-like inflation models, we study generic exponential plateau-like potentials to understand whether an exact f(R)-formulation may still be obtained when the asymptotic shift-symmetry of the potential is broken for larger field values. Potentials which break the shift symmetry with rising exponentials at large field values only allow for corresponding f(R)-descriptions with a leading order term Rn with 1

Coleman takes photo of BCAT-5 Payload Setup

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-02-23

ISS026-E-028660 (23 Feb. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Catherine (Cady) Coleman, Expedition 26 flight engineer, uses a digital still camera to photograph the Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-5 (BCAT-5) payload setup in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station.

Active Optical Zoom for Tracking

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

optical system. 2. Current Setup Deformable Flat Two Deformable Flat Figure 1. Zemax lens design layout and experimental layout on the...optical bench. Figure 1 is a ZEMAX design and setup on the optical bench of two Deformable Mirrors (DMs) from OKO technologies. These mirrors have

Non-destructive phase and intensity distributed measurements of the nonlinear stage of modulation instability in optical fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mussot, Arnaud; Naveau, Corentin; Szriftgiser, Pascal; Copie, François; Kudlinski, Alexandre; Conforti, Matteo; Trillo, Stefano

2018-02-01

We report a novel experimental setup to perform distributed characterization in intensity and phase of the nonlinear stage of modulation instability by means of a non-invasive experimental setup : a heterodyne time domain reflectometer.

Heavy duty precision leveling jacks expedite setup time on horizontal boring mill

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dellenbaugh, W.; Jones, C.

1966-01-01

Leveling jack is a precise alignment tool which expedites the setup of components or assemblies up to 2500 pounds on horizontal boring mills. This tool eliminates the necessity of wedges and blocks to shim the components to proper position.

Precision assessment of model-based RSA for a total knee prosthesis in a biplanar set-up.

PubMed

Trozzi, C; Kaptein, B L; Garling, E H; Shelyakova, T; Russo, A; Bragonzoni, L; Martelli, S

2008-10-01

Model-based Roentgen Stereophotogrammetric Analysis (RSA) was recently developed for the measurement of prosthesis micromotion. Its main advantage is that markers do not need to be attached to the implants as traditional marker-based RSA requires. Model-based RSA has only been tested in uniplanar radiographic set-ups. A biplanar set-up would theoretically facilitate the pose estimation algorithm, since radiographic projections would show more different shape features of the implants than in uniplanar images. We tested the precision of model-based RSA and compared it with that of the traditional marker-based method in a biplanar set-up. Micromotions of both tibial and femoral components were measured with both the techniques from double examinations of patients participating in a clinical study. The results showed that in the biplanar set-up model-based RSA presents a homogeneous distribution of precision for all the translation directions, but an inhomogeneous error for rotations, especially internal-external rotation presented higher errors than rotations about the transverse and sagittal axes. Model-based RSA was less precise than the marker-based method, although the differences were not significant for the translations and rotations of the tibial component, with the exception of the internal-external rotations. For both prosthesis components the precisions of model-based RSA were below 0.2 mm for all the translations, and below 0.3 degrees for rotations about transverse and sagittal axes. These values are still acceptable for clinical studies aimed at evaluating total knee prosthesis micromotion. In a biplanar set-up model-based RSA is a valid alternative to traditional marker-based RSA where marking of the prosthesis is an enormous disadvantage.

An ultra-stable optical frequency reference for space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuldt, T.; Döringshoff, K.; Kovalchuk, E.; Pahl, J.; Gohlke, M.; Weise, D.; Johann, U.; Peters, A.; Braxmaier, C.

2017-11-01

We realized ultra-stable optical frequency references on elegant breadboard (EBB) and engineering model (EM) level utilizing Doppler-free spectroscopy of molecular iodine near 532nm. A frequency stability of about 1•10-14 at an integration time of 1 s and below 5•10-15 at integration times between 10 s and 100 s was achieved. These values are comparable to the currently best laboratory setups. Both setups use a baseplate made of glass material where the optical components are joint using a specific assembly-integration technology. Compared to the EBB setup, the EM setup is further developed with respect to compactness and mechanical and thermal stability. The EM setup uses a baseplate made of fused silica with dimensions of 380 x 180 x 40 mm3 and a specifically designed 100 x 100 x 30 mm3 rectangular iodine cell in nine-pass configuration with a specific robust cold finger design. The EM setup was subjected to thermal cycling and vibrational testing. Applications of such an optical frequency reference in space can be found in fundamental physics, geoscience, Earth observation, and navigation & ranging. One example is the proposed mSTAR (mini SpaceTime Asymmetry Research) mission, dedicated to perform a Kennedy-Thorndike experiment on a satellite in a sunsynchronous low-Earth orbit. By comparing an iodine standard to a cavity-based frequency reference and integration over 2 year mission lifetime, the Kennedy-Thorndike coefficient will be determined with up to two orders of magnitude higher accuracy than the current best ground experiment. In a current study, the compatibility of the payload with the SaudiSat-4 host vehicle is investigated.

Airway humidification during high-frequency percussive ventilation.

PubMed

Allan, Patrick F; Hollingsworth, Michael J; Maniere, Gordon C; Rakofsky, Anthony K; Chung, Kevin K; Naworol, Gregory A; Ward, John A; Perello, Michelle; Morris, Michael J

2009-03-01

We were concerned about the risk of inadequate humidification during high-frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV). We studied 5 humidifiers during HFPV with a lung model, at bias gas flows of 10 L/min, 30 L/min, and 50 L/min, and compared the results to those from a comparator ventilator/humidifier setup and to the minimum temperature (30 degrees C) and humidity (30 mg/L) [corrected] recommended by the American Association for Respiratory Care, at both regular room temperature and a high ambient temperature. Temperature was measured at the humidifier outflow point and at the artificial carina. Humidity was measured at the artificial carina. Of the 7 HFPV/humidifier combinations, 2 (the MR850 at a bias flow of 50 L/min, and the ConchaTherm Hi-Flow with VDR nebulizer) provided a carinal temperature equivalent to the comparator setup at room temperature, whereas one HFPV/humidifier combination (the ConchaTherm Hi-Flow with modified programming, at bias flows of 30 L/min and 50 L/min) provided a higher carinal temperature. At high ambient temperature, all of the setups delivered lower carinal temperature than the comparator setup. Only 2 setups (the ConchaTherm with modified programming at a bias flow of 50 L/min, and the ConchaTherm Hi-Flow with VDR nebulizer) provided carinal humidification equivalent to the comparator setup, without regard to ambient temperature; the other humidifiers were less effective. The ConchaTherm with modified programming, and the ConchaTherm with the VDR nebulizer provided the most consistent humidification. HFPV's distinctive gas-flow mechanism may impair gas heating and humidification, so all humidification systems should be tested with HFPV prior to clinical use.

A new setup for the investigation of swift heavy ion induced particle emission and surface modifications

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

Meinerzhagen, F.; Breuer, L.; Bukowska, H.

2016-01-15

The irradiation with fast ions with kinetic energies of >10 MeV leads to the deposition of a high amount of energy along their trajectory (up to several ten keV/nm). The energy is mainly transferred to the electronic subsystem and induces different secondary processes of excitations, which result in significant material modifications. A new setup to study these ion induced effects on surfaces will be described in this paper. The setup combines a variable irradiation chamber with different techniques of surface characterizations like scanning probe microscopy, time-of-flight secondary ion, and neutral mass spectrometry, as well as low energy electron diffraction undermore » ultra high vacuum conditions, and is mounted at a beamline of the universal linear accelerator (UNILAC) of the GSI facility in Darmstadt, Germany. Here, samples can be irradiated with high-energy ions with a total kinetic energy up to several GeVs under different angles of incidence. Our setup enables the preparation and in situ analysis of different types of sample systems ranging from metals to insulators. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry enables us to study the chemical composition of the surface, while scanning probe microscopy allows a detailed view into the local electrical and morphological conditions of the sample surface down to atomic scales. With the new setup, particle emission during irradiation as well as persistent modifications of the surface after irradiation can thus be studied. We present first data obtained with the new setup, including a novel measuring protocol for time-of-flight mass spectrometry with the GSI UNILAC accelerator.« less

More on Faraday's and Lenz's laws - Qualitative demonstrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hessel, Roberto

2011-03-01

A large variety of simple setups for demonstrating Faraday's and Lenz's laws have been described in the literature.1-4 For a few semesters, we tested some of these setups, especially those suggested in Ref. 1, but recently we decided to develop our own version.

Test Setup For Model Landing Investigation of a Winged Space Vehicle

NASA Image and Video Library

1960-07-20

Test Setup For Model Landing Investigation of a Winged Space Vehicle Image used in NASA Document TN-D-1496 1960-L-04633.01 is Figure 9a for NASA Document L-2064 Photograph of model on launcher and landing on runway.

Note: a 4 ns hardware photon correlator based on a general-purpose field-programmable gate array development board implemented in a compact setup for fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Kalinin, Stanislav; Kühnemuth, Ralf; Vardanyan, Hayk; Seidel, Claus A M

2012-09-01

We present a fast hardware photon correlator implemented in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) combined with a compact confocal fluorescence setup. The correlator has two independent units with a time resolution of 4 ns while utilizing less than 15% of a low-end FPGA. The device directly accepts transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signals from two photon counting detectors and calculates two auto- or cross-correlation curves in real time. Test measurements demonstrate that the performance of our correlator is comparable with the current generation of commercial devices. The sensitivity of the optical setup is identical or even superior to current commercial devices. The FPGA design and the optical setup both allow for a straightforward extension to multi-color applications. This inexpensive and compact solution with a very good performance can serve as a versatile platform for uses in education, applied sciences, and basic research.

Development of a sensitive setup for laser spectroscopy studies of very exotic calcium isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia Ruiz, R. F.; Gorges, C.; Bissell, M.; Blaum, K.; Gins, W.; Heylen, H.; Koenig, K.; Kaufmann, S.; Kowalska, M.; Krämer, J.; Lievens, P.; Malbrunot-Ettenauer, S.; Neugart, R.; Neyens, G.; Nörtershäuser, W.; Yordanov, D. T.; Yang, X. F.

2017-04-01

An experimental setup for sensitive high-resolution measurements of hyperfine structure spectra of exotic calcium isotopes has been developed and commissioned at the COLLAPS beam line at ISOLDE, CERN. The technique is based on the radioactive detection of decaying isotopes after optical pumping and state selective neutralization (ROC) (Vermeeren et al 1992 Phys. Rev. Lett. 68 1679). The improvements and developments necessary to extend the applicability of the experimental technique to calcium isotopes produced at rates as low as few ions s-1 are discussed. Numerical calculations of laser-ion interaction and ion-beam simulations were explored to obtain the optimum performance of the experimental setup. Among the implemented features are a multi-step optical pumping region for sensitive measurements of isotopes with hyperfine splitting, a high-voltage platform for adequate control of low-energy ion beams and simultaneous β-detection of neutralized and remaining ions. The commissioning of the experimental setup, and the first online results on neutron-rich calcium isotopes are presented.

Low-cost laser speckle contrast imaging of blood flow using a webcam.

PubMed

Richards, Lisa M; Kazmi, S M Shams; Davis, Janel L; Olin, Katherine E; Dunn, Andrew K

2013-01-01

Laser speckle contrast imaging has become a widely used tool for dynamic imaging of blood flow, both in animal models and in the clinic. Typically, laser speckle contrast imaging is performed using scientific-grade instrumentation. However, due to recent advances in camera technology, these expensive components may not be necessary to produce accurate images. In this paper, we demonstrate that a consumer-grade webcam can be used to visualize changes in flow, both in a microfluidic flow phantom and in vivo in a mouse model. A two-camera setup was used to simultaneously image with a high performance monochrome CCD camera and the webcam for direct comparison. The webcam was also tested with inexpensive aspheric lenses and a laser pointer for a complete low-cost, compact setup ($90, 5.6 cm length, 25 g). The CCD and webcam showed excellent agreement with the two-camera setup, and the inexpensive setup was used to image dynamic blood flow changes before and after a targeted cerebral occlusion.

Low-cost laser speckle contrast imaging of blood flow using a webcam

PubMed Central

Richards, Lisa M.; Kazmi, S. M. Shams; Davis, Janel L.; Olin, Katherine E.; Dunn, Andrew K.

2013-01-01

Laser speckle contrast imaging has become a widely used tool for dynamic imaging of blood flow, both in animal models and in the clinic. Typically, laser speckle contrast imaging is performed using scientific-grade instrumentation. However, due to recent advances in camera technology, these expensive components may not be necessary to produce accurate images. In this paper, we demonstrate that a consumer-grade webcam can be used to visualize changes in flow, both in a microfluidic flow phantom and in vivo in a mouse model. A two-camera setup was used to simultaneously image with a high performance monochrome CCD camera and the webcam for direct comparison. The webcam was also tested with inexpensive aspheric lenses and a laser pointer for a complete low-cost, compact setup ($90, 5.6 cm length, 25 g). The CCD and webcam showed excellent agreement with the two-camera setup, and the inexpensive setup was used to image dynamic blood flow changes before and after a targeted cerebral occlusion. PMID:24156082

JANUS - A setup for low-energy Coulomb excitation at ReA3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lunderberg, E.; Belarge, J.; Bender, P. C.; Bucher, B.; Cline, D.; Elman, B.; Gade, A.; Liddick, S. N.; Longfellow, B.; Prokop, C.; Weisshaar, D.; Wu, C. Y.

2018-03-01

A new experimental setup for low-energy Coulomb excitation experiments was constructed in a collaboration between the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and the University of Rochester and was commissioned at the general purpose beam line of NSCL's ReA3 reaccelerator facility. The so-called JANUS setup combines γ-ray detection with the Segmented Ge Array (SeGA) and scattered particle detection using a pair of segmented double-sided Si detectors (Bambino 2). The low-energy Coulomb excitation program that JANUS enables will complement intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation studies that have long been performed at NSCL by providing access to observables that quantify collectivity beyond the first excited state, including the sign and magnitude of excited-state quadrupole moments. In this work, the setup and its performance will be described based on the commissioning run that used stable 78Kr impinging onto a 1.09 mg/cm2208Pb target at a beam energy of 3.9 MeV/u.

Free Molecular Heat Transfer Programs for Setup and Dynamic Updating the Conductors in Thermal Desktop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malroy, Eric T.

2007-01-01

The programs, arrays and logic structure were developed to enable the dynamic update of conductors in thermal desktop. The MatLab program FMHTPRE.m processes the Thermal Desktop conductors and sets up the arrays. The user needs to manually copy portions of the output to different input regions in Thermal Desktop. Also, Fortran subroutines are provided that perform the actual updates to the conductors. The subroutines are setup for helium gas, but the equations can be modified for other gases. The maximum number of free molecular conductors allowed is 10,000 for a given radiation task. Additional radiation tasks for FMHT can be generated to account for more conductors. Modifications to the Fortran subroutines may be warranted, when the mode of heat transfer is in the mixed or continuum mode. The FMHT Thermal Desktop model should be activated by using the "Case Set Manager" once the model is setup. Careful setup of the model is needed to avoid excessive solve times.

Quantum Experiments and Graphs: Multiparty States as Coherent Superpositions of Perfect Matchings.

PubMed

Krenn, Mario; Gu, Xuemei; Zeilinger, Anton

2017-12-15

We show a surprising link between experimental setups to realize high-dimensional multipartite quantum states and graph theory. In these setups, the paths of photons are identified such that the photon-source information is never created. We find that each of these setups corresponds to an undirected graph, and every undirected graph corresponds to an experimental setup. Every term in the emerging quantum superposition corresponds to a perfect matching in the graph. Calculating the final quantum state is in the #P-complete complexity class, thus it cannot be done efficiently. To strengthen the link further, theorems from graph theory-such as Hall's marriage problem-are rephrased in the language of pair creation in quantum experiments. We show explicitly how this link allows one to answer questions about quantum experiments (such as which classes of entangled states can be created) with graph theoretical methods, and how to potentially simulate properties of graphs and networks with quantum experiments (such as critical exponents and phase transitions).

Note: A 4 ns hardware photon correlator based on a general-purpose field-programmable gate array development board implemented in a compact setup for fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinin, Stanislav; Kühnemuth, Ralf; Vardanyan, Hayk; Seidel, Claus A. M.

2012-09-01

We present a fast hardware photon correlator implemented in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) combined with a compact confocal fluorescence setup. The correlator has two independent units with a time resolution of 4 ns while utilizing less than 15% of a low-end FPGA. The device directly accepts transistor-transistor logic (TTL) signals from two photon counting detectors and calculates two auto- or cross-correlation curves in real time. Test measurements demonstrate that the performance of our correlator is comparable with the current generation of commercial devices. The sensitivity of the optical setup is identical or even superior to current commercial devices. The FPGA design and the optical setup both allow for a straightforward extension to multi-color applications. This inexpensive and compact solution with a very good performance can serve as a versatile platform for uses in education, applied sciences, and basic research.

The current status of the MASHA setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vedeneev, V. Yu.; Rodin, A. M.; Krupa, L.; Belozerov, A. V.; Chernysheva, E. V.; Dmitriev, S. N.; Gulyaev, A. V.; Gulyaeva, A. V.; Kamas, D.; Kliman, J.; Komarov, A. B.; Motycak, S.; Novoselov, A. S.; Salamatin, V. S.; Stepantsov, S. V.; Podshibyakin, A. V.; Yukhimchuk, S. A.; Granja, C.; Pospisil, S.

2017-11-01

The MASHA setup designed as the mass-separator with the resolving power of about 1700, which allows mass identification of superheavy nuclides is described. The setup uses solid ISOL (Isotope Separation On-Line) method. In the present article the upgrade of some parts of MASHA are described: target box (rotating target + hot catcher), ion source based on electron cyclotron resonance, data acquisition, beam diagnostics and control systems. The upgrade is undertaken in order to increase the total separation efficiency, reduce the separation time, of the installation and working stability and make possible continuous measurements at high beam currents. Ion source efficiency was measured in autonomous regime with using calibrated gas leaks of Kr and Xe injected directly to ion source. Some results of the first experiments for production of radon isotopes using the multi-nucleon transfer reaction 48Ca+242Pu are described in the present article. The using of TIMEPIX detector with MASHA setup for neutron-rich Rn isotopes identification is also described.

Application of Negative Curvature Hollow-Core Fiber in an Optical Fiber Sensor Setup for Multiphoton Spectroscopy

PubMed Central

Stawska, Hanna Izabela; Mazur, Leszek Mateusz; Kosolapov, Alexey; Kolyadin, Anton; Bereś-Pawlik, Elżbieta

2017-01-01

In this paper, an application of negative curvature hollow core fiber (NCHCF) in an all-fiber, multiphoton fluorescence sensor setup is presented. The dispersion parameter (D) of this fiber does not exceed the value of 5 ps/nm × km across the optical spectrum of (680–750) nm, making it well suited for the purpose of multiphoton excitation of biological fluorophores. Employing 1.5 m of this fiber in a simple, all-fiber sensor setup allows us to perform multiphoton experiments without any dispersion compensation methods. Multiphoton excitation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) with this fiber shows a 6- and 9-fold increase, respectively, in the total fluorescence signal collected when compared with the commercial solution in the form of a hollow-core photonic band gap fiber (HCPBF). To the author’s best knowledge, this is the first time an NCHCF was used in an optical-fiber sensor setup for multiphoton fluorescence experiments. PMID:28984838

Quantum Experiments and Graphs: Multiparty States as Coherent Superpositions of Perfect Matchings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krenn, Mario; Gu, Xuemei; Zeilinger, Anton

2017-12-01

We show a surprising link between experimental setups to realize high-dimensional multipartite quantum states and graph theory. In these setups, the paths of photons are identified such that the photon-source information is never created. We find that each of these setups corresponds to an undirected graph, and every undirected graph corresponds to an experimental setup. Every term in the emerging quantum superposition corresponds to a perfect matching in the graph. Calculating the final quantum state is in the #P-complete complexity class, thus it cannot be done efficiently. To strengthen the link further, theorems from graph theory—such as Hall's marriage problem—are rephrased in the language of pair creation in quantum experiments. We show explicitly how this link allows one to answer questions about quantum experiments (such as which classes of entangled states can be created) with graph theoretical methods, and how to potentially simulate properties of graphs and networks with quantum experiments (such as critical exponents and phase transitions).

A novel method to correct for pitch and yaw patient setup errors in helical tomotherapy.

PubMed

Boswell, Sarah A; Jeraj, Robert; Ruchala, Kenneth J; Olivera, Gustavo H; Jaradat, Hazim A; James, Joshua A; Gutierrez, Alonso; Pearson, Dave; Frank, Gary; Mackie, T Rock

2005-06-01

An accurate means of determining and correcting for daily patient setup errors is important to the cancer outcome in radiotherapy. While many tools have been developed to detect setup errors, difficulty may arise in accurately adjusting the patient to account for the rotational error components. A novel, automated method to correct for rotational patient setup errors in helical tomotherapy is proposed for a treatment couch that is restricted to motion along translational axes. In tomotherapy, only a narrow superior/inferior section of the target receives a dose at any instant, thus rotations in the sagittal and coronal planes may be approximately corrected for by very slow continuous couch motion in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. Results from proof-of-principle tests indicate that the method improves the accuracy of treatment delivery, especially for long and narrow targets. Rotational corrections about an axis perpendicular to the transverse plane continue to be implemented easily in tomotherapy by adjustment of the initial gantry angle.

Application of Negative Curvature Hollow-Core Fiber in an Optical Fiber Sensor Setup for Multiphoton Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Popenda, Maciej Andrzej; Stawska, Hanna Izabela; Mazur, Leszek Mateusz; Jakubowski, Konrad; Kosolapov, Alexey; Kolyadin, Anton; Bereś-Pawlik, Elżbieta

2017-10-06

In this paper, an application of negative curvature hollow core fiber (NCHCF) in an all-fiber, multiphoton fluorescence sensor setup is presented. The dispersion parameter (D) of this fiber does not exceed the value of 5 ps/nm × km across the optical spectrum of (680-750) nm, making it well suited for the purpose of multiphoton excitation of biological fluorophores. Employing 1.5 m of this fiber in a simple, all-fiber sensor setup allows us to perform multiphoton experiments without any dispersion compensation methods. Multiphoton excitation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) with this fiber shows a 6- and 9-fold increase, respectively, in the total fluorescence signal collected when compared with the commercial solution in the form of a hollow-core photonic band gap fiber (HCPBF). To the author's best knowledge, this is the first time an NCHCF was used in an optical-fiber sensor setup for multiphoton fluorescence experiments.

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

Cho, M; Kim, T; Kang, S

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to develop a new patient set-up monitoring system using force sensing resistor (FSR) sensors that can confirm pressure of contact surface and evaluate its feasibility. Methods: In this study, we focused on develop the patient set-up monitoring system to compensate for the limitation of existing optical based monitoring system, so the developed system can inform motion in the radiation therapy. The set-up monitoring system was designed consisting of sensor units (FSR sensor), signal conditioning devices (USB cable/interface electronics), a control PC, and a developed analysis software. The sensor unit was made by attachingmore » FSR sensor and dispersing pressure sponge to prevent error which is caused by concentrating specific point. Measured signal from the FSR sensor was sampled to arduino mega 2560 microcontroller, transferred to control PC by using serial communication. The measured data went through normalization process. The normalized data was displayed through the developed graphic user interface (GUI) software. The software was designed to display a single sensor unit intensity (maximum 16 sensors) and display 2D pressure distribution (using 16 sensors) according to the purpose. Results: Changes of pressure value according to motion was confirmed by the developed set-up monitoring system. Very small movement such as little physical change in appearance can be confirmed using a single unit and using 2D pressure distribution. Also, the set-up monitoring system can observe in real time. Conclusion: In this study, we developed the new set-up monitoring system using FSR sensor. Especially, we expect that the new set-up monitoring system is suitable for motion monitoring of blind area that is hard to confirm existing optical system and compensate existing optical based monitoring system. As a further study, an integrated system will be constructed through correlation of existing optical monitoring system. This work was supported by the Industrial R&D program of MOTIE/KEIT. [10048997, Development of the core technology for integrated therapy devices based on real-time MRI guided tumor tracking] and the Mid-career Researcher Program (2014R1A2A1A10050270) through the National Research Foundation of Korea funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT&Future Planning.« less

Setup Variations in Radiotherapy of Anal Cancer: Advantages of Target Volume Reduction Using Image-Guided Radiation Treatment

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

Chen Yijen, E-mail: yichen@coh.org; Suh, Steve; Nelson, Rebecca A.

2012-09-01

Purpose: To define setup variations in the radiation treatment (RT) of anal cancer and to report the advantages of image-guided RT (IGRT) in terms of reduction of target volume and treatment-related side effects. Methods and Materials: Twelve consecutive patients with anal cancer treated by combined chemoradiation by use of helical tomotherapy from March 2007 to November 2008 were selected. With patients immobilized and positioned in place, megavoltage computed tomography (MVCT) scans were performed before each treatment and were automatically registered to planning CT scans. Patients were shifted per the registration data and treated. A total of 365 MVCT scans weremore » analyzed. The primary site received a median dose of 55 Gy. To evaluate the potential dosimetric advantage(s) of IGRT, cases were replanned according to Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0529, with and without adding recommended setup variations from the current study. Results: Significant setup variations were observed throughout the course of RT. The standard deviations for systematic setup correction in the anterior-posterior (AP), lateral, and superior-inferior (SI) directions and roll rotation were 1.1, 3.6, and 3.2 mm, and 0.3 Degree-Sign , respectively. The average random setup variations were 3.8, 5.5, and 2.9 mm, and 0.5 Degree-Sign , respectively. Without daily IGRT, margins of 4.9, 11.1, and 8.5 mm in the AP, lateral, and SI directions would have been needed to ensure that the planning target volume (PTV) received {>=}95% of the prescribed dose. Conversely, daily IGRT required no extra margins on PTV and resulted in a significant reduction of V15 and V45 of intestine and V10 of pelvic bone marrow. Favorable toxicities were observed, except for acute hematologic toxicity. Conclusions: Daily MVCT scans before each treatment can effectively detect setup variations and thereby reduce PTV margins in the treatment of anal cancer. The use of concurrent chemotherapy and IGRT provided favorable toxicities, except for acute hematologic toxicity.« less

SU-E-T-261: Development of An Automated System to Detect Patient Identification and Positioning Errors Prior to Radiotherapy Treatment

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

Jani, S; Low, D; Lamb, J

2015-06-15

Purpose: To develop a system that can automatically detect patient identification and positioning errors using 3D computed tomography (CT) setup images and kilovoltage CT (kVCT) planning images. Methods: Planning kVCT images were collected for head-and-neck (H&N), pelvis, and spine treatments with corresponding 3D cone-beam CT (CBCT) and megavoltage CT (MVCT) setup images from TrueBeam and TomoTherapy units, respectively. Patient identification errors were simulated by registering setup and planning images from different patients. Positioning errors were simulated by misaligning the setup image by 1cm to 5cm in the six anatomical directions for H&N and pelvis patients. Misalignments for spine treatments weremore » simulated by registering the setup image to adjacent vertebral bodies on the planning kVCT. A body contour of the setup image was used as an initial mask for image comparison. Images were pre-processed by image filtering and air voxel thresholding, and image pairs were assessed using commonly-used image similarity metrics as well as custom -designed metrics. A linear discriminant analysis classifier was trained and tested on the datasets, and misclassification error (MCE), sensitivity, and specificity estimates were generated using 10-fold cross validation. Results: Our workflow produced MCE estimates of 0.7%, 1.7%, and 0% for H&N, pelvis, and spine TomoTherapy images, respectively. Sensitivities and specificities ranged from 98.0% to 100%. MCEs of 3.5%, 2.3%, and 2.1% were obtained for TrueBeam images of the above sites, respectively, with sensitivity and specificity estimates between 96.2% and 98.4%. MCEs for 1cm H&N/pelvis misalignments were 1.3/5.1% and 9.1/8.6% for TomoTherapy and TrueBeam images, respectively. 2cm MCE estimates were 0.4%/1.6% and 3.1/3.2%, respectively. Vertebral misalignment MCEs were 4.8% and 4.9% for TomoTherapy and TrueBeam images, respectively. Conclusion: Patient identification and gross misalignment errors can be robustly and automatically detected using 3D setup images of two imaging modalities across three commonly-treated anatomical sites.« less

Estimation of daily interfractional larynx residual setup error after isocentric alignment for head and neck radiotherapy: quality assurance implications for target volume and organs‐at‐risk margination using daily CT on‐rails imaging

PubMed Central

Baron, Charles A.; Awan, Musaddiq J.; Mohamed, Abdallah S.R.; Akel, Imad; Rosenthal, David I.; Gunn, G. Brandon; Garden, Adam S.; Dyer, Brandon A.; Court, Laurence; Sevak, Parag R.; Kocak‐Uzel, Esengul

2014-01-01

Larynx may alternatively serve as a target or organs at risk (OAR) in head and neck cancer (HNC) image‐guided radiotherapy (IGRT). The objective of this study was to estimate IGRT parameters required for larynx positional error independent of isocentric alignment and suggest population‐based compensatory margins. Ten HNC patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) with daily CT on‐rails imaging were assessed. Seven landmark points were placed on each daily scan. Taking the most superior‐anterior point of the C5 vertebra as a reference isocenter for each scan, residual displacement vectors to the other six points were calculated postisocentric alignment. Subsequently, using the first scan as a reference, the magnitude of vector differences for all six points for all scans over the course of treatment was calculated. Residual systematic and random error and the necessary compensatory CTV‐to‐PTV and OAR‐to‐PRV margins were calculated, using both observational cohort data and a bootstrap‐resampled population estimator. The grand mean displacements for all anatomical points was 5.07 mm, with mean systematic error of 1.1 mm and mean random setup error of 2.63 mm, while bootstrapped POIs grand mean displacement was 5.09 mm, with mean systematic error of 1.23 mm and mean random setup error of 2.61 mm. Required margin for CTV‐PTV expansion was 4.6 mm for all cohort points, while the bootstrap estimator of the equivalent margin was 4.9 mm. The calculated OAR‐to‐PRV expansion for the observed residual setup error was 2.7 mm and bootstrap estimated expansion of 2.9 mm. We conclude that the interfractional larynx setup error is a significant source of RT setup/delivery error in HNC, both when the larynx is considered as a CTV or OAR. We estimate the need for a uniform expansion of 5 mm to compensate for setup error if the larynx is a target, or 3 mm if the larynx is an OAR, when using a nonlaryngeal bony isocenter. PACS numbers: 87.55.D‐, 87.55.Qr

Comparison of setup accuracy of three different image assessment methods for tangential breast radiotherapy.

PubMed

Batumalai, Vikneswary; Phan, Penny; Choong, Callie; Holloway, Lois; Delaney, Geoff P

2016-12-01

To compare the differences in setup errors measured with electronic portal image (EPI) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients undergoing tangential breast radiotherapy (RT). Relationship between setup errors, body mass index (BMI) and breast size was assessed. Twenty-five patients undergoing postoperative RT to the breast were consented for this study. Weekly CBCT scans were acquired and retrospectively registered to the planning CT in three dimensions, first using bony anatomy for bony registration (CBCT-B) and again using breast tissue outline for soft tissue registration (CBCT-S). Digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRR) generated from CBCT to simulate EPI were compared to the planning DRR using bony anatomy in the V (parallel to the cranio-caudal axis) and U (perpendicular to V) planes. The systematic (Σ) and random (σ) errors were calculated and correlated with BMI and breast size. The systematic and random errors for EPI (Σ V = 3.7 mm, Σ U = 2.8 mm and σ V = 2.9 mm, σ U = 2.5) and CBCT-B (Σ V = 3.5 mm, Σ U = 3.4 mm and σ V = 2.8 mm, σ U = 2.8) were of similar magnitude in the V and U planes. Similarly, the differences in setup errors for CBCT-B and CBCT-S in three dimensions were less than 1 mm. Only CBCT-S setup error correlated with BMI and breast size. CBCT and EPI show insignificant variation in their ability to detect setup error. These findings suggest no significant differences that would make one modality considered superior over the other and EPI should remain the standard of care for most patients. However, there is a correlation with breast size, BMI and setup error as detected by CBCT-S, justifying the use of CBCT-S for larger patients. © 2016 The Authors. Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy and New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology.

Integrated trimodal SSEP experimental setup for visual, auditory and tactile stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuś, Rafał; Spustek, Tomasz; Zieleniewska, Magdalena; Duszyk, Anna; Rogowski, Piotr; Suffczyński, Piotr

2017-12-01

Objective. Steady-state evoked potentials (SSEPs), the brain responses to repetitive stimulation, are commonly used in both clinical practice and scientific research. Particular brain mechanisms underlying SSEPs in different modalities (i.e. visual, auditory and tactile) are very complex and still not completely understood. Each response has distinct resonant frequencies and exhibits a particular brain topography. Moreover, the topography can be frequency-dependent, as in case of auditory potentials. However, to study each modality separately and also to investigate multisensory interactions through multimodal experiments, a proper experimental setup appears to be of critical importance. The aim of this study was to design and evaluate a novel SSEP experimental setup providing a repetitive stimulation in three different modalities (visual, tactile and auditory) with a precise control of stimuli parameters. Results from a pilot study with a stimulation in a particular modality and in two modalities simultaneously prove the feasibility of the device to study SSEP phenomenon. Approach. We developed a setup of three separate stimulators that allows for a precise generation of repetitive stimuli. Besides sequential stimulation in a particular modality, parallel stimulation in up to three different modalities can be delivered. Stimulus in each modality is characterized by a stimulation frequency and a waveform (sine or square wave). We also present a novel methodology for the analysis of SSEPs. Main results. Apart from constructing the experimental setup, we conducted a pilot study with both sequential and simultaneous stimulation paradigms. EEG signals recorded during this study were analyzed with advanced methodology based on spatial filtering and adaptive approximation, followed by statistical evaluation. Significance. We developed a novel experimental setup for performing SSEP experiments. In this sense our study continues the ongoing research in this field. On the other hand, the described setup along with the presented methodology is a considerable improvement and an extension of methods constituting the state-of-the-art in the related field. Device flexibility both with developed analysis methodology can lead to further development of diagnostic methods and provide deeper insight into information processing in the human brain.

SU-E-J-21: Setup Variability of Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated in the Prone Position and Dosimetric Comparison with the Supine Position

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

Kim, A; Foster, J; Chu, W

2015-06-15

Purpose: Many cancer centers treat colorectal patients in the prone position on a belly board to minimize dose to the small bowel. That may potentially Result in patient setup instability with corresponding impact on dose delivery accuracy for highly conformal techniques such as IMRT/VMAT. Two aims of this work are 1) to investigate setup accuracy of rectum patients treated in the prone position on a belly board using CBCT and 2) to evaluate dosimetric impact on bladder and small bowel of treating rectum patients in supine vs. prone position. Methods: For the setup accuracy study, 10 patients were selected. Weeklymore » CBCTs were acquired and matched to bone. The CBCT-determined shifts were recorded. For the dosimetric study, 7 prone-setup patients and 7 supine-setup patients were randomly selected from our clinical database. Various clinically relevant dose volume histogram values were recorded for the small bowel and bladder. Results: The CBCT-determined rotational shifts had a wide variation. For the dataset acquired at the time of this writing, the ranges of rotational setup errors for pitch, roll, and yaw were [−3.6° 4.7°], [−4.3° 3.2°], and [−1.4° 1.4°]. For the dosimetric study: the small bowel V(45Gy) and mean dose for the prone position was 5.6±12.1% and 18.4±6.2Gy (ranges indicate standard deviations); for the supine position the corresponding dose values were 12.9±15.8% and 24.7±8.8Gy. For the bladder, the V(30Gy) and mean dose for prone position were 68.7±12.7% and 38.4±3.3Gy; for supine position these dose values were 77.1±13.7% and 40.7±3.1Gy. Conclusion: There is evidence of significant rotational instability in the prone position. The OAR dosimetry study indicates that there are some patients that may still benefit from the prone position, though many patients can be safely treated supine.« less

TH-A-9A-05: Initial Setup Accuracy Comparison Between Frame-Based and Frameless Stereotactic Radiosurgery

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

Tseng, T; Sheu, R; Todorov, B

2014-06-15

Purpose: To evaluate initial setup accuracy for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) between Brainlab frame-based and frameless immobilization system, also to discern the magnitude frameless system has on setup parameters. Methods: The correction shifts from the original setup were compared for total 157 SRS cranial treatments (69 frame-based vs. 88 frameless). All treatments were performed on a Novalis linac with ExacTrac positioning system. Localization box with isocenter overlay was used for initial setup and correction shift was determined by ExacTrac 6D auto-fusion to achieve submillimeter accuracy for treatment. For frameless treatments, mean time interval between simulation and treatment was 5.7 days (rangemore » 0–13). Pearson Chi-Square was used for univariate analysis. Results: The correctional radial shifts (mean±STD, median) for the frame and frameless system measured by ExacTrac were 1.2±1.2mm, 1.1mm and 3.1±3.3mm, 2.0mm, respectively. Treatments with frameless system had a radial shift >2mm more often than those with frames (51.1% vs. 2.9%; p<.0001). To achieve submillimeter accuracy, 85.5% frame-based treatments did not require shift and only 23.9% frameless treatment could succeed with initial setup. There was no statistical significant system offset observed in any direction for either system. For frameless treatments, those treated ≥ 3 days from simulation had statistically higher rates of radial shifts between 1–2mm and >2mm compared to patients treated in a shorter amount of time from simulation (34.3% and 56.7% vs. 28.6% and 33.3%, respectively; p=0.006). Conclusion: Although image-guided positioning system can also achieve submillimeter accuracy for frameless system, users should be cautious regarding the inherent uncertainty of its capability of immobilization. A proper quality assurance procedure for frameless mask manufacturing and a protocol for intra-fraction imaging verification will be crucial for frameless system. Time interval between simulation and treatment was influential to initial setup accuracy. A shorter time frame for frameless SRS treatment could be helpful in minimizing uncertainties in localization.« less

Surgical robot setup simulation with consistent kinematics and haptics for abdominal surgery.

PubMed

Hayashibe, Mitsuhiro; Suzuki, Naoki; Hattori, Asaki; Suzuki, Shigeyuki; Konishi, Kozo; Kakeji, Yoshihiro; Hashizume, Makoto

2005-01-01

Preoperative simulation and planning of surgical robot setup should accompany advanced robotic surgery if their advantages are to be further pursued. Feedback from the planning system will plays an essential role in computer-aided robotic surgery in addition to preoperative detailed geometric information from patient CT/MRI images. Surgical robot setup simulation systems for appropriate trocar site placement have been developed especially for abdominal surgery. The motion of the surgical robot can be simulated and rehearsed with kinematic constraints at the trocar site, and the inverse-kinematics of the robot. Results from simulation using clinical patient data verify the effectiveness of the proposed system.

The new Heavy-ion MCP-based Ancillary Detector DANTE for the CLARA-PRISMA Setup

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

Valiente-Dobon, J. J.; Gadea, A.; Corradi, L.

2006-08-14

The CLARA-PRISMA setup is a powerful tool for spectroscopic studies of neutron-rich nuclei produced in multi-nucleon transfer and deep-inelastic reactions. It combines the large acceptance spectrometer PRISMA with the {gamma}-ray array CLARA. At present, the ancillary heavy-ion detector DANTE, based on Micro-Channel Plates to be installed at the CLARA-PRISMA setup, is being constructed at LNL. DANTE will open the possibility of measuring {gamma}-{gamma} Doppler-corrected coincidences for the events outside the acceptance of PRISMA. In this presentation, it is described the heavy-ion detector DANTE, as well as the performances of the first prototype.

Detection of fractional solitons in quantum spin Hall systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fleckenstein, C.; Traverso Ziani, N.; Trauzettel, B.

2018-03-01

We propose two experimental setups that allow for the implementation and the detection of fractional solitons of the Goldstone-Wilczek type. The first setup is based on two magnetic barriers at the edge of a quantum spin Hall system for generating the fractional soliton. If then a quantum point contact is created with the other edge, the linear conductance shows evidence of the fractional soliton. The second setup consists of a single magnetic barrier covering both edges and implementing a long quantum point contact. In this case, the fractional soliton can unambiguously be detected as a dip in the conductance without the need to control the magnetization of the barrier.

Exposure setup for animal experiments using a parabolic reflector.

PubMed

Schelkshorn, S; Tejero, S; Detlefsen, J

2007-01-01

The exposure setup presented is intended for a controlled, long-term and continuous exposition (20 Months, 24 h/day) of a large number of animals (100 rats at minimum) with standard GSM and UMTS signals, at 900 MHz and 1966 MHz, respectively. To obtain a homogeneous field within a large volume, the setup is based on the 'compact range' principle well known from antenna measurement facilities to produce a plane wave at relatively short ranges from the reflector. All requirements imposed due to the in vivo nature of the experiment, i.e. air-conditioning and easy access to the cages can be fulfilled.

A Multi-Agent Environment for Negotiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hindriks, Koen V.; Jonker, Catholijn M.; Tykhonov, Dmytro

In this chapter we introduce the System for Analysis of Multi-Issue Negotiation (SAMIN). SAMIN offers a negotiation environment that supports and facilitates the setup of various negotiation setups. The environment has been designed to analyse negotiation processes between human negotiators, between human and software agents, and between software agents. It offers a range of different agents, different domains, and other options useful to define a negotiation setup. The environment has been used to test and evaluate a range of negotiation strategies in various domains playing against other negotiating agents as well as humans. We discuss some of the results obtained by means of these experiments.

Preliminary Study of Realistic Blast Impact on Cultured Brain Slices

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

and/or multiple impacts in water. 3. Experimental Setup 3.1 The Aquarium Setup A 30.5-cm by 34.5- × 65-cm water-filled polymethylmethacrylate ...sodium bicarbonate PAGE polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis PMMA polymethylmethacrylate RDECOM U.S. Army Research Development and Engineering Command

Estimating setup of driven piles into Louisiana clayey soils : tech summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-11-01

Geotechnical engineers and researchers (Seed and Reese 1955, Long et al. 1999, and Bullock et al. 2005) have reported for many years : that the axial capacity of a driven pile may increase over time, which is usually referred to as pile setup or free...

Estimating Setup of Piles Driven into Louisiana Clayey Soils : Tech Summary

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-11-01

Geotechnical engineers and researchers (Seed and Reese 1955, Long et al. 1999, and Bullock et al. 2005) have reported for many years that the axial capacity of a driven pile may increase over time, which is usually referred to as pile setup or freeze...

Autonomous Visual Tracking of Stationary Targets Using Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-06-01

59 Figure 43. Commanded and Actual Yaw Rates during Simulation ..................................60 Figure 44. Setup for Hardware In Loop Simulation...System with AVDS Figure 44. Setup for Hardware In Loop Simulation with AVDS and PerceptiVU 2. Test Conditions Simulations were conducted for the

Screening and monitoring microbial xenobiotics' biodegradation by rapid, inexpensive and easy to perform microplate UV-absorbance measurements.

PubMed

Herzog, Bastian; Lemmer, Hilde; Horn, Harald; Müller, Elisabeth

2014-02-22

Evaluation of xenobiotics biodegradation potential, shown here for benzotriazoles (corrosion inhibitors) and sulfamethoxazole (sulfonamide antibiotic) by microbial communities and/or pure cultures normally requires time intensive and money consuming LC/GC methods that are, in case of laboratory setups, not always needed. The usage of high concentrations to apply a high selective pressure on the microbial communities/pure cultures in laboratory setups, a simple UV-absorbance measurement (UV-AM) was developed and validated for screening a large number of setups, requiring almost no preparation and significantly less time and money compared to LC/GC methods. This rapid and easy to use method was evaluated by comparing its measured values to LC-UV and GC-MS/MS results. Furthermore, its application for monitoring and screening unknown activated sludge communities (ASC) and mixed pure cultures has been tested and approved to detect biodegradation of benzotriazole (BTri), 4- and 5-tolyltriazole (4-TTri, 5-TTri) as well as SMX. In laboratory setups, xenobiotics concentrations above 1.0 mg L(-1) without any enrichment or preparation could be detected after optimization of the method. As UV-AM does not require much preparatory work and can be conducted in 96 or even 384 well plate formats, the number of possible parallel setups and screening efficiency was significantly increased while analytic and laboratory costs were reduced to a minimum.

Measurement of the secondary electron emission from CVD diamond films using phosphor screen detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaz, R.; May, P. W.; Fox, N. A.; Harwood, C. J.; Chatterjee, V.; Smith, J. A.; Horsfield, C. J.; Lapington, J. S.; Osbourne, S.

2015-03-01

Diamond-based photomultipliers have the potential to provide a significant improvement over existing devices due to diamond's high secondary electron yield and narrow energy distribution of secondary electrons which improves energy resolution creating extremely fast response times. In this paper we describe an experimental apparatus designed to study secondary electron emission from diamond membranes only 400 nm thick, observed in reflection and transmission configurations. The setup consists of a system of calibrated P22 green phosphor screens acting as radiation converters which are used in combination with photomultiplier tubes to acquire secondary emission yield data from the diamond samples. The superior signal voltage sampling of the phosphor screen setup compared with traditional Faraday Cup detection allows the variation in the secondary electron yield across the sample to be visualised, allowing spatial distributions to be obtained. Preliminary reflection and transmission yield data are presented as a function of primary electron energy for selected CVD diamond films and membranes. Reflection data were also obtained from the same sample set using a Faraday Cup detector setup. In general, the curves for secondary electron yield versus primary energy for both measurement setups were comparable. On average a 15-20% lower signal was recorded on our setup compared to the Faraday Cup, which was attributed to the lower photoluminescent efficiency of the P22 phosphor screens when operated at sub-kilovolt bias voltages.

Ultra high vacuum test setup for electron gun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandiyar, M. L.; Prasad, M.; Jain, S. K.; Kumar, R.; Hannurkar, P. R.

2008-05-01

Ultra High Vacuum (UHV) test setup for electron gun testing has been developed. The development of next generation light sources and accelerators require development of klystron as a radio frequency power source, and in turn electron gun. This UHV electron gun test setup can be used to test the electron guns ranging from high average current, quasi-continuous wave to high peak current, single pulse etc. An electron gun has been designed, fabricated, assembled and tested for insulation up to 80 kV under the programme to develop high power klystron for future accelerators. Further testing includes the electron emission parameters characterization of the cathode, as it determines the development of a reliable and efficient electron gun with high electron emission current and high life time as well. This needs a clean ultra high vacuum to study these parameters particularly at high emission current. The cathode emission current, work function and vapour pressure of cathode surface material at high temperature studies will further help in design and development of high power electron gun The UHV electron gun test setup consists of Turbo Molecular Pump (TMP), Sputter Ion Pump (SIP), pressure gauge, high voltage and cathode power supplies, current measurement device, solenoid magnet and its power supply, residual gas analyser etc. The ultimate vacuum less than 2×10-9 mbar was achieved. This paper describes the UHV test setup for electron gun testing.

GRAPhEME: a setup to measure (n, xn γ) reaction cross sections

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

Henning, Greg; Bacquias, A.; Capdevielle, O.

2015-07-01

Most of nuclear reactor developments are using evaluated data base for numerical simulations. However, the considered databases present still large uncertainties and disagreements. To improve their level of precision, new measurements are needed, in particular for (n, xn) reactions, which are of great importance as they modify the neutron spectrum, the neutron population, and produce radioactive species. The IPHC group started an experimental program to measure (n, xn gamma) reaction cross sections using prompt gamma spectroscopy and neutron energy determination by time of flight. Measurements of (n, xn gamma) cross section have been performed for {sup 235,238}U, {sup 232}Th, {supmore » nat,182,183,184,186}W, {sup nat}Zr. The experimental setup is installed at the neutron beam at GELINA (Geel, Belgium). The setup has recently been upgraded with the addition of a highly segmented 36 pixels planar HPGe detector. Significant efforts have been made to reduce radiation background and electromagnetic perturbations. The setup is equipped with a high rate digital acquisition system. The analysis of the segmented detector data requires a specific procedure to account for cross signals between pixels. An overall attention is paid to the precision of the measurement. The setup characteristic and the analysis procedure will be presented along with the acquisition and analysis challenges. Examples of results and their impact on models will be discussed. (authors)« less

Bioremoval of lead using Pennisetum purpureum augmented with Enterobacter cloacae-VITPASJ1: A pot culture approach.

PubMed

Das, Anamika; Belgaonkar, Priyanka; Raman, Aditya S; Banu, Sofia; Osborne, Jabez W

2017-06-01

Lead is a toxic heavy metal discharged into the ecosystem from various industries. Biological remediation strategies have been effective in the bioremoval of lead. In our current study, a phytobacterial system using Pennisetum purpureum along with lead-resistant bacterium (LRB) was employed for the uptake of lead. The LRB was obtained from lead-contaminated sites. The isolate VITPASJ1 was found to be highly tolerant to lead and was identified as an effective plant growth-promoting bacterium. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed VITPASJ1 to be the closest neighbour of Enterobacter cloacae. The lead-resistant gene pbrA in the plant and the bacterium were amplified using a specific primer. The uptake of lead was studied by phytoremediation and rhizoremediation set-ups where the soil was supplemented with various concentrations of lead (50, 100, 150 mg/kg). The plants were uprooted at regular intervals, and the translocation of lead into the plant was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The root length, shoot height and chlorophyll content were found to be higher in the rhizoremediation set-up when compared to the phytoremediation set-up. The scanning electron microscopic micrographs gave a clear picture of increased tissue damage in the root and shoot of the phytoremediation set-up as compared to the rhizoremediation set-up with LRB.

A Python tool to set up relative free energy calculations in GROMACS

PubMed Central

Klimovich, Pavel V.; Mobley, David L.

2015-01-01

Free energy calculations based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have seen a tremendous growth in the last decade. However, it is still difficult and tedious to set them up in an automated manner, as the majority of the present-day MD simulation packages lack that functionality. Relative free energy calculations are a particular challenge for several reasons, including the problem of finding a common substructure and mapping the transformation to be applied. Here we present a tool, alchemical-setup.py, that automatically generates all the input files needed to perform relative solvation and binding free energy calculations with the MD package GROMACS. When combined with Lead Optimization Mapper [14], recently developed in our group, alchemical-setup.py allows fully automated setup of relative free energy calculations in GROMACS. Taking a graph of the planned calculations and a mapping, both computed by LOMAP, our tool generates the topology and coordinate files needed to perform relative free energy calculations for a given set of molecules, and provides a set of simulation input parameters. The tool was validated by performing relative hydration free energy calculations for a handful of molecules from the SAMPL4 challenge [16]. Good agreement with previously published results and the straightforward way in which free energy calculations can be conducted make alchemical-setup.py a promising tool for automated setup of relative solvation and binding free energy calculations. PMID:26487189

Screening and monitoring microbial xenobiotics’ biodegradation by rapid, inexpensive and easy to perform microplate UV-absorbance measurements

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Evaluation of xenobiotics biodegradation potential, shown here for benzotriazoles (corrosion inhibitors) and sulfamethoxazole (sulfonamide antibiotic) by microbial communities and/or pure cultures normally requires time intensive and money consuming LC/GC methods that are, in case of laboratory setups, not always needed. Results The usage of high concentrations to apply a high selective pressure on the microbial communities/pure cultures in laboratory setups, a simple UV-absorbance measurement (UV-AM) was developed and validated for screening a large number of setups, requiring almost no preparation and significantly less time and money compared to LC/GC methods. This rapid and easy to use method was evaluated by comparing its measured values to LC-UV and GC-MS/MS results. Furthermore, its application for monitoring and screening unknown activated sludge communities (ASC) and mixed pure cultures has been tested and approved to detect biodegradation of benzotriazole (BTri), 4- and 5-tolyltriazole (4-TTri, 5-TTri) as well as SMX. Conclusions In laboratory setups, xenobiotics concentrations above 1.0 mg L-1 without any enrichment or preparation could be detected after optimization of the method. As UV-AM does not require much preparatory work and can be conducted in 96 or even 384 well plate formats, the number of possible parallel setups and screening efficiency was significantly increased while analytic and laboratory costs were reduced to a minimum. PMID:24558966

High-precision horizontally directed force measurements for high dead loads based on a differential electromagnetic force compensation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasilyan, Suren; Rivero, Michel; Schleichert, Jan; Halbedel, Bernd; Fröhlich, Thomas

2016-04-01

In this paper, we present an application for realizing high-precision horizontally directed force measurements in the order of several tens of nN in combination with high dead loads of about 10 N. The set-up is developed on the basis of two identical state-of-the-art electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) high precision balances. The measurement resolution of horizontally directed single-axis quasi-dynamic forces is 20 nN over the working range of  ±100 μN. The set-up operates in two different measurement modes: in the open-loop mode the mechanical deflection of the proportional lever is an indication of the acting force, whereas in the closed-loop mode it is the applied electric current to the coil inside the EMFC balance that compensates deflection of the lever to the offset zero position. The estimated loading frequency (cutoff frequency) of the set-up in the open-loop mode is about 0.18 Hz, in the closed-loop mode it is 0.7 Hz. One of the practical applications that the set-up is suitable for is the flow rate measurements of low electrically conducting electrolytes by applying the contactless technique of Lorentz force velocimetry. Based on a previously developed set-up which uses a single EMFC balance, experimental, theoretical and numerical analyses of the thermo-mechanical properties of the supporting structure are presented.

An ultra-stable iodine-based frequency reference for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schuldt, Thilo; Braxmaier, Claus; Doeringshoff, Klaus; Keetman, Anja; Reggentin, Matthias; Kovalchuk, Evgeny; Peters, Achim

2012-07-01

Future space missions require for ultra-stable optical frequency references. Examples are the gravitational wave detector LISA/eLISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna), the SpaceTime Asymmetry Research (STAR) program, the aperture-synthesis telescope Darwin and the GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) follow on mission exploring Earth's gravity. As high long-term frequency stability is required, lasers stabilized to atomic or molecular transitions are preferred, also offering an absolute frequency reference. Frequency stabilities in the 10 ^{-15} domains at longer integration times (up to several hours) are demonstrated in laboratory experiments using setups based on Doppler-free spectroscopy. Such setups with a frequency stability comparable to the hydrogen maser in the microwave domain, have the potential to be developed space compatible on a relatively short time scale. Here, we present the development of ultra-stable optical frequency references based on modulation-transfer spectroscopy of molecular iodine. Noise levels of 2\\cdot10 ^{-14} at an integration time of 1 s and below 3\\cdot10 ^{-15} at integration times between 100 s and 1000 s are demonstrated with a laboratory setup using an 80 cm long iodine cell in single-pass configuration in combination with a frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser and standard optical components and optomechanic mounts. The frequency stability at longer integration times is (amongst other things) limited by the dimensional stability of the optical setup, i.e. by th pointing stability of the two counter-propagating beams overlapped in the iodine cell. With the goal of a future space compatible setup, a compact frequency standard on EBB (elegant breadboard) level was realized. The spectroscopy unit utilizes a baseplate made of Clearceram-HS, a glass ceramics with an ultra-low coefficient of thermal expansion of 2\\cdot10 ^{-8} K ^{-1}. The optical components are joint to the baseplate using adhesive bonding technology, which was developed in a cooperation of HTWG Konstanz and Astrium Friedrichshafen. This setup ensures a higher long-term frequency stability due to enhanced pointing stability. Also, it takes into account space mission related criteria such as compactness, robustness, MAIVT and environmental influences (shock, vibration and thermal tests). The assembly-integration technology was already successfully environmentally tested and demonstrated in a previous setup of a compact fiber-coupled heterodyne interferometer, which serves as a demonstrator for the optical readout of the LISA gravitational reference sensor. We present first measurements of the EBB setup and a first design of an iodine frequency standard on engineering model (EM) level. The EM-setup is based on the EBB experience, but features smaller dimensions by using a multipass iodine cell and less optical components. Financial support by the German Space Agency DLR with funds provided by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) under grant number 50 QT 1102 is highly appreciated.

A Simple Experimental Setup to Clearly Show that Light Does Not Recombine After Passing Through Two Prisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Molina, Rafael; del Mazo, Alejandro; Velasco, Santiago

2018-01-01

We present a simple and cheap experimental setup that clearly shows how the colors of the white light spectrum after passing a prism do not recombine when emerging from an identical second prism, as it is still found in many references.

A Simple Experimental Setup to Clearly Show That Light Does Not Recombine after Passing through Two Prisms

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garcia-Molina, Rafael; del Mazo, Alejandro; Velasco, Santiago

2018-01-01

We present a simple and cheap experimental setup that clearly shows how the colors of the white light spectrum after passing a prism do not recombine when emerging from an identical second prism, as it is still found in many references.

Investigation of pile setup (freeze) in Alabama : development of a setup prediction method and implementation into LRFD driven pile design.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-06-01

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) often uses deep foundations : consisting of driven piles, particularly in the southern half of the state, to support bridges or other : highway structures. In the fiscal year 2012, a total of 22 bridge...

27 CFR 29.49 - Notice requirement; setup of still.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... Notice requirement; setup of still. (a) General. When required by letter issued by the appropriate TTB... without the manufacturer of the still or distilling apparatus first giving written notice of that purpose. (b) Preparation. The notice will be prepared by the manufacturer in letter form, executed under the...

Field instrumentation and testing to study set-up phenomenon of piles driven into Louisiana clayey soils.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-02-01

The main objective of this research study is to evaluate the time-dependent increase in pile capacity (or pile setup phenomenon) for piles driven into Louisiana soils through conducting repeated static and dynamic field testing with time on full-scal...

Learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation theory with face-to-face versus audiovisual instruction for secondary school students: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Cerezo Espinosa, Cristina; Nieto Caballero, Sergio; Juguera Rodríguez, Laura; Castejón-Mochón, José Francisco; Segura Melgarejo, Francisca; Sánchez Martínez, Carmen María; López López, Carmen Amalia; Pardo Ríos, Manuel

2018-02-01

To compare secondary students' learning of basic life support (BLS) theory and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED) through face-to-face classroom instruction versus educational video instruction. A total of 2225 secondary students from 15 schools were randomly assigned to one of the following 5 instructional groups: 1) face-to-face instruction with no audiovisual support, 2) face-to-face instruction with audiovisual support, 3) audiovisual instruction without face-to-face instruction, 4) audiovisual instruction with face-to-face instruction, and 5) a control group that received no instruction. The students took a test of BLS and AED theory before instruction, immediately after instruction, and 2 months later. The median (interquartile range) scores overall were 2.33 (2.17) at baseline, 5.33 (4.66) immediately after instruction (P<.001) and 6.00 (3.33) (P<.001). All groups except the control group improved their scores. Scores immediately after instruction and 2 months later were statistically similar after all types of instruction. No significant differences between face-to-face instruction and audiovisual instruction for learning BLS and AED theory were found in secondary school students either immediately after instruction or 2 months later.

Thermal shock removal of defective glass-enamel coating from cast-iron products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleutdinov, A. D.; Ghyngazov, S. A.; Mylnikova, T. S.; Luchnikov, P. A.

2015-04-01

A setup for light beam exposure has been developed. The setup was used to consider the technology of thermal shock destruction of the coating by pulsed-periodic exposure to powerful focused light from the xenon arc lamp DKsShRB-10000. It is shown that this type of exposure can effectively remove the glass-enamel coating from iron products. The optimal mode of setup operation to efficiently remove the defective glass-enamel coating is found: the diameter of the focused light beams is 2.5-3.5 cm; the lamp arc pulse current is 350-450 A; pulse duration is (0.5-1) s and pulse repetition frequency is (0.15-0.5) s-1.

Current-limiting and ultrafast system for the characterization of resistive random access memories.

PubMed

Diaz-Fortuny, J; Maestro, M; Martin-Martinez, J; Crespo-Yepes, A; Rodriguez, R; Nafria, M; Aymerich, X

2016-06-01

A new system for the ultrafast characterization of resistive switching phenomenon is developed to acquire the current during the Set and Reset process in a microsecond time scale. A new electronic circuit has been developed as a part of the main setup system, which is capable of (i) applying a hardware current limit ranging from nanoampers up to miliampers and (ii) converting the Set and Reset exponential gate current range into an equivalent linear voltage. The complete system setup allows measuring with a microsecond resolution. Some examples demonstrate that, with the developed setup, an in-depth analysis of resistive switching phenomenon and random telegraph noise can be made.

Magneto-ellipsometry as a powerful technique for investigating magneto-optical structures properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maximova, Olga; Kosyrev, Nikolay; Yakovlev, Ivan; Shevtsov, Dmitriy; Lyaschenko, Sergey; Varnakov, Sergey; Ovchinnikov, Sergey

2017-10-01

In this work we report on new magneto-ellipsometry set-up that allows to grow thin films and nanostructures by ultrahigh vacuum thermal evaporation as well as to conduct in situ measurements during the growth in order to analyze and control nanostructures properties. Ellipsometry and transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements can be performed in situ inside this set-up. A uniform magnetic field of high intensity (more than 1 kOe) can be applied to samples inside the vacuum chamber. Also, we report on the developed method of data interpretation that is the base of the set-up software. Thus, we present a powerful tool for nanostructures synthesis and characterization.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION: \\ {P}\\ {T}-symmetry, Cartan decompositions, Lie triple systems and Krein space-related Clifford algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Günther, Uwe; Kuzhel, Sergii

2010-10-01

Gauged \\ {P}\\ {T} quantum mechanics (PTQM) and corresponding Krein space setups are studied. For models with constant non-Abelian gauge potentials and extended parity inversions compact and noncompact Lie group components are analyzed via Cartan decompositions. A Lie-triple structure is found and an interpretation as \\ {P}\\ {T}-symmetrically generalized Jaynes-Cummings model is possible with close relation to recently studied cavity QED setups with transmon states in multilevel artificial atoms. For models with Abelian gauge potentials a hidden Clifford algebra structure is found and used to obtain the fundamental symmetry of Krein space-related J-self-adjoint extensions for PTQM setups with ultra-localized potentials.

A simple Lissajous curves experimental setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Şahin Kızılcık, Hasan; Damlı, Volkan

2018-05-01

The aim of this study is to develop an experimental setup to produce Lissajous curves. The setup was made using a smartphone, a powered speaker (computer speaker), a balloon, a laser pointer and a piece of mirror. Lissajous curves are formed as follows: a piece of mirror is attached to a balloon. The balloon is vibrated with the sound signal provided by the speaker that is connected to a smartphone. The laser beam is reflected off the mirror and the reflection is shaped as a Lissajous curve. Because of the intersection of two frequencies (frequency of the sound signal and natural vibration frequency of the balloon), these curves are formed. They can be used to measure the ratio of frequencies.

Numerical modelling of physical processes in a ballistic laboratory setup with a tapered adapter and plastic piston used for obtaining high muzzle velocities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bykov, N. V.

2014-12-01

Numerical modelling of a ballistic setup with a tapered adapter and plastic piston is considered. The processes in the firing chamber are described within the framework of quasi- one-dimensional gas dynamics and a geometrical law of propellant burn by means of Lagrangian mass coordinates. The deformable piston is considered to be an ideal liquid with specific equations of state. The numerical solution is obtained by means of a modified explicit von Neumann scheme. The calculation results given show that the ballistic setup with a tapered adapter and plastic piston produces increased shell muzzle velocities by a factor of more than 1.5-2.

Instruction Design System of Allama Iqbal Open University: A Vehicle for Improvement or Mere a Salogon

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ashfaq, Muhammad; Chaudry, Muhammad Ajmal; Iqbal, Muhammad Javed

2016-01-01

The main objective of this study was to ensure instructional quality, effectiveness, efficiency and enjoyment. Instructional design maximizes the value of the instructions for the learners. Instructional design include identifying instructional out-comes, developing instructional contents and established how instructional effectiveness will be…

A Shack Interferometer Setup for Optical Testing in Undergraduate Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vannoni, Maurizio; Righini, Alberto; Salas, Matias; Sordini, Andrea; Vanzi, Leonardo

2012-01-01

The Shack interferometer is a simple and effective device to test optical surfaces in reflection and optical systems in transmission. An essential setup on a reduced scale with a minimum number of components is presented, suited to gain familiarity and practice with optical testing in a laboratory course for undergraduate students. The basic…

77 FR 29740 - Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Options Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-18

...) that BOX may provide. The one time setup and ongoing monthly fees associated with Participant.... Setup (one time charge for new BOX Participants) Installation $350 Cross Connect per T-1 250 Cross... proposed fees and credits for transactions on BOX offset one another in any particular transaction. The...

Capitalize on the benefits of OAB - looking beyond the standard setup

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phan, Voung Gia; Yousef, Sahar

2004-01-01

Going beyond the initial setup of OAB, how to customize and maintain OAB to fit your current business process. There are many challenges in mapping data from outside sources into OAB and interfacing it to Payroll. Also, life events and fast formulas play a critical role in the customization of OAB.

A DNA Melting Exercise for a Large Laboratory Class

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Levine, Lauren A.; Junker, Matthew; Stark, Myranda; Greenleaf, Dustin

2015-01-01

A simple and economical experimental setup is described that enables multiple individuals or groups within a laboratory class to measure the thermal melting of double stranded DNA simultaneously. The setup utilizes a basic spectrophotometer capable of measuring absorbance at 260 nm, UV plastic cuvettes, and a stirring hot plate. Students measure…

Use of microstrip patch antennas in grain permittivity measurement

USGS Publications Warehouse

El Sabbagh, M.A.; Ramahi, O.M.; Trabelsi, S.; Nelson, S.O.; Khan, L.

2003-01-01

In this paper, a compact size free-space setup is proposed for the measurement of complex permittivity of granular materials. The horn antennas in the conventional setup are replaced by microstrip patch antennas which is a step toward system miniaturization. The experimental results obtained are in good agreement with those obtained with horn antennas.

Ultra-Wideband Optical Modulation Spectrometer (OMS) Development: Study of the Optical Setup of a Wide-Band Optical Modulation Spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tolls, Volker; Stringfellow, Guy (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The purpose of this study is to advance the design of the optical setup for a wide-band Optical Modulation Spectrometer (OMS) for use with astronomical heterodyne receiver systems. This report describes the progress of this investigation achieved from March until December 2001.

Tools and Setups for Experiments with AC and Rotating Magnetic Fields

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ponikvar, D.

2010-01-01

A rotating magnetic field is the basis for the transformation of electrical energy to mechanical energy. School experiments on the rotating magnetic field are rare since they require the use of specially prepared mechanical setups and/or relatively large, three-phase power supplies to achieve strong magnetic fields. This paper proposes several…

Classifying E-Trainer Standards

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Julien, Anne

2005-01-01

Purpose: To set-up a classification of the types of profiles and competencies that are required to set-up a good e-learning programme. This approach provides a framework within which a set of standards can be defined for e-trainers. Design/methodology/approach: Open and distance learning (ODL) has been developing in Europe, due to new tools in…

3D near-infrared imaging based on a single-photon avalanche diode array sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mata Pavia, Juan; Wolf, Martin; Charbon, Edoardo

2012-10-01

Near-infrared light can be used to determine the optical properties (absorption and scattering) of human tissue. Optical tomography uses this principle to image the internal structure of parts of the body by measuring the light that is scattered in the tissue. An imager for optical tomography was designed based on a detector with 128x128 single photon pixels that included a bank of 32 time-to-digital converters. Due to the high spatial resolution and the possibility of performing time resolved measurements, a new contactless setup has been conceived. The setup has a resolution of 97ps and operates with a laser source with an average power of 3mW. This new setup generated an high amount of data that could not be processed by established methods, therefore new concepts and algorithms were developed to take advantage of it. Simulations show that the potential resolution of the new setup would be much higher than previous designs. Measurements have been performed showing its potential. Images derived from the measurements showed that it is possible to reach a resolution of at least 5mm.

Structure zone diagram and particle incorporation of nickel brush plated composite coatings

PubMed Central

Isern, L.; Impey, S.; Almond, H.; Clouser, S. J.; Endrino, J. L.

2017-01-01

This work studies the deposition of aluminium-incorporated nickel coatings by brush electroplating, focusing on the electroplating setup and processing parameters. The setup was optimised in order to increase the volume of particle incorporation. The optimised design focused on increasing the plating solution flow to avoid sedimentation, and as a result the particle transport experienced a three-fold increase when compared with the traditional setup. The influence of bath load, current density and the brush material used was investigated. Both current density and brush material have a significant impact on the morphology and composition of the coatings. Higher current densities and non-abrasive brushes produce rough, particle-rich samples. Different combinations of these two parameters influence the surface characteristics differently, as illustrated in a Structure Zone Diagram. Finally, surfaces featuring crevices and peaks incorporate between 3.5 and 20 times more particles than smoother coatings. The presence of such features has been quantified using average surface roughness Ra and Abbott-Firestone curves. The combination of optimised setup and rough surface increased the particle content of the composite to 28 at.%. PMID:28300159

HIGH POWER BEAM DUMP AND TARGET / ACCELERATOR INTERFACE PROCEDURES

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

Blokland, Willem; Plum, Michael A; Peters, Charles C

Satisfying operational procedures and limits for the beam target interface is a critical concern for high power operation at spallation neutron sources. At the Oak Ridge Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) a number of protective measures are instituted to ensure that the beam position, beam size and peak intensity are within acceptable limits at the target and high power Ring Injection Dump (RID). The high power beam dump typically handles up to 50 100 kW of beam power and its setup is complicated by the fact that there are two separate beam components simultaneously directed to the dump. The beam onmore » target is typically in the 800-1000 kW average power level, delivered in sub- s 60 Hz pulses. Setup techniques using beam measurements to quantify the beam parameters at the target and dump will be described. However, not all the instrumentation used for the setup and initial qualification is available during high power operation. Additional techniques are used to monitor the beam during high power operation to ensure the setup conditions are maintained, and these are also described.« less

The KUT meteor radar: An educational low cost meteor observation system by radio forward scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madkour, W.; Yamamoto, M.

2016-01-01

The Kochi University of Technology (KUT) meteor radar is an educational low cost observation system built at Kochi, Japan by successive graduate students since 2004. The system takes advantage of the continuous VHF- band beacon signal emitted from Fukui National College of Technology (FNCT) for scientific usage all over Japan by receiving the forward scattered signals. The system uses the classical forward scattering setup similar to the setup described by the international meteor organization (IMO), gradually developed from the most basic single antenna setup to the multi-site meteor path determination setup. The primary objective is to automate the observation of the meteor parameters continuously to provide amounts of data sufficient for statistical analysis. The developed software system automates the observation of the astronomical meteor parameters such as meteor direction, velocity and trajectory. Also, automated counting of meteor echoes and their durations are used to observe mesospheric ozone concentration by analyzing the duration distribution of different meteor showers. The meteor parameters observed and the methodology used for each are briefly summarized.

Configuration and Sizing of a Test Fixture for Panels Under Combined Loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lovejoy, Andrew E.

2006-01-01

Future air and space structures are expected to utilize composite panels that are subjected to combined mechanical loads, such as bi-axial compression/tension, shear and pressure. Therefore, the ability to accurately predict the buckling and strength failures of such panels is important. While computational analysis can provide tremendous insight into panel response, experimental results are necessary to verify predicted performances of these panels to judge the accuracy of computational methods. However, application of combined loads is an extremely difficult task due to the complex test fixtures and set-up required. Presented herein is a comparison of several test set-ups capable of testing panels under combined loads. Configurations compared include a D-box, a segmented cylinder and a single panel set-up. The study primarily focuses on the preliminary sizing of a single panel test configuration capable of testing flat panels under combined in-plane mechanical loads. This single panel set-up appears to be best suited to the testing of both strength critical and buckling critical panels. Required actuator loads and strokes are provided for various square, flat panels.

Structure zone diagram and particle incorporation of nickel brush plated composite coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isern, L.; Impey, S.; Almond, H.; Clouser, S. J.; Endrino, J. L.

2017-03-01

This work studies the deposition of aluminium-incorporated nickel coatings by brush electroplating, focusing on the electroplating setup and processing parameters. The setup was optimised in order to increase the volume of particle incorporation. The optimised design focused on increasing the plating solution flow to avoid sedimentation, and as a result the particle transport experienced a three-fold increase when compared with the traditional setup. The influence of bath load, current density and the brush material used was investigated. Both current density and brush material have a significant impact on the morphology and composition of the coatings. Higher current densities and non-abrasive brushes produce rough, particle-rich samples. Different combinations of these two parameters influence the surface characteristics differently, as illustrated in a Structure Zone Diagram. Finally, surfaces featuring crevices and peaks incorporate between 3.5 and 20 times more particles than smoother coatings. The presence of such features has been quantified using average surface roughness Ra and Abbott-Firestone curves. The combination of optimised setup and rough surface increased the particle content of the composite to 28 at.%.

Investigating and understanding fouling in a planar setup using ultrasonic methods.

PubMed

Wallhäusser, E; Hussein, M A; Becker, T

2012-09-01

Fouling is an unwanted deposit on heat transfer surfaces and occurs regularly in foodstuff heat exchangers. Fouling causes high costs because cleaning of heat exchangers has to be carried out and cleaning success cannot easily be monitored. Thus, used cleaning cycles in foodstuff industry are usually too long leading to high costs. In this paper, a setup is described with which it is possible, first, to produce dairy protein fouling similar to the one found in industrial heat exchangers and, second, to detect the presence and absence of such fouling using an ultrasonic based measuring method. The developed setup resembles a planar heat exchanger in which fouling can be made and cleaned reproducible. Fouling presence, absence, and cleaning progress can be monitored by using an ultrasonic detection unit. The setup is described theoretically based on electrical and mechanical lumped circuits to derive the wave equation and the transfer function to perform a sensitivity analysis. Sensitivity analysis was done to determine influencing quantities and showed that fouling is measurable. Also, first experimental results are compared with results from sensitivity analysis.

Determination of the magnetocaloric entropy change by field sweep using a heat flux setup

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

Monteiro, J. C. B., E-mail: jolmiui@gmail.com; Reis, R. D. dos; Mansanares, A. M.

2014-08-18

We report on a simple setup using a heat flux sensor adapted to a Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System to determine the magnetocaloric entropy change (ΔS). The major differences for the existing setups are the simplicity of this assembly and the ease to obtain the isothermal entropy change either by a field sweep or a temperature sweep process. We discuss the use of these two processes applied to Gd and Gd{sub 5}Ge{sub 2}Si{sub 2} samples. The results are compared to the temperature sweep measurements and they show the advantages of this setup and of the field sweep procedure. Wemore » found a significant reduction of ΔS and on the refrigerating cooling power (RCP) at low field changes in a field sweep process when the sample is not driven to the same initial state for each temperature. We show that the field sweep process without any measuring protocol is the only correct way to experimentally determine ΔS and RCP for a practical regenerative refrigerator.« less

Femtosecond-laser assisted cell reprogramming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Breunig, Hans Georg; Uchugonova, Aisada; Batista, Ana; König, Karsten

2017-02-01

Femtosecond-laser pulses can assist to transfect cells by creating transient holes in the cell membrane, thus making them temporarily permeable for extraneous genetic material. This procedure offers the advantage of being completely "virus free" since no viruses are used for the delivery and integration of gene factors into the host genome and, thereby, avoiding serious side effects which so far prevent clinical application. Unfortunately, focusing of the laser radiation onto individual cell membranes is quite elaborate and time consuming. Regarding these obstacles, we briefly review two optical setups for fast, efficient and high throughput laser-assisted cell transfection based on femtosecond laser pulse excitation. The first setup aims at assisting the transfection of adherent cells. It comprises of a modified laser-scanning microscope with beamshaping optics as well as home-made software to automate the detection, targeting and laser-irradiation process. The second setup aims at laser-assisted transfection of non-adherent cells in suspension which move in a continuous flow through the laser focus region. The setup allows to address a large number of cells, however, with much lower transfection efficiency than the individual-cell targeting approach.

Structure zone diagram and particle incorporation of nickel brush plated composite coatings.

PubMed

Isern, L; Impey, S; Almond, H; Clouser, S J; Endrino, J L

2017-03-16

This work studies the deposition of aluminium-incorporated nickel coatings by brush electroplating, focusing on the electroplating setup and processing parameters. The setup was optimised in order to increase the volume of particle incorporation. The optimised design focused on increasing the plating solution flow to avoid sedimentation, and as a result the particle transport experienced a three-fold increase when compared with the traditional setup. The influence of bath load, current density and the brush material used was investigated. Both current density and brush material have a significant impact on the morphology and composition of the coatings. Higher current densities and non-abrasive brushes produce rough, particle-rich samples. Different combinations of these two parameters influence the surface characteristics differently, as illustrated in a Structure Zone Diagram. Finally, surfaces featuring crevices and peaks incorporate between 3.5 and 20 times more particles than smoother coatings. The presence of such features has been quantified using average surface roughness Ra and Abbott-Firestone curves. The combination of optimised setup and rough surface increased the particle content of the composite to 28 at.%.

JANUS — A setup for low-energy Coulomb excitation at ReA3

DOE PAGES

Lunderberg, E.; Belarge, J.; Bender, P. C.; ...

2017-12-21

We report that a new experimental setup for low-energy Coulomb excitation experiments was constructed in a collaboration between the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), and the University of Rochester and was commissioned at the general purpose beam line of NSCL's ReA3 reaccelerator facility. The so-called JANUS setup combines γ-ray detection with the Segmented Ge Array (SeGA) and scattered particle detection using a pair of segmented double-sided Si detectors (Bambino 2). The low-energy Coulomb excitation program that JANUS enables will complement intermediate-energy Coulomb excitation studies that have long been performed at NSCL by providing access tomore » observables that quantify collectivity beyond the first excited state, including the sign and magnitude of excited-state quadrupole moments. Here, in this work, the setup and its performance will be described based on the commissioning run that used stable 78Kr impinging onto a 1.09 mg/cm 2 208Pb target at a beam energy of 3.9 MeV/u.« less

A novel setup for femtosecond pump-repump-probe IR spectroscopy with few cycle CEP stable pulses.

PubMed

Bradler, Maximilian; Werhahn, Jasper C; Hutzler, Daniel; Fuhrmann, Simon; Heider, Rupert; Riedle, Eberhard; Iglev, Hristo; Kienberger, Reinhard

2013-08-26

We present a three-color mid-IR setup for vibrational pump-repump-probe experiments with a temporal resolution well below 100 fs and a freely selectable spectral resolution of 20 to 360 cm(-1) for the pump and repump. The usable probe range without optical realignment is 900 cm(-1). The experimental design employed is greatly simplified compared to the widely used setups, highly robust and includes a novel means for generation of tunable few-cycle pulses with stable carrier-envelope phase. A Ti:sapphire pump system operating with 1 kHz and a modest 150 fs pulse duration supplies the total pump energy of just 0.6 mJ. The good signal-to-noise ratio of the setup allows the determination of spectrally resolved transient probe changes smaller than 6·10(-5) OD at 130 time delays in just 45 minutes. The performance of the spectrometer is demonstrated with transient IR spectra and decay curves of HDO molecules in lithium nitrate trihydrate and ice and a first all MIR pump-repump-probe measurement.

Study on the effect of measuring methods on incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells by home-made setup.

PubMed

Guo, Xiao-Zhi; Luo, Yan-Hong; Zhang, Yi-Duo; Huang, Xiao-Chun; Li, Dong-Mei; Meng, Qing-Bo

2010-10-01

An experimental setup is built for the measurement of monochromatic incident photon-to-electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) of solar cells. With this setup, three kinds of IPCE measuring methods as well as the convenient switching between them are achieved. The setup can also measure the response time and waveform of the short-circuit current of solar cell. Using this setup, IPCE results of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are determined and compared under different illumination conditions with each method. It is found that the IPCE values measured by AC method involving the lock-in technique are sincerely influenced by modulation frequency and bias illumination. Measurements of the response time and waveform of short-circuit current have revealed that this effect can be explained by the slow response of DSCs. To get accurate IPCE values by this method, the measurement should be carried out with a low modulation frequency and under bias illumination. The IPCE values measured by DC method under the bias light illumination will be disturbed since the short-circuit current increased with time continuously due to the temperature rise of DSC. Therefore, temperature control of DSC is considered necessary for IPCE measurement especially in DC method with bias light illumination. Additionally, high bias light intensity (>2 sun) is found to decrease the IPCE values due to the ion transport limitation of the electrolyte.

An 8-channel transceiver 7-channel receive RF coil setup for high SNR ultrahigh-field MRI of the shoulder at 7T.

PubMed

Rietsch, Stefan H G; Pfaffenrot, Viktor; Bitz, Andreas K; Orzada, Stephan; Brunheim, Sascha; Lazik-Palm, Andrea; Theysohn, Jens M; Ladd, Mark E; Quick, Harald H; Kraff, Oliver

2017-12-01

In this work, we present an 8-channel transceiver (Tx/Rx) 7-channel receive (Rx) radiofrequency (RF) coil setup for 7 T ultrahigh-field MR imaging of the shoulder. A C-shaped 8-channel Tx/Rx coil was combined with an anatomically close-fitting 7-channel Rx-only coil. The safety and performance parameters of this coil setup were evaluated on the bench and in phantom experiments. The 7 T MR imaging performance of the shoulder RF coil setup was evaluated in in vivo measurements using a 3D DESS, a 2D PD-weighted TSE sequence, and safety supervision based on virtual observation points. Distinct SNR gain and acceleration capabilities provided by the additional 7-channel Rx-only coil were demonstrated in phantom and in vivo measurements. The power efficiency indicated good performance of each channel and a maximum B 1 + of 19 μT if the hardware RF power limits of the MR system were exploited. MR imaging of the shoulder was demonstrated with clinically excellent image quality and submillimeter spatial resolution. The presented 8-channel transceiver 7-channel receive RF coil setup was successfully applied for in vivo 7 T MRI of the shoulder providing a clear SNR gain vs the transceiver array without the additional receive array. Homogeneous images across the shoulder region were obtained using 8-channel subject-specific phase-only RF shimming. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

An ultrafast programmable electrical tester for enabling time-resolved, sub-nanosecond switching dynamics and programming of nanoscale memory devices.

PubMed

Shukla, Krishna Dayal; Saxena, Nishant; Manivannan, Anbarasu

2017-12-01

Recent advancements in commercialization of high-speed non-volatile electronic memories including phase change memory (PCM) have shown potential not only for advanced data storage but also for novel computing concepts. However, an in-depth understanding on ultrafast electrical switching dynamics is a key challenge for defining the ultimate speed of nanoscale memory devices that demands for an unconventional electrical setup, specifically capable of handling extremely fast electrical pulses. In the present work, an ultrafast programmable electrical tester (PET) setup has been developed exceptionally for unravelling time-resolved electrical switching dynamics and programming characteristics of nanoscale memory devices at the picosecond (ps) time scale. This setup consists of novel high-frequency contact-boards carefully designed to capture extremely fast switching transient characteristics within 200 ± 25 ps using time-resolved current-voltage measurements. All the instruments in the system are synchronized using LabVIEW, which helps to achieve various programming characteristics such as voltage-dependent transient parameters, read/write operations, and endurance test of memory devices systematically using short voltage pulses having pulse parameters varied from 1 ns rise/fall time and 1.5 ns pulse width (full width half maximum). Furthermore, the setup has successfully demonstrated strikingly one order faster switching characteristics of Ag 5 In 5 Sb 60 Te 30 (AIST) PCM devices within 250 ps. Hence, this novel electrical setup would be immensely helpful for realizing the ultimate speed limits of various high-speed memory technologies for future computing.

Application of Controlled Shear Stresses on the Erythrocyte Membrane as a New Approach to Promote Molecule Encapsulation.

PubMed

Casagrande, Giustina; Arienti, Flavio; Mazzocchi, Arabella; Taverna, Francesca; Ravagnani, Fernando; Costantino, MariaLaura

2016-10-01

Human red blood cells (RBCs) have a remarkable capacity to undergo reversible membrane swelling. Resealed erythrocytes have been proposed as carriers and bioreactors to be used in the treatment of various diseases. This work is aimed at developing a setup allowing the encapsulation of test molecules into erythrocytes by inducing reversible pore formation on the RBC membrane through the application of controlled mechanical shear stresses. The designed setup consists of two reservoirs connected by a glass capillary. Each reservoir is connected to a compressor; during the tests, the reservoirs were in turn pressurized to promote erythrocyte flow through the capillary. The setup was filled with a suspension of erythrocytes, phosphate buffer, and FITC-dextran. Dextran was chosen as the diffusive molecule to check membrane pore dimensions. Samples of the suspension were withdrawn at scheduled times while the setup was operating. Flow cytometry and stereo-optical microscopy analyses were used to evaluate the erythrocyte dextran uptake. The setup was shown to be safe, well controlled, and adjustable. The outcomes of the experimental tests showed significant dextran uptake by RBCs up to 8%. Microscopy observations highlighted the formation of echinocytes in the analyzed samples. Erythrocytes from different donors showed different reactions to mechanical stresses. The experimental outcomes proved the possibility to encapsulate test molecules into erythrocytes by applying controlled mechanical shear stresses on the RBC membrane, encouraging further studies. Copyright © 2016 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An ultrafast programmable electrical tester for enabling time-resolved, sub-nanosecond switching dynamics and programming of nanoscale memory devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, Krishna Dayal; Saxena, Nishant; Manivannan, Anbarasu

2017-12-01

Recent advancements in commercialization of high-speed non-volatile electronic memories including phase change memory (PCM) have shown potential not only for advanced data storage but also for novel computing concepts. However, an in-depth understanding on ultrafast electrical switching dynamics is a key challenge for defining the ultimate speed of nanoscale memory devices that demands for an unconventional electrical setup, specifically capable of handling extremely fast electrical pulses. In the present work, an ultrafast programmable electrical tester (PET) setup has been developed exceptionally for unravelling time-resolved electrical switching dynamics and programming characteristics of nanoscale memory devices at the picosecond (ps) time scale. This setup consists of novel high-frequency contact-boards carefully designed to capture extremely fast switching transient characteristics within 200 ± 25 ps using time-resolved current-voltage measurements. All the instruments in the system are synchronized using LabVIEW, which helps to achieve various programming characteristics such as voltage-dependent transient parameters, read/write operations, and endurance test of memory devices systematically using short voltage pulses having pulse parameters varied from 1 ns rise/fall time and 1.5 ns pulse width (full width half maximum). Furthermore, the setup has successfully demonstrated strikingly one order faster switching characteristics of Ag5In5Sb60Te30 (AIST) PCM devices within 250 ps. Hence, this novel electrical setup would be immensely helpful for realizing the ultimate speed limits of various high-speed memory technologies for future computing.

Torque Loss After Miniscrew Placement: An In-Vitro Study Followed by a Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Migliorati, Marco; Drago, Sara; Barberis, Fabrizio; Schiavetti, Irene; Dalessandri, Domenico; Benedicenti, Stefano; Biavati, Armando Silvestrini

2016-01-01

To evaluate torque loss a week after insertion, both in an in vivo and an in vitro experimental setup were designed. In the in vivo setup a total of 29 miniscrews were placed in 20 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment. Maximum insertion torque (MIT) was evaluated at insertion time (T1). A week later, insertion torque was measured again by applying a quarter turn (T2); no load was applied on the screw during the first week. In the in vitro setup a total of 20 miniscrews were placed in pig rib bone samples. MIT was evaluated at insertion time (T1). Bone samples were kept in saline solution and controlled environment for a week during which the solution was refreshed every day. Afterwards, torque was measured again by applying a quarter turn (T2). The comparison of MIT over time was done calculating the percentage difference of the torque values between pre- and post-treatment and using the parametric two independent samples t-test or the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. After a week unloaded miniscrews showed a mean loss of rotational torque of 36.3% and 40.9% in in vitro and in in vivo conditions, respectively. No statistical differences were found between the two different setups. Torque loss was observed after the first week in both study models; in vitro experimental setup provided a reliable study model for studying torque variation during the first week after insertion.

Torque Loss After Miniscrew Placement: An In-Vitro Study Followed by a Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Migliorati, Marco; Drago, Sara; Barberis, Fabrizio; Schiavetti, Irene; Dalessandri, Domenico; Benedicenti, Stefano; Biavati, Armando Silvestrini

2016-01-01

To evaluate torque loss a week after insertion, both in an in vivo and an in vitro experimental setup were designed. In the in vivo setup a total of 29 miniscrews were placed in 20 patients who underwent orthodontic treatment. Maximum insertion torque (MIT) was evaluated at insertion time (T1). A week later, insertion torque was measured again by applying a quarter turn (T2); no load was applied on the screw during the first week. In the in vitro setup a total of 20 miniscrews were placed in pig rib bone samples. MIT was evaluated at insertion time (T1). Bone samples were kept in saline solution and controlled environment for a week during which the solution was refreshed every day. Afterwards, torque was measured again by applying a quarter turn (T2). The comparison of MIT over time was done calculating the percentage difference of the torque values between pre- and post-treatment and using the parametric two independent samples t-test or the non-parametric Mann–Whitney test. After a week unloaded miniscrews showed a mean loss of rotational torque of 36.3% and 40.9% in in vitro and in in vivo conditions, respectively. No statistical differences were found between the two different setups. Torque loss was observed after the first week in both study models; in vitro experimental setup provided a reliable study model for studying torque variation during the first week after insertion. PMID:27386011

A novel single compartment in vitro model for electrophysiological research using the perfluorocarbon FC-770.

PubMed

Choudhary, M; Clavica, F; van Mastrigt, R; van Asselt, E

2016-06-20

Electrophysiological studies of whole organ systems in vitro often require measurement of nerve activity and/or stimulation of the organ via the associated nerves. Currently two-compartment setups are used for such studies. These setups are complicated and require two fluids in two separate compartments and stretching the nerve across one chamber to the other, which may damage the nerves. We aimed at developing a simple single compartment setup by testing the electrophysiological properties of FC-770 (a perfluorocarbon) for in vitro recording of bladder afferent nerve activity and electrical stimulation of the bladder. Perflurocarbons are especially suitable for such a setup because of their high oxygen carrying capacity and insulating properties. In male Wistar rats, afferent nerve activity was recorded from postganglionic branches of the pelvic nerve in vitro, in situ and in vivo. The bladder was stimulated electrically via the efferent nerves. Organ viability was monitored by recording spontaneous contractions of the bladder. Additionally, histological examinations were done to test the effect of FC-770 on the bladder tissue. Afferent nerve activity was successfully recorded in a total of 11 rats. The bladders were stimulated electrically and high amplitude contractions were evoked. Histological examinations and monitoring of spontaneous contractions showed that FC-770 maintained organ viability and did not cause damage to the tissue. We have shown that FC-770 enables a simple, one compartment in vitro alternative for the generally used two compartment setups for whole organ electrophysiological studies.

Empirical parameterization of setup, swash, and runup

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stockdon, H.F.; Holman, R.A.; Howd, P.A.; Sallenger, A.H.

2006-01-01

Using shoreline water-level time series collected during 10 dynamically diverse field experiments, an empirical parameterization for extreme runup, defined by the 2% exceedence value, has been developed for use on natural beaches over a wide range of conditions. Runup, the height of discrete water-level maxima, depends on two dynamically different processes; time-averaged wave setup and total swash excursion, each of which is parameterized separately. Setup at the shoreline was best parameterized using a dimensional form of the more common Iribarren-based setup expression that includes foreshore beach slope, offshore wave height, and deep-water wavelength. Significant swash can be decomposed into the incident and infragravity frequency bands. Incident swash is also best parameterized using a dimensional form of the Iribarren-based expression. Infragravity swash is best modeled dimensionally using offshore wave height and wavelength and shows no statistically significant linear dependence on either foreshore or surf-zone slope. On infragravity-dominated dissipative beaches, the magnitudes of both setup and swash, modeling both incident and infragravity frequency components together, are dependent only on offshore wave height and wavelength. Statistics of predicted runup averaged over all sites indicate a - 17 cm bias and an rms error of 38 cm: the mean observed runup elevation for all experiments was 144 cm. On intermediate and reflective beaches with complex foreshore topography, the use of an alongshore-averaged beach slope in practical applications of the runup parameterization may result in a relative runup error equal to 51% of the fractional variability between the measured and the averaged slope.

Computational fluid dynamics modeling of laboratory flames and an industrial flare.

PubMed

Singh, Kanwar Devesh; Gangadharan, Preeti; Chen, Daniel H; Lou, Helen H; Li, Xianchang; Richmond, Peyton

2014-11-01

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methodology for simulating the combustion process has been validated with experimental results. Three different types of experimental setups were used to validate the CFD model. These setups include an industrial-scale flare setups and two lab-scale flames. The CFD study also involved three different fuels: C3H6/CH/Air/N2, C2H4/O2/Ar and CH4/Air. In the first setup, flare efficiency data from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) 2010 field tests were used to validate the CFD model. In the second setup, a McKenna burner with flat flames was simulated. Temperature and mass fractions of important species were compared with the experimental data. Finally, results of an experimental study done at Sandia National Laboratories to generate a lifted jet flame were used for the purpose of validation. The reduced 50 species mechanism, LU 1.1, the realizable k-epsilon turbulence model, and the EDC turbulence-chemistry interaction model were usedfor this work. Flare efficiency, axial profiles of temperature, and mass fractions of various intermediate species obtained in the simulation were compared with experimental data and a good agreement between the profiles was clearly observed. In particular the simulation match with the TCEQ 2010 flare tests has been significantly improved (within 5% of the data) compared to the results reported by Singh et al. in 2012. Validation of the speciated flat flame data supports the view that flares can be a primary source offormaldehyde emission.

Practical considerations for coil-wrapped Distributed Temperature Sensing setups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Solcerova, Anna; van Emmerik, Tim; Hilgersom, Koen; van de Giesen, Nick

2015-04-01

Fiber-optic Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) has been applied widely in hydrological and meteorological systems. For example, DTS has been used to measure streamflow, groundwater, soil moisture and temperature, air temperature, and lake energy fluxes. Many of these applications require a spatial monitoring resolution smaller than the minimum resolution of the DTS device. Therefore, measuring with these resolutions requires a custom made setup. To obtain both high temporal and high spatial resolution temperature measurements, fiber-optic cable is often wrapped around, and glued to, a coil, for example a PVC conduit. For these setups, it is often assumed that the construction characteristics (e.g., the coil material, shape, diameter) do not influence the DTS temperature measurements significantly. This study compares DTS datasets obtained during four measurement campaigns. The datasets were acquired using different setups, allowing to investigate the influence of the construction characteristics on the monitoring results. This comparative study suggests that the construction material, shape, diameter, and way of attachment can have a significant influence on the results. We present a qualitative and quantitative approximation of errors introduced through the selection of the construction, e.g., choice of coil material, influence of solar radiation, coil diameter, and cable attachment method. Our aim is to provide insight in factors that influence DTS measurements, which designers of future DTS measurements setups can take into account. Moreover, we present a number of solutions to minimize these errors for improved temperature retrieval using DTS.

Compact LED-based full-field optical coherence microscopy for high-resolution high-speed in vivo imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogien, Jonas; Dubois, Arnaud

2017-02-01

This work reports on a compact full-field optical coherence microscopy (FF-OCM) setup specifically designed to meet the needs for in vivo imaging, illuminated by a high-brightness broadband light emitting diode (LED). Broadband LEDs have spectra potentially large enough to provide imaging spatial resolutions similar to those reached using conventional halogen lamps, but their radiance can be much higher, which leads to high speed acquisition and makes in vivo imaging possible. We introduce a FF-OCM setup using a 2.3 W broadband LED, with an interferometer designed to be as compact as possible in order to provide the basis for a portable system that will make it possible to fully benefit from the capacity for in vivo imaging by providing the ability to image any region of interest in real-time. The interferometer part of the compact FF-OCM setup weighs 210 g for a size of 11x11x5 cm3. Using this setup, a sub-micron axial resolution was reached, with a detection sensitivity of 68 dB at an imaging rate of 250 Hz. Due to the high imaging rate, the sensitivity could be improved by accumulation while maintaining an acquisition time short enough for in vivo imaging. It was possible to reach a sensitivity of 75 dB at a 50 Hz imaging rate. High resolution in vivo human skin images were obtained with this setup and compared with images of excised human skin, showing high similarity.

Comparison and evaluation of datasets for off-angle iris recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurtuncu, Osman M.; Cerme, Gamze N.; Karakaya, Mahmut

2016-05-01

In this paper, we investigated the publicly available iris recognition datasets and their data capture procedures in order to determine if they are suitable for the stand-off iris recognition research. Majority of the iris recognition datasets include only frontal iris images. Even if a few datasets include off-angle iris images, the frontal and off-angle iris images are not captured at the same time. The comparison of the frontal and off-angle iris images shows not only differences in the gaze angle but also change in pupil dilation and accommodation as well. In order to isolate the effect of the gaze angle from other challenging issues including dilation and accommodation, the frontal and off-angle iris images are supposed to be captured at the same time by using two different cameras. Therefore, we developed an iris image acquisition platform by using two cameras in this work where one camera captures frontal iris image and the other one captures iris images from off-angle. Based on the comparison of Hamming distance between frontal and off-angle iris images captured with the two-camera- setup and one-camera-setup, we observed that Hamming distance in two-camera-setup is less than one-camera-setup ranging from 0.05 to 0.001. These results show that in order to have accurate results in the off-angle iris recognition research, two-camera-setup is necessary in order to distinguish the challenging issues from each other.

A technique for treating local breast cancer using a single set-up point and asymmetric collimation.

PubMed

Rosenow, U F; Valentine, E S; Davis, L W

1990-07-01

Using both pairs of asymmetric jaws of a linear accelerator local-regional breast cancer may be treated from a single set-up point. This point is placed at the abutment of the supraclavicular fields with the medial and lateral tangential fields. Positioning the jaws to create a half-beam superiorly permits treatment of the supraclavicular field. Positioning both jaws asymmetrically at midline to define a single beam in the inferoanterior quadrant permits treatment of the breast from medial and lateral tangents. The highest possible matching accuracy between the supraclavicular and tangential fields is inherently provided by this technique. For treatment of all fields at 100 cm source to axis distance (SAD) the lateral placement and depth of the set-up point may be determined by simulation and simple trigonometry. We elaborate on the clinical procedure. For the technologists treatment of all fields from a single set-up point is simple and efficient. Since the tissue at the superior border of the tangential fields is generally firmer than in mid-breast, greater accuracy in day-to-day set-up is permitted. This technique eliminates the need for table angles even when tangential fields only are planned. Because of half-beam collimation the limit to the tangential field length is 20 cm. Means will be suggested to overcome this limitation in the few cases where it occurs. Another modification is suggested for linear accelerators with only one independent pair of jaws.

An evaluation of different setups for simulating lighting characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salters, Bart; Murdoch, Michael; Sekulovksi, Dragan; Chen, Shih-Han; Seuntiens, Pieter

2012-03-01

The advance of technology continuously enables new luminaire designs and concepts. Evaluating such designs has traditionally been done using actual prototypes, in a real environment. The iterations needed to build, verify, and improve luminaire designs incur substantial costs and slow down the design process. A more attractive way is to evaluate designs using simulations, as they can be made cheaper and quicker for a wider variety of prototypes. However, the value of such simulations is determined by how closely they predict the outcome of actual perception experiments. In this paper, we discuss an actual perception experiment including several lighting settings in a normal office environment. The same office environment also has been modeled using different software tools, and photo-realistic renderings have been created of these models. These renderings were subsequently processed using various tonemapping operators in preparation for display. The total imaging chain can be considered a simulation setup, and we have executed several perception experiments on different setups. Our real interest is in finding which imaging chain gives us the best result, or in other words, which of them yields the closest match between virtual and real experiment. To answer this question, first of all an answer has to be found to the question, "which simulation setup matches the real world best?" As there is no unique, widely accepted measure to describe the performance of a certain setup, we consider a number of options and discuss the reasoning behind them along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Accuracy Evaluation of a 3-Dimensional Surface Imaging System for Guidance in Deep-Inspiration Breath-Hold Radiation Therapy

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

Alderliesten, Tanja; Sonke, Jan-Jakob; Betgen, Anja

2013-02-01

Purpose: To investigate the applicability of 3-dimensional (3D) surface imaging for image guidance in deep-inspiration breath-hold radiation therapy (DIBH-RT) for patients with left-sided breast cancer. For this purpose, setup data based on captured 3D surfaces was compared with setup data based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods and Materials: Twenty patients treated with DIBH-RT after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) were included. Before the start of treatment, each patient underwent a breath-hold CT scan for planning purposes. During treatment, dose delivery was preceded by setup verification using CBCT of the left breast. 3D surfaces were captured by a surface imaging systemmore » concurrently with the CBCT scan. Retrospectively, surface registrations were performed for CBCT to CT and for a captured 3D surface to CT. The resulting setup errors were compared with linear regression analysis. For the differences between setup errors, group mean, systematic error, random error, and 95% limits of agreement were calculated. Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. Results: Good correlation between setup errors was found: R{sup 2}=0.70, 0.90, 0.82 in left-right, craniocaudal, and anterior-posterior directions, respectively. Systematic errors were {<=}0.17 cm in all directions. Random errors were {<=}0.15 cm. The limits of agreement were -0.34-0.48, -0.42-0.39, and -0.52-0.23 cm in left-right, craniocaudal, and anterior-posterior directions, respectively. ROC analysis showed that a threshold between 0.4 and 0.8 cm corresponds to promising true positive rates (0.78-0.95) and false positive rates (0.12-0.28). Conclusions: The results support the application of 3D surface imaging for image guidance in DIBH-RT after BCS.« less

Study on the quality and stability of compost through a Demo Compost Plant.

PubMed

Hasan, K M M; Sarkar, G; Alamgir, M; Bari, Q H; Haedrich, G

2012-11-01

This study is concerned with the performance of a Demo Compost Plant for the development of acceptable composting technology in Bangladesh. The Demo Compost Plant was setup at the adjacent area of an existing compost plant located at Khulna city in Bangladesh. Four different composting technologies were considered, where Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) were used as a raw material for composting, collected from the adjacent areas of the plant. Initially the whole composting system was conducted through two experimental setups. In the 1st setup three different types of aerators (horizontal and vertical passively aerator and forced aerator) were selected. For a necessary observation four piles, using only MSW as the input materials in the first three compost pile, the fourth one was the existing Samadhan's compost pile. Based on the analysis of the experimental findings, the horizontal passively aerated composting technique is suitable for Bangladesh as it had better performance for reducing composting period than that of the others. It was being observed from the quality parameters of compost in the both 1st and 2nd setup that as the waste directly come from kitchen, degradation rate of waste shows a positive result for reducing this waste and there is no possibility of toxic contamination, when it would be used as a soil conditioner. Though there is no significant improvement in the quality of the final product in the 2nd setup as comparing with the 1st setup but it fulfills one of the main objectives of this study is to reduce the whole composting period as well as immediate management of the increasing amount of waste and reducing load on landfill. Selfheating tests reveal that degree of stability of compost with respect to maturation period was remained in the acceptable level, which was further accelerated due to the use of organic additives. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Zamora, D; Moirano, J; Kanal, K

Purpose: A fundamental measure performed during an annual physics CT evaluation confirms that system displayed CTDIvol nearly matches the independently measured value in phantom. For wide-beam (z-direction) CT scanners, AAPM Report 111 defined an ideal measurement method; however, the method often lacks practicality. The purpose of this preliminary study is to develop a set of conversion factors for a wide-beam CT scanner, relating the CTDIvol measured with a conventional setup (single CTDI phantom) versus the AAPM Report 111 approach (three abutting CTDI phantoms). Methods: For both the body CTDI and head CTDI, two acquisition setups were used: A) conventional singlemore » phantom and B) triple phantom. Of primary concern were the larger nominal beam widths for which a standard CTDI phantom setup would not provide adequate scatter conditions. Nominal beam width (160 or 120 mm) and kVp (100, 120, 140) were modulated based on the underlying clinical protocol. Exposure measurements were taken using a CT pencil ion chamber in the center and 12 o’clock position, and CTDIvol was calculated with ‘nT’ limited to 100 mm. A conversion factor (CF) was calculated as the ratio of CTDIvol measured in setup B versus setup A. Results: For body CTDI, the CF ranged from 1.04 up to 1.10, indicating a 4–10% difference between usage of one and three phantoms. For a nominal beam width of 160 mm, the CF did vary with selected kVp. For head CTDI at nominal beam widths of 120 and 160 mm, the CF was 1.00 and 1.05, respectively, independent of the kVp used (100, 120, and 140). Conclusions: A clear understanding of the manufacturer method of estimating the displayed CTDIvol is important when interpreting annual test results, as the acquisition setup may lead to an error of up to 10%. With appropriately defined CF, single phantom use is feasible.« less

Impacts of wave-induced circulation in the surf zone on wave setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guérin, Thomas; Bertin, Xavier; Coulombier, Thibault; de Bakker, Anouk

2018-03-01

Wave setup corresponds to the increase in mean water level along the coast associated with the breaking of short-waves and is of key importance for coastal dynamics, as it contributes to storm surges and the generation of undertows. Although overall well explained by the divergence of the momentum flux associated with short waves in the surf zone, several studies reported substantial underestimations along the coastline. This paper investigates the impacts of the wave-induced circulation that takes place in the surf zone on wave setup, based on the analysis of 3D modelling results. A 3D phase-averaged modelling system using a vortex force formalism is applied to hindcast an unpublished field experiment, carried out at a dissipative beach under moderate to very energetic wave conditions (Hm 0 = 6m at breaking and Tp = 22s). When using an adaptive wave breaking parameterisation based on the beach slope, model predictions for water levels, short waves and undertows improved by about 30%, with errors reducing to 0.10 m, 0.10 m and 0.09 m/s, respectively. The analysis of model results suggests a very limited impact of the vertical circulation on wave setup at this dissipative beach. When extending this analysis to idealized simulations for different beach slopes ranging from 0.01 to 0.05, it shows that the contribution of the vertical circulation (horizontal and vertical advection and vertical viscosity terms) becomes more and more relevant as the beach slope increases. In contrast, for a given beach slope, the wave height at the breaking point has a limited impact on the relative contribution of the vertical circulation on the wave setup. For a slope of 0.05, the contribution of the terms associated with the vertical circulation accounts for up to 17% (i.e. a 20% increase) of the total setup at the shoreline, which provides a new explanation for the underestimations reported in previously published studies.

Wave and setup dynamics on steeply-sloping reefs with large bottom roughness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckley, M. L.; Hansen, J.; Lowe, R.

2016-12-01

High-resolution observations from a wave flume were used to investigate the dynamics of wave setup over a steeply-sloping fringing reef profile with the effect of bottom roughness modeled using roughness elements scaled to mimic a coral reef. Results with roughness were compared with smooth bottom runs across sixteen offshore wave and still water level conditions. The time-averaged and depth-integrated force balance was evaluated from observations collected at seventeen locations across the flume, which was found to consist of cross-shore pressure and radiation stress gradients whose sum was balanced by mean quadratic bottom stresses. We found that when radiation stress gradients were calculated from observations of the radiation stress derived from linear wave theory, both wave setdown and setup were under predicted for the majority of wave and water level conditions tested. Inaccuracies in the predicted setdown and setup were improved by including a wave roller model, which provides a correction to the kinetic energy predicted by linear wave theory for breaking waves and produces a spatial delay in the wave forcing that was consistent with the observations. The introduction of roughness had two primary effects. First, the amount of wave energy dissipated during wave breaking was reduced due to frictional wave dissipation that occurred on the reef slope offshore of the breakpoint. Second, offshore directed mean bottom stresses were generated by the interaction of the combined wave-current velocity field with the roughness elements. These two mechanisms acted counter to one another. As a result, setup on the reef flat was comparable (7% mean difference) between corresponding rough and smooth runs. These findings are used to assess prior results from numerical modelling studies of reefs, and also to discuss the broader implications for how steep slopes and large roughness influences setup dynamics for general nearshore systems.

Percentage depth dose calculation accuracy of model based algorithms in high energy photon small fields through heterogeneous media and comparison with plastic scintillator dosimetry.

PubMed

Alagar, Ananda Giri Babu; Mani, Ganesh Kadirampatti; Karunakaran, Kaviarasu

2016-01-08

Small fields smaller than 4 × 4 cm2 are used in stereotactic and conformal treatments where heterogeneity is normally present. Since dose calculation accuracy in both small fields and heterogeneity often involves more discrepancy, algorithms used by treatment planning systems (TPS) should be evaluated for achieving better treatment results. This report aims at evaluating accuracy of four model-based algorithms, X-ray Voxel Monte Carlo (XVMC) from Monaco, Superposition (SP) from CMS-Xio, AcurosXB (AXB) and analytical anisotropic algorithm (AAA) from Eclipse are tested against the measurement. Measurements are done using Exradin W1 plastic scintillator in Solid Water phantom with heterogeneities like air, lung, bone, and aluminum, irradiated with 6 and 15 MV photons of square field size ranging from 1 to 4 cm2. Each heterogeneity is introduced individually at two different depths from depth-of-dose maximum (Dmax), one setup being nearer and another farther from the Dmax. The central axis percentage depth-dose (CADD) curve for each setup is measured separately and compared with the TPS algorithm calculated for the same setup. The percentage normalized root mean squared deviation (%NRMSD) is calculated, which represents the whole CADD curve's deviation against the measured. It is found that for air and lung heterogeneity, for both 6 and 15 MV, all algorithms show maximum deviation for field size 1 × 1 cm2 and gradually reduce when field size increases, except for AAA. For aluminum and bone, all algorithms' deviations are less for 15 MV irrespective of setup. In all heterogeneity setups, 1 × 1 cm2 field showed maximum deviation, except in 6MV bone setup. All algorithms in the study, irrespective of energy and field size, when any heterogeneity is nearer to Dmax, the dose deviation is higher compared to the same heterogeneity far from the Dmax. Also, all algorithms show maximum deviation in lower-density materials compared to high-density materials.

SU-F-T-519: Is Geometry Based Setup Sufficient for All of the Head and Neck Treatment Cases?: A Feasibility Study Towards the Dose Based Setup

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

Lee, S; Chen, S; Zhang, B

Purpose: This study compares the geometric-based setup (GBS) which is currently used in the clinic to a novel concept of dose-based setup (DBS) of head and neck (H&N) patients using cone beam CT (CBCT) of the day; and evaluates the clinical advantages. Methods: Ten H&N patients who underwent re-simulation and re-plan due to noticeable anatomic changes during the course of the treatments were retrospectively reviewed on dosimetric changes in the assumption of no plan modification was performed. RayStation planning system (RaySearch Laboratories AB, Sweden) was used to match (ROI fusion module) between prescribed isodoseline (IDL) in the CBCT imported alongmore » with ROIs from re-planned CT and the IDL of original plan (Dose-based setup: DBS). Then, the CBCT plan based on daily setup using the GBS (previously used for a patient) and the DBS CBCT plan recalculated in RayStation compared against the original CT-sim plan. Results: Most of patients’ tumor coverage and OAR doses got generally worsen when the CBCT plans were compared with original CT-sim plan with GBS. However, when DBS intervened, the OAR dose and tumor coverage was better than the GBS. For example, one of patients’ daily average doses of right parotid and oral cavity increased to 26% and 36%, respectively from the original plan to the GBS planning. However, it only increased by 13% and 24%, respectively with DBS. GTV D95 coverage also decreased by 16% with GBS, but only 2% decreased with DBS. Conclusion: DBS method is superior to GBS to prevent any abrupt dose changes to OARs as well as PTV/CTV or GTV at least for some H&N cases. Since it is not known when the DBS is beneficial to the GBS, a system which enables the on-line DBS may be helpful for better treatment of H&N.« less

Simulation of Dose to Surrounding Normal Structures in Tangential Breast Radiotherapy Due to Setup Error

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

Prabhakar, Ramachandran; Department of Nuclear Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi; Department of Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

Setup error plays a significant role in the final treatment outcome in radiotherapy. The effect of setup error on the planning target volume (PTV) and surrounding critical structures has been studied and the maximum allowed tolerance in setup error with minimal complications to the surrounding critical structure and acceptable tumor control probability is determined. Twelve patients were selected for this study after breast conservation surgery, wherein 8 patients were right-sided and 4 were left-sided breast. Tangential fields were placed on the 3-dimensional-computed tomography (3D-CT) dataset by isocentric technique and the dose to the PTV, ipsilateral lung (IL), contralateral lung (CLL),more » contralateral breast (CLB), heart, and liver were then computed from dose-volume histograms (DVHs). The planning isocenter was shifted for 3 and 10 mm in all 3 directions (X, Y, Z) to simulate the setup error encountered during treatment. Dosimetric studies were performed for each patient for PTV according to ICRU 50 guidelines: mean doses to PTV, IL, CLL, heart, CLB, liver, and percentage of lung volume that received a dose of 20 Gy or more (V20); percentage of heart volume that received a dose of 30 Gy or more (V30); and volume of liver that received a dose of 50 Gy or more (V50) were calculated for all of the above-mentioned isocenter shifts and compared to the results with zero isocenter shift. Simulation of different isocenter shifts in all 3 directions showed that the isocentric shifts along the posterior direction had a very significant effect on the dose to the heart, IL, CLL, and CLB, which was followed by the lateral direction. The setup error in isocenter should be strictly kept below 3 mm. The study shows that isocenter verification in the case of tangential fields should be performed to reduce future complications to adjacent normal tissues.« less

SU-E-J-90: MRI-Based Treatment Simulation and Patient Setup for Radiation Therapy of Brain Cancer

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

Yang, Y; Cao, M; Han, F

2014-06-01

Purpose: Traditional radiation therapy of cancer is heavily dependent on CT. CT provides excellent depiction of the bones but lacks good soft tissue contrast, which makes contouring difficult. Often, MRIs are fused with CT to take advantage of its superior soft tissue contrast. Such an approach has drawbacks. It is desirable to perform treatment simulation entirely based on MRI. To achieve MR-based simulation for radiation therapy, bone imaging is an important challenge because of the low MR signal intensity from bone due to its ultra-short T2 and T1, which presents difficulty for both dose calculation and patient setup in termsmore » of digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) generation. Current solutions will either require manual bone contouring or multiple MR scans. We present a technique to generate DRR using MRI with an Ultra Short Echo Time (UTE) sequence which is applicable to both OBI and ExacTrac 2D patient setup. Methods: Seven brain cancer patients were scanned at 1.5 Tesla using a radial UTE sequence. The sequence acquires two images at two different echo times. The two images were processed using in-house software. The resultant bone images were subsequently loaded into commercial systems to generate DRRs. Simulation and patient clinical on-board images were used to evaluate 2D patient setup with MRI-DRRs. Results: The majority bones are well visualized in all patients. The fused image of patient CT with the MR bone image demonstrates the accuracy of automatic bone identification using our technique. The generated DRR is of good quality. Accuracy of 2D patient setup by using MRI-DRR is comparable to CT-based 2D patient setup. Conclusion: This study shows the potential of DRR generation with single MR sequence. Further work will be needed on MR sequence development and post-processing procedure to achieve robust MR bone imaging for other human sites in addition to brain.« less

Assessment and quantification of patient set-up errors in nasopharyngeal cancer patients and their biological and dosimetric impact in terms of generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD), tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP).

PubMed

Boughalia, A; Marcie, S; Fellah, M; Chami, S; Mekki, F

2015-06-01

The aim of this study is to assess and quantify patients' set-up errors using an electronic portal imaging device and to evaluate their dosimetric and biological impact in terms of generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) on predictive models, such as the tumour control probability (TCP) and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). 20 patients treated for nasopharyngeal cancer were enrolled in the radiotherapy-oncology department of HCA. Systematic and random errors were quantified. The dosimetric and biological impact of these set-up errors on the target volume and the organ at risk (OARs) coverage were assessed using calculation of dose-volume histogram, gEUD, TCP and NTCP. For this purpose, an in-house software was developed and used. The standard deviations (1SDs) of the systematic set-up and random set-up errors were calculated for the lateral and subclavicular fields and gave the following results: ∑ = 0.63 ± (0.42) mm and σ = 3.75 ± (0.79) mm, respectively. Thus a planning organ at risk volume (PRV) margin of 3 mm was defined around the OARs, and a 5-mm margin used around the clinical target volume. The gEUD, TCP and NTCP calculations obtained with and without set-up errors have shown increased values for tumour, where ΔgEUD (tumour) = 1.94% Gy (p = 0.00721) and ΔTCP = 2.03%. The toxicity of OARs was quantified using gEUD and NTCP. The values of ΔgEUD (OARs) vary from 0.78% to 5.95% in the case of the brainstem and the optic chiasm, respectively. The corresponding ΔNTCP varies from 0.15% to 0.53%, respectively. The quantification of set-up errors has a dosimetric and biological impact on the tumour and on the OARs. The developed in-house software using the concept of gEUD, TCP and NTCP biological models has been successfully used in this study. It can be used also to optimize the treatment plan established for our patients. The gEUD, TCP and NTCP may be more suitable tools to assess the treatment plans before treating the patients.

Impact of patient-specific factors, irradiated left ventricular volume, and treatment set-up errors on the development of myocardial perfusion defects after radiation therapy for left-sided breast cancer

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

Evans, Elizabeth S.; Prosnitz, Robert G.; Yu Xiaoli

2006-11-15

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of patient-specific factors, left ventricle (LV) volume, and treatment set-up errors on the rate of perfusion defects 6 to 60 months post-radiation therapy (RT) in patients receiving tangential RT for left-sided breast cancer. Methods and Materials: Between 1998 and 2005, a total of 153 patients were enrolled onto an institutional review board-approved prospective study and had pre- and serial post-RT (6-60 months) cardiac perfusion scans to assess for perfusion defects. Of the patients, 108 had normal pre-RT perfusion scans and available follow-up data. The impact of patient-specific factors onmore » the rate of perfusion defects was assessed at various time points using univariate and multivariate analysis. The impact of set-up errors on the rate of perfusion defects was also analyzed using a one-tailed Fisher's Exact test. Results: Consistent with our prior results, the volume of LV in the RT field was the most significant predictor of perfusion defects on both univariate (p = 0.0005 to 0.0058) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.0026 to 0.0029). Body mass index (BMI) was the only significant patient-specific factor on both univariate (p = 0.0005 to 0.022) and multivariate analysis (p = 0.0091 to 0.05). In patients with very small volumes of LV in the planned RT fields, the rate of perfusion defects was significantly higher when the fields set-up 'too deep' (83% vs. 30%, p = 0.059). The frequency of deep set-up errors was significantly higher among patients with BMI {>=}25 kg/m{sup 2} compared with patients of normal weight (47% vs. 28%, p = 0.068). Conclusions: BMI {>=}25 kg/m{sup 2} may be a significant risk factor for cardiac toxicity after RT for left-sided breast cancer, possibly because of more frequent deep set-up errors resulting in the inclusion of additional heart in the RT fields. Further study is necessary to better understand the impact of patient-specific factors and set-up errors on the development of RT-induced perfusion defects.« less

Skin Temperature Measurement Using Contact Thermometry: A Systematic Review of Setup Variables and Their Effects on Measured Values

PubMed Central

MacRae, Braid A.; Annaheim, Simon; Spengler, Christina M.; Rossi, René M.

2018-01-01

Background: Skin temperature (Tskin) is commonly measured using Tskin sensors affixed directly to the skin surface, although the influence of setup variables on the measured outcome requires clarification. Objectives: The two distinct objectives of this systematic review were (1) to examine measurements from contact Tskin sensors considering equilibrium temperature and temperature disturbance, sensor attachments, pressure, environmental temperature, and sensor type, and (2) to characterise the contact Tskin sensors used, conditions of use, and subsequent reporting in studies investigating sports, exercise, and other physical activity. Data sources and study selection: For the measurement comparison objective, Ovid Medline and Scopus were used (1960 to July 2016) and studies comparing contact Tskin sensor measurements in vivo or using appropriate physical models were included. For the survey of use, Ovid Medline was used (2011 to July 2016) and studies using contact temperature sensors for the measurement of human Tskin in vivo during sport, exercise, and other physical activity were included. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: For measurement comparisons, assessments of risk of bias were made according to an adapted version of the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Comparisons of temperature measurements were expressed, where possible, as mean difference and 95% limits of agreement (LoA). Meta-analyses were not performed due to the lack of a common reference condition. For the survey of use, extracted information was summarised in text and tabular form. Results: For measurement comparisons, 21 studies were included. Results from these studies indicated minor (<0.5°C) to practically meaningful (>0.5°C) measurement bias within the subgroups of attachment type, applied pressure, environmental conditions, and sensor type. The 95% LoA were often within 1.0°C for in vivo studies and 0.5°C for physical models. For the survey of use, 172 studies were included. Details about Tskin sensor setup were often poorly reported and, from those reporting setup information, it was evident that setups widely varied in terms of type of sensors, attachments, and locations used. Conclusions: Setup variables and conditions of use can influence the measured temperature from contact Tskin sensors and thus key setup variables need to be appropriately considered and consistently reported. PMID:29441024

Skin Temperature Measurement Using Contact Thermometry: A Systematic Review of Setup Variables and Their Effects on Measured Values.

PubMed

MacRae, Braid A; Annaheim, Simon; Spengler, Christina M; Rossi, René M

2018-01-01

Background: Skin temperature ( T skin ) is commonly measured using T skin sensors affixed directly to the skin surface, although the influence of setup variables on the measured outcome requires clarification. Objectives: The two distinct objectives of this systematic review were (1) to examine measurements from contact T skin sensors considering equilibrium temperature and temperature disturbance, sensor attachments, pressure, environmental temperature, and sensor type, and (2) to characterise the contact T skin sensors used, conditions of use, and subsequent reporting in studies investigating sports, exercise, and other physical activity. Data sources and study selection: For the measurement comparison objective, Ovid Medline and Scopus were used (1960 to July 2016) and studies comparing contact T skin sensor measurements in vivo or using appropriate physical models were included. For the survey of use, Ovid Medline was used (2011 to July 2016) and studies using contact temperature sensors for the measurement of human T skin in vivo during sport, exercise, and other physical activity were included. Study appraisal and synthesis methods: For measurement comparisons, assessments of risk of bias were made according to an adapted version of the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Comparisons of temperature measurements were expressed, where possible, as mean difference and 95% limits of agreement (LoA). Meta-analyses were not performed due to the lack of a common reference condition. For the survey of use, extracted information was summarised in text and tabular form. Results: For measurement comparisons, 21 studies were included. Results from these studies indicated minor (<0.5°C) to practically meaningful (>0.5°C) measurement bias within the subgroups of attachment type, applied pressure, environmental conditions, and sensor type. The 95% LoA were often within 1.0°C for in vivo studies and 0.5°C for physical models. For the survey of use, 172 studies were included. Details about T skin sensor setup were often poorly reported and, from those reporting setup information, it was evident that setups widely varied in terms of type of sensors, attachments, and locations used. Conclusions: Setup variables and conditions of use can influence the measured temperature from contact T skin sensors and thus key setup variables need to be appropriately considered and consistently reported.

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

Moura, Eduardo S., E-mail: emoura@wisc.edu; Micka, John A.; Hammer, Cliff G.

Purpose: This work presents the development of a phantom to verify the treatment planning system (TPS) algorithms used for high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy. It is designed to measure the relative dose in a heterogeneous media. The experimental details used, simulation methods, and comparisons with a commercial TPS are also provided. Methods: To simulate heterogeneous conditions, four materials were used: Virtual Water™ (VM), BR50/50™, cork, and aluminum. The materials were arranged in 11 heterogeneity configurations. Three dosimeters were used to measure the relative response from a HDR {sup 192}Ir source: TLD-100™, Gafchromic{sup ®} EBT3 film, and an Exradin™ A1SL ionization chamber. Tomore » compare the results from the experimental measurements, the various configurations were modeled in the PENELOPE/penEasy Monte Carlo code. Images of each setup geometry were acquired from a CT scanner and imported into BrachyVision™ TPS software, which includes a grid-based Boltzmann solver Acuros™. The results of the measurements performed in the heterogeneous setups were normalized to the dose values measured in the homogeneous Virtual Water™ setup and the respective differences due to the heterogeneities were considered. Additionally, dose values calculated based on the American Association of Physicists in Medicine-Task Group 43 formalism were compared to dose values calculated with the Acuros™ algorithm in the phantom. Calculated doses were compared at the same points, where measurements have been performed. Results: Differences in the relative response as high as 11.5% were found from the homogeneous setup when the heterogeneous materials were inserted into the experimental phantom. The aluminum and cork materials produced larger differences than the plastic materials, with the BR50/50™ material producing results similar to the Virtual Water™ results. Our experimental methods agree with the PENELOPE/penEasy simulations for most setups and dosimeters. The TPS relative differences with the Acuros™ algorithm were similar in both experimental and simulated setups. The discrepancy between the BrachyVision™, Acuros™, and TG-43 dose responses in the phantom described by this work exceeded 12% for certain setups. Conclusions: The results derived from the phantom measurements show good agreement with the simulations and TPS calculations, using Acuros™ algorithm. Differences in the dose responses were evident in the experimental results when heterogeneous materials were introduced. These measurements prove the usefulness of the heterogeneous phantom for verification of HDR treatment planning systems based on model-based dose calculation algorithms.« less

Site‐specific tolerance tables and indexing device to improve patient setup reproducibility

PubMed Central

James, Joshua A.; Cetnar, Ashley J.; McCullough, Mark A.; Wang, Brian

2015-01-01

While the implementation of tools such as image‐guidance and immobilization devices have helped to prevent geometric misses in radiation therapy, many treatments remain prone to error if these items are not available, not utilized for every fraction, or are misused. The purpose of this project is to design a set of site‐specific treatment tolerance tables to be applied to the treatment couch for use in a record and verify (R&V) system that will insure accurate patient setup with minimal workflow interruption. This project also called for the construction of a simple indexing device to help insure reproducible patient setup for patients that could not be indexed with existing equipment. The tolerance tables were created by retrospective analysis on a total of 66 patients and 1,308 treatments, separating them into five categories based on disease site: lung, head and neck (H&N), breast, pelvis, and abdomen. Couch parameter tolerance tables were designed to encompass 95% of treatments, and were generated by calculating the standard deviation of couch vertical, longitudinal, and lateral values using the first day of treatment as a baseline. We also investigated an alternative method for generating the couch tolerances by updating the baseline values when patient position was verified with image guidance. This was done in order to adapt the tolerances to any gradual changes in patient setup that would not correspond with a mistreatment. The tolerance tables and customizable indexing device were then implemented for a trial period in order to determine the feasibility of the system. During this trial period we collected data from 1,054 fractions from 65 patients. We then analyzed the number of treatments that would have been out of tolerance, as well as whether or not the tolerances or setup techniques should be adjusted. When the couch baseline values were updated with every imaging fraction, the average rate of tolerance violations was 10% for the lung, H&N, abdomen, and pelvis treatments. Using the indexing device, tolerances for patients with pelvic disease decreased (e.g., from 5.3 cm to 4.3 cm longitudinally). Unfortunately, the results from breast patients were highly variable due to the complexity of the setup technique, making the couch an inadequate surrogate for measuring setup accuracy. In summary, we have developed a method to turn the treatment couch parameters within the R&V system into a useful alert tool, which can be implemented at other institutions, in order to identify potential errors in patient setup. PACS numbers: 87.53Kn, 87.55.kh, 87.55.ne, 87.55.km, 87.55K‐, 87.55.Qr PMID:26103475

A Safe and Effective Modification of Thomson's Jumping Ring Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waschke, Felix; Strunz, Andreas; Meyn, Jan-Peter

2012-01-01

The electrical circuit of the jumping ring experiment based on discharging a capacitor is optimized. The setup is scoop proof at 46 V and yet the ring jumps more than 9 m high. The setup is suitable for both lectures and student laboratory work in higher education. (Contains 1 table, 8 figures and 3 footnotes.)

Interface Lattice Engineering of Si Composite Wafers for Large-Format HgCdTe Infrared Focal Plane Arrays

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-08-07

sealed quartz ampoule under a mercury overpressure in a conventional clam-shell furnace . The reduction in the dislocation density has been studied as...46 2.6.4 Etch Pit Characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 5 3 Furnace Setup and Calibration...Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 3.1.2 Furnace Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 4 In Situ

Experimental setup for Single Event Effects at the São Paulo 8UD Pelletron Accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguiar, V. A. P.; Added, N.; Medina, N. H.; Macchione, E. L. A.; Tabacniks, M. H.; Aguirre, F. R.; Silveira, M. A. G.; Santos, R. B. B.; Seixas, L. E.

2014-08-01

In this work we present an experimental setup mounted in one of the beam lines at the São Paulo 8UD Pelletron Accelerator in order to study Single Event Effects in electronic devices. The basic idea is to use elastic scattering collisions to achieve a low-flux with a high-uniformity ion beam to irradiate several devices. 12C, 16O, 28Si, 35Cl and 63Cu beams were used to test the experimental setup. In this system it is possible to use efficiently LET values of 17 MeV/mg/cm2 for an external beam arrangement and up to 32 MeV/mg/cm2 for in-vacuum irradiation.

Automated setup for spray assisted layer-by-layer deposition.

PubMed

Mundra, Paul; Otto, Tobias; Gaponik, Nikolai; Eychmüller, Alexander

2013-07-01

The design for a setup allowing the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of thin films consisting of various colloidal materials is presented. The proposed system utilizes the spray-assisted LbL approach and is capable of autonomously producing films. It provides advantages to existing LbL procedures in terms of process speed and applicability. The setup offers several features that are advantageous for routine operation like an actuated sample holder, stainless steel spraying nozzles, or an optical liquid detection system. The applicability is demonstrated by the preparation of films containing semiconductor nanoparticles, namely, CdSe∕CdS quantum dots and a polyelectolyte. The films of this type are of potential interest for applications in optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes or solar cells.

Development of a TOF SIMS setup at the Zagreb heavy ion microbeam facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tadić, Tonči; Bogdanović Radović, Iva; Siketić, Zdravko; Cosic, Donny Domagoj; Skukan, Natko; Jakšić, Milko; Matsuo, Jiro

2014-08-01

We describe a new Time-of-flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF SIMS) setup for MeV SIMS application, which is constructed and installed at the heavy ion microbeam facility at the Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb. The TOF-SIMS setup is developed for high sensitivity molecular imaging using a heavy ion microbeam that focuses ion beams (from C to I) with sub-micron resolution. Dedicated pulse processing electronics for MeV SIMS application have been developed, enabling microbeam-scanning control, incoming ion microbeam pulsing and molecular mapping. The first results showing measured MeV SIMS spectra as well as molecular maps for samples of interest are presented and discussed.

Electro-optical characterization of SiPM: A comparative study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinu, N.; Amara, Z.; Bazin, C.; Chaumat, V.; Cheikali, C.; Guilhem, G.; Puill, V.; Sylvia, C.; Vagnucci, J. F.

2009-10-01

This work reports on the development of an electro-optical set-up for the characterization of the Silicon PhotoMultiplier (SiPM) devices as well as on the comparative study of the characteristics of different SiPM prototypes. The electrical set-up allows the measurement of the static (breakdown voltage, overvoltage quenching resistance) and dynamic (gain, dark count rate) characteristics. The optical set-up allows the estimation of the photon detection efficiency as a function of the wavelength and the operation voltage. The comparative study has been performed on SiPM devices covering an area of 1×1 mm 2 and supplied during 2007 by Photonique S.A. (Switzerland), FBK-irst (Italy), SensL (Ireland) and Hamamatsu (Japan).

Detection prospects for the Cosmic Neutrino Background using laser interferometers

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

Domcke, Valerie; Spinrath, Martin, E-mail: valerie.domcke@apc.univ-paris7.fr, E-mail: martin.spinrath@cts.nthu.edu.tw

The cosmic neutrino background is a key prediction of Big Bang cosmology which has not been observed yet. The movement of the earth through this neutrino bath creates a force on a pendulum, as if it were exposed to a cosmic wind. We revise here estimates for the resulting pendulum acceleration and compare it to the theoretical sensitivity of an experimental setup where the pendulum position is measured using current laser interferometer technology as employed in gravitational wave detectors. We discuss how a significant improvement of this setup can be envisaged in a micro gravity environment. The proposed setup couldmore » also function as a dark matter detector in the sub-MeV range, which currently eludes direct detection constraints.« less

Using refraction in thick glass plates for optical path length modulation in low coherence interferometry.

PubMed

Kröger, Niklas; Schlobohm, Jochen; Pösch, Andreas; Reithmeier, Eduard

2017-09-01

In Michelson interferometer setups the standard way to generate different optical path lengths between a measurement arm and a reference arm relies on expensive high precision linear stages such as piezo actuators. We present an alternative approach based on the refraction of light at optical interfaces using a cheap stepper motor with high gearing ratio to control the rotation of a glass plate. The beam path is examined and a relation between angle of rotation and change in optical path length is devised. As verification, an experimental setup is presented, and reconstruction results from a measurement standard are shown. The reconstructed step height from this setup lies within 1.25% of the expected value.

Note: Near infrared spectral and transient measurements of PbS quantum dots luminescence.

PubMed

Parfenov, P S; Litvin, A P; Ushakova, E V; Fedorov, A V; Baranov, A V; Berwick, K

2013-11-01

We describe an experimental setup for the characterization of luminescence from nanostructures. The setup is intended for steady-state and time-resolved luminescence measurements in the near-infrared region. The setup allows us to study spectral luminescence properties in the spectral range of 0.8-2.0 μm with high spectral resolution and kinetic luminescence properties between 0.8 and 1.7 μm with a time resolution of 3 ns. The capabilities of the system are illustrated by taking luminescence measurements from PbS quantum dots. We established the size dependencies of the optical properties of the PbS quantum dots over a wide spectral range. Finally, the energy transfer process was studied with a high temporal and spectral resolution.

Search for hybrid baryons with CLAS12 experimental setup

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

Lanza, Lucille

It is crucial to study the meson electroproduction in the kinematic region dominated by the formation of resonances. CLAS12 setup in Hall B at Jefferson Lab is particularly suitable for this task, since it is able to detect scattered electrons at low polar angles thanks to the Forward Tagger (FT) component. The process that we propose to study is ep → e'K +Λ, where the electron beam will be provided by the CEBAF accelerator with energies of 6.6, 8.8, and 11 GeV. This thesis work describes the setup and calibration of the FT calorimeter and the studies related to themore » search of hybrid baryons through the measurement of the K + Λ electroproduction cross section.« less

An electron energy loss spectrometer based streak camera for time resolved TEM measurements.

PubMed

Ali, Hasan; Eriksson, Johan; Li, Hu; Jafri, S Hassan M; Kumar, M S Sharath; Ögren, Jim; Ziemann, Volker; Leifer, Klaus

2017-05-01

We propose an experimental setup based on a streak camera approach inside an energy filter to measure time resolved properties of materials in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). In order to put in place the streak camera, a beam sweeper was built inside an energy filter. After exciting the TEM sample, the beam is swept across the CCD camera of the filter. We describe different parts of the setup at the example of a magnetic measurement. This setup is capable to acquire time resolved diffraction patterns, electron energy loss spectra (EELS) and images with total streaking times in the range between 100ns and 10μs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Conceptual design of the AGATA 1 π array at GANIL

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clément, E.; Michelagnoli, C.; de France, G.; Li, H. J.; Lemasson, A.; Barthe Dejean, C.; Beuzard, M.; Bougault, P.; Cacitti, J.; Foucher, J.-L.; Fremont, G.; Gangnant, P.; Goupil, J.; Houarner, C.; Jean, M.; Lefevre, A.; Legeard, L.; Legruel, F.; Maugeais, C.; Ménager, L.; Ménard, N.; Munoz, H.; Ozille, M.; Raine, B.; Ropert, J. A.; Saillant, F.; Spitaels, C.; Tripon, M.; Vallerand, Ph.; Voltolini, G.; Korten, W.; Salsac, M.-D.; Theisen, Ch.; Zielińska, M.; Joannem, T.; Karolak, M.; Kebbiri, M.; Lotode, A.; Touzery, R.; Walter, Ch.; Korichi, A.; Ljungvall, J.; Lopez-Martens, A.; Ralet, D.; Dosme, N.; Grave, X.; Karkour, N.; Lafay, X.; Legay, E.; Kojouharov, I.; Domingo-Pardo, C.; Gadea, A.; Pérez-Vidal, R. M.; Civera, J. V.; Birkenbach, B.; Eberth, J.; Hess, H.; Lewandowski, L.; Reiter, P.; Nannini, A.; De Angelis, G.; Jaworski, G.; John, P.; Napoli, D. R.; Valiente-Dobón, J. J.; Barrientos, D.; Bortolato, D.; Benzoni, G.; Bracco, A.; Brambilla, S.; Camera, F.; Crespi, F. C. L.; Leoni, S.; Million, B.; Pullia, A.; Wieland, O.; Bazzacco, D.; Lenzi, S. M.; Lunardi, S.; Menegazzo, R.; Mengoni, D.; Recchia, F.; Bellato, M.; Isocrate, R.; Egea Canet, F. J.; Didierjean, F.; Duchêne, G.; Baumann, R.; Brucker, M.; Dangelser, E.; Filliger, M.; Friedmann, H.; Gaudiot, G.; Grapton, J.-N.; Kocher, H.; Mathieu, C.; Sigward, M.-H.; Thomas, D.; Veeramootoo, S.; Dudouet, J.; Stézowski, O.; Aufranc, C.; Aubert, Y.; Labiche, M.; Simpson, J.; Burrows, I.; Coleman-Smith, P. J.; Grant, A.; Lazarus, I. H.; Morrall, P. S.; Pucknell, V. F. E.; Boston, A.; Judson, D. S.; Lalović, N.; Nyberg, J.; Collado, J.; González, V.; Kuti, I.; Nyakó, B. M.; Maj, A.; Rudigier, M.

2017-05-01

The Advanced GAmma Tracking Array (AGATA) has been installed at the GANIL facility, Caen-France. This set-up exploits the stable and radioactive heavy-ions beams delivered by the cyclotron accelerator complex of GANIL. Additionally, it benefits from a large palette of ancillary detectors and spectrometers to address in-beam γ-ray spectroscopy of exotic nuclei. The set-up has been designed to couple AGATA with a magnetic spectrometer, charged-particle and neutron detectors, scintillators for the detection of high-energy γ rays and other devices such as a plunger to measure nuclear lifetimes. In this paper, the design and the mechanical characteristics of the set-up are described. Based on simulations, expected performances of the AGATA 1 π array are presented.

Electric field stimulation setup for photoemission electron microscopes.

PubMed

Buzzi, M; Vaz, C A F; Raabe, J; Nolting, F

2015-08-01

Manipulating magnetisation by the application of an electric field in magnetoelectric multiferroics represents a timely issue due to the potential applications in low power electronics and the novel physics involved. Thanks to its element sensitivity and high spatial resolution, X-ray photoemission electron microscopy is a uniquely suited technique for the investigation of magnetoelectric coupling in multiferroic materials. In this work, we present a setup that allows for the application of in situ electric and magnetic fields while the sample is analysed in the microscope. As an example of the performances of the setup, we present measurements on Ni/Pb(Mg(0.66)Nb(0.33))O3-PbTiO3 and La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO3/PMN-PT artificial multiferroic nanostructures.

Note: Setup for chemical atmospheric control during in situ grazing incidence X-ray scattering of printed thin films

DOE PAGES

Pröller, Stephan; Moseguí González, Daniel; Zhu, Chenhuii; ...

2017-06-01

In order to tailor the assembling of polymers and organic molecules, a deeper understanding of the kinetics involved in thin film production is necessary. While post-production characterization only provides insight on the final film structure, more sophisticated experimental setups are needed to probe the structure formation processes in situ during deposition. The drying kinetics of a deposited organic thin film strongly influences the assembling process on the nanometer scale. Lastly, this work presents an experimental setup that enables fine control of the atmosphere composition surrounding the sample during slot die coating, while simultaneously probing the film formation kinetics using inmore » situ grazing incidence X-ray scattering and spectroscopy.« less

Monitoring plasma treatment of thin films by surface plasmon resonance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laha, Ranjit; Manivannan, A.; Kasiviswanathan, S.

2014-03-01

We report the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements during plasma treatment of thin films by an indigenously designed setup. From the measurements on Al (6.3 nm)/Ag (38 nm) bi-layer at a pressure of 0.02 mbar, the SPR position was found to be shifted by ˜20° after a plasma treatment of ˜7 h. The formation of oxide layers during plasma oxidation was confirmed by glancing angle x-ray diffraction (GXRD) measurements. Combined analysis of GXRD and SPR data confirmed that while top Al layer enables controlling plasma oxidation of Ag, the setup enables monitoring the same. The setup designed is a first of its kind for in situ SPR studies where creation of low pressure is a prerequisite.

Monitoring plasma treatment of thin films by surface plasmon resonance.

PubMed

Laha, Ranjit; Manivannan, A; Kasiviswanathan, S

2014-03-01

We report the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) measurements during plasma treatment of thin films by an indigenously designed setup. From the measurements on Al (6.3 nm)/Ag (38 nm) bi-layer at a pressure of 0.02 mbar, the SPR position was found to be shifted by ~20° after a plasma treatment of ~7 h. The formation of oxide layers during plasma oxidation was confirmed by glancing angle x-ray diffraction (GXRD) measurements. Combined analysis of GXRD and SPR data confirmed that while top Al layer enables controlling plasma oxidation of Ag, the setup enables monitoring the same. The setup designed is a first of its kind for in situ SPR studies where creation of low pressure is a prerequisite.

In-air RBS measurements at the LAMFI external beam setup

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

Silva, T. F.; Added, N.; Moro, M. V.

2014-11-11

This work describes new developments in the external beam setup of the Laboratory of Material Analysis with Ion Beams of the University of São Paulo (LAMFI-USP). This setup was designed to be a versatile analytical station to analyze a broad range of samples. In recent developments, we seek the external beam Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) analysis to complement the Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) measurements. This work presents the initial results of the external beam RBS analysis as well as recent developments to improve the energy resolution RBS measurements, in particular tests to seek for sources of resolution degradation. Thesemore » aspects are discussed and preliminary results of in-air RBS analysis of some test samples are presented.« less

Improvement of the polarized neutron interferometer setup demonstrating violation of a Bell-like inequality.

PubMed

Geppert, H; Denkmayr, T; Sponar, S; Lemmel, H; Hasegawa, Y

2014-11-01

For precise measurements with polarised neutrons high efficient spin-manipulation is required. We developed several neutron optical elements suitable for a new sophisticated setup, i.e., DC spin-turners and Larmor-accelerators which diminish thermal disturbances and depolarisation considerably. The gain in performance is exploited demonstrating violation of a Bell-like inequality for a spin-path entangled single-neutron state. The obtained value of [Formula: see text], which is much higher than previous measurements by neutron interferometry, is [Formula: see text] above the limit of S =2 predicted by contextual hidden variable theories. The new setup is more flexible referring to state preparation and analysis, therefore new, more precise measurements can be carried out.

Development of a gas-pressurized high-pressure μSR setup at the RIKEN-RAL Muon Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, I.; Ishii, Y.; Kawamata, T.; Suzuki, T.; Pratt, F. L.; Done, R.; Chowdhury, M.; Goodway, C.; Dreyer, J.; Smith, C.; Southern, M.

2009-04-01

The development and testing of a gas-pressurized μSR setup for the RIKEN-RAL Muon Facility is reported. In collaboration with the high-pressure group of the ISIS Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, a gas-pressurized setup for a pulsed muon beam at the RIKEN-RAL Muon Facility has been constructed in 2008. The sample is pressurized by helium gas and the designed maximum pressure is 6.4 kbar. The high-pressure cell can be cooled down to 2 K using an existing cryostat. Tests were made injecting the double-pulsed muon beam into a high-purity sample of Sn powder, which confirmed that the maximum pressure achieved at 2 K was close to the designed pressure.

A Monte Carlo simulation and setup optimization of output efficiency to PGNAA thermal neutron using 252Cf neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jin-Zhao; Tuo, Xian-Guo

2014-07-01

We present the design and optimization of a prompt γ-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) thermal neutron output setup based on Monte Carlo simulations using MCNP5 computer code. In these simulations, the moderator materials, reflective materials, and structure of the PGNAA 252Cf neutrons of thermal neutron output setup are optimized. The simulation results reveal that the thin layer paraffin and the thick layer of heavy water moderating effect work best for the 252Cf neutron spectrum. Our new design shows a significantly improved performance of the thermal neutron flux and flux rate, that are increased by 3.02 times and 3.27 times, respectively, compared with the conventional neutron source design.

Detection prospects for the Cosmic Neutrino Background using laser interferometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Domcke, Valerie; Spinrath, Martin

2017-06-01

The cosmic neutrino background is a key prediction of Big Bang cosmology which has not been observed yet. The movement of the earth through this neutrino bath creates a force on a pendulum, as if it were exposed to a cosmic wind. We revise here estimates for the resulting pendulum acceleration and compare it to the theoretical sensitivity of an experimental setup where the pendulum position is measured using current laser interferometer technology as employed in gravitational wave detectors. We discuss how a significant improvement of this setup can be envisaged in a micro gravity environment. The proposed setup could also function as a dark matter detector in the sub-MeV range, which currently eludes direct detection constraints.

Note: implementation of a cold spot setup for controlled variation of vapor pressures and its application to an InBr containing discharge lamp.

PubMed

Briefi, S

2013-02-01

In order to allow for a systematic investigation of the plasma properties of discharges containing indium halides, which are proposed as an efficient alternative for mercury based low pressure discharge lamps, a controlled variation of the indium halide density is mandatory. This can be achieved by applying a newly designed setup in which a well-defined cold spot location is implemented and the cold spot temperature can be adjusted between 50 and 350 °C without influencing the gas temperature. The performance of the setup has been proved by comparing the calculated evaporated InBr density (using the vapor pressure curve) with the one measured via white light absorption spectroscopy.

Automated pictographic illustration of discharge instructions with Glyph: impact on patient recall and satisfaction

PubMed Central

Perri-Moore, Seneca; Kuang, Jinqiu; Bray, Bruce E; Ngo, Long; Doig, Alexa; Zeng-Treitler, Qing

2016-01-01

Objectives First, to evaluate the effect of standard vs pictograph-enhanced discharge instructions on patients’ immediate and delayed recall of and satisfaction with their discharge instructions. Second, to evaluate the effect of automated pictograph enhancement on patient satisfaction with their discharge instructions. Materials and Methods Glyph, an automated healthcare informatics system, was used to automatically enhance patient discharge instructions with pictographs. Glyph was developed at the University of Utah by our research team. Patients in a cardiovascular medical unit were randomized to receive pictograph-enhanced or standard discharge instructions. Measures of immediate and delayed recall and satisfaction with discharge instructions were compared between two randomized groups: pictograph (n = 71) and standard (n = 73). Results Study participants who received pictograph-enhanced discharge instructions recalled 35% more of their instructions at discharge than those who received standard discharge instructions. The ratio of instructions at discharge was: standard = 0.04 ± 0.03 and pictograph-enhanced = 0.06 ± 0.03. The ratio of instructions at 1 week post discharge was: standard = 0.04 ± 0.02 and pictograph-enhanced 0.04 ± 0.02. Additionally, study participants who received pictograph-enhanced discharge instructions were more satisfied with the understandability of their instructions at 1 week post-discharge than those who received standard discharge instructions. Discussion Pictograph-enhanced discharge instructions have the potential to increase patient understanding of and satisfaction with discharge instructions. Conclusion It is feasible to automatically illustrate discharge instructions and provide them to patients in a timely manner without interfering with clinical work. Illustrations in discharge instructions were found to improve patients’ short-term recall of discharge instructions and delayed satisfaction (1-week post hospitalization) with the instructions. Therefore, it is likely that patients’ understanding of and interaction with their discharge instructions is improved by the addition of illustrations. PMID:27234601

Automated pictographic illustration of discharge instructions with Glyph: impact on patient recall and satisfaction.

PubMed

Hill, Brent; Perri-Moore, Seneca; Kuang, Jinqiu; Bray, Bruce E; Ngo, Long; Doig, Alexa; Zeng-Treitler, Qing

2016-11-01

First, to evaluate the effect of standard vs pictograph-enhanced discharge instructions on patients' immediate and delayed recall of and satisfaction with their discharge instructions. Second, to evaluate the effect of automated pictograph enhancement on patient satisfaction with their discharge instructions. Glyph, an automated healthcare informatics system, was used to automatically enhance patient discharge instructions with pictographs. Glyph was developed at the University of Utah by our research team. Patients in a cardiovascular medical unit were randomized to receive pictograph-enhanced or standard discharge instructions. Measures of immediate and delayed recall and satisfaction with discharge instructions were compared between two randomized groups: pictograph (n = 71) and standard (n = 73). Study participants who received pictograph-enhanced discharge instructions recalled 35% more of their instructions at discharge than those who received standard discharge instructions. The ratio of instructions at discharge was: standard = 0.04 ± 0.03 and pictograph-enhanced = 0.06 ± 0.03. The ratio of instructions at 1 week post discharge was: standard = 0.04 ± 0.02 and pictograph-enhanced 0.04 ± 0.02. Additionally, study participants who received pictograph-enhanced discharge instructions were more satisfied with the understandability of their instructions at 1 week post-discharge than those who received standard discharge instructions. Pictograph-enhanced discharge instructions have the potential to increase patient understanding of and satisfaction with discharge instructions. It is feasible to automatically illustrate discharge instructions and provide them to patients in a timely manner without interfering with clinical work. Illustrations in discharge instructions were found to improve patients' short-term recall of discharge instructions and delayed satisfaction (1-week post hospitalization) with the instructions. Therefore, it is likely that patients' understanding of and interaction with their discharge instructions is improved by the addition of illustrations. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Medical Informatics Association 2015. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the United States.

The Many Hats of an Instructional Designer: The Development of an Instructional Card Game.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sugar, William; Betrus, Anthony

2002-01-01

Discusses the difficulties in defining instructional technology, suggests core competencies, proposes five instructional designer archetypes, and describes the development of an instructional card game designed for graduate students in instructional design to expose them to major responsibilities of an instructional designer and give them insight…

The University of Texas Institute for Geophysics Marine Geology and Geophysics Field Course

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, M. B.; Gulick, S. P.; Allison, M. A.; Goff, J. A.; Duncan, D. D.; Saustrup, S.

2010-12-01

During the spring-summer intersession, we annually offer an intensive three-week field course designed to provide hands-on instruction and training for graduate and upper-level undergraduate students in the acquisition, processing, interpretation, and visualization of marine geological and geophysical data. Now in year four, the course covers high-resolution air gun and streamer seismic reflection, CHIRP sub-bottom profiling, multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, several types of sediment coring, grab sampling, and the sedimentology of resulting seabed samples (e.g., core description, grain size analysis, x-radiography, etc.). Students first participate in three days of classroom instruction designed to provide theoretical and technical background on each field method and impart geologic context of the study area. Students then travel to the Gulf Coast for a week of at-sea field work. In the field, students rotate between two small research vessels: one vessel, the 22’ aluminum-hulled R/V Lake Itasca, owned and operated by UTIG, is used for multibeam bathymetry, sidescan sonar, and sediment sampling; the other, NOAA’s R/V Manta or the R/V Acadiana, operated by the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, is used for high-resolution seismic reflection, CHIRP sub-bottom profiling, gravity coring, and vibracoring. Students assist with survey design, learn systems setup and acquisition parameters, and safe instrument deployment and retrieval techniques. Students also perform on-shore sedimentology lab work, data quality control, data processing and visualization using industry-standard software such as Focus, Landmark, Caris, and Fledermaus. During the course’s final week, students return to the classroom where, collaborating in teams of three, they integrate and interpret data in a final project which examines the geologic history and/or sedimentary processes as typified by the Gulf Coast continental shelf. The course culminates in a series of professional-level final presentations and discussions. Following the course, students report a greater understanding of marine geology and geophysics via the course’s intensive, hands-on, team approach, and low instructor to student ratio. This course satisfies field experience requirements for some degree programs and thus provides a unique alternative to land-based field courses.

Examining the cognitive demands of analogy instructions compared to explicit instructions.

PubMed

Tse, Choi Yeung Andy; Wong, Andus; Whitehill, Tara; Ma, Estella; Masters, Rich

2016-10-01

In many learning domains, instructions are presented explicitly despite high cognitive demands associated with their processing. This study examined cognitive demands imposed on working memory by different types of instruction to speak with maximum pitch variation: visual analogy, verbal analogy and explicit verbal instruction. Forty participants were asked to memorise a set of 16 visual and verbal stimuli while reading aloud a Cantonese paragraph with maximum pitch variation. Instructions about how to achieve maximum pitch variation were presented via visual analogy, verbal analogy, explicit rules or no instruction. Pitch variation was assessed off-line, using standard deviation of fundamental frequency. Immediately after reading, participants recalled as many stimuli as possible. Analogy instructions resulted in significantly increased pitch variation compared to explicit instructions or no instructions. Explicit instructions resulted in poorest recall of stimuli. Visual analogy instructions resulted in significantly poorer recall of visual stimuli than verbal stimuli. The findings suggest that non-propositional instructions presented via analogy may be less cognitively demanding than instructions that are presented explicitly. Processing analogy instructions that are presented as a visual representation is likely to load primarily visuospatial components of working memory rather than phonological components. The findings are discussed with reference to speech therapy and human cognition.

Air Embolism During TEVAR: Carbon Dioxide Flushing Decreases the Amount of Gas Released from Thoracic Stent-Grafts During Deployment.

PubMed

Rohlffs, Fiona; Tsilimparis, Nikolaos; Saleptsis, Vasilis; Diener, Holger; Debus, E Sebastian; Kölbel, Tilo

2017-02-01

To investigate the amount of gas released from Zenith thoracic stent-grafts using standard saline flushing vs the carbon dioxide flushing technique. In an experimental bench setting, 20 thoracic stent-grafts were separated into 2 groups of 10 endografts. One group of grafts was flushed with 60 mL saline and the other group was flushed with carbon dioxide for 5 minutes followed by 60 mL saline. All grafts were deployed into a water-filled container with a curved plastic pipe; the deployment was recorded and released gas was measured using a calibrated setup. Gas was released from all grafts in both study groups during endograft deployment. The average amount of released gas per graft was significantly lower in the study group with carbon dioxide flushing (0.79 vs 0.51 mL, p=0.005). Thoracic endografts release significant amounts of air during deployment if flushed according to the instructions for use. Application of carbon dioxide for the flushing of thoracic stent-grafts prior to standard saline flush significantly reduces the amount of gas released during deployment. The additional use of carbon dioxide should be considered as a standard flush technique for aortic stent-grafts, especially in those implanted in proximal aortic segments, to reduce the risk of air embolism and stroke.

Express railway disaster in Amagasaki: a review of urban disaster response capacity in Japan.

PubMed

Nagata, Takashi; Rosborough, Stephanie N; Rosborogh, Stephanie N; VanRooyen, Michael J; Kozawa, Shuichi; Ukai, Takashi; Nakayama, Shinichi

2006-01-01

On the morning of 25 April 2005, a Japan Railway express train derailed in an urban area of Amagasaki, Japan. The crash was Japan's worst rail disaster in 40 years. This study chronicles the rescue efforts and highlights the capacity of Japan's urban disaster response. Public reports were gathered from the media, Internet, government, fire department, and railway company. Four key informants, who were close to the disaster response, were interviewed to corroborate public data and highlight challenges facing the response. The crash left 107 passengers dead and 549 injured. First responders, most of whom were volunteers, were helpful in the rescue effort, and no lives were lost due to transport delays or faulty triage. Responders criticized an early decision to withdraw rescue efforts, a delay in heliport set-up, the inefficiency of the information and instruction center, and emphasized the need for training in confined space medicine. Communication and chain-of-command problems created confusion at the scene. The urban disaster response to the train crash in Amagasaki was rapid and effective. The Kobe Earthquake and other incidents sparked changes that improved disaster preparedness in Amagasaki. However, communication and cooperation among responders were hampered, as in previous disasters, by the lack of a structured command system. Application of an incident command system may improve disaster coordination in Japan.

High throughput and quantitative approaches for measuring circadian rhythms in cyanobacteria using bioluminescence

PubMed Central

Shultzaberger, Ryan K.; Paddock, Mark L.; Katsuki, Takeo; Greenspan, Ralph J.; Golden, Susan S.

2016-01-01

The temporal measurement of a bioluminescent reporter has proven to be one of the most powerful tools for characterizing circadian rhythms in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus. Primarily, two approaches have been used to automate this process: (1) detection of cell culture bioluminescence in 96-well plates by a photomultiplier tube-based plate-cycling luminometer (TopCount Microplate Scintillation and Luminescence Counter, Perkin Elmer) and (2) detection of individual colony bioluminescence by iteratively rotating a Petri dish under a cooled CCD camera using a computer-controlled turntable. Each approach has distinct advantages. The TopCount provides a more quantitative measurement of bioluminescence, enabling the direct comparison of clock output levels among strains. The computer-controlled turntable approach has a shorter set-up time and greater throughput, making it a more powerful phenotypic screening tool. While the latter approach is extremely useful, only a few labs have been able to build such an apparatus because of technical hurdles involved in coordinating and controlling both the camera and the turntable, and in processing the resulting images. This protocol provides instructions on how to construct, use, and process data from a computer-controlled turntable to measure the temporal changes in bioluminescence of individual cyanobacterial colonies. Furthermore, we describe how to prepare samples for use with the TopCount to minimize experimental noise, and generate meaningful quantitative measurements of clock output levels for advanced analysis. PMID:25662451

Logical fallacies in animal model research.

PubMed

Sjoberg, Espen A

2017-02-15

Animal models of human behavioural deficits involve conducting experiments on animals with the hope of gaining new knowledge that can be applied to humans. This paper aims to address risks, biases, and fallacies associated with drawing conclusions when conducting experiments on animals, with focus on animal models of mental illness. Researchers using animal models are susceptible to a fallacy known as false analogy, where inferences based on assumptions of similarities between animals and humans can potentially lead to an incorrect conclusion. There is also a risk of false positive results when evaluating the validity of a putative animal model, particularly if the experiment is not conducted double-blind. It is further argued that animal model experiments are reconstructions of human experiments, and not replications per se, because the animals cannot follow instructions. This leads to an experimental setup that is altered to accommodate the animals, and typically involves a smaller sample size than a human experiment. Researchers on animal models of human behaviour should increase focus on mechanistic validity in order to ensure that the underlying causal mechanisms driving the behaviour are the same, as relying on face validity makes the model susceptible to logical fallacies and a higher risk of Type 1 errors. We discuss measures to reduce bias and risk of making logical fallacies in animal research, and provide a guideline that researchers can follow to increase the rigour of their experiments.

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN, RECORDED INSTRUCTION AND FACULTY INTERESTS. SUPPLEMENT, INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN, RECORDED INSTRUCTION AND FACULTY INTERESTS WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA. OCCASIONAL PAPER NO. 2.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

KARWIN, THOMAS J.

THE SYSTEMS APPROACH TO PLANNING IS USEFUL IN DESIGNING MORE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS. IT SPECIFIES INSTRUCTIONAL OBJECTIVES, COORDINATES APPROPRIATE METHODS, AND EVALUATES THE RESULTING INSTRUCTIONAL SYSTEM. CONFLICTS CAN ARISE FROM INDIVIDUAL INTERPERTATIONS OF INTEREST IN SPECIFIC PROGRAMS. A COMPREHENSIVE, EQUITABLE…

How Theory-Building Research on Instruction Can Support Instructional Improvement: Toward a Modelling Perspective in Secondary Geometry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Herbst, Patricio

2016-01-01

How can basic research on mathematics instruction contribute to instructional improvement? In our research on the practical rationality of geometry teaching we describe existing instruction and examine how existing instruction responds to perturbations. In this talk I consider the proposal that geometry instruction could be improved by infusing it…

A fully automated temperature-dependent resistance measurement setup using van der Pauw method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Shivendra Kumar; Manivannan, Anbarasu

2018-03-01

The van der Pauw (VDP) method is widely used to identify the resistance of planar homogeneous samples with four contacts placed on its periphery. We have developed a fully automated thin film resistance measurement setup using the VDP method with the capability of precisely measuring a wide range of thin film resistances from few mΩ up to 10 GΩ under controlled temperatures from room-temperature up to 600 °C. The setup utilizes a robust, custom-designed switching network board (SNB) for measuring current-voltage characteristics automatically at four different source-measure configurations based on the VDP method. Moreover, SNB is connected with low noise shielded coaxial cables that reduce the effect of leakage current as well as the capacitance in the circuit thereby enhancing the accuracy of measurement. In order to enable precise and accurate resistance measurement of the sample, wide range of sourcing currents/voltages are pre-determined with the capability of auto-tuning for ˜12 orders of variation in the resistances. Furthermore, the setup has been calibrated with standard samples and also employed to investigate temperature dependent resistance (few Ω-10 GΩ) measurements for various chalcogenide based phase change thin films (Ge2Sb2Te5, Ag5In5Sb60Te30, and In3SbTe2). This setup would be highly helpful for measurement of temperature-dependent resistance of wide range of materials, i.e., metals, semiconductors, and insulators illuminating information about structural change upon temperature as reflected by change in resistances, which are useful for numerous applications.

A Python tool to set up relative free energy calculations in GROMACS.

PubMed

Klimovich, Pavel V; Mobley, David L

2015-11-01

Free energy calculations based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have seen a tremendous growth in the last decade. However, it is still difficult and tedious to set them up in an automated manner, as the majority of the present-day MD simulation packages lack that functionality. Relative free energy calculations are a particular challenge for several reasons, including the problem of finding a common substructure and mapping the transformation to be applied. Here we present a tool, alchemical-setup.py, that automatically generates all the input files needed to perform relative solvation and binding free energy calculations with the MD package GROMACS. When combined with Lead Optimization Mapper (LOMAP; Liu et al. in J Comput Aided Mol Des 27(9):755-770, 2013), recently developed in our group, alchemical-setup.py allows fully automated setup of relative free energy calculations in GROMACS. Taking a graph of the planned calculations and a mapping, both computed by LOMAP, our tool generates the topology and coordinate files needed to perform relative free energy calculations for a given set of molecules, and provides a set of simulation input parameters. The tool was validated by performing relative hydration free energy calculations for a handful of molecules from the SAMPL4 challenge (Mobley et al. in J Comput Aided Mol Des 28(4):135-150, 2014). Good agreement with previously published results and the straightforward way in which free energy calculations can be conducted make alchemical-setup.py a promising tool for automated setup of relative solvation and binding free energy calculations.

Pharmacist review and its impact on Singapore nursing homes

PubMed Central

Chia, Hui Shan; Ho, John Aik Hui; Lim, Bernadette Daolin

2015-01-01

INTRODUCTION There is a high prevalence of polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use in Singapore nursing homes. This study primarily explored the benefits of pharmacist reviews in local nursing homes. The secondary aims were to review the potential cost savings gained from following the pharmacists’ recommendations and to identify the possible risks associated with polypharmacy and inappropriate medication use. METHODS A retrospective period prevalence study was performed. We analysed the pharmacotherapy problems highlighted by pharmacists in three nursing homes and the rate of acceptance of pharmacists’ recommendations. Data was collected in two phases: (a) a one-month pre-setup period, during which 480 patients were reviewed (i.e. one-time review before weekly pharmacist visits); and (b) a six-month post-setup period, during which the 480 patients were reviewed again. Pharmacotherapy problems were classified according to a clinical pharmacist recommendation taxonomy and potential risks were identified. Monthly cost savings were calculated and compared with the monthly costs of pharmacist reviews. RESULTS A total of 392 pharmacotherapy problems were identified, with pharmacist recommendations noted for each problem. Among the 392 recommendations, 236 (60.2%) were accepted. The pharmacotherapy problems were analysed for potential risks, including falls (16.0%) and constipation (13.1%). The acceptance rates were higher during the post-setup period compared to the pre-setup period (p < 0.0001). Total direct acquisition cost savings during the pre- and post-setup periods were SGD 388.30 and SGD 876.69, respectively. CONCLUSION The provision of pharmaceutical care to nursing home residents resulted in improved medication safety and quality of care. PMID:26451051

Multiparametric Experiments and Multiparametric Setups for Metering Explosive Eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taddeucci, J.; Scarlato, P.; Del Bello, E.

2016-12-01

Explosive eruptions are multifaceted processes best studied by integrating a variety of observational perspectives. This need marries well with the continuous stream of new means that technological progress provides to volcanologists to parameterize these eruptions. Since decades, new technologies have been tested and integrated approaches have been attempted during so-called multiparametric experiments, i.e., short field campaigns with many, different instruments (and scientists) targeting natural laboratory volcanoes. Recently, portable multiparametric setups have been developed, including a few, highly complementary instruments to be rapidly deployed at any erupting volcano. Multiparametric experiments and setups share most of their challenges, like technical issues, site logistics, and data processing and interpretation. Our FAMoUS (FAst MUltiparametric Setup) setup pivots around coupled, high-speed imaging (visible and thermal) and acoustic (infrasonic to audible) recording, plus occasional seismic recording and sample collection. FAMoUS provided new insights on pyroclasts ejection and settling and jet noise dynamics at volcanoes worldwide. In the last years we conducted a series of BAcIO (Broadband ACquisition and Imaging Operation) experiments at Stromboli (Italy). These hosted state-of-the-art and prototypal eruption-metering technologies, including: multiple high-speed high-definition cameras for 3-D imaging; combined visible-infrared-ultraviolet imaging; in-situ and remote gas measurements; UAV aerial surveys; Doppler radar, and microphone arrays. This combined approach provides new understandings of the fundamental controls of Strombolian-style activity, and allows for crucial cross-validation of instruments and techniques. Several documentary expeditions participated in the BAcIO, attesting its tremendous potential for public outreach. Finally, sharing field work promotes interdisciplinary discussions and cooperation like nothing in the world.

In vitro quantification of the performance of model-based mono-planar and bi-planar fluoroscopy for 3D joint kinematics estimation.

PubMed

Tersi, Luca; Barré, Arnaud; Fantozzi, Silvia; Stagni, Rita

2013-03-01

Model-based mono-planar and bi-planar 3D fluoroscopy methods can quantify intact joints kinematics with performance/cost trade-off. The aim of this study was to compare the performances of mono- and bi-planar setups to a marker-based gold-standard, during dynamic phantom knee acquisitions. Absolute pose errors for in-plane parameters were lower than 0.6 mm or 0.6° for both mono- and bi-planar setups. Mono-planar setups resulted critical in quantifying the out-of-plane translation (error < 6.5 mm), and bi-planar in quantifying the rotation along bone longitudinal axis (error < 1.3°). These errors propagated to joint angles and translations differently depending on the alignment of the anatomical axes and the fluoroscopic reference frames. Internal-external rotation was the least accurate angle both with mono- (error < 4.4°) and bi-planar (error < 1.7°) setups, due to bone longitudinal symmetries. Results highlighted that accuracy for mono-planar in-plane pose parameters is comparable to bi-planar, but with halved computational costs, halved segmentation time and halved ionizing radiation dose. Bi-planar analysis better compensated for the out-of-plane uncertainty that is differently propagated to relative kinematics depending on the setup. To take its full benefits, the motion task to be investigated should be designed to maintain the joint inside the visible volume introducing constraints with respect to mono-planar analysis.

The reliability and validity of a designed setup for the assessment of static back extensor force and endurance in older women with and without hyperkyphosis.

PubMed

Roghani, Taybeh; Khalkhali Zavieh, Minoo; Rahimi, Abbas; Talebian, Saeed; Manshadi, Farideh Dehghan; Akbarzadeh Baghban, Alireza; King, Nicole; Katzman, Wendy

2018-01-25

The purpose of this study was to investigate the intra-rater reliability and validity of a designed load cell setup for the measurement of back extensor muscle force and endurance. The study sample included 19 older women with hyperkyphosis, mean age 67.0 ± 5.0 years, and 14 older women without hyperkyphosis, mean age 63.0 ± 6.0 years. Maximum back extensor force and endurance were measured in a sitting position with a designed load cell setup. Tests were performed by the same examiner on two separate days within a 72-hour interval. The intra-rater reliability of the measurements was analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard errors of measurement (SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC). The validity of the setup was determined using Pearson correlation analysis and independent t-test. Using our designed load cell, the values of ICC indicated very high reliability of force measurement (hyperkyphosis group: 0.96, normal group: 0.97) and high reliability of endurance measurement (hyperkyphosis group: 0.82, normal group: 0.89). For all tests, the values of SEM and MDC were low in both groups. A significant correlation between two documented forces (load cell force and target force) and significant differences in the muscle force and endurance among the two groups were found. The measurements of static back muscle force and endurance are reliable and valid with our designed setup in older women with and without hyperkyphosis.

Assessment of image quality of a radiotherapy-specific hardware solution for PET/MRI in head and neck cancer patients.

PubMed

Winter, René M; Leibfarth, Sara; Schmidt, Holger; Zwirner, Kerstin; Mönnich, David; Welz, Stefan; Schwenzer, Nina F; la Fougère, Christian; Nikolaou, Konstantin; Gatidis, Sergios; Zips, Daniel; Thorwarth, Daniela

2018-05-07

Functional PET/MRI has great potential to improve radiotherapy planning (RTP). However, data integration requires imaging with radiotherapy-specific patient positioning. Here, we investigated the feasibility and image quality of radiotherapy-customized PET/MRI in head-and-neck cancer (HNC) patients using a dedicated hardware setup. Ten HNC patients were examined with simultaneous PET/MRI before treatment, with radiotherapy and diagnostic scan setup, respectively. We tested feasibility of radiotherapy-specific patient positioning and compared the image quality between both setups by pairwise image analysis of 18 F-FDG-PET, T1/T2-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI. For image quality assessment, similarity measures including average symmetric surface distance (ASSD) of PET and MR-based tumor contours, MR signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value were used. PET/MRI in radiotherapy position was feasible - all patients were successfully examined. ASSD (median/range) of PET and MR contours was 0.6 (0.4-1.2) and 0.9 (0.5-1.3) mm, respectively. For T2-weighted MRI, a reduced SNR of -26.2% (-39.0--11.7) was observed with radiotherapy setup. No significant difference in mean ADC was found. Simultaneous PET/MRI in HNC patients using radiotherapy positioning aids is clinically feasible. Though SNR was reduced, the image quality obtained with a radiotherapy setup meets RTP requirements and the data can thus be used for personalized RTP. Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental study on melting and flowing behavior of thermoplastics combustion based on a new setup with a T-shape trough.

PubMed

Xie, Qiyuan; Zhang, Heping; Ye, Ruibo

2009-07-30

The objective of this work is to quantitatively study the burning characteristics of thermoplastics. A new experimental setup with a T-shape trough is designed. Based on this setup, the loop mechanism between the wall fire and pool fires induced by the melting and dripping of thermoplastic can be well simulated and studied. Additionally, the flowing characteristics of pool fires can also be quantitatively analyzed. Experiments are conducted for PP and PE sheets with different thicknesses. The maximum distances of the induced flowing pool flame in the T-shape trough are recorded and analyzed. The typical fire parameters, such as heat release rates (HRRs), CO concentrations are also monitored. The results show that the softening and clinging of the thermoplastic sheets plays a considerable role for their vertical wall burning. It is illustrated that the clinging of burning thermoplastic sheet may be mainly related with the softening temperatures and the ignition temperatures of the thermoplastics, as well as their viscosity coefficients. Through comparing the maximum distances of flowing flame of induced pool fires in the T-shape trough for thermoplastic sheets with different thicknesses, it is indicated that the pool fires induced by PE materials are easier to flow away than that of PP materials. Therefore, PE materials may be more dangerous for their faster pool fire spread on the floor. These experimental results preliminarily illustrate that this new experimental setup is helpful for quantitatively studying the special burning feature of thermoplastics although further modifications is needed for this setup in the future.

An Internet-Based Real-Time Audiovisual Link for Dual MEG Recordings

PubMed Central

Zhdanov, Andrey; Nurminen, Jussi; Baess, Pamela; Hirvenkari, Lotta; Jousmäki, Veikko; Mäkelä, Jyrki P.; Mandel, Anne; Meronen, Lassi; Hari, Riitta; Parkkonen, Lauri

2015-01-01

Hyperscanning Most neuroimaging studies of human social cognition have focused on brain activity of single subjects. More recently, “two-person neuroimaging” has been introduced, with simultaneous recordings of brain signals from two subjects involved in social interaction. These simultaneous “hyperscanning” recordings have already been carried out with a spectrum of neuroimaging modalities, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Dual MEG Setup We have recently developed a setup for simultaneous magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings of two subjects that communicate in real time over an audio link between two geographically separated MEG laboratories. Here we present an extended version of the setup, where we have added a video connection and replaced the telephone-landline-based link with an Internet connection. Our setup enabled transmission of video and audio streams between the sites with a one-way communication latency of about 130 ms. Our software that allows reproducing the setup is publicly available. Validation We demonstrate that the audiovisual Internet-based link can mediate real-time interaction between two subjects who try to mirror each others’ hand movements that they can see via the video link. All the nine pairs were able to synchronize their behavior. In addition to the video, we captured the subjects’ movements with accelerometers attached to their index fingers; we determined from these signals that the average synchronization accuracy was 215 ms. In one subject pair we demonstrate inter-subject coherence patterns of the MEG signals that peak over the sensorimotor areas contralateral to the hand used in the task. PMID:26098628

Set-up uncertainties: online correction with X-ray volume imaging.

PubMed

Kataria, Tejinder; Abhishek, Ashu; Chadha, Pranav; Nandigam, Janardhan

2011-01-01

To determine interfractional three-dimensional set-up errors using X-ray volumetric imaging (XVI). Between December 2007 and August 2009, 125 patients were taken up for image-guided radiotherapy using online XVI. After matching of reference and acquired volume view images, set-up errors in three translation directions were recorded and corrected online before treatment each day. Mean displacements, population systematic (Σ), and random (σ) errors were calculated and analyzed using SPSS (v16) software. Optimum clinical target volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margin was calculated using Van Herk's (2.5Σ + 0.7 σ) and Stroom's (2Σ + 0.7 σ) formula. Patients were grouped in 4 cohorts, namely brain, head and neck, thorax, and abdomen-pelvis. The mean vector displacement recorded were 0.18 cm, 0.15 cm, 0.36 cm, and 0.35 cm for brain, head and neck, thorax, and abdomen-pelvis, respectively. Analysis of individual mean set-up errors revealed good agreement with the proposed 0.3 cm isotropic margins for brain and 0.5 cm isotropic margins for head-neck. Similarly, 0.5 cm circumferential and 1 cm craniocaudal proposed margins were in agreement with thorax and abdomen-pelvic cases. The calculated mean displacements were well within CTV-PTV margin estimates of Van Herk (90% population coverage to minimum 95% prescribed dose) and Stroom (99% target volume coverage by 95% prescribed dose). Employing these individualized margins in a particular cohort ensure comparable target coverage as described in literature, which is further improved if XVI-aided set-up error detection and correction is used before treatment.

GPU-accelerated automatic identification of robust beam setups for proton and carbon-ion radiotherapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ammazzalorso, F.; Bednarz, T.; Jelen, U.

2014-03-01

We demonstrate acceleration on graphic processing units (GPU) of automatic identification of robust particle therapy beam setups, minimizing negative dosimetric effects of Bragg peak displacement caused by treatment-time patient positioning errors. Our particle therapy research toolkit, RobuR, was extended with OpenCL support and used to implement calculation on GPU of the Port Homogeneity Index, a metric scoring irradiation port robustness through analysis of tissue density patterns prior to dose optimization and computation. Results were benchmarked against an independent native CPU implementation. Numerical results were in agreement between the GPU implementation and native CPU implementation. For 10 skull base cases, the GPU-accelerated implementation was employed to select beam setups for proton and carbon ion treatment plans, which proved to be dosimetrically robust, when recomputed in presence of various simulated positioning errors. From the point of view of performance, average running time on the GPU decreased by at least one order of magnitude compared to the CPU, rendering the GPU-accelerated analysis a feasible step in a clinical treatment planning interactive session. In conclusion, selection of robust particle therapy beam setups can be effectively accelerated on a GPU and become an unintrusive part of the particle therapy treatment planning workflow. Additionally, the speed gain opens new usage scenarios, like interactive analysis manipulation (e.g. constraining of some setup) and re-execution. Finally, through OpenCL portable parallelism, the new implementation is suitable also for CPU-only use, taking advantage of multiple cores, and can potentially exploit types of accelerators other than GPUs.

Characterization of Nanowire Photodetectors

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-11-28

Low frequency noise measurement has been set-up using the cross correlation technique. Successful demonstration of noise measurements on the single...nanowires. Low frequency noise measurement has been set-up using the cross correlation technique. Successful demonstration of noise measurements on the...MRS/ASM/AVS North Carolina Section Meeting 2016 at Raleigh, North Carolina. Following is a brief description of the use of these equipment in our

Computer numerical control grinding of spiral bevel gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, H. Wayne

1991-01-01

The development of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) spiral bevel gear grinding has paved the way for major improvement in the production of precision spiral bevel gears. The object of the program was to decrease the setup, maintenance of setup, and pattern development time by 50 percent of the time required on conventional spiral bevel gear grinders. Details of the process are explained.

A Magnetic Set-Up to Help Teach Newton's Laws

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Panijpan, Bhinyo; Sujarittham, Thanida; Arayathanitkul, Kwan; Tanamatayarat, Jintawat; Nopparatjamjomras, Suchai

2009-01-01

A set-up comprising a magnetic disc, a solenoid and a mechanical balance was used to teach first-year physics students Newton's third law with the help of a free body diagram. The image of a floating magnet immobilized by the solenoid's repulsive force should help dispel a common misconception of students as regards the first law: that stationary…

Educational X-Ray Experiments and XRF Measurements with a Portable Setup Adapted for the Characterization of Cultural Heritage Objects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sianoudis, I.; Drakaki, E.; Hein, A.

2010-01-01

It is common to modify valuable, sophisticated equipment, originally acquired for other purposes, to adapt it for the needs of educational experiments, with great didactic effectiveness. The present project concerns a setup developed from components of a portable system for energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF). Two educational…

Commissioning of the BRIKEN beta-delayed neutron detector for the study of exotic neutron-rich nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolosa-Delgado, A.; Agramunt, J.; Ahn, D. S.; Algora, A.; Baba, H.; Bae, S.; Brewer, N. T.; Caballero Folch, R.; Calvino, F.; Coleman-Smith, P. J.; Cortes, G.; Davinson, T.; Dillmann, I.; Domingo-Pardo, C.; Estrade, A.; Fukuda, N.; Go, S.; Griffin, C. J.; Grzywacz, R.; Ha, J.; Hall, O.; Harkness-Brennan, L.; Isobe, T.; Kahl, D.; Kiss, G. G.; Kogimtzis, M.; Kubono, S.; Labiche, M.; Lazarus, I.; Lee, J.; Liu, J.; Lorusso, G.; Matsui, K.; Miernik, K.; Montes, F.; Moon, B.; Morales, A. I.; Nepal, N.; Nishimura, S.; Page, R. D.; Phong, V. H.; Podolyak, Z.; Pucknell, V. F. E.; Rasco, B. C.; Regan, P.; Riego, A.; Rubio, B.; Rykaczewski, K. P.; Saito, Y.; Sakurai, H.; Shimizu, Y.; Simpson, J.; Söderström, P.-A.; Stracener, D. W.; Sumikama, T.; Suzuki, H.; Tain, J. L.; Takechi, M.; Takeda, H.; Tarifeño-Saldivia, A.; Thomas, S. L.; Woods, P.

2018-01-01

The commissioning of a new setup for β-delayed neutron measurements was carried out successfully in November-2016, at the RIKEN Nishina Center in Japan. The β-decay half-lives and Pn branching ratios of several isotopes in the 78Ni region were measured. Details of the experimental setup and the first results are given.

Make Your Own Transpiring Tree

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez Vilalta, Jordi; Sauret, Miquel; Duro, Alicia; Pinol, Josep

2003-01-01

In this paper we present a simple set-up that illustrates the mechanism of sap ascent in plants and demonstrates that it can easily draw water up to heights of a few meters. The set-up consists of a tube with the lower end submerged in water and the upper one connected to a filter supported by a standard filter-holder. The evaporation of water…

Dosimetry in Diagnostic Radiology: A Guide for Meeting JCAHO and ACR requirements and ICRP Recommendations

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-01-01

C-Arms and Digital Fluorscopy ....... ............................. 6 Image Intensifier III) Input Exposure Rates and Exposures...Setup for ESE Measurements in Conventional Radiography .................. 3 Figure 2: Setup tor IP ;R M easurem ents...exposure from dental procedures. An area of dental radiography which has not been well addressed is the dose received during panoramic or panalipse

Axial tomography in 3D live cell microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richter, Verena; Bruns, Sarah; Bruns, Thomas; Piper, Mathis; Weber, Petra; Wagner, Michael; Cremer, Christoph; Schneckenburger, Herbert

2017-07-01

A miniaturized setup for sample rotation on a microscope stage has been developed, combined with light sheet, confocal or structured illumination microscopy and applied to living cells as well as to small organisms. This setup permits axial tomography with improved visualization of single cells or small cell clusters as well as an enhanced effective 3D resolution upon sample rotation.

A Demonstration Setup to Simulate Detection of Planets outside the Solar System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choopan, W.; Ketpichainarong, W.; Laosinchai, P.; Panijpan, B.

2011-01-01

We constructed a simple demonstration setup to simulate an extrasolar planet and its star revolving around the system's centre of mass. Periodic dimming of light from the star by the transiting planet and the star's orbital revolution simulate the two major ways of deducing the presence of an exoplanet near a distant star. Apart from being a…

Optimization and development of solar power system under diffused sunlight condition in rural areas with supercapacitor integration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castelino, Roystan V.; Jana, Suman; Kumhar, Rajesh; Singh, Niraj K.

2018-04-01

The simulation and hardware based experiment in this presented paper shows a possibility of increasing the reliability of solar power under diffused condition by using super capacitor module. This experimental setup can be used in those areas where the sun light is intermittent and under the diffused radiation condition. Due to diffused radiation, solar PV cells operate very poorly, but by using this setup the power efficiency can be increased greatly. Sometimes dependent numerical models are used to measure the voltage and current response of the hardware setup in MATLAB Simulink based environment. To convert the scattered solar radiation to electricity using the conventional solar PV module, batteries have to be linked with the rapid charging or discharging device like super capacitor module. The conventional method consists of a charging circuit, which dumps the power if the voltage is below certain voltage level, but this circuit utilizes the entire power even if the voltage is low under diffused sun light conditions. There is no power dumped in this circuit. The efficiency and viability of this labscale experimental setup can be examined with further experiment and industrial model.

A total internal reflection-fluorescence correlation spectroscopy setup with pulsed diode laser excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weger, Lukas; Hoffmann-Jacobsen, Kerstin

2017-09-01

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) measures fluctuations in a (sub-)femtoliter volume to analyze the diffusive behavior of fluorescent particles. This highly sensitive method has proven to be useful for the analysis of dynamic biological systems as well as in chemistry, physics, and material sciences. It is routinely performed with commercial fluorescence microscopes, which provide a confined observation volume by the confocal technique. The evanescent wave of total internal reflectance (TIR) is used in home-built systems to permit a surface sensitive FCS analysis. We present a combined confocal and TIR-FCS setup which uses economic low-power pulsed diode lasers for excitation. Excitation and detection are coupled to time-correlated photon counting hardware. This allows simultaneous fluorescence lifetime and FCS measurements in a surface-sensitive mode. Moreover, the setup supports fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy at surfaces. The excitation can be easily switched between TIR and epi-illumination to compare the surface properties with those in liquid bulk. The capabilities of the presented setup are demonstrated by measuring the diffusion coefficients of a free dye molecule, a labeled polyethylene glycol, and a fluorescent nanoparticle in confocal as well as in TIR-FCS.

Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and upside-down stomach using the Da Vinci robotic system. A prospective study.

PubMed

Hartmann, Jens; Jacobi, Christoph A; Menenakos, Charalambos; Ismail, Mahmoud; Braumann, Chris

2008-03-01

So far, the impact of telematic surgical approach in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is still obscure. In this prospective study, we analyzed the Da Vinci Intuitive Surgical robotic system for antireflux surgery. In April 2003, we set up a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic telerobotic surgery using the three-arm Da Vinci system. Optimal trocar positions, operating and setup times, conversion rate, intraoperative complications, and perioperative morbidity, as well as mortality rate, were analyzed. The median age was 53 years (range 25-74) in 118 patients (52 female/66 male). In 17 patients, an upside-down stomach- and in 101 GERD was surgical indication. The median operating time has been reduced from 105 min to 91 min after 40 procedures and setup time from 24.5 min to 10.4 min after 10 procedures. The system is safe and it seems to be superior to traditional laparoscopy during dissection in the esophageal hiatus region. This compensates long setup- and operating times. Disadvantages are the high costs, the time to master the setup/system and the necessity of exact trocar positioning.

Flexibility and utility of pre-processing methods in converting STXM setups for ptychography - Final Paper

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

Fromm, Catherine

2015-08-20

Ptychography is an advanced diffraction based imaging technique that can achieve resolution of 5nm and below. It is done by scanning a sample through a beam of focused x-rays using discrete yet overlapping scan steps. Scattering data is collected on a CCD camera, and the phase of the scattered light is reconstructed with sophisticated iterative algorithms. Because the experimental setup is similar, ptychography setups can be created by retrofitting existing STXM beam lines with new hardware. The other challenge comes in the reconstruction of the collected scattering images. Scattering data must be adjusted and packaged with experimental parameters to calibratemore » the reconstruction software. The necessary pre-processing of data prior to reconstruction is unique to each beamline setup, and even the optical alignments used on that particular day. Pre-processing software must be developed to be flexible and efficient in order to allow experiments appropriate control and freedom in the analysis of their hard-won data. This paper will describe the implementation of pre-processing software which successfully connects data collection steps to reconstruction steps, letting the user accomplish accurate and reliable ptychography.« less

Direct Coexistence Methods to Determine the Solubility of Salts in Water from Numerical Simulations. Test Case NaCl.

PubMed

Manzanilla-Granados, Héctor M; Saint-Martín, Humberto; Fuentes-Azcatl, Raúl; Alejandre, José

2015-07-02

The solubility of NaCl, an equilibrium between a saturated solution of ions and a solid with a crystalline structure, was obtained from molecular dynamics simulations using the SPC/E and TIP4P-Ew water models. Four initial setups on supersaturated systems were tested on sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions to determine the equilibrium conditions and computational performance: (1) an ionic solution confined between two crystal plates of periodic NaCl, (2) a solution with all the ions initially distributed randomly, (3) a nanocrystal immersed in pure water, and (4) a nanocrystal immersed in an ionic solution. In some cases, the equilibration of the system can take several microseconds. The results from this work showed that the solubility of NaCl was the same, within simulation error, for the four setups, and in agreement with previously reported values from simulations with the setup (1). The system of a nanocrystal immersed in supersaturated solution was found to equilibrate faster than others. In agreement with laser-Doppler droplet measurements, at equilibrium with the solution the crystals in all the setups had a slight positive charge.

A Timing Synchronizer System for Beam Test Setups Requiring Galvanic Isolation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meder, Lukas Dominik; Emschermann, David; Frühauf, Jochen; Müller, Walter F. J.; Becker, Jürgen

2017-07-01

In beam test setups detector elements together with a readout composed of frontend electronics (FEE) and usually a layer of field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are being analyzed. The FEE is in this scenario often directly connected to both the detector and the FPGA layer what in many cases requires sharing the ground potentials of these layers. This setup can become problematic if parts of the detector need to be operated at different high-voltage potentials, since all of the FPGA boards need to receive a common clock and timing reference for getting the readout synchronized. Thus, for the context of the compressed baryonic matter experiment a versatile timing synchronizer (TS) system was designed providing galvanically isolated timing distribution links over twisted-pair cables. As an electrical interface the so-called timing data processing board FPGA mezzanine card was created for being mounted onto FPGA-based advanced mezzanine cards for mTCA.4 crates. The FPGA logic of the TS system connects to this card and can be monitored and controlled through IPBus slow-control links. Evaluations show that the system is capable of stably synchronizing the FPGA boards of a beam test setup being integrated into a hierarchical TS network.

X-ray dual energy spectral parameter optimization for bone Calcium/Phosphorus mass ratio estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sotiropoulou, P. I.; Fountos, G. P.; Martini, N. D.; Koukou, V. N.; Michail, C. M.; Valais, I. G.; Kandarakis, I. S.; Nikiforidis, G. C.

2015-09-01

Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P) bone mass ratio has been identified as an important, yet underutilized, risk factor in osteoporosis diagnosis. The purpose of this simulation study is to investigate the use of effective or mean mass attenuation coefficient in Ca/P mass ratio estimation with the use of a dual-energy method. The investigation was based on the minimization of the accuracy of Ca/P ratio, with respect to the Coefficient of Variation of the ratio. Different set-ups were examined, based on the K-edge filtering technique and single X-ray exposure. The modified X-ray output was attenuated by various Ca/P mass ratios resulting in nine calibration points, while keeping constant the total bone thickness. The simulated data were obtained considering a photon counting energy discriminating detector. The standard deviation of the residuals was used to compare and evaluate the accuracy between the different dual energy set-ups. The optimum mass attenuation coefficient for the Ca/P mass ratio estimation was the effective coefficient in all the examined set-ups. The variation of the residuals between the different set-ups was not significant.

Optimized linear motor and digital PID controller setup used in Mössbauer spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohout, Pavel; Kouřil, Lukáš; Navařík, Jakub; Novák, Petr; Pechoušek, Jiří

2014-10-01

Optimization of a linear motor and digital PID controller setup used in a Mössbauer spectrometer is presented. Velocity driving system with a digital PID feedback subsystem was developed in the LabVIEW graphical environment and deployed on the sbRIO real-time hardware device (National Instruments). The most important data acquisition processes are performed as real-time deterministic tasks on an FPGA chip. Velocity transducer of a double loudspeaker type with a power amplifier circuit is driven by the system. Series of calibration measurements were proceeded to find the optimal setup of the P, I, D parameters together with velocity error signal analysis. The shape and given signal characteristics of the velocity error signal are analyzed in details. Remote applications for controlling and monitoring the PID system from computer or smart phone, respectively, were also developed. The best setup and P, I, D parameters were set and calibration spectrum of α-Fe sample with an average nonlinearity of the velocity scale below 0.08% was collected. Furthermore, the width of the spectral line below 0.30 mm/s was observed. Powerful and complex velocity driving system was designed.

High-resolution setup for measuring wavelength sensitivity of photoyellowing of translucent materials

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

Vaskuri, Anna, E-mail: anna.vaskuri@aalto.fi; Kärhä, Petri; Heikkilä, Anu

2015-10-15

Polystyrene and many other materials turn yellow when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. All photodegradation mechanisms including photoyellowing are functions of the exposure wavelength, which can be described with an action spectrum. In this work, a new high-resolution transmittance measurement setup based on lasers has been developed for measuring color changes, such as the photoyellowing of translucent materials aged with a spectrograph. The measurement setup includes 14 power-stabilized laser lines between 325 nm and 933 nm wavelengths, of which one at a time is directed on to the aged sample. The power transmitted through the sample is measured with amore » silicon detector utilizing an integrating sphere. The sample is mounted on a high-resolution XY translation stage. Measurement at various locations aged with different wavelengths of exposure radiation gives the transmittance data required for acquiring the action spectrum. The combination of a UV spectrograph and the new high-resolution transmittance measurement setup enables a novel method for studying the UV-induced ageing of translucent materials with a spectral resolution of 3–8 nm, limited by the adjustable spectral bandwidth range of the spectrograph. These achievements form a significant improvement over earlier methods.« less

Diesel Engine Mechanics.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Foutes, William A.

Written in student performance terms, this curriculum guide on diesel engine repair is divided into the following eight sections: an orientation to the occupational field and instructional program; instruction in operating principles; instruction in engine components; instruction in auxiliary systems; instruction in fuel systems; instruction in…

Improving conceptual and procedural knowledge: The impact of instructional content within a mathematics lesson.

PubMed

Rittle-Johnson, Bethany; Fyfe, Emily R; Loehr, Abbey M

2016-12-01

Students, parents, teachers, and theorists often advocate for direct instruction on both concepts and procedures, but some theorists suggest that including instruction on procedures in combination with concepts may limit learning opportunities and student understanding. This study evaluated the effect of instruction on a math concept and procedure within the same lesson relative to a comparable amount of instruction on the concept alone. Direct instruction was provided before or after solving problems to evaluate whether the type of instruction interacted with the timing of instruction within a lesson. We worked with 180 second-grade children in the United States. In a randomized experiment, children received a classroom lesson on mathematical equivalence in one of four conditions that varied in instruction type (conceptual or combined conceptual and procedural) and in instruction order (instruction before or after solving problems). Children who received two iterations of conceptual instruction had better retention of conceptual and procedural knowledge than children who received both conceptual and procedural instruction in the same lesson. Order of instruction did not impact outcomes. Findings suggest that within a single lesson, spending more time on conceptual instruction may be more beneficial than time spent teaching a procedure when the goal is to promote more robust understanding of target concepts and procedures. © 2016 The British Psychological Society.

Motivational Measure of the Instruction Compared: Instruction Based on the ARCS Motivation Theory vs Traditional Instruction in Blended Courses

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Colakoglu, Ozgur M.; Akdemir, Omur

2012-01-01

The ARCS Motivation Theory was proposed to guide instructional designers and teachers who develop their own instruction to integrate motivational design strategies into the instruction. There is a lack of literature supporting the idea that instruction for blended courses if designed based on the ARCS Motivation Theory provides different…

Individualizing Student Instruction Precisely: Effects of Child by Instruction Interactions on First Graders’ Literacy Development

PubMed Central

Connor, Carol McDonald; Piasta, Shayne B.; Fishman, Barry; Glasney, Stephanie; Schatschneider, Christopher; Crowe, Elizabeth; Underwood, Phyllis; Morrison, Frederick J.

2009-01-01

Recent findings demonstrate that the most effective reading instruction may vary with children’s language and literacy skills. These child X instruction interactions imply that individualizing instruction would be a potent strategy for improving students’ literacy. A cluster-randomized control field trial, conducted in 10 high-moderate poverty schools, examined effects of individualizing literacy instruction. The instruction each first grader received (n=461 in 47 classrooms, mean age = 6.7 years), fall, winter and spring, was recorded. Comparing intervention-recommended amounts of instruction with observed amounts revealed that intervention teachers individualized instruction more precisely than did comparison teachers. Importantly, the more precisely children received recommended amounts of instruction, the stronger was their literacy skill growth. Results provide strong evidence of child X instruction interaction effects on literacy outcomes. PMID:19236394

Applying learning theories and instructional design models for effective instruction.

PubMed

Khalil, Mohammed K; Elkhider, Ihsan A

2016-06-01

Faculty members in higher education are involved in many instructional design activities without formal training in learning theories and the science of instruction. Learning theories provide the foundation for the selection of instructional strategies and allow for reliable prediction of their effectiveness. To achieve effective learning outcomes, the science of instruction and instructional design models are used to guide the development of instructional design strategies that elicit appropriate cognitive processes. Here, the major learning theories are discussed and selected examples of instructional design models are explained. The main objective of this article is to present the science of learning and instruction as theoretical evidence for the design and delivery of instructional materials. In addition, this article provides a practical framework for implementing those theories in the classroom and laboratory. Copyright © 2016 The American Physiological Society.

Understanding and responding the students in learning mathematics through the differentiated instruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hapsari, T.; Darhim; Dahlan, J. A.

2018-05-01

This research discusses the differentiated instruction, a mathematic learning which is as expected by the students in connection with the differentiated instruction itself, its implementation, and the students’ responses. This research employs a survey method which involves 62 students as the research respondents. The mathematics learning types required by the students and their responses to the differentiated instruction are examined through questionnaire and interview. The mathematics learning types in orderly required by the students, from the highest frequency cover the easily understood instructions, slowly/not rushing teaching, fun, not complicated, interspersed with humour, various question practices, not too serious, and conducive class atmosphere for the instructions. Implementing the differentiated instruction is not easy. The teacher should be able to constantly assess the students, s/he should have good knowledge of relevant materials and instructions, and properly prepare the instructions, although it is time-consuming. The differentiated instruction is implemented on the instructions of numerical pattern materials. The strategies implemented are flexible grouping, tiered assignment, and compacting. The students positively respond the differentiated learning instruction that they become more motivated and involved in the instruction.

Investigation of the γ-decay behavior of 52Cr with the γ 3 setup at HIγS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilhelmy, J.; Erbacher, P.; Gayer, U.; Isaak, J.; Löher, B.; Müscher, M.; Pickstone, S. G.; Pietralla, N.; Ries, P.; Romig, C.; Savran, D.; Spieker, M.; Tornow, W.; Werner, V.; Zilges, A.; Zweidinger, M.

2018-02-01

The γ-ray strength function is an important input parameter for the calculation of nucleosynthesis processes. To study the dipole response in more detail, the γ-decay behavior of the fp shell nucleus 52Cr was investigated with the high-efficiency γ 3 setup at the High Intensity γ-ray Source facility at TUNL in Durham, USA. The highly intense quasi mono-energetic γ-ray beam allows for excitations selective in multipolarity (J=1 and J=2) and energy. The γ 3 setup is a multi-detector array consisting of HPGe and LaBr3 detectors with high efficiency and enables the measurement of γ-γ coincidences. Experimental results of 52Cr will be presented and discussed in this contribution.

Integration of Grid and Local Batch Resources at DESY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beyer, Christoph; Finnern, Thomas; Gellrich, Andreas; Hartmann, Thomas; Kemp, Yves; Lewendel, Birgit

2017-10-01

As one of the largest resource centres DESY has to support differing work flows of users from various scientific backgrounds. Users can be for one HEP experiments in WLCG or Belle II as well as local HEP users but also physicists from other fields as photon science or accelerator development. By abandoning specific worker node setups in favour of generic flat nodes with middleware resources provided via CVMFS, we gain flexibility to subsume different use cases in a homogeneous environment. Grid jobs and the local batch system are managed in a HTCondor based setup, accepting pilot, user and containerized jobs. The unified setup allows dynamic re-assignment of resources between the different use cases. Monitoring is implemented on global batch system metrics as well as on a per job level utilizing corresponding cgroup information.

Efficiency of Brownian heat engines.

PubMed

Derényi, I; Astumian, R D

1999-06-01

We study the efficiency of one-dimensional thermally driven Brownian ratchets or heat engines. We identify and compare the three basic setups characterized by the type of the connection between the Brownian particle and the two heat reservoirs: (i) simultaneous, (ii) alternating in time, and (iii) position dependent. We make a clear distinction between the heat flow via the kinetic and the potential energy of the particle, and show that the former is always irreversible and it is only the third setup where the latter is reversible when the engine works quasistatically. We also show that in the third setup the heat flow via the kinetic energy can be reduced arbitrarily, proving that even for microscopic heat engines there is no fundamental limit of the efficiency lower than that of a Carnot cycle.

Irradiation setup at the U-120M cyclotron facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Křížek, F.; Ferencei, J.; Matlocha, T.; Pospíšil, J.; Príbeli, P.; Raskina, V.; Isakov, A.; Štursa, J.; Vaňát, T.; Vysoká, K.

2018-06-01

This paper describes parameters of the proton beams provided by the U-120M cyclotron and the related irradiation setup at the open access irradiation facility at the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The facility is suitable for testing radiation hardness of various electronic components. The use of the setup is illustrated by a measurement of an error rate for errors caused by Single Event Transients in an SRAM-based Xilinx XC3S200 FPGA. This measurement provides an estimate of a possible occurrence of Single Event Transients. Data suggest that the variation of error rate of the Single Event Effects for different clock phase shifts is not significant enough to use clock phase alignment with the beam as a fault mitigation technique.

Research on mechanical and sensoric set-up for high strain rate testing of high performance fibers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Unger, R.; Schegner, P.; Nocke, A.; Cherif, C.

2017-10-01

Within this research project, the tensile behavior of high performance fibers, such as carbon fibers, is investigated under high velocity loads. This contribution (paper) focuses on the clamp set-up of two testing machines. Based on a kinematic model, weight optimized clamps are designed and evaluated. By analyzing the complex dynamic behavior of conventional high velocity testing machines, it has been shown that the impact typically exhibits an elastic characteristic. This leads to barely predictable breaking speeds and will not work at higher speeds when acceleration force exceeds material specifications. Therefore, a plastic impact behavior has to be achieved, even at lower testing speeds. This type of impact behavior at lower speeds can be realized by means of some minor test set-up adaptions.

Simulation of vortex-induced vibrations of a cylinder using ANSYS CFX rigid body solver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Izhar, Abubakar; Qureshi, Arshad Hussain; Khushnood, Shahab

2017-03-01

This article simulates the vortex-induced oscillations of a rigid circular cylinder with elastic support using the new ANSYS CFX rigid body solver. This solver requires no solid mesh to setup FSI (Fluid Structure Interaction) simulation. The two-way case was setup in CFX only. Specific mass of the cylinder and flow conditions were similar to previous experimental data with mass damping parameter equal to 0.04, specific mass of 1 and Reynolds number of 3800. Two dimensional simulations were setup. Both one-degree-of-freedom and two-degree-of-freedom cases were run and results were obtained for both cases with reasonable accuracy as compared with experimental results. Eight-figure XY trajectory and lock-in behavior were clearly captured. The obtained results were satisfactory.

Measurement of sound velocity made easy using harmonic resonant frequencies with everyday mobile technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirth, Michael; Kuhn, Jochen; Müller, Andreas

2015-02-01

Recent articles about smartphone experiments have described their applications as experimental tools in different physical contexts.1-4 They have established that smartphones facilitate experimental setups, thanks to the small size and diverse functions of mobile devices, in comparison to setups with computer-based measurements. In the experiment described in this article, the experimental setup is reduced to a minimum. The objective of the experiment is to determine the speed of sound with a high degree of accuracy using everyday tools. An article published recently proposes a time-of-flight method where sound or acoustic pulses are reflected at the ends of an open tube.5 In contrast, the following experiment idea is based on the harmonic resonant frequencies of such a tube, simultaneously triggered by a noise signal.

Endoscopic low-coherence topography measurement for upper airways and hollow samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delacrétaz, Yves; Shaffer, Etienne; Pavillon, Nicolas; Kühn, Jonas; Lang, Florian; Depeursinge, Christian

2010-11-01

To evaluate the severity of airway pathologies, quantitative dimensioning of airways is of utmost importance. Endoscopic vision gives a projective image and thus no true scaling information can be directly deduced from it. In this article, an approach based on an interferometric setup, a low-coherence laser source and a standard rigid endoscope is presented, and applied to hollow samples measurements. More generally, the use of the low-coherence interferometric setup detailed here could be extended to any other endoscopy-related field of interest, e.g., gastroscopy, arthroscopy and other medical or industrial applications where tri-dimensional topology is required. The setup design with a multiple fibers illumination system is presented. Demonstration of the method ability to operate on biological samples is assessed through measurements on ex vivo pig bronchi.

Development of a new in-air micro-PIXE set-up with in-vacuum charge measurements in Atomki

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Török, Zs.; Huszánk, R.; Csedreki, L.; Dani, J.; Szoboszlai, Z.; Kertész, Zs.

2015-11-01

A new external microbeam set-up has recently been installed as the extension of the existing microprobe system at the Laboratory of Ion Beam Applications of Atomki, Debrecen, Hungary. The external beam set-up, based on the system of Oxford Microbeams (OM), is equipped with two X-ray detectors for PIXE analysis, a digital microscope, two alignment lasers and a precision XYZ stage for easy and reproducible positioning of the sample. Exit windows with different thicknesses and of different materials can be used according to the actual demands, currently silicon-nitride (Si3N4) film with 200 nm thickness is employed in our laboratory. The first application was demonstrated in the field of archaeometry, on Bronze Age hoards from Hungary.

Speed of sound and photoacoustic imaging with an optical camera based ultrasound detection system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuster, Robert; Paltauf, Guenther

2017-07-01

CCD camera based optical ultrasound detection is a promising alternative approach for high resolution 3D photoacoustic imaging (PAI). To fully exploit its potential and to achieve an image resolution <50 μm, it is necessary to incorporate variations of the speed of sound (SOS) in the image reconstruction algorithm. Hence, in the proposed work the idea and a first implementation are shown how speed of sound imaging can be added to a previously developed camera based PAI setup. The current setup provides SOS-maps with a spatial resolution of 2 mm and an accuracy of the obtained absolute SOS values of about 1%. The proposed dual-modality setup has the potential to provide highly resolved and perfectly co-registered 3D photoacoustic and SOS images.

First steps towards dual-modality 3D photoacoustic and speed of sound imaging with optical ultrasound detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nuster, Robert; Wurzinger, Gerhild; Paltauf, Guenther

2017-03-01

CCD camera based optical ultrasound detection is a promising alternative approach for high resolution 3D photoacoustic imaging (PAI). To fully exploit its potential and to achieve an image resolution <50 μm, it is necessary to incorporate variations of the speed of sound (SOS) in the image reconstruction algorithm. Hence, in the proposed work the idea and a first implementation are shown how speed of sound imaging can be added to a previously developed camera based PAI setup. The current setup provides SOS-maps with a spatial resolution of 2 mm and an accuracy of the obtained absolute SOS values of about 1%. The proposed dual-modality setup has the potential to provide highly resolved and perfectly co-registered 3D photoacoustic and SOS images.

FESetup: Automating Setup for Alchemical Free Energy Simulations.

PubMed

Loeffler, Hannes H; Michel, Julien; Woods, Christopher

2015-12-28

FESetup is a new pipeline tool which can be used flexibly within larger workflows. The tool aims to support fast and easy setup of alchemical free energy simulations for molecular simulation packages such as AMBER, GROMACS, Sire, or NAMD. Post-processing methods like MM-PBSA and LIE can be set up as well. Ligands are automatically parametrized with AM1-BCC, and atom mappings for a single topology description are computed with a maximum common substructure search (MCSS) algorithm. An abstract molecular dynamics (MD) engine can be used for equilibration prior to free energy setup or standalone. Currently, all modern AMBER force fields are supported. Ease of use, robustness of the code, and automation where it is feasible are the main development goals. The project follows an open development model, and we welcome contributions.

Spying on photons with photons: quantum interference and information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ataman, Stefan

2016-07-01

The quest to have both which-path knowledge and interference fringes in a double-slit experiment dates back to the inception of quantum mechanics (QM) and to the famous Einstein-Bohr debates. In this paper we propose and discuss an experiment able to spy on one photon's path with another photon. We modify the quantum state inside the interferometer as opposed to the traditional physical modification of the "wave-like" or "particle-like" experimental setup. We are able to show that it is the ability to harvest or not which-path information that finally limits the visibility of the interference pattern and not the "wave-like" or "particle-like" experimental setups. Remarkably, a full "particle-like" experimental setup is able to show interference fringes with 100% visibility if the quantum state is carefully engineered.

Laboratory exercises on oscillation modes of pipes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haeberli, Willy

2009-03-01

This paper describes an improved lab setup to study the vibrations of air columns in pipes. Features of the setup include transparent pipes which reveal the position of a movable microphone inside the pipe; excitation of pipe modes with a miniature microphone placed to allow access to the microphone stem for open, closed, or conical pipes; and sound insulation to avoid interference between different setups in a student lab. The suggested experiments on the modes of open, closed, and conical pipes, the transient response of a pipe, and the effect of pipe diameter are suitable for introductory physics laboratories, including laboratories for nonscience majors and music students, and for more advanced undergraduate laboratories. For honors students or for advanced laboratory exercises, the quantitative relation between the resonance width and damping time constant is of interest.

Design and Construction of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Unit and Medical Applications with GEANT Detector Simulation Package

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

Karagoz, Muge

1998-01-01

In order to investigate the possibility of the construction of a sample PET coincidence unit in our HEP laboratory, a setup with two face to face PMTs and two 2x8 Csi(Tl) scintillator matrices has been constructed. In this setup, 1-D projections of a pointlike 22 Na positron source at different angles have been measured. Using these projections a 2-D image has been formed. Monte Carlo studies of this setup have been implemented using the detector simulation tool in CERN program library, GEANT. Again with GEANT a sample human body is created to study the effects of proton therapy. Utilization ofmore » the simulation as a pretherapy tool is also investigated.« less

Getting to the point: attempting to improve juror comprehension of capital penalty phase instructions.

PubMed

Smith, Amy E; Haney, Craig

2011-10-01

This research examined the effects of several versions of capital penalty phase instructions on juror comprehension. Study One documented the impact of California's recently implemented "plain language" instruction. It showed that although the new instruction has clear advantages over the previous version, significant comprehension problems remain. Study Two evaluated several modified instructions designed to enhance comprehension. Participants heard either a standard patterned instruction or one of two alternatives-a psycholinguistically improved instruction, or a "pinpoint" instruction using case-related facts to illustrate key terms-in a simulated death penalty sentencing phase. Persons who heard modified instructions demonstrated higher levels of comprehension on virtually every measure as compared to those in the standard instruction condition.

Investigating Discourses for Administrators' Learning within Instructional Rounds

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Allen, David; Roegman, Rachel; Hatch, Thomas

2016-01-01

Instructional rounds is a professional learning practice for supporting school and district leaders' understanding of the instructional core, the interaction among curricular content, instruction, and student learning, which is a foundation for instructional leadership practices. This article examines instructional rounds visits within a network…

Comparison of Automated and Human Instruction for Developmentally Retarded Preschool Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Richmond, Glenn

1983-01-01

Twenty developmentally retarded preschool children were trained on two visual discriminations with automated instruction and two discriminations with human instruction. Results showed human instruction significantly better than automated instruction. Nine Ss reached criterion for both discriminations with automated instruction, therefore showing…

Instructional Partners, Principals, Teachers, and Instructional Assistants.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Indiana State Dept. of Public Instruction, Indianapolis.

This handbook examines various topics of interest and concern to teachers as they work with instructional assistants forming a classroom instructional partnership and functioning as a team. These topics include: (1) instructional assistant qualifications; (2) duties--instructional, classroom clerical, auxillary; (3) factors to be considered when…

Developing Early Literacy Skills: A Meta-Analysis of Alphabet Learning and Instruction.

PubMed

Piasta, Shayne B; Wagner, Richard K

2010-01-01

Alphabet knowledge is a hallmark of early literacy and facilitating its development has become a primary objective of pre-school instruction and intervention. However, little agreement exists about how to promote the development of alphabet knowledge effectively. A meta-analysis of the effects of instruction on alphabet outcomes demonstrated that instructional impacts differed by type of alphabet outcome examined and content of instruction provided. School-based instruction yielded larger effects than home-based instruction; small-group instruction yielded larger effects than individual tutoring programs. We found minimal evidence of transfer of alphabet instruction to early phonological, reading, or spelling skills. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Self-instruction: An analysis of the differential effects of instruction and reinforcement

PubMed Central

Roberts, Richard N.; Nelson, Rosemery O.; Olson, Terry W.

1987-01-01

This study investigated the impact of training 9 first- and second-grade children to use a full self-instructional regimen, and then differentially reinforced the use of self-instruction only, accuracy only, or both self-instruction and accuracy. Three comparison children received no training in self-instruction and were reinforced for accuracy only. Children improved dramatically in academic accuracy subsequent to self-instructional training, independent of the use of self-instruction and of the specific behavior consequated. Children who were reinforced for using self-instruction did use self-instruction, and those who were not, did not. Comparison group children showed little improvement until training in problem-solving strategies was given after 9 days of reinforcement for accuracy. Self-instructional training is discussed as one type of event that increases the likelihood of accurate performance. Its effectiveness may be explained in terms of a teaching strategy rather than in terms of modifying cognitive processes. PMID:16795700

CD-ROM End-User Instruction: A Planning Model.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johnson, Mary E.; Rosen, Barbara S.

1990-01-01

Discusses methods and content of library instruction for CD-ROM searching in terms of the needs of end-users. Instructional methods explored include staff instruction, structured instruction, database documentation, tutorials and help screens, and floaters. Suggestions for effective instruction in transfer of skills, database content, database…

Modeling Instruction: The Impact of Professional Development on Instructional Practices

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Barlow, Angela T.; Frick, Tasha M.; Barker, Heather L.; Phelps, Amy J.

2014-01-01

Modeling Instruction holds the potential for transforming science instruction and improving student achievement. Key to the success of Modeling Instruction, however, is the fidelity of implementation of its curriculum. This qualitative study examined the impact of Modeling Instruction professional development on participating teachers'…

Archery: A Planning Guide for Group and Individual Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation, Washington, DC.

This instructor's manual for group or individual instruction in archery includes line drawings as illustrations. The manual advances from facilities to beginning instruction and general instructional practices (safety tips, instructional aids, archery etiquette) to intermediate instruction (discussions of causes of faulty arrow flight, analysis of…

SU-E-T-292: Sensitivity of Fractionated Lung IMPT Treatments to Setup Uncertainties and Motion Effects

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

Dowdell, S; Grassberger, C; Paganetti, H

2014-06-01

Purpose: Evaluate the sensitivity of intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) lung treatments to systematic and random setup uncertainties combined with motion effects. Methods: Treatment plans with single-field homogeneity restricted to ±20% (IMPT-20%) were compared to plans with no restriction (IMPT-full). 4D Monte Carlo simulations were performed for 10 lung patients using the patient CT geometry with either ±5mm systematic or random setup uncertainties applied over a 35 × 2.5Gy(RBE) fractionated treatment course. Intra-fraction, inter-field and inter-fraction motions were investigated. 50 fractionated treatments with systematic or random setup uncertainties applied to each fraction were generated for both IMPT delivery methods and threemore » energy-dependent spot sizes (big spots - BS σ=18-9mm, intermediate spots - IS σ=11-5mm, small spots - SS σ=4-2mm). These results were compared to a Monte Carlo recalculation of the original treatment plan, with results presented as the difference in EUD (ΔEUD), V{sub 95} (ΔV{sub 95}) and target homogeneity (ΔD{sub 1}–D{sub 99}) between the 4D simulations and the Monte Carlo calculation on the planning CT. Results: The standard deviations in the ΔEUD were 1.95±0.47(BS), 1.85±0.66(IS) and 1.31±0.35(SS) times higher in IMPT-full compared to IMPT-20% when ±5mm systematic setup uncertainties were applied. The ΔV{sub 95} variations were also 1.53±0.26(BS), 1.60±0.50(IS) and 1.38±0.38(SS) times higher for IMPT-full. For random setup uncertainties, the standard deviations of the ΔEUD from 50 simulated fractionated treatments were 1.94±0.90(BS), 2.13±1.08(IS) and 1.45±0.57(SS) times higher in IMPTfull compared to IMPT-20%. For all spot sizes considered, the ΔD{sub 1}-D{sub 99} coincided within the uncertainty limits for the two IMPT delivery methods, with the mean value always higher for IMPT-full. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the IMPT-full and IMPT-20% dose distributions for the majority of scenarios studied. Conclusion: Lung IMPT-full treatments are more sensitive to both systematic and random setup uncertainties compared to IMPT-20%. This work was supported by the NIH R01 CA111590.« less

Assessment and quantification of patient set-up errors in nasopharyngeal cancer patients and their biological and dosimetric impact in terms of generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD), tumour control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP)

PubMed Central

Marcie, S; Fellah, M; Chami, S; Mekki, F

2015-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess and quantify patients' set-up errors using an electronic portal imaging device and to evaluate their dosimetric and biological impact in terms of generalized equivalent uniform dose (gEUD) on predictive models, such as the tumour control probability (TCP) and the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP). Methods: 20 patients treated for nasopharyngeal cancer were enrolled in the radiotherapy–oncology department of HCA. Systematic and random errors were quantified. The dosimetric and biological impact of these set-up errors on the target volume and the organ at risk (OARs) coverage were assessed using calculation of dose–volume histogram, gEUD, TCP and NTCP. For this purpose, an in-house software was developed and used. Results: The standard deviations (1SDs) of the systematic set-up and random set-up errors were calculated for the lateral and subclavicular fields and gave the following results: ∑ = 0.63 ± (0.42) mm and σ = 3.75 ± (0.79) mm, respectively. Thus a planning organ at risk volume (PRV) margin of 3 mm was defined around the OARs, and a 5-mm margin used around the clinical target volume. The gEUD, TCP and NTCP calculations obtained with and without set-up errors have shown increased values for tumour, where ΔgEUD (tumour) = 1.94% Gy (p = 0.00721) and ΔTCP = 2.03%. The toxicity of OARs was quantified using gEUD and NTCP. The values of ΔgEUD (OARs) vary from 0.78% to 5.95% in the case of the brainstem and the optic chiasm, respectively. The corresponding ΔNTCP varies from 0.15% to 0.53%, respectively. Conclusion: The quantification of set-up errors has a dosimetric and biological impact on the tumour and on the OARs. The developed in-house software using the concept of gEUD, TCP and NTCP biological models has been successfully used in this study. It can be used also to optimize the treatment plan established for our patients. Advances in knowledge: The gEUD, TCP and NTCP may be more suitable tools to assess the treatment plans before treating the patients. PMID:25882689

Frameless fractionated stereotactic radiation therapy of intracranial lesions: impact of cone beam CT based setup correction on dose distribution

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Cone Beam CT (CBCT) based setup correction on total dose distributions in fractionated frameless stereotactic radiation therapy of intracranial lesions. Methods Ten patients with intracranial lesions treated with 30 Gy in 6 fractions were included in this study. Treatment planning was performed with Oncentra® for a SynergyS® (Elekta Ltd, Crawley, UK) linear accelerator with XVI® Cone Beam CT, and HexaPOD™ couch top. Patients were immobilized by thermoplastic masks (BrainLab, Reuther). After initial patient setup with respect to lasers, a CBCT study was acquired and registered to the planning CT (PL-CT) study. Patient positioning was corrected according to the correction values (translational, rotational) calculated by the XVI® system. Afterwards a second CBCT study was acquired and registered to the PL-CT to confirm the accuracy of the corrections. An in-house developed software was used for rigid transformation of the PL-CT to the CBCT geometry, and dose calculations for each fraction were performed on the transformed CT. The total dose distribution was achieved by back-transformation and summation of the dose distributions of each fraction. Dose distributions based on PL-CT, CBCT (laser set-up), and final CBCT were compared to assess the influence of setup inaccuracies. Results The mean displacement vector, calculated over all treatments, was reduced from (4.3 ± 1.3) mm for laser based setup to (0.5 ± 0.2) mm if CBCT corrections were applied. The mean rotational errors around the medial-lateral, superior-inferior, anterior-posterior axis were reduced from (−0.1 ± 1.4)°, (0.1 ± 1.2)° and (−0.2 ± 1.0)°, to (0.04 ± 0.4)°, (0.01 ± 0.4)° and (0.02 ± 0.3)°. As a consequence the mean deviation between planned and delivered dose in the planning target volume (PTV) could be reduced from 12.3% to 0.4% for D95 and from 5.9% to 0.1% for Dav. Maximum deviation was reduced from 31.8% to 0.8% for D95, and from 20.4% to 0.1% for Dav. Conclusion Real dose distributions differ substantially from planned dose distributions, if setup is performed according to lasers only. Thermoplasic masks combined with a daily CBCT enabled a sufficient accuracy in dose distribution. PMID:23800172

Using Agile Project Management to Enhance the Performance of Instructional Design Teams

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sweeney, David S.; Cifuentes, Lauren

2010-01-01

Instructional design models describe in detail methodologies for designing effective instruction. Several widely adopted models include suggestions for managing instructional design projects. However, these suggestions focus on how to manage the instructional design steps rather than the instructional design and development team process. The…

Big Ideas in Special Education: Specially Designed Instruction, High-Leverage Practices, Explicit Instruction, and Intensive Instruction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riccomini, Paul J.; Morano, Stephanie; Hughes, Charles A.

2017-01-01

It is understandable that misuse of the terms "specially designed instruction" (SDI), "high-leverage practices" (HLPs), "explicit instruction" (EI), and "intensive instruction"(II) has bred confusion among professionals, and this confusion may lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings in the field.…

Effects of Instruction and Stage-Fright on Intelligence Testing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Meijer, Joost; Oostdam, Ron

2011-01-01

In the present research, it was tried to unravel the influence of various types of instruction on test anxiety levels and, in turn, its influence on intelligence test performance. Three types of instruction were compared: a stressful, achievement-orientated instruction; a reassuring, task-orientated instruction; and an ambiguous instruction.…

Demonstrating Empathy: A Phenomenological Study of Instructional Designers Making Instructional Strategy Decisions for Adult Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vann, Linda S.

2017-01-01

Instructional designers are tasked with making instructional strategy decisions to facilitate achievement of learning outcomes as part of their professional responsibilities. While the instructional design process includes learner analysis, that analysis alone does not embody opportunities to assist instructional designers with demonstrations of…

Using Interactive Video Instruction To Enhance Public Speaking Instruction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cronin, Michael W.; Kennan, William R.

Noting that interactive video instruction (IVI) should not and cannot replace classroom instruction, this paper offers an introduction to interactive video instruction as an innovative technology that can be used to expand pedagogical opportunities in public speaking instruction. The paper: (1) defines the distinctive features of IVI; (2) assesses…

To Change the Things I Can: Making Instruction More Intensive

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stevenson, Nathan A.; Reed, Deborah K.

2017-01-01

When students do not respond adequately to core instruction, teachers must provide instruction and intervention that is more intensive and, therefore, more effective. However, for many educators, it is often unclear what it means to intensify instruction and how intensive instruction differs from high-quality core instruction. This article…

Video Feedback in the Classroom: Development of an Easy-to-Use Learning Environment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Poorter, John; De Jaegher, Lut; De Cock, Mieke; Neuttiens, Tom

2007-01-01

Video feedback offers great potential for use in teaching but the relative complexity of the normal set-up of a video camera, a special tripod and a monitor has limited its use in teaching. The authors have developed a computer-webcam set-up which simplifies this. Anyone with an ordinary computer and webcam can learn to control the video feedback…

Investigation of rare nuclear decays with the DAMA set-ups

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernabei, Rita; Cappella, Fabio

2018-03-01

The DAMA project has obtained many competitive or new results in the search for various rare nuclear processes. Most of them have been obtained with the help of many different high purity crystal scintillators which have been measured in the low-background DAMA set-ups located in the Gran Sasso underground laboratory of INFN In this paper, the main results will be summarized.

Novel Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment System for Energy Generation at Forward Operating Bases

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-08-01

AnMBR) technology with clinoptilolite ion exchange and GreenBox™ ammonia electrolysis. The system generates both methane and hydrogen fuels...experimental setup. ................................................ 21 Figure 10. Methane phase semi batch experimental setup, a total of three reactors were...set up for PS + solid, Bioc and ADS methane phase reactors. .................... 21 Figure 11. Dried PS solid for the control, Bioc blend for the

16 CFR Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 - High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup 3 Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY ACT REGULATIONS SAFETY STANDARD FOR OMNIDIRECTIONAL CITIZENS BAND BASE STATION ANTENNAS Pt. 1204, Figs. 3, 4 Figures 3 and 4...

16 CFR Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 - High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup 3 Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION... ANTENNAS Pt. 1204, Figs. 3, 4 Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204—High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System...

16 CFR Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 - High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup 3 Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION... ANTENNAS Pt. 1204, Figs. 3, 4 Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204—High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System...

16 CFR Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 - High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup 3 Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION... ANTENNAS Pt. 1204, Figs. 3, 4 Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204—High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System...

16 CFR Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 - High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 16 Commercial Practices 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System Test Setup 3 Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204 Commercial Practices CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION... ANTENNAS Pt. 1204, Figs. 3, 4 Figures 3 and 4 to Part 1204—High Voltage Test Facility and Antenna System...

Center for Hybrid Communications and Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-08

Transmission loop experimental setup to study coded modulation and turbo equalization for metro and long-haul networks, 3) Experimental setup for...undertaking fundamental studies of QKD systems that use ( hyper -) entangled photon pairs or weak coherent states (WCS) as the quantum resources...onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/047134608X.W8291/abstract] The real-time scope and AWG are also used in fiber-optics transmission loop experiment we

Shell-Type Micromechanical Oscillator

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-04-01

interferometric setup. A positive feedback loop was implemented by amplifying the red laser signal (related to the oscillator deflection) and using...resonator was actuated by a sharply focused, modulated Ar+ ion (blue) laser beam and detected by a red HeNe laser using an interferometric setup. A positive...top. Fig. 1 shows optical micrograph obtained by DIC (Differential Interference Contrast, known also as Nomarsky contrast). An array of three domes

Measurement of mismatch loss in CPV modul

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Mingguo; Kinsey, Geoffrey S.; Bagienski, Will; Nayak, Adi; Garboushian, Vahan

2012-10-01

A setup capable of simultaneously measuring I-V curves of a full string and its individual cells has been developed. This setup enables us to measure mismatch loss from individual cells in concert with various string combinations under varying field conditions. Mismatch loss from cells to plates at different off-track angles and mismatch from plates to strings in Amonix system during normal operation have been investigated.

7 CFR Exhibit J to Subpart A of... - Manufactured Home Sites, Rental Projects and Subdivisions: Development, Installation and Set-Up

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... established frost line without exceeding the safe bearing capacity of the supporting soil. Set-Up. The work... architectural practices and shall provide for all utilities in a manner which allows adequate, economic, safe... residential environment which is an asset to the community in which it is located. 4. Lot Size. The size of...