Sample records for automatic switches benching

  1. Usage of DNA Fingerprinting Technology for Quality Control in Molecular Lab Bench Work.

    PubMed

    McIntosh, Linda Y; Lal, Janella E; Qin, Dahui

    2018-01-01

    One of the major quality assurance (QA) goals in many molecular laboratories is to avoid sample pipetting errors on the lab bench; especially when pipetting into multiwell plates. A pipetting error can cause a switch in patient samples, which can lead to recording the wrong results for the patient samples involved. Such pipetting errors are difficult to identify when it happens in lab bench work. DNA fingerprinting is a powerful tool in determining sample identities. Our laboratory has explored the usage of this technology in our QA process and successfully established that DNA fingerprinting can be used to monitor possible sample switch in gene rearrangement lab bench work. We use florescent light to quench the florescence in the gene rearrangement polymerase chain reaction products. After that, DNA fingerprinting technology is used to identify the sample DNA in the gene rearrangement polymerase chain reaction plate. The result is compared with the corresponding patient's blood sample DNA to determine whether there is a sample switch during the lab bench work.

  2. Robust Electrical Transfer System (RETS) for Solar Array Drive Mechanism SlipRing Assembly

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bommottet, Daniel; Bossoney, Luc; Schnyder, Ralph; Howling, Alan; Hollenstein, Christoph

    2013-09-01

    Demands for robust and reliable power transmission systems for sliprings for SADM (Solar Array Drive Mechanism) are increasing steadily. As a consequence, it is required to know their performances regarding the voltage breakdown limit.An understanding of the overall shape of the breakdown voltage versus pressure curve is established, based on experimental measurements of DC (Direct Current) gas breakdown in complex geometries compared with a numerical simulation model.In addition a detailed study was made of the functional behaviour of an entire wing of satellite in a like- operational mode, comprising the solar cells, the power transmission lines, the SRA (SlipRing Assembly), the power S3R (Sequential Serial/shunt Switching Regulators) and the satellite load to simulate the electrical power consumption.A test bench able to measure automatically the: a)breakdown voltage versus pressure curve and b)the functional switching performances, was developed and validated.

  3. MOSES Support Platform

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2008-02-01

    drain with collector • Final pressure switch with gauge and automatic shut- off • (2) Hour meter • Oil filled finel pressure gauge 0~400bar/5800psi...Automatic condensate drain system Final pressure switch with gauge and automatic shut-off (2) Hour meter, (2) On/Off Switch Filling Connection Four

  4. System for automatically switching transformer coupled lines

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dwinell, W. S. (Inventor)

    1979-01-01

    A system is presented for automatically controlling transformer coupled alternating current electric lines. The secondary winding of each transformer is provided with a center tap. A switching circuit is connected to the center taps of a pair of secondary windings and includes a switch controller. An impedance is connected between the center taps of the opposite pair of secondary windings. The switching circuit has continuity when the AC lines are continuous and discontinuity with any disconnect of the AC lines. Normally open switching means are provided in at least one AC line. The switch controller automatically opens the switching means when the AC lines become separated.

  5. Beam profile measurements for target designators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Frank, J. D.

    1985-02-01

    An American aerospace company has conducted a number of investigations with the aim to improve on the tedious slow manual methods of measuring pulsed lasers for rangefinders, giving particular attention to beam divergence which is studied by varying aperture sizes and positions in the laser beam path. Three instruments have been developed to make the involved work easier to perform. One of these, the Automatic Laser Instrumentation and Measurement System (ALIMS), consists of an optical bench, a digital computer, and three bays of associated electronic instruments. ALIMS uses the aperture method to measure laser beam alignment and divergence. The Laser Intensity Profile System (LIPS) consists of a covered optical bench and a two bay electronic equipment and control console. The Automatic Laser Test Set (ALTS) utilizes a 50 x 50 silicon photodiode array to characterize military laser systems automatically. Details regarding the conducted determinations are discussed.

  6. Piezoelectric energy harvesting computer controlled test bench

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vázquez-Rodriguez, M.; Jiménez, F. J.; de Frutos, J.; Alonso, D.

    2016-09-01

    In this paper a new computer controlled (C.C.) laboratory test bench is presented. The patented test bench is made up of a C.C. road traffic simulator, C.C. electronic hardware involved in automating measurements, and test bench control software interface programmed in LabVIEW™. Our research is focused on characterizing electronic energy harvesting piezoelectric-based elements in road traffic environments to extract (or "harvest") maximum power. In mechanical to electrical energy conversion, mechanical impacts or vibrational behavior are commonly used, and several major problems need to be solved to perform optimal harvesting systems including, but no limited to, primary energy source modeling, energy conversion, and energy storage. It is described a novel C.C. test bench that obtains, in an accurate and automatized process, a generalized linear equivalent electrical model of piezoelectric elements and piezoelectric based energy store harvesting circuits in order to scale energy generation with multiple devices integrated in different topologies.

  7. Piezoelectric energy harvesting computer controlled test bench.

    PubMed

    Vázquez-Rodriguez, M; Jiménez, F J; de Frutos, J; Alonso, D

    2016-09-01

    In this paper a new computer controlled (C.C.) laboratory test bench is presented. The patented test bench is made up of a C.C. road traffic simulator, C.C. electronic hardware involved in automating measurements, and test bench control software interface programmed in LabVIEW™. Our research is focused on characterizing electronic energy harvesting piezoelectric-based elements in road traffic environments to extract (or "harvest") maximum power. In mechanical to electrical energy conversion, mechanical impacts or vibrational behavior are commonly used, and several major problems need to be solved to perform optimal harvesting systems including, but no limited to, primary energy source modeling, energy conversion, and energy storage. It is described a novel C.C. test bench that obtains, in an accurate and automatized process, a generalized linear equivalent electrical model of piezoelectric elements and piezoelectric based energy store harvesting circuits in order to scale energy generation with multiple devices integrated in different topologies.

  8. Intended actions and unexpected outcomes: automatic and controlled processing in a rapid motor task

    PubMed Central

    Cheyne, Douglas O.; Ferrari, Paul; Cheyne, James A.

    2012-01-01

    Human action involves a combination of controlled and automatic behavior. These processes may interact in tasks requiring rapid response selection or inhibition, where temporal constraints preclude timely intervention by conscious, controlled processes over automatized prepotent responses. Such contexts tend to produce frequent errors, but also rapidly executed correct responses, both of which may sometimes be perceived as surprising, unintended, or “automatic”. In order to identify neural processes underlying these two aspects of cognitive control, we measured neuromagnetic brain activity in 12 right-handed subjects during manual responses to rapidly presented digits, with an infrequent target digit that required switching response hand (bimanual task) or response finger (unimanual task). Automaticity of responding was evidenced by response speeding (shorter response times) prior to both failed and fast correct switches. Consistent with this automaticity interpretation of fast correct switches, we observed bilateral motor preparation, as indexed by suppression of beta band (15–30 Hz) oscillations in motor cortex, prior to processing of the switch cue in the bimanual task. In contrast, right frontal theta activity (4–8 Hz) accompanying correct switch responses began after cue onset, suggesting that it reflected controlled inhibition of the default response. Further, this activity was reduced on fast correct switch trials suggesting a more automatic mode of inhibitory control. We also observed post-movement (event-related negativity) ERN-like responses and theta band increases in medial and anterior frontal regions that were significantly larger on error trials, and may reflect a combination of error and delayed inhibitory signals. We conclude that both automatic and controlled processes are engaged in parallel during rapid motor tasks, and that the relative strength and timing of these processes may underlie both optimal task performance and subjective experiences of automaticity or control. PMID:22912612

  9. Lamp automatically switches to new filament on burnout

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ingle, W. B.

    1966-01-01

    Lamp with primary and secondary filaments has a means for automatic switching to the secondary filament at primary filament burnout. Lamp failures and resultant expenses during oscillograph printing are appreciably reduced.

  10. Multi-mode energy management strategy for fuel cell electric vehicles based on driving pattern identification using learning vector quantization neural network algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Ke; Li, Feiqiang; Hu, Xiao; He, Lin; Niu, Wenxu; Lu, Sihao; Zhang, Tong

    2018-06-01

    The development of fuel cell electric vehicles can to a certain extent alleviate worldwide energy and environmental issues. While a single energy management strategy cannot meet the complex road conditions of an actual vehicle, this article proposes a multi-mode energy management strategy for electric vehicles with a fuel cell range extender based on driving condition recognition technology, which contains a patterns recognizer and a multi-mode energy management controller. This paper introduces a learning vector quantization (LVQ) neural network to design the driving patterns recognizer according to a vehicle's driving information. This multi-mode strategy can automatically switch to the genetic algorithm optimized thermostat strategy under specific driving conditions in the light of the differences in condition recognition results. Simulation experiments were carried out based on the model's validity verification using a dynamometer test bench. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy can obtain better economic performance than the single-mode thermostat strategy under dynamic driving conditions.

  11. Automatic thermal control switches. [for use in Space Shuttle borne Get Away Special container

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wing, L. D.

    1982-01-01

    Two automatic, flexible connection thermal control switches have been designed and tested in a thermal vacuum facility and in the Get Away Special (GAS) container flown on the third Shuttle flight. The switches are complementary in that one switch passes heat when the plate on which it is mounted exceeds some selected temperature and the other switch will pass heat only when the mounting plate temperature is below the selected value. Both switches are driven and controlled by phase-change capsule motors and require no other power source or thermal sensors.

  12. Optical bench development for LISA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    d'Arcio, L.; Bogenstahl, J.; Dehne, M.; Diekmann, C.; Fitzsimons, E. D.; Fleddermann, R.; Granova, E.; Heinzel, G.; Hogenhuis, H.; Killow, C. J.; Perreur-Lloyd, M.; Pijnenburg, J.; Robertson, D. I.; Shoda, A.; Sohmer, A.; Taylor, A.; Tröbs, M.; Wanner, G.; Ward, H.; Weise, D.

    2017-11-01

    For observation of gravitational waves at frequencies between 30 μHz and 1 Hz, the LISA mission will be implemented in a triangular constellation of three identical spacecraft, which are mutually linked by laser interferometry in an active transponder scheme over a 5 million kilometer arm length. On the end point of each laser link, remote and local beam metrology with respect to inertial proof masses inside the spacecraft is realized by the LISA Optical Bench. It implements further- more various ancillary functions such as point-ahead correction, acquisition sensing, transmit beam conditioning, and laser redundancy switching. A comprehensive design of the Optical Bench has been developed, which includes all of the above mentioned functions and at the same time ensures manufacturability on the basis of hydroxide catalysis bonding, an ultrastable integration technology already perfected in the context of LISA's technology demonstrator mission LISA Pathfinder. Essential elements of this design have been validated by dedicated pre-investigations. These include the demonstration of polarizing heterodyne interferometry at the required Picometer and Nanoradian performance levels, the investigation of potential non-reciprocal noise sources in the so-called backlink fiber, as well as the development of a laser redundancy switch breadboard.

  13. Improving Land Armaments: Lessons from the Balkans. The U.S. Army Effort (Abbreviated)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2004-09-01

    NATO multinational force deployments ADF Automatic Direction Finder ADOCS Automated Deep Operations Coordination System ; a LAN system for...Management Information Systems TACSAT Tactical Satellite (for communications) Tactical circuit/message switch Automatic telephone switch used to... automatic crypto secured; the Netherlands’ automated tactical radio relay/telephone system that serves all HQs from corps to brigade ZOS Zone of

  14. Foaming phenomenon in bench-scale anaerobic digesters.

    PubMed

    Siebels, Amanda M; Long, Sharon C

    2013-04-01

    The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District (The District) in Madison, Wisconsin has been experiencing seasonal foaming in their anaerobic biosolids digesters, which has occurred from mid-November to late June for the past few years. The exact cause(s) of foaming is unknown. Previous research findings are unclear as to whether applications of advanced anaerobic digestion processes reduce the foaming potential of digesters. The object of this study was to investigate how configurations of thermophilic and acid phase-thermophilic anaerobic digestion would affect foaming at the bench-scale level compared to single stage mesophilic digestion for The District. Bench-scale anaerobic digesters were fed with a 4 to 4.5% by dry weight of solids content blend of waste activated sludge (WAS) and primary sludge from The District. Foaming potential was monitored using Alka-Seltzer and aeration foaming tests. The bench-scale acid phase-thermophilic digester had a higher foaming potential than the bench-scale mesophilic digester. These results indicate that higher temperatures increase the foaming potential of the bench-scale anaerobic digesters. The bench-scale acid phase-thermophilic digesters had a greater percent (approximately 5 to 10%) volatile solids destruction and a greater percent (approximately 5 to 10%) total solids destruction when compared to the bench-scale mesophilic digester. Overall, for the full-scale foaming experienced by The District, it appears that adding an acid phase or switching to thermophilic digestion would not alleviate The District's foaming issues.

  15. Automatic transducer switching provides accurate wide range measurement of pressure differential

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yoder, S. K.

    1967-01-01

    Automatic pressure transducer switching network sequentially selects any one of a number of limited-range transducers as gas pressure rises or falls, extending the range of measurement and lessening the chances of damage due to high pressure.

  16. Automatic switching matrix

    DOEpatents

    Schlecht, Martin F.; Kassakian, John G.; Caloggero, Anthony J.; Rhodes, Bruce; Otten, David; Rasmussen, Neil

    1982-01-01

    An automatic switching matrix that includes an apertured matrix board containing a matrix of wires that can be interconnected at each aperture. Each aperture has associated therewith a conductive pin which, when fully inserted into the associated aperture, effects electrical connection between the wires within that particular aperture. Means is provided for automatically inserting the pins in a determined pattern and for removing all the pins to permit other interconnecting patterns.

  17. Development of remote data acquisition system based on OPC for brake test bench

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yiwei; Wu, Mengling; Tian, Chun; Ma, Tianhe

    2017-08-01

    The 1:1 train brake system test bench can be used to carry out brake-related adhesion-slid control, stability test, noise test and dynamic test. To collect data of the test bench, a data acquisition method is needed. In this paper, the remote data acquisition system of test bench is built by LabVIEW based on OPC technology. Unlike the traditional hardwire way connecting PLC acquisition module with sensors, the novel method is used to collect data and share them through the internal LAN built by Ethernet switches, which avoids the complex wiring interference in an easy, efficient and flexible way. The system has been successfully applied to the data acquisition activities of the comprehensive brake system test bench of CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Haitai Brake Equipment Co., Ltd., and the relationship test between the adhesion coefficient and the slip-ratio is realized. The speed signal, torque signal and brake disc temperature can be collected and displayed. The results show that the system is reliable, convenient, and efficient, and can meet the requirements of data acquisition.

  18. Socioeconomic Impact Assessment: Communications Industry. Phase III. Technology Forecast.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-02-02

    8217. Some add-on devices , such as automatic answering systems, have already penetrated the home market substantially. In the future, however, ( major changes ...equipment. This class includes garage door openers, wireless micro- phones , cordless telephones, and radio and TV receivers. These -( devices can...ACUMENICS 1-9 1.2.2 Switching Devices The first automatic switching devices which began to replace operator-switched telephone traffic in the early

  19. A Switch Is Not a Switch: Syntactically-Driven Bilingual Language Control

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gollan, Tamar H.; Goldrick, Matthew

    2018-01-01

    The current study investigated the possibility that language switches could be relatively automatically triggered by context. "Single-word switches," in which bilinguals switched languages on a single word in midsentence and then immediately switched back, were contrasted with more complete "whole-language switches," in which…

  20. 35. END VIEW, INTERIOR, SHOWING SWITCHING LEVERS, BERK SWITCH TOWER, ...

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

    35. END VIEW, INTERIOR, SHOWING SWITCHING LEVERS, BERK SWITCH TOWER, SOUTH NORWALK - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  1. An elegant Breadboard of the optical bench for eLISA/NGO

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    d'Arcio, Luigi; Bogenstahl, Johanna; Diekmann, Christian; Fitzsimons, Ewan D.; Heinzel, Gerhard; Hogenhuis, Harm; Killow, Christian J.; Lieser, Maike; Nikolov, Susanne; Perreur-Lloyd, Michael; Pijnenburg, Joep; Robertson, David I.; Taylor, Alasdair; Tröbs, Michael; Ward, Harry; Weise, Dennis

    2017-11-01

    The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna, as well as its reformulated European-only evolution, the New Gravitational-Wave Observatory, both employ heterodyne laser interferometry on million kilometer scale arm lengths in a triangular spacecraft formation, to observe gravitational waves at frequencies between 3 × 10-5 Hz and 1 Hz. The Optical Bench as central payload element realizes both the inter-spacecraft as well as local laser metrology with respect to inertial proof masses, and provides further functions, such as point-ahead accommodation, acquisition sensing, transmit beam conditioning, optical power monitoring, and laser redundancy switching. These functions have been combined in a detailed design of an Optical Bench Elegant Breadboard, which is currently under assembly and integration. We present an overview of the realization and current performances of the Optical Bench subsystems, which employ ultraprecise piezo mechanism, ultrastable assembly techniques, and shot noise limited RF detection to achieve translation and tilt metrology at Picometer and Nanoradian noise levels.

  2. Technical data on new engineering products

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    1985-02-01

    New grades of permanently magnetic materials; automatic digital radiolocator; bench winder; analog induction gauge; programmable pulse generator; portable defibrillators; pipe welders; two-component electromagnetic log; sulphur content analyzer; peristaltic pumps; function generators; welding manipulator; and tonsiometer are described.

  3. 36. INTERIOR VIEW, BERK SWITCH TOWER, SOUTH NORWALK, SHOWING SWITCHING ...

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

    36. INTERIOR VIEW, BERK SWITCH TOWER, SOUTH NORWALK, SHOWING SWITCHING LEVERS FROM OPERATOR'S POSITION - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  4. 41. INTERIOR VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOWER, COS COB, SHOWING SWITCH ...

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

    41. INTERIOR VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOWER, COS COB, SHOWING SWITCH LEVER ASSEMBLAGE AND DISPLAY BOARD - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  5. 43. OBLIQUE VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOWER, COS COB, SHOWING SWITCH ...

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

    43. OBLIQUE VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOWER, COS COB, SHOWING SWITCH LEVER ASSEMBLAGE AND DISPLAY BOARD - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  6. SiC/Si diode trigger circuit provides automatic range switching for log amplifier

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1967-01-01

    SiC/Si diode pair provides automatic range change to extend the operating range of a logarithmic amplifier-conversion circuit and assures stability at or near the range switch-over point. the diode provides hysteresis for a trigger circuit that actuates a relay at the desired range extension point.

  7. Comprehensive study of electro-optic and passive Q-switching in solid state lasers for altimeter applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bhardwaj, Atul; Agrawal, Lalita; Pal, Suranjan; Kumar, Anil

    2006-12-01

    Laser Science and Technology Center (LASTEC), Delhi, is developing a space qualified diode pumped Nd: YAG laser transmitter capable of generating 10 ns pulses of 30 mJ energy @ 10 pps. This paper presents the results of experiments for comparative studies between electro-optic and passively Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in a crossed porro prism based laser resonator. Experimental studies have been performed by developing an economical bench model of flash lamp pumped Nd: YAG laser (rod dimension, \

  8. 44. EXTERIOR VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOWER, COS COB, SHOWING BARS ...

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

    44. EXTERIOR VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOWER, COS COB, SHOWING BARS LINKING SWITCH LEVERS AND PIPES LEADING TO SWITCHES - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  9. A Dual-Range Strain Gage Weighing Transducer Employing Automatic Switching

    Treesearch

    Rodger A. Arola

    1968-01-01

    Describes a dual-range strain gage transducer which has proven to be an excellent weight-sensing device for weighing trees and tree-length logs; discusses basic principals of the design and operation; and shows that a single transducer having two sensitivity ranges with automatic internal switching can sense weight with good repeatability and that one calibration curve...

  10. Self-actuating heat switches for redundant refrigeration systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chan, Chung K. (Inventor)

    1988-01-01

    A dual refrigeration system for cooling a sink device is described, which automatically thermally couples the cold refrigerator to the sink device while thermally isolating the warm refrigerator from the sink device. The system includes two gas gap heat switches that each thermally couples one of the refrigerators to the sink device, and a pair of sorption pumps that are coupled through tubes to the heat switches. When the first refrigerator is operated and therefore cold, the first pump which is thermally coupled to it is also cooled and adsorbs gas to withdraw it from the second heat switch, to thereby thermally isolate the sink device from the warm second refrigerator. With the second refrigerator being warm, the second pump is also warm and desorbs gas, so the gas lies in the first switch, to close that switch and therefore thermally couple the cold first refrigerator to the sink device. Thus, the heat switches are automatically switched according to the temperature of the corresponding refrigerator.

  11. The effects of combined elastic- and free-weight tension vs. free-weight tension on one-repetition maximum strength in the bench press.

    PubMed

    Bellar, David M; Muller, Matthew D; Barkley, Jacob E; Kim, Chul-Ho; Ida, Keisuke; Ryan, Edward J; Bliss, Mathew V; Glickman, Ellen L

    2011-02-01

    The present study investigated the effects of training combining elastic tension, free weights, and the bench press. Eleven college-aged men (untrained) in the bench press participated in the 13-week study. The participants were first given instructions and then practiced the bench press, followed by a one-repetition maximum (1RM) test of baseline strength. Subjects were then trained in the bench press for 3 weeks to allow for the beginning of neural adaptation. After another 1RM test, participants were assigned to 1 of 2 conditions for the next 3 weeks of training: 85% Free-Weight Tension, 15% Elastic Tension (BAND), or 100% Free-Weight Tension (STAND). After 3 weeks of training and a third 1RM max test, participants switched treatments, under which they completed the final 3 weeks of training and the fourth 1RM test. Analysis via analysis of covariance revealed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) main effect for time and interaction effect for Treatment (BAND vs. STAND). Subsequent analysis via paired-samples t-test revealed the BAND condition was significantly better (p = 0.05) at producing raw gains in 1RM strength. (BAND 9.95 ± 3.7 kg vs. STAND 7.56 ± 2.8 kg). These results suggest that the addition of elastic tension to the bench press may be an effective method of increasing strength.

  12. Reducing the risk of injury from table saw use: the potential benefits and costs of automatic protection.

    PubMed

    Graham, John D; Chang, Joice

    2015-02-01

    The use of table saws in the United States is associated with approximately 28,000 emergency department (ED) visits and 2,000 cases of finger amputation per year. This article provides a quantitative estimate of the economic benefits of automatic protection systems that could be designed into new table saw products. Benefits are defined as reduced health-care costs, enhanced production at work, and diminished pain and suffering. The present value of the benefits of automatic protection over the life of the table saw are interpreted as the switch-point cost value, the maximum investment in automatic protection that can be justified by benefit-cost comparison. Using two alternative methods for monetizing pain and suffering, the study finds switch-point cost values of $753 and $561 per saw. These point estimates are sensitive to the values of inputs, especially the average cost of injury. The various switch-point cost values are substantially higher than rough estimates of the incremental cost of automatic protection systems. Uncertainties and future research needs are discussed. © 2014 Society for Risk Analysis.

  13. 37. OBLIQUE VIEW, INTERIOR, BERK SWITCH TOWER, SOUTH NORWALK, SHOWING ...

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

    37. OBLIQUE VIEW, INTERIOR, BERK SWITCH TOWER, SOUTH NORWALK, SHOWING SWITCHING LEVERS - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  14. Evaluation of manual and automatic manually triggered ventilation performance and ergonomics using a simulation model.

    PubMed

    Marjanovic, Nicolas; Le Floch, Soizig; Jaffrelot, Morgan; L'Her, Erwan

    2014-05-01

    In the absence of endotracheal intubation, the manual bag-valve-mask (BVM) is the most frequently used ventilation technique during resuscitation. The efficiency of other devices has been poorly studied. The bench-test study described here was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an automatic, manually triggered system, and to compare it with manual BVM ventilation. A respiratory system bench model was assembled using a lung simulator connected to a manikin to simulate a patient with unprotected airways. Fifty health-care providers from different professional groups (emergency physicians, residents, advanced paramedics, nurses, and paramedics; n = 10 per group) evaluated manual BVM ventilation, and compared it with an automatic manually triggered device (EasyCPR). Three pathological situations were simulated (restrictive, obstructive, normal). Standard ventilation parameters were recorded; the ergonomics of the system were assessed by the health-care professionals using a standard numerical scale once the recordings were completed. The tidal volume fell within the standard range (400-600 mL) for 25.6% of breaths (0.6-45 breaths) using manual BVM ventilation, and for 28.6% of breaths (0.3-80 breaths) using the automatic manually triggered device (EasyCPR) (P < .0002). Peak inspiratory airway pressure was lower using the automatic manually triggered device (EasyCPR) (10.6 ± 5 vs 15.9 ± 10 cm H2O, P < .001). The ventilation rate fell consistently within the guidelines, in the case of the automatic manually triggered device (EasyCPR) only (10.3 ± 2 vs 17.6 ± 6, P < .001). Significant pulmonary overdistention was observed when using the manual BVM device during the normal and obstructive sequences. The nurses and paramedics considered the ergonomics of the automatic manually triggered device (EasyCPR) to be better than those of the manual device. The use of an automatic manually triggered device may improve ventilation efficiency and decrease the risk of pulmonary overdistention, while decreasing the ventilation rate.

  15. An overhead specimen handling system for variable workloads.

    PubMed

    Eggert, A A; Bowers, K L; Smulka, G J; Emmerich, K A; Iwanski, A L; Quam, E F

    1999-02-01

    This unique overhead specimen handling system requires virtually no floor space and only a minimal amount of bench space. It uses state-of-the-art conveyors suspended near the ceiling to transport, log-in and sort blood specimens in standard specimen containers. Specimens placed into the system at bench-level bins are automatically singulated and loaded onto cleated conveyors and lifted to the main conveyor belt near the ceiling. The barcoded labels are then read as the containers are rotated under an optical scanner. The specimens are then diverted to the appropriate branch conveyor and lowered back to the bench level by cleated conveyors. The specimen handling system is rapid and accurate, requires no special containers, allows laboratorians to move unimpeded below it, and is inexpensive by automation standards. Studies show no adverse effect upon the specimens.

  16. 42. INTERIOR VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOWER, COS COB, SHOWING DETAIL ...

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

    42. INTERIOR VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOWER, COS COB, SHOWING DETAIL OF SWITCH LEVERS - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  17. 49 CFR 236.14 - Spring switch signal protection; requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Spring switch signal protection; requirements. 236... Rules and Instructions: All Systems General § 236.14 Spring switch signal protection; requirements. (a... track signaled for movements in only one direction through a spring switch in automatic block signal...

  18. 49 CFR 236.14 - Spring switch signal protection; requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Spring switch signal protection; requirements. 236... Rules and Instructions: All Systems General § 236.14 Spring switch signal protection; requirements. (a... track signaled for movements in only one direction through a spring switch in automatic block signal...

  19. 49 CFR 236.14 - Spring switch signal protection; requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Spring switch signal protection; requirements. 236... Rules and Instructions: All Systems General § 236.14 Spring switch signal protection; requirements. (a... track signaled for movements in only one direction through a spring switch in automatic block signal...

  20. 49 CFR 236.14 - Spring switch signal protection; requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Spring switch signal protection; requirements. 236... Rules and Instructions: All Systems General § 236.14 Spring switch signal protection; requirements. (a... track signaled for movements in only one direction through a spring switch in automatic block signal...

  1. 49 CFR 236.14 - Spring switch signal protection; requirements.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Spring switch signal protection; requirements. 236... Rules and Instructions: All Systems General § 236.14 Spring switch signal protection; requirements. (a... track signaled for movements in only one direction through a spring switch in automatic block signal...

  2. 40. EXTERIOR VIEW, BERK SWITCH TOWER, SOUTH NORWALK, SHOWING FRONT ...

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

    40. EXTERIOR VIEW, BERK SWITCH TOWER, SOUTH NORWALK, SHOWING FRONT ELEVATION AND PIPES LEADING TO SWITCHES - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  3. 45. EXTERIOR VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOLWER, COS COB, SHOWING BARS ...

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

    45. EXTERIOR VIEW, GREEN SWITCH TOLWER, COS COB, SHOWING BARS AND PIPES LEADING TO SWITCHES - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  4. Automatic Digital Switching Specialist Career Ladder: United States Air Force Job Inventory. AFSCs 29530, 29570, and 29590.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Air Force Personnel and Training Research Center, Lackland AFB, TX.

    The U. S. Air Force job inventory for the automatic digital switching specialist career ladder is divided into 12 categories, each of which is broken down into a duty-task list. Space is provided for Air Force personnel filling out the inventory to check whether each task is at present part of their duties. The 12 categories are: organizing and…

  5. 38. INTERIOR VIEW, BERK SWITCH TOWER, SOUTH NORWALK, SHOWING COMPLETE ...

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

    38. INTERIOR VIEW, BERK SWITCH TOWER, SOUTH NORWALK, SHOWING COMPLETE SWITCH LEVER ASSEMBLAGE AND DISPLAY BOARD ON FRONT WALL - New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, Automatic Signalization System, Long Island Sound shoreline between Stamford & New Haven, Stamford, Fairfield County, CT

  6. What Automaticity Deficit? Activation of Lexical Information by Readers with Dyslexia in a Rapid Automatized Naming Stroop-Switch Task

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Jones, Manon W.; Snowling, Margaret J.; Moll, Kristina

    2016-01-01

    Reading fluency is often predicted by rapid automatized naming (RAN) speed, which as the name implies, measures the automaticity with which familiar stimuli (e.g., letters) can be retrieved and named. Readers with dyslexia are considered to have less "automatized" access to lexical information, reflected in longer RAN times compared with…

  7. Advanced Technical Data Study

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1975-01-29

    will shut down automatically when condenser high pressure causes Pressure Limit Control high pressure switch to release. Press START switch (3...power cable (1) from facility pow- er. Troubleshoot cooling unit, for HI-LOW pressure switch repeated cutout. Refer to AGE ECU Cooling Unit...acti- vate when loss of air flow oc- curred, the pressure switch (3) failed to open circuit. Adjust or replace pressure switch . Refer to

  8. STS-57 inflight maintenance (IFM) tool tray at Boeing FEPF bench review

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1993-01-01

    STS-57 inflight maintenance (IFM) tool tray is displayed on a table top during the bench review at Boeing's Flight Equipment Processing Facility (FEPF) located near JSC. The tool tray will be located on Endeavour's, Orbiter Vehicle (OV) 105's, middeck in forward locker MF57K and includes modified forceps, L-shaped hex wrenches, jeweler screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, bone saw, combination wrenches, override devices, switch guards, tape measure, torque driver, short screwdriver, long screwdriver, phillips screwdrivers, ratchet wrench, needlenose pliers, torque tips, adapter, universal joint, deepwell sockets, sockets, driver handle, seat adjustment tool, extensions, torque wrench, allen head drivers, hacksaw, and blades. Photo taken by NASA JSC contract photographer Benny Benavides.

  9. Linking the runoff response at micro-plot and catchment scale following wildfire and terracing, north-central Portugal

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Martins, Martinho A. S.; Rial-Rivas, María E.; Machado, Ana I.; Serpa, Dalila; Prats, Sergio A.; Faria, Sílvia R.; Varela, María E. T.; González-Pelayo, Óscar; Keizer, J. Jacob

    2015-04-01

    Wildfires are known as one of the principal natural hazards affecting the Mediterranean region. This includes Portugal, where wildfires have affected some 100.000 ha of rural lands each year. The effects of wildfires on runoff generation and/or the associated soil (fertility) losses have been studied in Portugal for more than two decades. Some of these studies have reported strong and sometimes extreme hydrological responses in recently burnt areas. Forestry operations in such areas have increasingly come to include bench terracing in preparation of new eucalypt plantations. The hydrological impacts of bench terracing, however, have received little research attention so far and the few existing publications are limited to small spatial scales. The construction of terraces is commonly considered an effective practice for soil conservation on steep slopes, having been applied by mankind since early history. Nonetheless, the present authors have measured high rates of splash as well as inter-rill erosion on recently constructed terraces, and have regularly observed rill formation, including on forest tracks which typically constitute an extensive network in such bench terraced plantations. The present study was carried out in a 29-ha forest catchment in north-central Portugal that was burnt by a wildfire during the summer of 2010, logged during early winter 2010/11, and then bench terraced with bulldozers during late winter 2011, some 6 months after the wildfire. The catchment outlet was instrumented immediately after the fire with an automatic hydrometric station comprising two subsequent flumes with maximum discharge capacities of 120 and 1700 l sec-1. Within the catchment, rainfall was measured using several automatic and storage gauges and overland flow was monitored on two contrasting slopes using 3 micro-plots of approximately 0.25m2 on each slope.Overland flow was measured at 1- to 2-weekly intervals during the hydrological years of 2010/11 and 2011/12, i.e. during the first six months after the wildfire but before the bench terracing and during the subsequent 18 months. While data analysis is still ongoing, preliminary results suggested that bench terracing had a greater impact on runoff generation than the wildfire itself, especially at the micro-plot scale

  10. Finite element fatigue analysis of rectangular clutch spring of automatic slack adjuster

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Chen-jie; Luo, Zai; Hu, Xiao-feng; Jiang, Wen-song

    2015-02-01

    The failure of rectangular clutch spring of automatic slack adjuster directly affects the work of automatic slack adjuster. We establish the structural mechanics model of automatic slack adjuster rectangular clutch spring based on its working principle and mechanical structure. In addition, we upload such structural mechanics model to ANSYS Workbench FEA system to predict the fatigue life of rectangular clutch spring. FEA results show that the fatigue life of rectangular clutch spring is 2.0403×105 cycle under the effect of braking loads. In the meantime, fatigue tests of 20 automatic slack adjusters are carried out on the fatigue test bench to verify the conclusion of the structural mechanics model. The experimental results show that the mean fatigue life of rectangular clutch spring is 1.9101×105, which meets the results based on the finite element analysis using ANSYS Workbench FEA system.

  11. 17. DETAIL INTERIOR VIEW OF CONTROL ROOM ON LEVEL +77 ...

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

    17. DETAIL INTERIOR VIEW OF CONTROL ROOM ON LEVEL +77 OF POWERHOUSE #1; NOTEBOOKS IN FOREGROUND ARE ON TOP OF THE NEW SWITCH GEAR CONTROL CONSOLE; THE ORIGINAL OPERATOR DESK IS IN CENTER; THE ORIGINAL BENCH BOARD CONTROLS ARE IN BACKGROUND. - Bonneville Project, Powerhouse No.1, Spanning Bradford Slough, from Bradford Island, Bonneville, Multnomah County, OR

  12. 49 CFR 236.202 - Signal governing movements over hand-operated switch.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Signal governing movements over hand-operated..., AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.202 Signal governing movements over hand-operated switch. Signal governing movements over hand-operated switch in the facing direction shall display...

  13. 46 CFR 111.103-7 - Ventilation stop stations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... Case of Fire Break Glass and Operate Switch to Stop Ventilation;” (c) Have the “stop” position of the switch clearly identified; (d) Have a nameplate that identifies the system controlled; and (e) Be arranged so that damage to the switch or cable automatically stops the equipment controlled. ...

  14. 46 CFR 111.103-7 - Ventilation stop stations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... Case of Fire Break Glass and Operate Switch to Stop Ventilation;” (c) Have the “stop” position of the switch clearly identified; (d) Have a nameplate that identifies the system controlled; and (e) Be arranged so that damage to the switch or cable automatically stops the equipment controlled. ...

  15. 46 CFR 111.103-7 - Ventilation stop stations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... Case of Fire Break Glass and Operate Switch to Stop Ventilation;” (c) Have the “stop” position of the switch clearly identified; (d) Have a nameplate that identifies the system controlled; and (e) Be arranged so that damage to the switch or cable automatically stops the equipment controlled. ...

  16. 46 CFR 111.103-7 - Ventilation stop stations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... Case of Fire Break Glass and Operate Switch to Stop Ventilation;” (c) Have the “stop” position of the switch clearly identified; (d) Have a nameplate that identifies the system controlled; and (e) Be arranged so that damage to the switch or cable automatically stops the equipment controlled. ...

  17. Optical switching using IP protocol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Utreras, Andres J.; Gusqui, Luis; Reyes, Andres; Mena, Ricardo I.; Licenko, Gennady L.; Amirgaliyev, Yedilkhan; Komada, Paweł; Luganskaya, Saule; Kashaganova, Gulzhan

    2017-08-01

    To understand and evaluate the Optical Layer, and how it will affect the IP protocols over WDM (Switching), the present analyse is proposed. Optical communications have attractive proprieties, but also have some disadvantages, so the challenge is to combine the best of both branches. In this paper, general concepts for different options of switching are reviewed as: optical burst switching (OBS) and automatically switching optical network (ASON). Specific details such as their architectures are also discussed. In addition, the relevant characteristics of each variation for switching are reviewed.

  18. Automatic amino acid analyzer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Berdahl, B. J.; Carle, G. C.; Oyama, V. I.

    1971-01-01

    Analyzer operates unattended or up to 15 hours. It has an automatic sample injection system and can be programmed. All fluid-flow valve switching is accomplished pneumatically from miniature three-way solenoid pilot valves.

  19. Metal artifact reduction by filter-based dual-energy cone-beam computed tomography on a bench-top micro-CBCT system: concept and demonstration.

    PubMed

    Iramina, Hiraku; Hamaguchi, Takumi; Nakamura, Mitsuhiro; Mizowaki, Takashi; Kanno, Ikuo

    2018-04-30

    We evaluated two dual-energy cone-beam computed tomography (DE-CBCT) methodologies for a bench-top micro-CBCT system to reduce metal artifacts on reconstructed images. Two filter-based DE-CBCT methodologies were tested: (i) alternative spectral switching and (ii) simultaneous beam splitting. We employed filters of 0.6-mm-thick tin and 0.1-mm-thick tungsten to generate high- and low-energy spectra from 120 kVp X-rays, respectively. The spectral switching method was imitated by two half scans with different filters (pseudo-switching). Filters were placed and between the X-ray tube and a phantom ('1-u,' '2-u'), a phantom and a flat panel detector ('1-d,' '2-d'), and compared with (iii) two half scans at 80 and 140 kVp [pseudo-(80,140)]. For the splitting method, two half-width filters were aligned along a rotating axis. Projections were separated into halves and merged with corresponding areas of opposed projections after one full rotation. A solid 30-mm-diameter acrylic phantom and an acrylic phantom with four 5-mm-diameter titanium rods were used. DE images were generated by weighted summation of the high- and low-energy images. The blending factor was changed from 0 to +5 in increments of 0.01. Relative errors (REs) of the linear attenuation coefficients of the two phantoms and the contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) between the titanium and acrylic regions were compared. All methods showed zero REs except for the method (2-d). CNRs for pseudo-switching with upstream placement were 1.4-fold larger than CNRs for the pseudo-(80,140) method. CNRs for the downstream placements were small. It was concluded that the pseudo-switching method with upstream placement is appropriate for reducing metal artifacts.

  20. Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence Electronic Warfare (C4IEW) and Sensors. Project Book. Fiscal Year 1996

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1996-01-01

    INTENSIFICATION (AI2) ATD AERIAL SCOUT SENSORS INTEGRATION (ASSI) BISTATIC RADAR FOR WEAPONS LOCATION (BRWL) ATD CLOSE IN MAN PORTABLE MINE DETECTOR (CIMMD...MS IV PE & LINE #: 1X428010.D107 HI Operations/Support DESCRIPTION: The AN/TTC-39A Circuit Switch is a 744 line mobile , automatic ...SYNOPSIS: AN/TTC-39 IS A MOBILE , AUTOMATIC , MODULAR ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT SWITCH UNDER PROCESSOR CONTROL WITH INTEGRAL COMSEC AND MULTIPLEX EQUIPMENT. AN/TTC

  1. Automatic Locker Key With Barcode Based Microcontroller Atmega 8535

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fahmi, M. Irfan; Efendi Hutagalung, Jhonson

    2017-12-01

    MCB (miniature circuit breaker) is an electromagnetic device that embodies complete enclosure in a molded insulating material. The main function of an MCB is to switch the circuit, i.e., to open the circuit (which has been connected to it) automatically when the current passing through it (MCB) exceeds the value for which it is set. Unlike fuse, an MCB can be easily reset and thus offers improved operational safety and greater convenience without incurring large operating cost.The principal of operation is simple. In simple terms MCB is a switch which automatically turns off when the current flowing through it passes the maximum allowable limit. Generally MCB are designed to protect against over current and over temperature faults (over heating). Sometimes the overload the current through the bimetal causes to raise the temperature of it. The heat generated within the bimetal itself enough to cause deflection due to thermal expansion of metals. This solution is used by LDR, and LM 35 as the sencor to control center. Therefore it is very important because it is related about local control switches, isolating switches against faults and overload protection devices for installations or specific equipments or appliances

  2. Dynamic Testing and Automatic Repair of Reconfigurable Wiring Harnesses

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-11-27

    Switch An M ×N grid of switches configured to provide a M -input, N -output routing network. Permutation Network A permutation network performs an...wiring reduces the effective advantage of their reduced switch count, particularly when considering that regular grids (crossbar switches being a...are connected to. The outline circuit shown in Fig. 20 shows how a suitable ‘discovery probe’ might be implemented. The circuit shows a UART

  3. Commutated automatic gain control system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Yost, S. R.

    1982-01-01

    A commutated automatic gain control (AGC) system was designed and built for a prototype Loran C receiver. The receiver uses a microcomputer to control a memory aided phase-locked loop (MAPLL). The microcomputer also controls the input/output, latitude/longitude conversion, and the recently added AGC system. The circuit designed for the AGC is described, and bench and flight test results are presented. The AGC circuit described actually samples starting at a point 40 microseconds after a zero crossing determined by the software lock pulse ultimately generated by a 30 microsecond delay and add network in the receiver front end envelope detector.

  4. Automatic assembly of micro-optical components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gengenbach, Ulrich K.

    1996-12-01

    Automatic assembly becomes an important issue as hybrid micro systems enter industrial fabrication. Moving from a laboratory scale production with manual assembly and bonding processes to automatic assembly requires a thorough re- evaluation of the design, the characteristics of the individual components and of the processes involved. Parts supply for automatic operation, sensitive and intelligent grippers adapted to size, surface and material properties of the microcomponents gain importance when the superior sensory and handling skills of a human are to be replaced by a machine. This holds in particular for the automatic assembly of micro-optical components. The paper outlines these issues exemplified at the automatic assembly of a micro-optical duplexer consisting of a micro-optical bench fabricated by the LIGA technique, two spherical lenses, a wavelength filter and an optical fiber. Spherical lenses, wavelength filter and optical fiber are supplied by third party vendors, which raises the question of parts supply for automatic assembly. The bonding processes for these components include press fit and adhesive bonding. The prototype assembly system with all relevant components e.g. handling system, parts supply, grippers and control is described. Results of first automatic assembly tests are presented.

  5. Silicon Carbide MOSFET-Based Switching Power Amplifier for Precision Magnet Control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miller, Kenneth; Ziemba, Timothy; Prager, James; Picard, Julian

    2016-10-01

    Eagle Harbor Technologies, Inc. (EHT) is using the latest in solid-state switching technologies to advance the state-of-the-art in magnet control for fusion science. Silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs offer advantages over IGBTs including lower drive energy requirements, lower conduction and switching losses, and higher switching frequency capabilities. When comparing SiC and traditional silicon-based MOSFETs, SiC MOSFETs provide higher current carrying capability allowing for smaller package weights and sizes and lower operating temperature. To validate the design, EHT has developed a low-power switching power amplifier (SPA), which has been used for precision control of magnetic fields, including rapidly changing the fields in coils. This design has been incorporated in to a high power SPA, which has been bench tested. This high power SPA will be tested at the Helicity Injected Torus (HIT) at the University of Washington. Following successful testing, EHT will produce enough SiC MOSFET-based SPAs to replace all of the units at HIT, which allows for higher frequency operation and an overall increase in pulsed current levels.

  6. Orbit Correction for the Newly Developed Polarization-Switching Undulator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Obina, Takashi; Honda, Tohru; Shioya, Tatsuro; Kobayashi, Yukinori; Tsuchiya, Kimichika; Yamamoto, Shigeru

    2007-01-01

    A new scheme of undulator magnet arrangements has been proposed and developed as a polarization-switching radiation source, and its test-stand was installed in the 2.5-GeV Photon Factory storage ring (PF ring) in order to investigate the effects on the beam orbit. The closed orbit distortion (COD) over 200 μm was produced in a vertical direction when we switched the polarization of the radiation from the test-stand. In a horizontal direction, the COD was less than 50μm. The results agreed well with the predictions from the magnetic-field measurement on the bench. In order to suppress the CODs and realize a stable operation of the ring with the polarization-switching, we developed an orbit correction system which consists of an encoder to detect motion of magnets, a pair of beam position monitors (BPMs), signal processing parts, and a pair of steering magnets. We succeeded in suppressing the CODs to the level below 3μm using the system even when we switch the polarization at a maximum frequency of 0.8 Hz.

  7. Preliminary Engineering Design Package for the Basin A Neck Groundwater Intercept and Treatment System Interim Response Action

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-02-01

    INDICATOR pPOST-FILTERED VITER RPUESIC POST-FILTRATION POLYMER SOLUTION MCUUM BREAKER FILTRATION POLYMER D*+RENTALkL PRESSURE SWITCH FEED PUMPS POLYMER...differential pressure switch signals the need for backwash of the operating filter. At this time, flow is S automatically switched to the standby filter...filter is undergoing backwash or on standby. High differential pressure across the filter bed, as sensed by a differential pressure switch , signals

  8. Passive gas-gap heat switch for adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Shirron, Peter J. (Inventor); Di Pirro, Michael J. (Inventor)

    2005-01-01

    A passive gas-gap heat switch for use with a multi-stage continuous adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR). The passive gas-gap heat switch turns on automatically when the temperature of either side of the switch rises above a threshold value and turns off when the temperature on either side of the switch falls below this threshold value. One of the heat switches in this multistage process must be conductive in the 0.25? K to 0.3? K range. All of the heat switches must be capable of switching off in a short period of time (1-2 minutes), and when off to have a very low thermal conductance. This arrangement allows cyclic cooling cycles to be used without the need for separate heat switch controls.

  9. Interchangeability of biosimilar and biological reference product: updated regulatory positions and pre- and post-marketing evidence.

    PubMed

    Trifirò, Gianluca; Marcianò, Ilaria; Ingrasciotta, Ylenia

    2018-03-01

    Since 2006, biosimilars have been available in several countries worldwide, thus allowing for potential savings in pharmaceutical expenditure. However, there have been numerous debates about the interchangeability of biosimilars and reference products based on concerns of immunogenicity by switching between biological products, which may cause lack of effect and toxicity. Areas covered: The authors provide the reader with an overview of the different positions of regulatory authorities on the interchangeability and automatic substitution of biosimilars and reference products. Presently, the FDA allows automatic substitution without prescriber intervention if the biosimilar is interchangeable with reference products, while the European Medicines Agency delegate to each single EU member state. Expert opinion: Different approaches in defining interchangeability and automatic substitution call for harmonization to increase confidence of healthcare professionals and patients about the clinical impact of switching. Networks of electronic healthcare records and administrative databases, potentially linkable to clinical charts and registries may rapidly assess frequency and benefit-risk profile of different switching patterns in routine care at different levels, thus integrating and strengthening pre-marketing evidence.

  10. Evaluation of Plastic Media Blasting Equipment

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-04-01

    the differential pressure across the filter element or by a timer with a differential pressure switch override. The timer and the differential pressure ...automatic. The mechanism should be activated by the differential pressure across the filter element or by a timer with a differential pressure switch override...The timer and the differential pressure switch settings should be adjustable. The dust then falls to the bottom of the baghouse for

  11. Water electrolysis system refurbishment and testing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Greenough, B. M.

    1972-01-01

    The electrolytic oxygen generator for the back-up water electrolysis system in a 90-day manned test was refurbished, improved and subjected to a 182-day bench test. The performance of the system during the test demonstrated the soundness of the basic electrolysis concept, the high development status of the automatic controls which allowed completely hands-off operation, and the capability for orbital operation. Some design improvements are indicated.

  12. 49 CFR 236.207 - Electric lock on hand-operated switch; control.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Electric lock on hand-operated switch; control...) FEDERAL RAILROAD ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION RULES, STANDARDS, AND INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING..., AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.207 Electric lock on hand-operated...

  13. Load-Dependent Interference of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus with Switching from Automatic to Controlled Processing During Random Number Generation in Parkinson's Disease.

    PubMed

    Williams, Isobel Anne; Wilkinson, Leonora; Limousin, Patricia; Jahanshahi, Marjan

    2015-01-01

    Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) ameliorates the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, some aspects of executive control are impaired with STN DBS. We tested the prediction that (i) STN DBS interferes with switching from automatic to controlled processing during fast-paced random number generation (RNG) (ii) STN DBS-induced cognitive control changes are load-dependent. Fifteen PD patients with bilateral STN DBS performed paced-RNG, under three levels of cognitive load synchronised with a pacing stimulus presented at 1, 0.5 and 0.33 Hz (faster rates require greater cognitive control), with DBS on or off. Measures of output randomness were calculated. Countscore 1 (CS1) indicates habitual counting in steps of one (CS1). Countscore 2 (CS2) indicates a more controlled strategy of counting in twos. The fastest rate was associated with an increased CS1 score with STN DBS on compared to off. At the slowest rate, patients had higher CS2 scores with DBS off than on, such that the differences between CS1 and CS2 scores disappeared. We provide evidence for a load-dependent effect of STN DBS on paced RNG in PD. Patients could switch to more controlled RNG strategies during conditions of low cognitive load at slower rates only when the STN stimulators were off, but when STN stimulation was on, they engaged in more automatic habitual counting under increased cognitive load. These findings are consistent with the proposal that the STN implements a switch signal from the medial frontal cortex which enables a shift from automatic to controlled processing.

  14. Load-Dependent Interference of Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus with Switching from Automatic to Controlled Processing During Random Number Generation in Parkinson’s Disease

    PubMed Central

    Williams, Isobel Anne; Wilkinson, Leonora; Limousin, Patricia; Jahanshahi, Marjan

    2015-01-01

    Background: Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS) ameliorates the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, some aspects of executive control are impaired with STN DBS. Objective: We tested the prediction that (i) STN DBS interferes with switching from automatic to controlled processing during fast-paced random number generation (RNG) (ii) STN DBS-induced cognitive control changes are load-dependent. Methods: Fifteen PD patients with bilateral STN DBS performed paced-RNG, under three levels of cognitive load synchronised with a pacing stimulus presented at 1, 0.5 and 0.33 Hz (faster rates require greater cognitive control), with DBS on or off. Measures of output randomness were calculated. Countscore 1 (CS1) indicates habitual counting in steps of one (CS1). Countscore 2 (CS2) indicates a more controlled strategy of counting in twos. Results: The fastest rate was associated with an increased CS1 score with STN DBS on compared to off. At the slowest rate, patients had higher CS2 scores with DBS off than on, such that the differences between CS1 and CS2 scores disappeared. Conclusions: We provide evidence for a load-dependent effect of STN DBS on paced RNG in PD. Patients could switch to more controlled RNG strategies during conditions of low cognitive load at slower rates only when the STN stimulators were off, but when STN stimulation was on, they engaged in more automatic habitual counting under increased cognitive load. These findings are consistent with the proposal that the STN implements a switch signal from the medial frontal cortex which enables a shift from automatic to controlled processing. PMID:25720447

  15. A mechanically driven switch for decoupling cryocoolers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    van der Laan, M. T. G.; Tax, R.; Ten Kate, H. H. J.; van de Klundert, L. J. M.

    A superconductive magnet system solely cooled by thermal conduction and two Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers has been developed. One cooler is redundant to obtain reliable and serviceable operation. The magnet operates at a temperature of 12 K. In order to reduce the heat flux into the system when one cooler is out of service, two thermal switches were developed with the following features. In both cases, thermal contact is made by pressing two or more pieces of metal against each other. The first switch is a lathe-chuck type and consists of three metal pieces symmetrically arranged around a metal bar. They are simultaneously pushed in a radial direction thus making mechanical and thermal contact. The second is a bench-vise type. A metal bar is clamped between two metal jaws by means of the action of a screw driven by an external torque. In both cases, relatively fast switching is possible. The thermal resistance obtained in the on-state was better than 0.5 W/K, and in the off-state at least a factor of 1000 less. Thermal and mechanical cycling appeared to have no large influence on the switch performance.

  16. The Infrared Automatic Mass Screening (IRAMS) System For Printed Circuit Board Fault Detection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hugo, Perry W.

    1987-05-01

    Office of the Program Manager for TMDE (OPM TMDE) has initiated a program to develop techniques for evaluating the performance of printed circuit boards (PCB's) using infrared thermal imaging. It is OPM TMDE's expectation that the standard thermal profile (STP) will become the basis for the future rapid automatic detection and isolation of gross failure mechanisms on units under test (UUT's). To accomplish this OPM TMDE has purchased two Infrared Automatic Mass Screening ( I RAMS) systems which are scheduled for delivery in 1987. The IRAMS system combines a high resolution infrared thermal imager with a test bench and diagnostic computer hardware and software. Its purpose is to rapidly and automatically compare the thermal profiles of a UUT with the STP of that unit, recalled from memory, in order to detect thermally responsive failure mechanisms in PCB's. This paper will review the IRAMS performance requirements, outline the plan for implementing the two systems and report on progress to date.

  17. 49 CFR 236.207 - Electric lock on hand-operated switch; control.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.207 Electric lock on hand-operated... 49 Transportation 4 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Electric lock on hand-operated switch; control...

  18. 49 CFR 236.528 - Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and... with circuit controller is used, the resultant restrictive condition of an automatic train stop or...

  19. 49 CFR 236.528 - Restrictive condition resulting from open hand-operated switch; requirement.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Train Stop, Train Control and Cab Signal Systems Rules and... with circuit controller is used, the resultant restrictive condition of an automatic train stop or...

  20. Development of a 30mm Frangible Projectile Crimper

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1977-02-01

    located at end of tank. Open drain valve to drain condensation Tht outomatic lank drain equipped compressor makes this unnecessary. PRESSURE SWITCH : The... pressure switch is automatic and will start compressor at the low pressure and stop when the maximum pressure is leached. It is adjusted to start...of the check valve, located between the compressor and the tank, together with the relief valve on pressure switch relief valve units, and the cen

  1. What is automatized during perceptual categorization?

    PubMed Central

    Roeder, Jessica L.; Ashby, F. Gregory

    2016-01-01

    An experiment is described that tested whether stimulus-response associations or an abstract rule are automatized during extensive practice at perceptual categorization. Twenty-seven participants each completed 12,300 trials of perceptual categorization, either on rule-based (RB) categories that could be learned explicitly or information-integration (II) categories that required procedural learning. Each participant practiced predominantly on a primary category structure, but every third session they switched to a secondary structure that used the same stimuli and responses. Half the stimuli retained their same response on the primary and secondary categories (the congruent stimuli) and half switched responses (the incongruent stimuli). Several results stood out. First, performance on the primary categories met the standard criteria of automaticity by the end of training. Second, for the primary categories in the RB condition, accuracy and response time (RT) were identical on congruent and incongruent stimuli. In contrast, for the primary II categories, accuracy was higher and RT was lower for congruent than for incongruent stimuli. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that rules are automatized in RB tasks, whereas stimulus-response associations are automatized in II tasks. A cognitive neuroscience theory is proposed that accounts for these results. PMID:27232521

  2. Method to optimize optical switch topology for photonic network-on-chip

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Ting; Jia, Hao

    2018-04-01

    In this paper, we propose a method to optimize the optical switch by substituting optical waveguide crossings for optical switching units and an optimizing algorithm to complete the optimization automatically. The functionality of the optical switch remains constant under optimization. With this method, we simplify the topology of optical switch, which means the insertion loss and power consumption of the whole optical switch can be effectively minimized. Simulation result shows that the number of switching units of the optical switch based on Spanke-Benes can be reduced by 16.7%, 20%, 20%, 19% and 17.9% for the scale from 4 × 4 to 8 × 8 respectively. As a proof of concept, the experimental demonstration of an optimized six-port optical switch based on Spanke-Benes structure by means of silicon photonics chip is reported.

  3. 46 CFR 58.25-70 - Steering-gear control systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... MACHINERY AND RELATED SYSTEMS Steering Gear § 58.25-70 Steering-gear control systems. (a) Each power-driven... arranged so that one operation of the switch's lever automatically supplies power to a complete system and its associated power unit or units. This switch must be— (1) Operated by one lever; (2) Arranged so...

  4. 46 CFR 58.25-70 - Steering-gear control systems.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... MACHINERY AND RELATED SYSTEMS Steering Gear § 58.25-70 Steering-gear control systems. (a) Each power-driven... arranged so that one operation of the switch's lever automatically supplies power to a complete system and its associated power unit or units. This switch must be— (1) Operated by one lever; (2) Arranged so...

  5. 47 CFR 15.231 - Periodic operation in the band 40.66-40.70 MHz and above 70 MHz.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... from intentional radiators operated under this section shall not exceed the following: Fundamental... signal such as those used with alarm systems, door openers, remote switches, etc. Continuous... operation: (1) A manually operated transmitter shall employ a switch that will automatically deactivate the...

  6. Automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine

    DOEpatents

    Jostlein, H.

    1997-07-15

    An automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine determines the accuracy of a coordinate measuring machine having at least one servo drive. The apparatus comprises a first and second gauge ball connected by a telescoping rigid member. The rigid member includes a switch such that inward radial movement of the second gauge ball relative to the first gauge ball causes activation of the switch. The first gauge ball is secured in a first magnetic socket assembly in order to maintain the first gauge ball at a fixed location with respect to the coordinate measuring machine. A second magnetic socket assembly secures the second gauge ball to the arm or probe holder of the coordinate measuring machine. The second gauge ball is then directed by the coordinate measuring machine to move radially inward from a point just beyond the length of the ball bar until the switch is activated. Upon switch activation, the position of the coordinate measuring machine is determined and compared to known ball bar length such that the accuracy of the coordinate measuring machine can be determined. 5 figs.

  7. Automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine

    DOEpatents

    Jostlein, Hans

    1997-01-01

    An automatic ball bar for a coordinate measuring machine determines the accuracy of a coordinate measuring machine having at least one servo drive. The apparatus comprises a first and second gauge ball connected by a telescoping rigid member. The rigid member includes a switch such that inward radial movement of the second gauge ball relative to the first gauge ball causes activation of the switch. The first gauge ball is secured in a first magnetic socket assembly in order to maintain the first gauge ball at a fixed location with respect to the coordinate measuring machine. A second magnetic socket assembly secures the second gauge ball to the arm or probe holder of the coordinate measuring machine. The second gauge ball is then directed by the coordinate measuring machine to move radially inward from a point just beyond the length of the ball bar until the switch is activated. Upon switch activation, the position of the coordinate measuring machine is determined and compared to known ball bar length such that the accuracy of the coordinate measuring machine can be determined.

  8. Nondestructive Vibratory Testing and Evaluation Procedure for Military Roads and Streets.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1984-07-01

    the addition of an auto- matic data acquisition system to the instrumentation control panel. This system , presently available, would automatically ...the data used to further develop and define the basic correlations. c. Consideration be given to installing an automatic data acquisi- tion system to...glows red any time the force generator is not fully elevated. Depressing this switch will stop the automatic cycle at any point and clear all system

  9. Automatic control of the NMB level in general anaesthesia with a switching total system mass control strategy.

    PubMed

    Teixeira, Miguel; Mendonça, Teresa; Rocha, Paula; Rabiço, Rui

    2014-12-01

    This paper presents a model based switching control strategy to drive the neuromuscular blockade (NMB) level of patients undergoing general anesthesia to a predefined reference. A single-input single-output Wiener system with only two parameters is used to model the effect of two different muscle relaxants, atracurium and rocuronium, and a switching controller is designed based on a bank of total system mass control laws. Each of such laws is tuned for an individual model from a bank chosen to represent the behavior of the whole population. The control law to be applied at each instant corresponds to the model whose NMB response is closer to the patient's response. Moreover a scheme to improve the reference tracking quality based on the analysis of the patient's response, as well as, a comparison between the switching strategy and the Extended Kalman Kilter (EKF) technique are presented. The results are illustrated by means of several simulations, where switching shows to provide good results, both in theory and in practice, with a desirable reference tracking. The reference tracking improvement technique is able to produce a better reference tracking. Also, this technique showed a better performance than the (EKF). Based on these results, the switching control strategy with a bank of total system mass control laws proved to be robust enough to be used as an automatic control system for the NMB level.

  10. Thalamic deep brain stimulation decelerates automatic lexical activation.

    PubMed

    Ehlen, Felicitas; Vonberg, Isabelle; Tiedt, Hannes O; Horn, Andreas; Fromm, Ortwin; Kühn, Andrea A; Klostermann, Fabian

    2017-02-01

    Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the thalamic ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) is a therapeutic option for patients with essential tremor. Despite a generally low risk of side effects, declines in verbal fluency (VF) have previously been reported. We aimed to specify effects of VIM-DBS on major cognitive operations needed for VF task performance, represented by clusters and switches. Clusters are word production spurts, thought to arise from automatic activation of associated information pertaining to a given lexical field. Switches are slow word-to-word transitions, presumed to indicate controlled operations for stepping from one lexical field to another. Thirteen essential tremor patients with VIM-DBS performed verbal fluency tasks in their VIM-DBS ON and OFF conditions. Clusters and switches were formally defined by mathematical criteria. All results were compared to those of fifteen healthy control subjects, and significant OFF-ON-change scores were correlated to stimulation parameters. Patients produced fewer words than healthy controls. DBS ON compared to DBS OFF aggravated this deficit by prolonging the intervals between words within clusters, whereas switches remained unaffected. This stimulation effect correlated with more anterior electrode positions. VIM-DBS seems to influence word output dynamics during verbal fluency tasks on the level of word clustering. This suggests a perturbation of automatic lexical co-activation by thalamic stimulation, particularly if delivered relatively anteriorly. The findings are discussed in the context of the hypothesized role of the thalamus in lexical processing. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Pulsed Heterodyne CO2 Laser/Scanner System. Volume 1. Assembly Report.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1983-06-01

    rack #2 houses the switches and variacs controlling the DC power rectifier, which is in an oil tank under the optical bench. These two units are...or fire hazards (due to oil filled electrical equipments). This section, however, addresses only the four main hazards. Ozone The atmospheric pressure...ventilation of the exhaust of the 002 lasers is essencial to the safe operation of this system. High Voltage The system consists of 40 separate

  12. Fiber optic crossbar switch for automatically patching optical signals

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bell, C. H. (Inventor)

    1983-01-01

    A system for automatically optically switching fiber optic data signals between a plurality of input optical fibers and selective ones of a plurality of output fibers is described. The system includes optical detectors which are connected to each of the input fibers for converting the optic data signals appearing at the respective input fibers to an RF signal. A plurality of RF to optical signal converters are arranged in rows and columns. The output of each of the optical detectors are each applied to a respective row of optical signal converted for being converters back to an optical signal when the particular optical signal converter is selectively activated by a dc voltage.

  13. 76 FR 10086 - Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-02-23

    ... automatic signals as well as the circuit controllers from five hand-operated switches and one hand-operated crossover. The hand-operated switches will remain in the application area without signal protection. The... submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in...

  14. Lesion strength control by automatic temperature guided retinal photocoagulation.

    PubMed

    Schlott, Kerstin; Koinzer, Stefan; Baade, Alexander; Birngruber, Reginald; Roider, Johann; Brinkmann, Ralf

    2016-09-01

    Laser photocoagulation is an established treatment for a variety of retinal diseases. However, when using the same irradiation parameter, the size and strength of the lesions are unpredictable due to unknown inter- and intraindividual optical properties of the fundus layers. The aim of this work is to investigate a feedback system to generate desired lesions of preselectable strengths by automatically controlling the irradiation time. Optoacoustics were used for retinal temperature monitoring. A 532-nm continuous wave Nd:YAG laser was used for photocoagulation. A 75-ns/523-nm Q-switched Nd:YLF laser simultaneously excited temperature-dependent pressure transients, which were detected at the cornea by an ultrasonic transducer embedded in a contact lens. The temperature data were analyzed during the irradiation by a LabVIEW routine. The treatment laser was switched off automatically when the required lesion strength was achieved. Five different feedback control algorithms for different lesion sizes were developed and tested on rabbits in vivo. With a laser spot diameter of 133???m, five different lesion types with ophthalmoscopically visible diameters ranging mostly between 100 and 200???m, and different appearances were achieved by automatic exposure time control. The automatically controlled lesions were widely independent of the treatment laser power and the retinal pigmentation.

  15. Lesion strength control by automatic temperature guided retinal photocoagulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schlott, Kerstin; Koinzer, Stefan; Baade, Alexander; Birngruber, Reginald; Roider, Johann; Brinkmann, Ralf

    2016-09-01

    Laser photocoagulation is an established treatment for a variety of retinal diseases. However, when using the same irradiation parameter, the size and strength of the lesions are unpredictable due to unknown inter- and intraindividual optical properties of the fundus layers. The aim of this work is to investigate a feedback system to generate desired lesions of preselectable strengths by automatically controlling the irradiation time. Optoacoustics were used for retinal temperature monitoring. A 532-nm continuous wave Nd:YAG laser was used for photocoagulation. A 75-ns/523-nm Q-switched Nd:YLF laser simultaneously excited temperature-dependent pressure transients, which were detected at the cornea by an ultrasonic transducer embedded in a contact lens. The temperature data were analyzed during the irradiation by a LabVIEW routine. The treatment laser was switched off automatically when the required lesion strength was achieved. Five different feedback control algorithms for different lesion sizes were developed and tested on rabbits in vivo. With a laser spot diameter of 133 μm, five different lesion types with ophthalmoscopically visible diameters ranging mostly between 100 and 200 μm, and different appearances were achieved by automatic exposure time control. The automatically controlled lesions were widely independent of the treatment laser power and the retinal pigmentation.

  16. A Multiple-range Self-balancing Thermocouple Potentiometer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Warshawsky, I; Estrin, M

    1951-01-01

    A multiple-range potentiometer circuit is described that provides automatic measurement of temperatures or temperature differences with any one of several thermocouple-material pairs. Techniques of automatic reference junction compensation, span adjustment, and zero suppression are described that permit rapid selection of range and wire material, without the necessity for restandardization, by setting of two external tap switches.

  17. When the brain changes its mind: Oscillatory dynamics of conflict processing and response switching in a flanker task during alcohol challenge.

    PubMed

    Beaton, Lauren E; Azma, Sheeva; Marinkovic, Ksenija

    2018-01-01

    Despite the subjective experience of being in full and deliberate control of our actions, our daily routines rely on a continuous and interactive engagement of sensory evaluation and response preparation streams. They unfold automatically and unconsciously and are seamlessly integrated with cognitive control which is mobilized by stimuli that evoke ambiguity or response conflict. Methods with high spatio-temporal sensitivity are needed to provide insight into the interplay between automatic and controlled processing. This study used anatomically-constrained MEG to examine the underlying neural dynamics in a flanker task that manipulated S-R incongruity at the stimulus (SI) and response levels (RI). Though irrelevant, flankers evoked automatic preparation of motor plans which had to be suppressed and reversed following the target presentation on RI trials. Event-related source power estimates in beta (15-25 Hz) frequency band in the sensorimotor cortex tracked motor preparation and response in real time and revealed switching from the incorrectly-primed to the correctly-responding hemisphere. In contrast, theta oscillations (4-7 Hz) were sensitive to the levels of incongruity as the medial and ventrolateral frontal cortices were especially activated by response conflict. These two areas are key to cognitive control and their integrated contributions to response inhibition and switching were revealed by phase-locked co-oscillations. These processes were pharmacologically manipulated with a moderate alcohol beverage or a placebo administered to healthy social drinkers. Alcohol selectively decreased accuracy to response conflict. It strongly attenuated theta oscillations during decision making and partly re-sculpted relative contributions of the frontal network without affecting the motor switching process subserved by beta band. Our results indicate that motor preparation is initiated automatically even when counterproductive but that it is monitored and regulated by the prefrontal cognitive control processes under conflict. They further confirm that the regulative top-down functions are particularly vulnerable to alcohol intoxication.

  18. When the brain changes its mind: Oscillatory dynamics of conflict processing and response switching in a flanker task during alcohol challenge

    PubMed Central

    Beaton, Lauren E.; Azma, Sheeva; Marinkovic, Ksenija

    2018-01-01

    Despite the subjective experience of being in full and deliberate control of our actions, our daily routines rely on a continuous and interactive engagement of sensory evaluation and response preparation streams. They unfold automatically and unconsciously and are seamlessly integrated with cognitive control which is mobilized by stimuli that evoke ambiguity or response conflict. Methods with high spatio-temporal sensitivity are needed to provide insight into the interplay between automatic and controlled processing. This study used anatomically-constrained MEG to examine the underlying neural dynamics in a flanker task that manipulated S-R incongruity at the stimulus (SI) and response levels (RI). Though irrelevant, flankers evoked automatic preparation of motor plans which had to be suppressed and reversed following the target presentation on RI trials. Event-related source power estimates in beta (15–25 Hz) frequency band in the sensorimotor cortex tracked motor preparation and response in real time and revealed switching from the incorrectly-primed to the correctly-responding hemisphere. In contrast, theta oscillations (4–7 Hz) were sensitive to the levels of incongruity as the medial and ventrolateral frontal cortices were especially activated by response conflict. These two areas are key to cognitive control and their integrated contributions to response inhibition and switching were revealed by phase-locked co-oscillations. These processes were pharmacologically manipulated with a moderate alcohol beverage or a placebo administered to healthy social drinkers. Alcohol selectively decreased accuracy to response conflict. It strongly attenuated theta oscillations during decision making and partly re-sculpted relative contributions of the frontal network without affecting the motor switching process subserved by beta band. Our results indicate that motor preparation is initiated automatically even when counterproductive but that it is monitored and regulated by the prefrontal cognitive control processes under conflict. They further confirm that the regulative top-down functions are particularly vulnerable to alcohol intoxication. PMID:29329355

  19. Automatic insulation resistance testing apparatus

    DOEpatents

    Wyant, Francis J.; Nowlen, Steven P.; Luker, Spencer M.

    2005-06-14

    An apparatus and method for automatic measurement of insulation resistances of a multi-conductor cable. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a power supply source, an input measuring means, an output measuring means, a plurality of input relay controlled contacts, a plurality of output relay controlled contacts, a relay controller and a computer. In another embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a power supply source, an input measuring means, an output measuring means, an input switching unit, an output switching unit and a control unit/data logger. Embodiments of the apparatus of the invention may also incorporate cable fire testing means. The apparatus and methods of the present invention use either voltage or current for input and output measured variables.

  20. Social task switching: On the automatic social engagement of executive functions.

    PubMed

    Dudarev, Veronica; Hassin, Ran R

    2016-01-01

    Humans are quintessentially social, yet much of cognitive psychology has focused on the individual, in individual settings. The literature on joint action is one of the most prominent exceptions. Joint-action research studies the sociality of our mental representations by examining how the tasks of other people around us affect our own task performance. In this paper we go beyond examining whether we represent others and their tasks, by asking whether we also automatically do their tasks with them, even if they require effortful executive functions. To this end we examine one of the core executive functions, shifting, in a new paradigm that allows us to investigate task-switching in a joint-action setup. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Formally specifying the logic of an automatic guidance controller

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Guaspari, David

    1990-01-01

    The following topics are covered in viewgraph form: (1) the Penelope Project; (2) the logic of an experimental automatic guidance control system for a 737; (3) Larch/Ada specification; (4) some failures of informal description; (5) description of mode changes caused by switches; (6) intuitive description of window status (chosen vs. current); (7) design of the code; (8) and specifying the code.

  2. Functional relationships among monitoring performance: Subjective report of thought process and compromising states of awareness

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Freeman, Frederick

    1995-01-01

    A biocybernetic system for use in adaptive automation was evaluated using EEG indices based on the beta, alpha, and theta bandwidths. Subjects performed a compensatory tracking task while their EEG was recorded and one of three engagement indices was derived: beta/(alpha + theta), beta/alpha, or 1/alpha. The task was switched between manual and automatic modes as a function of the subjects' level of engagement and whether they were under a positive or negative feedback condition. It was hypothesized that negative feedback would produce more switches between manual and automatic modes, and that the beta/(alpha + theta) index would produce the strongest effect. The results confirmed these hypotheses. There were no systematic changes in these effects over three 16-minute trials. Tracking performance was found to be better under negative feedback. An analysis of the different EEG bands under positive and negative feedback in manual and automatic modes found more beta power in the positive feedback/manual condition and less in the positive feedback/automatic condition. The opposite effect was observed for alpha and theta power. The implications of biocybernetic systems for adaptive automation are discussed.

  3. A Low-Cost CMOS Programmable Temperature Switch

    PubMed Central

    Li, Yunlong; Wu, Nanjian

    2008-01-01

    A novel uncalibrated CMOS programmable temperature switch with high temperature accuracy is presented. Its threshold temperature Tth can be programmed by adjusting the ratios of width and length of the transistors. The operating principles of the temperature switch circuit is theoretically explained. A floating gate neural MOS circuit is designed to compensate automatically the threshold temperature Tth variation that results form the process tolerance. The switch circuit is implemented in a standard 0.35 μm CMOS process. The temperature switch can be programmed to perform the switch operation at 16 different threshold temperature Tths from 45—120°C with a 5°C increment. The measurement shows a good consistency in the threshold temperatures. The chip core area is 0.04 mm2 and power consumption is 3.1 μA at 3.3V power supply. The advantages of the temperature switch are low power consumption, the programmable threshold temperature and the controllable hysteresis. PMID:27879871

  4. Design of an Automatic Octave Sound Analyzer and Recorder

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1942-11-21

    e Fredric Flader Henry K. Growald Mr. A. E. Raymond Mr. E. P. Wheaton El Segundo, California Mr. Paul Dennis Fairchild Aircraft Division...Dr. E. B« I-’oots Dr. R. H. Nichols, Jr\\ Mr. H. ■v. RudiTiose Mr. R. L. Wallace , Jr. Dr. P. M. Wiener Mr. H. F. Dienel Mr. H. L. Eri c :J on Mr...25 43 I / Recorder Motor "ON-OFF Switch^//’] \\ ^ti Indexing Switch Mazda 47 B j MUT Pilot Light -Jjv k4: 10A. \\A Start Switch ch

  5. Zero-voltage DC/DC converter with asymmetric pulse-width modulation for DC micro-grid system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Bor-Ren

    2018-04-01

    This paper presents a zero-voltage switching DC/DC converter for DC micro-grid system applications. The proposed circuit includes three half-bridge circuit cells connected in primary-series and secondary-parallel in order to lessen the voltage rating of power switches and current rating of rectifier diodes. Thus, low voltage stress of power MOSFETs can be adopted for high-voltage input applications with high switching frequency operation. In order to achieve low switching losses and high circuit efficiency, asymmetric pulse-width modulation is used to turn on power switches at zero voltage. Flying capacitors are used between each circuit cell to automatically balance input split voltages. Therefore, the voltage stress of each power switch is limited at Vin/3. Finally, a prototype is constructed and experiments are provided to demonstrate the circuit performance.

  6. Leveling

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    1966-01-01

    Geodetic leveling by the U.S. Geological Survey provides a framework of accurate elevations for topographic mapping. Elevations are referred to the Sea Level Datum of 1929. Lines of leveling may be run either with automatic or with precise spirit levels, by either the center-wire or the three-wire method. For future use, the surveys are monumented with bench marks, using standard metal tablets or other marking devices. The elevations are adjusted by least squares or other suitable method and are published in lists of control.

  7. A New Test Method for Material Flammability Assessment in Microgravity and Extraterrestrial Environments

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Olson, S. L.; Beeson, H. D.; Haas, J. P.; Baas, J. S.

    2004-01-01

    The objective of this research is to modify the well-instrumented standard cone configuration to provide a reproducible bench-scale test environment that simulates the buoyant or ventilation flow that would be generated by or around a burning surface in a spacecraft or extraterrestrial gravity level. We will then develop a standard test method with pass-fail criteria for future use in spacecraft materials flammability screening. (For example, dripping of molten material will be an automatic fail.)

  8. State Recognition of High Voltage Isolation Switch Based on Background Difference and Iterative Search

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Jiayuan; Yu, Chengtao; Bo, Bin; Xue, Yu; Xu, Changfu; Chaminda, P. R. Dushantha; Hu, Chengbo; Peng, Kai

    2018-03-01

    The automatic recognition of the high voltage isolation switch by remote video monitoring is an effective means to ensure the safety of the personnel and the equipment. The existing methods mainly include two ways: improving monitoring accuracy and adopting target detection technology through equipment transformation. Such a method is often applied to specific scenarios, with limited application scope and high cost. To solve this problem, a high voltage isolation switch state recognition method based on background difference and iterative search is proposed in this paper. The initial position of the switch is detected in real time through the background difference method. When the switch starts to open and close, the target tracking algorithm is used to track the motion trajectory of the switch. The opening and closing state of the switch is determined according to the angle variation of the switch tracking point and the center line. The effectiveness of the method is verified by experiments on different switched video frames of switching states. Compared with the traditional methods, this method is more robust and effective.

  9. Improving HybrID: How to best combine indirect and direct encoding in evolutionary algorithms.

    PubMed

    Helms, Lucas; Clune, Jeff

    2017-01-01

    Many challenging engineering problems are regular, meaning solutions to one part of a problem can be reused to solve other parts. Evolutionary algorithms with indirect encoding perform better on regular problems because they reuse genomic information to create regular phenotypes. However, on problems that are mostly regular, but contain some irregularities, which describes most real-world problems, indirect encodings struggle to handle the irregularities, hurting performance. Direct encodings are better at producing irregular phenotypes, but cannot exploit regularity. An algorithm called HybrID combines the best of both: it first evolves with indirect encoding to exploit problem regularity, then switches to direct encoding to handle problem irregularity. While HybrID has been shown to outperform both indirect and direct encoding, its initial implementation required the manual specification of when to switch from indirect to direct encoding. In this paper, we test two new methods to improve HybrID by eliminating the need to manually specify this parameter. Auto-Switch-HybrID automatically switches from indirect to direct encoding when fitness stagnates. Offset-HybrID simultaneously evolves an indirect encoding with directly encoded offsets, eliminating the need to switch. We compare the original HybrID to these alternatives on three different problems with adjustable regularity. The results show that both Auto-Switch-HybrID and Offset-HybrID outperform the original HybrID on different types of problems, and thus offer more tools for researchers to solve challenging problems. The Offset-HybrID algorithm is particularly interesting because it suggests a path forward for automatically and simultaneously combining the best traits of indirect and direct encoding.

  10. Automation of data collection for PWAS-based structural health monitoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Weiping; Giurgiutiu, Victor

    2005-05-01

    Crack detection with piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) is emerging as an effective and powerful technique in structural health monitoring (SHM). Because of the piezoelectric properties of the PWAS, they act as both transmitters and receivers of guided Lamb waves for such applications. With arrays of PWAS attached to the structure, excitation signals are sent to one of the PWAS and wave signals from the structure are received at all the PWAS. The signals are analyzed to detect the position of cracks. One important issue associated with the PWAS-assisted SHM is the connectivity between the PWAS arrays and the measurement instruments. An automatic signal collection unit is necessary to send the excitation signals to PWAS and acquire the response signal from another PWAS. Such a program-controlled switching unit can quickly and precisely execute the data collection in a way which is more efficient and reliable than the manual switching operations. In this paper, we present an innovative design of a LabVIEW controlled automatic signal collection unit (ASCU) for PWAS-assisted SHM. The hardware circuit construction and the control LabVIEW program are discussed. As a conduit between the phase array of PWAS and the signal instruments (signal generators, oscilloscopes etc.), the ASCU provides a convenient way to switch excitation and echo signals automatically to the selected PWAS transducers with the help of GUI in the LabVIEW control program. The control program is easy to implement and can be integrated into an upper level program that executes the whole task of signal acquisition and analysis. Because of the concise design of the hardware, the ASCU concept of the auto signal switch has been extended to other application cases such as the electromechanical (E/M) impedance measurement for SHM.

  11. Modulation of resistive switching characteristics for individual BaTiO3 microfiber by surface oxygen vacancies

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miao, Zhilei; Chen, Lei; Zhou, Fang; Wang, Qiang

    2018-01-01

    Different from traditional thin-film BaTiO3 (BTO) RRAM device with planar structure, individual microfiber-shaped RRAM device, showing promising application potentials in the micro-sized non-volatile memory system, has not been investigated so far to demonstrate resistive switching behavior. In this work, individual sol-gel BTO microfiber has been formed using the draw-bench method, followed by annealing in different atmospheres of air and argon, respectively. The resistive switching characteristics of the individual BTO microfiber have been investigated by employing double-probe SEM measurement system, which shows great convenience to test local electrical properties by modulating the contact sites between the W probes and the BTO microfiber. For the sample annealed in air, the average resistive ON/OFF ratio is as high as 108, enhanced about four orders in comparison with the counterpart that annealed in Argon. For the sample annealed in argon ambience, the weakened resistive ON/OFF ratio can be attributed to the increased presence of oxygen vacancies in the surface of BTO fibers, and the underlying electrical conduction mechanisms are also discussed.

  12. Switching Circuit for Shop Vacuum System

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Burley, R. K.

    1987-01-01

    No internal connections to machine tools required. Switching circuit controls vacuum system draws debris from grinders and sanders in machine shop. Circuit automatically turns on vacuum system whenever at least one sander or grinder operating. Debris safely removed, even when operator neglects to turn on vacuum system manually. Pickup coils sense alternating magnetic fields just outside operating machines. Signal from any coil or combination of coils causes vacuum system to be turned on.

  13. Automatic Single Event Effects Sensitivity Analysis of a 13-Bit Successive Approximation ADC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Márquez, F.; Muñoz, F.; Palomo, F. R.; Sanz, L.; López-Morillo, E.; Aguirre, M. A.; Jiménez, A.

    2015-08-01

    This paper presents Analog Fault Tolerant University of Seville Debugging System (AFTU), a tool to evaluate the Single-Event Effect (SEE) sensitivity of analog/mixed signal microelectronic circuits at transistor level. As analog cells can behave in an unpredictable way when critical areas interact with the particle hitting, there is a need for designers to have a software tool that allows an automatic and exhaustive analysis of Single-Event Effects influence. AFTU takes the test-bench SPECTRE design, emulates radiation conditions and automatically evaluates vulnerabilities using user-defined heuristics. To illustrate the utility of the tool, the SEE sensitivity of a 13-bits Successive Approximation Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) has been analysed. This circuit was selected not only because it was designed for space applications, but also due to the fact that a manual SEE sensitivity analysis would be too time-consuming. After a user-defined test campaign, it was detected that some voltage transients were propagated to a node where a parasitic diode was activated, affecting the offset cancelation, and therefore the whole resolution of the ADC. A simple modification of the scheme solved the problem, as it was verified with another automatic SEE sensitivity analysis.

  14. High peak and high average radiofrequency power transmit/receive switch for thermal magnetic resonance.

    PubMed

    Ji, Yiyi; Hoffmann, Werner; Pham, Michal; Dunn, Alexander E; Han, Haopeng; Özerdem, Celal; Waiczies, Helmar; Rohloff, Michael; Endemann, Beate; Boyer, Cyrille; Lim, May; Niendorf, Thoralf; Winter, Lukas

    2018-04-01

    To study the role of temperature in biological systems, diagnostic contrasts and thermal therapies, RF pulses for MR spin excitation can be deliberately used to apply a thermal stimulus. This application requires dedicated transmit/receive (Tx/Rx) switches that support high peak powers for MRI and high average powers for RF heating. To meet this goal, we propose a high-performance Tx/Rx switch based on positive-intrinsic-negative diodes and quarter-wavelength (λ/4) stubs. The λ/4 stubs in the proposed Tx/Rx switch design route the transmitted RF signal directly to the RF coil/antenna without passing through any electronic components (e.g., positive-intrinsic-negative diodes). Bench measurements, MRI, MR thermometry, and RF heating experiments were performed at f = 297 MHz (B 0  = 7 T) to examine the characteristics and applicability of the switch. The proposed design provided an isolation of -35.7dB/-41.5dB during transmission/reception. The insertion loss was -0.41dB/-0.27dB during transmission/reception. The switch supports high peak (3.9 kW) and high average (120 W) RF powers for MRI and RF heating at f = 297 MHz. High-resolution MRI of the wrist yielded image quality competitive with that obtained with a conventional Tx/Rx switch. Radiofrequency heating in phantom monitored by MR thermometry demonstrated the switch applicability for thermal modulation. Upon these findings, thermally activated release of a model drug attached to thermoresponsive polymers was demonstrated. The high-power Tx/Rx switch enables thermal MR applications at 7 T, contributing to the study of the role of temperature in biological systems and diseases. All design files of the switch will be made available open source at www.opensourceimaging.org. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

  15. Design and construction of a novel 1H/19F double-tuned coil system using PIN-diode switches at 9.4T.

    PubMed

    Choi, Chang-Hoon; Hong, Suk-Min; Ha, YongHyun; Shah, N Jon

    2017-06-01

    A double-tuned 1 H/ 19 F coil using PIN-diode switches was developed and its performance evaluated. The is a key difference from the previous developments being that this design used a PIN-diode switch in series with an additionally inserted inductor in parallel to one of the capacitors on the loop. The probe was adjusted to 19 F when the reverse bias voltage was applied (PIN-diode OFF), whilst it was switched to 1 H when forward current was flowing (PIN-diode ON). S-parameters and Q-factors of single- and double-tuned coils were examined and compared with/without a phantom on the bench. Imaging experiments were carried out on a 9.4T preclinical scanner. All coils were tuned at resonance frequencies and matched well. It is shown that the Q-ratio and SNR of double-tuned coil at 19 F frequency are nearly as good as those of a single-tuned coil. Since the operating frequency was tuned to 19 F when the PIN-diodes were turned off, losses due to PIN-diodes were substantially lower resulting in the provision of excellent image quality of X-nuclei. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Fully Automatic Speech-Based Analysis of the Semantic Verbal Fluency Task.

    PubMed

    König, Alexandra; Linz, Nicklas; Tröger, Johannes; Wolters, Maria; Alexandersson, Jan; Robert, Phillipe

    2018-06-08

    Semantic verbal fluency (SVF) tests are routinely used in screening for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this task, participants name as many items as possible of a semantic category under a time constraint. Clinicians measure task performance manually by summing the number of correct words and errors. More fine-grained variables add valuable information to clinical assessment, but are time-consuming. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether automatic analysis of the SVF could provide these as accurate as manual and thus, support qualitative screening of neurocognitive impairment. SVF data were collected from 95 older people with MCI (n = 47), Alzheimer's or related dementias (ADRD; n = 24), and healthy controls (HC; n = 24). All data were annotated manually and automatically with clusters and switches. The obtained metrics were validated using a classifier to distinguish HC, MCI, and ADRD. Automatically extracted clusters and switches were highly correlated (r = 0.9) with manually established values, and performed as well on the classification task separating HC from persons with ADRD (area under curve [AUC] = 0.939) and MCI (AUC = 0.758). The results show that it is possible to automate fine-grained analyses of SVF data for the assessment of cognitive decline. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  17. Technology for noninvasive mechanical ventilation: looking into the black box

    PubMed Central

    Navajas, Daniel; Montserrat, Josep M.

    2016-01-01

    Current devices for providing noninvasive respiratory support contain sensors and built-in intelligence for automatically modifying ventilation according to the patient's needs. These devices, including automatic continuous positive airway pressure devices and noninvasive ventilators, are technologically complex and offer a considerable number of different modes of ventilation and setting options, the details of which are sometimes difficult to capture by the user. Therefore, better predicting and interpreting the actual performance of these ventilation devices in clinical application requires understanding their functioning principles and assessing their performance under well controlled bench test conditions with simulated patients. This concise review presents an updated perspective of the theoretical basis of intelligent continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive ventilation devices, and of the tools available for assessing how these devices respond under specific ventilation phenotypes in patients requiring breathing support. PMID:27730162

  18. Survey on RGB, 3D, Thermal, and Multimodal Approaches for Facial Expression Recognition: History, Trends, and Affect-Related Applications.

    PubMed

    Corneanu, Ciprian Adrian; Simon, Marc Oliu; Cohn, Jeffrey F; Guerrero, Sergio Escalera

    2016-08-01

    Facial expressions are an important way through which humans interact socially. Building a system capable of automatically recognizing facial expressions from images and video has been an intense field of study in recent years. Interpreting such expressions remains challenging and much research is needed about the way they relate to human affect. This paper presents a general overview of automatic RGB, 3D, thermal and multimodal facial expression analysis. We define a new taxonomy for the field, encompassing all steps from face detection to facial expression recognition, and describe and classify the state of the art methods accordingly. We also present the important datasets and the bench-marking of most influential methods. We conclude with a general discussion about trends, important questions and future lines of research.

  19. 49 CFR 236.202 - Signal governing movements over hand-operated switch.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-10-01

    ... THE INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Automatic Block Signal Systems Standards § 236.202 Signal governing movements over hand...

  20. Study of feasibility of solid-state electric switch gear for aircraft and spacecraft

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Buchanan, E.; Waddington, D.

    1973-01-01

    The design of a solid-state circuit breaker that can be interconnected to a second breaker to form a transfer switch is presented. The breaker operates on a nominal 270-V dc circuit and controls power to loads of up to 15 A. Automatic overload trip is provided as a function of excess energy measured through the breaker and/or excess current through the breaker. After an overload trip, up to nine preprogrammable attempts to reclose may be tried with programmable delays between each attempt. The breaker or switch is remotely controllable. Test data on performance in the laboratory over temperatures from -45 to 100 C are provided. The feasibility of solid-state switch gear has been established.

  1. Metallic oxide switches using thick film technology

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Patel, D. N.; Williams, L., Jr.

    1974-01-01

    Metallic oxide thick film switches were processed on alumina substrates using thick film technology. Vanadium pentoxide in powder form was mixed with other oxides e.g., barium, strontium copper and glass frit, ground to a fine powder. Pastes and screen printable inks were made using commercial conductive vehicles and appropriate thinners. Some switching devices were processed by conventional screen printing and firing of the inks and commercial cermet conductor terminals on 96% alumina substrates while others were made by applying small beads or dots of the pastes between platinum wires. Static, and dynamic volt-ampere, and pulse tests indicate that the switching and self-oscillatory characteristics of these devices could make them useful in memory element, oscillator, and automatic control applications.

  2. Improving HybrID: How to best combine indirect and direct encoding in evolutionary algorithms

    PubMed Central

    Helms, Lucas; Clune, Jeff

    2017-01-01

    Many challenging engineering problems are regular, meaning solutions to one part of a problem can be reused to solve other parts. Evolutionary algorithms with indirect encoding perform better on regular problems because they reuse genomic information to create regular phenotypes. However, on problems that are mostly regular, but contain some irregularities, which describes most real-world problems, indirect encodings struggle to handle the irregularities, hurting performance. Direct encodings are better at producing irregular phenotypes, but cannot exploit regularity. An algorithm called HybrID combines the best of both: it first evolves with indirect encoding to exploit problem regularity, then switches to direct encoding to handle problem irregularity. While HybrID has been shown to outperform both indirect and direct encoding, its initial implementation required the manual specification of when to switch from indirect to direct encoding. In this paper, we test two new methods to improve HybrID by eliminating the need to manually specify this parameter. Auto-Switch-HybrID automatically switches from indirect to direct encoding when fitness stagnates. Offset-HybrID simultaneously evolves an indirect encoding with directly encoded offsets, eliminating the need to switch. We compare the original HybrID to these alternatives on three different problems with adjustable regularity. The results show that both Auto-Switch-HybrID and Offset-HybrID outperform the original HybrID on different types of problems, and thus offer more tools for researchers to solve challenging problems. The Offset-HybrID algorithm is particularly interesting because it suggests a path forward for automatically and simultaneously combining the best traits of indirect and direct encoding. PMID:28334002

  3. Dual current readout for precision plating

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Iceland, W. F.

    1970-01-01

    Bistable amplifier prevents damage in the low range circuitry of a dual scale ammeter. It senses the current and switches automatically to the high range circuitry as the current rises above a preset level.

  4. Automatic circuit interrupter

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Dwinell, W. S.

    1979-01-01

    In technique, voice circuits connecting crew's cabin to launch station through umbilical connector disconnect automatically unused, or deadened portion of circuits immediately after vehicle is launched, eliminating possibility that unused wiring interferes with voice communications inside vehicle or need for manual cutoff switch and its associated wiring. Technique is applied to other types of electrical actuation circuits, also launch of mapped vehicles, such as balloons, submarines, test sleds, and test chambers-all requiring assistance of ground crew.

  5. A general graphical user interface for automatic reliability modeling

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liceaga, Carlos A.; Siewiorek, Daniel P.

    1991-01-01

    Reported here is a general Graphical User Interface (GUI) for automatic reliability modeling of Processor Memory Switch (PMS) structures using a Markov model. This GUI is based on a hierarchy of windows. One window has graphical editing capabilities for specifying the system's communication structure, hierarchy, reconfiguration capabilities, and requirements. Other windows have field texts, popup menus, and buttons for specifying parameters and selecting actions. An example application of the GUI is given.

  6. Automatic Design of a Maglev Controller in State Space

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1991-12-01

    Design of a Maglev Controller in State Space Feng Zhao Richard Thornton Abstract We describe the automatic synthesis of a global nonlinear controller for...the global switching points of the controller is presented. The synthesized control system can stabilize the maglev vehicle with large initial displace...NUMBERS Automation Desing of a Maglev Controller in State Space N00014-89-J-3202 MIP-9001651 6. AUTHOR(S) Feng Zhao and Richard Thornton 7. PERFORMING

  7. Experience in connecting the power generating units of thermal power plants to automatic secondary frequency regulation within the united power system of Russia

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

    Zhukov, A. V.; Komarov, A. N.; Safronov, A. N.

    The principles of central control of the power generating units of thermal power plants by automatic secondary frequency and active power overcurrent regulation systems, and the algorithms for interactions between automatic power control systems for the power production units in thermal power plants and centralized systems for automatic frequency and power regulation, are discussed. The order of switching the power generating units of thermal power plants over to control by a centralized system for automatic frequency and power regulation and by the Central Coordinating System for automatic frequency and power regulation is presented. The results of full-scale system tests ofmore » the control of power generating units of the Kirishskaya, Stavropol, and Perm GRES (State Regional Electric Power Plants) by the Central Coordinating System for automatic frequency and power regulation at the United Power System of Russia on September 23-25, 2008, are reported.« less

  8. Fault-tolerant three-level inverter

    DOEpatents

    Edwards, John; Xu, Longya; Bhargava, Brij B.

    2006-12-05

    A method for driving a neutral point clamped three-level inverter is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, DC current is received at a neutral point-clamped three-level inverter. The inverter has a plurality of nodes including first, second and third output nodes. The inverter also has a plurality of switches. Faults are checked for in the inverter and predetermined switches are automatically activated responsive to a detected fault such that three-phase electrical power is provided at the output nodes.

  9. System Control for the Transitional DCS. Appendices.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1978-12-01

    the deployment of the AN/TTC-39 circuit switch. This is a hybrid analog/digital switch providing the following services: o Non- secure analog telephone...service. o Non- secure 16 Kb/s digital telephone service. o Secure 16 Kb/s digital telephone service with automatic key distribution and end to end... security . o Analog circuits to support current inventory 50 Kb/sec and 9.6 Kb/sec secure digital communications. In the deployment model for this study

  10. Self energized air core superconducting (SEAC) motor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hilal, M. A.; Huang, X.; Lloyd, J. D.; Crapo, A. D.

    1991-03-01

    The SEAC motor described utilizes superconductive windings both for the stator and the rotor and operates the same way as a conventional motor by supplying power to the stator. The rotor of a simple SEAC motor has a small and a large winding and two switches. The axes of the two rotor windings are normal to each other. The rotor is initially stationary, and the windings are exposed to the rotating stator field. Flux pumping is employed to charge the rotor windings. As the field rotates by 180 deg from being parallel to the axis of the small winding of the rotor, a switch connected in series with the windings automatically opens, allowing the magnetic flux to penetrate the winding. The switch is closed during most of the other half of the cycle. The flux trapped in the small winding is partially transferred to the larger rotor winding by opening another switch, which results in series connection of the two windings. This results in charging the large winding and in accelerating the rotor to reach the rotating field angular velocity. Current decay will not take place, since it will automatically trigger flux pumping and recharging of the windings. The use of superconductive windings will also make it feasible to operate at high magnetic field, thus eliminating the need for using iron laminations to magnetically link the rotor and the stator windings.

  11. Designing Predictive Diagnose Method for Insulation Resistance Degradation of the Electrical Power Cables from Neutral Insulated Power Networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dobra, R.; Pasculescu, D.; Risteiu, M.; Buica, G.; Jevremović, V.

    2017-06-01

    This paper describe some possibilities to minimize voltages switching-off risks from the mining power networks, in case of insulated resistance faults by using a predictive diagnose method. The cables from the neutral insulated power networks (underground mining) are designed to provide a flexible electrical connection between portable or mobile equipment and a point of supply, including main feeder cable for continuous miners, pump cable, and power supply cable. An electronic protection for insulated resistance of mining power cables can be made using this predictive strategy. The main role of electronic relays for insulation resistance degradation of the electrical power cables, from neutral insulated power networks, is to provide a permanent measurement of the insulated resistance between phases and ground, in order to switch-off voltage when the resistance value is below a standard value. The automat system of protection is able to signalize the failure and the human operator will be early informed about the switch-off power and will have time to take proper measures to fix the failure. This logic for fast and automat switch-off voltage without aprioristic announcement is suitable for the electrical installations, realizing so a protection against fires and explosion. It is presented an algorithm and an anticipative relay for insulated resistance control from three-phase low voltage installations with insulated neutral connection.

  12. New paradigm for task switching strategies while performing multiple tasks: entropy and symbolic dynamics analysis of voluntary patterns.

    PubMed

    Guastello, Stephen J; Gorin, Hillary; Huschen, Samuel; Peters, Natalie E; Fabisch, Megan; Poston, Kirsten

    2012-10-01

    It has become well established in laboratory experiments that switching tasks, perhaps due to interruptions at work, incur costs in response time to complete the next task. Conditions are also known that exaggerate or lessen the switching costs. Although switching costs can contribute to fatigue, task switching can also be an adaptive response to fatigue. The present study introduces a new research paradigm for studying the emergence of voluntary task switching regimes, self-organizing processes therein, and the possibly conflicting roles of switching costs and minimum entropy. Fifty-four undergraduates performed 7 different computer-based cognitive tasks producing sets of 49 responses under instructional conditions requiring task quotas or no quotas. The sequences of task choices were analyzed using orbital decomposition to extract pattern types and lengths, which were then classified and compared with regard to Shannon entropy, topological entropy, number of task switches involved, and overall performance. Results indicated that similar but different patterns were generated under the two instructional conditions, and better performance was associated with lower topological entropy. Both entropy metrics were associated with the amount of voluntary task switching. Future research should explore conditions affecting the trade-off between switching costs and entropy, levels of automaticity between task elements, and the role of voluntary switching regimes on fatigue.

  13. Two stage kickdown control system for a motor vehicle automatic transmission

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

    Higashi, H.; Waki, K.; Fukuiri, M.

    This patent describes a vehicle automatic transmission including a hydraulic torque converter and a transmission gear mechanism connected with the torque converter and having at least three gear stages of different gear ratios for forward drive. A principal feature of this system as described is a friction means for selecting one of the gear stages as well as a kickdown control means consisting of the first shift down circuit means for control of the friction means so that the transmission gear mechanism is shifted downward. A solenoid kick down means within the modality of the first shift down circuit andmore » a kick down switch means actuated by an engine control member when it is moved to a full power position provides control of the kick down solenoid and the effecting of a down shift. The shift down control means is composed of a second shift down circuit means for controlling the friction means so shift down occurs. The shift down solenoid contained in the second shift down circuit means in conjunction with a shift down switch actuated by engine control member movement to a position spaced a predetermined distance from the full power position control the shift down solenoid to effect a shift down. Thus this mechanism is actuated earlier than the kickdown switch means when the engine control member is moved toward the full power position. A time delay means from the time of actuation of the shift down switch means and controlling kickdown switch activation is also described.« less

  14. Development, Integration and Testing of Automated Triggering Circuit for Hybrid DC Circuit Breaker

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kanabar, Deven; Roy, Swati; Dodiya, Chiragkumar; Pradhan, Subrata

    2017-04-01

    A novel concept of Hybrid DC circuit breaker having combination of mechanical switch and static switch provides arc-less current commutation into the dump resistor during quench in superconducting magnet operation. The triggering of mechanical and static switches in Hybrid DC breaker can be automatized which can effectively reduce the overall current commutation time of hybrid DC circuit breaker and make the operation independent of opening time of mechanical switch. With this view, a dedicated control circuit (auto-triggering circuit) has been developed which can decide the timing and pulse duration for mechanical switch as well as static switch from the operating parameters. This circuit has been tested with dummy parameters and thereafter integrated with the actual test set up of hybrid DC circuit breaker. This paper deals with the conceptual design of the auto-triggering circuit, its control logic and operation. The test results of Hybrid DC circuit breaker using this circuit have also been discussed.

  15. Can You Multitask? Evidence and Limitations of Task Switching and Multitasking in Emergency Medicine.

    PubMed

    Skaugset, L Melissa; Farrell, Susan; Carney, Michele; Wolff, Margaret; Santen, Sally A; Perry, Marcia; Cico, Stephen John

    2016-08-01

    Emergency physicians work in a fast-paced environment that is characterized by frequent interruptions and the expectation that they will perform multiple tasks efficiently and without error while maintaining oversight of the entire emergency department. However, there is a lack of definition and understanding of the behaviors that constitute effective task switching and multitasking, as well as how to improve these skills. This article reviews the literature on task switching and multitasking in a variety of disciplines-including cognitive science, human factors engineering, business, and medicine-to define and describe the successful performance of task switching and multitasking in emergency medicine. Multitasking, defined as the performance of two tasks simultaneously, is not possible except when behaviors become completely automatic; instead, physicians rapidly switch between small tasks. This task switching causes disruption in the primary task and may contribute to error. A framework is described to enhance the understanding and practice of these behaviors. Copyright © 2015 American College of Emergency Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. A 66pW Discontinuous Switch-Capacitor Energy Harvester for Self-Sustaining Sensor Applications

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Xiao; Shi, Yao; Jeloka, Supreet; Yang, Kaiyuan; Lee, Inhee; Sylvester, Dennis; Blaauw, David

    2016-01-01

    We present a discontinuous harvesting approach for switch capacitor DC-DC converters that enables ultra-low power energy harvesting. By slowly accumulating charge on an input capacitor and then transferring it to a battery in burst-mode, switching and leakage losses in the DC-DC converter can be optimally traded-off with the loss due to non-ideal MPPT operation. The harvester uses a 15pW mode controller, an automatic conversion ratio modulator, and a moving sum charge pump for low startup energy upon a mode switch. In 180nm CMOS, the harvester achieves >40% end-to-end efficiency from 113pW to 1.5μW with 66pW minimum input power, marking a >10× improvement over prior ultra-low power harvesters. PMID:28392977

  17. A 66pW Discontinuous Switch-Capacitor Energy Harvester for Self-Sustaining Sensor Applications.

    PubMed

    Wu, Xiao; Shi, Yao; Jeloka, Supreet; Yang, Kaiyuan; Lee, Inhee; Sylvester, Dennis; Blaauw, David

    2016-06-01

    We present a discontinuous harvesting approach for switch capacitor DC-DC converters that enables ultra-low power energy harvesting. By slowly accumulating charge on an input capacitor and then transferring it to a battery in burst-mode, switching and leakage losses in the DC-DC converter can be optimally traded-off with the loss due to non-ideal MPPT operation. The harvester uses a 15pW mode controller, an automatic conversion ratio modulator, and a moving sum charge pump for low startup energy upon a mode switch. In 180nm CMOS, the harvester achieves >40% end-to-end efficiency from 113pW to 1.5μW with 66pW minimum input power, marking a >10× improvement over prior ultra-low power harvesters.

  18. Overhead tray for cable test system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Saltz, K. T.

    1976-01-01

    System consists of overhead slotted tray, series of compatible adapter cables, and automatic test set which consists of control console and cable-switching console. System reduces hookup time and also reduces cost of fabricating and storing test cables.

  19. Adaptive driving beam headlights : visibility, glare and measurement considerations.

    DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

    2016-06-01

    Recent developments in solid-state lighting, sensor and control technologies are making new : configurations for vehicle forward lighting feasible. Building on systems that automatically switch from : high- to low-beam headlights in the presence of o...

  20. A 735 kV shunt reactors automatic switching system for Hydro-Quebec network

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

    Bernard, S.; Trudel, G.; Scott, G.

    1996-11-01

    In recent years, Hydro-Quebec has undertaken a major program to upgrade the reliability of its transmission system. Much efforts have been directed toward increasing the system`s capacity to withstand extreme contingencies, usually caused by multiple incidents or the successive tripping of transmission lines. In order to counter such events, Hydro-Quebec has adopted a defensive scheme. Based entirely on automatic action, this scheme will mainly rely on: a 735 kV shunt reactor switching system (called MAIS); a generation rejection and/or remote load-shedding system (called RPTC); an underfrequency load-shedding system. The MAIS system, which is the subject of this paper, will bemore » implemented in 22 substations and is required to control voltage on the system after a severe event. Each MAIS system, acting locally, is entirely independent and will close or trip shunt reactors in response to local conditions.« less

  1. Design of automatic curtain controlled by wireless based on single chip 51 microcomputer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Dafeng; Chen, Xiaoning

    2017-08-01

    In order to realize the wireless control of the domestic intelligent curtains, a set of wireless intelligent curtain control system based on 51 single chip microcomputer have been designed in this paper. The intelligent curtain can work in the manual mode, automatic mode and sleep mode and can be carried out by the button and mobile phone APP mode loop switch. Through the photosensitive resistance module and human pyroelectric infrared sensor to collect the indoor light value and the data whether there is the person in the room, and then after single chip processing, the motor drive module is controlled to realize the positive inversion of the asynchronous motor, the intelligent opening and closing of the curtain have been realized. The operation of the motor can be stopped under the action of the switch and the curtain opening and closing and timing switch can be controlled through the keys and mobile phone APP. The optical fiber intensity, working mode, curtain state and system time are displayed by LCD1602. The system has a high reliability and security under practical testing and with the popularity and development of smart home, the design has broad market prospects.

  2. Partial nephrectomy using radiofrequency incremental bipolar generator with multi electrode probe: experimental study in bench pig kidneys

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The aim of this research project was the realization of an incremental bipolar radiofrequency generator with inline 4-electrode probe for partial renal resection without clamping of the vessels. Methods The experimentation was carried out across two phases: the preliminary realization of a specific generator and an inline multielectrode probe for open surgery (Phase 1); system testing on 27 bench kidneys for a total of 47 partial resection (Phase 2). The parameters evaluated were: power level, generator automatisms, parenchymal coagulation times, needle caliber, thickness of the coagulated tissue “slice”, charring, ergonomy, feasibility of the application of “bolster” stitches. Results The analysis of the results referred to the homogeneity and thickness of coagulation, energy supply times with reference to the power level and caliber of the needles. The optimal results were obtained by using needles of 1.5 mm caliber at power level 5, and with coagulation times of 54 seconds for the first insertion and 30 seconds for the second. Conclusions The experimentation demonstrated that the apparatus, consisting of a generator named “LaparoNewPro” and fitted with a dedicated probe for open surgery, is able to carry out a coagulation of the line of resection of the renal parenchyma in a homogeneous manner, in short times, without tissue charring, and with the possibility of stitching both on coagulated tissue and the caliceal system. The generator automatism based on the flow of the current supplied by each electrode is reliable, and the cessation of energy supply coincides with optimal coagulation. PMID:24410789

  3. Voltage equaliser for Li-Fe battery

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Jinn-Chang; Jou, Hurng-Liahng; Chuang, Ping-Hao

    2013-10-01

    In this article, a voltage equaliser is proposed for a battery string with four Li-Fe batteries. The proposed voltage equaliser is developed from a flyback converter, which comprises a transformer, a power electronic switch and a resonant clamped circuit. The transformer contains a primary winding and four secondary windings with the same number of turns connected to each battery. The resonant clamped circuit is for recycling the energy of leakage inductance of the transformer and for performing zero-voltage switching (ZVS) of the power electronic switch. When the power electronic switch is switched on, the energy is stored in the transformer; and when the power electronic switch is switched off, the energy stored in the transformer will automatically charge the battery whose voltage is the lowest. In this way, the voltage of individual batteries in the battery string is balanced. The salient features of the proposed voltage equaliser are that only one switch is used, the energy stored in the leakage inductance of the transformer can be recycled and ZVS is obtained. A prototype is developed and tested to verify the performance of the proposed voltage equaliser. The experimental results show that the proposed voltage equaliser achieves the expected performance.

  4. Gamma-ray irradiation of ohmic MEMS switches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Maciel, John J.; Lampen, James L.; Taylor, Edward W.

    2012-10-01

    Radio Frequency (RF) Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) switches are becoming important building blocks for a variety of military and commercial applications including switch matrices, phase shifters, electronically scanned antennas, switched filters, Automatic Test Equipment, instrumentation, cell phones and smart antennas. Low power consumption, large ratio of off-impedance to on-impedance, extreme linearity, low mass, small volume and the ability to be integrated with other electronics makes MEMS switches an attractive alternative to other mechanical and solid-state switches for a variety of space applications. Radant MEMS, Inc. has developed an electrostatically actuated broadband ohmic microswitch that has applications from DC through the microwave region. Despite the extensive earth based testing, little is known about the performance and reliability of these devices in space environments. To help fill this void, we have irradiated our commercial-off-the-shelf SPST, DC to 40 GHz MEMS switches with gamma-rays as an initial step to assessing static impact on RF performance. Results of Co-60 gamma-ray irradiation of the MEMS switches at photon energies ≥ 1.0 MeV to a total dose of ~ 118 krad(Si) did not show a statistically significant post-irradiation change in measured broadband, RF insertion loss, insertion phase, return loss and isolation.

  5. TV audio and video on the same channel

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hopkins, J. B.

    1979-01-01

    Transmitting technique adds audio to video signal during vertical blanking interval. SIVI (signal in the vertical interval) is used by TV networks and stations to transmit cuing and automatic-switching tone signals to augment automatic and manual operations. It can also be used to transmit one-way instructional information, such as bulletin alerts, program changes, and commercial-cutaway aural cues from the networks to affiliates. Additonally, it can be used as extra sound channel for second-language transmission to biligual stations.

  6. A Benchmark of Vehicle Maintenance Training Between the U.S. Air Force and a Civilian Industry Leader

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1992-09-01

    Aas :nosen to 113entlfy tasKs oerformed Dv reczcnizeo :omoe:ent automotive serv’ce Personnel :intry level o"ersonnei 4ere iot , ,ic udec i n tie sirve...Diagnose the cause of poor, intermittent, or no electric door and hatch/trunk lock operation. 10. Repair or replace switches, relays, actuators ...Semi-4utomative Temoerature Controls i. Cnecx ooeration of automatic ana semi-automatic neating, HP ventalation ana air-conaitioning ( HVAC ) control

  7. Automatic calibration and signal switching system for the particle beam fusion research data acquisition facility

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

    Boyer, W.B.

    1979-09-01

    This report describes both the hardware and software components of an automatic calibration and signal system (Autocal) for the data acquisition system for the Sandia particle beam fusion research accelerators Hydra, Proto I, and Proto II. The Autocal hardware consists of off-the-shelf commercial equipment. The various hardware components, special modifications and overall system configuration are described. Special software has been developed to support the Autocal hardware. Software operation and maintenance are described.

  8. Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Electronic Warfare (C4IEW) Project Book, Fiscal Year 1994. (Non-FOUO Version)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-04-01

    TSW-7A, AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRAL (ATCC) 32- 8 AN/TTC-41(V), CENTRAL OFFICE, TELEPHONE, AUTOMATIC 32- 9 MISSILE COUNTERMEASURE DEVICE (MCD) .- 0 MK...a Handheld Terminal Unit (HTU), Portable Computer Unit (PCU), Transportable Computer Unit (TCU), and compatible NOI peripheral devices . All but the...CLASSIFICATION: ASARC-III, Jun 80, Standard. I I I AN/TIC-39 IS A MOBILE , AUTOMATIC , MODULAR ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT SWITCH UNDER PROCESSOR CONTROL WITH INTEGRAL

  9. MASS SPECTROMETRY

    DOEpatents

    Nier, A.O.C.

    1959-08-25

    A voltage switching apparatus is described for use with a mass spectrometer in the concentratron analysis of several components of a gas mixture. The system automatically varies the voltage on the accelerating electrode of the mass spectrometer through a program of voltages which corresponds to the particular gas components under analysis. Automatic operation may be discontinued at any time to permit the operator to manually select any desired predetermined accelerating voltage. Further, the system may be manually adjusted to vary the accelerating voltage over a wide range.

  10. Automatic Control via Thermostats of a Hyperbolic Stefan Problem with Memory

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

    Colli, P.; Grasselli, M.; Sprekels, J.

    1999-03-15

    A hyperbolic Stefan problem based on the linearized Gurtin-Pipkin heat conduction law is considered. The temperature and free boundary are controlled by a thermostat acting on the boundary. This feedback control is based on temperature measurements performed by real thermal sensors located within the domain containing the two-phase system and/or at its boundary. Three different types of thermostats are analyzed: simple switch, relay switch, and a Preisach hysteresis operator. The resulting models lead to integrodifferential hyperbolic Stefan problems with nonlinear and nonlocal boundary conditions. Existence results are proved in all the cases. Uniqueness is also shown, except in the situationmore » corresponding to the ideal switch.« less

  11. Design and Testing of a Small Inductive Pulsed Plasma Thruster

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Martin, Adam K.; Dominguez, Alexandra; Eskridge, Richard H.; Polzin, Kurt A.; Riley, Daniel P.; Perdue, Kevin A.

    2015-01-01

    The design and testing of a small inductive pulsed plasma thruster (IPPT) is described. The device was built as a test-bed for the pulsed gas-valves and solid-state switches required for a thruster of this kind, and was designed to be modular to facilitate modification. The thruster in its present configuration consists of a multi-turn, spiral-wound acceleration coil (270 millimeters outer diameter, 100 millimeters inner diameter) driven by a 10 microfarad capacitor and switched with a high-voltage thyristor, a propellant delivery system including a fast pulsed gas-valve, and a glow-discharge pre-ionizer circuit. The acceleration coil circuit may be operated at voltages up to 4 kilovolts (the thyristor limit is 4.5 kilovolts) and the thruster operated at cyclic-rates up to 30 Herz. Initial testing of the thruster, both bench-top and in-vacuum, has been performed. Cyclic operation of the complete device was demonstrated (at 2 Herz), and a number of valuable insights pertaining to the design of these devices have been gained.

  12. A Comparative Study of Alternative Controls and Displays for by the Severely Physically Handicapped

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Williams, D.; Simpson, C.; Barker, M.

    1984-01-01

    A modification of a row/column scanning system was investigated in order to increase the speed and accuracy with which communication aids can be accessed with one or two switches. A selection algorithm was developed and programmed in BASIC to automatically select individuals with the characteristic difficulty in controlling time dependent control and display systems. Four systems were compared: (1) row/column directed scan (2 switches); (2) row/column auto scan (1 switch); (3) row auto scan (1 switch); and (4) column auto scan (1 switch). For this sample population, there were no significant differences among systems for scan time to select the correct target. The row/column auto scan system resulted in significantly more errors than any of the other three systems. Thus, the most widely prescribed system for severely physically disabled individuals turns out for this group to have a higher error rate and no faster communication rate than three other systems that have been considered inappropriate for this group.

  13. Investigating the relationship between media multitasking and processes involved in task-switching.

    PubMed

    Alzahabi, Reem; Becker, Mark W; Hambrick, David Z

    2017-11-01

    Although multitasking with media has increased dramatically in recent years (Rideout, Foehr, & Roberts, 2010), the association between media multitasking and cognitive performance is poorly understood. In addition, the literature on the relationship between media multitasking and task-switching, one measure of cognitive control, has produced mixed results (Alzahabi & Becker, 2013; Minear et al., 2013; Ophir, Nass, & Wagner, 2009). Here we use an individual differences approach to investigate the relationship between media multitasking and task-switching performance by first examining the structure of task-switching and identifying the latent factors that contribute to switch costs. Participants performed a series of 3 different task-switching paradigms, each designed to isolate the effects of a specific putative mechanism (e.g., advanced preparation) related to task-switching performance, as well as a series of surveys to measure media multitasking and intelligence. The results suggest that task-switching performance is related to 2 somewhat independent factors, namely an advanced preparation factor and passive decay factor. In addition, multitasking with media was related to a faster ability to prepare for tasks, resulting in faster task-switching performance without a cost to accuracy. Media multitasking and intelligence were both unrelated to passive decay factors. These findings are consistent with a 2-component model of task-switching (Sohn & Anderson, 2001), as well as an automatic/executive framework of cognitive control (Schneider & Shiffrin, 1977). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  14. Automatic discovery of the communication network topology for building a supercomputer model

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sobolev, Sergey; Stefanov, Konstantin; Voevodin, Vadim

    2016-10-01

    The Research Computing Center of Lomonosov Moscow State University is developing the Octotron software suite for automatic monitoring and mitigation of emergency situations in supercomputers so as to maximize hardware reliability. The suite is based on a software model of the supercomputer. The model uses a graph to describe the computing system components and their interconnections. One of the most complex components of a supercomputer that needs to be included in the model is its communication network. This work describes the proposed approach for automatically discovering the Ethernet communication network topology in a supercomputer and its description in terms of the Octotron model. This suite automatically detects computing nodes and switches, collects information about them and identifies their interconnections. The application of this approach is demonstrated on the "Lomonosov" and "Lomonosov-2" supercomputers.

  15. What’s Easier: Doing What You Want, or Being Told What to Do? Cued versus Voluntary Language and Task Switching

    PubMed Central

    Gollan, Tamar H.; Kleinman, Daniel; Wierenga, Christina E.

    2014-01-01

    The current study contrasted cued versus voluntary switching to investigate switching efficiency and possible sharing of control mechanisms across linguistic and non-linguistic domains. Bilinguals switched between naming pictures in Spanish versus English or between reading numbers aloud versus adding their digits, either without or with repetition of stimuli, and with fewer requirements as to when and how much they had to switch relative to previous instantiations of voluntary switching. Without repetition (Experiment 1), voluntary responses were faster than cued responses on both stay and switch trials (especially in the non-linguistic switching task), whereas in previous studies the voluntary advantage was restricted to switch-cost reduction. Similarly, when targets were presented repeatedly (Experiment 2), voluntary responses were faster overall for both linguistic and non-linguistic switching, though here the advantage tended to be larger on switch trials. Experiment 3 confirmed the overall voluntary speed advantage for the read-add task in monolinguals, and revealed a reduction in switch costs only for a different non-linguistic task (size-parity judgments). These results reveal greater overall advantages for voluntary over cued switching than previously reported, but also that the precise manifestation of the voluntary advantage can vary with different tasks. In the linguistic domain, lexical inaccessibility introduces some unique control mechanisms, and repetition may magnify cross-domain overlap in control mechanisms. Finally, under some limited conditions, cost-free switches were found in both linguistic and non-linguistic domains; however, suspension of top-down control may be restricted to language or highly automatic tasks. PMID:25313951

  16. 40 CFR 1033.150 - Interim provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... carryover data from an engine family that we previously considered available for the configuration, the...) Idle controls. A locomotive equipped with an automatic engine stop/start system that was originally... small manufacturers under § 1033.901. (e) Producing switch locomotives using certified nonroad engines...

  17. 40 CFR 1033.150 - Interim provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... carryover data from an engine family that we previously considered available for the configuration, the...) Idle controls. A locomotive equipped with an automatic engine stop/start system that was originally... small manufacturers under § 1033.901. (e) Producing switch locomotives using certified nonroad engines...

  18. 40 CFR 1033.150 - Interim provisions.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... carryover data from an engine family that we previously considered available for the configuration, the...) Idle controls. A locomotive equipped with an automatic engine stop/start system that was originally... small manufacturers under § 1033.901. (e) Producing switch locomotives using certified nonroad engines...

  19. 46 CFR 113.35-7 - Electric engine order telegraph systems; operations.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-10-01

    ... transmitter handle automatically connects that transmitter electrically to the engineroom indicator and simultaneously disconnects electrically all other transmitters. The reply pointers of all transmitters must... manually operated transfer switch which will disconnect the system in the unattended navigating bridge must...

  20. 76 FR 51468 - BMW of North America, LLC, a subsidiary of BMW AG, Receipt of Petition for Decision of...

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2011-08-18

    ...: (1) Automatic activation when the ignition (start) switch is turned to the ``on'' (``run'') position... of the parking brake, by applying the parking brake when the ignition is in the ``on'' (``run...

  1. Cueing cognitive flexibility: Item-specific learning of switch readiness.

    PubMed

    Chiu, Yu-Chin; Egner, Tobias

    2017-12-01

    The rich behavioral repertoire of the human species derives from our ability to flexibly reconfigure processing strategies (task sets) in response to changing requirements. This updating of task sets is effortful, as reflected by longer response times when switching a task than repeating it (switch costs). However, some recent data suggest that switch costs can be reduced by cueing switch readiness bottom-up, by associating particular stimuli with frequent switch requirements. This type of "stimulus-control (S-C) learning" would be highly adaptive, as it combines the speed of automatic (bottom-up) processing with the flexibility and generalizability of controlled (top-down) processing. However, it is unclear whether S-C learning of switch readiness is truly possible, and what the underlying mechanisms are. Here we address these questions by pairing specific stimuli with a need to update task-sets either frequently or rarely. In all 3 experiments, we observe robust item-specific switch probability (ISSP) effects as revealed by smaller switch costs for frequent switch items than for rare switch items. By including a neutral condition, we also show that the ISSP effect is primarily driven by S-C learning reducing switch costs in frequent switch items. Furthermore, by employing 3 tasks in Experiment 3, we establish that the ISSP effect reflects an enhancement of general switch readiness, rather than of the readiness to switch to a specific alternate task. These results firmly establish that switch readiness is malleable by item-specific S-C learning processes, documenting that a generalizable state of cognitive flexibility can be primed by a bottom-up stimulus. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved).

  2. Moving the boundary between wavelength resources in optical packet and circuit integrated ring network.

    PubMed

    Furukawa, Hideaki; Miyazawa, Takaya; Wada, Naoya; Harai, Hiroaki

    2014-01-13

    Optical packet and circuit integrated (OPCI) networks provide both optical packet switching (OPS) and optical circuit switching (OCS) links on the same physical infrastructure using a wavelength multiplexing technique in order to deal with best-effort services and quality-guaranteed services. To immediately respond to changes in user demand for OPS and OCS links, OPCI networks should dynamically adjust the amount of wavelength resources for each link. We propose a resource-adjustable hybrid optical packet/circuit switch and transponder. We also verify that distributed control of resource adjustments can be applied to the OPCI ring network testbed we developed. In cooperation with the resource adjustment mechanism and the hybrid switch and transponder, we demonstrate that automatically allocating a shared resource and moving the wavelength resource boundary between OPS and OCS links can be successfully executed, depending on the number of optical paths in use.

  3. Series-counterpulse repetitive-pulse inductive storage circuit

    DOEpatents

    Honig, E.M.

    1984-06-05

    A high-power series-counterpulse repetitive-pulse inductive energy storage and transfer circuit includes an opening switch, a main energy storage coil, and a counterpulse capacitor. The local pulse is initiated simultaneously with the initiation of the counterpulse used to turn the opening switch off. There is no delay from command to output pulse. During the load pulse, the counterpulse capacitor is automatically charged with sufficient energy to accomplish the load counterpulse which terminates the load pulse and turns the load switch off. When the main opening switch is reclosed to terminate the load pulse, the counterpulse capacitor discharges through the load, causing a rapid, sharp cutoff of the load pulse as well as recovering any energy remaining in the load inductance. The counterpulse capacitor is recharged to its original condition by the main energy storage coil after the load pulse is over, not before it begins.

  4. An operational system for subject switching between controlled vocabularies

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Silvester, June P.; Klingbiel, Paul H.

    1993-01-01

    The NASA system of automatically converting sets of terms assigned by Department of Defense indexers to sets of NASA's authorized terms is described. This little-touted system, which has been operating successfully since 1983, matches concepts, rather than words. Subject Switching uses a translation table, known as the Lexical Dictionary, accessed by a program that determines which rules to follow in making the transition from DTIC's to NASA's authorized terms. The authors describe the four phases of development of Subject Switching, changes that have been made, evaluating the system, and benefits. Benefits to NASA include saving indexers' time, the addition of access points for documents indexed, the utilization of other government indexing, and a contribution towards the now-operational NASA, online, interactive, machine aided indexing.

  5. Fault-Tolerant Local-Area Network

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Morales, Sergio; Friedman, Gary L.

    1988-01-01

    Local-area network (LAN) for computers prevents single-point failure from interrupting communication between nodes of network. Includes two complete cables, LAN 1 and LAN 2. Microprocessor-based slave switches link cables to network-node devices as work stations, print servers, and file servers. Slave switches respond to commands from master switch, connecting nodes to two cable networks or disconnecting them so they are completely isolated. System monitor and control computer (SMC) acts as gateway, allowing nodes on either cable to communicate with each other and ensuring that LAN 1 and LAN 2 are fully used when functioning properly. Network monitors and controls itself, automatically routes traffic for efficient use of resources, and isolates and corrects its own faults, with potential dramatic reduction in time out of service.

  6. The design and testing of a novel mechanomyogram-driven switch controlled by small eyebrow movements

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Individuals with severe physical disabilities and minimal motor behaviour may be unable to use conventional mechanical switches for access. These persons may benefit from access technologies that harness the volitional activity of muscles. In this study, we describe the design and demonstrate the performance of a binary switch controlled by mechanomyogram (MMG) signals recorded from the frontalis muscle during eyebrow movements. Methods Muscle contractions, detected in real-time with a continuous wavelet transform algorithm, were used to control a binary switch for computer access. The automatic selection of scale-specific thresholds reduced the effect of artefact, such as eye blinks and head movement, on the performance of the switch. Switch performance was estimated by cued response-tests performed by eleven participants (one with severe physical disabilities). Results The average sensitivity and specificity of the switch was 99.7 ± 0.4% and 99.9 ± 0.1%, respectively. The algorithm performance was robust against typical participant movement. Conclusions The results suggest that the frontalis muscle is a suitable site for controlling the MMG-driven switch. The high accuracies combined with the minimal requisite effort and training show that MMG is a promising binary control signal. Further investigation of the potential benefits of MMG-control for the target population is warranted. PMID:20492680

  7. The design and testing of a novel mechanomyogram-driven switch controlled by small eyebrow movements.

    PubMed

    Alves, Natasha; Chau, Tom

    2010-05-21

    Individuals with severe physical disabilities and minimal motor behaviour may be unable to use conventional mechanical switches for access. These persons may benefit from access technologies that harness the volitional activity of muscles. In this study, we describe the design and demonstrate the performance of a binary switch controlled by mechanomyogram (MMG) signals recorded from the frontalis muscle during eyebrow movements. Muscle contractions, detected in real-time with a continuous wavelet transform algorithm, were used to control a binary switch for computer access. The automatic selection of scale-specific thresholds reduced the effect of artefact, such as eye blinks and head movement, on the performance of the switch. Switch performance was estimated by cued response-tests performed by eleven participants (one with severe physical disabilities). The average sensitivity and specificity of the switch was 99.7 +/- 0.4% and 99.9 +/- 0.1%, respectively. The algorithm performance was robust against typical participant movement. The results suggest that the frontalis muscle is a suitable site for controlling the MMG-driven switch. The high accuracies combined with the minimal requisite effort and training show that MMG is a promising binary control signal. Further investigation of the potential benefits of MMG-control for the target population is warranted.

  8. Statistical Validation of Automatic Methods for Hippocampus Segmentation in MR Images of Epileptic Patients

    PubMed Central

    Hosseini, Mohammad-Parsa; Nazem-Zadeh, Mohammad R.; Pompili, Dario; Soltanian-Zadeh, Hamid

    2015-01-01

    Hippocampus segmentation is a key step in the evaluation of mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (mTLE) by MR images. Several automated segmentation methods have been introduced for medical image segmentation. Because of multiple edges, missing boundaries, and shape changing along its longitudinal axis, manual outlining still remains the benchmark for hippocampus segmentation, which however, is impractical for large datasets due to time constraints. In this study, four automatic methods, namely FreeSurfer, Hammer, Automatic Brain Structure Segmentation (ABSS), and LocalInfo segmentation, are evaluated to find the most accurate and applicable method that resembles the bench-mark of hippocampus. Results from these four methods are compared against those obtained using manual segmentation for T1-weighted images of 157 symptomatic mTLE patients. For performance evaluation of automatic segmentation, Dice coefficient, Hausdorff distance, Precision, and Root Mean Square (RMS) distance are extracted and compared. Among these four automated methods, ABSS generates the most accurate results and the reproducibility is more similar to expert manual outlining by statistical validation. By considering p-value<0.05, the results of performance measurement for ABSS reveal that, Dice is 4%, 13%, and 17% higher, Hausdorff is 23%, 87%, and 70% lower, precision is 5%, -5%, and 12% higher, and RMS is 19%, 62%, and 65% lower compared to LocalInfo, FreeSurfer, and Hammer, respectively. PMID:25571043

  9. Automatic Human Movement Assessment With Switching Linear Dynamic System: Motion Segmentation and Motor Performance.

    PubMed

    de Souza Baptista, Roberto; Bo, Antonio P L; Hayashibe, Mitsuhiro

    2017-06-01

    Performance assessment of human movement is critical in diagnosis and motor-control rehabilitation. Recent developments in portable sensor technology enable clinicians to measure spatiotemporal aspects to aid in the neurological assessment. However, the extraction of quantitative information from such measurements is usually done manually through visual inspection. This paper presents a novel framework for automatic human movement assessment that executes segmentation and motor performance parameter extraction in time-series of measurements from a sequence of human movements. We use the elements of a Switching Linear Dynamic System model as building blocks to translate formal definitions and procedures from human movement analysis. Our approach provides a method for users with no expertise in signal processing to create models for movements using labeled dataset and later use it for automatic assessment. We validated our framework on preliminary tests involving six healthy adult subjects that executed common movements in functional tests and rehabilitation exercise sessions, such as sit-to-stand and lateral elevation of the arms and five elderly subjects, two of which with limited mobility, that executed the sit-to-stand movement. The proposed method worked on random motion sequences for the dual purpose of movement segmentation (accuracy of 72%-100%) and motor performance assessment (mean error of 0%-12%).

  10. An interactive program on digitizing historical seismograms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Yihe; Xu, Tao

    2014-02-01

    Retrieving information from analog seismograms is of great importance since they are considered as the unique sources that provide quantitative information of historical earthquakes. We present an algorithm for automatic digitization of the seismograms as an inversion problem that forms an interactive program using Matlab® GUI. The program integrates automatic digitization with manual digitization and users can easily switch between the two modalities and carry out different combinations for the optimal results. Several examples about applying the interactive program are given to illustrate the merits of the method.

  11. Engineering model of the electric drives of separation device for simulation of automatic control systems of reactive power compensation by means of serially connected capacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Juromskiy, V. M.

    2016-09-01

    It is developed a mathematical model for an electric drive of high-speed separation device in terms of the modeling dynamic systems Simulink, MATLAB. The model is focused on the study of the automatic control systems of the power factor (Cosφ) of an actuator by compensating the reactive component of the total power by switching a capacitor bank in series with the actuator. The model is based on the methodology of the structural modeling of dynamic processes.

  12. 78 FR 71709 - Notice of Application for Approval of Discontinuance or Modification of a Railroad Signal System

    Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

    2013-11-29

    ... automatic signals will be removed, with 11 power- operated switches converted to hand operation. Approach... any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations... participate in these proceedings by [[Page 71710

  13. Columbia Switches to Automatic Fire Detection

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Gardner, John C.

    1978-01-01

    Columbia University has started a project that, in the first two phases, will provide an internal fire alarm system to residence halls and academic buildings. The third phase will be major structural changes to bring older academic buildings up to meet new life safety codes. (Author/MLF)

  14. TECHNOLOGY AND MANPOWER IN THE TELEPHONE INDUSTRY, 1965-75.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    LUSKIN, SHELDON H.; AND OTHERS

    ELECTRONIC SOLID STATE SWITCHING SYSTEMS, COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITES, SEMIAUTOMATIC INFORMATION SERVICES, AUTOMATIC INTERCEPTING AND DATA PROCESSING, AND DEDICATED PLANT, THE PERMANENT ASSIGNMENT OF LINES FROM A CENTRAL OFFICE TO EACH ACTUAL AND POTENTIAL SUBSCRIBER, ARE SOME OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS WHICH WILL BRING SIGNIFICANT MANPOWER…

  15. An Automatic Speed Control for Wind Tunnels

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zahm, A F

    1928-01-01

    Described here is an automatic control that has been used in several forms in wind tunnels at the Washington Navy Yard. The form now in use with the 8-foot tunnel at the Navy Yard is considered here. Details of the design and operation of the automatic control system are given. Leads from a Pitot tube are joined to an inverted cup manometer located above a rheostat. When the sliding weight of this instrument is set to a given notch, say for 40 m.p.h, the beam tip vibrates between two electric contacts that feed the little motor. Thus, when the wind is too strong or too weak, the motor automatically throws the rheostat slide forward and backward. If it failed to function well, the operator would notice the effect on his meniscus, and would operate the hand control by merely pressing the switch.

  16. Novel Approach to Simulate Sleep Apnea Patients for Evaluating Positive Pressure Therapy Devices.

    PubMed

    Isetta, Valentina; Montserrat, Josep M; Santano, Raquel; Wimms, Alison J; Ramanan, Dinesh; Woehrle, Holger; Navajas, Daniel; Farré, Ramon

    2016-01-01

    Bench testing is a useful method to characterize the response of different automatic positive airway pressure (APAP) devices under well-controlled conditions. However, previous models did not consider the diversity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients' characteristics and phenotypes. The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to design a new bench test for realistically simulating an OSA patient's night, and to implement a one-night example of a typical female phenotype for comparing responses to several currently-available APAP devices. We developed a novel approach aimed at replicating a typical night of sleep which includes different disturbed breathing events, disease severities, sleep/wake phases, body postures and respiratory artefacts. The simulated female OSA patient example that we implemented included periods of wake, light sleep and deep sleep with positional changes and was connected to ten different APAP devices. Flow and pressure readings were recorded; each device was tested twice. The new approach for simulating female OSA patients effectively combined a wide variety of disturbed breathing patterns to mimic the response of a predefined patient type. There were marked differences in response between devices; only three were able to overcome flow limitation to normalize breathing, and only five devices were associated with a residual apnea-hypopnea index of <5/h. In conclusion, bench tests can be designed to simulate specific patient characteristics, and typical stages of sleep, body position, and wake. Each APAP device behaved differently when exposed to this controlled model of a female OSA patient, and should lead to further understanding of OSA treatment.

  17. Protein Aggregation Measurement through Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Affanni, A.; Corazza, A.; Esposito, G.; Fogolari, F.; Polano, M.

    2013-09-01

    The paper presents a novel methodology to measure the fibril formation in protein solutions. We designed a bench consisting of a sensor having interdigitated electrodes, a PDMS hermetic reservoir and an impedance meter automatically driven by calculator. The impedance data are interpolated with a lumped elements model and their change over time can provide information on the aggregation process. Encouraging results have been obtained by testing the methodology on K-casein, a protein of milk, with and without the addition of a drug inhibiting the aggregation. The amount of sample needed to perform this measurement is by far lower than the amount needed by fluorescence analysis.

  18. A prototype gas exchange monitor for exercise stress testing aboard NASA Space Station

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Orr, Joseph A.; Westenskow, Dwayne R.; Bauer, Anne

    1989-01-01

    This paper describes an easy-to-use monitor developed to track the weightlessness deconditioning aboard the NASA Space Station, together with the results of testing of a prototype instrument. The monitor measures the O2 uptake and CO2 production, and calculates the maximum O2 uptake and anaerobic threshold during an exercise stress test. The system uses two flowmeters in series to achieve a completely automatic calibration, and uses breath-by-breath compensation for sample line-transport delay. The monitor was evaluated using two laboratory methods and was shown to be accurate. The system's block diagram and the bench test setup diagram are included.

  19. Ionizing radiation detector

    DOEpatents

    Thacker, Louis H.

    1990-01-01

    An ionizing radiation detector is provided which is based on the principle of analog electronic integration of radiation sensor currents in the sub-pico to nano ampere range between fixed voltage switching thresholds with automatic voltage reversal each time the appropriate threshold is reached. The thresholds are provided by a first NAND gate Schmitt trigger which is coupled with a second NAND gate Schmitt trigger operating in an alternate switching state from the first gate to turn either a visible or audible indicating device on and off in response to the gate switching rate which is indicative of the level of radiation being sensed. The detector can be configured as a small, personal radiation dosimeter which is simple to operate and responsive over a dynamic range of at least 0.01 to 1000 R/hr.

  20. 49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-10-01

    ... EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out... overrides the operation of automatic warning systems. This includes both switch cut-out circuits and devices... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269...

  1. 49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-10-01

    ... EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out... overrides the operation of automatic warning systems. This includes both switch cut-out circuits and devices... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269...

  2. 49 CFR 234.269 - Cut-out circuits.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEMS Maintenance, Inspection, and Testing Inspections and Tests § 234.269 Cut-out... overrides the operation of automatic warning systems. This includes both switch cut-out circuits and devices... 49 Transportation 4 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Cut-out circuits. 234.269 Section 234.269...

  3. An Operational System for Subject Switching between Controlled Vocabularies.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Silvester, June P.; Klingbiel, Paul H.

    1993-01-01

    Describes a system developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that automatically converts index terms from the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) to NASA thesaurus terms. The NASA Lexical Dictionary (NLD) that generates thesaurus terms for indexing is explained, and the development of machine-aided indexing is…

  4. 29 CFR 1926.1435 - Tower cranes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...) Deadman control or forced neutral return control (hand) levers. (ix) Emergency stop switch at the operator... and control. The boom hoist drum must be equipped with a control that will enable the operator to... set when required if an electric, hydraulic or automatic control is not functioning. (6) Category II...

  5. 29 CFR 1926.1435 - Tower cranes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...) Deadman control or forced neutral return control (hand) levers. (ix) Emergency stop switch at the operator... and control. The boom hoist drum must be equipped with a control that will enable the operator to... set when required if an electric, hydraulic or automatic control is not functioning. (6) Category II...

  6. 29 CFR 1926.1435 - Tower cranes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...) Deadman control or forced neutral return control (hand) levers. (ix) Emergency stop switch at the operator... and control. The boom hoist drum must be equipped with a control that will enable the operator to... set when required if an electric, hydraulic or automatic control is not functioning. (6) Category II...

  7. 29 CFR 1926.1435 - Tower cranes.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ...) Deadman control or forced neutral return control (hand) levers. (ix) Emergency stop switch at the operator... and control. The boom hoist drum must be equipped with a control that will enable the operator to... set when required if an electric, hydraulic or automatic control is not functioning. (6) Category II...

  8. Manufacturing Methods and Technology Program Automatic In-Process Microcircuit Evaluation.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1978-09-01

    illumination system consists of an illuminati on controlle r , three illumination power- supplies , and three illuminator housings . The illumination... illuminati on level. - - The main power (115 V , 60 Hz) for the power-supplies is derived from the power distribu- tion panel. There are two switches In the

  9. CONTROL ROOM WITH SPRINKLER SYSTEM CONTROLS, INCLUDING MANUAL CONTROL BOXES ...

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

    CONTROL ROOM WITH SPRINKLER SYSTEM CONTROLS, INCLUDING MANUAL CONTROL BOXES FOR THE VENTILATION SYSTEM AND A PLC SWITCH FOR AUTOMATIC CO (CARBON MONOXIDE) SYSTEM. THE AIR TESTING SYSTEM IS FREE STANDING AND THE FANS ARE COMPUTER-OPERATED. - Alaskan Way Viaduct and Battery Street Tunnel, Seattle, King County, WA

  10. 36 CFR 1234.10 - What are the facility requirements for all records storage facilities?

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... the HVAC systems, fire alarm and fire protection systems. Manual switching between sources of service... elements are protected by a properly installed, properly maintained wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system, as... must provide documentation that the facility has a fire suppression system specifically designed to...

  11. Design of a modular digital computer system

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1980-01-01

    A Central Control Element (CCE) module which controls the Automatically Reconfigurable Modular System (ARMS) and allows both redundant processing and multi-computing in the same computer with real time mode switching, is discussed. The same hardware is used for either reliability enhancement, speed enhancement, or for a combination of both.

  12. CRANE POSITIONING APPARATUS

    DOEpatents

    Landsiedel, F.W.; Wolff, H.

    1960-06-28

    An apparatus is described for automatically accomplishing the final accurate horizontal positioning of a crane after the latter has been placed to within 1/8 in. of its selected position. For this purpose there is provided a tiltable member on the crane mast for lowering into contact with a stationary probe. Misalignment of the tiltable member, with respect to the probe as the member is lowered, causes tilting of the latter to actuate appropriate switches that energize motors for bringing the mast into proper position. When properly aligned the member is not tilted and a central switch is actuated to indicate the final alignment of the crane.

  13. Reliability of infarct volumetry: Its relevance and the improvement by a software-assisted approach.

    PubMed

    Friedländer, Felix; Bohmann, Ferdinand; Brunkhorst, Max; Chae, Ju-Hee; Devraj, Kavi; Köhler, Yvette; Kraft, Peter; Kuhn, Hannah; Lucaciu, Alexandra; Luger, Sebastian; Pfeilschifter, Waltraud; Sadler, Rebecca; Liesz, Arthur; Scholtyschik, Karolina; Stolz, Leonie; Vutukuri, Rajkumar; Brunkhorst, Robert

    2017-08-01

    Despite the efficacy of neuroprotective approaches in animal models of stroke, their translation has so far failed from bench to bedside. One reason is presumed to be a low quality of preclinical study design, leading to bias and a low a priori power. In this study, we propose that the key read-out of experimental stroke studies, the volume of the ischemic damage as commonly measured by free-handed planimetry of TTC-stained brain sections, is subject to an unrecognized low inter-rater and test-retest reliability with strong implications for statistical power and bias. As an alternative approach, we suggest a simple, open-source, software-assisted method, taking advantage of automatic-thresholding techniques. The validity and the improvement of reliability by an automated method to tMCAO infarct volumetry are demonstrated. In addition, we show the probable consequences of increased reliability for precision, p-values, effect inflation, and power calculation, exemplified by a systematic analysis of experimental stroke studies published in the year 2015. Our study reveals an underappreciated quality problem in translational stroke research and suggests that software-assisted infarct volumetry might help to improve reproducibility and therefore the robustness of bench to bedside translation.

  14. DC switching regulated power supply for driving an inductive load

    DOEpatents

    Dyer, George R.

    1986-01-01

    A power supply for driving an inductive load current from a dc power supply hrough a regulator circuit including a bridge arrangement of diodes and switching transistors controlled by a servo controller which regulates switching in response to the load current to maintain a selected load current. First and second opposite legs of the bridge are formed by first and second parallel-connected transistor arrays, respectively, while the third and fourth legs of the bridge are formed by appropriately connected first and second parallel connected diode arrays, respectively. The regulator may be operated in three "stages" or modes: (1) For current runup in the load, both first and second transistor switch arrays are turned "on" and current is supplied to the load through both transistor arrays. (2) When load current reaches the desired level, the first switch is turned "off", and load current "flywheels" through the second switch array and the fourth leg diode array connecting the second switch array in series with the load. Current is maintained by alternating between modes 1 and 2 at a suitable duty cycle and switching rate set by the controller. (3) Rapid current rundown is accomplished by turning both switch arrays "off", allowing load current to be dumped back into the source through the third and fourth diode arrays connecting the source in series opposition with the load to recover energy from the inductive load. The three operating states are controlled automatically by the controller.

  15. Automatic-Control System for Safer Brazing

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Stein, J. A.; Vanasse, M. A.

    1986-01-01

    Automatic-control system for radio-frequency (RF) induction brazing of metal tubing reduces probability of operator errors, increases safety, and ensures high-quality brazed joints. Unit combines functions of gas control and electric-power control. Minimizes unnecessary flow of argon gas into work area and prevents electrical shocks from RF terminals. Controller will not allow power to flow from RF generator to brazing head unless work has been firmly attached to head and has actuated micro-switch. Potential shock hazard eliminated. Flow of argon for purging and cooling must be turned on and adjusted before brazing power applied. Provision ensures power not applied prematurely, causing damaged work or poor-quality joints. Controller automatically turns off argon flow at conclusion of brazing so potentially suffocating gas does not accumulate in confined areas.

  16. P2MP MPLS-Based Hierarchical Service Management System

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kumaki, Kenji; Nakagawa, Ikuo; Nagami, Kenichi; Ogishi, Tomohiko; Ano, Shigehiro

    This paper proposes a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) based hierarchical service management system. Traditionally, general management systems deployed in some service providers control MPLS Label Switched Paths (LSPs) (e.g., RSVP-TE and LDP) and services (e.g., L2VPN, L3VPN and IP) separately. In order for dedicated management systems for MPLS LSPs and services to cooperate with each other automatically, a hierarchical service management system has been proposed with the main focus on point-to-point (P2P) TE LSPs in MPLS path management. In the case where P2MP TE LSPs and services are deployed in MPLS networks, the dedicated management systems for P2MP TE LSPs and services must work together automatically. Therefore, this paper proposes a new algorithm that uses a correlation between P2MP TE LSPs and multicast VPN services based on a P2MP MPLS-based hierarchical service management architecture. Also, the capacity and performance of the proposed algorithm are evaluated by simulations, which are actually based on certain real MPLS production networks, and are compared to that of the algorithm for P2P TE LSPs. Results show this system is very scalable within real MPLS production networks. This system, with the automatic correlation, appears to be deployable in real MPLS production networks.

  17. Nudging Leads Consumers In Colorado To Shop But Not Switch ACA Marketplace Plans.

    PubMed

    Marzilli Ericson, Keith M; Kingsdale, Jon; Layton, Tim; Sacarny, Adam

    2017-02-01

    The Affordable Care Act (ACA) dramatically expanded the use of regulated marketplaces in health insurance, but consumers often fail to shop for plans during open enrollment periods. Typically these consumers are automatically reenrolled in their old plans, which potentially exposes them to unexpected increases in their insurance premiums and cost sharing. We conducted a randomized intervention to encourage enrollees in an ACA Marketplace to shop for plans. We tested the effect of letters and e-mails with personalized information about the savings on insurance premiums that they could realize from switching plans and the effect of generic communications that simply emphasized the possibility of saving. The personalized and generic messages both increased shopping on the Marketplace's website by 23 percent, but neither type of message had a significant effect on plan switching. These findings show that simple "nudges" with even generic information can promote shopping in health insurance marketplaces, but whether they can lead to switching remains an open question. Project HOPE—The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

  18. Tracking reflector assembly for a skylight

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

    Dominquez, R.L.

    1984-02-07

    A tracking reflector assembly for a skylight includes a ring-shaped base member rotatably supported above the skylight by a plurality of rollers which engage a channel formed within an annular wall of the ring. A reflector is pivotally coupled to the ring for reflecting light into the skylight to supplement light which strikes the skylight directly. A vertical drive motor operates in response to a pair of photosensors for raising and lowering the reflector to follow changes in the angular elevation of the sun. The ring-shaped base member includes a toothed lower surface engaged by a gear coupled to amore » horizontal drive motor for rotating the ring-shaped base member in response to a third photosensor for following east-to-west movement of the sun. Each of the aforementioned photosensors is normally shaded and actuates the associated drive motor only when being struck by direct sunlight. A vertical limit switch limits the amount by which the reflector may be pivotally raised to avoid reflecting midday summer sunlight into the skylight. Another switch is responsive to closure of the reflector over the base member for preventing the vertical drive motor from attempting to further pivot the reflector downwardly. A fourth photosensor senses darkness resulting from sunset or heavy overcast conditions for pivoting the reflector downwardly and returning the base member and reflector to an easterly direction. A limit switch senses the return of the base member to the full east position for terminating actuation of the horizontal drive motor. A user operated switch selectively enables the tracking reflector assembly to operate automatically or causes the reflector to be lowered and the base member to be returned to the full east position until the user again enables the automatic control circuitry.« less

  19. Phase structure rewrite systems in information retrieval

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Klingbiel, P. H.

    1985-01-01

    Operational level automatic indexing requires an efficient means of normalizing natural language phrases. Subject switching requires an efficient means of translating one set of authorized terms to another. A phrase structure rewrite system called a Lexical Dictionary is explained that performs these functions. Background, operational use, other applications and ongoing research are explained.

  20. Handbook for Bombardiers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1944-02-08

    action of the levelling knobs. Cage gym . h. Test the automatic release through the bomb racks. i. Check telescope motor. (1) Týrn telescope motor switch...154.2 11O00 202.6 20000 150.2 12000 193.9 FIGURE 26. 00 * RESTRICTED 4 4 1 .••• REST.R ICTED -.71- SECTION II HIGH ALTITJDE BOMBING OF MANEJVERING

  1. Recent developments in high altitude aircraft sampling - Mount St. Helens and stratospheric trace gases

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leifer, R.; Sommers, K. G.; Guggenheim, S. F.; Fisenne, I.

    1981-02-01

    An ultra-clean, low volume gas sampling system (CLASS), flown aboard a high altitude aircraft (WB-57F), and providing information on stratospheric trace gases is presented. Attention is given to the instrument design and the electronic control design. Since remote operation is mandatory on the WB-57F, a servo pressure transducer, electrical pressure switch for automatic shutdown, and a mechanical safety relief valve were installed on the sampling manifold, indicated on the CLASS flow chart. The electronic control system consists of hermetically sealed solid state timers, relays, and a stepping switch, for controlling the compressor pump and solenoid valves. In designing the automatic control system, vibration, shock, acceleration, extreme low temperature, and aircraft safety were important considerations. CLASS was tested on three separate occasions, and tables of analytical data from these flights are presented. Readiness capability was demonstrated when the Mount St. Helens eruption plume of May 18, 1980, was intercepted, and it was concluded that no large injection of Rn-222 entered the stratosphere or troposphere from the eruption.

  2. A Low Cost Device for Monitoring the Urine Output of Critical Care Patients

    PubMed Central

    Otero, Abraham; Palacios, Francisco; Akinfiev, Teodor; Apalkov, Andrey

    2010-01-01

    In critical care units most of the patients’ physiological parameters are sensed by commercial monitoring devices. These devices can also supervise whether the values of the parameters lie within a pre-established range set by the clinician. The automation of the sensing and supervision tasks has discharged the healthcare staff of a considerable workload and avoids human errors, which are common in repetitive and monotonous tasks. Urine output is very likely the most relevant physiological parameter that has yet to be sensed or supervised automatically. This paper presents a low cost patent-pending device capable of sensing and supervising urine output. The device uses reed switches activated by a magnetic float in order to measure the amount of urine collected in two containers which are arranged in cascade. When either of the containers fills, it is emptied automatically using a siphon mechanism and urine begins to collect again. An electronic unit sends the state of the reed switches via Bluetooth to a PC that calculates the urine output from this information and supervises the achievement of therapeutic goals. PMID:22163495

  3. A low cost device for monitoring the urine output of critical care patients.

    PubMed

    Otero, Abraham; Palacios, Francisco; Akinfiev, Teodor; Apalkov, Andrey

    2010-01-01

    In critical care units most of the patients' physiological parameters are sensed by commercial monitoring devices. These devices can also supervise whether the values of the parameters lie within a pre-established range set by the clinician. The automation of the sensing and supervision tasks has discharged the healthcare staff of a considerable workload and avoids human errors, which are common in repetitive and monotonous tasks. Urine output is very likely the most relevant physiological parameter that has yet to be sensed or supervised automatically. This paper presents a low cost patent-pending device capable of sensing and supervising urine output. The device uses reed switches activated by a magnetic float in order to measure the amount of urine collected in two containers which are arranged in cascade. When either of the containers fills, it is emptied automatically using a siphon mechanism and urine begins to collect again. An electronic unit sends the state of the reed switches via Bluetooth to a PC that calculates the urine output from this information and supervises the achievement of therapeutic goals.

  4. An afocal telescope configuration for the ESA Ariel mission

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Da Deppo, V.; Middleton, K.; Focardi, M.; Morgante, G.; Pace, E.; Claudi, R.; Micela, G.

    2017-09-01

    ARIEL (Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey) is one of the three candidates for the next ESA medium-class science mission (M4) expected to be launched in 2026. This mission will be devoted to observing spectroscopically in the infrared (IR) a large population of known transiting planets in the neighborhood of the Solar System, opening a new discovery space in the field of extrasolar planets and enabling the understanding of the physics and chemistry of these far away worlds. ARIEL is based on a 1-m class telescope ahead of two spectrometer channels covering the band 1.95 to 7.8 microns. In addition there are four photometric channels: two wide band, also used as fine guidance sensors, and two narrow band. During its 3.5 years of operations from L2 orbit, ARIEL will continuously observe exoplanets transiting their host star. The ARIEL optical design is conceived as a fore-module common afocal telescope that will feed the spectrometer and photometric channels. The telescope optical design is composed of an off-axis portion of a two-mirror classic Cassegrain coupled to a tertiary off-axis paraboloidal mirror. The telescope and optical bench operating temperatures, as well as those of some subsystems, will be monitored and fine tuned/stabilised mainly by means of a thermal control subsystem (TCU-Telescope Control Unit) working in closed-loop feedback and hosted by the main Payload electronics unit, the Instrument Control Unit (ICU). Another important function of the TCU will be to monitor the telescope and optical bench thermistors when the Payload decontamination heaters will be switched on (when operating the instrument in Decontamination Mode) during the Commissioning Phase and cyclically, if required. Then the thermistors data will be sent by the ICU to the On Board Computer by means of a proper formatted telemetry. The latter (OBC) will be in charge of switching on and off the decontamination heaters on the basis of the thermistors readout values.

  5. Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus Improves Lexical Switching in Parkinsons Disease Patients.

    PubMed

    Vonberg, Isabelle; Ehlen, Felicitas; Fromm, Ortwin; Kühn, Andrea A; Klostermann, Fabian

    2016-01-01

    Reduced verbal fluency (VF) has been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), especially those treated by Deep Brain Stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN DBS). To delineate the nature of this dysfunction we aimed at identifying the particular VF-related operations modified by STN DBS. Eleven PD patients performed VF tasks in their STN DBS ON and OFF condition. To differentiate VF-components modulated by the stimulation, a temporal cluster analysis was performed, separating production spurts (i.e., 'clusters' as correlates of automatic activation spread within lexical fields) from slower cluster transitions (i.e., 'switches' reflecting set-shifting towards new lexical fields). The results were compared to those of eleven healthy control subjects. PD patients produced significantly more switches accompanied by shorter switch times in the STN DBS ON compared to the STN DBS OFF condition. The number of clusters and time intervals between words within clusters were not affected by the treatment state. Although switch behavior in patients with DBS ON improved, their task performance was still lower compared to that of healthy controls. Beyond impacting on motor symptoms, STN DBS seems to influence the dynamics of cognitive procedures. Specifically, the results are in line with basal ganglia roles for cognitive switching, in the particular case of VF, from prevailing lexical concepts to new ones.

  6. Clinical experience with generic levetiracetam in people with epilepsy

    PubMed Central

    Chaluvadi, Siresha; Chiang, Sharon; Tran, Larry; Goldsmith, Corey E.; Friedman, David E.

    2015-01-01

    SUMMARY Purpose To describe the clinical outcomes of a compulsory switch from branded to generic levetiracetam (LEV) among people with epilepsy (PWE) in an outpatient setting. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of 760 unduplicated consecutive adult patients attending a tertiary care epilepsy clinic at Ben Taub General Hospital. On November 1, 2008 hospital policy required all patients receiving branded LEV to be automatically switched to generic LEV. We calculated the proportion of patients switching back to branded LEV and reasons for the switch back. Key Findings Of the 260 patients (34%) being prescribed LEV (generic and brand name) during the study period, 105 (42.9%) were switched back to brand name LEV by their treating physicians. Reasons for switch back included increase in seizure frequency (19.6% vs. 1.6%; p < 0.0001) and adverse effects (AEs) (3.3%). AEs included headache, fatigue, and aggression. Patient age was associated with switchback when controlling for gender, epilepsy classification, and treatment characteristics [relative risk (RR) 2.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.09–2.84; p < 0.05)]. An increase in seizure frequency subsequent to generic substitution was associated with polytherapy compared to monotherapy (3.225; 1.512–6.880; p < 0.05). Significance A significant proportion of patients in our cohort on generic LEV required switch back to the branded drug. Careful monitoring is imperative because a compulsory switch from branded to generic LEV may lead to poor clinical outcomes, with risk of AEs and increased seizure frequency. PMID:21426334

  7. A 1-2 GHz pulsed and continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Quine, Richard W.; Rinard, George A.; Ghim, Barnard T.; Eaton, Sandra S.; Eaton, Gareth R.

    1996-07-01

    A microwave bridge has been constructed that performs three types of electron paramagnetic resonance experiments: continuous wave, pulsed saturation recovery, and pulsed electron spin echo. Switching between experiment types can be accomplished via front-panel switches without moving the sample. Design features and performance of the bridge and of a resonator used in testing the bridge are described. The bridge is constructed of coaxial components connected with semirigid cable. Particular attention has been paid to low-noise design of the preamplifier and stability of automatic frequency control circuits. The bridge incorporates a Smith chart display and phase adjustment meter for ease of tuning.

  8. Path Searching Based Fault Automated Recovery Scheme for Distribution Grid with DG

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xia, Lin; Qun, Wang; Hui, Xue; Simeng, Zhu

    2016-12-01

    Applying the method of path searching based on distribution network topology in setting software has a good effect, and the path searching method containing DG power source is also applicable to the automatic generation and division of planned islands after the fault. This paper applies path searching algorithm in the automatic division of planned islands after faults: starting from the switch of fault isolation, ending in each power source, and according to the line load that the searching path traverses and the load integrated by important optimized searching path, forming optimized division scheme of planned islands that uses each DG as power source and is balanced to local important load. Finally, COBASE software and distribution network automation software applied are used to illustrate the effectiveness of the realization of such automatic restoration program.

  9. Halbach array generator/motor having an automatically regulated output voltage and mechanical power output

    DOEpatents

    Post, Richard F.

    2005-02-22

    A motor/generator having its stationary portion, i.e., the stator, positioned concentrically within its rotatable element, i.e., the rotor, along its axis of rotation. The rotor includes a Halbach array. The stator windings are switched or commutated to provide a DC motor/generator much the same as in a conventional DC motor/generator. The voltage and power are automatically regulated by using centrifugal force to change the diameter of the rotor, and thereby vary the radial gap in between the stator and the rotating Halbach array, as a function of the angular velocity of the rotor.

  10. Automatic range selector

    DOEpatents

    McNeilly, Clyde E.

    1977-01-04

    A device is provided for automatically selecting from a plurality of ranges of a scale of values to which a meter may be made responsive, that range which encompasses the value of an unknown parameter. A meter relay indicates whether the unknown is of greater or lesser value than the range to which the meter is then responsive. The rotatable part of a stepping relay is rotated in one direction or the other in response to the indication from the meter relay. Various positions of the rotatable part are associated with particular scales. Switching means are sensitive to the position of the rotatable part to couple the associated range to the meter.

  11. Fiber-coupled THz spectroscopy for monitoring polymeric compounding processes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vieweg, N.; Krumbholz, N.; Hasek, T.; Wilk, R.; Bartels, V.; Keseberg, C.; Pethukhov, V.; Mikulics, M.; Wetenkamp, L.; Koch, M.

    2007-06-01

    We present a compact, robust, and transportable fiber-coupled THz system for inline monitoring of polymeric compounding processes in an industrial environment. The system is built on a 90cm x 90cm large shock absorbing optical bench. A sealed metal box protects the system against dust and mechanical disturbances. A closed loop controller unit is used to ensure optimum coupling of the laser beam into the fiber. In order to build efficient and stable fiber-coupled antennas we glue the fibers directly onto photoconductive switches. Thus, the antenna performance is very stable and it is secured from dust or misalignment by vibrations. We discuss fabrication details and antenna performance. First spectroscopic data obtained with this system is presented.

  12. Evaluation of the Performance of the Hybrid Lattice Boltzmann Based Numerical Flux

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, H. W.; Shu, C.

    2016-06-01

    It is well known that the numerical scheme is a key factor to the stability and accuracy of a Navier-Stokes solver. Recently, a new hybrid lattice Boltzmann numerical flux (HLBFS) is developed by Shu's group. It combines two different LBFS schemes by a switch function. It solves the Boltzmann equation instead of the Euler equation. In this article, the main object is to evaluate the ability of this HLBFS scheme by our in-house cell centered hybrid mesh based Navier-Stokes code. Its performance is examined by several widely-used bench-mark test cases. The comparisons on results between calculation and experiment are conducted. They show that the scheme can capture the shock wave as well as the resolving of boundary layer.

  13. Toward next-generation optical networks: a network operator perspective based on experimental tests and economic analysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xiao, Xiaojun; Du, Chunsheng; Zhou, Rongsheng

    2004-04-01

    As a result of data traffic"s exponential growth, network is currently evolving from fixed circuit switched services to dynamic packet switched services, which has brought unprecedented changes to the existing transport infrastructure. It is generally agreed that automatic switched optical network (ASON) is one of the promising solutions for the next generation optical networks. In this paper, we present the results of our experimental tests and economic analysis on ASON. The intention of this paper is to present our perspective, in terms of evolution strategy toward ASON, on next generation optical networks. It is shown through experimental tests that the performance of current Pre-standard ASON enabled equipments satisfies the basic requirements of network operators and is ready for initial deployment. The results of the economic analysis show that network operators can be benefit from the deployment of ASON from three sides. Firstly, ASON can reduce the CAPEX for network expanding by integrating multiple ADM & DCS into one box. Secondly, ASON can reduce the OPEX for network operation by introducing automatic resource control scheme. Finally, ASON can increase margin revenue by providing new optical network services such as Bandwidth on Demand, optical VPN etc. Finally, the evolution strategy is proposed as our perspective toward next generation optical networks. We hope the evolution strategy introduced may be helpful for the network operators to gracefully migrate their fixed ring based legacy networks to next generation dynamic mesh based network.

  14. Development of a DC propulsion system for an electric vehicle

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kelledes, W. L.

    1984-01-01

    The suitability of the Eaton automatically shifted mechanical transaxle concept for use in a near-term dc powered electric vehicle is evaluated. A prototype dc propulsion system for a passenger electric vehicle was designed, fabricated, tested, installed in a modified Mercury Lynx vehicle and track tested at the contractor's site. The system consisted of a two-axis, three-speed, automatically-shifted mechanical transaxle, 15.2 Kw rated, separately excited traction motor, and a transistorized motor controller with a single chopper providing limited armature current below motor base speed and full range field control above base speed at up to twice rated motor current. The controller utilized a microprocessor to perform motor and vehicle speed monitoring and shift sequencing by means of solenoids applying hydraulic pressure to the transaxle clutches. Bench dynamometer and track testing was performed. Track testing showed best system efficiency for steady-state cruising speeds of 65-80 Km/Hz (40-50 mph). Test results include acceleration, steady speed and SAE J227A/D cycle energy consumption, braking tests and coast down to characterize the vehicle road load.

  15. Novel apparatus and methods for performing remotely controlled particle-solid interaction experiments at CERN

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Krause, H. F.; Deveney, E. F.; Jones, N. L.; Vane, C. R.; Datz, S.; Knudsen, H.; Grafström, P.; Schuch, R.

    1997-04-01

    Recent atomic physics studies involving ultrarelativistic Pb ions required solid target positioners, scintillators, and a sophisticated data acquisition and control system placed in a remote location at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron near Geneva, Switzerland. The apparatus, installed in a high-radiation zone underground, had to (i) function for months, (ii) automatically respond to failures such as power outages and particle-induced computer upsets, and (iii) communicate with the outside world via a telephone line. The heart of the apparatus developed was an Apple Macintosh-based CAMAC system that answered the telephone and interpreted and executed remote control commands that (i) sensed and set targets, (ii) controlled voltages and discriminator levels for scintillators, (iii) modified data acquisition hardware logic, (iv) reported control information, and (v) automatically synchronized data acquisition to the CERN spill cycle via a modem signal and transmitted experimental data to a remote computer. No problems were experienced using intercontinental telephone connections at 1200 baud. Our successful "virtual laboratory" approach that uses off-the-shelf electronics is generally adaptable to more conventional bench-type experiments.

  16. Differences in unilateral chest press muscle activation and kinematics on a stable versus unstable surface while holding one versus two dumbbells

    PubMed Central

    Patterson, Jeffrey M.; Oppenheimer, Nicole E.; Feser, Erin H.

    2015-01-01

    Training the bench press exercise on a traditional flat bench does not induce a level of instability as seen in sport movements and activities of daily living. Twenty participants were recruited to test two forms of instability: using one dumbbell rather than two and lifting on the COR bench compared to a flat bench. Electromyography (EMG) amplitudes of the pectoralis major, middle trapezius, external oblique, and internal oblique were recorded and compared. Differences in range of motion (ROM) were evaluated by measuring an angular representation of the shoulder complex. Four separate conditions of unilateral bench press were tested while lifting on a: flat bench with one dumbbell, flat bench with two dumbbells, COR Bench with one dumbbell, and COR Bench with two dumbbells. The results imply that there are no differences in EMG amplitude or ROM between the COR bench and traditional bench. However, greater ROM was found to be utilized in the single dumbbell condition, both in the COR bench and the flat bench. PMID:26528421

  17. 46 CFR 161.002-10 - Automatic fire detecting system control unit.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-10-01

    ... that part of the supply circuit on the load side of the battery transfer switch and fuses. On a system supplied by a branch circuit the “normal source” shall be construed to mean the load side of any... fire alarm shall be electrically supervised. (d) Power failure alarms—(1) Loss of potential. The loss...

  18. Long-Term Priming of Visual Search Prevails against the Passage of Time and Counteracting Instructions

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Kruijne, Wouter; Meeter, Martijn

    2016-01-01

    Studies on "intertrial priming" have shown that in visual search experiments, the preceding trial automatically affects search performance: facilitating it when the target features repeat and giving rise to switch costs when they change--so-called (short-term) intertrial priming. These effects also occur at longer time scales: When 1 of…

  19. Frequency-Accommodating Manchester Decoder

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Vasquez, Mario J.

    1988-01-01

    No adjustment necessary to cover a 10:1 frequency range. Decoding circuit converts biphase-level pulse-code modulation to nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ)-level pulse-code modulation plus clock signal. Circuit accommodates input data rate of 50 to 500 kb/s. Tracks gradual changes in rate automatically, eliminating need for extra circuits and manual switching to adjust to different rates.

  20. Theory and simulent design of a type of auto-self-protecting optical switches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Binhong; Peng, Songcun

    1990-06-01

    As the use of lasers in the military and in the civilian economy increases with each passing day, it is often necessary for the human eye or sensitive instruments to observe weak lasers, such as the return waves of laser radar and laser communications signals; but it is also necessary to provide protection against damage to the eye from the strong lasers of enemy laser weapons. For this reason, it is necessary to have a kind of automatic optical self-protecting switch. Based upon a study of the transmitting and scattering characteristics of multilayer dielectric optical waveguides, a practical computer program is set up for designing a type of auto-self-protecting optical switch with a computer model by using the nonlinear property of dielectric layers and the plasma behavior of metal substrates. This technique can be used to protect the human eye and sensitive detectors from damage caused by strong laser beams.

  1. Influence of ZnO nanostructures in liquid crystal interfaces for bistable switching applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pal, Kaushik; Zhan, Bihong; Madhu Mohan, M. L. N.; Schirhagl, Romana; Wang, Guoping

    2015-12-01

    The controlled fabrication of nanometer-scale objects is without doubt one of the central issues in current science and technology. In this article, we exhibit a simple, one-step bench top synthesis of zinc oxide nano-tetrapods and nano-spheres which were tailored by the facial growth of nano-wires (diameter ≈ 24 nm; length ≈ 118 nm) and nano-cubes (≈395 nm edge) to nano-sphere (diameter ≈ 585 nm) appeaded. The possibilities of inexpensive, simple solvo-chemical synthesis of nanostructures were considered. In this article, a successful attempt has been made that ZnO nano-structures dispersed on well aligned hydrogen bonded liquid crystals (HBLC) comprising azelaic acid (AC) with p-n-alkyloxy benzoic acid (nBAO) by varying the respective alkyloxy carbon number (n = 5). The dispersion of nanomaterials with HBLC is an effective route to enhance the existing functionalities. A series of these composite materials were analyzed by polarizing optical microscope's electro-optical switching. An interesting feature of AC + nBAO is the inducement of tilted smectic G phase with increasing carbon chain length. Phase diagrams of the above hybrid ZnO nanomaterial influenced LC complex and pure LC were constructed and compared. The switching times, the contrast ratio and spontaneous polarization of the nanostructures-HBLC composite film were carried out by systematic investigation. The sample preparation parameters, such as the curing time and curing intensity were optimized. The critical applied voltage to achieve the switching bi-stability of our device is only 4.5 V, which is approximately twice its threshold voltage for Freedericksz transition. This performance puts the hybrid structure at the top level in the state of the art in application oriented research in optics of liquid crystalline composite materials.

  2. DockBench as docking selector tool: the lesson learned from D3R Grand Challenge 2015

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Salmaso, Veronica; Sturlese, Mattia; Cuzzolin, Alberto; Moro, Stefano

    2016-09-01

    Structure-based drug design (SBDD) has matured within the last two decades as a valuable tool for the optimization of low molecular weight lead compounds to highly potent drugs. The key step in SBDD requires knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of the target-ligand complex, which is usually determined by X-ray crystallography. In the absence of structural information for the complex, SBDD relies on the generation of plausible molecular docking models. However, molecular docking protocols suffer from inaccuracies in the description of the interaction energies between the ligand and the target molecule, and often fail in the prediction of the correct binding mode. In this context, the appropriate selection of the most accurate docking protocol is absolutely relevant for the final molecular docking result, even if addressing this point is absolutely not a trivial task. D3R Grand Challenge 2015 has represented a precious opportunity to test the performance of DockBench, an integrate informatics platform to automatically compare RMDS-based molecular docking performances of different docking/scoring methods. The overall performance resulted in the blind prediction are encouraging in particular for the pose prediction task, in which several complex were predicted with a sufficient accuracy for medicinal chemistry purposes.

  3. DockBench as docking selector tool: the lesson learned from D3R Grand Challenge 2015.

    PubMed

    Salmaso, Veronica; Sturlese, Mattia; Cuzzolin, Alberto; Moro, Stefano

    2016-09-01

    Structure-based drug design (SBDD) has matured within the last two decades as a valuable tool for the optimization of low molecular weight lead compounds to highly potent drugs. The key step in SBDD requires knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of the target-ligand complex, which is usually determined by X-ray crystallography. In the absence of structural information for the complex, SBDD relies on the generation of plausible molecular docking models. However, molecular docking protocols suffer from inaccuracies in the description of the interaction energies between the ligand and the target molecule, and often fail in the prediction of the correct binding mode. In this context, the appropriate selection of the most accurate docking protocol is absolutely relevant for the final molecular docking result, even if addressing this point is absolutely not a trivial task. D3R Grand Challenge 2015 has represented a precious opportunity to test the performance of DockBench, an integrate informatics platform to automatically compare RMDS-based molecular docking performances of different docking/scoring methods. The overall performance resulted in the blind prediction are encouraging in particular for the pose prediction task, in which several complex were predicted with a sufficient accuracy for medicinal chemistry purposes.

  4. Control system of mobile radiographic complex to study equations of state of substances

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Belov, O. V.; Valekzhanin, R. V.; Kustov, D. V.; Shamro, O. A.; Sharov, T. V.

    2017-05-01

    A source of x-ray radiation is one of the tools to study equations of state of substances in dynamics. The mobile radiographic bench based on BIM-1500 [1] was developed in RFNC-VNIIEF to increase output parameters of the x-ray radiation source. From automated control system side, BIM-1500 is a set of six high-voltage generators based on the capacitive energy storage, technological equipment, and elements of a blocking system. This paper considers automated control system of the mobile radiographic bench MCA BIM 1500. It consists of six high-voltage generator control circuits, synchronization subsystem, and block subsystem. The object of control has some peculiarities: high level of electromagnetic noise, remoteness of the control panel from the object of control. In connection with this, the coupling devices are arranged closer to the object of control and performed in the form of a set of galvanically insulated control units, which are combined into a net. The operator runs MCA BIM using the operator’s screens on PC or by means of manual control on the equipment in the mode of debugging. The control software provides performance of the experiment in automatic regime in accordance with preset settings. The operator can stop the experiment at the stage of charging the capacitive storage.

  5. ExcelAutomat: a tool for systematic processing of files as applied to quantum chemical calculations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Laloo, Jalal Z. A.; Laloo, Nassirah; Rhyman, Lydia; Ramasami, Ponnadurai

    2017-07-01

    The processing of the input and output files of quantum chemical calculations often necessitates a spreadsheet as a key component of the workflow. Spreadsheet packages with a built-in programming language editor can automate the steps involved and thus provide a direct link between processing files and the spreadsheet. This helps to reduce user-interventions as well as the need to switch between different programs to carry out each step. The ExcelAutomat tool is the implementation of this method in Microsoft Excel (MS Excel) using the default Visual Basic for Application (VBA) programming language. The code in ExcelAutomat was adapted to work with the platform-independent open-source LibreOffice Calc, which also supports VBA. ExcelAutomat provides an interface through the spreadsheet to automate repetitive tasks such as merging input files, splitting, parsing and compiling data from output files, and generation of unique filenames. Selected extracted parameters can be retrieved as variables which can be included in custom codes for a tailored approach. ExcelAutomat works with Gaussian files and is adapted for use with other computational packages including the non-commercial GAMESS. ExcelAutomat is available as a downloadable MS Excel workbook or as a LibreOffice workbook.

  6. ExcelAutomat: a tool for systematic processing of files as applied to quantum chemical calculations.

    PubMed

    Laloo, Jalal Z A; Laloo, Nassirah; Rhyman, Lydia; Ramasami, Ponnadurai

    2017-07-01

    The processing of the input and output files of quantum chemical calculations often necessitates a spreadsheet as a key component of the workflow. Spreadsheet packages with a built-in programming language editor can automate the steps involved and thus provide a direct link between processing files and the spreadsheet. This helps to reduce user-interventions as well as the need to switch between different programs to carry out each step. The ExcelAutomat tool is the implementation of this method in Microsoft Excel (MS Excel) using the default Visual Basic for Application (VBA) programming language. The code in ExcelAutomat was adapted to work with the platform-independent open-source LibreOffice Calc, which also supports VBA. ExcelAutomat provides an interface through the spreadsheet to automate repetitive tasks such as merging input files, splitting, parsing and compiling data from output files, and generation of unique filenames. Selected extracted parameters can be retrieved as variables which can be included in custom codes for a tailored approach. ExcelAutomat works with Gaussian files and is adapted for use with other computational packages including the non-commercial GAMESS. ExcelAutomat is available as a downloadable MS Excel workbook or as a LibreOffice workbook.

  7. Language balance and switching ability in children acquiring English as a second language.

    PubMed

    Goriot, Claire; Broersma, Mirjam; McQueen, James M; Unsworth, Sharon; van Hout, Roeland

    2018-09-01

    This study investigated whether relative lexical proficiency in Dutch and English in child second language (L2) learners is related to executive functioning. Participants were Dutch primary school pupils of three different age groups (4-5, 8-9, and 11-12 years) who either were enrolled in an early-English schooling program or were age-matched controls not on that early-English program. Participants performed tasks that measured switching, inhibition, and working memory. Early-English program pupils had greater knowledge of English vocabulary and more balanced Dutch-English lexicons. In both groups, lexical balance, a ratio measure obtained by dividing vocabulary scores in English by those in Dutch, was related to switching but not to inhibition or working memory performance. These results show that for children who are learning an L2 in an instructional setting, and for whom managing two languages is not yet an automatized process, language balance may be more important than L2 proficiency in influencing the relation between childhood bilingualism and switching abilities. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Reactive molecular dynamics simulations of switching processes of azobenzene-based monolayer on surface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tian, Ziqi; Wen, Jin; Ma, Jing

    2013-07-01

    It is a challenge to simulate the switching process of functional self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on metal surfaces, since the systems consist of thousands of atoms and the switching is triggered by quantum-mechanical events. Herein a molecular dynamics simulation with a reactive rotation potential of N=N bond is implemented to investigate the dynamic conformational changes and packing effects on the stimuli-responsive isomerization of the terminally thiol functionalized azobiphenyls (AZOs), which are bound on the Au(111) surface. To, respectively, distinguish the time evolutions that start from cis and trans initial configurations, two different functions are established to model the potential energy curves for cis-to-trans and trans-to-cis transitions, instead of the only one cosine function used in the conventional non-reactive force fields. In order to simulate the conformation transitions of the AZO film on surface, a random switching function, depending on the N=N twisting angle, is constructed to consider both forward and backward cis/trans isomerization events and to trigger the reaction by changing the N atom types automatically. The factors that will influence the isomerization process, including the choice of ensembles and thermostat algorithms, the time intervals separating each switching, and the forms of the switching function, are systematically tested. Most AZO molecules switch from the cis to trans configuration with a coverage of 5.76 × 10-6 mol/m2 on a picosecond time scale, and a low coverage might make the switching irreversible, which is in agreement with the experiments.

  9. A battery-run pulsed motor with inherent dynamic electronic switch control

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tripathi, K. C.; Lal, P.; Sarma, P. R.; Sharma, A. K.; Prakash, V.

    1980-02-01

    A new type of battery-run brushless ferrite-magnet dc motor system is described. Its rotor part consists of a few permanent ceramic (ferrite) magnets uniformly spread on the rim of a disk (wheel) and the stator part consists of electromagnets placed in such a way that when energized, they always form a repulsive couple to rotate the disk. A sensor coil is placed to give an induced pulse signal, which acts as an inherent dynamic switching time control for the automatic electronic control system. Control of speed, brake system, and safety measures are also discussed. Experimental values for the present system are given. Some possible applications are suggested.

  10. 40 CFR Appendix Vii to Part 86 - Standard Bench Cycle (SBC)

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... VII to Part 86—Standard Bench Cycle (SBC) 1. The standard bench aging durability procedures [Ref. § 86.1823-08(d)] consist of aging a catalyst-oxygen-sensor system on an aging bench which follows the standard bench cycle (SBC) described in this appendix. 2. The SBC requires use of an aging bench with an...

  11. The Effects of Bench Press Variations in Competitive Athletes on Muscle Activity and Performance

    PubMed Central

    Saeterbakken, Atle Hole; Mo, Dag-André; Scott, Suzanne; Andersen, Vidar

    2017-01-01

    Abstract The aim of the study was to compare the EMG activity performing 6RM competition style bench press (flat bench-wide grip) with 1) medium and narrow grip widths on a flat bench and 1) inclined and declined bench positions with a wide grip. Twelve bench press athletes competing at national and international level participated in the study. EMG activity was measured in the pectoralis major, anterior and posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii and latissimus dorsi. Non-significant differences in activation were observed between the three bench positions with the exception of 58.5-62.6% lower triceps brachii activation, but 48.3-68.7% greater biceps brachii activation in the inclined bench compared with the flat and declined bench position. Comparing the three grip widths, non-significant differences in activations were observed, with the exception of 25.9-30.5% lower EMG activity in the biceps brachii using a narrow grip, compared to the medium and wide grip conditions. The 6-RM loads were 5.8-11.1% greater using a medium and wide grip compared to narrow grip width and 18.5-21.5% lower in the inclined bench position compared with flat and declined. Comparing the EMG activity during the competition bench press style with either the inclined and declined bench position (wide grip) or using a narrow and medium grip (flat bench), only resulted in different EMG activity in the biceps- and triceps brachii. The 6RM loads varied with each bench press variation and we recommend the use of a wide grip on a flat bench during high load hypertrophy training to bench press athletes. PMID:28713459

  12. The Effects of Bench Press Variations in Competitive Athletes on Muscle Activity and Performance.

    PubMed

    Saeterbakken, Atle Hole; Mo, Dag-André; Scott, Suzanne; Andersen, Vidar

    2017-06-01

    The aim of the study was to compare the EMG activity performing 6RM competition style bench press (flat bench-wide grip) with 1) medium and narrow grip widths on a flat bench and 1) inclined and declined bench positions with a wide grip. Twelve bench press athletes competing at national and international level participated in the study. EMG activity was measured in the pectoralis major, anterior and posterior deltoid, biceps brachii, triceps brachii and latissimus dorsi. Non-significant differences in activation were observed between the three bench positions with the exception of 58.5-62.6% lower triceps brachii activation, but 48.3-68.7% greater biceps brachii activation in the inclined bench compared with the flat and declined bench position. Comparing the three grip widths, non-significant differences in activations were observed, with the exception of 25.9-30.5% lower EMG activity in the biceps brachii using a narrow grip, compared to the medium and wide grip conditions. The 6-RM loads were 5.8-11.1% greater using a medium and wide grip compared to narrow grip width and 18.5-21.5% lower in the inclined bench position compared with flat and declined. Comparing the EMG activity during the competition bench press style with either the inclined and declined bench position (wide grip) or using a narrow and medium grip (flat bench), only resulted in different EMG activity in the biceps- and triceps brachii. The 6RM loads varied with each bench press variation and we recommend the use of a wide grip on a flat bench during high load hypertrophy training to bench press athletes.

  13. Quasi-classical modeling of molecular quantum-dot cellular automata multidriver gates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahimi, Ehsan; Nejad, Shahram Mohammad

    2012-05-01

    Molecular quantum-dot cellular automata (mQCA) has received considerable attention in nanoscience. Unlike the current-based molecular switches, where the digital data is represented by the on/off states of the switches, in mQCA devices, binary information is encoded in charge configuration within molecular redox centers. The mQCA paradigm allows high device density and ultra-low power consumption. Digital mQCA gates are the building blocks of circuits in this paradigm. Design and analysis of these gates require quantum chemical calculations, which are demanding in computer time and memory. Therefore, developing simple models to probe mQCA gates is of paramount importance. We derive a semi-classical model to study the steady-state output polarization of mQCA multidriver gates, directly from the two-state approximation in electron transfer theory. The accuracy and validity of this model are analyzed using full quantum chemistry calculations. A complete set of logic gates, including inverters and minority voters, are implemented to provide an appropriate test bench in the two-dot mQCA regime. We also briefly discuss how the QCADesigner tool could find its application in simulation of mQCA devices.

  14. The Development of Automaticity in Short-Term Memory Search: Item-Response Learning and Category Learning

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Cao, Rui; Nosofsky, Robert M.; Shiffrin, Richard M.

    2017-01-01

    In short-term-memory (STM)-search tasks, observers judge whether a test probe was present in a short list of study items. Here we investigated the long-term learning mechanisms that lead to the highly efficient STM-search performance observed under conditions of consistent-mapping (CM) training, in which targets and foils never switch roles across…

  15. Electronic control circuits: A compilation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1973-01-01

    A compilation of technical R and D information on circuits and modular subassemblies is presented as a part of a technology utilization program. Fundamental design principles and applications are given. Electronic control circuits discussed include: anti-noise circuit; ground protection device for bioinstrumentation; temperature compensation for operational amplifiers; hybrid gatling capacitor; automatic signal range control; integrated clock-switching control; and precision voltage tolerance detector.

  16. Artificial Epigenetic Networks: Automatic Decomposition of Dynamical Control Tasks Using Topological Self-Modification.

    PubMed

    Turner, Alexander P; Caves, Leo S D; Stepney, Susan; Tyrrell, Andy M; Lones, Michael A

    2017-01-01

    This paper describes the artificial epigenetic network, a recurrent connectionist architecture that is able to dynamically modify its topology in order to automatically decompose and solve dynamical problems. The approach is motivated by the behavior of gene regulatory networks, particularly the epigenetic process of chromatin remodeling that leads to topological change and which underlies the differentiation of cells within complex biological organisms. We expected this approach to be useful in situations where there is a need to switch between different dynamical behaviors, and do so in a sensitive and robust manner in the absence of a priori information about problem structure. This hypothesis was tested using a series of dynamical control tasks, each requiring solutions that could express different dynamical behaviors at different stages within the task. In each case, the addition of topological self-modification was shown to improve the performance and robustness of controllers. We believe this is due to the ability of topological changes to stabilize attractors, promoting stability within a dynamical regime while allowing rapid switching between different regimes. Post hoc analysis of the controllers also demonstrated how the partitioning of the networks could provide new insights into problem structure.

  17. Fault Study of Valve Based on Test Analysis and Comparison

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Li; Yang, Wukui; Liang, Tao; Xu, Yu; Chen, Chao

    2017-10-01

    The valve of a certain type of small engine often has the fault phenomenon of abnormal vibration noise and can’t close under the specified pressure, which may cause the engine automatic stop because of valve incomplete close leading to fuel leakage during test and startup on the bench. By test study compared to imported valve with the same use function and test condition valve, and put forward the thinking of improving valve structure, compared no-improved valve to improved valve by adopting Fluent field simulation software. As a result, improved valve can restore close pressure of valve, restrain abnormal vibration noise phenomenon, and effectively compensate compression value of spring because of steel ball contacting position downward with valve casing.

  18. Fully integrated low-noise readout circuit with automatic offset cancellation loop for capacitive microsensors.

    PubMed

    Song, Haryong; Park, Yunjong; Kim, Hyungseup; Cho, Dong-Il Dan; Ko, Hyoungho

    2015-10-14

    Capacitive sensing schemes are widely used for various microsensors; however, such microsensors suffer from severe parasitic capacitance problems. This paper presents a fully integrated low-noise readout circuit with automatic offset cancellation loop (AOCL) for capacitive microsensors. The output offsets of the capacitive sensing chain due to the parasitic capacitances and process variations are automatically removed using AOCL. The AOCL generates electrically equivalent offset capacitance and enables charge-domain fine calibration using a 10-bit R-2R digital-to-analog converter, charge-transfer switches, and a charge-storing capacitor. The AOCL cancels the unwanted offset by binary-search algorithm based on 10-bit successive approximation register (SAR) logic. The chip is implemented using 0.18 μm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process with an active area of 1.76 mm². The power consumption is 220 μW with 3.3 V supply. The input parasitic capacitances within the range of -250 fF to 250 fF can be cancelled out automatically, and the required calibration time is lower than 10 ms.

  19. Fully Integrated Low-Noise Readout Circuit with Automatic Offset Cancellation Loop for Capacitive Microsensors

    PubMed Central

    Song, Haryong; Park, Yunjong; Kim, Hyungseup; Cho, Dong-il Dan; Ko, Hyoungho

    2015-01-01

    Capacitive sensing schemes are widely used for various microsensors; however, such microsensors suffer from severe parasitic capacitance problems. This paper presents a fully integrated low-noise readout circuit with automatic offset cancellation loop (AOCL) for capacitive microsensors. The output offsets of the capacitive sensing chain due to the parasitic capacitances and process variations are automatically removed using AOCL. The AOCL generates electrically equivalent offset capacitance and enables charge-domain fine calibration using a 10-bit R-2R digital-to-analog converter, charge-transfer switches, and a charge-storing capacitor. The AOCL cancels the unwanted offset by binary-search algorithm based on 10-bit successive approximation register (SAR) logic. The chip is implemented using 0.18 μm complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process with an active area of 1.76 mm2. The power consumption is 220 μW with 3.3 V supply. The input parasitic capacitances within the range of −250 fF to 250 fF can be cancelled out automatically, and the required calibration time is lower than 10 ms. PMID:26473877

  20. Effective Filtering of Query Results on Updated User Behavioral Profiles in Web Mining

    PubMed Central

    Sadesh, S.; Suganthe, R. C.

    2015-01-01

    Web with tremendous volume of information retrieves result for user related queries. With the rapid growth of web page recommendation, results retrieved based on data mining techniques did not offer higher performance filtering rate because relationships between user profile and queries were not analyzed in an extensive manner. At the same time, existing user profile based prediction in web data mining is not exhaustive in producing personalized result rate. To improve the query result rate on dynamics of user behavior over time, Hamilton Filtered Regime Switching User Query Probability (HFRS-UQP) framework is proposed. HFRS-UQP framework is split into two processes, where filtering and switching are carried out. The data mining based filtering in our research work uses the Hamilton Filtering framework to filter user result based on personalized information on automatic updated profiles through search engine. Maximized result is fetched, that is, filtered out with respect to user behavior profiles. The switching performs accurate filtering updated profiles using regime switching. The updating in profile change (i.e., switches) regime in HFRS-UQP framework identifies the second- and higher-order association of query result on the updated profiles. Experiment is conducted on factors such as personalized information search retrieval rate, filtering efficiency, and precision ratio. PMID:26221626

  1. Modeling of driver's collision avoidance maneuver based on controller switching model.

    PubMed

    Kim, Jong-Hae; Hayakawa, Soichiro; Suzuki, Tatsuya; Hayashi, Koji; Okuma, Shigeru; Tsuchida, Nuio; Shimizu, Masayuki; Kido, Shigeyuki

    2005-12-01

    This paper presents a modeling strategy of human driving behavior based on the controller switching model focusing on the driver's collision avoidance maneuver. The driving data are collected by using the three-dimensional (3-D) driving simulator based on the CAVE Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE), which provides stereoscopic immersive virtual environment. In our modeling, the control scenario of the human driver, that is, the mapping from the driver's sensory information to the operation of the driver such as acceleration, braking, and steering, is expressed by Piecewise Polynomial (PWP) model. Since the PWP model includes both continuous behaviors given by polynomials and discrete logical conditions, it can be regarded as a class of Hybrid Dynamical System (HDS). The identification problem for the PWP model is formulated as the Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) by transforming the switching conditions into binary variables. From the obtained results, it is found that the driver appropriately switches the "control law" according to the sensory information. In addition, the driving characteristics of the beginner driver and the expert driver are compared and discussed. These results enable us to capture not only the physical meaning of the driving skill but the decision-making aspect (switching conditions) in the driver's collision avoidance maneuver as well.

  2. Assessment and monitoring of ballistic and maximal upper-body strength qualities in athletes.

    PubMed

    Young, Kieran P; Haff, G Gregory; Newton, Robert U; Gabbett, Tim J; Sheppard, Jeremy M

    2015-03-01

    To evaluate whether the dynamic strength index (DSI: ballistic peak force/isometric peak force) could be effectively used to guide specific training interventions and detect training-induced changes in maximal and ballistic strength. Twenty-four elite male athletes were assessed in the isometric bench press and a 45% 1-repetition-maximum (1RM) ballistic bench throw using a force plate and linear position transducer. The DSI was calculated using the peak force values obtained during the ballistic bench throw and isometric bench press. Athletes were then allocated into 2 groups as matched pairs based on their DSI and strength in the 1RM bench press. Over the 5 wk of training, athletes performed either high-load (80-100% 1RM) bench press or moderate-load (40-55% 1RM) ballistic bench throws. The DSI was sensitive to disparate training methods, with the bench-press group increasing isometric bench-press peak force (P=.035, 91% likely), and the ballistic-bench-throw group increasing bench-throw peak force to a greater extent (P≤.001, 83% likely). A significant increase (P≤.001, 93% likely) in the DSI was observed for both groups. The DSI can be used to guide specific training interventions and can detect training-induced changes in isometric bench-press and ballistic bench-throw peak force over periods as short as 5 wk.

  3. Exoskeletal meal assistance system (EMAS II) for progressive muscle dystrophy patient.

    PubMed

    Hasegawa, Yasuhisa; Oura, Saori

    2011-01-01

    This paper introduces a 4-DOFs exoskeletal meal assistance system (EMAS II) for progressive muscle dystrophy patient. It is generally better for the patient to use his/her hands by himself in daily life because active works maintain level of residual functions, health and initiative of him/her. The EMAS II that has a new joystick-type user interface device and three-DOFs on a shoulder part is enhanced for an easier operation and more comfortable support on eating, as the succeeding model of the previous system that has two-DOFs on a shoulder. In order to control the 4-DOFs system by the simple user interface device, the EMAS II simulates upper limb motion patterns of a healthy person. The motion patterns are modeled by extracting correlations between the height of a user's wrist joint and that of the user's elbow joint at the table. Moreover, the EMAS II automatically brings user's hand up to his/her mouth or back to a table when he/she pushes a preset switch on the interface device. Therefore a user has only to control a position of his/her wrist to pick or scoop foods and then flip the switch to start automatic mode, while a height of the elbow joint is automatically controlled by the EMAS II itself. The results of experiments, where a healthy subject regarded as a muscle dystrophy patient eats a meal with EMAS II, show that the subject finished her meal in a natural way in 18 minutes 40 seconds which was within a recommended time of 30 minutes. © 2011 IEEE

  4. Inexpensive automated paging system for use at remote research sites

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Sargent, S.L.; Dey, W.S.; Keefer, D.A.

    1998-01-01

    The use of a flow-activated automatic sampler at a remote research site required personnel to periodically visit the site to collect samples and reset the automatic sampler. To reduce site visits, a cellular telephone was modified for activation by a datalogger. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the use and benefit of the modified telephone. Both the power switch and the speed-dial button on the telephone were bypassed and wired to a relay driver. The datalogger was programmed to compare values of a monitored environmental parameter with a target value. When the target value was reached or exceeded, the datalogger pulsed a relay driver, activating power to the telephone. A separate relay activated the speed dial, dialing the number of a tone-only pager. The use of this system has saved time and reduced travel costs by reducing the number of trips to the site, without the loss of any data.The use of a flow-activated automatic sampler at a remote research site required personnel to periodically visit the site to collect samples and reset the automatic sampler. To reduce site visits, a cellular telephone was modified for activation by a datalogger. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the use and benefit of the modified telephone. Both the power switch and the speed-dial button on the telephone were bypassed and wired to a relay driver. The datalogger was programmed to compare values of a monitored environmental parameter with a target value. When the target value was reached or exceeded, the datalogger pulsed a relay driver, activating power to the telephone. A separate relay activated the speed dial, dialing the number of a tone-only pager. The use of this system has saved time and reduced travel costs by reducing the number of trips to the site, without the loss of any data.

  5. Automatic Shifts of Attention in the Dimensional Change Card Sort Task: Subtle Changes in Task Materials Lead to Flexible Switching

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Fisher, Anna V.

    2011-01-01

    Two experiments tested a hypothesis that reducing demands on executive control in a Dimensional Change Card Sort task will lead to improved performance in 3-year-olds. In Experiment 1, the shape dimension was represented by two dissimilar values ("stars" and "flowers"), and the color dimension was represented by two similar values ("red" and…

  6. Impaired L1 and Executive Control after Left Basal Ganglia Damage in a Bilingual Basque-Spanish Person with Aphasia

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Adrover-Roig, Daniel; Galparsoro-Izagirre, Nekane; Marcotte, Karine; Ferre, Perrine; Wilson, Maximiliano A.; Ansaldo, Ana Ines

    2011-01-01

    Bilinguals must focus their attention to control competing languages. In bilingual aphasia, damage to the fronto-subcortical loop may lead to pathological language switching and mixing and the attrition of the more automatic language (usually L1). We present the case of JZ, a bilingual Basque-Spanish 53-year-old man who, after haematoma in the…

  7. R-on-1 automatic mapping: A new tool for laser damage testing

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

    Hue, J.; Garrec, P.; Dijon, J.

    1996-12-31

    Laser damage threshold measurement is statistical in nature. For a commercial qualification or for a user, the threshold determined by the weakest point is a satisfactory characterization. When a new coating is designed, threshold mapping is very useful. It enables the technology to be improved and followed more accurately. Different statistical parameters such as the minimum, maximum, average, and standard deviation of the damage threshold as well as spatial parameters such as the threshold uniformity of the coating can be determined. Therefore, in order to achieve a mapping, all the tested sites should give data. This is the major interestmore » of the R-on-1 test in spite of the fact that the laser damage threshold obtained by this method may be different from the 1-on-1 test (smaller or greater). Moreover, on the damage laser test facility, the beam size is smaller (diameters of a few hundred micrometers) than the characteristic sizes of the components in use (diameters of several centimeters up to one meter). Hence, a laser damage threshold mapping appears very interesting, especially for applications linked to large optical components like the Megajoule project or the National Ignition Facility (N.I.F). On the test bench used, damage detection with a Nomarski microscope and scattered light measurement are almost equivalent. Therefore, it becomes possible to automatically detect on line the first defects induced by YAG irradiation. Scattered light mappings and laser damage threshold mappings can therefore be achieved using a X-Y automatic stage (where the test sample is located). The major difficulties due to the automatic capabilities are shown. These characterizations are illustrated at 355 nm. The numerous experiments performed show different kinds of scattering curves, which are discussed in relation with the damage mechanisms.« less

  8. 40 CFR Appendix Viii to Part 86 - Aging Bench Equipment and Procedures

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Aging Bench Equipment and Procedures.... 86, App. VIII Appendix VIII to Part 86—Aging Bench Equipment and Procedures This appendix provides specifications for standard aging bench equipment and aging procedures which may be used to conduct bench aging...

  9. 40 CFR Appendix Viii to Part 86 - Aging Bench Equipment and Procedures

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 19 2014-07-01 2014-07-01 false Aging Bench Equipment and Procedures.... VIII Appendix VIII to Part 86—Aging Bench Equipment and Procedures This appendix provides specifications for standard aging bench equipment and aging procedures which may be used to conduct bench aging...

  10. 40 CFR Appendix Viii to Part 86 - Aging Bench Equipment and Procedures

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... 40 Protection of Environment 20 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false Aging Bench Equipment and Procedures.... 86, App. VIII Appendix VIII to Part 86—Aging Bench Equipment and Procedures This appendix provides specifications for standard aging bench equipment and aging procedures which may be used to conduct bench aging...

  11. Sleep disturbance caused by meaningful sounds and the effect of background noise

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Namba, Seiichiro; Kuwano, Sonoko; Okamoto, Takehisa

    2004-10-01

    To study noise-induced sleep disturbance, a new procedure called "noise interrupted method"has been developed. The experiment is conducted in the bedroom of the house of each subject. The sounds are reproduced with a mini-disk player which has an automatic reverse function. If the sound is disturbing and subjects cannot sleep, they are allowed to switch off the sound 1 h after they start to try to sleep. This switch off (noise interrupted behavior) is an important index of sleep disturbance. Next morning they fill in a questionnaire in which quality of sleep, disturbance of sounds, the time when they switched off the sound, etc. are asked. The results showed a good relationship between L and the percentages of the subjects who could not sleep in an hour and between L and the disturbance reported in the questionnaire. This suggests that this method is a useful tool to measure the sleep disturbance caused by noise under well-controlled conditions.

  12. SUPERFUND TREATABILITY CLEARINGHOUSE: BENGART AND MEMEL (BENCH-SCALE), GULFPORT (BENCH AND PILOT-SCALE), MONTANA POLE (BENCH-SCALE), AND WESTERN PROCESSING (BENCH-SCALE) TREATABILITY STUDIES

    EPA Science Inventory

    This document presents summary data on the results of various treatability studies (bench and pilot scale), conducted at three different sites where soils were contaminated with dioxins or PCBs. The synopsis is meant to show rough performance levels under a variety of differen...

  13. 40 CFR Appendix Vii to Part 86 - Standard Bench Cycle (SBC)

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    .... VII Appendix VII to Part 86—Standard Bench Cycle (SBC) 1. The standard bench aging durability procedures [Ref. § 86.1823-08(d)] consist of aging a catalyst-oxygen-sensor system on an aging bench which follows the standard bench cycle (SBC) described in this appendix. 2. The SBC requires use of an aging...

  14. 40 CFR Appendix Vii to Part 86 - Standard Bench Cycle (SBC)

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    .... VII Appendix VII to Part 86—Standard Bench Cycle (SBC) 1. The standard bench aging durability procedures [Ref. § 86.1823-08(d)] consist of aging a catalyst-oxygen-sensor system on an aging bench which follows the standard bench cycle (SBC) described in this appendix. 2. The SBC requires use of an aging...

  15. Fully automated methods for the determination of hydrochlorothiazide in human plasma and urine.

    PubMed

    Hsieh, J Y; Lin, C; Matuszewski, B K; Dobrinska, M R

    1994-12-01

    LC assays utilizing fully automated sample preparation procedures on Zymark PyTechnology Robot and BenchMate Workstation for the quantification of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in human plasma and urine have been developed. After aliquoting plasma and urine samples, and adding internal standard (IS) manually, the robot executed buffer and organic solvent addition, liquid-liquid extraction, solvent evaporation and on-line LC injection steps for plasma samples, whereas, BenchMate performed buffer and organic solvent addition, liquid-liquid and solid-phase extractions, and on-line LC injection steps for urine samples. Chromatographic separations were carried out on Beckman Octyl Ultrasphere column using the mobile phase composed of 12% (v/v) acetonitrile and 88% of either an ion-pairing reagent (plasma) or 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (urine). The eluent from the column was monitored with UV detector (271 nm). Peak heights for HCTZ and IS were automatically processed using a PE-Nelson ACCESS*CHROM laboratory automation system. The assays have been validated in the concentration range of 2-100 ng ml-1 in plasma and 0.1-20 micrograms ml-1 in urine. Both plasma and urine assays have the sensitivity and specificity necessary to determine plasma and urine concentrations of HCTZ from low dose (6.25/12.5 mg) administration of HCTZ to human subjects in the presence or absence of losartan.

  16. Data-dependence Profiling to Enable Safe Thread Level Speculation

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

    Bhattacharyya, Arnamoy; Amaral, José Nelson; Finkel, Hal

    Data-dependence profling is a technique that enables a com- piler to judiciously decide when the execution of a loop | which the compiler could not prove to be dependence free | should be speculated through the use of Thread Level Spec- ulation (TLS). The data collected by a data-dependence pro- fler can be used to predict if may dependencies reported by a compiler static analysis are likely to materialize at runtime. A cost analysis can then be used to decide that some loops with a lower probability of dependence should be specula- tively parallelized. This paper addresses the question asmore » to whether a loops' dependence behaviour changes when the in- put to the program changes | a study of 57 different bench- marks indicates that it usually does not change. Then the paper describes SpecEval, an automatic speculative paral- lelization framework that uses single-input data-dependence profles to find speculation candidates in the SPEC2006 and PolyBench/C benchmarks. This paper also presents a per- formance evaluation of TLS implementation in IBM's Blue- Gene/Q supercomputer and shows that the performance of TLS is affected by several factors, including the number of speculated loops, the execution-time coverage of speculated loops, the miss-speculation overhead, the L1 cache miss rate and the effect on dynamic instruction path length.« less

  17. Automated Patch-Clamp Methods for the hERG Cardiac Potassium Channel.

    PubMed

    Houtmann, Sylvie; Schombert, Brigitte; Sanson, Camille; Partiseti, Michel; Bohme, G Andrees

    2017-01-01

    The human Ether-a-go-go Related Gene (hERG) product has been identified as a central ion channel underlying both familial forms of elongated QT interval on the electrocardiogram and drug-induced elongation of the same QT segment. Indeed, reduced function of this potassium channel involved in the repolarization of the cardiac action potential can produce a type of life-threatening cardiac ventricular arrhythmias called Torsades de Pointes (TdP). Therefore, hERG inhibitory activity of newly synthetized molecules is a relevant structure-activity metric for compound prioritization and optimization in medicinal chemistry phases of drug discovery. Electrophysiology remains the gold standard for the functional assessment of ion channel pharmacology. The recent years have witnessed automatization and parallelization of the manual patch-clamp technique, allowing higher throughput screening on recombinant hERG channels. However, the multi-well plate format of automatized patch-clamp does not allow visual detection of potential micro-precipitation of poorly soluble compounds. In this chapter we describe bench procedures for the culture and preparation of hERG-expressing CHO cells for recording on an automated patch-clamp workstation. We also show that the sensitivity of the assay can be improved by adding a surfactant to the extracellular medium.

  18. Study of smartphone suitability for mapping of skin chromophores

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuzmina, Ilona; Lacis, Matiss; Spigulis, Janis; Berzina, Anna; Valeine, Lauma

    2015-09-01

    RGB (red-green-blue) technique for mapping skin chromophores by smartphones is proposed and studied. Three smartphones of different manufacturers were tested on skin phantoms and in vivo on benign skin lesions using a specially designed light source for illumination. Hemoglobin and melanin indices obtained by these smartphones showed differences in both tests. In vitro tests showed an increment of hemoglobin and melanin indices with the concentration of chromophores in phantoms. In vivo tests indicated higher hemoglobin index in hemangiomas than in nevi and healthy skin, and nevi showed higher melanin index compared to the healthy skin. Smartphones that allow switching off the automatic camera settings provided useful data, while those with "embedded" automatic settings appear to be useless for distant skin chromophore mapping.

  19. Study of smartphone suitability for mapping of skin chromophores.

    PubMed

    Kuzmina, Ilona; Lacis, Matiss; Spigulis, Janis; Berzina, Anna; Valeine, Lauma

    2015-09-01

    RGB (red-green-blue) technique for mapping skin chromophores by smartphones is proposed and studied. Three smartphones of different manufacturers were tested on skin phantoms and in vivo on benign skin lesions using a specially designed light source for illumination. Hemoglobin and melanin indices obtained by these smartphones showed differences in both tests. In vitro tests showed an increment of hemoglobin and melanin indices with the concentration of chromophores in phantoms. In vivo tests indicated higher hemoglobin index in hemangiomas than in nevi and healthy skin, and nevi showed higher melanin index compared to the healthy skin. Smartphones that allow switching off the automatic camera settings provided useful data, while those with “embedded” automatic settings appear to be useless for distant skin chromophore mapping.

  20. A comparison of muscle activation between a Smith machine and free weight bench press.

    PubMed

    Schick, Evan E; Coburn, Jared W; Brown, Lee E; Judelson, Daniel A; Khamoui, Andy V; Tran, Tai T; Uribe, Brandon P

    2010-03-01

    The bench press exercise exists in multiple forms including the machine and free weight bench press. It is not clear though how each mode differs in its effect on muscle activation. The purpose of this study was to compare muscle activation of the anterior deltoid, medial deltoid, and pectoralis major during a Smith machine and free weight bench press at lower (70% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]) and higher (90% 1RM) intensities. Normalized electromyography amplitude values were used during the concentric phase of the bench press to compare muscle activity between a free weight and Smith machine bench press. Participants were classified as either experienced or inexperienced bench pressers. Two testing sessions were used, each of which entailed either all free weight or all Smith machine testing. In each testing session, each participant's 1RM was established followed by 2 repetitions at 70% of 1RM and 2 repetitions at 90% of 1RM. Results indicated greater activation of the medial deltoid on the free weight bench press than on the Smith machine bench press. Also, there was greater muscle activation at the 90% 1RM load than at the 70% 1RM load. The results of this study suggest that strength coaches should consider choosing the free weight bench press over the Smith machine bench press because of its potential for greater upper-body muscular development.

  1. Optimal design of an electro-hydraulic valve for heavy-duty vehicle clutch actuator with certain constraints

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Meng, Fei; Shi, Peng; Karimi, Hamid Reza; Zhang, Hui

    2016-02-01

    The main objective of this paper is to investigate the sensitivity analysis and optimal design of a proportional solenoid valve (PSV) operated pressure reducing valve (PRV) for heavy-duty automatic transmission clutch actuators. The nonlinear electro-hydraulic valve model is developed based on fluid dynamics. In order to implement the sensitivity analysis and optimization for the PRV, the PSV model is validated by comparing the results with data obtained from a real test-bench. The sensitivity of the PSV pressure response with regard to the structural parameters is investigated by using Sobol's method. Finally, simulations and experimental investigations are performed on the optimized prototype and the results reveal that the dynamical characteristics of the valve have been improved in comparison with the original valve.

  2. Automatic Retrieval of Newly Instructed Cue-Task Associations Seen in Task-Conflict Effects in the First Trial after Cue-Task Instructions.

    PubMed

    Meiran, Nachshon; Pereg, Maayan

    2017-01-01

    Novel stimulus-response associations are retrieved automatically even without prior practice. Is this true for novel cue-task associations? The experiment involved miniblocks comprising three phases and task switching. In the INSTRUCTION phase, two new stimuli (or familiar cues) were arbitrarily assigned as cues for up-down/right-left tasks performed on placeholder locations. In the UNIVALENT phase, there was no task cue since placeholder's location afforded one task but the placeholders were the stimuli that we assigned as task cues for the following BIVALENT phase (involving target locations affording both tasks). Thus, participants held the novel cue-task associations in memory while executing the UNIVALENT phase. Results show poorer performance in the first univalent trial when the placeholder was associated with the opposite task (incompatible) than when it was compatible, an effect that was numerically larger with newly instructed cues than with familiar cues. These results indicate automatic retrieval of newly instructed cue-task associations.

  3. Ubiquitous Stereo Vision for Controlling Safety on Platforms in Railroad Station

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoda, Ikushi; Hosotani, Daisuke; Sakaue, Katushiko

    Dozens of people are killed every year when they fall off of train platforms, making this an urgent issue to be addressed by the railroads, especially in the major cities. This concern prompted the present work that is now in progress to develop a Ubiquitous Stereo Vision based system for safety management at the edge of rail station platforms. In this approach, a series of stereo cameras are installed in a row on the ceiling that are pointed downward at the edge of the platform to monitor the disposition of people waiting for the train. The purpose of the system is to determine automatically and in real-time whether anyone or anything is in the danger zone at the very edge of the platform, whether anyone has actually fallen off the platform, or whether there is any sign of these things happening. The system could be configured to automatically switch over to a surveillance monitor or automatically connect to an emergency brake system in the event of trouble.

  4. Development and Long-Term Verification of Stereo Vision Sensor System for Controlling Safety at Railroad Crossing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hosotani, Daisuke; Yoda, Ikushi; Hishiyama, Yoshiyuki; Sakaue, Katsuhiko

    Many people are involved in accidents every year at railroad crossings, but there is no suitable sensor for detecting pedestrians. We are therefore developing a ubiquitous stereo vision based system for ensuring safety at railroad crossings. In this system, stereo cameras are installed at the corners and are pointed toward the center of the railroad crossing to monitor the passage of people. The system determines automatically and in real-time whether anyone or anything is inside the railroad crossing, and whether anyone remains in the crossing. The system can be configured to automatically switch over to a surveillance monitor or automatically connect to an emergency brake system in the event of trouble. We have developed an original stereovision device and installed the remote controlled experimental system applied human detection algorithm in the commercial railroad crossing. Then we store and analyze image data and tracking data throughout two years for standardization of system requirement specification.

  5. Status report on Project Hercules

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

    Loree, D.; Giesselmann, M.; Kristiansen, M.

    1993-01-01

    Project Hercules is a project to improve ignitron switches which will then be used on the upgrade of Lawrence Livermore's Nova Laser for their ICF program. The goals of Hercules, which stands for High Energy Research Concerning the Ultimate Lifetime of Experimental Switches, are to lifetime test (up to 10,000 shots) prototype ignitrons or other switches with the required Nova current and coulomb parameters (300 kA, 200 C), recommend design changes, and retest the second generation switches. This report describes the design and construction of the test circuit and necessary diagnostics. The details of the design and construction of themore » test circuit and necessary diagnostics. The details of the design and construction of a 0.5 MJ electrolytic capacitor bank and a semi-automatic diagnostic/control system are described. The required test run data include peak current and corresponding tube voltage for every shot, entire current and voltage waveforms every few shots, and ignitor resistance values every few shots. Additionally, the conversion of a 120 kW, 12 kV constant voltage supply to an 8 A constant current supply with the use of six SCRs and a commercial control board will be described. The final results of this project will be lifetime data at high current and high coulomb for and improvements on some of the best of the new generation of pulsed power switches.« less

  6. Cellular automata in photonic cavity arrays.

    PubMed

    Li, Jing; Liew, T C H

    2016-10-31

    We propose theoretically a photonic Turing machine based on cellular automata in arrays of nonlinear cavities coupled with artificial gauge fields. The state of the system is recorded making use of the bistability of driven cavities, in which losses are fully compensated by an external continuous drive. The sequential update of the automaton layers is achieved automatically, by the local switching of bistable states, without requiring any additional synchronization or temporal control.

  7. 10 CFR Appendix A1 to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Electric Refrigerators and Electric...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... less for the freezing and storage of ice. 1.3“Anti-sweat heater” means a device incorporated into the... interior surfaces of the cabinet. 1.4“Anti-sweat heater switch” means a user-controllable switch or user interface which modifies the activation or control of anti-sweat heaters. 1.5“Automatic defrost” means a...

  8. 10 CFR Appendix B1 to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Freezers

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... defined in HRF-1-1979 in cubic feet, times (2) an adjustment factor. 1.2 “Anti-sweat heater” means a... interior surfaces of the cabinet. 1.3 “Anti-sweat heater switch” means a user-controllable switch or user interface which modifies the activation or control of anti-sweat heaters. 1.4 “Automatic Defrost” means a...

  9. 10 CFR Appendix B1 to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Freezers

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... defined in HRF-1-1979 in cubic feet, times (2) an adjustment factor. 1.2“Anti-sweat heater” means a device... surfaces of the cabinet. 1.3“Anti-sweat heater switch” means a user-controllable switch or user interface which modifies the activation or control of anti-sweat heaters. 1.4“Automatic Defrost” means a system in...

  10. 10 CFR Appendix B1 to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Freezers

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-01-01

    ... defined in HRF-1-1979 in cubic feet, times (2) an adjustment factor. 1.2“Anti-sweat heater” means a device... surfaces of the cabinet. 1.3“Anti-sweat heater switch” means a user-controllable switch or user interface which modifies the activation or control of anti-sweat heaters. 1.4“Automatic Defrost” means a system in...

  11. 10 CFR Appendix A1 to Subpart B of... - Uniform Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Electric Refrigerators and Electric...

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... less for the freezing and storage of ice. 1.3 “Anti-sweat heater” means a device incorporated into the... interior surfaces of the cabinet. 1.4 “Anti-sweat heater switch” means a user-controllable switch or user interface which modifies the activation or control of anti-sweat heaters. 1.5 “Automatic defrost” means a...

  12. Automatic voltage imbalance detector

    DOEpatents

    Bobbett, Ronald E.; McCormick, J. Byron; Kerwin, William J.

    1984-01-01

    A device for indicating and preventing damage to voltage cells such as galvanic cells and fuel cells connected in series by detecting sequential voltages and comparing these voltages to adjacent voltage cells. The device is implemented by using operational amplifiers and switching circuitry is provided by transistors. The device can be utilized in battery powered electric vehicles to prevent galvanic cell damage and also in series connected fuel cells to prevent fuel cell damage.

  13. Depositional history of the Fire Clay coal bed (Late Duckmantian), Eastern Kentucky, USA

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Greb, S.F.; Eble, C.F.; Hower, J.C.

    1999-01-01

    More than 3800 coal thickness measurements, proximate analyses from 97 localities, and stratigraphic and sedimentological analyses from more than 300 outcrops and cores were used in conjunction with previously reported palynological and petrographic studies to map individual benches of the coal and document bench-scale variability in the Fire Clay (Hazard No. 4) coal bed across a 1860 km2 area of the Eastern Kentucky Coal Field. The bench architecture of the Fire Clay coal bed consists of uncommon leader benches, a persistent but variable lower bench, a widespread, and generally thick upper bench, and local, variable rider benches. Rheotrophic conditions are inferred for the leader benches and lower bench based on sedimentological associations, mixed palynomorph assemblages, locally common cannel coal layers, and generally high ash yields. The lower bench consistently exhibits vertical variability in petrography and palynology that reflects changing trophic conditions as topographic depressions infilled. Infilling also led to unconfined flooding and ultimately the drowning of the lower bench mire. The drowned mire was covered by an air-fall volcanic-ash deposit, which produced the characteristic flint clay parting. The extent and uniform thickness of the parting suggests that the ash layer was deposited in water on a relatively flat surface without a thick canopy or extensive standing vegetation across most of the study area. Ash deposits led to regional ponding and establishment of a second planar mire. Because the topography had become a broadly uniform, nutrient-rich surface, upper-bench peats became widespread with large areas of the mire distant to clastic sources. Vertical sections of thick (> 70 cm), low-ash yield, upper coal bench show a common palynomorph change from arborescent lycopod dominance upward to fern and densospore-producing, small lycopod dominance, inferred as a shift from planar to ombrotrophic mire phases. Domed mires appear to have been surrounded by wide areas of planar mires, where the coal was thinner (< 70 cm), higher in ash yield, and dominated by arborescent lycopods. Rectangular thickness trends suggest that syndepositional faulting influenced peat accumulation, and possibly the position of the domed mire phase. Faulting also influenced post-depositional clastic environments of deposition, resulting in sandstone channels with angular changes in orientation. Channels and lateral facies were locally draped by high-ash-yield rider coal benches, which sometimes merged with the upper coal bench. These arborescent-lycopod dominant rider coal benches were profoundly controlled by palcotopography, much like the leader coal benches. Each of the benches of coal documented here represent distinctly different mires that came together to form the Fire Clay coal bed, rather than a single mire periodically split by clastic influx. This is significant as each bench of the coal has its own characteristics, which contribute to the total coal characteristics. The large data set allows interpretation of both vertical and lateral limits to postulated domed phases in the upper coal bench, and to the delineation of subtle tectonic structures that allow for meaningful thickness projections beyond the limits of present mining.A study was conducted to analyze the depositional history of the Fire Clay coal bed in the eastern Kentucky coal field. The study involved over 3800 coal thickness measurements, proximate analyses from 97 localities, and stratigraphic and sedimentological analyses from more than 300 outcrops and cores in conjunction with previously reported palynological and petrographic studies to map individual benches of the coal and document bench-scale variability.

  14. Intelligentization: an efficient means to get more from optical networking

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Zhi Yun

    2001-10-01

    Infocom is a term used to describe the merger of Information and Communications and is used to show the radical changes in today's network traffic. The continuous growth of Infocom traffic, especially that of Internet, is driving Infocom networks to expand rapidly. To service providers, the traffic is consuming the bandwidth of their network. Simultaneously, users are complaining too slow, the net never stopped in China. It is the reality faced by both the service providers and equipment vendors. Demands from both the customers and competition in market call for an efficient network infrastructure. What should a Service Provider do? This paper will first analyze the development trends of optical networking and the formation of the concepts of Intelligent Optical Network (ION) and Automatic Switched Optical Network (ASON) as a solution to this problem. Next it will look at the ways to bring intelligence into optical networks, discussing the benefits to service providers by showing some application examples. Finally, it concludes that the development of optical networking has arrived at a point of introducing intelligence into optical networks. The intelligent optical networks and Automatic Switched Optical Networks will immediately bring a wide range of benefit to service providers, equipment vendors, and, of course, the end users.

  15. Kinematics and kinetics of the bench-press and bench-pull exercises in a strength-trained sporting population.

    PubMed

    Pearson, Simon N; Cronin, John B; Hume, Patria A; Slyfield, David

    2009-09-01

    Understanding how loading affects power production in resistance training is a key step in identifying the most optimal way of training muscular power - an essential trait in most sporting movements. Twelve elite male sailors with extensive strength-training experience participated in a comparison of kinematics and kinetics from the upper body musculature, with upper body push (bench press) and pull (bench pull) movements performed across loads of 10-100% of one repetition maximum (1RM). 1RM strength and force were shown to be greater in the bench press, while velocity and power outputs were greater for the bench pull across the range of loads. While power output was at a similar level for the two movements at a low load (10% 1RM), significantly greater power outputs were observed for the bench pull in comparison to the bench press with increased load. Power output (Pmax) was maximized at higher relative loads for both mean and peak power in the bench pull (78.6 +/- 5.7% and 70.4 +/- 5.4% of 1RM) compared to the bench press (53.3 +/- 1.7% and 49.7 +/- 4.4% of 1RM). Findings can most likely be attributed to differences in muscle architecture, which may have training implications for these muscles.

  16. Mice Drawer System (MDS): procedures performed on-orbit during experiment phase

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ciparelli, Paolo; Falcetti, Giancarlo; Tenconi, Chiara; Pignataro, Salvatore; Cotronei, Vittorio

    Mice Drawer System is a payload that can be integrated inside the Space Shuttle middeck during transportation to/from the ISS, and inside the Express Rack in the ISS during experi-ment execution. It is designed to perform experiment as much automatically as possible; only maintenance activities require procedures involving crew. The first MDS experiment has been performed with Shuttle STS-128, launched in August, 28 2009 at EDT time 23:58 (06:58 Italian time). During the permanence in the Shuttle, MDS was switched on in SURVIVAL mode, cooled by air from rear part of the middeck: this mode allows to supply water and night-and-day cycles to mice in automatic mode, but not food that was supplied ad libitum before launch by a dedicated food bar inserted inside the cage. In this phase, a visual check has been performed every day by crew to verify the well-being of the mice. During the permanence in ISS, MDS was switched on in EXPERIMENT mode, cooled by water from EXPRESS RACK. In this case, MDS experiment was completely automatic: water, food, night-and-day cycles were commanded every day by the payload. Only Maintenance activities to replace consumable items and to fill the potable water reservoir were foreseen and executed by the crew. Food Envelope replacement was foreseen every 19 days, the Waste Filter replacement has been performed every 30 days. Potable Water Reservoir refilling has been performed every 9 days. Nominal activities performed on ISS were also the transfer from Shuttle to ISS and reconfiguration from ascent to on-orbit operation after launch. The reconfiguration from on-orbit to descent and transfer from ISS to Shuttle has been performed before Shuttle undock and landing.

  17. The Association between Maximal Bench Press Strength and Isometric Handgrip Strength among Breast Cancer Survivors

    PubMed Central

    Rogers, Benjamin H.; Brown, Justin C.; Gater, David R.; Schmitz, Kathryn H.

    2016-01-01

    Objective One-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press strength is considered the gold standard to quantify upper-body muscular strength. Isometric handgrip strength is frequently used as a surrogate for 1-RM bench press strength among breast cancer (BrCa) survivors. The relationship between 1-RM bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength, however, has not been characterized among BrCa survivors. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Laboratory. Participants Community-dwelling BrCa survivors. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure 1-RM bench press strength was measured with a barbell and exercise bench. Isometric handgrip strength was measured using an isometric dynamometer with three maximal contractions of left and right hands. All measures were conducted by staff with training in clinical exercise testing. Results Among 295 BrCa survivors, 1-RM bench press strength was 18.2±6.1 kg (range: 2.2-43.0) and isometric handgrip strength was 23.5±5.8 kg (range: 9.0-43.0). The strongest correlate of 1-RM bench press strength was the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (r=0.399; P<0.0001). Mean-difference analysis suggested that the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands overestimated 1-RM bench press strength by 4.7 kg (95% limits of agreement: −8.2 to 17.6). In a multivariable linear regression model, the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (β=0.31; P<0.0001) and age (β=−0.20; P<0.0001) were positively correlated with 1-RM bench press strength (R2=0.23). Conclusions Isometric handgrip strength is a poor surrogate for 1-RM bench press strength among BrCa survivors. 1-RM bench press and isometric handgrip strength quantify distinct components of muscular strength. PMID:27543047

  18. Satellite control of electric power distribution

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bergen, L.

    1981-01-01

    An L-band frequencies satellite link providing the medium for direct control of electrical loads at individual customer sites from remote central locations is described. All loads supplied under interruptible-service contracts are likely condidates for such control, and they can be cycled or switched off to reduce system loads. For every kW of load eliminated or deferred to off-peak hours, the power company reduces its need for additional generating capacity. In addition, the satellite could switch meter registers so that their readings automatically reflected the time of consumption. The system would perform load-shedding operations during emergencies, disconnecting large blocks of load according to predetermined priorities. Among the distribution operations conducted by the satellite in real time would be: load reconfiguration, voltage regulation, fault isolation, and capacitor and feeder load control.

  19. Development and evaluation of an algorithm to facilitate drug prescription for inpatients with feeding tubes.

    PubMed

    Lohmann, Kristina; Freigofas, Julia; Leichsenring, Julian; Wallenwein, Chantal Marie; Haefeli, Walter Emil; Seidling, Hanna Marita

    2015-04-01

    We aimed to develop and evaluate an algorithm to facilitate drug switching between primary and tertiary care for patients with feeding tubes. An expert consortium developed an algorithm and applied it manually to 267 preadmission drugs of 46 patients admitted to a surgical ward of a tertiary care university hospital between June 12 and December 2, 2013, and requiring a feeding tube during their inpatient stay. The new algorithm considered the following principles: Drugs should be ideally listed on the hospital drug formulary (HDF). Additionally, drugs should include the same ingredient instead of a therapeutic equivalent. Preferred dosage forms were appropriate liquids, followed by solid drugs with liquid administration form, and solid drugs that could be crushed and/or suspended. Of all evaluated drugs, 83.5% could be switched to suitable drugs listed on the HDF and another 6.0% to drugs available on the German drug market. Additionally, for 4.1% of the drugs, the integration of individual switching rules allowed the switch from enteric-coated to immediate-release drugs. Consequently, 6.4% of the drugs could not be automatically switched and required case-to-case decision by a clinical professional (e.g., from sustained-release to immediate-release). The predefined principles were successfully integrated in the new algorithm. Thus, the algorithm switched more than 90% of the evaluated preadmission drugs to suitable drugs for inpatients with feeding tubes. This finding suggests that the algorithm can readily be transferred to an electronic format and integrated into a clinical decision support system.

  20. Vibration reduction for smart periodic structures via periodic piezoelectric arrays with nonlinear interleaved-switched electronic networks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bao, Bin; Guyomar, Daniel; Lallart, Mickaël

    2017-01-01

    Smart periodic structures covered by periodically distributed piezoelectric patches have drawn more and more attention in recent years for wave propagation attenuation and corresponding structural vibration suppression. Since piezoelectric materials are special type of energy conversion materials that link mechanical characteristics with electrical characteristics, shunt circuits coupled with such materials play a key role in the wave propagation and/or vibration control performance in smart periodic structures. Conventional shunt circuit designs utilize resistive shunt (R-shunt) and resonant shunt (RL-shunt). More recently, semi-passive nonlinear approaches have also been developed for efficiently controlling the vibrations of such structures. In this paper, an innovative smart periodic beam structure with nonlinear interleaved-switched electric networks based on synchronized switching damping on inductor (SSDI) is proposed and investigated for vibration reduction and wave propagation attenuation. Different from locally resonant band gap mechanism forming narrow band gaps around the desired resonant frequencies, the proposed interleaved electrical networks can induce new broadly low-frequency stop bands and broaden primitive Bragg stop bands by virtue of unique interleaved electrical configurations and the SSDI technique which has the unique feature of realizing automatic impedance adaptation with a small inductance. Finite element modeling of a Timoshenko electromechanical beam structure is also presented for validating dispersion properties of the structure. Both theoretical and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed beam structure not only shows better vibration and wave propagation attenuation than the smart beam structure with independent switched networks, but also has technical simplicity of requiring only half of the number of switches than the independent switched network needs.

  1. Relationship of pectoralis major muscle size with bench press and bench throw performances.

    PubMed

    Akagi, Ryota; Tohdoh, Yukihiro; Hirayama, Kuniaki; Kobayashi, Yuji

    2014-06-01

    This study examined the relationship of muscle size indices of the pectoralis major muscle with bench press and bench throw performances in 18 male collegiate athletes. The maximal cross-sectional area (MCSAMAx) and volume (MV) of the pectoralis major muscle were determined by magnetic resonance imaging. First, subjects were tested for their one repetition maximum bench press strength (1RMBP) using a Smith machine. At a later date, subjects performed bench throws using the Smith machine with several different loads ranging from 30.0 kg to 90% of 1RMBP. Barbell positions were measured by a linear position transducer, and bench throw power was calculated using a dynamic equation. Three trials were performed for each load. In all the trials, the maximal peak power was adopted as bench throw peak power (PPBT). The 1RMBP was significantly correlated with MCSAMAx. Similarly, the correlation coefficient between MV and PPBT was significant. In contrast to the y-intercept of the MV-PPBT regression line, that of the MCSAMAx-1RMBP regression line was not significantly different from 0. These results suggested that, although the dependence on pectoralis major muscle size is slightly different between bench press strength and bench throw power, the pectoralis major muscle size has a significant impact on bench press and throw performances. Greater muscle size leads to heavier body weight, which can be a negative factor in some sports. We therefore recommend that athletes and their coaches develop training programs for improving sports performance by balancing the advantage of increased muscle size and the potential disadvantage of increased body weight.

  2. Pressure-Transducer Simulator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Simon, Richard A.

    1987-01-01

    Simulation circuit operates under remote, automatic, or manual control to produce electrical outputs similar to pressure transducer. Specific circuit designed for simulations of Space Shuttle main engine. General circuit concept adaptable to other simulation and control systems involving several operating modes. Switches and amplifiers respond to external control signals and panel control settings to vary differential excitation of resistive bridge. Output voltage or passive terminal resistance made to equal pressure transducer in any of four operating modes.

  3. Automatic Thermal Infrared Panoramic Imaging Sensor

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-11-01

    hibernation, in which power supply to the server computer , the wireless network hardware, the GPS receiver, and the electronic compass / tilt sensor...prototype. At the operator’s command on the client laptop, the receiver wakeup device on the server side will switch on the ATX power supply at the...server, to resume the power supply to all the APTIS components. The embedded computer will resume all of the functions it was performing when put

  4. Method and appartus for converting static in-ground vehicle scales into weigh-in-motion systems

    DOEpatents

    Muhs, Jeffrey D.; Scudiere, Matthew B.; Jordan, John K.

    2002-01-01

    An apparatus and method for converting in-ground static weighing scales for vehicles to weigh-in-motion systems. The apparatus upon conversion includes the existing in-ground static scale, peripheral switches and an electronic module for automatic computation of the weight. By monitoring the velocity, tire position, axle spacing, and real time output from existing static scales as a vehicle drives over the scales, the system determines when an axle of a vehicle is on the scale at a given time, monitors the combined weight output from any given axle combination on the scale(s) at any given time, and from these measurements automatically computes the weight of each individual axle and gross vehicle weight by an integration, integration approximation, and/or signal averaging technique.

  5. Fully parameterized model of a voltage-driven capacitive coupled micromachined ohmic contact switch for RF applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heeb, Peter; Tschanun, Wolfgang; Buser, Rudolf

    2012-03-01

    A comprehensive and completely parameterized model is proposed to determine the related electrical and mechanical dynamic system response of a voltage-driven capacitive coupled micromechanical switch. As an advantage over existing parameterized models, the model presented in this paper returns within few seconds all relevant system quantities necessary to design the desired switching cycle. Moreover, a sophisticated and detailed guideline is given on how to engineer a MEMS switch. An analytical approach is used throughout the modelling, providing representative coefficients in a set of two coupled time-dependent differential equations. This paper uses an equivalent mass moving along the axis of acceleration and a momentum absorption coefficient. The model describes all the energies transferred: the energy dissipated in the series resistor that models the signal attenuation of the bias line, the energy dissipated in the squeezed film, the stored energy in the series capacitor that represents a fixed separation in the bias line and stops the dc power in the event of a short circuit between the RF and dc path, the energy stored in the spring mechanism, and the energy absorbed by mechanical interaction at the switch contacts. Further, the model determines the electrical power fed back to the bias line. The calculated switching dynamics are confirmed by the electrical characterization of the developed RF switch. The fabricated RF switch performs well, in good agreement with the modelled data, showing a transition time of 7 µs followed by a sequence of bounces. Moreover, the scattering parameters exhibit an isolation in the off-state of >8 dB and an insertion loss in the on-state of <0.6 dB up to frequencies of 50 GHz. The presented model is intended to be integrated into standard circuit simulation software, allowing circuit engineers to design the switch bias line, to minimize induced currents and cross actuation, as well as to find the mechanical structure dimensions necessary for the desired switching time and actuation voltage waveform. Moreover, process related design rules can be automatically verified.

  6. Optimal Design of Spring Characteristics of Damper for Subharmonic Vibration in Automatic Transmission Powertrain

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nakae, T.; Ryu, T.; Matsuzaki, K.; Rosbi, S.; Sueoka, A.; Takikawa, Y.; Ooi, Y.

    2016-09-01

    In the torque converter, the damper of the lock-up clutch is used to effectively absorb the torsional vibration. The damper is designed using a piecewise-linear spring with three stiffness stages. However, a nonlinear vibration, referred to as a subharmonic vibration of order 1/2, occurred around the switching point in the piecewise-linear restoring torque characteristics because of the nonlinearity. In the present study, we analyze vibration reduction for subharmonic vibration. The model used herein includes the torque converter, the gear train, and the differential gear. The damper is modeled by a nonlinear rotational spring of the piecewise-linear spring. We focus on the optimum design of the spring characteristics of the damper in order to suppress the subharmonic vibration. A piecewise-linear spring with five stiffness stages is proposed, and the effect of the distance between switching points on the subharmonic vibration is investigated. The results of our analysis indicate that the subharmonic vibration can be suppressed by designing a damper with five stiffness stages to have a small spring constant ratio between the neighboring springs. The distances between switching points must be designed to be large enough that the amplitude of the main frequency component of the systems does not reach the neighboring switching point.

  7. A Single Molecule Study of Two Bacteriophage Epigenetic Switches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Haowei

    Epigenetic switches allow organisms to evolve into different states by activating/repressing different sets of genes without mutations of the underlying DNA sequence. The study of epigenetic switches is very important to understand the mechanism of human development, the origin of cancer, mental illness and fundamental processes such as gene regulation. The coliphage lambda epigenetic switch, which allows switching from lysogeny to lysis, has been studied for more than 50 years as a paradigm, and has recently received renewed attention. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used here to show that the lambda repressor oligomerizes on DNA, primarily as a dodecamer, to secure a DNA loop, which is the basis of the lambda switch. This study also provides support for the idea that specifically bound repressor stabilizes adjacent, non-specifically bound repressor molecules, which confers robustness to the switch. 186 is a member of a different coliphage family. One of the major differences between the two coliphage families is that lambda phages can be induced to switch from the lysogenic to the lytic state by UV radiation, but most coliphages of P2 family, to which 186 belongs, cannot. Interaction between coliphage 186 repressor and DNA is characterized by AFM and tethered particle motion (TPM). To expedite analysis of the AFM data, MatLab codes were written to automate the laborious, manual tracing procedures. The programs automatically recognize DNA segments and protein particles in an image, in order to measure the DNA length and position of bound particles as well as their height, diameter and volume. Application of these algorithms greatly improved the efficiency of AFM analysis. It was showed that 186 CI dimers form heptameric wheels, which induce DNA wrapping and different kinds of DNA looping producing various conformations of nucleoprotein complexes. Information about the dynamics of DNA wrapping and looping on 186 CI particles was also obtained by TPM.

  8. 41 CFR 109-27.5005 - Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-01-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. 109-27.5005 Section 109-27.5005 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property....5005 Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. Shop, bench, cupboard or site stocks are an accumulation of...

  9. 41 CFR 109-27.5005 - Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 false Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. 109-27.5005 Section 109-27.5005 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property....5005 Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. Shop, bench, cupboard or site stocks are an accumulation of...

  10. 41 CFR 109-27.5005 - Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. 109-27.5005 Section 109-27.5005 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property....5005 Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. Shop, bench, cupboard or site stocks are an accumulation of...

  11. 41 CFR 109-27.5005 - Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2013-07-01 2013-07-01 false Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. 109-27.5005 Section 109-27.5005 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property....5005 Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. Shop, bench, cupboard or site stocks are an accumulation of...

  12. 41 CFR 109-27.5005 - Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-01-01

    ... 41 Public Contracts and Property Management 3 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. 109-27.5005 Section 109-27.5005 Public Contracts and Property Management Federal Property....5005 Shop, bench, cupboard or site stock. Shop, bench, cupboard or site stocks are an accumulation of...

  13. Avoiding Obstructions in Aiming a High-Gain Antenna

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Edmonds, Karina

    2006-01-01

    The High Gain Antenna Pointing and Obstruction Avoidance software performs computations for pointing a Mars Rover high-gain antenna for communication with Earth while (1) avoiding line-of-sight obstructions (the Martian terrain and other parts of the Rover) that would block communication and (2) taking account of limits in ranges of motion of antenna gimbals and of kinematic singularities in gimbal mechanisms. The software uses simplified geometric models of obstructions and of the trajectory of the Earth in the Martian sky(see figure). It treats all obstructions according to a generalized approach, computing and continually updating the time remaining before interception of each obstruction. In cases in which the gimbal-mechanism design allows two aiming solutions, the algorithm chooses the solution that provides the longest obstruction-free Earth-tracking time. If the communication session continues until an obstruction is encountered in the current pointing solution and the other solution is now unobstructed, then the algorithm automatically switches to the other position. This software also notifies communication- managing software to cease transmission during the switch to the unobstructed position, resuming it when the switch is complete.

  14. Influence of bench angle on upper extremity muscular activation during bench press exercise.

    PubMed

    Lauver, Jakob D; Cayot, Trent E; Scheuermann, Barry W

    2016-01-01

    This study compared the muscular activation of the pectoralis major, anterior deltoid and triceps brachii during a free-weight barbell bench press performed at 0°, 30°, 45° and -15° bench angles. Fourteen healthy resistance trained males (age 21.4 ± 0.4 years) participated in this study. One set of six repetitions for each bench press conditions at 65% one repetition maximum were performed. Surface electromyography (sEMG) was utilised to examine the muscular activation of the selected muscles during the eccentric and concentric phases. In addition, each phase was subdivided into 25% contraction durations, resulting in four separate time points for comparison between bench conditions. The sEMG of upper pectoralis displayed no difference during any of the bench conditions when examining the complete concentric contraction, however differences during 26-50% contraction duration were found for both the 30° [122.5 ± 10.1% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC)] and 45° (124 ± 9.1% MVIC) bench condition, resulting in greater sEMG compared to horizontal (98.2 ± 5.4% MVIC) and -15 (96.1 ± 5.5% MVIC). The sEMG of lower pectoralis was greater during -15° (100.4 ± 5.7% MVIC), 30° (86.6 ± 4.8% MVIC) and horizontal (100.1 ± 5.2% MVIC) bench conditions compared to the 45° (71.9 ± 4.5% MVIC) for the whole concentric contraction. The results of this study support the use of a horizontal bench to achieve muscular activation of both the upper and lower heads of the pectoralis. However, a bench incline angle of 30° or 45° resulted in greater muscular activation during certain time points, suggesting that it is important to consider how muscular activation is affected at various time points when selecting bench press exercises.

  15. Using bench press load to predict upper body exercise loads in physically active individuals.

    PubMed

    Wong, Del P; Ngo, Kwan-Lung; Tse, Michael A; Smith, Andrew W

    2013-01-01

    This study investigated whether loads for assistance exercises of the upper body can be predicted from the loads of the bench press exercise. Twenty-nine physically active collegiate students (age: 22.6 ± 2.5; weight training experience: 2.9 ± 2.1 years; estimated 1RM bench press: 54.31 ± 14.60 kg; 1RM: body weight ratio: 0.80 ± 0.22; BMI: 22.7 ± 2.1 kg·m(-2)) were recruited. The 6RM loads for bench press, barbell bicep curl, overhead dumbbell triceps extension, hammer curl and dumbbell shoulder press were measured. Test-retest reliability for the 5 exercises as determined by Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was very high to nearly perfect (0.82-0.98, p < 0.01). The bench press load was significantly correlated with the loads of the 4 assistance exercises (r ranged from 0.80 to 0.93, p < 0.01). Linear regression revealed that the bench press load was a significant (R(2) range from 0.64 to 0.86, p < 0.01) predictor for the loads of the 4 assistance exercises. The following 6RM prediction equations were determined: (a) Hammer curl = Bench press load (0.28) + 6.30 kg, (b) Barbell biceps curl = Bench press load (0.33) + 6.20 kg, (c) Overhead triceps extension = Bench press load (0.33) - 0.60 kg, and (d) Dumbbell shoulder press = Bench press load (0.42) + 5.84 kg. The difference between the actual load and the predicted load using the four equations ranged between 6.52% and 8.54%, such difference was not significant. Fitness professionals can use the 6RM bench press load as a time effective and accurate method to predict training loads for upper body assistance exercises. Key pointsThe bench press load was significantly correlated with the loads of the 4 assistance exercises.No significant differences were found between the actual load and the predicted load in the four equations.6RM bench press load can be a time effective and accurate method to predict training loads for upper body assistance exercises.

  16. Using Bench Press Load to Predict Upper Body Exercise Loads in Physically Active Individuals

    PubMed Central

    Wong, Del P.; Ngo, Kwan-Lung; Tse, Michael A.; Smith, Andrew W.

    2013-01-01

    This study investigated whether loads for assistance exercises of the upper body can be predicted from the loads of the bench press exercise. Twenty-nine physically active collegiate students (age: 22.6 ± 2.5; weight training experience: 2.9 ± 2.1 years; estimated 1RM bench press: 54.31 ± 14.60 kg; 1RM: body weight ratio: 0.80 ± 0.22; BMI: 22.7 ± 2.1 kg·m-2) were recruited. The 6RM loads for bench press, barbell bicep curl, overhead dumbbell triceps extension, hammer curl and dumbbell shoulder press were measured. Test-retest reliability for the 5 exercises as determined by Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was very high to nearly perfect (0.82-0.98, p < 0.01). The bench press load was significantly correlated with the loads of the 4 assistance exercises (r ranged from 0.80 to 0.93, p < 0.01). Linear regression revealed that the bench press load was a significant (R2 range from 0.64 to 0.86, p < 0.01) predictor for the loads of the 4 assistance exercises. The following 6RM prediction equations were determined: (a) Hammer curl = Bench press load (0.28) + 6.30 kg, (b) Barbell biceps curl = Bench press load (0.33) + 6.20 kg, (c) Overhead triceps extension = Bench press load (0.33) - 0.60 kg, and (d) Dumbbell shoulder press = Bench press load (0.42) + 5.84 kg. The difference between the actual load and the predicted load using the four equations ranged between 6.52% and 8.54%, such difference was not significant. Fitness professionals can use the 6RM bench press load as a time effective and accurate method to predict training loads for upper body assistance exercises. Key points The bench press load was significantly correlated with the loads of the 4 assistance exercises. No significant differences were found between the actual load and the predicted load in the four equations. 6RM bench press load can be a time effective and accurate method to predict training loads for upper body assistance exercises. PMID:24149723

  17. Fast and flexible selection with a single switch.

    PubMed

    Broderick, Tamara; MacKay, David J C

    2009-10-22

    Selection methods that require only a single-switch input, such as a button click or blink, are potentially useful for individuals with motor impairments, mobile technology users, and individuals wishing to transmit information securely. We present a single-switch selection method, "Nomon," that is general and efficient. Existing single-switch selection methods require selectable options to be arranged in ways that limit potential applications. By contrast, traditional operating systems, web browsers, and free-form applications (such as drawing) place options at arbitrary points on the screen. Nomon, however, has the flexibility to select any point on a screen. Nomon adapts automatically to an individual's clicking ability; it allows a person who clicks precisely to make a selection quickly and allows a person who clicks imprecisely more time to make a selection without error. Nomon reaps gains in information rate by allowing the specification of beliefs (priors) about option selection probabilities and by avoiding tree-based selection schemes in favor of direct (posterior) inference. We have developed both a Nomon-based writing application and a drawing application. To evaluate Nomon's performance, we compared the writing application with a popular existing method for single-switch writing (row-column scanning). Novice users wrote 35% faster with the Nomon interface than with the scanning interface. An experienced user (author TB, with 10 hours practice) wrote at speeds of 9.3 words per minute with Nomon, using 1.2 clicks per character and making no errors in the final text.

  18. Economic Model Predictive Control of Bihormonal Artificial Pancreas System Based on Switching Control and Dynamic R-parameter.

    PubMed

    Tang, Fengna; Wang, Youqing

    2017-11-01

    Blood glucose (BG) regulation is a long-term task for people with diabetes. In recent years, more and more researchers have attempted to achieve automated regulation of BG using automatic control algorithms, called the artificial pancreas (AP) system. In clinical practice, it is equally important to guarantee the treatment effect and reduce the treatment costs. The main motivation of this study is to reduce the cure burden. The dynamic R-parameter economic model predictive control (R-EMPC) is chosen to regulate the delivery rates of exogenous hormones (insulin and glucagon). It uses particle swarm optimization (PSO) to optimize the economic cost function and the switching logic between insulin delivery and glucagon delivery is designed based on switching control theory. The proposed method is first tested on the standard subject; the result is compared with the switching PID and the switching MPC. The effect of the dynamic R-parameter on improving the control performance is illustrated by comparing the results of the EMPC and the R-EMPC. Finally, the robustness tests on meal change (size and timing), hormone sensitivity (insulin and glucagon), and subject variability are performed. All results show that the proposed method can improve the control performance and reduce the economic costs. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm on improving the tracking performance, enhancing robustness, and reducing economic costs. The method proposed in this study owns great worth in practical application.

  19. Long-term quality assurance of [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) manufacturing.

    PubMed

    Gaspar, Ludovit; Reich, Michal; Kassai, Zoltan; Macasek, Fedor; Rodrigo, Luis; Kruzliak, Peter; Kovac, Peter

    2016-01-01

    Nine years of experience with 2286 commercial synthesis allowed us to deliver comprehensive information on the quality of (18)F-FDG production. Semi-automated FDG production line using Cyclone 18/9 machine (IBA Belgium), TRACERLab MXFDG synthesiser (GE Health, USA) using alkalic hydrolysis, grade "A" isolator with dispensing robotic unit (Tema Sinergie, Italy), and automatic control system under GAMP5 (minus2, Slovakia) was assessed by TQM tools as highly reliable aseptic production line, fully compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice and just-in-time delivery of FDG radiopharmaceutical. Fluoride-18 is received in steady yield and of very high radioactive purity. Synthesis yields exhibited high variance connected probably with quality of disposable cassettes and chemicals sets. Most performance non-conformities within the manufacturing cycle occur at mechanical nodes of dispensing unit. The long-term monitoring of 2286 commercial synthesis indicated high reliability of automatic synthesizers. Shewhart chart and ANOVA analysis showed that minor non-compliances occurred were mostly caused by the declinations of less experienced staff from standard operation procedures, and also by quality of automatic cassettes. Only 15 syntheses were found unfinished and in 4 cases the product was out-of-specification of European Pharmacopoeia. Most vulnerable step of manufacturing was dispensing and filling in grade "A" isolator. Its cleanliness and sterility was fully controlled under the investigated period by applying hydrogen peroxide vapours (VHP). Our experience with quality assurance in the production of [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) at production facility of BIONT based on TRACERlab MXFDG production module can be used for bench-marking of the emerging manufacturing and automated manufacturing systems.

  20. Long-term quality assurance of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) manufacturing

    PubMed Central

    Gaspar, Ludovit; Reich, Michal; Kassai, Zoltan; Macasek, Fedor; Rodrigo, Luis; Kruzliak, Peter; Kovac, Peter

    2016-01-01

    Nine years of experience with 2286 commercial synthesis allowed us to deliver comprehensive information on the quality of 18F-FDG production. Semi-automated FDG production line using Cyclone 18/9 machine (IBA Belgium), TRACERLab MXFDG synthesiser (GE Health, USA) using alkalic hydrolysis, grade “A” isolator with dispensing robotic unit (Tema Sinergie, Italy), and automatic control system under GAMP5 (minus2, Slovakia) was assessed by TQM tools as highly reliable aseptic production line, fully compliant with Good Manufacturing Practice and just-in-time delivery of FDG radiopharmaceutical. Fluoride-18 is received in steady yield and of very high radioactive purity. Synthesis yields exhibited high variance connected probably with quality of disposable cassettes and chemicals sets. Most performance non-conformities within the manufacturing cycle occur at mechanical nodes of dispensing unit. The long-term monitoring of 2286 commercial synthesis indicated high reliability of automatic synthesizers. Shewhart chart and ANOVA analysis showed that minor non-compliances occurred were mostly caused by the declinations of less experienced staff from standard operation procedures, and also by quality of automatic cassettes. Only 15 syntheses were found unfinished and in 4 cases the product was out-of-specification of European Pharmacopoeia. Most vulnerable step of manufacturing was dispensing and filling in grade “A” isolator. Its cleanliness and sterility was fully controlled under the investigated period by applying hydrogen peroxide vapours (VHP). Our experience with quality assurance in the production of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) at production facility of BIONT based on TRACERlab MXFDG production module can be used for bench-marking of the emerging manufacturing and automated manufacturing systems. PMID:27508102

  1. Compatibility of Automatic Exposure Control with New Screen Phosphors in Diagnostic Roentgenography.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mulvaney, James Arthur

    1982-03-01

    Automatic exposure control systems are used in diagnostic roentgenography to obtain proper film density for a variety of patient examinations and roentgenographic techniques. Most automatic exposure control systems have been designed for use with par speed, calcium tungstate intensifying screens. The use of screens with faster speeds and new phosphor materials has put extreme demands on present systems. The performance of a representative automatic exposure control system is investigated to determine its ability to maintain constant film density over a wide range of x-ray tube voltages and acrylic phantom thicknesses with four different intensifying screen phosphors. The effects of x-ray energy dependence, generator switching time and stored change are investigated. The system is able to maintain film density to within plus or minus 0.2 optical density units for techniques representing adult patients. A single nonadjustable tube voltage compensation circuit is adequate for the four different screen phosphors for x-ray tube voltages above sixty peak kilovolts. For techniques representing pediatric patients at high x-ray tube voltages, excess film density occurs due to stored charge in the transformer and high-voltage cables. An anticipation circuit in the automatic exposure control circuit can be modified to correct for stored charge effects. In a separate experiment the energy dependence of three different ionization chamber detectors used in automatic exposure control systems is compared directly with the energy dependence of three different screen phosphors. The data on detector sensitivity and screen speed are combined to predict the best tube voltage compensation for each combination of screen and detector.

  2. Dioxygen and Metabolism; Dangerous Liaisons in Cardiac Function and Disease

    PubMed Central

    Angelini, Aude; Pi, Xinchun; Xie, Liang

    2017-01-01

    The heart must consume a significant amount of energy to sustain its contractile activity. Although the fuel demands are huge, the stock remains very low. Thus, in order to supply its daily needs, the heart must have amazing adaptive abilities, which are dependent on dioxygen availability. However, in myriad cardiovascular diseases, “fuel” depletion and hypoxia are common features, leading cardiomyocytes to favor low-dioxygen-consuming glycolysis rather than oxidation of fatty acids. This metabolic switch makes it challenging to distinguish causes from consequences in cardiac pathologies. Finally, despite the progress achieved in the past few decades, medical treatments have not improved substantially, either. In such a situation, it seems clear that much remains to be learned about cardiac diseases. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss how reconciling dioxygen availability and cardiac metabolic adaptations may contribute to develop full and innovative strategies from bench to bedside. PMID:29311974

  3. A programmable and portable NMES device for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications.

    PubMed

    Breen, Paul P; Corley, Gavin J; O'Keeffe, Derek T; Conway, Richard; Olaighin, Gearóid

    2009-04-01

    The Duo-STIM, a new, programmable and portable neuromuscular stimulation system for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications is presented. The system consists of a programmer unit and a portable, programmable stimulator unit. The portable stimulator features fully programmable, sensor-controlled, constant-voltage, dual-channel stimulation and accommodates a range of customized stimulation profiles. Trapezoidal and free-form adaptive stimulation intensity envelope algorithms are provided for drop foot correction applications, while time dependent and activity dependent algorithms are provided for blood flow assist applications. A variety of sensor types can be used with the portable unit, including force sensitive resistor-based foot switches and MEMS-based accelerometer and gyroscope devices. The paper provides a detailed description of the hardware and block-level system design for both units. The programming and operating procedures for the system are also presented. Finally, functional bench test results for the system are presented.

  4. A programmable and portable NMES device for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications.

    PubMed

    Breen, Paul P; Corley, Gavin J; O'Keeffe, Derek T; Conway, Richard; OLaighin, Gearoid

    2007-01-01

    The Duo-STIM, a new, programmable and portable neuromuscular stimulation system for drop foot correction and blood flow assist applications is presented. The system consists of a programmer unit and a portable, programmable stimulator unit. The portable stimulator features fully programmable, sensor-controlled, constant-voltage, dual-channel stimulation and accommodates a range of customized stimulation profiles. Trapezoidal and free-form adaptive stimulation intensity envelope algorithms are provided for drop foot correction applications, while time dependent and activity dependent algorithms are provided for blood flow assist applications. A variety of sensor types can be used with the portable unit, including force sensitive resistor based foot switches and NMES based accelerometer and gyroscope devices. The paper provides a detailed description of the hardware and block-level system design for both units. The programming and operating procedures for the system are also presented. Finally, functional bench test results for the system are presented.

  5. New beam-position monitor system for upgraded Photon Factory storage ring.

    PubMed

    Haga, K; Honda, T; Tadano, M; Obina, T; Kasuga, T

    1998-05-01

    Accompanying the brilliance-upgrading project at the Photon Factory storage ring, the beam-position monitor (BPM) system has been renovated. The new system was designed to enable precise and fast measurements to correct the closed-orbit distortion (COD), as well as to feed back the orbit position during user runs. There are 42 BPMs newly installed, amounting to a total of 65 BPMs. All of the BPMs are calibrated on the test bench using a coaxially strung metallic wire. The measured electrical offsets are typically 200 micro m in both directions, which is 1/2-1/3 of those of the old-type BPMs. In the signal-processing system, PIN diode switches are employed in order to improve reliability. In the fastest mode, this system is capable of measuring COD within about 10 ms; this fast acquisition will allow fast suppression of the beam movement for frequencies up to 50 Hz using a global feedback system.

  6. Characterization of the mechanical properties of the SOFIA secondary mirror mechanism in a multi-stage approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Greiner, Benjamin; Lammen, Yannick; Reinacher, Andreas; Krabbe, Alfred; Wagner, Jörg

    2016-07-01

    The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) uses its compact and highly integrated Secondary Mirror Mechanism (SMM) to switch between target positions on the sky in a square wave pattern. This chopping motion excites eigenmodes of the mechanism structure, which limit controller and observatory performance. We present the setup and results of experimental modal tests performed on different building stages of a test-bench model as well as on the original flight hardware. Test results were correlated to simulations employing a finite element model in order to identify excited mode shapes and contributing flexible components of the Secondary Mirror Mechanism. It was possible to isolate the motion of the compensation ring and its elastic mounts as the vibration mode inducing the main disturbance at about 300 Hz, which is currently the main mode shape limiting the performance of the chopping controller.

  7. The great red flashlight

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Halbach, Edward A.

    After fifty years of fighting with flashlights which persisted in rolling to the ground, being mislaid, or stashed in a pocket, the author designed a unit which was always on hand and needed no search for the switch. A normally closed switch, internal to the bottom of the flashlight case, is opened by the weight of the unit suspended on a cord about the neck. Lifting the unit with two fingers turns on the red light, while releasing the unit automatically turns it off. A felt covering around the flashlight provides comfort on cold nights. Because this red light would be a welcome tool for other variable star observers, more units were assembled and brought to the AAVSO meeting in Houston for distribution to observers who agreed to give each unit a workout and report on its performance. The author is waiting to hear from these observers.

  8. Wheelchair pushrim kinetics measurement: A method to cancel inaccuracies due to pushrim weight and wheel camber.

    PubMed

    Chénier, Félix; Aissaoui, Rachid; Gauthier, Cindy; Gagnon, Dany H

    2017-02-01

    The commercially available SmartWheel TM is largely used in research and increasingly used in clinical practice to measure the forces and moments applied on the wheelchair pushrims by the user. However, in some situations (i.e. cambered wheels or increased pushrim weight), the recorded kinetics may include dynamic offsets that affect the accuracy of the measurements. In this work, an automatic method to identify and cancel these offsets is proposed and tested. First, the method was tested on an experimental bench with different cambers and pushrim weights. Then, the method was generalized to wheelchair propulsion. Nine experienced wheelchair users propelled their own wheelchairs instrumented with two SmartWheels with anti-slip pushrim covers. The dynamic offsets were correctly identified using the propulsion acquisition, without needing a separate baseline acquisition. A kinetic analysis was performed with and without dynamic offset cancellation using the proposed method. The most altered kinetic variables during propulsion were the vertical and total forces, with errors of up to 9N (p<0.001, large effect size of 5). This method is simple to implement, fully automatic and requires no further acquisitions. Therefore, we advise to use it systematically to enhance the accuracy of existing and future kinetic measurements. Copyright © 2016 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Optical Methods For Automatic Rating Of Engine Test Components

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pritchard, James R.; Moss, Brian C.

    1989-03-01

    In recent years, increasing commercial and legislative pressure on automotive engine manufacturers, including increased oil drain intervals, cleaner exhaust emissions and high specific power outputs, have led to increasing demands on lubricating oil performance. Lubricant performance is defined by bench engine tests run under closely controlled conditions. After test, engines are dismantled and the parts rated for wear and accumulation of deposit. This rating must be consistently carried out in laboratories throughout the world in order to ensure lubricant quality meeting the specified standards. To this end, rating technicians evaluate components, following closely defined procedures. This process is time consuming, inaccurate and subject to drift, requiring regular recalibration of raters by means of international rating workshops. This paper describes two instruments for automatic rating of engine parts. The first uses a laser to determine the degree of polishing of the engine cylinder bore, caused by the reciprocating action of piston. This instrument has been developed to prototype stage by the NDT Centre at Harwell under contract to Exxon Chemical, and is planned for production within the next twelve months. The second instrument uses red and green filtered light to determine the type, quality and position of deposit formed on the piston surfaces. The latter device has undergone feasibility study, but no prototype exists.

  10. Scene Analysis: Non-Linear Spatial Filtering for Automatic Target Detection.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-12-01

    In this thesis, a method for two-dimensional pattern recognition was developed and tested. The method included a global search scheme for candidate...test global switch TYPEO Creating negative video file only.W 11=0 12=256 13=512 14=768 GO 70 2 1 TYPE" Creating negative and horizontally flipped video...purpose was to develop a base of image processing software for the AFIT Digital Signal Processing Laboratory NOVA- ECLIPSE minicomputer system, for

  11. NEUTRONIC REACTOR CONTROL ROD DRIVE APPARATUS

    DOEpatents

    Oakes, L.C.; Walker, C.S.

    1959-12-15

    ABS>A suspension mechanism between a vertically movable nuclear reactor control rod and a rod extension, which also provides information for the operator or an automatic control signal, is described. A spring connects the rod extension to a drive shift. The extension of the spring indicates whether (1) the rod is at rest on the reactor, (2) the rod and extension are suspended, or (3) the extension alone is suspended, the spring controlling a 3-position electrical switch.

  12. Build your own low-cost seismic/bathymetric recorder annotator

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Robinson, W.

    1994-01-01

    An inexpensive programmable annotator, completely compatible with at least three models of widely used graphic recorders (Raytheon LSR-1811, Raytheon LSR-1807 M, and EDO 550) has been developed to automatically write event marks and print up to sixteen numbers on the paper record. Event mark and character printout intervals, character height and character position are all selectable with front panel switches. Operation is completely compatible with recorders running in either continuous or start-stop mode. ?? 1994.

  13. TUBE TESTER

    DOEpatents

    Gittings, H.T. Jr.; Kalbach, J.F.

    1958-01-14

    This patent relates to tube testing, and in particular describes a tube tester for automatic testing of a number of vacuum tubes while in service and as frequently as may be desired. In it broadest aspects the tube tester compares a particular tube with a standard tube tarough a difference amplifier. An unbalanced condition in the circuit of the latter produced by excessive deviation of the tube in its characteristics from standard actuates a switch mechanism stopping the testing cycle and indicating the defective tube.

  14. Association Between Maximal Bench Press Strength and Isometric Handgrip Strength Among Breast Cancer Survivors.

    PubMed

    Rogers, Benjamin H; Brown, Justin C; Gater, David R; Schmitz, Kathryn H

    2017-02-01

    To characterize the relationship between 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength among breast cancer survivors. Cross-sectional study. Laboratory. Community-dwelling breast cancer survivors (N=295). Not applicable. 1-RM bench press strength was measured with a barbell and exercise bench. Isometric handgrip strength was measured using an isometric dynamometer, with 3 maximal contractions of the left and right hands. All measures were conducted by staff with training in clinical exercise testing. Among 295 breast cancer survivors, 1-RM bench press strength was 18.2±6.1kg (range, 2.2-43.0kg), and isometric handgrip strength was 23.5±5.8kg (range, 9.0-43.0kg). The strongest correlate of 1-RM bench press strength was the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (r=.399; P<.0001). Mean difference analysis suggested that the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands overestimated 1-RM bench press strength by 4.7kg (95% limits of agreement, -8.2 to 17.6kg). In a multivariable linear regression model, the average isometric handgrip strength of both hands (β=.31; P<.0001) and age (β=-.20; P<.0001) were positively correlated with 1-RM bench press strength (R 2 =.23). Isometric handgrip strength is a poor surrogate for 1-RM bench press strength among breast cancer survivors. 1-RM bench press strength and isometric handgrip strength quantify distinct components of muscular strength. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Teaching elliptical excision skills to novice medical students: a randomized controlled study comparing low- and high-fidelity bench models.

    PubMed

    Denadai, Rafael; Oshiiwa, Marie; Saad-Hossne, Rogério

    2014-03-01

    The search for alternative and effective forms of training simulation is needed due to ethical and medico-legal aspects involved in training surgical skills on living patients, human cadavers and living animals. To evaluate if the bench model fidelity interferes in the acquisition of elliptical excision skills by novice medical students. Forty novice medical students were randomly assigned to 5 practice conditions with instructor-directed elliptical excision skills' training (n = 8): didactic materials (control); organic bench model (low-fidelity); ethylene-vinyl acetate bench model (low-fidelity); chicken legs' skin bench model (high-fidelity); or pig foot skin bench model (high-fidelity). Pre- and post-tests were applied. Global rating scale, effect size, and self-perceived confidence based on Likert scale were used to evaluate all elliptical excision performances. The analysis showed that after training, the students practicing on bench models had better performance based on Global rating scale (all P < 0.0000) and felt more confident to perform elliptical excision skills (all P < 0.0000) when compared to the control. There was no significant difference (all P > 0.05) between the groups that trained on bench models. The magnitude of the effect (basic cutaneous surgery skills' training) was considered large (>0.80) in all measurements. The acquisition of elliptical excision skills after instructor-directed training on low-fidelity bench models was similar to the training on high-fidelity bench models; and there was a more substantial increase in elliptical excision performances of students that trained on all simulators compared to the learning on didactic materials.

  16. Set Up of an Automatic Water Quality Sampling System in Irrigation Agriculture

    PubMed Central

    Heinz, Emanuel; Kraft, Philipp; Buchen, Caroline; Frede, Hans-Georg; Aquino, Eugenio; Breuer, Lutz

    2014-01-01

    We have developed a high-resolution automatic sampling system for continuous in situ measurements of stable water isotopic composition and nitrogen solutes along with hydrological information. The system facilitates concurrent monitoring of a large number of water and nutrient fluxes (ground, surface, irrigation and rain water) in irrigated agriculture. For this purpose we couple an automatic sampling system with a Wavelength-Scanned Cavity Ring Down Spectrometry System (WS-CRDS) for stable water isotope analysis (δ2H and δ18O), a reagentless hyperspectral UV photometer (ProPS) for monitoring nitrate content and various water level sensors for hydrometric information. The automatic sampling system consists of different sampling stations equipped with pumps, a switch cabinet for valve and pump control and a computer operating the system. The complete system is operated via internet-based control software, allowing supervision from nearly anywhere. The system is currently set up at the International Rice Research Institute (Los Baños, The Philippines) in a diversified rice growing system to continuously monitor water and nutrient fluxes. Here we present the system's technical set-up and provide initial proof-of-concept with results for the isotopic composition of different water sources and nitrate values from the 2012 dry season. PMID:24366178

  17. An Experiment of GMPLS-Based Dispersion Compensation Control over In-Field Fibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Seno, Shoichiro; Horiuchi, Eiichi; Yoshida, Sota; Sugihara, Takashi; Onohara, Kiyoshi; Kamei, Misato; Baba, Yoshimasa; Kubo, Kazuo; Mizuochi, Takashi

    As ROADMs (Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers) are becoming widely used in metro/core networks, distributed control of wavelength paths by extended GMPLS (Generalized MultiProtocol Label Switching) protocols has attracted much attention. For the automatic establishment of an arbitrary wavelength path satisfying dynamic traffic demands over a ROADM or WXC (Wavelength Cross Connect)-based network, precise determination of chromatic dispersion over the path and optimized assignment of dispersion compensation capabilities at related nodes are essential. This paper reports an experiment over in-field fibers where GMPLS-based control was applied for the automatic discovery of chromatic dispersion, path computation, and wavelength path establishment with dynamic adjustment of variable dispersion compensation. The GMPLS-based control scheme, which the authors called GMPLS-Plus, extended GMPLS's distributed control architecture with attributes for automatic discovery, advertisement, and signaling of chromatic dispersion. In this experiment, wavelength paths with distances of 24km and 360km were successfully established and error-free data transmission was verified. The experiment also confirmed path restoration with dynamic compensation adjustment upon fiber failure.

  18. Reduction of ammonia and volatile organic compounds from food waste-composting facilities using a novel anti-clogging biofilter system.

    PubMed

    Ryu, Hee Wook; Cho, Kyung-Suk; Lee, Tae-Ho

    2011-04-01

    The performance of a pilot-scale anti-clogging biofilter system (ABS) was evaluated over a period of 125days for treating ammonia and volatile organic compounds emitted from a full-scale food waste-composting facility. The pilot-scale ABS was designed to intermittently and automatically remove excess biomass using an agitator. When the pressure drop in the polyurethane filter bed was increased to a set point (50 mm H(2)O m(-1)), due to excess biomass acclimation, the agitator automatically worked by the differential pressure switch, without biofilter shutdown. A high removal efficiency (97-99%) was stably maintained for the 125 days after an acclimation period of 1 week, even thought the inlet gas concentrations fluctuated from 0.16 to 0.55 g m(-3). Due the intermittent automatic agitation of the filter bed, the biomass concentration and pressure drop in the biofilter were maintained within the ranges of 1.1-2.0 g-DCW g PU(-1) and below 50 mm H(2)O m(-1), respectively. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Optical Bench for LISA-like missions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mueller, Guido

    The detection of B-modes in the μ-Wave background has rattled the scientific community and further enhanced the large scientific interest in gravitational waves and gravitational wave astronomy. The first direct detection of gravitational waves by Advanced LIGO and maybe also by pulsar timing arrays in the second half of this decade will be another watershed event which will start a new era in astronomy and astrophysics. However, the holy grail of gravitational wave astronomy will be opened by a LISA-like mission. Only space provides the environment that allows to cover the signal-rich mHz frequency range where we expect to see gravitational waves from massive black hole mergers, compact galactic binaries, and many other sources. All mature concepts use laser interferometry between free falling test masses separated by millions of km. The central piece in all these concepts is a stable optical bench which is used to prepare and exchange the laser beams between the different arms. It has always been assumed that the base material for the optical bench has to be one of the ultra-low expansion glasses such as Zerodur or ULE to meet the pm/#Hz stability requirements. This very conservative approach was a reflection of the state-of-the-art in frequency stabilization experiments which used optical reference cavities in the early ‘90s. It is not surprising that the LISA pathfinder (LPF) uses also an all Zerodur bench where each optical component is precision bonded to the bench using hydroxide bonding, a nonreversible bonding technique. The manufacturing of this bench was a very time consuming one-mirror-a-day effort and was one of the highest risk items in terms of schedule and cost. The original LISA design uses the same approach except that the LISA bench is far more complex than the LPF bench and manufacturing of the required 10+ benches, six flight units and at least four pre-flight models and spares, will be even more time consuming and expensive. We question the need for ultra-low expansion glass for the optical bench. We will streamline the design of the bench and explore other materials and assembly techniques to significantly simplify the manufacturing process. Why are we confident that this is possible? One argument is that in early LISA designs the reference cavity was also part of the bench. This cavity drove the requirements to 30 fm/#Hz, a factor 30 more stringent compared to the current requirements. Since the cavity has now been removed from the bench, the requirements have been relaxed. A second argument is that we demonstrated pm/#Hz performance for a number of different materials and structures which are all candidate materials for the telescopes which also have to meet the same requirements over actually a larger distance. Our objective is to take a fresh look at the optical bench. We will redesign core parts of the interferometer bench with a focus on reducing the number and lengths of critical paths and moving non-critical parts away from the core part of the bench and sometimes even into optical fibers. We also propose to use different materials and assembly techniques for the optical bench and strongly believe that they will still meet the pm/#Hz requirement and will also be stable on long time scales. This confidence is based on nearly ten years of experience during which we investigated different materials and structures for the telescopes which we plan to apply now to the optical bench.

  20. An ultra stable optical bench for the magnetic survey satellite

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wingate, C. A., Jr.; Coughlin, T. B.; Sullivan, R. M.

    1978-01-01

    The Magsat optical bench has been designed and built to hold the alignment of five optical elements to deflections of 1-2 arcsec during orbital operation. The bench has been designed to withstand alignment changes during the launch and prestabilization phases of the mission. Severe weight constraints, in conjunction with the thermal and structural requirements, led to the choice of graphite-fiber-reinforced epoxy egg crate core and face sheets for the bench construction. Active temperature control was necessary to meet thermal deflection objectives, and novel kinematic mountings were required to prevent spacecraft bending from deflecting the bench.

  1. Measurement of visual contrast sensitivity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vongierke, H. E.; Marko, A. R.

    1985-04-01

    This invention involves measurement of the visual contrast sensitivity (modulation transfer) function of a human subject by means of linear or circular spatial frequency pattern on a cathode ray tube whose contrast is automatically decreasing or increasing depending on the subject pressing or releasing a hand-switch button. The threshold of detection of the pattern modulation is found by the subject by adjusting the contrast to values which vary about the subject's threshold thereby determining the threshold and also providing by the magnitude of the contrast fluctuations between reversals some estimate of the variability of the subject's absolute threshold. The invention also involves the slow automatic sweeping of the spatial frequency of the pattern over the spatial frequencies after preset time intervals or after threshold has been defined at each frequency by a selected number of subject-determined threshold crossings; i.e., contrast reversals.

  2. SAMuS: Service-Oriented Architecture for Multisensor Surveillance in Smart Homes

    PubMed Central

    Van de Walle, Rik

    2014-01-01

    The design of a service-oriented architecture for multisensor surveillance in smart homes is presented as an integrated solution enabling automatic deployment, dynamic selection, and composition of sensors. Sensors are implemented as Web-connected devices, with a uniform Web API. RESTdesc is used to describe the sensors and a novel solution is presented to automatically compose Web APIs that can be applied with existing Semantic Web reasoners. We evaluated the solution by building a smart Kinect sensor that is able to dynamically switch between IR and RGB and optimizing person detection by incorporating feedback from pressure sensors, as such demonstrating the collaboration among sensors to enhance detection of complex events. The performance results show that the platform scales for many Web APIs as composition time remains limited to a few hundred milliseconds in almost all cases. PMID:24778579

  3. Effects of a 6-Week Bench Press Program Using the Freak Bar in a Sample of Collegiate Club Powerlifters.

    PubMed

    Ghigiarelli, Jamie J; Pelton, Luke M; Gonzalez, Adam M; Fulop, Andras M; Gee, Joshua Y; Sell, Katie M

    2018-04-01

    Ghigiarelli, JJ, Pelton, LM, Gonzalez, AM, Fulop, AM, Gee, JY, and Sell, KM. Effects of a 6-week bench press program using the freak bar in a sample of collegiate club powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 938-949, 2018-Powerlifters train using specialty bars for unstable load (UL) training. For the bench press, the acute effects of UL are mixed, with few studies that examine training interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 6-week bench press training program that uses the Freak Bar (FB) as compared to a traditional barbell (TB) on maximum bench press, peak force, and peak impulse. Seven men and 3 women (21 ± 2.0 years, 172.2 ± 2.9 cm, and 95.3 ± 20.3 kg) were required to bench press 2 days per week as part of a structured program. On the second bench press day, the FB and TB groups performed 3-position pause bench presses at 60-70% one repetition maximum (1RM). One repetition maximum, peak force, and peak impulse were measured before test and after test after the 6-week program. Peak force and peak impulse were tested at 3 bench positions, including the presticking, sticking, and poststicking points, defined by the distance of the barbell from the chest. Posttraining 1RM for the FB group and TB group increased 6.7% (6.78 ± 1.6 kg, p = 0.006) and 4.3% (4.5 ± 2.7 kg, p = 0.23), respectively, with no significant differences between the groups (p = 0.589, ηp = 0.044). There were no significant differences between the groups at each bench position for peak force (p = 0.606) or peak impulse (p = 0.542). Freak Bar can be an alternative for improving maximum strength and peak force but is not significantly better than TB training when performing the 3-position pause bench press.

  4. Teaching Elliptical Excision Skills to Novice Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Study Comparing Low- and High-Fidelity Bench Models

    PubMed Central

    Denadai, Rafael; Oshiiwa, Marie; Saad-Hossne, Rogério

    2014-01-01

    Background: The search for alternative and effective forms of training simulation is needed due to ethical and medico-legal aspects involved in training surgical skills on living patients, human cadavers and living animals. Aims: To evaluate if the bench model fidelity interferes in the acquisition of elliptical excision skills by novice medical students. Materials and Methods: Forty novice medical students were randomly assigned to 5 practice conditions with instructor-directed elliptical excision skills’ training (n = 8): didactic materials (control); organic bench model (low-fidelity); ethylene-vinyl acetate bench model (low-fidelity); chicken legs’ skin bench model (high-fidelity); or pig foot skin bench model (high-fidelity). Pre- and post-tests were applied. Global rating scale, effect size, and self-perceived confidence based on Likert scale were used to evaluate all elliptical excision performances. Results: The analysis showed that after training, the students practicing on bench models had better performance based on Global rating scale (all P < 0.0000) and felt more confident to perform elliptical excision skills (all P < 0.0000) when compared to the control. There was no significant difference (all P > 0.05) between the groups that trained on bench models. The magnitude of the effect (basic cutaneous surgery skills’ training) was considered large (>0.80) in all measurements. Conclusion: The acquisition of elliptical excision skills after instructor-directed training on low-fidelity bench models was similar to the training on high-fidelity bench models; and there was a more substantial increase in elliptical excision performances of students that trained on all simulators compared to the learning on didactic materials. PMID:24700937

  5. Environmental Sustainability and Mold Hygiene in Buildings

    PubMed Central

    Ng, Tsz Wai; Lai, Ka Man

    2018-01-01

    Environmental sustainability is one of the key issues in building management. In Hong Kong, one of the initiatives is to reduce the operation hours of air-conditioning in buildings to cut down energy consumption. In this study, we reported a mold contamination case in a newly refurbished laboratory, in which the air-conditioner was switched from 24- to 18-h mode after refurbishment. In order to prevent mold recurrence, the air-conditioner was switched back to 24-h mode in the laboratory. During the mold investigation, visible mold patches in the laboratory were searched and then cultured, counted and identified. Building and environmental conditions were recorded, and used to deduce different causes of mold contamination. Eight contaminated sites including a wall, a bench, some metal and plastic surfaces and seven types of molds including two Cladosporium spp., two Aspergillus spp., one Rhizopus sp., one Trichoderma sp., and one Tritirachium sp. were identified. Cladosporium spp. were the most abundant and frequently found molds in the laboratory. The contaminated areas could have one to five different species on them. Based on the mold and environmental conditions, several scenarios causing the mold contamination were deduced, and different mold control measures were discussed to compare them with the current solution of using 24-h air-conditioning to control mold growth. This study highlights the importance of mold hygiene in sustainable building management. PMID:29617339

  6. Environmental Sustainability and Mold Hygiene in Buildings.

    PubMed

    Wu, Haoxiang; Ng, Tsz Wai; Wong, Jonathan Wc; Lai, Ka Man

    2018-04-04

    Environmental sustainability is one of the key issues in building management. In Hong Kong, one of the initiatives is to reduce the operation hours of air-conditioning in buildings to cut down energy consumption. In this study, we reported a mold contamination case in a newly refurbished laboratory, in which the air-conditioner was switched from 24- to 18-h mode after refurbishment. In order to prevent mold recurrence, the air-conditioner was switched back to 24-h mode in the laboratory. During the mold investigation, visible mold patches in the laboratory were searched and then cultured, counted and identified. Building and environmental conditions were recorded, and used to deduce different causes of mold contamination. Eight contaminated sites including a wall, a bench, some metal and plastic surfaces and seven types of molds including two Cladosporium spp., two Aspergillus spp., one Rhizopus sp., one Trichoderma sp., and one Tritirachium sp. were identified. Cladosporium spp. were the most abundant and frequently found molds in the laboratory. The contaminated areas could have one to five different species on them. Based on the mold and environmental conditions, several scenarios causing the mold contamination were deduced, and different mold control measures were discussed to compare them with the current solution of using 24-h air-conditioning to control mold growth. This study highlights the importance of mold hygiene in sustainable building management.

  7. Direction-specific recruitment of rotator cuff muscles during bench press and row.

    PubMed

    Wattanaprakornkul, Duangjai; Halaki, Mark; Cathers, Ian; Ginn, Karen A

    2011-12-01

    Recent studies indicate that rotator cuff (RC) muscles are recruited in a reciprocal, direction-specific pattern during shoulder flexion and extension exercises. The main purpose of this study was to determine if similar reciprocal RC recruitment occurs during bench press (flexion-like) and row (extension-like) exercises. In addition, shoulder muscle activity was comprehensively compared between bench press and flexion; row and extension; and bench press and row exercises. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from 9 shoulder muscles sites in 15 normal volunteers. All exercises were performed at 20, 50 and 70% of subjects' maximal load. EMG data were normalized to standard maximal voluntary contractions. Infraspinatus activity was significantly higher than subscapularis during bench press, with the converse pattern during the row exercise. Significant differences in activity levels were found in pectoralis major, deltoid and trapezius between the bench press and flexion exercises and in lower trapezius between the row and extension exercises. During bench press and row exercises, the recruitment pattern in each active muscle did not vary with load. During bench press and row exercises, RC muscles contract in a reciprocal direction-specific manner in their role as shoulder joint dynamic stabilizers to counterbalance antero-posterior translation forces. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Design and construction of a telescope simulator for LISA optical bench testing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bogenstahl, J.; Tröbs, M.; d'Arcio, L.; Diekmann, C.; Fitzsimons, E. D.; Hennig, J. S.; Hey, F. G.; Killow, C. J.; Lieser, M.; Lucarelli, S.; Perreur-Lloyd, M.; Pijnenburg, J.; Robertson, D. I.; Taylor, A.; Ward, H.; Weise, D.; Heinzel, G.; Danzmann, K.

    2017-11-01

    LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a proposed space-based instrument for astrophysical observations via the measurement of gravitational waves at mHz frequencies. The triangular constellation of the three LISA satellites will allow interferometric measurement of the changes in distance along the arms. On board each LISA satellite there will be two optical benches, one for each testmass, that measure the distance to the local test mass and to the remote optical bench on the distant satellite. For technology development, an Optical Bench Elegant Bread Board (OB EBB) is currently under construction. To verify the performance of the EBB, another optical bench - the so-called telescope simulator bench - will be constructed to simulate the beam coming from the far spacecraft. The optical beam from the telescope simulator will be superimposed with the light on the LISA OB, in order to simulate the link between two LISA satellites. Similarly in reverse, the optical beam from the LISA OB will be picked up and measured on the telescope simulator bench. Furthermore, the telescope simulator houses a test mass simulator. A gold coated mirror which can be manipulated by an actuator simulates the test mass movements. This paper presents the layout and design of the bench for the telescope simulator and test mass simulator.

  9. An automatic, closed-circuit oxygen consumption apparatus for small animals.

    PubMed

    Stock, M J

    1975-11-01

    An apparatus suitable for the continuous measurement of oxygen consumption of rats and mice is described. The system uses a motorized syringe dispenser to deliver fixed volumes of oxygen to a closed animal chamber. The dispenser is controlled by a micro-differential pressure switch to maintain chamber pressure slightly above ambient. The rate of oxygen consumption is determined by timing the interval between successive operations of the dispenser. The system has proved suitable for a range of experimental conditions and treatments.

  10. Communication and Miscommunication.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1985-10-01

    piece" to refer to the NOZZLE. When A adds the relative clause "that has four gizmos on it," J is forced to drop the NOZZLE as the referent and to select...a red plastic piece [J starts for NOZZLE] 14. that has four gizmos on it. [J switches to SLIDEVALVE] J: 15. Yes. A: 16. Okay. Put the ungizmoed end...not always be specified explicitly since some postconditions automatically come with an action. If the speaker said the utterance "fit the red gizmo

  11. Cell illustrator 4.0: a computational platform for systems biology.

    PubMed

    Nagasaki, Masao; Saito, Ayumu; Jeong, Euna; Li, Chen; Kojima, Kaname; Ikeda, Emi; Miyano, Satoru

    2011-01-01

    Cell Illustrator is a software platform for Systems Biology that uses the concept of Petri net for modeling and simulating biopathways. It is intended for biological scientists working at bench. The latest version of Cell Illustrator 4.0 uses Java Web Start technology and is enhanced with new capabilities, including: automatic graph grid layout algorithms using ontology information; tools using Cell System Markup Language (CSML) 3.0 and Cell System Ontology 3.0; parameter search module; high-performance simulation module; CSML database management system; conversion from CSML model to programming languages (FORTRAN, C, C++, Java, Python and Perl); import from SBML, CellML, and BioPAX; and, export to SVG and HTML. Cell Illustrator employs an extension of hybrid Petri net in an object-oriented style so that biopathway models can include objects such as DNA sequence, molecular density, 3D localization information, transcription with frame-shift, translation with codon table, as well as biochemical reactions.

  12. Cell Illustrator 4.0: a computational platform for systems biology.

    PubMed

    Nagasaki, Masao; Saito, Ayumu; Jeong, Euna; Li, Chen; Kojima, Kaname; Ikeda, Emi; Miyano, Satoru

    2010-01-01

    Cell Illustrator is a software platform for Systems Biology that uses the concept of Petri net for modeling and simulating biopathways. It is intended for biological scientists working at bench. The latest version of Cell Illustrator 4.0 uses Java Web Start technology and is enhanced with new capabilities, including: automatic graph grid layout algorithms using ontology information; tools using Cell System Markup Language (CSML) 3.0 and Cell System Ontology 3.0; parameter search module; high-performance simulation module; CSML database management system; conversion from CSML model to programming languages (FORTRAN, C, C++, Java, Python and Perl); import from SBML, CellML, and BioPAX; and, export to SVG and HTML. Cell Illustrator employs an extension of hybrid Petri net in an object-oriented style so that biopathway models can include objects such as DNA sequence, molecular density, 3D localization information, transcription with frame-shift, translation with codon table, as well as biochemical reactions.

  13. An assigned responsibility system for robotic teleoperation control.

    PubMed

    Small, Nicolas; Lee, Kevin; Mann, Graham

    2018-01-01

    This paper proposes an architecture that explores a gap in the spectrum of existing strategies for robot control mode switching in adjustable autonomy. In situations where the environment is reasonably known and/or predictable, pre-planning these control changes could relieve robot operators of the additional task of deciding when and how to switch. Such a strategy provides a clear division of labour between the automation and the human operator(s) before the job even begins, allowing for individual responsibilities to be known ahead of time, limiting confusion and allowing rest breaks to be planned. Assigned Responsibility is a new form of adjustable autonomy-based teleoperation that allows the selective inclusion of automated control elements at key stages of a robot operation plan's execution. Progression through these stages is controlled by automatic goal accomplishment tracking. An implementation is evaluated through engineering tests and a usability study, demonstrating the viability of this approach and offering insight into its potential applications.

  14. Solid state control system for oil well bailer pump

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

    Senghaas, K. A.; Senghaas, P.

    1985-05-14

    A solid state switching controller for use with various types of oil well bailer pumps. Individually programmable steps with lockouts provide multiple mutual exclusivity between various circuit operations. A trickle charge battery system powers the control circuits. A tank overflow float protects against oil spillage. An automatic production rate adjustment circuit is provided which increases cycle time in proportion to the rate of production. The circuit includes a low power voltage detector for disabling the control circuits until the line voltage is acceptable. A three-phase power and control system with an isolation transformer for the controls avoids unreliable ground connections.more » The timers include a dividing circuit with an RC circuit. All power actuated apparatus are actuated by triac switches which are controlled by an opto driver. The bailer brake is pulse actuated for allowing the bailer to sink into crude oil without excess cable looseness.« less

  15. Solar heating system final design package

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1979-01-01

    The system is composed of a warm air collector, a logic control unit and a universal switching and transport unit. The collector was originally conceived and designed as an integrated roof/wall system and therefore provides a dual function in the structure. The collector serves both as a solar energy conversion system and as a structural weather resistant skin. The control unit provides totally automatic control over the operation of the system. It receives input data from sensor probes in collectors, storage and living space. The logic was designed so as to make maximum use of solar energy and minimize use of conventional energy. The transport and switching unit is a high-efficiency air-handling system equipped with gear motor valves that respond to outputs from the control system. The fan unit was designed for maximum durability and efficiency in operation, and has permanently lubricated ball bearings and excellent air-handling efficiency.

  16. Dual power, constant speed electric motor system

    DOEpatents

    Kirschbaum, H.S.

    1984-07-31

    A dual capacity permanent split capacitor electric motor system is provided with a stator having main and auxiliary windings. The main stator winding includes two winding sections which are connected in parallel with each other and across a pair of line terminals while the auxiliary winding is connected in series with a capacitor to form a circuit branch which is connected between the line terminals for operation at a first output power level. Switching means are provided to reconnect the main stator winding sections in series with each other and in series with a second capacitor to form a circuit branch which is connected between the line terminals while the stator auxiliary winding is connected directly between the line terminals for operation at a second output power level. Automatic rotation reversal occurs when the motor switches from the first to the second output power level. 6 figs.

  17. Counter-propagation network with variable degree variable step size LMS for single switch typing recognition.

    PubMed

    Yang, Cheng-Huei; Luo, Ching-Hsing; Yang, Cheng-Hong; Chuang, Li-Yeh

    2004-01-01

    Morse code is now being harnessed for use in rehabilitation applications of augmentative-alternative communication and assistive technology, including mobility, environmental control and adapted worksite access. In this paper, Morse code is selected as a communication adaptive device for disabled persons who suffer from muscle atrophy, cerebral palsy or other severe handicaps. A stable typing rate is strictly required for Morse code to be effective as a communication tool. This restriction is a major hindrance. Therefore, a switch adaptive automatic recognition method with a high recognition rate is needed. The proposed system combines counter-propagation networks with a variable degree variable step size LMS algorithm. It is divided into five stages: space recognition, tone recognition, learning process, adaptive processing, and character recognition. Statistical analyses demonstrated that the proposed method elicited a better recognition rate in comparison to alternative methods in the literature.

  18. Dual power, constant speed electric motor system

    DOEpatents

    Kirschbaum, Herbert S.

    1984-01-01

    A dual capacity permanent split capacitor electric motor system is provided with a stator having main and auxiliary windings. The main stator winding includes two winding sections which are connected in parallel with each other and across a pair of line terminals while the auxiliary winding is connected in series with a capacitor to form a circuit branch which is connected between the line terminals for operation at a first output power level. Switching means are provided to reconnect the main stator winding sections in series with each other and in series with a second capacitor to form a circuit branch which is connected between the line terminals while the stator auxiliary winding is connected directly between the line terminals for operation at a second output power level. Automatic rotation reversal occurs when the motor switches from the first to the second output power level.

  19. Method using laser irradiation for the production of atomically clean crystalline silicon and germanium surfaces

    DOEpatents

    Ownby, Gary W.; White, Clark W.; Zehner, David M.

    1981-01-01

    This invention relates to a new method for removing surface impurities from crystalline silicon or germanium articles, such as off-the-shelf p- or n-type wafers to be doped for use as junction devices. The principal contaminants on such wafers are oxygen and carbon. The new method comprises laser-irradiating the contaminated surface in a non-reactive atmosphere, using one or more of Q-switched laser pulses whose parameters are selected to effect melting of the surface without substantial vaporization thereof. In a typical application, a plurality of pulses is used to convert a surface region of an off-the-shelf silicon wafer to an automatically clean region. This can be accomplished in a system at a pressure below 10.sup.-8 Torr, using Q-switched ruby-laser pulses having an energy density in the range of from about 60 to 190 MW/cm.sup.2.

  20. Control method for peak power delivery with limited DC-bus voltage

    DOEpatents

    Edwards, John; Xu, Longya; Bhargava, Brij B.

    2006-09-05

    A method for driving a neutral point-clamped multi-level voltage source inverter supplying a synchronous motor is provided. A DC current is received at a neutral point-clamped multi-level voltage source inverter. The inverter has first, second, and third output nodes. The inverter also has a plurality of switches. A desired speed of a synchronous motor connected to the inverter by the first second and third nodes is received by the inverter. The synchronous motor has a rotor and the speed of the motor is defined by the rotational rate of the rotor. A position of the rotor is sensed, current flowing to the motor out of at least two of the first, second, and third output nodes is sensed, and predetermined switches are automatically activated by the inverter responsive to the sensed rotor position, the sensed current, and the desired speed.

  1. Errors of car wheels rotation rate measurement using roller follower on test benches

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Potapov, A. S.; Svirbutovich, O. A.; Krivtsov, S. N.

    2018-03-01

    The article deals with rotation rate measurement errors, which depend on the motor vehicle rate, on the roller, test benches. Monitoring of the vehicle performance under operating conditions is performed on roller test benches. Roller test benches are not flawless. They have some drawbacks affecting the accuracy of vehicle performance monitoring. Increase in basic velocity of the vehicle requires increase in accuracy of wheel rotation rate monitoring. It determines the degree of accuracy of mode identification for a wheel of the tested vehicle. To ensure measurement accuracy for rotation velocity of rollers is not an issue. The problem arises when measuring rotation velocity of a car wheel. The higher the rotation velocity of the wheel is, the lower the accuracy of measurement is. At present, wheel rotation frequency monitoring on roller test benches is carried out by following-up systems. Their sensors are rollers following wheel rotation. The rollers of the system are not kinematically linked to supporting rollers of the test bench. The roller follower is forced against the wheels of the tested vehicle by means of a spring-lever mechanism. Experience of the test bench equipment operation has shown that measurement accuracy is satisfactory at small rates of vehicles diagnosed on roller test benches. With a rising diagnostics rate, rotation velocity measurement errors occur in both braking and pulling modes because a roller spins about a tire tread. The paper shows oscillograms of changes in wheel rotation velocity and rotation velocity measurement system’s signals when testing a vehicle on roller test benches at specified rates.

  2. JUNGFRAU 0.2: prototype characterization of a gain-switching, high dynamic range imaging system for photon science at SwissFEL and synchrotrons

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jungmann-Smith, J. H.; Bergamaschi, A.; Cartier, S.; Dinapoli, R.; Greiffenberg, D.; Johnson, I.; Maliakal, D.; Mezza, D.; Mozzanica, A.; Ruder, Ch; Schaedler, L.; Schmitt, B.; Shi, X.; Tinti, G.

    2014-12-01

    JUNGFRAU (adJUstiNg Gain detector FoR the Aramis User station) is a two-dimensional pixel detector for photon science applications at free electron lasers and synchrotron light sources. It is developed for the SwissFEL currently under construction at the Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland. Characteristics of this application-specific integrating circuit readout chip include single photon sensitivity and low noise over a dynamic range of over four orders of magnitude of photon input signal. These characteristics are achieved by a three-fold gain-switching preamplifier in each pixel, which automatically adjusts its gain to the amount of charge deposited on the pixel. The final JUNGFRAU chip comprises 256 × 256 pixels of 75 × 75 μm2 each. Arrays of 2 × 4 chips are bump-bonded to monolithic detector modules of about 4 × 8 cm2. Multi-module systems up to 16 Mpixels are planned for the end stations at SwissFEL. A readout rate in excess of 2 kHz is anticipated, which serves the readout requirements of SwissFEL and enables high count rate synchrotron experiments with a linear count rate capability of > 20 MHz/pixel. Promising characterization results from a 3.6 × 3.6 mm2 prototype (JUNGFRAU 0.2) with fluorescence X-ray, infrared laser and synchrotron irradiation are shown. The results include an electronic noise as low as 100 electrons root-mean-square, which enables single photon detection down to X-ray energies of about 2 keV. Noise below the Poisson fluctuation of the photon number and a linearity error of the pixel response of about 1% are demonstrated. First imaging experiments successfully show automatic gain switching. The edge spread function of the imaging system proves to be comparable in quality to single photon counting hybrid pixel detectors.

  3. Comparative tests of bench equipment for fuel control system testing of gas-turbine engine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shendaleva, E. V.

    2018-04-01

    The relevance of interlaboratory comparative researches is confirmed by attention of world metrological community to this field of activity. Use of the interlaboratory comparative research methodology not only for single gages collation, but also for bench equipment complexes, such as modeling stands for fuel control system testing of gas-turbine engine, is offered. In this case a comparative measure of different bench equipment will be the control fuel pump. Ensuring traceability of measuring result received at test benches of various air enterprises, development and introduction of national standards to practice of bench tests and, eventually, improvement of quality and safety of a aircraft equipment is result of this approach.

  4. Semi-automatic tracking, smoothing and segmentation of hyoid bone motion from videofluoroscopic swallowing study.

    PubMed

    Kim, Won-Seok; Zeng, Pengcheng; Shi, Jian Qing; Lee, Youngjo; Paik, Nam-Jong

    2017-01-01

    Motion analysis of the hyoid bone via videofluoroscopic study has been used in clinical research, but the classical manual tracking method is generally labor intensive and time consuming. Although some automatic tracking methods have been developed, masked points could not be tracked and smoothing and segmentation, which are necessary for functional motion analysis prior to registration, were not provided by the previous software. We developed software to track the hyoid bone motion semi-automatically. It works even in the situation where the hyoid bone is masked by the mandible and has been validated in dysphagia patients with stroke. In addition, we added the function of semi-automatic smoothing and segmentation. A total of 30 patients' data were used to develop the software, and data collected from 17 patients were used for validation, of which the trajectories of 8 patients were partly masked. Pearson correlation coefficients between the manual and automatic tracking are high and statistically significant (0.942 to 0.991, P-value<0.0001). Relative errors between automatic tracking and manual tracking in terms of the x-axis, y-axis and 2D range of hyoid bone excursion range from 3.3% to 9.2%. We also developed an automatic method to segment each hyoid bone trajectory into four phases (elevation phase, anterior movement phase, descending phase and returning phase). The semi-automatic hyoid bone tracking from VFSS data by our software is valid compared to the conventional manual tracking method. In addition, the ability of automatic indication to switch the automatic mode to manual mode in extreme cases and calibration without attaching the radiopaque object is convenient and useful for users. Semi-automatic smoothing and segmentation provide further information for functional motion analysis which is beneficial to further statistical analysis such as functional classification and prognostication for dysphagia. Therefore, this software could provide the researchers in the field of dysphagia with a convenient, useful, and all-in-one platform for analyzing the hyoid bone motion. Further development of our method to track the other swallowing related structures or objects such as epiglottis and bolus and to carry out the 2D curve registration may be needed for a more comprehensive functional data analysis for dysphagia with big data.

  5. Douglas flight deck design philosophy

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Oldale, Paul

    1990-01-01

    The systems experience gained from 17 years of DC-10 operation was used during the design of the MD-11 to automate system operation and reduce crew workload. All functions, from preflight to shutdown at the termination of flight, require little input from the crew. The MD-11 aircraft systems are monitored for proper operation by the Aircraft Systems Controllers (ASC). In most cases, system reconfiguration as a result of a malfunction is automated. Manual input is required for irreversible actions such as engine shutdown, fuel dump, fire agent discharge, or Integrated Drive Generator (IDG) disconnect. During normal operations, when the cockpit is configured for flight, all annunciators on the overhead panel will be extinguished. This Dark Cockpit immediately confirms to the crew that the panels are correctly configured and that no abnormalities are present. Primary systems annunciations are shown in text on the Alert Area of the Engine and Alert Display (EAD). This eliminates the need to scan the overhead. The MD-11 aircraft systems can be manually controlled from the overhead area of the cockpit. The center portion of the overhead panel is composed of the primary aircraft systems panels, which include FUEL, AIR, Electrical (ELEC) and Hydraulic (HYD) systems, which are easily accessible from both flight crew positions. Each Aircraft Systems Controller (ASC) has two automatic channels and a manual mode. All rectangular lights are annunciators. All square lights are combined switches and annunciators called switch/lights. Red switch/lights on the overhead (Level 3 alerts) are for conditions requiring immediate crew action. Amber (Level 2 or Level 1 alerts) indicates a fault or switch out of position requiring awareness or crew interaction. Overhead switches used in normal operating conditions will illuminate blue when in use (Level 0 alerts) such as WING ANTI-ICE - ON. An overhead switch/light with BLACK LETTERING on an amber or red background indicates a system failure and that crew interaction is required. A switch/light with blue or amber lettering and a BLACK BACKGROUND indicates a switch out of normal position and that crew action is necessary only if the system is in manual operation.

  6. An electroejaculator for the collection of semen from the domestic cat.

    PubMed

    Dooley, M P; Murase, K; Pineda, M H

    1983-09-01

    An electroejaculator for the collection of cat semen and for the evaluation of electroejaculation protocols is described. The electroejaculator contains an adjustable signal generator and allows for the precise control and monitoring of the electrical stimulus to the animal. The electroejaculator incorporates controls for the selection of the frequency, potential and waveform of the electrical stimulus and controls for either manual or automatic delivery of stimuli of specified characteristics to the rectal probe. In the automatic mode, the operator may also preset the rate and duration of stimulus application and the interval between successive stimuli. The electroejaculator output to the probe is controlled with an on-off foot-switch which allows for the collection of semen from an anesthetized cat by one operator. Diagrams of the functional block, the component circuits of the electroejaculator, and the accessories which facilitate the collection of cat semen are provided.

  7. Automatic mesh refinement and parallel load balancing for Fokker-Planck-DSMC algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Küchlin, Stephan; Jenny, Patrick

    2018-06-01

    Recently, a parallel Fokker-Planck-DSMC algorithm for rarefied gas flow simulation in complex domains at all Knudsen numbers was developed by the authors. Fokker-Planck-DSMC (FP-DSMC) is an augmentation of the classical DSMC algorithm, which mitigates the near-continuum deficiencies in terms of computational cost of pure DSMC. At each time step, based on a local Knudsen number criterion, the discrete DSMC collision operator is dynamically switched to the Fokker-Planck operator, which is based on the integration of continuous stochastic processes in time, and has fixed computational cost per particle, rather than per collision. In this contribution, we present an extension of the previous implementation with automatic local mesh refinement and parallel load-balancing. In particular, we show how the properties of discrete approximations to space-filling curves enable an efficient implementation. Exemplary numerical studies highlight the capabilities of the new code.

  8. Automatic external filling for the ion source gas bottle of a Van de Graaff accelerator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Strivay, D.; Bastin, T.; Dehove, C.; Dumont, P. D.; Marchal, A.; Garnir, H.; Weber, G.

    1997-09-01

    We describe a fully automatic system we developed to fill, from an external gas bottle, the ion source terminal gas storage bottle of a 2 MV Van de Graaff accelerator without depressing the 25 bar insulating gas. The system is based on a programmable automate ordering electropneumatical valves. The only manual operation is the connection of the external gas cylinder. The time needed for a gas change is reduced to typically 15 min (depending on the residual pressure wished for the gas removed from the terminal bottle). To check this system we study the ionic composition of the ion beam delivered by our accelerator after different gas changes. The switching magnet of our accelerator was used to analyse the ionic composition of the accelerated beams in order to verify the degree of elimination of the previous gases in the system.

  9. Kickdown control for a motor vehicle automatic transmission with two stage kickdown

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

    Higashi, H.; Waki, K.; Fukuiri, M.

    This patent describes a vehicle automatic transmission. This transmission consists of a hydraulic torque converter, a transmission gear mechanism connected with the torque converter and has at least three gear stages of different gear ratios for foward drive, friction for selecting one of the gear stages. A kick down control which consists of a first shift down circuit for controlling the friction so that the transmission gear mechanism is shifted down from a high gear stage to a lower gear stage. A kick down solenoid is provided in the first shift down circuit for controlling the first shift down circuitmore » and a kick down switch is adapted to be actuated by an engine control member. When the engine control member is moved substantially to a full power position to thereby control the kick down solenoid effects a shift down from a high gear stage to a lower gear stage.« less

  10. Fragmentation of Red Blood Cells Caused Pseudothrombocytosis in a Patient.

    PubMed

    Tang, Wenjun; Tang, Chunhua; Zheng, Jianfeng; He, Yongling; Lu, Fangfang

    2018-06-01

    Pseudothrombocytopenia, caused by platelet (PLT) clumping, is often found in clinical studies [1]. However, pseudothrombocytosis resulting from the fragmentation of red blood cells (RBCs) is a very rare phenomenon. EDTA-K2 anticoagulation was used on a sample of venous blood extracted from the patient. A Symex XN9000 automatic blood analyzer was used to conduct CBC + DIFF mode and CBC + DIFF + RET mode tests, stained smear microscopy. The Symex XN9000 automatic blood analyzer was used to conduct CBC + DIFF mode test; PLTs were measured at 570 x 109/L. Stained smear microscopy revealed the number of PLTs did not conform to the instrument measured 570 x 109/L. "RET" alarm instrument, switch to CBC + DIFF + RET mode for testing. The second test result showed PLTs at 128 x 109/L, which accords with artificial microscopy. This was a case of a very rare phenomenon: the fragmentation of RBCs caused pseudothrombocytosis.

  11. Digital controller for a Baum folding machine. [providing automatic counting and machine shutoff

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bryant, W. H. (Inventor)

    1974-01-01

    A digital controller for controlling the operation of a folding machine enables automatic folding of a desired number of sheets responsive to entry of that number into a selector. The controller includes three decade counter stages for corresponding rows of units, tens and hundreds push buttons. Each stage including a decimal-to-BCD encoder, a buffer register, and a digital or binary counter. The BCD representation of the selected count for each digit is loaded into the respective decade down counters. Pulses generated by a sensor and associated circuitry are used to decrease the count in the decade counters. When the content of the decade counter reaches either 0 or 1, a solenoid control valve is actuated which interrupts operation of the machine. A repeat switch, when actuated, prevents clearing of the buffer registers so that multiple groups of the same number of sheets can be folded without reentering the number into the selector.

  12. Determining Exercise Strength Requirements for Astronaut Critical Mission Tasks: Reaching Under G-Load

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Schaffner, Grant; Bentley, Jason

    2008-01-01

    The critical mission tasks assessments effort seeks to determine the physical performance requirements that astronauts must meet in order to safely and successfully accomplish lunar exploration missions. These assessments will determine astronaut preflight strength, fitness, and flexibility requirements, and the extent to which exercise and other countermeasures must prevent the physical deconditioning associated with prolonged weightlessness. The purpose is to determine the flexibility and strength that crewmembers must possess in order to reach Crew Exploration Vehicle controls during maneuvers that result in sustained acceleration levels ranging from 3.7G to 7.8G. An industry standard multibody dynamics application was used to create human models representing a 5th percentile female, a 50th percentile male, and a 95th percentile male. The additional mass of a space suit sleeve was added to the reaching arm to account for the influence of the suit mass on the reaching effort. The human model was merged with computer models of a pilot seat and control panel for the Crew Exploration Vehicle. Three dimensional paths were created that guided the human models hand from a starting position alongside its thigh to three control targets: a joystick, a keyboard, and an overhead switch panel. The reaching motion to each target was repeated under four vehicle acceleration conditions: nominal ascent (3.7G), two ascent aborts (5.5G and 7.8G) and lunar reentry (4.6G). Elbow and shoulder joint angular excursions were analyzed to assess range of motion requirements. Mean and peak elbow and shoulder joint torques were determined and converted to equivalent resistive exercise loads to assess strength requirements. Angular excursions for the 50th and 95th percentile male models remained within joint range of motion limits. For the 5th percentile female, both the elbow and the shoulder exceeded range of motion limits during the overhead reach. Elbow joint torques ranged from 10 N-m (nominal ascent) to 60 N-m (ascent abort). Shoulder joint torques ranged from 65 N-m (nominal ascent) to 280 N-m (ascent abort). Maximal equivalent exercise loads reached 30 lb in tricep extension, 9 lb in bicep curl, 110 lb in unilateral pullover and unilateral bench press for nominal conditions (lunar reentry), and 188 lb in unilateral pullover and unilateral bench press. The location of the pilot seat was found to be inadequately located to allow a 5th percentile female to reach the switches on the overhead panel. Elbow strength requirements were found to be well within population norms. Shoulder strength was found to be a limiting factor. Reaching under nominal ascent and lunar reentry conditions was found to require near maximal shoulder strength. Reaching under ascent abort conditions requires shoulder strength well beyond population norms. Pilot seats must adjust to accomodate a 5th percentile female. Exercise countermeasures must maintain maximal pullover and bench press strength to allow pilots to reach and operate controls during lunar reentry. Reaching will not be possible during ascent abort conditions. Flight controls should be built into armrests or flight control must be accomplished by autonomous systems during acceleration exceeding 4.6G.

  13. Real-Time Parallel Software Design Case Study: Implementation of the RASSP SAR Benchmark on the Intel Paragon.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1996-01-01

    Real-Time 19 5 Conclusion 23 List of References 25 ii LIST OF FIGURES FIGURE PAGE 3-1 Test Bench Pseudo Code 7 3-2 Fast Convolution...3-1 shows pseudo - code for a test bench with two application nodes. The outer test bench wrapper consists of three functions: pipeline_init, pipeline...exit_func); Figure 3-1. Test Bench Pseudo Code The application wrapper is contained in the pipeline routine and similarly consists of an

  14. NanoBench: An Individually Addressable Nanotube Array

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-03-25

    17 (1999). 5 Cai, L., H. Tabata and T. Kawai, "Probing electrical properties of oriented DNA by conducting atomic force microscopy", Nanotechnology 12...the e-beam hits the other side of the NanoBench. This allows the cells to be kept alive in a biological medium while they are being tested. The key...advantage of the NanoBench is that the e-beam never hits the sample. UHV Technologies Inc. 7 NanoBench: An Individually Addressable Nanotube Array Final

  15. Great SEP events and space weather: 1. Experience of automatically searching for event beginnings; probabilities of false and missed events

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Applbaum, David; Dorman, Lev; Pustil'Nik, Lev; Sternlieb, Abraham; Zagnetko, Alexander; Zukerman, Igor

    It is well known that during great SEP events, fluxes of energetic particles can be so big that the memory of computers and other electronics in space may be destroyed, and satellites and spacecraft may cease to function. According to the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Cen-ter, the following scales constitute dangerous solar radiation storms: S5-extreme (flux level of particles with energy ∼ 10 MeV more than 105 ); S4 - severe(f luxmorethan104 ); andS3 - strong(f luxmorethan103 ). In these persiods, it is necessary to switch off some of the electronics for a few hours energy particles (meaning those with a few GeV/nucleon and higher), whose transportation to Earthfrom the S20 minutes after they accelerate and escape into the solar wind) than the main bulk of the smaller energy particle 60 minutes later). Here we describe the principles and experience of the automatic function of the "SEP - Search" program. The positive result, showing the exact beginning of an SEP event on the Emilio Segre Observ 10.8GV ), is determined now automatically by simultaneously increasing by 2.5 St.Dev. in two sections of the ne search "programnext uses 1-mindata for checking whether or not the observed increase reflects the beginning Research "automatically starts to work online. We determine also the probabilities of false and missed alerts.

  16. Automatic Detection of Electric Power Troubles (ADEPT)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, Caroline; Zeanah, Hugh; Anderson, Audie; Patrick, Clint; Brady, Mike; Ford, Donnie

    1988-01-01

    Automatic Detection of Electric Power Troubles (A DEPT) is an expert system that integrates knowledge from three different suppliers to offer an advanced fault-detection system. It is designed for two modes of operation: real time fault isolation and simulated modeling. Real time fault isolation of components is accomplished on a power system breadboard through the Fault Isolation Expert System (FIES II) interface with a rule system developed in-house. Faults are quickly detected and displayed and the rules and chain of reasoning optionally provided on a laser printer. This system consists of a simulated space station power module using direct-current power supplies for solar arrays on three power buses. For tests of the system's ablilty to locate faults inserted via switches, loads are configured by an INTEL microcomputer and the Symbolics artificial intelligence development system. As these loads are resistive in nature, Ohm's Law is used as the basis for rules by which faults are located. The three-bus system can correct faults automatically where there is a surplus of power available on any of the three buses. Techniques developed and used can be applied readily to other control systems requiring rapid intelligent decisions. Simulated modeling, used for theoretical studies, is implemented using a modified version of Kennedy Space Center's KATE (Knowledge-Based Automatic Test Equipment), FIES II windowing, and an ADEPT knowledge base.

  17. Automatic Detection of Electric Power Troubles (ADEPT)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Caroline; Zeanah, Hugh; Anderson, Audie; Patrick, Clint; Brady, Mike; Ford, Donnie

    1988-11-01

    Automatic Detection of Electric Power Troubles (A DEPT) is an expert system that integrates knowledge from three different suppliers to offer an advanced fault-detection system. It is designed for two modes of operation: real time fault isolation and simulated modeling. Real time fault isolation of components is accomplished on a power system breadboard through the Fault Isolation Expert System (FIES II) interface with a rule system developed in-house. Faults are quickly detected and displayed and the rules and chain of reasoning optionally provided on a laser printer. This system consists of a simulated space station power module using direct-current power supplies for solar arrays on three power buses. For tests of the system's ablilty to locate faults inserted via switches, loads are configured by an INTEL microcomputer and the Symbolics artificial intelligence development system. As these loads are resistive in nature, Ohm's Law is used as the basis for rules by which faults are located. The three-bus system can correct faults automatically where there is a surplus of power available on any of the three buses. Techniques developed and used can be applied readily to other control systems requiring rapid intelligent decisions. Simulated modeling, used for theoretical studies, is implemented using a modified version of Kennedy Space Center's KATE (Knowledge-Based Automatic Test Equipment), FIES II windowing, and an ADEPT knowledge base.

  18. Improved passive optical network architectures to support local area network emulation and protection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wong, Elaine; Nadarajah, Nishaanthan; Chae, Chang-Joon; Nirmalathas, Ampalavanapillai; Attygalle, Sanjeewa M.

    2006-01-01

    We describe two optical layer schemes which simultaneously facilitate local area network emulation and automatic protection switching against distribution fiber breaks in passive optical networks. One scheme employs a narrowband fiber Bragg grating placed close to the star coupler in the feeder fiber of the passive optical network, while the other uses an additional short length distribution fiber from the star coupler to each customer for the redirection of the customer traffic. Both schemes use RF subcarrier multiplexed transmission for intercommunication between customers in conjunction with upstream access to the central office at baseband. Failure detection and automatic protection switching are performed independently by each optical network unit that is located at the customer premises in a distributed manner. The restoration of traffic transported between the central office and an optical network unit in the event of the distribution fiber break is performed by interconnecting adjacent optical network units and carrying out signal transmissions via an independent but interconnected optical network unit. Such a protection mechanism enables multiple adjacent optical network units to be simultaneously protected by a single optical network unit utilizing its maximum available bandwidth. We experimentally verify the feasibility of both schemes with 1.25 Gb/s upstream baseband transmission to the central office and 155 Mb/s local area network data transmission on a RF subcarrier frequency. The experimental results obtained from both schemes are compared, and the power budgets are calculated to analyze the scalability of each scheme.

  19. New Improvements in Magnetic Measurements Laboratory of the ALBA Synchrotron Facility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Campmany, Josep; Marcos, Jordi; Massana, Valentí

    ALBA synchrotron facility has a complete insertion devices (ID) laboratory to characterize and produce magnetic devices needed to satisfy the requirements of ALBA's user community. The laboratory is equipped with a Hall-probe bench working in on-the-fly measurement mode allowing the measurement of field maps of big magnetic structures with high accuracy, both in magnetic field magnitude and position. The whole control system of this bench is based on TANGO. The Hall probe calibration range extends between sub-Gauss to 2 Tesla with an accuracy of 100 ppm. Apart from the Hall probe bench, the ID laboratory has a flipping coil bench dedicated to measuring field integrals and a Helmholtz coil bench specially designed to characterize permanent magnet blocks. Also, a fixed stretched wire bench is used to measure field integrals of magnet sets. This device is specifically dedicated to ID construction. Finally, the laboratory is equipped with a rotating coil bench, specially designed for measuring multipolar devices used in accelerators, such as quadrupoles, sextupoles, etc. Recent improvements of the magnetic measurements laboratory of ALBA synchrotron include the design and manufacturing of very thin 3D Hall probe heads, the design and manufacturing of coil sensors for the Rotating coil bench based on multilayered PCB, and the improvement of calibration methodology in order to improve the accuracy of the measurements. ALBA magnetic measurements laboratory is open for external contracts, and has been widely used by national and international institutes such as CERN, ESRF or CIEMAT, as well as magnet manufacturing companies, such as ANTEC, TESLA and I3 M. In this paper, we will present the main features of the measurement benches as well as improvements made so far.

  20. 69. (Credit JTL) View beneath marble meter bench showing hydraulic ...

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

    69. (Credit JTL) View beneath marble meter bench showing hydraulic lines leading to water valve hydraulic control cylinders from control handles in bench; strings and pulleys activate meters. - McNeil Street Pumping Station, McNeil Street & Cross Bayou, Shreveport, Caddo Parish, LA

  1. 21. DETAIL INTERIOR VIEW OF ORIGINAL BENCH BOARD CONTROLS IN ...

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

    21. DETAIL INTERIOR VIEW OF ORIGINAL BENCH BOARD CONTROLS IN CONTROL ROOM ON LEVEL +77 OF POWERHOUSE #1; THESE PANELS ARE ON LEFT SIDE OF BENCH BOARD CONTROLS. - Bonneville Project, Powerhouse No.1, Spanning Bradford Slough, from Bradford Island, Bonneville, Multnomah County, OR

  2. Measure Twice, Build Once: Bench-Scale Testing to Evaluate Bioretention Media Design

    EPA Science Inventory

    The paper discusses the utility of conducting bench-scale testing on selected bioretention media and media amendments to validate hydrologic properties before installing media and amendments in larger pilot- or full-scale rain garden installations. The bench-scale study conclude...

  3. The Relationship between Trunk Function and Injury among Junior High School Soccer Players

    PubMed Central

    Nakazawa, Rie; Endo, Yasuhiro; Sakamoto, Masaaki

    2013-01-01

    [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between trunk stability and injury among young soccer players. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects were 19 male soccer players in junior high school. The presence of injury was noted, and trunk stability was measured by using the bench test and sideways bench test, which were modified from “The 11+” exercises. [Results] There was no significant difference in endurance time in the bench test or sideways bench test between the injury group (n=9) and non-injury group (n=10). Comparison within each group revealed no significant difference in endurance time between the right and left sideways bench tests in the non-injury group; however, the time in the left sideways bench test was significantly longer than that in the right in the injury group. [Conclusion] This study suggests that there is a relationship between asymmetric trunk stability and injury. Further research investigating the relationship between asymmetric trunk function and balance skills is necessary. PMID:24259850

  4. Microfluidic on-chip fluorescence-activated interface control system

    PubMed Central

    Haiwang, Li; Nguyen, N. T.; Wong, T. N.; Ng, S. L.

    2010-01-01

    A microfluidic dynamic fluorescence-activated interface control system was developed for lab-on-a-chip applications. The system consists of a straight rectangular microchannel, a fluorescence excitation source, a detection sensor, a signal conversion circuit, and a high-voltage feedback system. Aqueous NaCl as conducting fluid and aqueous glycerol as nonconducting fluid were introduced to flow side by side into the straight rectangular microchannel. Fluorescent dye was added to the aqueous NaCl to work as a signal representing the interface position. Automatic control of the liquid interface was achieved by controlling the electroosmotic effect that exists only in the conducting fluid using a high-voltage feedback system. A LABVIEW program was developed to control the output of high-voltage power supply according the actual interface position, and then the interface position is modified as the output of high-voltage power supply. At last, the interface can be moved to the desired position automatically using this feedback system. The results show that the system presented in this paper can control an arbitrary interface location in real time. The effects of viscosity ratio, flow rates, and polarity of electric field were discussed. This technique can be extended to switch the sample flow and droplets automatically. PMID:21173886

  5. A CMOS application-specified-integrated-circuit for 40 GHz high-electron-mobility-transistors automatic biasing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    De Matteis, M.; De Blasi, M.; Vallicelli, E. A.; Zannoni, M.; Gervasi, M.; Bau, A.; Passerini, A.; Baschirotto, A.

    2017-02-01

    This paper presents the design and the experimental results of a CMOS Automatic Control System (ACS) for the biasing of High-Electron-Mobility-Transistors (HEMT). The ACS is the first low-power mixed-signal Application-Specified-Integrated-Circuit (ASIC) able to automatically set and regulate the operating point of an off-chip 6 HEMT Low-Noise-Amplifiers (LNAs), hence it composes a two-chip system (the ACS+LNAs) to be used in the Large Scale Polarization Explorer (LSPE) stratospheric balloon for Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) signal observation. The hereby presented ACS ASIC provides a reliable instrumentation for gradual and very stable LNAs characterization, switching-on, and operating point (<4 mV accuracy). Moreover, it simplifies the electronic instrumentation needed for biasing the LNAs, since it replaces several off-the-shelf and digital programmable device components. The ASIC prototype has been implemented in a CMOS 0.35 μ m technology (12 mm2 area occupancy). It operates at 4 kHz clock frequency. The power consumption of one-channel ASIC (biasing one LNA) is 3.6 mW, whereas 30 mW are consumed by a single LNA device.

  6. A CMOS application-specified-integrated-circuit for 40 GHz high-electron-mobility-transistors automatic biasing.

    PubMed

    De Matteis, M; De Blasi, M; Vallicelli, E A; Zannoni, M; Gervasi, M; Bau, A; Passerini, A; Baschirotto, A

    2017-02-01

    This paper presents the design and the experimental results of a CMOS Automatic Control System (ACS) for the biasing of High-Electron-Mobility-Transistors (HEMT). The ACS is the first low-power mixed-signal Application-Specified-Integrated-Circuit (ASIC) able to automatically set and regulate the operating point of an off-chip 6 HEMT Low-Noise-Amplifiers (LNAs), hence it composes a two-chip system (the ACS+LNAs) to be used in the Large Scale Polarization Explorer (LSPE) stratospheric balloon for Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) signal observation. The hereby presented ACS ASIC provides a reliable instrumentation for gradual and very stable LNAs characterization, switching-on, and operating point (<4 mV accuracy). Moreover, it simplifies the electronic instrumentation needed for biasing the LNAs, since it replaces several off-the-shelf and digital programmable device components. The ASIC prototype has been implemented in a CMOS 0.35 μm technology (12 mm 2 area occupancy). It operates at 4 kHz clock frequency. The power consumption of one-channel ASIC (biasing one LNA) is 3.6 mW, whereas 30 mW are consumed by a single LNA device.

  7. Community air monitoring and the Village Green Project ...

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Cost and logistics are practical issues that have historically constrained the number of locations where long-term, active air pollution measurement is possible. In addition, traditional air monitoring approaches are generally conducted by technical experts with limited engagement with community members. EPA’s Village Green Project (VGP) is a prototype technology designed to add value to a community environment – VGP is a park bench equipped with air and meteorological instruments that measure ozone, fine particles, wind, temperature, and humidity at a one-minute time resolution, with the open-source Arduino microprocessor operating as the system controller. The data are streamed wirelessly to a database, passed through automatic diagnostic quality checks, and then made publically available on an engaging website. The station was designed to minimize power use; it consumes an estimated 15W and operates entirely on solar power, is engineered to run for several days with minimal solar radiation, and is capable of automatically shutting down components of the system to conserve power and restarting when power availability increases. Situated outside a public library in Durham, North Carolina, VGP has also been a gathering location for air quality experts to engage with community members. During the time span of June, 2013 through January, 2014, the station collected about 3500 hours of ozone and PM2.5 data, with over 90% up-time operating only on solar po

  8. Astrophysics on the Lab Bench

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Hughes, Stephen W.

    2010-01-01

    In this article some basic laboratory bench experiments are described that are useful for teaching high school students some of the basic principles of stellar astrophysics. For example, in one experiment, students slam a plastic water-filled bottle down onto a bench, ejecting water towards the ceiling, illustrating the physics associated with a…

  9. 30 CFR 816.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

  10. 30 CFR 817.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

  11. 30 CFR 817.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-07-01

    ... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

  12. 30 CFR 817.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

  13. 30 CFR 816.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

  14. 30 CFR 816.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

  15. 30 CFR 816.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

  16. 30 CFR 817.74 - Disposal of excess spoil: Preexisting benches.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ... to a lower preexisting bench by means of gravity transport may be approved by the regulatory authority provided that— (1) The gravity transport courses are determined on a site-specific basis by the..., and downslope of the lower bench should excess spoil accidentally move; (2) All gravity transported...

  17. Optical Bench Interferometer - From LISA Pathfinder to NGO/eLISA

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taylor, A.; d'Arcio, L.; Bogenstahl, J.; Danzmann, K.; Diekmann, C.; Fitzsimons, E. D.; Gerberding, O.; Heinzel, G.; Hennig, J.-S.; Hogenhuis, H.; Killow, C. J.; Lieser, M.; Lucarelli, S.; Nikolov, S.; Perreur-Lloyd, M.; Pijnenburg, J.; Robertson, D. I.; Sohmer, A.; Tröbs, M.; Ward, H.; Weise, D.

    2013-01-01

    We present a short summary of some optical bench construction and alignment developments that build on experience gained during the LISA Pathfinder optical bench assembly. These include evolved fibre injectors, a new beam vector measurement system, and thermally stable mounting hardware. The beam vector measurement techniques allow the alignment of beams to targets with absolute accuracy of a few microns and 20 microradians. We also describe a newly designed ultra-low-return beam dump that is expected to be a crucial element in the control of ghost beams on the optical benches.

  18. Mouse manipulation through single-switch scanning.

    PubMed

    Blackstien-Adler, Susie; Shein, Fraser; Quintal, Janet; Birch, Shae; Weiss, Patrice L Tamar

    2004-01-01

    Given the current extensive reliance on the graphical user interface, independent access to computer software requires that users be able to manipulate a pointing device of some type (e.g., mouse, trackball) or be able to emulate a mouse by some other means (e.g., scanning). The purpose of the present study was to identify one or more optimal single-switch scanning mouse emulation strategies. Four alternative scanning strategies (continuous Cartesian, discrete Cartesian, rotational, and hybrid quadrant/continuous Cartesian) were selected for testing based on current market availability as well as on theoretical considerations of their potential speed and accuracy. Each strategy was evaluated using a repeated measures study design by means of a test program that permitted mouse emulation via any one of four scanning strategies in a motivating environment; response speed and accuracy could be automatically recorded and considered in view of the motor, cognitive, and perceptual demands of each scanning strategy. Ten individuals whose disabilities required them to operate a computer via single-switch scanning participated in the study. Results indicated that Cartesian scanning was the preferred and most effective scanning strategy. There were no significant differences between results from the Continuous Cartesian and Discrete Cartesian scanning strategies. Rotational scanning was quite slow with respect to the other strategies, although it was equally accurate. Hybrid Quadrant scanning improved access time but at the cost of fewer correct selections. These results demonstrated the importance of testing and comparing alternate single-switch scanning strategies.

  19. Wheel-running reinforcement in free-feeding and food-deprived rats.

    PubMed

    Belke, Terry W; Pierce, W David

    2016-03-01

    Rats experiencing sessions of 30min free access to wheel running were assigned to ad-lib and food-deprived groups, and given additional sessions of free wheel activity. Subsequently, both ad-lib and deprived rats lever pressed for 60s of wheel running on fixed ratio (FR) 1, variable ratio (VR) 3, VR 5, and VR 10 schedules, and on a response-initiated variable interval (VI) 30s schedule. Finally, the ad-lib rats were switched to food deprivation and the food-deprived rats were switched to free food, as rats continued responding on the response-initiated VI 30-s schedule. Wheel running functioned as reinforcement for both ad-lib and food-deprived rats. Food-deprived rats, however, ran faster and had higher overall lever-pressing rates than free-feeding rats. On the VR schedules, wheel-running rates positively correlated with local and overall lever pressing rates for deprived, but not ad-lib rats. On the response-initiated VI 30s schedule, wheel-running rates and lever-pressing rates changed for ad-lib rats switched to food deprivation, but not for food-deprived rats switched to free-feeding. The overall pattern of results suggested different sources of control for wheel running: intrinsic motivation, contingencies of automatic reinforcement, and food-restricted wheel running. An implication is that generalizations about operant responding for wheel running in food-deprived rats may not extend to wheel running and operant responding of free-feeding animals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Wireless Video System for Extra Vehicular Activity in the International Space Station and Space Shuttle Orbiter Environment

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Loh, Yin C.; Boster, John; Hwu, Shian; Watson, John C.; deSilva, Kanishka; Piatek, Irene (Technical Monitor)

    1999-01-01

    The Wireless Video System (WVS) provides real-time video coverage of astronaut extra vehicular activities during International Space Station (ISS) assembly. The ISS wireless environment is unique due to the nature of the ISS structure and multiple RF interference sources. This paper describes how the system was developed to combat multipath, blockage, and interference using an automatic antenna switching system. Critical to system performance is the selection of receiver antenna installation locations determined using Uniform Geometrical Theory of Diffraction (GTD) techniques.

  1. Self-healing ring-based WDM-PON

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Yang; Gan, Chaoqin; Zhu, Long

    2010-05-01

    In this paper, a survivable ring-based wavelength-division-multiplexing (WDM)-passive optical network (PON) for fiber protection is proposed. Protections for feeder fiber and distributed fiber are independent in the scheme. Optical line terminal (OLT) and optical network units (ONUs) can automatically switch to protection link when fiber failure occurs. Protection distributed fiber is not required in the scheme. Cost-effective components are used in ONUs to minimize costs of network. A simulation study is performed to demonstrate the scheme. Its result shows good performance of upstream and downstream signals.

  2. CONTROL LIMITER DEVICE

    DOEpatents

    DeShong, J.A.

    1960-03-01

    A control-limiting device for monltoring a control system is described. The system comprises a conditionsensing device, a condition-varying device exerting a control over the condition, and a control means to actuate the condition-varying device. A control-limiting device integrates the total movement or other change of the condition-varying device over any interval of time during a continuum of overlapping periods of time, and if the tothl movement or change of the condition-varying device exceeds a preset value, the control- limiting device will switch the control of the operated apparatus from automatic to manual control.

  3. Two hundred passage three-way valve: Fraction collector

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Keffer, J. L.

    1983-01-01

    This paper describes the design and operation of a fraction collector used to direct flow of separated biological materials from 197 capillary tubes to either a collection tray or to a waste tank. This mechanism uses a 28-volt dc gear motor driving twin cams to force 197 needles through a self-sealing silicone rubber septum, where they inject the material in 197 separate pockets in a collection tray. The position of the collector tray is sensed by two optical limit switches. The time sequences are controlled automatically by an electronics control monitoring module.

  4. National Program for Inspection of Non-Federal Dams. Prym Manufacturing Co. Dam (CT 00169), Thames River Basin, Killingly, Connecticut. Phase I Inspection Report.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1979-06-01

    Service (DDS), which offers speeds of 19.2K bps and 56K bps. Instead of modems , DDS service requires a Channel Service Unit (CSU), to terminate each...Bell 103 modem that automatically calls for help if the DDS link goes down. DDS users can also use their own schemes to protect their transmissions...Switched 56 service provides 700 numbers for 56K transmission in some 60 odd cities, including areas such as Orlando, San Diego, and the Washington

  5. Validity of the Myotest® in measuring force and power production in the squat and bench press.

    PubMed

    Comstock, Brett A; Solomon-Hill, Glenn; Flanagan, Shawn D; Earp, Jacob E; Luk, Hui-Ying; Dobbins, Kathryn A; Dunn-Lewis, Courtenay; Fragala, Maren S; Ho, Jen-Yu; Hatfield, Disa L; Vingren, Jakob L; Denegar, Craig R; Volek, Jeff S; Kupchak, Brian R; Maresh, Carl M; Kraemer, William J

    2011-08-01

    The purpose of this study was to verify the concurrent validity of a bar-mounted Myotest® instrument in measuring the force and power production in the squat and bench press exercises when compared to the gold standard of a computerized linear transducer and force platform system. Fifty-four men (bench press: 39-171 kg; squat: 75-221 kg) and 43 women (bench press: 18-80 kg; squat: 30-115 kg) (age range 18-30 years) performed a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) strength test in bench press and squat exercises. Power testing consisted of the jump squat and the bench throw at 30% of each subject's 1RM. During each measurement, both the Myotest® instrument and the Celesco linear transducer of the directly interfaced BMS system (Ballistic Measurement System [BMS] Innervations Inc, Fitness Technology force plate, Skye, South Australia, Australia) were mounted to the weight bar. A strong, positive correlation (r) between the Myotest and BMS systems and a high correlation of determination (R2) was demonstrated for bench throw force (r = 0.95, p < 0.05) (R2 = 0.92); bench throw power (r = 0.96, p < 0.05) (R2 = 0.93); squat jump force (r = 0.98, p < 0.05) (R2 = 0.97); and squat jump power (r = 0.91, p < 0.05) (R2 = 0.82). In conclusion, when fixed on the bar in the vertical axis, the Myotest is a valid field instrument for measuring force and power in commonly used exercise movements.

  6. A comparison of muscle activity in concentric and counter movement maximum bench press.

    PubMed

    van den Tillaar, Roland; Ettema, Gertjan

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematics and muscle activation patterns of regular free-weight bench press (counter movement) with pure concentric lifts in the ascending phase of a successful one repetition maximum (1-RM) attempt in the bench press. Our aim was to evaluate if diminishing potentiation could be the cause of the sticking region. Since diminishing potentiation cannot occur in pure concentric lifts, the occurrence of a sticking region in this type of muscle actions would support the hypothesis that the sticking region is due to a poor mechanical position. Eleven male participants (age 21.9 ± 1.7 yrs, body mass 80.7 ± 10.9 kg, body height 1.79 ± 0.07 m) conducted 1-RM lifts in counter movement and in pure concentric bench presses in which kinematics and EMG activity were measured. In both conditions, a sticking region occurred. However, the start of the sticking region was different between the two bench presses. In addition, in four of six muscles, the muscle activity was higher in the counter movement bench press compared to the concentric one. Considering the findings of the muscle activity of six muscles during the maximal lifts it was concluded that the diminishing effect of force potentiation, which occurs in the counter movement bench press, in combination with a delayed muscle activation unlikely explains the existence of the sticking region in a 1-RM bench press. Most likely, the sticking region is the result of a poor mechanical force position.

  7. A Comparison of Muscle Activity in Concentric and Counter Movement Maximum Bench Press

    PubMed Central

    van den Tillaar, Roland; Ettema, Gertjan

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to compare the kinematics and muscle activation patterns of regular free-weight bench press (counter movement) with pure concentric lifts in the ascending phase of a successful one repetition maximum (1-RM) attempt in the bench press. Our aim was to evaluate if diminishing potentiation could be the cause of the sticking region. Since diminishing potentiation cannot occur in pure concentric lifts, the occurrence of a sticking region in this type of muscle actions would support the hypothesis that the sticking region is due to a poor mechanical position. Eleven male participants (age 21.9 ± 1.7 yrs, body mass 80.7 ± 10.9 kg, body height 1.79 ± 0.07 m) conducted 1-RM lifts in counter movement and in pure concentric bench presses in which kinematics and EMG activity were measured. In both conditions, a sticking region occurred. However, the start of the sticking region was different between the two bench presses. In addition, in four of six muscles, the muscle activity was higher in the counter movement bench press compared to the concentric one. Considering the findings of the muscle activity of six muscles during the maximal lifts it was concluded that the diminishing effect of force potentiation, which occurs in the counter movement bench press, in combination with a delayed muscle activation unlikely explains the existence of the sticking region in a 1-RM bench press. Most likely, the sticking region is the result of a poor mechanical force position. PMID:24235985

  8. Questions of testing rate and flexibility of rocket test benches, discussed on the basis of the test benches of Nitrochemie GMBH in Aschau

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    LEGRAND

    1987-01-01

    The rocket test benches are used to study burnup behavior by various methods. In the first ten months of 1966, 1578 shots were performed to test propellants, and 920 to test 14 thrust and pressure measurement projects.

  9. 30 CFR 57.22304 - Approved equipment (II-A mines).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-07-01

    ...) Cutting and drilling equipment used at a face or bench shall be approved by MSHA under the applicable... feet from the face or bench being mined. (c) Tests for methane shall be conducted immediately before nonapproved equipment is taken to a face or bench after blasting. (d) Mine power transformers and stationary...

  10. 30 CFR 57.22304 - Approved equipment (II-A mines).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-07-01

    ...) Cutting and drilling equipment used at a face or bench shall be approved by MSHA under the applicable... feet from the face or bench being mined. (c) Tests for methane shall be conducted immediately before nonapproved equipment is taken to a face or bench after blasting. (d) Mine power transformers and stationary...

  11. 30 CFR 57.22304 - Approved equipment (II-A mines).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ...) Cutting and drilling equipment used at a face or bench shall be approved by MSHA under the applicable... feet from the face or bench being mined. (c) Tests for methane shall be conducted immediately before nonapproved equipment is taken to a face or bench after blasting. (d) Mine power transformers and stationary...

  12. 30 CFR 57.22304 - Approved equipment (II-A mines).

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ...) Cutting and drilling equipment used at a face or bench shall be approved by MSHA under the applicable... feet from the face or bench being mined. (c) Tests for methane shall be conducted immediately before nonapproved equipment is taken to a face or bench after blasting. (d) Mine power transformers and stationary...

  13. Ups and downs on spreading flanks of ocean-island volcanoes: evidence from Mauna Loa and Kīlauea

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Lipman, Peter W.; Eakins, Barry W.; Yokose, Hisayoshi

    2003-01-01

    Submarine-flank deposits of Hawaiian volcanoes are widely recognized to have formed largely by gravitationally driven volcano spreading and associated landsliding. Observations from submersibles show that prominent benches at middepths on flanks of Mauna Loa and Kilauea consist of volcaniclastic debris derived by landsliding from nearby shallow submarine and subaerial flanks of the same edifice. Massive slide breccias from the mature subaerial tholeiitic shield of Mauna Loa underlie the frontal scarp of its South Kona bench. In contrast, coarse volcaniclastic sediments derived largely from submarine-erupted preshield alkalic and transitional basalts of ancestral Kilauea underlie its Hilina bench. Both midslope benches record the same general processes of slope failure, followed by modest compression during continued volcano spreading, even though they record development during different stages of edifice growth. The dive results suggest that volcaniclastic rocks at the north end of the Kona bench, interpreted by others as distal sediments from older volcanoes that were offscraped, uplifted, and accreted to the island by far-traveled thrusts, alternatively are a largely coherent stratigraphic assemblage deposited in a basin behind the South Kona bench.

  14. Test bench for measurements of NOvA scintillator properties at JINR

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Velikanova, D. S.; Antoshkin, A. I.; Anfimov, N. V.; Samoylov, O. B.

    2018-04-01

    The NOvA experiment was built to study oscillation parameters, mass hierarchy, CP- violation phase in the lepton sector and θ23 octant, via vɛ appearance and vμ disappearance modes in both neutrino and antineutrino beams. These scientific goals require good knowledge about NOvA scintillator basic properties. The new test bench was constructed and upgraded at JINR. The main goal of this bench is to measure scintillator properties (for solid and liquid scintillators), namely α/β discrimination and Birk's coefficients for protons and other hadrons (quenching factors). This knowledge will be crucial for recovering the energy of the hadronic part of neutrino interactions with scintillator nuclei. α/β discrimination was performed on the first version of the bench for LAB-based and NOvA scintillators. It was performed again on the upgraded version of the bench with higher statistic and precision level. Preliminary result of quenching factors for protons was obtained. A technical description of both versions of the bench and current results of the measurements and analysis are presented in this work.

  15. Contextual interference effects on the acquisition of skill and strength of the bench press.

    PubMed

    Naimo, Marshall A; Zourdos, Michael C; Wilson, Jacob M; Kim, Jeong-Su; Ward, Emery G; Eccles, David W; Panton, Lynn B

    2013-06-01

    The purpose of this study was to investigate contextual interference effects on skill acquisition and strength gains during the learning of the bench press movement. Twenty-four healthy, college-aged males and females were stratified to control, high contextual interference (HCI), and low contextual interference (LCI) groups. Treatment groups were provided with written and visual instruction on proper bench press form and practiced the bench press and dart throwing for four weeks. Within each session, LCI performed all bench press sets before undertaking dart-throws. HCI undertook dart-throws immediately following each set of bench press. Control only did testing. Measurements, including one repetition maximum (1RM), checklist scores based on video recordings of participants' 1RM's, and dart-throw test scores were taken at pre-test, 1 week, 2 week, post-test, and retention test. Results were consistent with the basic premise of the contextual interference effect. LCI had significant improvements in percent 1RM and checklist scores during training, but were mostly absent after training (post-test and retention test). HCI had significant improvements in percent 1RM and checklist scores both during and after training. Thus, HCI may augment strength and movement skill on the bench press since proper technique is an important component of resistance exercise movements. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Effect of Fatigue Upon Performance and Electromyographic Activity in 6-RM Bench Press

    PubMed Central

    van den Tillaar, Roland; Saeterbakken, Atle

    2014-01-01

    The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fatigue during one set of 6-RM bench pressing upon the muscle patterning and performance. Fourteen resistance-trained males (age 22.5±2.0 years, stature 1.82±0.07 m, body mass 82.0±7.8 kg) conducted a 6-RM bench press protocol. Barbell kinematics and EMG activity of pectoralis major, deltoid anterior, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus abdominis, oblique external and erector spinae were measured in each repetition during the 6-RM bench press. Total lifting time increased and the velocity in the ascending movement decreased (p≤0.001). However, the kinematics in the descending phase deferred: the time decreased and velocity increased during the 6-RM (p≤0.001). Generally, muscles increased their EMG amplitude during the six repetitions in the ascending movement, while only three of the seven measured muscles showed an increase over the six repetitions in the descending part in 6-RM bench pressing. It was concluded that the bench pressing performance decreased (lower barbell velocities and longer lifting times) with increasing fatigue in the 6-RM execution. Furthermore EMG increased in the prime movers and the trunk stabilizers (abdominal and spine), while the antagonist muscle (biceps) activity was not affected by fatigue during the lifting phase in a single set of 6-RM bench pressing PMID:25031673

  17. Effect of Fatigue Upon Performance and Electromyographic Activity in 6-RM Bench Press.

    PubMed

    van den Tillaar, Roland; Saeterbakken, Atle

    2014-03-27

    The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fatigue during one set of 6-RM bench pressing upon the muscle patterning and performance. Fourteen resistance-trained males (age 22.5±2.0 years, stature 1.82±0.07 m, body mass 82.0±7.8 kg) conducted a 6-RM bench press protocol. Barbell kinematics and EMG activity of pectoralis major, deltoid anterior, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus abdominis, oblique external and erector spinae were measured in each repetition during the 6-RM bench press. Total lifting time increased and the velocity in the ascending movement decreased (p≤0.001). However, the kinematics in the descending phase deferred: the time decreased and velocity increased during the 6-RM (p≤0.001). Generally, muscles increased their EMG amplitude during the six repetitions in the ascending movement, while only three of the seven measured muscles showed an increase over the six repetitions in the descending part in 6-RM bench pressing. It was concluded that the bench pressing performance decreased (lower barbell velocities and longer lifting times) with increasing fatigue in the 6-RM execution. Furthermore EMG increased in the prime movers and the trunk stabilizers (abdominal and spine), while the antagonist muscle (biceps) activity was not affected by fatigue during the lifting phase in a single set of 6-RM bench pressing.

  18. [A man with a painful upper arm after bench press exercise].

    PubMed

    Sijtsma, Ben C T; van der Veen, Hugo C; van Raay, Jos J A M

    2015-01-01

    A 22-year-old male bodybuilder presented with pain and a haematoma of his right upper arm after bench press exercises. Suspicion of a pectoralis muscle tear was confirmed by MRI and surgical repair was performed. Ruptures of the pectoralis major muscle are rare, but may occur in young male bodybuilders, typically after bench press exercises.

  19. EMERGING TECHNOLOGY REPORT: BENCH-SCALE TESTING OF PHOTOLYSIS, CHEMICAL OXIDATION AND BIODEGRADATION OF PCB CONTAMINATED SOILS AND PHOTOLYSIS OF TCDD CONTAMINATED SOILS

    EPA Science Inventory

    This report presents the results of bench-scale testing on degradation of 2,3,7,8-TCDD using W photolysis, and PCB degradation using UV photolysis, chemical oxidation and biological treatment. Bench-scale tests were conducted to investigate the feasibility of a two-phase detoxifi...

  20. Effects of interset whole-body vibration on bench press resistance training in trained and untrained individuals.

    PubMed

    Timon, Rafael; Collado-Mateo, Daniel; Olcina, Guillermo; Gusi, Narcis

    2016-03-01

    Previous studies have demonstrated positive effects of acute vibration exercise on concentric strength and power, but few have observed the effects of vibration exposure on resistance training. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of whole body vibration applied to the chest via hands on bench press resistance training in trained and untrained individuals. Nineteen participants (10 recreationally trained bodybuilders and 9 untrained students) performed two randomized sessions of resistance training on separate days. Each strength session consisted of 3 bench press sets with a load of 75% 1RM to failure in each set, with 2 minutes' rest between sets. All subjects performed the same strength training with either, vibration exposure (12 Hz, 4 mm) of 30 seconds immediately before each bench press set or without vibration. Number of total repetitions, kinematic parameters, blood lactate and perceived exertion were analyzed. In the untrained group, vibration exposure caused a significant increase in the mean velocity (from 0.36±0.02 to 0.39±0.03 m/s) and acceleration (from 0.75±0.10 to 0.86±0.09 m/s2), as well as a decrease in perceived effort (from 8±0.57 to 7.35±0.47) in the first bench press set, but no change was observed in the third bench press set. In the recreationally trained bodybuilders, vibration exposure did not cause any improvement on the performance of bench press resistance training. These results suggest that vibration exposure applied just before the bench press exercise could be a good practice to be implemented by untrained individuals in resistance training.

  1. Elbow joint fatigue and bench-press training.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yen-Po; Chou, You-Li; Chen, Feng-Chun; Wang, Rong-Tyai; Huang, Ming-Jer; Chou, Paul Pei-Hsi

    2014-01-01

    Bench-press exercises are among the most common form of training exercise for the upper extremity because they yield a notable improvement in both muscle strength and muscle endurance. The literature contains various investigations into the effects of different bench-press positions on the degree of muscle activation. However, the effects of fatigue on the muscular performance and kinetics of the elbow joint are not understood fully. To investigate the effects of fatigue on the kinetics and myodynamic performance of the elbow joint in bench-press training. Controlled laboratory study. Motion research laboratory. A total of 18 physically healthy male students (age = 19.6 ± 0.8 years, height = 168.7 ± 5.5 cm, mass = 69.6 ± 8.6 kg) participated in the investigation. All participants were right-hand dominant, and none had a history of upper extremity injuries or disorders. Participants performed bench-press training until fatigued. Maximal possible number of repetitions, cycle time, myodynamic decline rate, elbow-joint force, and elbow-joint moment. We observed a difference in cycle time in the initial (2.1 ± 0.42 seconds) and fatigue (2.58 ± 0.46 seconds) stages of the bench-press exercise (P = .04). As the participants fatigued, we observed an increase in the medial-lateral force (P = .03) and internal-external moment (P ≤ .04) acting on the elbow joint. Moreover, a reduction in the elbow muscle strength was observed in the elbow extension-flexion (P ≤ .003) and forearm supination-pronation (P ≤ .001) conditions. The results suggest that performing bench-press exercises to the point of fatigue increases elbow-joint loading and may further increase the risk of injury. Therefore, when clinicians design bench-press exercise regimens for general athletic training, muscle strengthening, or physical rehabilitation, they should control carefully the maximal number of repetitions.

  2. Influence of the "Slingshot" bench press training aid on bench press kinematics and neuromuscular activity in competitive powerlifters.

    PubMed

    Dugdale, James H; Hunter, Angus; Di Virgilio, Thomas; Macgregor, Lewis J; Hamilton, D Lee

    2017-02-13

    This study examined the acute effects of the 'Slingshot' on bench-press performance, prime-mover surface electromyographic (sEMG) amplitude, and barbell velocity during maximal and submaximal bench-pressing in competitive male powerlifters. Fifteen male powerlifters (mean ± SD age: 27.05 ± 5.94 years; mass: 94.15kg; 1RM bench-press: 139.7 ± 16.79kg) participated in the study. Bench-press strength, average barbell velocity, and sEMG amplitude of the prime mover muscles (triceps brachii, pectoralis major and anterior deltoid) were measured during two conditions; 'Raw' (without use of any assistance) and 'Slingshot' [using the 'Slingshot' to perform both the weight achieved during 'Raw' 1RM testing (Raw max/SS), and absolute 1RM using the 'Slingshot' (SS)]. The results showed that the 'Slingshot' significantly increased bench press 1RM performance by a mean ± SD of 20.67kg ± 3.4kg. Barbell velocity and stick point analysis indicate that this improvement is likely driven by an increase in peak and pre-stick barbell velocity as triceps RMS was lower throughout all rep max phases with the 'Slingshot'. The 'Slingshot' also caused reductions in RMS, specifically of the triceps at all rep ranges but barbell velocity was better maintained in the last reps of all sets. These data indicate that the 'Slingshot' specifically de-loaded the triceps muscle throughout all rep ranges and provide assistance to maintaining barbell velocity under fatigue during later repetitions of multiple-repetition sets. The 'Slingshot' training aid could therefore be used in de-load phases of bench press training or as an over-reaching and velocity training aid.

  3. Comparison of muscle force production using the Smith machine and free weights for bench press and squat exercises.

    PubMed

    Cotterman, Michael L; Darby, Lynn A; Skelly, William A

    2005-02-01

    The Smith machine (SM) (vertical motion of bar on fixed path; fixed-form exercise) and free weights (FWs) (free-form path) are commonly used strength training modes. Exercisers may need to alternate between types of equipment, depending on testing, training, rehabilitation, and/or the exercisers' goals. The purposes of this study were to compare muscle force production for SM and FWs using a 1 repetition maximum (1RM) for the parallel back squat and supine bench press exercises and to predict the 1RM for one mode from 1RM on the other mode. Men (n = 16) and women (n = 16) alternately completed 1RM testing for squat and bench press using SM and FWs. Analyses of variance (type of equipment x sex) and linear regression models were calculated. A significant difference was found between bench press and squat 1RMs for each mode of equipment for all participants. The squat 1RM was greater for the SM than the FWs; conversely, the bench 1RM was greater for FWs than the SM. When sex was considered, bench 1RM for FWs was greater than SM for men and women. The squat 1RM was greater for SM than FWs for women only. The 1RM on one mode of equipment was the best predictor of 1RM for the other mode. For both sexes, the equation SM bench 1RM (in kilograms) = -6.76 + 0.95 (FW bench 1RM) can be used. For women only, SM squat 1RM (in kilograms) = 28.3 + 0.73 (FW squat 1RM). These findings provide equations for converting between SM and FW equipment for training.

  4. Quasi-Linear Circuit

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Bradley, William; Bird, Ross; Eldred, Dennis; Zook, Jon; Knowles, Gareth

    2013-01-01

    This work involved developing spacequalifiable switch mode DC/DC power supplies that improve performance with fewer components, and result in elimination of digital components and reduction in magnetics. This design is for missions where systems may be operating under extreme conditions, especially at elevated temperature levels from 200 to 300 degC. Prior art for radiation-tolerant DC/DC converters has been accomplished utilizing classical magnetic-based switch mode converter topologies; however, this requires specific shielding and component de-rating to meet the high-reliability specifications. It requires complex measurement and feedback components, and will not enable automatic re-optimization for larger changes in voltage supply or electrical loading condition. The innovation is a switch mode DC/DC power supply that eliminates the need for processors and most magnetics. It can provide a well-regulated voltage supply with a gain of 1:100 step-up to 8:1 step down, tolerating an up to 30% fluctuation of the voltage supply parameters. The circuit incorporates a ceramic core transformer in a manner that enables it to provide a well-regulated voltage output without use of any processor components or magnetic transformers. The circuit adjusts its internal parameters to re-optimize its performance for changes in supply voltage, environmental conditions, or electrical loading at the output

  5. Verbal messages strengthen bench press efficacy.

    PubMed

    Wise, James B; Posner, Amy E; Walker, Gretchen L

    2004-02-01

    This study examined the effects of verbal messages on bench press efficacy: the confidence to lift progressively heavier weights for 1 repetition. Thirty-two women who had not bench pressed within the previous 18 months were assigned to 1 of 2 groups and exposed to 2 sources of efficacy information. First, subjects in both groups performed 10 repetitions on a fixed movement, vertical bench press machine and completed the bench press efficacy scale. Next, each group received 1 of 2 possible verbal messages. Both messages included the speaker's strength training qualifications. In addition, one message conveyed specific performance feedback while the other contained more general information. Then efficacy was measured again. Results indicated both messages strengthened efficacy. Strength professionals who work one-on-one with novice women should: (a) make sure lifters are aware of their professional qualifications, (b) provide specific feedback, and (c) profess their beliefs in the lifters' abilities to perform the exercises.

  6. Bench press training program with attached chains for female volleyball and basketball athletes.

    PubMed

    Burnham, Timothy R; Ruud, Jason D; McGowan, Robert

    2010-02-01

    Attaching chains to barbells to increase strength and power has become popular for athletes; however, little scientific evidence supports this practice. The present purpose was to compare chain training to traditional training for the bench press. Women collegiate athletes in volleyball and basketball (N = 19) participated in a 16-session bench press program. They were matched into either a Traditional or a Chain training group by 1-repetition maximum (1RM). The Traditional group performed the bench press with conventional equipment, while the Chain group trained with attached chains (5% of weight). Analysis showed a significant increase in 1RM for both groups over 16 sessions, Traditional +11.8% and Chain +17.4%. The difference between the groups was not statistically significant, but suggests the women who trained with attached chains improved their bench press more than the Traditional group.

  7. Effects of bench step exercise intervention on work ability in terms of cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress: a randomized controlled study.

    PubMed

    Ohta, Masanori; Eguchi, Yasumasa; Inoue, Tomohiro; Honda, Toru; Morita, Yusaku; Konno, Yoshimasa; Yamato, Hiroshi; Kumashiro, Masaharu

    2015-01-01

    Work ability is partly determined by physical and mental fitness. Bench step exercise can be practiced anywhere at any time. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a bench step exercise on work ability by examining cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress. Thirteen volunteers working in a warehousing industry comprised the bench step exercise group (n=7) and the control group (n=6). The participants in the step exercise group were encouraged to practice the step exercise at home for 16 weeks. The step exercise improved glucose metabolism and antioxidative capacity and increased work ability by reducing absences from work and improving the prognosis of work ability. The improvement in work ability was related to a reduction in oxidative stress. These results suggest that a bench step exercise may improve work ability by reducing cardiovascular risk factors and oxidative stress.

  8. Creation of an In vivo cytosensor using engineered mesangial cells. Automatic sensing of glomerular inflammation controls transgene activity.

    PubMed

    Kitamura, M; Kawachi, H

    1997-09-15

    Automatic control over exogenous gene expression in response to the activity of disease is a crucial hurdle for gene transfer-based therapies. Towards achieving this goal, we created a "cytosensor" that perceives local inflammatory states and subsequently regulates foreign gene expression. alpha-Smooth muscle actin is known to be expressed in glomerular mesangial cells exclusively in pathologic situations. CArG box element, the crucial regulatory sequence of the alpha-smooth muscle actin promoter, was used as a sensor for glomerular inflammation. Rat mesangial cells were stably transfected with an expression plasmid that introduces a beta-galactosidase gene under the control of CArG box elements. In vitro, the established cells expressed beta-galactosidase exclusively after stimulation with serum. To examine whether the cells are able to automatically control transgene activity in vivo, serum-stimulated or unstimulated cells were transferred into normal rat glomeruli or glomeruli subjected to anti-Thy 1 glomerulonephritis. When stimulated cells were transferred into the normal glomeruli, beta-galactosidase expression was switched off in vivo within 3 d. In contrast, when unstimulated cells were transferred into the nephritic glomeruli, transgene expression was substantially induced. These data indicate the feasibility of using the CArG box element as a molecular sensor for glomerular injury. In the context of advanced forms of gene therapy, this approach provides a novel concept for automatic regulation of local transgene expression where the transgene is required to be activated during inflammation and deactivated when the inflammation has subsided.

  9. A versatile valving toolkit for automating fluidic operations in paper microfluidic devices.

    PubMed

    Toley, Bhushan J; Wang, Jessica A; Gupta, Mayuri; Buser, Joshua R; Lafleur, Lisa K; Lutz, Barry R; Fu, Elain; Yager, Paul

    2015-03-21

    Failure to utilize valving and automation techniques has restricted the complexity of fluidic operations that can be performed in paper microfluidic devices. We developed a toolkit of paper microfluidic valves and methods for automatic valve actuation using movable paper strips and fluid-triggered expanding elements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first functional demonstration of this valving strategy in paper microfluidics. After introduction of fluids on devices, valves can actuate automatically after a) a certain period of time, or b) the passage of a certain volume of fluid. Timing of valve actuation can be tuned with greater than 8.5% accuracy by changing lengths of timing wicks, and we present timed on-valves, off-valves, and diversion (channel-switching) valves. The actuators require ~30 μl fluid to actuate and the time required to switch from one state to another ranges from ~5 s for short to ~50 s for longer wicks. For volume-metered actuation, the size of a metering pad can be adjusted to tune actuation volume, and we present two methods - both methods can achieve greater than 9% accuracy. Finally, we demonstrate the use of these valves in a device that conducts a multi-step assay for the detection of the malaria protein PfHRP2. Although slightly more complex than devices that do not have moving parts, this valving and automation toolkit considerably expands the capabilities of paper microfluidic devices. Components of this toolkit can be used to conduct arbitrarily complex, multi-step fluidic operations on paper-based devices, as demonstrated in the malaria assay device.

  10. A versatile valving toolkit for automating fluidic operations in paper microfluidic devices

    PubMed Central

    Toley, Bhushan J.; Wang, Jessica A.; Gupta, Mayuri; Buser, Joshua R.; Lafleur, Lisa K.; Lutz, Barry R.; Fu, Elain; Yager, Paul

    2015-01-01

    Failure to utilize valving and automation techniques has restricted the complexity of fluidic operations that can be performed in paper microfluidic devices. We developed a toolkit of paper microfluidic valves and methods for automatic valve actuation using movable paper strips and fluid-triggered expanding elements. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first functional demonstration of this valving strategy in paper microfluidics. After introduction of fluids on devices, valves can actuate automatically a) after a certain period of time, or b) after the passage of a certain volume of fluid. Timing of valve actuation can be tuned with greater than 8.5% accuracy by changing lengths of timing wicks, and we present timed on-valves, off-valves, and diversion (channel-switching) valves. The actuators require ~30 μl fluid to actuate and the time required to switch from one state to another ranges from ~5 s for short to ~50s for longer wicks. For volume-metered actuation, the size of a metering pad can be adjusted to tune actuation volume, and we present two methods – both methods can achieve greater than 9% accuracy. Finally, we demonstrate the use of these valves in a device that conducts a multi-step assay for the detection of the malaria protein PfHRP2. Although slightly more complex than devices that do not have moving parts, this valving and automation toolkit considerably expands the capabilities of paper microfluidic devices. Components of this toolkit can be used to conduct arbitrarily complex, multi-step fluidic operations on paper-based devices, as demonstrated in the malaria assay device. PMID:25606810

  11. Voluntary task switching under load: contribution of top-down and bottom-up factors in goal-directed behavior.

    PubMed

    Demanet, Jelle; Verbruggen, Frederick; Liefooghe, Baptist; Vandierendonck, André

    2010-06-01

    The present study investigated the relative contribution of bottom-up and top-down control to task selection in the voluntary task-switching (VTS) procedure. In order to manipulate the efficiency of top-down control, a concurrent working memory load was imposed during VTS. In three experiments, bottom-up factors, such as stimulus repetitions, repetition of irrelevant information, and stimulus-task associations, were introduced in order to investigate their influence on task selection. We observed that the tendency to repeat tasks was stronger under load, suggesting that top-down control counteracts the automatic tendency to repeat tasks. The results also indicated that task selection can be guided by several elements in the environment, but that only the influence of stimulus repetitions depends on the efficiency of top-down control. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed within the interplay between top-down and bottom-up control that underlies the voluntary selection of tasks.

  12. [Characteristics of auto-CPAP devices during the simulation of sleep-related breathing flow patterns].

    PubMed

    Rühle, K H; Karweina, D; Domanski, U; Nilius, G

    2009-07-01

    The function of automatic CPAP devices is difficult to investigate using clinical examinations due to the high variability of breathing disorders. With a flow generator, however, identical breathing patterns can be reproduced so that comparative studies on the behaviour of pressure of APAP devices are possible. Because the algorithms of APAP devices based on the experience of users can be modified without much effort, also previously investigated devices should regularly be reviewed with regard to programme changes. Had changes occurred in the algorithms of 3 selected devices--compared to the previously published benchmark studies? Do the current versions of these investigated devices differentiate between open and closed apnoeas? With a self-developed respiratory pump, sleep-related breathing patterns and, with the help of a computerised valve, resistances of the upper respiratory tract were simulated. Three different auto-CPAP devices were subjected to a bench test with and without feedback (open/closed loop). Open loop: the 3 devices showed marked differences in the rate of pressure rise but did not differ from the earlier published results. From an initial pressure of 4 mbar the pressure increased to 10 mbar after a different number of apnoeas (1-6 repetitive apnoeas). Only one device differentiated between closed and open apnoeas. Closed loop: due to the pressure increase, the flow generator simulated reduced obstruction of the upper airways (apnoeas changed to hypopnoeas, hypopnoeas changed to flattening) but different patterns of pressure regulation could still be observed. By applying bench-testing, the algorithms of auto-CPAP devices can regularly be reviewed to detect changes in the software. The differentiation between open and closed apnoeas should be improved in several APAP devices.

  13. Observations of rock spectral classes by the Opportunity rover's Pancam on northern Cape York and on Matijevic Hill, Endeavour Crater, Mars

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Farrand, W. H.; Bell, J. F.; Johnson, J. R.; Rice, M. S.; Jolliff, B. L.; Arvidson, R. E.

    2014-11-01

    The Opportunity rover's exploration of the portion of the rim of Endeavour crater known as Cape York included examination of the sulfate-bearing Grasberg formation and the Matijevic Hill region. Multispectral visible and near-infrared (VNIR) Pancam observations were used to characterize reflectance properties of rock units. Using spectral end-member detection and classification approaches including a principal components/n-dimensional visualization, automatic sequential maximum angle convex cone method, and classification through hierarchical clustering, six main spectral classes of rock surfaces were identified: light-toned veins, Grasberg fm., the smectite-bearing Matijevic formation, the hematitic "blueberry" spherules, resistant spherules within the Matijevic fm. dubbed "newberries," and the Shoemaker formation impact breccia. Some of these could be divided into spectral subclasses. There were three types of veins: veins in the bench unit of Cape York, thinner veins in the Matijevic fm., and boxwork pattern-forming veins. The bench unit veins had higher 535 nm band depths than the other two vein subclasses and a steeper 934 to 1009 nm slope. The Grasberg fm. has VNIR spectral features that are interpreted to indicate higher fractions of red hematite than in the sulfate-bearing Burns Fm. The Matijevic fm. includes both light-toned, fine-grained matrix, and dark-toned veneers. The latter has a weak near-infrared absorption band centered near 950 nm consistent with nontronite. Observations of Rock Abrasion Tool brushed and ground newberries indicated that cuttings from the RAT grind had a longer wavelength reflectance maximum and deeper 535 nm band depth, consistent with more oxidized materials. Greater oxidation of cementing materials in the newberries is consistent with a diagenetic concretion origin.

  14. 40 CFR Appendix Vii to Part 86 - Standard Bench Cycle (SBC)

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-07-01

    ... procedures [Ref. § 86.1823-08(d)] consist of aging a catalyst-oxygen-sensor system on an aging bench which... bench with an engine as the source of feed gas for the catalyst. 3. The SBC is a 60-second cycle which... occurs in the hottest catalyst. Alternatively, the feed gas temperature may be measured and converted to...

  15. 40 CFR Appendix Vii to Part 86 - Standard Bench Cycle (SBC)

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... procedures [Ref. § 86.1823-08(d)] consist of aging a catalyst-oxygen-sensor system on an aging bench which... bench with an engine as the source of feed gas for the catalyst. 3. The SBC is a 60-second cycle which... occurs in the hottest catalyst. Alternatively, the feed gas temperature may be measured and converted to...

  16. Bench scale demonstration and conceptual engineering for DETOX{sup SM} catalyzed wet oxidation

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

    Moslander, J.; Bell, R.; Robertson, D.

    1994-06-01

    Laboratory and bench scale studies of the DETOX{sup SM} catalyzed wet oxidation process have been performed with the object of developing the process for treatment of hazardous and mixed wastes. Reaction orders, apparent rates, and activation energies have been determined for a range of organic waste surrogates. Reaction intermediates and products have been analyzed. Metals` fates have been determined. Bench scale units have been designed, fabricated, and tested with solid and liquid organic waste surrogates. Results from the laboratory and bench scale studies have been used to develop conceptual designs for application of the process to hazardous and mixed wastes.

  17. Digital Modeling and Testing Research on Digging Mechanism of Deep Rootstalk Crops

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Chuanhua; Xu, Ma; Wang, Zhoufei; Yang, Wenwu; Liao, Xinglong

    The digital model of the laboratory bench parts of digging deep rootstalk crops were established through adopting the parametric model technology based on feature. The virtual assembly of the laboratory bench of digging deep rootstalk crops was done and the digital model of the laboratory bench parts of digging deep rootstalk crops was gained. The vibrospade, which is the key part of the laboratory bench of digging deep rootstalk crops was simulated and the movement parametric curves of spear on the vibrospade were obtained. The results show that the spear was accorded with design requirements. It is propitious to the deep rootstalk.

  18. Effect of loading on unintentional lifting velocity declines during single sets of repetitions to failure during upper and lower extremity muscle actions.

    PubMed

    Izquierdo, M; González-Badillo, J J; Häkkinen, K; Ibáñez, J; Kraemer, W J; Altadill, A; Eslava, J; Gorostiaga, E M

    2006-09-01

    The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different loads on repetition speed during single sets of repetitions to failure in bench press and parallel squat. Thirty-six physical active men performed 1-repetition maximum in a bench press (1 RM (BP)) and half squat position (1 RM (HS)), and performed maximal power-output continuous repetition sets randomly every 10 days until failure with a submaximal load (60 %, 65 %, 70 %, and 75 % of 1RM, respectively) during bench press and parallel squat. Average velocity of each repetition was recorded by linking a rotary encoder to the end part of the bar. The values of 1 RM (BP) and 1 RM (HS) were 91 +/- 17 and 200 +/- 20 kg, respectively. The number of repetitions performed for a given percentage of 1RM was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in half squat than in bench press performance. Average repetition velocity decreased at a greater rate in bench press than in parallel squat. The significant reductions observed in the average repetition velocity (expressed as a percentage of the average velocity achieved during the initial repetition) were observed at higher percentage of the total number of repetitions performed in parallel squat (48 - 69 %) than in bench press (34 - 40 %) actions. The major finding in this study was that, for a given muscle action (bench press or parallel squat), the pattern of reduction in the relative average velocity achieved during each repetition and the relative number of repetitions performed was the same for all percentages of 1RM tested. However, relative average velocity decreased at a greater rate in bench press than in parallel squat performance. This would indicate that in bench press the significant reductions observed in the average repetition velocity occurred when the number of repetitions was over one third (34 %) of the total number of repetitions performed, whereas in parallel squat it was nearly one half (48 %). Conceptually, this would indicate that for a given exercise (bench press or squat) and percentage of maximal dynamic strength (1RM), the pattern of velocity decrease can be predicted over a set of repetitions, so that a minimum repetition threshold to ensure maximal speed performance is determined.

  19. A generalized procedure for analyzing sustained and dynamic vocal fold vibrations from laryngeal high-speed videos using phonovibrograms.

    PubMed

    Unger, Jakob; Schuster, Maria; Hecker, Dietmar J; Schick, Bernhard; Lohscheller, Jörg

    2016-01-01

    This work presents a computer-based approach to analyze the two-dimensional vocal fold dynamics of endoscopic high-speed videos, and constitutes an extension and generalization of a previously proposed wavelet-based procedure. While most approaches aim for analyzing sustained phonation conditions, the proposed method allows for a clinically adequate analysis of both dynamic as well as sustained phonation paradigms. The analysis procedure is based on a spatio-temporal visualization technique, the phonovibrogram, that facilitates the documentation of the visible laryngeal dynamics. From the phonovibrogram, a low-dimensional set of features is computed using a principle component analysis strategy that quantifies the type of vibration patterns, irregularity, lateral symmetry and synchronicity, as a function of time. Two different test bench data sets are used to validate the approach: (I) 150 healthy and pathologic subjects examined during sustained phonation. (II) 20 healthy and pathologic subjects that were examined twice: during sustained phonation and a glissando from a low to a higher fundamental frequency. In order to assess the discriminative power of the extracted features, a Support Vector Machine is trained to distinguish between physiologic and pathologic vibrations. The results for sustained phonation sequences are compared to the previous approach. Finally, the classification performance of the stationary analyzing procedure is compared to the transient analysis of the glissando maneuver. For the first test bench the proposed procedure outperformed the previous approach (proposed feature set: accuracy: 91.3%, sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 97%, previous approach: accuracy: 89.3%, sensitivity: 76%, specificity: 96%). Comparing the classification performance of the second test bench further corroborates that analyzing transient paradigms provides clear additional diagnostic value (glissando maneuver: accuracy: 90%, sensitivity: 100%, specificity: 80%, sustained phonation: accuracy: 75%, sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 70%). The incorporation of parameters describing the temporal evolvement of vocal fold vibration clearly improves the automatic identification of pathologic vibration patterns. Furthermore, incorporating a dynamic phonation paradigm provides additional valuable information about the underlying laryngeal dynamics that cannot be derived from sustained conditions. The proposed generalized approach provides a better overall classification performance than the previous approach, and hence constitutes a new advantageous tool for an improved clinical diagnosis of voice disorders. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. AnaBench: a Web/CORBA-based workbench for biomolecular sequence analysis

    PubMed Central

    Badidi, Elarbi; De Sousa, Cristina; Lang, B Franz; Burger, Gertraud

    2003-01-01

    Background Sequence data analyses such as gene identification, structure modeling or phylogenetic tree inference involve a variety of bioinformatics software tools. Due to the heterogeneity of bioinformatics tools in usage and data requirements, scientists spend much effort on technical issues including data format, storage and management of input and output, and memorization of numerous parameters and multi-step analysis procedures. Results In this paper, we present the design and implementation of AnaBench, an interactive, Web-based bioinformatics Analysis workBench allowing streamlined data analysis. Our philosophy was to minimize the technical effort not only for the scientist who uses this environment to analyze data, but also for the administrator who manages and maintains the workbench. With new bioinformatics tools published daily, AnaBench permits easy incorporation of additional tools. This flexibility is achieved by employing a three-tier distributed architecture and recent technologies including CORBA middleware, Java, JDBC, and JSP. A CORBA server permits transparent access to a workbench management database, which stores information about the users, their data, as well as the description of all bioinformatics applications that can be launched from the workbench. Conclusion AnaBench is an efficient and intuitive interactive bioinformatics environment, which offers scientists application-driven, data-driven and protocol-driven analysis approaches. The prototype of AnaBench, managed by a team at the Université de Montréal, is accessible on-line at: . Please contact the authors for details about setting up a local-network AnaBench site elsewhere. PMID:14678565

  1. Location of Instability During a Bench Press Alters Movement Patterns and Electromyographical Activity.

    PubMed

    Nairn, Brian C; Sutherland, Chad A; Drake, Janessa D M

    2015-11-01

    Instability training devices with the bench press exercise are becoming increasingly popular. Typically, the instability device is placed at the trunk/upper body (e.g., lying on a Swiss ball); however, a recent product called the Attitube has been developed, which places the location of instability at the hands by users lifting a water-filled tube. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of different instability devices (location of instability) on kinematic and electromyographical patterns during the bench press exercise. Ten healthy males were recruited and performed 1 set of 3 repetitions for 3 different bench press conditions: Olympic bar on a stable bench (BENCH), Olympic bar on a stability ball (BALL), and Attitube on a stable bench (TUBE). The eccentric and concentric phases were analyzed in 10% intervals while electromyography was recorded from 24 electrode sites, and motion capture was used to track elbow flexion angle and 3-dimensional movement trajectories and vertical velocity of the Bar/Attitube. The prime movers tended to show a reduction in muscle activity during the TUBE trials; however, pectoralis major initially showed increased activation during the eccentric phase of the TUBE condition. The trunk muscle activations were greatest during the TUBE and smallest during the BAR. In addition, the TUBE showed decreased range of elbow flexion and increased medial-lateral movement of the Attitube itself. The results further support the notion that instability devices may be more beneficial for trunk muscles rather than prime movers.

  2. Reliability of the Load-Velocity Relationship Obtained Through Linear and Polynomial Regression Models to Predict the One-Repetition Maximum Load.

    PubMed

    Pestaña-Melero, Francisco Luis; Haff, G Gregory; Rojas, Francisco Javier; Pérez-Castilla, Alejandro; García-Ramos, Amador

    2017-12-18

    This study aimed to compare the between-session reliability of the load-velocity relationship between (1) linear vs. polynomial regression models, (2) concentric-only vs. eccentric-concentric bench press variants, as well as (3) the within-participants vs. the between-participants variability of the velocity attained at each percentage of the one-repetition maximum (%1RM). The load-velocity relationship of 30 men (age: 21.2±3.8 y; height: 1.78±0.07 m, body mass: 72.3±7.3 kg; bench press 1RM: 78.8±13.2 kg) were evaluated by means of linear and polynomial regression models in the concentric-only and eccentric-concentric bench press variants in a Smith Machine. Two sessions were performed with each bench press variant. The main findings were: (1) first-order-polynomials (CV: 4.39%-4.70%) provided the load-velocity relationship with higher reliability than second-order-polynomials (CV: 4.68%-5.04%); (2) the reliability of the load-velocity relationship did not differ between the concentric-only and eccentric-concentric bench press variants; (3) the within-participants variability of the velocity attained at each %1RM was markedly lower than the between-participants variability. Taken together, these results highlight that, regardless of the bench press variant considered, the individual determination of the load-velocity relationship by a linear regression model could be recommended to monitor and prescribe the relative load in the Smith machine bench press exercise.

  3. Design and Modeling of a Test Bench for Dual-Motor Electric Drive Tracked Vehicles Based on a Dynamic Load Emulation Method.

    PubMed

    Wang, Zhe; Lv, Haoliang; Zhou, Xiaojun; Chen, Zhaomeng; Yang, Yong

    2018-06-21

    Dual-motor Electric Drive Tracked Vehicles (DDTVs) have attracted increasing attention due to their high transmission efficiency and economical fuel consumption. A test bench for the development and validation of new DDTV technologies is necessary and urgent. How to load the vehicle on a DDTV test bench exactly the same as on a real road is a crucial issue when designing the bench. This paper proposes a novel dynamic load emulation method to address this problem. The method adopts dual dynamometers to simulate both the road load and the inertia load that are imposed on the dual independent drive systems. The vehicle’s total inertia equivalent to the drive wheels is calculated with separate consideration of vehicle body, tracks and road wheels to obtain a more accurate inertia load. A speed tracking control strategy with feedforward compensation is implemented to control the dual dynamometers, so as to make the real-time dynamic load emulation possible. Additionally, a MATLAB/Simulink model of the test bench is built based on a dynamics analysis of the platform. Experiments are finally carried out on this test bench under different test conditions. The outcomes show that the proposed load emulation method is effective, and has good robustness and adaptability to complex driving conditions. Besides, the accuracy of the established test bench model is also demonstrated by comparing the results obtained from the simulation model and experiments.

  4. In-Vivo Real-Time Control of Protein Expression from Endogenous and Synthetic Gene Networks

    PubMed Central

    Orabona, Emanuele; De Stefano, Luca; Ferry, Mike; Hasty, Jeff; di Bernardo, Mario; di Bernardo, Diego

    2014-01-01

    We describe an innovative experimental and computational approach to control the expression of a protein in a population of yeast cells. We designed a simple control algorithm to automatically regulate the administration of inducer molecules to the cells by comparing the actual protein expression level in the cell population with the desired expression level. We then built an automated platform based on a microfluidic device, a time-lapse microscopy apparatus, and a set of motorized syringes, all controlled by a computer. We tested the platform to force yeast cells to express a desired fixed, or time-varying, amount of a reporter protein over thousands of minutes. The computer automatically switched the type of sugar administered to the cells, its concentration and its duration, according to the control algorithm. Our approach can be used to control expression of any protein, fused to a fluorescent reporter, provided that an external molecule known to (indirectly) affect its promoter activity is available. PMID:24831205

  5. T and D-Bench--Innovative Combined Support for Education and Research in Computer Architecture and Embedded Systems

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Soares, S. N.; Wagner, F. R.

    2011-01-01

    Teaching and Design Workbench (T&D-Bench) is a framework aimed at education and research in the areas of computer architecture and embedded systems. It includes a set of features not found in other educational environments. This set of features is the result of an original combination of design requirements for T&D-Bench: that the…

  6. Automatic temperature controlled retinal photocoagulation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schlott, Kerstin; Koinzer, Stefan; Ptaszynski, Lars; Bever, Marco; Baade, Alex; Roider, Johann; Birngruber, Reginald; Brinkmann, Ralf

    2012-06-01

    Laser coagulation is a treatment method for many retinal diseases. Due to variations in fundus pigmentation and light scattering inside the eye globe, different lesion strengths are often achieved. The aim of this work is to realize an automatic feedback algorithm to generate desired lesion strengths by controlling the retinal temperature increase with the irradiation time. Optoacoustics afford non-invasive retinal temperature monitoring during laser treatment. A 75 ns/523 nm Q-switched Nd:YLF laser was used to excite the temperature-dependent pressure amplitudes, which were detected at the cornea by an ultrasonic transducer embedded in a contact lens. A 532 nm continuous wave Nd:YAG laser served for photocoagulation. The ED50 temperatures, for which the probability of ophthalmoscopically visible lesions after one hour in vivo in rabbits was 50%, varied from 63°C for 20 ms to 49°C for 400 ms. Arrhenius parameters were extracted as ΔE=273 J mol-1 and A=3.1044 s-1. Control algorithms for mild and strong lesions were developed, which led to average lesion diameters of 162+/-34 μm and 189+/-34 μm, respectively. It could be demonstrated that the sizes of the automatically controlled lesions were widely independent of the treatment laser power and the retinal pigmentation.

  7. CSReport: A New Computational Tool Designed for Automatic Analysis of Class Switch Recombination Junctions Sequenced by High-Throughput Sequencing.

    PubMed

    Boyer, François; Boutouil, Hend; Dalloul, Iman; Dalloul, Zeinab; Cook-Moreau, Jeanne; Aldigier, Jean-Claude; Carrion, Claire; Herve, Bastien; Scaon, Erwan; Cogné, Michel; Péron, Sophie

    2017-05-15

    B cells ensure humoral immune responses due to the production of Ag-specific memory B cells and Ab-secreting plasma cells. In secondary lymphoid organs, Ag-driven B cell activation induces terminal maturation and Ig isotype class switch (class switch recombination [CSR]). CSR creates a virtually unique IgH locus in every B cell clone by intrachromosomal recombination between two switch (S) regions upstream of each C region gene. Amount and structural features of CSR junctions reveal valuable information about the CSR mechanism, and analysis of CSR junctions is useful in basic and clinical research studies of B cell functions. To provide an automated tool able to analyze large data sets of CSR junction sequences produced by high-throughput sequencing (HTS), we designed CSReport, a software program dedicated to support analysis of CSR recombination junctions sequenced with a HTS-based protocol (Ion Torrent technology). CSReport was assessed using simulated data sets of CSR junctions and then used for analysis of Sμ-Sα and Sμ-Sγ1 junctions from CH12F3 cells and primary murine B cells, respectively. CSReport identifies junction segment breakpoints on reference sequences and junction structure (blunt-ended junctions or junctions with insertions or microhomology). Besides the ability to analyze unprecedentedly large libraries of junction sequences, CSReport will provide a unified framework for CSR junction studies. Our results show that CSReport is an accurate tool for analysis of sequences from our HTS-based protocol for CSR junctions, thereby facilitating and accelerating their study. Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.

  8. Rotary Stirling-Cycle Engine And Generator

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Chandler, Joseph A.

    1990-01-01

    Proposed electric-power generator comprises three motor generators coordinated by microprocessor and driven by rotary Stirling-cycle heat engine. Combination offers thermodynamic efficiency of Stirling cycle, relatively low vibration, and automatic adjustment of operating parameters to suit changing load on generator. Rotary Stirling cycle engine converts heat to power via compression and expansion of working gas between three pairs of rotary pistons on three concentric shafts in phased motion. Three motor/generators each connected to one of concentric shafts, can alternately move and be moved by pistons. Microprocessor coordinates their operation, including switching between motor and generator modes at appropriate times during each cycle.

  9. Improved Signal Control: An Analysis of the Effects of Automatic Gain Control for Optical Signal Detection.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1982-12-01

    period f T - switching period a - AGC control parameter q - quantum efficiency of photon to electron conversions "I - binary "one" given in terms of the...of the photons striking the surface of the detector. This rate is defined as: X(t) = (np(t)A) / hf 0 (21) where n - quantum efficiency of the photon...mw to 10 mw [Ref 5, Table 1] for infrared wavelengths. 30 Assuming all of the source’s output power is detected, the rate is calculated to be an order

  10. AMPLITUDE DISCRIMINATOR HAVING SEPARATE TRIGGERING AND RECOVERY CONTROLS UTILIZING AUTOMATIC TRIGGERING

    DOEpatents

    Chase, R.L.

    1962-01-23

    A transistorized amplitude discriminator circuit is described in which the initial triggering sensitivity and the recovery threshold are separately adjustable in a convenient manner. The discriminator is provided with two independent bias components, one of which is for circuit hysteresis (recovery) and one of which is for trigger threshold level. A switching circuit is provided to remove the second bias component upon activation of the trigger so that the recovery threshold is always at the point where the trailing edge of the input signal pulse goes through zero or other desired value. (AEC)

  11. A New Optical Bench Concept for Space-Based Laser Interferometric Gravitational Wave Missions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chilton, Andrew; Apple, Stephen; Ciani, Giacomo; Olatunde, Taiwo; Conklin, John; Mueller, Guido

    2015-04-01

    Space-based interferometric gravitational wave detectors such as LISA have been proposed to detect low-frequency gravitational wave sources such as the inspirals of compact objects into massive black holes or two massive black holes into each other. The optical components used to perform the high-precision interferometry required to make these measurements have historically been bonded to Zerodur optical benches, which are thermally ultrastable but difficult and time-consuming to manufacture. More modern implementations of LISA-like interferometry have reduced the length stability requirement on these benches from 30fm/√{Hz} to a few pm √{ Hz}. We therefore propose to alter the design of the optical bench in such a way as to no longer require the use of Zerodur; instead, we plan to replace it with more easily-used materials such as titanium or molybdenum. In this presentation, we discuss the current status of and future plans for the construction and testing of such an optical bench.

  12. Relations between coal petrology and gas content in the Upper Newlands Seam, Central Queensland, Australia

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Walker, R.; Glikson, M.; Mastalerz, Maria

    2001-01-01

    The Upper Newlands Seam in the northern Bowen Basin, Queensland Australia consists of six benches (A-F) that have different petrographic assemblages. Benches C and E contain relatively abundant inertodetrinite and mineral matter, as well as anomalously high reflectance values; these characteristics support a largely allochthonous, detrital origin for the C and E benches. Fractures and cleats in the seam show a consistent orientation of northeast-southwest for face cleats, and a wide range of orientations for fractures. Cleat systems are well developed in bright bands, with poor continuity in the dull coal. Both maceral content and cleat character are suggested to influence gas drainage in the upper Newlands Seam. A pronounced positive correlation between vitrinite abundance and gas desorption data suggests more efficient drainage from benches with abundant vitrinite. Conversely, inertinite-rich benches are suggested to have less efficient drainage, and possibly retain gas within pore spaces, which could increase the outburst potential of the coal. ?? 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. ESPRESSO optical bench: from mind to reality

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tenegi, F.; Santana, S.; Gómez, J.; Rodilla, E.; Hughes, I.; Mégevand, D.; Rebolo, R.; Riva, M.; Luis-Simoes, R.

    2016-07-01

    ESPRESSO [1] is a high-resolution spectrograph under development for the VLT telescope. In general, the Optical Bench (OB) structure can be considered as a 3D one, conformed by welding thin plates of Structural Steel (St-52) with a nickelplated surface treatment, combined for getting maximum stiffness and minimum weight, that will be finally re-machined to get stringent geometrical and dimensional tolerances at I/Fs positions. TIG conventional welding procedure has been selected to minimize the cost and facilitate the own welding process. This solution follows the inheritance from HARPS [2] due to its success to achieve the required performance for the bench. This paper contains an overview of the whole process of designing and manufacturing the Optical Bench of ESPRESSO, from the very first beginning with the specifications to the current status of the bench with its integration on the Spectrograph (including the Finite Element Models and the delivery of the final structure by the supplier) and lessons learned.

  14. The effect from maximal bench press strength training on work economy during wheelchair propulsion in men with spinal cord injury.

    PubMed

    Tørhaug, T; Brurok, B; Hoff, J; Helgerud, J; Leivseth, G

    2016-10-01

    To assess the effect from maximal bench press strength training (MST) on wheelchair propulsion work economy (WE). Pretest-posttest case-control group design. St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. Seventeen male individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) paraplegia were allocated to either MST bench press (n=11) or the control group (CG) (n=7). The MST group trained bench press three times per week, for 6 weeks, starting at 85-95% of their pretest bench press one-repetition maximum (1RM). For calculation of WE during wheelchair propulsion, oxygen uptake (VO 2 ) measurements were collected during wheelchair ergometry (WCE) at submaximal workload of 50 W. Similarly, peak oxygen uptake (VO 2peak ) and peak power output (W) were measured during WCE. Individuals in the MST regimen significantly improved WE compared with the CG by 17.3 % (mean between-group differences: 95% confidence interval) of 2.63 ml kg -1  min -1 : (-4.34, -0.91) (P=0.007). Between pretest and posttest, the increase in bench press 1RM was by 17% higher in the MST group compared with the CG. At peak testing, the MST group generated significantly higher peak power compared with the CG. All other physiological variables were comparable within and between groups. A 6-week MST bench press regimen significantly improved WE during wheelchair propulsion at 50 W workload. These preliminary data support a possible beneficial role for MST to reduce the energy cost of wheelchair propulsion for SCI individuals.

  15. Bench and Riser Soil Water Content on Semiarid Hillslopes with Terracettes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Heinse, R.; Corrao, M.; Eitel, J.; Link, T. E.

    2015-12-01

    Microtopographic features known as terracettes are found throughout many semiarid rangelands. These path-like features roughly perpendicular to the slope are frequently traversed by grazing animals on steep hillslopes. The soil properties and hydrologic function, however, are virtually unknown. This research aimed to identify differences in soil properties between terracette bench and riser features, and their influence on soil water content for two terracetted sites and two non-terracetted control sites (grazed and ungrazed) in Eastern Washington State. Measurements of volumetric water content (θ_v), bulk density, soil texture, saturated hydraulic conductivity, pH, and ECa_a were collected along with compaction, vegetative cover and cattle density throughout the 2013 and 2014 field seasons. Results show small but significant volumetric water content differences between terracette benches and risers in the upper 10 cm with benches exhibiting higher mean θ_v than risers throughout the year. Soil bulk density on benches (1600 kg m-3^{-3}) was significantly higher than that of risers (1300 kg m-3^{-3}) with no differences in soil texture. The saturated hydraulic conductivity on benches was roughly half of that for risers. No significant soil differences were noted below 20 cm depth. Terracetted sites showed greater field-averaged θ_v compared to non-terracetted sites suggesting a positive trend with animal stocking rates. Higher water content on terracette benches is attributed to shifts in pore size distribution with compaction, and a reduction in root-water uptake due to plant-root impedance. This increased soil water does not however increase forage production as it is not accessible to plants.

  16. Electromyographic activity and 6RM strength in bench press on stable and unstable surfaces.

    PubMed

    Saeterbakken, Atle H; Fimland, Marius S

    2013-04-01

    The purpose of the study was to compare 6-repetition maximum (6RM) loads and muscle activity in bench press on 3 surfaces, namely, stable bench, balance cushion, and Swiss ball. Sixteen healthy, resistance-trained men (age 22.5 ± 2.0 years, stature 1.82 ± 6.6 m, and body mass 82.0 ± 7.8 kg) volunteered for 3 habituation/strength testing sessions and 1 experimental session. In randomized order on the 3 surfaces, 6RM strength and electromyographic activity of pectoralis major, deltoid anterior, biceps brachii, triceps brachii, rectus abdominis, oblique external and erector spinae were assessed. Relative to stable bench, the 6RM strength was approximately 93% for balance cushion (p ≤ 0.001) and approximately 92% for Swiss ball (p = 0.008); the pectoralis major electromyographic (EMG) activity was approximately 90% using the balance cushion (p = 0.080) and approximately 81% using Swiss ball (p = 0.006); the triceps EMG was approximately 79% using the balance cushion (p = 0.028) and approximately 69% using the Swiss ball (p = 0.002). Relative to balance cushion, the EMG activity in pectoralis, triceps, and erector spinae using Swiss ball was approximately 89% (p = 0.016), approximately 88% (p = 0.014) and approximately 80% (p = 0.020), respectively. In rectus abdominis, the EMG activity relative to Swiss ball was approximately 69% using stable bench (p = 0.042) and approximately 65% using the balance cushion (p = 0.046). Similar EMG activities between stable and unstable surfaces were observed for deltoid anterior, biceps brachii, and oblique external. In conclusion, stable bench press had greater 6RM strength and triceps and pectoralis EMG activity compared with the unstable surfaces. These findings have implications for athletic training and rehabilitation, because they demonstrate an inferior effect of unstable surfaces on muscle activation of prime movers and strength in bench press. If an unstable surface in bench press is desirable, a balance cushion should be chosen instead of a Swiss ball.

  17. RPE and Velocity Relationships for the Back Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift in Powerlifters.

    PubMed

    Helms, Eric R; Storey, Adam; Cross, Matt R; Brown, Scott R; Lenetsky, Seth; Ramsay, Hamish; Dillen, Carolina; Zourdos, Michael C

    2017-02-01

    Helms, ER, Storey, A, Cross, MR, Browm, SR, Lenetsky, S, Ramsay, H, Dillen, C, and Zourdos, MC. RPE and velocity relationships for the back squat, bench press, and deadlift in powerlifters. J Strength Cond Res 31(2): 292-297, 2017-The purpose of this study was to compare average concentric velocity (ACV) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) based on repetitions in reserve on the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Fifteen powerlifters (3 women and 12 men, mean age 28.4 ± 8.5 years) worked up to a one repetition maximum (1RM) on each lift. Rating of perceived exertion was recorded on all sets, and the ACV was recorded for all sets performed at 80% of estimated 1RM and higher, up to 1RM. Rating of perceived exertion at 1RM on squat, bench press, and deadlift was 9.6 ± 0.5, 9.7 ± 0.4, and 9.6 ± 0.5, respectively and was not significantly different (p > 0.05). The ACV at 1RM on squat, bench press and deadlift was 0.23 ± 0.05, 0.10 ± 0.04, and 0.14 ± 0.05 m·second, respectively. Squat was faster than both bench press and deadlift (p > 0.001), and deadlift was faster than bench press (p = 0.05). Very strong relationships (r = 0.88-0.91) between percentage 1RM and RPE were observed on each lift. The ACV showed strong (r = -0.79 to -0.87) and very strong (r = -0.90 to 92) inverse relationships with RPE and percentage 1RM on each lift, respectively. We conclude that RPE may be a useful tool for prescribing intensity for squat, bench press, and deadlift in powerlifters, in addition to traditional methods such as percentage of 1RM. Despite high correlations between percentage 1RM and ACV, a "velocity load profile" should be developed to prescribe intensity on an individual basis with appropriate accuracy.

  18. Elbow Joint Fatigue and Bench-Press Training

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Yen-Po; Chou, You-Li; Chen, Feng-Chun; Wang, Rong-Tyai; Huang, Ming-Jer; Chou, Paul Pei-Hsi

    2014-01-01

    Context: Bench-press exercises are among the most common form of training exercise for the upper extremity because they yield a notable improvement in both muscle strength and muscle endurance. The literature contains various investigations into the effects of different bench-press positions on the degree of muscle activation. However, the effects of fatigue on the muscular performance and kinetics of the elbow joint are not understood fully. Objective: To investigate the effects of fatigue on the kinetics and myodynamic performance of the elbow joint in bench-press training. Design: Controlled laboratory study. Setting: Motion research laboratory. Patients or Other Participants: A total of 18 physically healthy male students (age = 19.6 ± 0.8 years, height = 168.7 ± 5.5 cm, mass = 69.6 ± 8.6 kg) participated in the investigation. All participants were right-hand dominant, and none had a history of upper extremity injuries or disorders. Intervention(s): Participants performed bench-press training until fatigued. Main Outcome Measure(s): Maximal possible number of repetitions, cycle time, myodynamic decline rate, elbow-joint force, and elbow-joint moment. Results: We observed a difference in cycle time in the initial (2.1 ± 0.42 seconds) and fatigue (2.58 ± 0.46 seconds) stages of the bench-press exercise (P = .04). As the participants fatigued, we observed an increase in the medial-lateral force (P = .03) and internal-external moment (P ≤ .04) acting on the elbow joint. Moreover, a reduction in the elbow muscle strength was observed in the elbow extension-flexion (P ≤ .003) and forearm supination-pronation (P ≤ .001) conditions. Conclusions: The results suggest that performing bench-press exercises to the point of fatigue increases elbow-joint loading and may further increase the risk of injury. Therefore, when clinicians design bench-press exercise regimens for general athletic training, muscle strengthening, or physical rehabilitation, they should control carefully the maximal number of repetitions. PMID:24533529

  19. Passive Thermal Compensation of the Optical Bench of the Galaxy Evolution Explorer

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ford, Virginia; Parks, Rick; Coleman, Michelle

    2004-01-01

    The Galaxy Evolution Explorer is an orbiting space telescope that will collect information on star formation by observing galaxies and stars in ultraviolet wavelengths. The optical bench supporting detectors and related optical components used an interesting and unusual passive thermal compensation technique to accommodate thermally-induced focal length changes in the optical system. The proposed paper will describe the optical bench thermal compensation design including concept, analysis, assembly and testing results.

  20. SCI with Brain Injury: Bedside to Bench Modeling for Developing Treatment and Rehabilitation Strategies

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-10-01

    to Bench Modeling For Developing Treatment and Rehabilitation Strategies PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Geoffrey Manley, MD, PhD RECIPIENT...to Bench Modeling For Developing Treatment and Rehabilitation Strategies 5b. GRANT NUMBER W81XWH-10-1-0912 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR... treatment of this “dual- diagnosis” are lacking. This project proposed using current clinical-practice evidence to guide development of an animal model to

  1. Bench to Bedside: Understanding Symptom Response to Acupuncture Treatment and Designing a Successful Acupuncture Treatment Program

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2015-10-01

    ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE October 2015 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED 30 Sept 2014 – 28 Sept 2015 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Bench to Bedside ...AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-14-1-0533 TITLE: Bench to Bedside : Understanding Symptom Response to Acupuncture Treatment and Designing a Successful...Newton, MA 02458 REPORT DATE: October 2015 TYPE OF REPORT : Annual PREPARED FOR: U.S. Army Medical

  2. INTERIOR VIEW, NORTH QUARRY, LOOKING WEST. IN THE FOREGROUND ON ...

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

    INTERIOR VIEW, NORTH QUARRY, LOOKING WEST. IN THE FOREGROUND ON THE FIRST BENCH, POWDER HILLS ARE PRIMED FOR DOLOMITE EXTRACTION. ON THE SECOND BENCH, THE DRILL TEAM IS LAYING OUT THE NEXT SHOTS. ON THE TOP BENCH, A 245 CATERPILLAR LOADER FILLS A 55-TON CATERPILLAR ROCK TRUCK WITH EXTRACTED DOLOMITE FOR TRANSPORT TO THE DOLOMITE CRUSHING AND SCREENING PLANT. - Wade Sand & Gravel Company, North Quarry, State Highway 78, Thomas, Jefferson County, AL

  3. Development of an MRI-compatible digital SiPM detector stack for simultaneous PET/MRI.

    PubMed

    Düppenbecker, Peter M; Weissler, Bjoern; Gebhardt, Pierre; Schug, David; Wehner, Jakob; Marsden, Paul K; Schulz, Volkmar

    2016-02-01

    Advances in solid-state photon detectors paved the way to combine positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into highly integrated, truly simultaneous, hybrid imaging systems. Based on the most recent digital SiPM technology, we developed an MRI-compatible PET detector stack, intended as a building block for next generation simultaneous PET/MRI systems. Our detector stack comprises an array of 8 × 8 digital SiPM channels with 4 mm pitch using Philips Digital Photon Counting DPC 3200-22 devices, an FPGA for data acquisition, a supply voltage control system and a cooling infrastructure. This is the first detector design that allows the operation of digital SiPMs simultaneously inside an MRI system. We tested and optimized the MRI-compatibility of our detector stack on a laboratory test bench as well as in combination with a Philips Achieva 3 T MRI system. Our design clearly reduces distortions of the static magnetic field compared to a conventional design. The MRI static magnetic field causes weak and directional drift effects on voltage regulators, but has no direct impact on detector performance. MRI gradient switching initially degraded energy and timing resolution. Both distortions could be ascribed to voltage variations induced on the bias and the FPGA core voltage supply respectively. Based on these findings, we improved our detector design and our final design shows virtually no energy or timing degradations, even during heavy and continuous MRI gradient switching. In particular, we found no evidence that the performance of the DPC 3200-22 digital SiPM itself is degraded by the MRI system.

  4. Parabolic trough receiver heat loss and optical efficiency round robin 2015/2016

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pernpeintner, Johannes; Schiricke, Björn; Sallaberry, Fabienne; de Jalón, Alberto García; López-Martín, Rafael; Valenzuela, Loreto; de Luca, Antonio; Georg, Andreas

    2017-06-01

    A round robin for parabolic trough receiver heat loss and optical efficiency in the laboratory was performed between five institutions using five receivers in 2015/2016. Heat loss testing was performed at three cartridge heater test benches and one Joule heating test bench in the temperature range between 100 °C and 550 °C. Optical efficiency testing was performed with two spectrometric test bench and one calorimetric test bench. Heat loss testing results showed standard deviations at the order of 6% to 12 % for most temperatures and receivers and a standard deviation of 17 % for one receiver at 100 °C. Optical efficiency is presented normalized for laboratories showing standard deviations of 0.3 % to 1.3 % depending on the receiver.

  5. Hot-bench simulation of the active flexible wing wind-tunnel model

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Buttrill, Carey S.; Houck, Jacob A.

    1990-01-01

    Two simulations, one batch and one real-time, of an aeroelastically-scaled wind-tunnel model were developed. The wind-tunnel model was a full-span, free-to-roll model of an advanced fighter concept. The batch simulation was used to generate and verify the real-time simulation and to test candidate control laws prior to implementation. The real-time simulation supported hot-bench testing of a digital controller, which was developed to actively control the elastic deformation of the wind-tunnel model. Time scaling was required for hot-bench testing. The wind-tunnel model, the mathematical models for the simulations, the techniques employed to reduce the hot-bench time-scale factors, and the verification procedures are described.

  6. Determination of bench-mark elevations at Bethel Island and vicinity, Contra Costa and San Joaquin counties, California, 1987

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Blodgett, J.C.; Ikehara, M.E.; McCaffrey, William F.

    1988-01-01

    Elevations of 49 bench marks in the southwestern part of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta were determined during October and November 1987. A total of 58 miles of level lines were run in the vicinity of Bethel Island and the community of Discovery Bay. The datum of these surveys is based on a National Geodetic Survey bench mark T934 situated on bedrock 10.5 mi east of Mount Diablo and near Marsh Creek Reservoir. The accuracy of these levels, based on National Geodetic Survey standards, was of first, second, and third order, depending on the various segments surveyed. Several bench marks were noted as possibly being stable, but most show evidence of instability. (USGS)

  7. Automatically inserted technical details improve radiology report accuracy.

    PubMed

    Abujudeh, Hani H; Govindan, Siddharth; Narin, Ozden; Johnson, Jamlik Omari; Thrall, James H; Rosenthal, Daniel I

    2011-09-01

    To assess the effect of automatically inserted technical details on the concordance of a radiology report header with the actual procedure performed. The study was IRB approved and informed consent was waived. We obtained radiology report audit data from the hospital's compliance office from the period of January 2005 through December 2009 spanning a total of 20 financial quarters. A "discordance percentage" was defined as the percentage of total studies in which a procedure code change was made during auditing. Using Chi-square analysis we compared discordance percentages between reports with manually inserted technical details (MITD) and automatically inserted technical details (AITD). The second quarter data of 2007 was not included in the analysis as the switch from MITD to AITD occurred during this quarter. The hospital's compliance office audited 9,110 studies from 2005-2009. Excluding the 564 studies in the second quarter of 2007, we analyzed a total of 8,546 studies, 3,948 with MITD and 4,598 with AITD. The discordance percentage in the MITD group was 3.95% (156/3,948, range per quarter, 1.5- 6.1%). The AITD discordance percentage was 1.37% (63/4,598, range per quarter, 0.0-2.6%). A Chi-square analysis determined a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant improvement in the concordance of a radiology report header with the performed procedure using automatically inserted technical details compared to manually inserted details. Copyright © 2011 American College of Radiology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Dual Switching Monopolar Radiofrequency Ablation Using a Separable Clustered Electrode: Comparison with Consecutive and Switching Monopolar Modes in Ex Vivo Bovine Livers

    PubMed Central

    Yoon, Jeong-Hee; Han, Joon Koo; Choi, Byung Ihn

    2013-01-01

    Objective To compare the in-vitro efficiency of dual-switching monopolar (DSM) radiofrequency ablation (RFA) using a separable clustered electrode (Octopus® electrodes) with consecutive monopolar (CM) and switching monopolar (SM) RFA techniques to create an ablative zone in the explanted bovine liver. Materials and Methods For DSM-RFA, we used a prototype, three-channel, dual generator RFA Unit and Octopus® electrodes with three, 17 gauge internally cooled electrodes. The RFA Unit allowed simultaneous radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery to two electrodes of the Octopus® electrodes as well as automatic switching among the three electrode pairs according to the impedance changes. RF energy was sequentially applied to one of the three electrodes for 24 minutes (group A; CM mode, n = 10) or alternatively applied for 12 minutes (group B; SM mode, n = 10) or concurrently applied to a pair of electrodes for 12 minutes (group C; DSM mode, n = 10) in explanted bovine livers. Changes in the impedance and current during RFA as well as the dimensions of the thermal ablative zones were compared among the three groups. Results The mean, delivered RF energy amounts in groups A, B, and C were 63.15 ± 8.6 kJ, 72.13 ± 5.4 kJ, and 106.08 ± 13.4 kJ, respectively (p < 0.001). The DSM mode created a significantly larger ablation volume than did the other modes, i.e., 68.1 ± 10.2 cm3 (group A), 92.0 ± 19.9 cm3 (group B), and 115.1 ± 14.0 cm3 (group C) (p < 0.001). The circularity in groups A, B, and C were 0.84 ± 0.06, 0.87 ± 0.04 and 0.90 ± 0.03, respectively (p = 0.03). Conclusion DSM-RFA using Octopus® electrodes can help create large ablative zones within a relatively short time. PMID:23690705

  9. Neuromuscular Control During the Bench Press Movement in an Elite Disabled and Able-Bodied Athlete

    PubMed Central

    Zwierzchowska, Anna; Maszczyk, Adam; Wilk, Michał; Stastny, Petr; Zając, Adam

    2017-01-01

    Abstract The disabled population varies significantly in regard to physical fitness, what is conditioned by the damage to the locomotor system. Recently there has been an increased emphasis on the role of competitive sport in enhancing health and the quality of life of individuals with disability. One of the sport disciplines of Paralympics is the flat bench press. The bench press is one of the most popular resistance exercises used for the upper body in healthy individuals. It is used not only by powerlifters, but also by athletes in most strength-speed oriented sport disciplines. The objective of the study was to compare neuromuscular control for various external loads (from 60 to 100% 1RM) during the flat bench press performed by an elite able-bodied athlete and an athlete with lower limb disability. The research project is a case study of two elite bench press athletes with similar sport results: an able-bodied athlete (M.W., age 34 years, body mass 103 kg, body height 1.72 m, 1RM in the flat bench press 200 kg) and a disabled athlete (M.T., age 31 years, body mass 92 kg, body height 1.70 m, 1RM in the flat bench press 190 kg). The activity was recorded for four muscles: pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), as well as for the lateral and long heads of the triceps brachii (TBlat and TBlong). The T-test revealed statistically significant differences between peak activity of all the considered muscles (AD with p = 0.001; PM with p = 0.001; TBlat with p = 0.0021 and TBlong with p = 0.002) between the 2 athletes. The analysis of peak activity differences of M.W and M.T. in relation to the load revealed statistically significant differences for load changes between: 60 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.007), 70 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.016) and 80 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.032). The flat bench press performed without legs resting firmly on the ground leads to the increased engagement of upper body muscles and to their greater activation. Isolated initial positions can be used to generate greater engagement of muscle groups during the bench press exercise and evoke their higher activation. PMID:29340001

  10. Neuromuscular Control During the Bench Press Movement in an Elite Disabled and Able-Bodied Athlete.

    PubMed

    Gołaś, Artur; Zwierzchowska, Anna; Maszczyk, Adam; Wilk, Michał; Stastny, Petr; Zając, Adam

    2017-12-01

    The disabled population varies significantly in regard to physical fitness, what is conditioned by the damage to the locomotor system. Recently there has been an increased emphasis on the role of competitive sport in enhancing health and the quality of life of individuals with disability. One of the sport disciplines of Paralympics is the flat bench press. The bench press is one of the most popular resistance exercises used for the upper body in healthy individuals. It is used not only by powerlifters, but also by athletes in most strength-speed oriented sport disciplines. The objective of the study was to compare neuromuscular control for various external loads (from 60 to 100% 1RM) during the flat bench press performed by an elite able-bodied athlete and an athlete with lower limb disability. The research project is a case study of two elite bench press athletes with similar sport results: an able-bodied athlete (M.W., age 34 years, body mass 103 kg, body height 1.72 m, 1RM in the flat bench press 200 kg) and a disabled athlete (M.T., age 31 years, body mass 92 kg, body height 1.70 m, 1RM in the flat bench press 190 kg). The activity was recorded for four muscles: pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), as well as for the lateral and long heads of the triceps brachii (TBlat and TBlong). The T-test revealed statistically significant differences between peak activity of all the considered muscles (AD with p = 0.001; PM with p = 0.001; TBlat with p = 0.0021 and TBlong with p = 0.002) between the 2 athletes. The analysis of peak activity differences of M.W and M.T. in relation to the load revealed statistically significant differences for load changes between: 60 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.007), 70 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.016) and 80 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.032). The flat bench press performed without legs resting firmly on the ground leads to the increased engagement of upper body muscles and to their greater activation. Isolated initial positions can be used to generate greater engagement of muscle groups during the bench press exercise and evoke their higher activation.

  11. GMPLS-based control plane for optical networks: early implementation experience

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Liu, Hang; Pendarakis, Dimitrios; Komaee, Nooshin; Saha, Debanjan

    2002-07-01

    Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) extends MPLS signaling and Internet routing protocols to provide a scalable, interoperable, distributed control plane, which is applicable to multiple network technologies such as optical cross connects (OXCs), photonic switches, IP routers, ATM switches, SONET and DWDM systems. It is intended to facilitate automatic service provisioning and dynamic neighbor and topology discovery across multi-vendor intelligent transport networks, as well as their clients. Efforts to standardize such a distributed common control plane have reached various stages in several bodies such as the IETF, ITU and OIF. This paper describes the design considerations and architecture of a GMPLS-based control plane that we have prototyped for core optical networks. Functional components of GMPLS signaling and routing are integrated in this architecture with an application layer controller module. Various requirements including bandwidth, network protection and survivability, traffic engineering, optimal utilization of network resources, and etc. are taken into consideration during path computation and provisioning. Initial experiments with our prototype demonstrate the feasibility and main benefits of GMPLS as a distributed control plane for core optical networks. In addition to such feasibility results, actual adoption and deployment of GMPLS as a common control plane for intelligent transport networks will depend on the successful completion of relevant standardization activities, extensive interoperability testing as well as the strengthening of appropriate business drivers.

  12. Position-sensitive radiation monitoring (surface contamination monitor). Innovative technology summary report

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

    Not Available

    1999-06-01

    The Shonka Research Associates, Inc. Position-Sensitive Radiation Monitor both detects surface radiation and prepares electronic survey map/survey report of surveyed area automatically. The electronically recorded map can be downloaded to a personal computer for review and a map/report can be generated for inclusion in work packages. Switching from beta-gamma detection to alpha detection is relatively simple and entails moving a switch position to alpha and adjusting the voltage level to an alpha detection level. No field calibration is required when switching from beta-gamma to alpha detection. The system can be used for free-release surveys because it meets the federal detectionmore » level sensitivity limits requires for surface survey instrumentation. This technology is superior to traditionally-used floor contamination monitor (FCM) and hand-held survey instrumentation because it can precisely register locations of radioactivity and accurately correlate contamination levels to specific locations. Additionally, it can collect and store continuous radiological data in database format, which can be used to produce real-time imagery as well as automated graphics of survey data. Its flexible design can accommodate a variety of detectors. The cost of the innovative technology is 13% to 57% lower than traditional methods. This technology is suited for radiological surveys of flat surfaces at US Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facility decontamination and decommissioning (D and D) sites or similar public or commercial sites.« less

  13. Autonomous caregiver following robotic wheelchair

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ratnam, E. Venkata; Sivaramalingam, Sethurajan; Vignesh, A. Sri; Vasanth, Elanthendral; Joans, S. Mary

    2011-12-01

    In the last decade, a variety of robotic/intelligent wheelchairs have been proposed to meet the need in aging society. Their main research topics are autonomous functions such as moving toward some goals while avoiding obstacles, or user-friendly interfaces. Although it is desirable for wheelchair users to go out alone, caregivers often accompany them. Therefore we have to consider not only autonomous functions and user interfaces but also how to reduce caregivers' load and support their activities in a communication aspect. From this point of view, we have proposed a robotic wheelchair moving with a caregiver side by side based on the MATLAB process. In this project we discussing about robotic wheel chair to follow a caregiver by using a microcontroller, Ultrasonic sensor, keypad, Motor drivers to operate robot. Using camera interfaced with the DM6437 (Davinci Code Processor) image is captured. The captured image are then processed by using image processing technique, the processed image are then converted into voltage levels through MAX 232 level converter and given it to the microcontroller unit serially and ultrasonic sensor to detect the obstacle in front of robot. In this robot we have mode selection switch Automatic and Manual control of robot, we use ultrasonic sensor in automatic mode to find obstacle, in Manual mode to use the keypad to operate wheel chair. In the microcontroller unit, c language coding is predefined, according to this coding the robot which connected to it was controlled. Robot which has several motors is activated by using the motor drivers. Motor drivers are nothing but a switch which ON/OFF the motor according to the control given by the microcontroller unit.

  14. Direct liquefaction proof-of-concept program. Finaltopical report, Bench Run 4 (227-95)

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

    Comolli, A.G.; Pradhan, V.R.; Lee, T.L.K.

    This report presents the results of bench-scale work, Bench Run PB-04, conducted under the DOE Proof of Concept-Bench Option Program in direct coal liquefaction at Hydrocarbon Technologies, Inc. in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. The Bench Run PB-04 was the fifth of the nine runs planned in the POC Bench Option Contract between the U.S. DOE and Hydrocarbon Technologies, Inc. Bench Run PB-04 had multiple goals. These included the evaluation of the effects of dispersed slurry catalyst system on the performance of direct liquefaction of a subbituminous Wyoming Black Thunder mine coal under extinction recycle (454{degrees}C+ recycle) condition; another goal was tomore » investigate the effects of the combined processing of automobile shredder residue (auto-fluff) with coal and other organic waste materials. PB-04 employed a two-stage, back-mixed, slurry reactor system with an interstage V/L separator and an in-line fixed-bed hydrotreater. The HTI`s newly modified P/Fe catalyst was very effective for direct liquefaction and coprocessing of Black Thunder mine subbituminous coal with Hondo resid and auto-fluff; during `coal-only` liquefaction mode, over 93% maf coal conversion was obtained with about 90% residuum conversion and as high as 67% light distillate (C{sub 4}-975 F) yield, while during `coprocessing` mode of operation, distillate yields varied between 58 and 69%; the residuum conversions varied between 74 and 89% maf. Overall, it is concluded, based upon the yield data available from PB-04, that auto-effective as MSW plastics in improving coal hydroconversion process performance. Auto-fluff did not increase light distillate yields nor decrease light gas make and chemical hydrogen consumption in coal liquefaction, as was observed to occur with MSW plastics.« less

  15. A rigid and thermally stable all ceramic optical support bench assembly for the LSST Camera

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kroedel, Matthias; Langton, J. Brian; Wahl, Bill

    2017-09-01

    This paper will present the ceramic design, fabrication and metrology results and assembly plan of the LSST camera optical bench structure which is using the unique manufacturing features of the HB-Cesic technology. The optical bench assembly consists of a rigid "Grid" fabrication supporting individual raft plates mounting sensor assemblies by way of a rigid kinematic support system to meet extreme stringent requirements for focal plane planarity and stability.

  16. Evacuated optical structure comprising optical bench mounted to sidewall of vacuum chamber in a manner which inhibits deflection and rotation of the optical bench

    DOEpatents

    Bowers, Joel M.

    1994-01-01

    An improved evacuated optical structure is disclosed comprising an optical bench mounted in a vacuum vessel in a manner which inhibits transmission of movement of the vacuum vessel to the optical bench, yet provides a compact and economical structure. The vacuum vessel is mounted, through a sidewall thereof, to a support wall at four symmetrically positioned and spaced apart areas, each of which comprises a symmetrically positioned group of mounting structures passing through the sidewall of the vacuum vessel. The optical bench is pivotally secured to the vacuum vessel by four symmetrically spaced apart bolts and spherical bearings, each of which is centrally positioned within one of the four symmetrically positioned groups of vacuum vessel mounting structures. Cover plates and o-ring seals are further provided to seal the vacuum vessel mounting structures from the interior of the vacuum vessel, and venting bores are provided to vent trapped gases in the bores used to secure the cover plates and o-rings to the vacuum vessel. Provision for detecting leaks in the mounting structures from the rear surface of the vacuum vessel sidewall facing the support wall are also provided. Deflection to the optical bench within the vacuum vessel is further minimized by tuning the structure for a resonant frequency of at least 100 Hertz.

  17. Evacuated optical structure comprising optical bench mounted to sidewall of vacuum chamber in a manner which inhibits deflection and rotation of the optical bench

    DOEpatents

    Bowers, J.M.

    1994-04-19

    An improved evacuated optical structure is disclosed comprising an optical bench mounted in a vacuum vessel in a manner which inhibits transmission of movement of the vacuum vessel to the optical bench, yet provides a compact and economical structure. The vacuum vessel is mounted, through a sidewall thereof, to a support wall at four symmetrically positioned and spaced apart areas, each of which comprises a symmetrically positioned group of mounting structures passing through the sidewall of the vacuum vessel. The optical bench is pivotally secured to the vacuum vessel by four symmetrically spaced apart bolts and spherical bearings, each of which is centrally positioned within one of the four symmetrically positioned groups of vacuum vessel mounting structures. Cover plates and o-ring seals are further provided to seal the vacuum vessel mounting structures from the interior of the vacuum vessel, and venting bores are provided to vent trapped gases in the bores used to secure the cover plates and o-rings to the vacuum vessel. Provision for detecting leaks in the mounting structures from the rear surface of the vacuum vessel sidewall facing the support wall are also provided. Deflection to the optical bench within the vacuum vessel is further minimized by tuning the structure for a resonant frequency of at least 100 Hertz. 10 figures.

  18. Muscle activation when performing the chest press and shoulder press on a stable bench vs. a Swiss ball.

    PubMed

    Uribe, Brandon P; Coburn, Jared W; Brown, Lee E; Judelson, Daniel A; Khamoui, Andy V; Nguyen, Diamond

    2010-04-01

    The aim of this study was to examine the effects of a stable surface (bench) vs. an unstable surface (Swiss ball) on muscle activation when performing the dumbbell chest press and shoulder press. Sixteen healthy men (24.19 +/- 2.17 years) performed 1 repetition maximum (1RM) tests for the chest press and shoulder press on a stable surface. A minimum of 48 hours post 1RM, subjects returned to perform 3 consecutive repetitions each of the chest press and shoulder press at 80% 1RM under 4 different randomized conditions (chest press on bench, chest press on Swiss ball, shoulder press on bench, shoulder press on Swiss ball). Electromyography was used to assess muscle activation of the anterior deltoid, pectoralis major, and rectus abdominus. The results revealed no significant difference in muscle activation between surface types for either exercise. This suggests that using an unstable surface neither improves nor impairs muscle activation under the current conditions. Coaches and other practitioners can expect similar muscle activation when using a Swiss ball vs. a bench.

  19. Test benches for studying the properties of car tyres

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kuznetsov, N. Yu.; Fedotov, A. I.; Vlasov, V. G.

    2017-12-01

    The article describes the design of the measuring systems of test benches used to study the properties of elastic tyres. The bench has two autonomous systems - for testing the braking properties of elastic tyres rolling in a plane parallel way and for testing tyre slip properties. The system for testing braking properties determines experimental characteristics of elastic tyres as the following dependencies: longitudinal response vs time, braking torque vs slip, angular velocity vs slip, and longitudinal response vs slip. The system for studying tyre slip properties determines both steady (dependence of the lateral response in a contact area on the slipping angle) and non-steady characteristics (time variation of the slipping angle as a result of turning from -40 to +40 degrees) of tyre slip. The article presents the diagrams of bench tests of elastic tyres. The experimental results show metrological parameters and functional capabilities of the bench for studying tyre properties in driving and braking modes. The metrological indices of the recorded parameters of the measuring system for studying tyre properties are presented in the table.

  20. Acute chest pain after bench press exercise in a healthy young adult.

    PubMed

    Smereck, Janet A; Papafilippaki, Argyro; Sudarshan, Sawali

    2016-01-01

    Bench press exercise, which involves repetitive lifting of weights to full arm extension while lying supine on a narrow bench, has been associated with complications ranging in acuity from simple pectoral muscle strain, to aortic and coronary artery dissection. A 39-year-old man, physically fit and previously asymptomatic, presented with acute chest pain following bench press exercise. Diagnostic evaluation led to the discovery of critical multivessel coronary occlusive disease, and subsequently, highly elevated levels of lipoprotein (a). Judicious use of ancillary testing may identify the presence of "high-risk" conditions in a seemingly "low-risk" patient. Emergency department evaluation of the young adult with acute chest pain must take into consideration an extended spectrum of potential etiologies, so as to best guide appropriate management.

  1. Bench-Scale Development of a Non-Aqueous Solvent (NAS) CO2 Capture Process for Coal-Fired Power Plants

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

    Lail, Marty

    The project aimed to advance RTI’s non-aqueous amine solvent technology by improving the solvent to reduce volatility, demonstrating long-term continuous operation at lab- (0.5 liters solvent) and bench-scale (~120 liters solvent), showing low reboiler heat duty measured during bench-scale testing, evaluating degradation products, building a rate-based process model, and evaluating the techno-economic performance of the process. The project team (RTI, SINTEF, Linde Engineering) and the technology performed well in each area of advancement. The modifications incorporated throughout the project enabled the attainment of target absorber and regenerator conditions for the process. Reboiler duties below 2,000 kJt/kg CO2 were observed inmore » a bench-scale test unit operated at RTI.« less

  2. STS-30 clean-suited crewmembers examine locker contents during bench review

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    1989-01-01

    During a bench review, STS-30 crewmembers, wearing clean suits, examine configuration of middeck lockers packed with stowage bags and hygiene supplies. The bay will be used to contain objects not in use while in orbit. From left to right are Mission Specialist (MS) Mark C. Lee, MS Norman E. Thagard, Commander David M. Walker, MS Mary L. Cleave, and Pilot Ronald J. Grabe. Technicians and personnel filming bench review look on. Photo taken by JSC photographer Jack Jacob.

  3. 13. SOUTHEAST TO SUCKER ROD WORK BENCH AND WOODEN SUCKER ...

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

    13. SOUTHEAST TO SUCKER ROD WORK BENCH AND WOODEN SUCKER ROD STORAGE RACKS ALONG EAST WALL OF FACTORY INTERIOR. AT THIS BENCH WORKERS RIVETED THREADED WROUGHT IRON CONNECTORS TO THE ENDS OF 20' LONG WOODEN SUCKER RODS (THE RODS WHICH EXTEND DOWNWARD IN THE WELL FROM THE GROUND SURFACE TO PISTON DISPLACEMENT PUMPS WHICH ACTUALLY ELEVATE WATER TO THE SURFACE). ROZNOR HEATER AT THE FAR RIGHT WAS ADDED CIRCA 1960. - Kregel Windmill Company Factory, 1416 Central Avenue, Nebraska City, Otoe County, NE

  4. A versatile all-channel stimulator for electrode arrays, with real-time control

    PubMed Central

    Wagenaar, Daniel A; Potter, Steve M

    2008-01-01

    Over the last few decades, technology to record through ever increasing numbers of electrodes has become available to electrophysiologists. For the study of distributed neural processing, however, the ability to stimulate through equal numbers of electrodes, and thus to attain bidirectional communication, is of paramount importance. Here, we present a stimulation system for multi-electrode arrays which interfaces with existing commercial recording hardware, and allows stimulation through any electrode in the array, with rapid switching between channels. The system is controlled through real-time Linux, making it extremely flexible: stimulation sequences can be constructed on-the-fly, and arbitrary stimulus waveforms can be used if desired. A key feature of this design is that it can be readily and inexpensively reproduced in other labs, since it interfaces to standard PC parallel ports and uses only off-the-shelf components. Moreover, adaptation for use with in vivo multi-electrode probes would be straightforward. In combination with our freely available data-acquisition software, MeaBench, this system can provide feedback stimulation in response to recorded action potentials within 15 ms. PMID:15876621

  5. Electromechanical conversion efficiency for dielectric elastomer generator in different energy harvesting cycles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cao, Jian-Bo; E, Shi-Ju; Guo, Zhuang; Gao, Zhao; Luo, Han-Pin

    2017-11-01

    In order to improve electromechanical conversion efficiency for dielectric elastomer generators (DEG), on the base of studying DEG energy harvesting cycles of constant voltage, constant charge and constant electric field intensity, a new combined cycle mode and optimization theory in terms of the generating mechanism and electromechanical coupling process have been built. By controlling the switching point to achieve the best energy conversion cycle, the energy loss in the energy conversion process is reduced. DEG generating test bench which was used to carry out comparative experiments has been established. Experimental results show that the collected energy in constant voltage cycle, constant charge cycle and constant electric field intensity energy harvesting cycle decreases in turn. Due to the factors such as internal resistance losses, electrical losses and so on, actual energy values are less than the theoretical values. The electric energy conversion efficiency by combining constant electric field intensity cycle with constant charge cycle is larger than that of constant electric field intensity cycle. The relevant conclusions provide a basis for the further applications of DEG.

  6. Effects of a psychophysiological system for adaptive automation on performance, workload, and the event-related potential P300 component

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Prinzel, Lawrence J 3rd; Freeman, Frederick G.; Scerbo, Mark W.; Mikulka, Peter J.; Pope, Alan T.

    2003-01-01

    The present study examined the effects of an electroencephalographic- (EEG-) based system for adaptive automation on tracking performance and workload. In addition, event-related potentials (ERPs) to a secondary task were derived to determine whether they would provide an additional degree of workload specificity. Participants were run in an adaptive automation condition, in which the system switched between manual and automatic task modes based on the value of each individual's own EEG engagement index; a yoked control condition; or another control group, in which task mode switches followed a random pattern. Adaptive automation improved performance and resulted in lower levels of workload. Further, the P300 component of the ERP paralleled the sensitivity to task demands of the performance and subjective measures across conditions. These results indicate that it is possible to improve performance with a psychophysiological adaptive automation system and that ERPs may provide an alternative means for distinguishing among levels of cognitive task demand in such systems. Actual or potential applications of this research include improved methods for assessing operator workload and performance.

  7. Corrugator activity confirms immediate negative affect in surprise

    PubMed Central

    Topolinski, Sascha; Strack, Fritz

    2015-01-01

    The emotion of surprise entails a complex of immediate responses, such as cognitive interruption, attention allocation to, and more systematic processing of the surprising stimulus. All these processes serve the ultimate function to increase processing depth and thus cognitively master the surprising stimulus. The present account introduces phasic negative affect as the underlying mechanism responsible for this switch in operating mode. Surprising stimuli are schema-discrepant and thus entail cognitive disfluency, which elicits immediate negative affect. This affect in turn works like a phasic cognitive tuning switching the current processing mode from more automatic and heuristic to more systematic and reflective processing. Directly testing the initial elicitation of negative affect by surprising events, the present experiment presented high and low surprising neutral trivia statements to N = 28 participants while assessing their spontaneous facial expressions via facial electromyography. High compared to low surprising trivia elicited higher corrugator activity, indicative of negative affect and mental effort, while leaving zygomaticus (positive affect) and frontalis (cultural surprise expression) activity unaffected. Future research shall investigate the mediating role of negative affect in eliciting surprise-related outcomes. PMID:25762956

  8. Corrugator activity confirms immediate negative affect in surprise.

    PubMed

    Topolinski, Sascha; Strack, Fritz

    2015-01-01

    The emotion of surprise entails a complex of immediate responses, such as cognitive interruption, attention allocation to, and more systematic processing of the surprising stimulus. All these processes serve the ultimate function to increase processing depth and thus cognitively master the surprising stimulus. The present account introduces phasic negative affect as the underlying mechanism responsible for this switch in operating mode. Surprising stimuli are schema-discrepant and thus entail cognitive disfluency, which elicits immediate negative affect. This affect in turn works like a phasic cognitive tuning switching the current processing mode from more automatic and heuristic to more systematic and reflective processing. Directly testing the initial elicitation of negative affect by surprising events, the present experiment presented high and low surprising neutral trivia statements to N = 28 participants while assessing their spontaneous facial expressions via facial electromyography. High compared to low surprising trivia elicited higher corrugator activity, indicative of negative affect and mental effort, while leaving zygomaticus (positive affect) and frontalis (cultural surprise expression) activity unaffected. Future research shall investigate the mediating role of negative affect in eliciting surprise-related outcomes.

  9. Immediate response strategy and shift to place strategy in submerged T-maze.

    PubMed

    Asem, Judith S A; Holland, Peter C

    2013-12-01

    A considerable amount of research has demonstrated that animals can use different strategies when learning about, and navigating within, their environment. Since the influential research of Packard and McGaugh (1996), it has been widely accepted that, early in learning, rats use a flexible dorsal hippocampal-dependent place strategy. As learning progresses, they switch to a less effortful and more automatic dorsolateral caudate-dependent response strategy. However, supporting literature is dominated by the use of appetitively motivated tasks, using food reward. Because motivation often plays a crucial role in guiding learning, memory, and behavior, we examined spatial learning strategies of rats in an escape-motivated submerged T-maze. In Experiment 1, we observed rapid learning and the opposite pattern as that reported in appetitively motivated tasks. Rats exhibited a response strategy early in learning before switching to a place strategy, which persisted over extensive training. In Experiment 2, we replicated Packard and McGaugh's (1996) observations, using the apparatus and procedures as in Experiment 1, but with food reward instead of water escape. Mechanisms for, and implications of, this motivational modulation of spatial learning strategy are considered.

  10. Switching sliding mode force tracking control of piezoelectric-hydraulic pump-based friction element actuation systems for automotive transmissions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Gi-Woo; Wang, K. W.

    2009-08-01

    In this study, a nonlinear sliding-mode controller is designed for force tracking of a piezoelectric-hydraulic pump (PHP)-based actuation system, which is developed to replace the current electro-hydraulic actuation systems for automatic transmission (AT) friction elements, such as band brakes or clutches. By utilizing the PHP, one can eliminate the various hydraulic components (oil pump, regulating valve and control valve) in current ATs and achieve a simpler configuration with more efficient operation. With the derived governing equation of motion of the PHP-based actuation system integrated with the friction element (band brake), a switching control law is synthesized based on the sliding-mode theory. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed control law, its force tracking performance for the engagement of a friction element during an AT 1\\to 2 up-shift is examined experimentally. It is shown that one can successfully track the desired force trajectory for AT shift control with small tracking error. This study demonstrates the potential of the PHP as a new controllable actuation system for AT friction elements.

  11. Automatic Detection of Electric Power Troubles (ADEPT)

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wang, Caroline; Zeanah, Hugh; Anderson, Audie; Patrick, Clint; Brady, Mike; Ford, Donnie

    1988-01-01

    ADEPT is an expert system that integrates knowledge from three different suppliers to offer an advanced fault-detection system, and is designed for two modes of operation: real-time fault isolation and simulated modeling. Real time fault isolation of components is accomplished on a power system breadboard through the Fault Isolation Expert System (FIES II) interface with a rule system developed in-house. Faults are quickly detected and displayed and the rules and chain of reasoning optionally provided on a Laser printer. This system consists of a simulated Space Station power module using direct-current power supplies for Solar arrays on three power busses. For tests of the system's ability to locate faults inserted via switches, loads are configured by an INTEL microcomputer and the Symbolics artificial intelligence development system. As these loads are resistive in nature, Ohm's Law is used as the basis for rules by which faults are located. The three-bus system can correct faults automatically where there is a surplus of power available on any of the three busses. Techniques developed and used can be applied readily to other control systems requiring rapid intelligent decisions. Simulated modelling, used for theoretical studies, is implemented using a modified version of Kennedy Space Center's KATE (Knowledge-Based Automatic Test Equipment), FIES II windowing, and an ADEPT knowledge base. A load scheduler and a fault recovery system are currently under development to support both modes of operation.

  12. An Interactive Program on Digitizing Historical Seismograms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Y.; Xu, T.

    2013-12-01

    Retrieving information from historical seismograms is of great importance since they are considered the unique sources that provide quantitative information of historical earthquakes. Modern techniques of seismology require digital forms of seismograms that are essentially a sequence of time-amplitude pairs. However, the historical seismograms, after scanned into computers, are two dimensional arrays. Each element of the arrays contains the grayscale value or RGB value of the corresponding pixel. The problem of digitizing historical seismograms, referred to as converting historical seismograms to digital seismograms, can be formulated as an inverse problem that generating sequences of time-amplitude pairs from a two dimension arrays. This problem has infinite solutions. The algorithm for automatic digitization of historical seismogram presented considers several features of seismograms, including continuity, smoothness of the seismic traces as the prior information, and assumes that the amplitude is a single-valued function of time. An interactive program based on the algorithm is also presented. The program is developed using Matlab GUI and has both automatic and manual modality digitization. Users can easily switch between them, and try different combinations to get the optimal results. Several examples are given to illustrate the results of digitizing seismograms using the program, including a photographic record and a wide-angle reflection/refraction seismogram. Digitized result of the program (redrawn using Golden Software Surfer for high resolution image). (a) shows the result of automatic digitization, and (b) is the result after manual correction.

  13. Optoacoustic temperature determination and automatic coagulation control in rabbits

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schlott, Kerstin; Koinzer, Stefan; Ptaszynski, Lars; Luft, Susanne; Baade, Alex; Bever, Marco; Roider, Johann; Birngruber, Reginald; Brinkmann, Ralf

    2011-03-01

    Retinal laser photocoagulation is an established treatment method for many retinal diseases like macula edema or diabetic retinopathy. The selection of the laser parameters is so far based on post treatment evaluation of the lesion size and strength. Due to local pigment variations in the fundus and individual transmission the same laser parameters often lead to an overtreatment. Optoacoustic allows a non invasive monitoring of the retinal temperature increase during retinal laser irradiation by measuring the temperature dependent pressure amplitudes, which are induced by short probe laser pulses. A 75 ns/ 523 nm Nd:YLF was used as a probe laser at a repetition rate of 1 kHz, and a cw / 532 nm treatment laser for heating. A contact lens was modified with a ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer to detect the pressure waves at the cornea. Temperatures were collected for irradiations leading to soft or invisible lesions. Based on this data the threshold for denaturation was found. By analyzing the initial temperature increase, the further temperature development during irradiation could be predicted. An algorithm was found to calculate the irradiation time, which is needed for a soft lesion formation, from the temperature curve. By this it was possible to provide a real-time dosimetry by automatically switching off the treatment laser after the calculated irradiation time. Automatically controlled coagulations appear softer and more uniformly.

  14. A hardware-software system for the automation of verification and calibration of oil metering units secondary equipment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boyarnikov, A. V.; Boyarnikova, L. V.; Kozhushko, A. A.; Sekachev, A. F.

    2017-08-01

    In the article the process of verification (calibration) of oil metering units secondary equipment is considered. The purpose of the work is to increase the reliability and reduce the complexity of this process by developing a software and hardware system that provides automated verification and calibration. The hardware part of this complex carries out the commutation of the measuring channels of the verified controller and the reference channels of the calibrator in accordance with the introduced algorithm. The developed software allows controlling the commutation of channels, setting values on the calibrator, reading the measured data from the controller, calculating errors and compiling protocols. This system can be used for checking the controllers of the secondary equipment of the oil metering units in the automatic verification mode (with the open communication protocol) or in the semi-automatic verification mode (without it). The peculiar feature of the approach used is the development of a universal signal switch operating under software control, which can be configured for various verification methods (calibration), which allows to cover the entire range of controllers of metering units secondary equipment. The use of automatic verification with the help of a hardware and software system allows to shorten the verification time by 5-10 times and to increase the reliability of measurements, excluding the influence of the human factor.

  15. A beat-to-beat calculator for the diastolic pressure time index and the tension time index.

    PubMed

    Nose, Y; Tajimi, T; Watanabe, Y; Yokota, M; Akazawa, K; Nakamura, M

    1987-01-01

    We have developed a beat-to-beat calculator which can calculate in real-time the ratio of the diastolic pressure time index (DPTI), and the tension time index (TTI) as an index of the myocardial oxygen supply/demand balance. Physicians set up presumed value for the left ventricular endodiastolic pressure, a search area for the dicrotic notch, a threshold for the onset of the up-slope and the corresponding value of the calibration signal on the digital switches of the calculator. Next, the arterial pressure analog signal is input into the calculator. The calculator searches automatically for both the onset of the up-slope and the dicrotic notch. The arterial pressure curve is displayed beat-to-beat with the recognized onset and the dicrotic notch on the CRT to be confirmed by physicians. When physicians do not agree with the automatic recognition they can fit the automatic recognition to the observation. If the recognition of the onset is inadequate, the threshold can be re-adjusted to trigger the onset. If recognition of the dicrotic notch is inadequate, the physician can adjust the search-area. Therefore, physicians who operate the calculator can rely on the calculated DPTI/TTI. This calculator can continuously monitor the myocardial oxygen supply/demand balance in patients with acute myocardial infarction or just after open-heart surgery.

  16. GraphBench

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

    Sukumar, Sreenivas R.; Hong, Seokyong; Lee, Sangkeun

    2016-06-01

    GraphBench is a benchmark suite for graph pattern mining and graph analysis systems. The benchmark suite is a significant addition to conducting apples-apples comparison of graph analysis software (databases, in-memory tools, triple stores, etc.)

  17. Sludge Characterization and Bench Scale Treatability Report

    EPA Pesticide Factsheets

    Nov. 10, 2010 letter from Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to Hercules, Inc. in Hattiesburg, MS about the findings of a August 20, 2010 Sludge Characterization and Bench Scale Treatability Report.

  18. Wide bandwidth phase-locked loop circuit

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Koudelka, Robert David (Inventor)

    2005-01-01

    A PLL circuit uses a multiple frequency range PLL in order to phase lock input signals having a wide range of frequencies. The PLL includes a VCO capable of operating in multiple different frequency ranges and a divider bank independently configurable to divide the output of the VCO. A frequency detector detects a frequency of the input signal and a frequency selector selects an appropriate frequency range for the PLL. The frequency selector automatically switches the PLL to a different frequency range as needed in response to a change in the input signal frequency. Frequency range hysteresis is implemented to avoid operating the PLL near a frequency range boundary.

  19. Improved modeling of GaN HEMTs for predicting thermal and trapping-induced-kink effects

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jarndal, Anwar; Ghannouchi, Fadhel M.

    2016-09-01

    In this paper, an improved modeling approach has been developed and validated for GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The proposed analytical model accurately simulates the drain current and its inherent trapping and thermal effects. Genetic-algorithm-based procedure is developed to automatically find the fitting parameters of the model. The developed modeling technique is implemented on a packaged GaN-on-Si HEMT and validated by DC and small-/large-signal RF measurements. The model is also employed for designing and realizing a switch-mode inverse class-F power amplifier. The amplifier simulations showed a very good agreement with RF large-signal measurements.

  20. Development of a microprocessor controller for stand-alone photovoltaic power systems

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Millner, A. R.; Kaufman, D. L.

    1984-01-01

    A controller for stand-alone photovoltaic systems has been developed using a low power CMOS microprocessor. It performs battery state of charge estimation, array control, load management, instrumentation, automatic testing, and communications functions. Array control options are sequential subarray switching and maximum power control. A calculator keypad and LCD display provides manual control, fault diagnosis and digital multimeter functions. An RS-232 port provides data logging or remote control capability. A prototype 5 kW unit has been built and tested successfully. The controller is expected to be useful in village photovoltaic power systems, large solar water pumping installations, and other battery management applications.

  1. Intelligence Control System for Landfills Based on Wireless Sensor Network

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Qian; Huang, Chuan; Gong, Jian

    2018-06-01

    This paper put forward an intelligence system for controlling the landfill gas in landfills to make the landfill gas (LFG) exhaust controllably and actively. The system, which is assigned by the wireless sensor network, were developed and supervised by remote applications in workshop instead of manual work. An automatic valve control depending on the sensor units embedded is installed in tube, the air pressure and concentration of LFG are detected to decide the level of the valve switch. The paper also proposed a modified algorithm to solve transmission problem, so that the system can keep a high efficiency and long service life.

  2. Precision alignment device

    DOEpatents

    Jones, N.E.

    1988-03-10

    Apparatus for providing automatic alignment of beam devices having an associated structure for directing, collimating, focusing, reflecting, or otherwise modifying the main beam. A reference laser is attached to the structure enclosing the main beam producing apparatus and produces a reference beam substantially parallel to the main beam. Detector modules containing optical switching devices and optical detectors are positioned in the path of the reference beam and are effective to produce an electrical output indicative of the alignment of the main beam. This electrical output drives servomotor operated adjustment screws to adjust the position of elements of the structure associated with the main beam to maintain alignment of the main beam. 5 figs.

  3. Precision alignment device

    DOEpatents

    Jones, Nelson E.

    1990-01-01

    Apparatus for providing automatic alignment of beam devices having an associated structure for directing, collimating, focusing, reflecting, or otherwise modifying the main beam. A reference laser is attached to the structure enclosing the main beam producing apparatus and produces a reference beam substantially parallel to the main beam. Detector modules containing optical switching devices and optical detectors are positioned in the path of the reference beam and are effective to produce an electrical output indicative of the alignment of the main beam. This electrical output drives servomotor operated adjustment screws to adjust the position of elements of the structure associated with the main beam to maintain alignment of the main beam.

  4. 29. WEST CONFEDERATE AVENUE, OBSERVATION TOWER, IRON BENCH AND DIRECTION ...

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

    29. WEST CONFEDERATE AVENUE, OBSERVATION TOWER, IRON BENCH AND DIRECTION FINDER, VIEW ACROSS AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE TOWARDS THE "HIGHWATER MARK." VIEW NE. - Gettysburg National Military Park Tour Roads, Gettysburg, Adams County, PA

  5. Retrofit designs for small bench-type blood cell counters.

    PubMed

    Ferris, C D

    1991-01-01

    This paper describes several retrofit designs to correct operational problems associated with small bench-type blood cell counters. Replacement electronic circuits as well as modifications to the vacuum systems are discussed.

  6. 122. BENCH SHOP, SOUTHWEST CORNER SHOWING WOOD BORING MACHINE. DOOR ...

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

    122. BENCH SHOP, SOUTHWEST CORNER SHOWING WOOD BORING MACHINE. DOOR TO WOODSHOP ON RIGHT. - Gruber Wagon Works, Pennsylvania Route 183 & State Hill Road at Red Bridge Park, Bernville, Berks County, PA

  7. Room 106, A laboratory with longitudinal arrangement of benches. View ...

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

    Room 106, A laboratory with longitudinal arrangement of benches. View to west. - San Bernardino Valley College, Life Science Building, 701 South Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, San Bernardino County, CA

  8. SP2Bench: A SPARQL Performance Benchmark

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Schmidt, Michael; Hornung, Thomas; Meier, Michael; Pinkel, Christoph; Lausen, Georg

    A meaningful analysis and comparison of both existing storage schemes for RDF data and evaluation approaches for SPARQL queries necessitates a comprehensive and universal benchmark platform. We present SP2Bench, a publicly available, language-specific performance benchmark for the SPARQL query language. SP2Bench is settled in the DBLP scenario and comprises a data generator for creating arbitrarily large DBLP-like documents and a set of carefully designed benchmark queries. The generated documents mirror vital key characteristics and social-world distributions encountered in the original DBLP data set, while the queries implement meaningful requests on top of this data, covering a variety of SPARQL operator constellations and RDF access patterns. In this chapter, we discuss requirements and desiderata for SPARQL benchmarks and present the SP2Bench framework, including its data generator, benchmark queries and performance metrics.

  9. A rolling-sliding bench test for investigating rear axle lubrication

    DOE PAGES

    Stump, Benjamin C.; Zhou, Yan; Viola, Michael B.; ...

    2018-02-07

    An automotive rear axle is composed of a set of hypoid gears, whose contact surfaces experience a complex combination of rolling contact fatigue damage and sliding wear. Full-scale rear axle dynamometer tests are used in the industry for efficiency and durability assessment. Here, this study developed a bench-scale rolling-sliding test protocol by simulating the contact pressure, oil temperature, and lubrication regime experienced in a dynamometer duty cycle test. Initial bench results have demonstrated the ability of generating both rolling contact-induced micropitting and sliding wear and the feasibility of investigating the impact of slide-to-roll ratio, surface roughness, test duration, and oilmore » temperature on the friction behavior, vibration noise, and surface damage. Finally, this bench test will allow studying candidate rear axle lubricants and materials under relevant conditions.« less

  10. A rolling-sliding bench test for investigating rear axle lubrication

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

    Stump, Benjamin C.; Zhou, Yan; Viola, Michael B.

    An automotive rear axle is composed of a set of hypoid gears, whose contact surfaces experience a complex combination of rolling contact fatigue damage and sliding wear. Full-scale rear axle dynamometer tests are used in the industry for efficiency and durability assessment. Here, this study developed a bench-scale rolling-sliding test protocol by simulating the contact pressure, oil temperature, and lubrication regime experienced in a dynamometer duty cycle test. Initial bench results have demonstrated the ability of generating both rolling contact-induced micropitting and sliding wear and the feasibility of investigating the impact of slide-to-roll ratio, surface roughness, test duration, and oilmore » temperature on the friction behavior, vibration noise, and surface damage. Finally, this bench test will allow studying candidate rear axle lubricants and materials under relevant conditions.« less

  11. Comparative Performance of Rear Facing Child Restraint Systems on the CMVSS 213 Bench and Vehicle Seats

    PubMed Central

    Tylko, Suzanne; Locey, Caitlin M.; Garcia-Espana, J. Felipe; Arbogast, Kristy B.; Maltese, Matthew R.

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to compare the dynamic response of rear-facing child restraint systems (RFCRS) installed on the CMVSS 213 sled bench and a selection of vehicle seats. Thirty-six sled tests were conducted: three models of rear facing CRS with an anthropomorphic test device (ATD) representing a 12 month old child (CRABI) were affixed via lower anchors (LATCH), 3 point belt without CRS base, and 3 point belt with CRS base to one of three vehicle seats or the CMVSS 213 bench seat. All CRS were subjected to an identical sled acceleration pulse. Two types of matched pair analysis: “bench-to-vehicle” and “method of attachment” were conducted. Statistically significant differences were observed in the kinematic responses of the ATD and the CRS. This is the first study to quantify differences between the regulatory bench and vehicle seats on a system level and evaluate the influence of attachment method. Our results show that the difference in RFCRS forward excursion between 3-point belt with base and LATCH installations was between 1 and 7 percent on the bench and 22 to 76 percent on the vehicle seats. When evaluating the dynamic performance of RFCRS, the use of real vehicle seats from vehicles that commonly carry children may provide valuable insight. The findings would require further confirmation using a broader selection of RFCRS and vehicle seats, before generalizable conclusions can be drawn. PMID:24406967

  12. Fatigue effects upon sticking region and electromyography in a six-repetition maximum bench press.

    PubMed

    van den Tillaar, Roland; Saeterbakken, Atle Hole

    2013-01-01

    The aim of the study was to examine the sticking region and concomitant neuromuscular activation of the prime movers during six-repetition maximum (RM) bench pressing. We hypothesised that both peak velocities would decrease and that the electromyography (EMG) of the prime movers (deltoid, major pectoralis and triceps) would increase during the pre-sticking and sticking region during the six repetitions due to fatigue. Thirteen resistance-trained males (age 22.8 ± 2.2 years, stature 1.82 ± 0.06 m, body mass 83.4 ± 7.6 kg) performed 6-RM bench presses. Barbell kinematics and EMG activity of pectoralis major, deltoid anterior, and triceps brachii during the pre-, sticking and post-sticking region of each repetition in a 6-RM bench press were analysed. For both the sticking as the post-sticking region, the time increased significantly from the first to the sixth repetition. Vertical barbell height at the start of sticking region was lower, while the height at the end of the sticking region and post-sticking region did not change during the six repetitions. It was concluded that in 6-RM bench pressing performance, the sticking region is a poor mechanical force region due to the unchanged barbell height at the end of the sticking region. Furthermore, when fatigue occurs, the pectoralis and the deltoid muscles are responsible for surpassing the sticking region as indicated by their increased activity during the pre- and sticking region during the six-repetitions bench press.

  13. Effects of Variable Resistance Using Chains on Bench Throw Performance in Trained Rugby Players.

    PubMed

    Godwin, Mark S; Fernandes, John F T; Twist, Craig

    2018-04-01

    Godwin, MS, Fernandes, JFT, and Twist, C. Effects of variable resistance using chains on bench throw performance in trained rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 950-954, 2018-This study sought to determine the effects of variable resistance using chain resistance on bench throw performance. Eight male rugby union players (19.4 ± 2.3 years, 88.8 ± 6.0 kg, 1RM 105.6 ± 17.0 kg) were recruited from a national league team. In a randomized crossover design, participant's performed 3 bench throws at 45% one repetition maximum (1RM) at a constant load (no chains) or a variable load (30% 1RM constant load and 15% 1RM variable load; chains) with 7 days between conditions. For each repetition, the peak and mean velocity, peak power, peak acceleration, and time to peak velocity were recorded. Differences in peak and mean power were very likely trivial and unclear between the chain and no chain conditions, respectively. Possibly greater peak and likely greater mean bar velocity were accompanied by likely to most likely greater bar velocity between 50 and 400 ms from initiation of bench press in the chain condition compared with the no chain condition. Accordingly, bar acceleration was very likely greater in the chain condition compared with the no chain condition. In conclusion, these results show that the inclusion of chain resistance can acutely enhance several variables in the bench press throw and gives support to this type of training.

  14. Automatic Frequency Controller for Power Amplifiers Used in Bio-Implanted Applications: Issues and Challenges

    PubMed Central

    Hannan, Mahammad A.; Hussein, Hussein A.; Mutashar, Saad; Samad, Salina A.; Hussain, Aini

    2014-01-01

    With the development of communication technologies, the use of wireless systems in biomedical implanted devices has become very useful. Bio-implantable devices are electronic devices which are used for treatment and monitoring brain implants, pacemakers, cochlear implants, retinal implants and so on. The inductive coupling link is used to transmit power and data between the primary and secondary sides of the biomedical implanted system, in which efficient power amplifier is very much needed to ensure the best data transmission rates and low power losses. However, the efficiency of the implanted devices depends on the circuit design, controller, load variation, changes of radio frequency coil's mutual displacement and coupling coefficients. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on various power amplifier classes and their characteristics, efficiency and controller techniques that have been used in bio-implants. The automatic frequency controller used in biomedical implants such as gate drive switching control, closed loop power control, voltage controlled oscillator, capacitor control and microcontroller frequency control have been explained. Most of these techniques keep the resonance frequency stable in transcutaneous power transfer between the external coil and the coil implanted inside the body. Detailed information including carrier frequency, power efficiency, coils displacement, power consumption, supplied voltage and CMOS chip for the controllers techniques are investigated and summarized in the provided tables. From the rigorous review, it is observed that the existing automatic frequency controller technologies are more or less can capable of performing well in the implant devices; however, the systems are still not up to the mark. Accordingly, current challenges and problems of the typical automatic frequency controller techniques for power amplifiers are illustrated, with a brief suggestions and discussion section concerning the progress of implanted device research in the future. This review will hopefully lead to increasing efforts towards the development of low powered, highly efficient, high data rate and reliable automatic frequency controllers for implanted devices. PMID:25615728

  15. STOP Analysis and Optimization of a Very-Low-Distortion Space Instrument: HST WFC3 Case Study

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kunt, Cengiz; Broduer, Steve (Technical Monitor)

    2001-01-01

    New generation optical instruments with very demanding stability requirements are being proposed and developed for space applications. STOP (Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance) analysis and optimization is crucial in meeting the very tight distortion budgets of these instruments. This presentation outlines STOP analysis and optimization approach in the context of WFC3 (Wide-Field Camera 3), which is a radial instrument designed to replace the Wide-Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2) of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). WFC3 houses two separate channels, UVIS and IR, and will have greater throughput and sensitivity than WFPC2. WFC3 line-of-sight alignment budget for the UVIS and IR channels are as small as 10 and 20 milli-arcsec, respectively. Its optical bench is the most critical subsystem effecting the optical stability of WFC3 hence our effort concentrates on the design and analysis of the bench and its interfaces. Structural analysis has accompanied the mechanical design of the bench since the initial concept study. A high fidelity structural Finite Element Model (FEM) of the bench has been developed and used for minimizing its thermally induced distortions as well as sizing it to meet the stiffness and strength requirements of a Shuttle launch. The bench is a composite honeycomb panel box structure with a very low planar Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) of approximately 0.1 ppm/C. Optic components are mounted to super-INVAR inserts bonded into the panels. The bench is kinematically supported on three HST latches via interface struts, which are tailored to exhibit negative CTE to cancel out the thermal motions of the latches. The interface struts also incorporate flexure elements to minimize the mechanical distortions coming into the bench from its enclosure. Bench FEM is coupled with the enclosure FEM to quantify these effects. Short term or on-orbit STOP analysis includes distortion due to the temperature variations of the bench, the struts, and the enclosure. Long term or ground-to-orbit STOP analysis includes distortional effects of gravity release, desorption, and assembly in addition to the ground-to-orbit temperature variations. A rigorous testing program has been implemented for verifying the material properties and the analysis predictions. STOP analysis results demonstrate that both the short-term and the long-term alignment budgets will be met. Presentation will cover design and analysis details that are critical to a successful implementation of the STOP analysis and optimization process.

  16. Low-load bench press and push-up induce similar muscle hypertrophy and strength gain.

    PubMed

    Kikuchi, Naoki; Nakazato, Koichi

    2017-06-01

    To investigate the effect of push-up training with a similar load of to 40% of 1- repetition maximumal (1RM) bench press on muscle hypertrophy and strength gain in men. Eighteen male participants (age, 20.2 ± 0.73 years, range: 19-22 years, height: 169.8 ± 4.4 cm, weight: 64.5 ± 4.7 kg) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: bench press at 40%1RM (bench-press group, n = 9) or push-ups with position adjusted (e.g. kneeling) to the same load of bench-press 40%1RM (push-up group, n = 9), performed twice per week for 8 weeks. Muscle thickness at three sites (biceps, triceps, and pectoralis major), bench-press 1RM, maximum repetition at 40%1RM, and power output (medicine ball throw) were measured before and after the training period. Significant increases in 1RM and muscle thickness (triceps and pectoralis major) were observed in bench-press group (1RM, from 60.0 ± 12.1 kg to 65.0 ± 12.1 kg, p < 0.01; triceps, from 26.3 ± 3.7 mm to 27.8 ± 3.8 mm, p < 0.01; pectoralis major, from 17.0 ± 2.8 mm to 20.8 ± 4.8 mm, p < 0.01) and in the push-up group (1RM, from 61.1 ± 12.2 kg to 64.2 ± 12.5 kg, p < 0.01; triceps, 27.7 ± 5.7 mm to 30.4 ± 6.6 mm, p < 0.01; pectoralis major, from 17.0 ± 2.8 mm to 20.8 ± 4.8 mm, p < 0.01). Biceps thickness significantly increased only in the bench-press group (28.4 ± 3.3 mm to 31.5 ± 3.7 mm, p < 0.01). Neither power output performance nor muscle endurance capacity changed in either group. Push-up exercise with similar load to 40%1RM bench press is comparably effective for muscle hypertrophy and strength gain over an 8-week training period.

  17. A comparison of successful and unsuccessful attempts in maximal bench pressing.

    PubMed

    van den Tillaar, Roland; Ettema, Gertjan

    2009-11-01

    This study was designed to compare the differences in EMG and kinematics between successful and unsuccessful attempts in bench pressing at one repetition maximum (1RM) in recreational weight-trained subjects. We hypothesized that failure occurs during the sticking period (the period during which there is a temporary reduction in movement velocity). Eleven male subjects (age = 21.9 +/- 1.8 yr, mass = 80.0 +/- 11.2 kg, height = 1.79 +/- 0.08 m) with at least 1 yr of bench press training experience participated in this study. They performed attempts at 1RM and 1RM + 2.5 kg in bench press during which kinematics and muscle activity were recorded. One successful attempt and one unsuccessful attempt were used for further analysis. Both attempts showed the same sticking period, but only half of the failures occurred during that period. The main differences in the kinematics occurred during the sticking period. Muscle activity, in contrast, showed the same pattern in both attempts and only differed during the downward and the start of the upward movement of the lift. The sticking period occurs in both successful and unsuccessful attempts in maximal bench press. However, failure does not always occur during the sticking period.

  18. Simulation-based cutaneous surgical-skill training on a chicken-skin bench model in a medical undergraduate program.

    PubMed

    Denadai, Rafael; Saad-Hossne, Rogério; Martinhão Souto, Luís Ricardo

    2013-05-01

    Because of ethical and medico-legal aspects involved in the training of cutaneous surgical skills on living patients, human cadavers and living animals, it is necessary the search for alternative and effective forms of training simulation. To propose and describe an alternative methodology for teaching and learning the principles of cutaneous surgery in a medical undergraduate program by using a chicken-skin bench model. One instructor for every four students, teaching materials on cutaneous surgical skills, chicken trunks, wings, or thighs, a rigid platform support, needled threads, needle holders, surgical blades with scalpel handles, rat-tooth tweezers, scissors, and marking pens were necessary for training simulation. A proposal for simulation-based training on incision, suture, biopsy, and on reconstruction techniques using a chicken-skin bench model distributed in several sessions and with increasing levels of difficultywas structured. Both feedback and objective evaluations always directed to individual students were also outlined. The teaching of a methodology for the principles of cutaneous surgery using a chicken-skin bench model versatile, portable, easy to assemble, and inexpensive is an alternative and complementary option to the armamentarium of methods based on other bench models described.

  19. Characterization benches for neutrino telescope Optical Modules at the APC laboratory

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Avgitas, Theodore; Creusot, Alexandre; Kouchner, Antoine

    2016-04-01

    As has been demonstrated by the first generation of neutrino telescopes Antares and IceCube, precise knowledge of the photon detection efficiency of optical modules is of fundamental importance for the understanding of the instrument and accurate event reconstruction. Dedicated test benches have been developed to measure all related quantities for the Digital Optical Modules of the KM3NeT neutrino telescope being currently deployed in the Mediterranean sea. The first bench is a black box with robotic arms equipped with a calibrated single photon source or laser which enable a precise mapping of the detection efficiency at arbitrary incident angles as well as precise measurements of the time delays induced by the photodetection chain. These measurement can be incorporated and compared to full GEANT MonteCarlo simulations of the optical modules. The second bench is a 2 m×2 m ×2 m water tank equipped with muon hodoscopes on top and bottom. It enables to study and measure the angular dependence of the DOM's detection efficiency of the Cherenkov light produced in water by relativistic muons, thus reproducing in situ detection conditions. We describe these two benches and present their first results and status.

  20. Automatic, sterile, and apyrogenic delivery of PET radiotracers from the cyclotron to the patient

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Votaw, J. R.; Cashion, D. B.; Clanton, J. A.

    1991-05-01

    An automatic delivery remote injection system has been developed to administer either 13N-labelled ammonia, or 15O-labelled water or 18F-labelled FDG to patients. Automation increases the throughout and efficiency of the PET center, and remote dose administration ensures patient safety and reduces the radiation exposure to the technologist supervising the radiopharmaceutical injection. The remote dose administration apparatus utilizes a syringe pump to transfer liquid activity and a solenoid three-way valve to switch between lines connected to a patient and a receiving vial. To ensure apyrogenicity and sterility of the injected product, the entire system is washed with sterile water before it is used. Since the tracer is delivered in an ~ 8 ml bolus of water, the next delivery through the system is considered safe for injection if pyrogens are not detected at a threshold of 3 endotoxin units per ml (EU/ml) in the wash. Time delayed tests shows that the system may be left unused for up to 6 h before the wash must be repeated.

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