O que bilíngues bimodais têm a nos dizer sobre desenvolvimento bilíngue?

PubMed Central

de Quadros, Ronice Müller; Lillo-Martin, Diane; Pichler, Deborah Chen

2013-01-01

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar o que as pesquisas que estamos desenvolvendo com crianças ouvintes, filhas de pais surdos, adquirindo Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras) e Português e Língua de Sinais Americana (ASL) e Inglês (Lillo-Martin et al. 2010) têm a nos dizer sobre desenvolvimento bilíngue. Os dados deste estudo fazem parte de um banco de dados de interações espontâneas coletadas longitudinalmente, alternando contextos de aquisição da Libras e do português como língua alvo, no Brasil e dados coletados longitudinalmente. nos mesmos contextos, de crianças adquirindo ASL e inglês1. Além disso, há também dados do estudo experimental com testes aplicados nos dois pares de línguas que se agregam ao presente estudo. Uma visão geral dos estudos desenvolvidos sobre a aquisição bilíngue bimodal por crianças ouvintes, filhas de pais surdos, será apresentada e, então, serão expostos alguns aspectos linguísticos deste tipo de aquisição, considerando as discussões sobre aquisição bilíngue a partir da pesquisa realizada. PMID:24431480

PubMed

de Quadros, Ronice Müller; Cruz, Carina Rebello; Pizzio, Aline Lemos

2012-01-01

This study compared the performance in phonological memory tasks of bimodal bilíngual hearing children (children of deaf parents) and deaf children with cochlear implant (children of deaf parents and hearing parents), with different contexts of access to Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). We used two tests: Portuguêse Pseudowords (Santos and Bueno, 2003) and Libras Pseudosigns (developed by researchers from Development Bimodal Bilíngual Project). Moreover, we included two control groups, one of deaf children, growing up with Libras, with deaf parents, and the other of hearing adults Codas, bimodal bilínguals, with deaf parents. In the analysis of the results, initially, in regard to the performance among the groups tested, it was found that the bimodal bilíngual children had higher scores in both tests. However, when we analyzed the performance of the deaf child with cochlear implant, with deaf parents, with full access to sign language, compared to the other children with cochlear implant, with restricted access to Libras, we found that this child has a similar performance to the Coda children. The cochlear-implanted children with restricted access to Libras, therefore with more access to Portuguêse, had lower scores in both tests, being the worst score for the Portuguêse test. The results shown that children with cochlear implant can have benefits when they have access to Libras, having similar performances to hearing bimodal bilíngual children.

Simulations in the Analysis of Experimental Data Measured by BM@N Drift Chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fedorišin, Ján

2018-02-01

The drift chambers (DCH's) are an important part of the tracking system of the BM@N experiment designed to study the production of baryonic matter at the Nuclotron energies. The method of particle hit and track reconstruction in the drift chambers has been already proposed and tested on the BM@N deuteron beam data. In this study the DCH's are first locally and globally aligned, and subsequently the consistency of the track reconstruction chain is tested by two methods. The first one is based on the backward extrapolation of the DCH reconstructed deuteron beam to a position where its deflection in the BM@N magnetic field begins. The second method reconstructs the deuteron beam momentum through its deflection angle. Both methods confirm correctness of the track reconstruction algorithm.

Novel particle tracking algorithm based on the Random Sample Consensus Model for the Active Target Time Projection Chamber (AT-TPC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayyad, Yassid; Mittig, Wolfgang; Bazin, Daniel; Beceiro-Novo, Saul; Cortesi, Marco

2018-02-01

The three-dimensional reconstruction of particle tracks in a time projection chamber is a challenging task that requires advanced classification and fitting algorithms. In this work, we have developed and implemented a novel algorithm based on the Random Sample Consensus Model (RANSAC). The RANSAC is used to classify tracks including pile-up, to remove uncorrelated noise hits, as well as to reconstruct the vertex of the reaction. The algorithm, developed within the Active Target Time Projection Chamber (AT-TPC) framework, was tested and validated by analyzing the 4He+4He reaction. Results, performance and quality of the proposed algorithm are presented and discussed in detail.

Efficient QTL detection for nonhost resistance in wild lettuce: backcross inbred lines versus F2 population

PubMed Central

Pelgrom, K.; Stam, P.; Lindhout, P.

2008-01-01

In plants, several population types [F2, recombinant inbred lines, backcross inbred lines (BILs), etc.] are used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analyses. However, dissection of the trait of interest and subsequent confirmation by introgression of QTLs for breeding purposes has not been as successful as that predicted from theoretical calculations. More practical knowledge of different QTL mapping approaches is needed. In this recent study, we describe the detection and mapping of quantitative resistances to downy mildew in a set of 29 BILs of cultivated lettuce (L. sativa) containing genome segments introgressed from wild lettuce (L. saligna). Introgression regions that are associated with quantitative resistance are considered to harbor a QTL. Furthermore, we compare this with results from an already existing F2 population derived from the same parents. We identified six QTLs in our BIL approach compared to only three in the F2 approach, while there were two QTLs in common. We performed a simulation study based on our actual data to help us interpret them. This revealed that two newly detected QTLs in the BILs had gone unnoticed in the F2, due to a combination of recessiveness of the trait and skewed segregation, causing a deficit of the wild species alleles. This study clearly illustrates the added value of extended genetic studies on two different population types (BILs and F2) to dissect complex genetic traits. PMID:18251002

The PNPLA3 I148M variant is associated with transaminase elevations in type 2 diabetes patients treated with basal insulin peglispro.

PubMed

Pillai, S; Duvvuru, S; Bhatnagar, P; Foster, W; Farmen, M; Shankar, S; Harris, C; Bastyr, E; Hoogwerf, B; Haupt, A

2018-05-22

Basal insulin peglispro (BIL) is a novel insulin with hepato-preferential action. In phase 3 trials, BIL showed significantly improved glycemic control but higher levels of transaminases (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), triglycerides (TGs) and liver fat content (LFC) compared with insulin glargine (GL). As variants in PNPLA3 (I148M) and TM6SF2 (E167K) are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, we assessed these variants in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients randomized to receive BIL (n=1822) or GL (n=1270) in three phase 3 trials. Magnetic resonance imaging assessments of LFC were conducted in a subset of patients (n=296). Analyses showed α-corrected significant increases in change from baseline in AST (P=0.0004) and nominal increases in ALT (P=0.019), and LFC (P=0.035) for PNPLA3 (148M/M) genotypes in the BIL arm at 26 weeks but no significant associations in GL. PNPLA3 (148M/M) was also associated with increases in total cholesterol (P=0.014) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.005) but not with hemoglobin A1c or TG. T2D patients with the PNPLA3 (148M/M) genotype treated with BIL may be more susceptible to increased liver fat deposition. The current data provide further insights into the biological role of PNPLA3 in lipid metabolism.

The drift chamber array at the external target facility in HIRFL-CSR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Y. Z.; Sun, Z. Y.; Wang, S. T.; Duan, L. M.; Sun, Y.; Yan, D.; Tang, S. W.; Yang, H. R.; Lu, C. G.; Ma, P.; Yu, Y. H.; Zhang, X. H.; Yue, K.; Fang, F.; Su, H.

2018-06-01

A drift chamber array at the External Target Facility in HIRFL-CSR has been constructed for three-dimensional particle tracking in high-energy radioactive ion beam experiments. The design, readout, track reconstruction program and calibration procedures for the detector are described. The drift chamber array was tested in a 311 AMeV 40Ar beam experiment. The detector performance based on the measurements of the beam test is presented. A spatial resolution of 230 μm is achieved.

Iterative Track Fitting Using Cluster Classification in Multi Wire Proportional Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Primor, David; Mikenberg, Giora; Etzion, Erez; Messer, Hagit

2007-10-01

This paper addresses the problem of track fitting of a charged particle in a multi wire proportional chamber (MWPC) using cathode readout strips. When a charged particle crosses a MWPC, a positive charge is induced on a cluster of adjacent strips. In the presence of high radiation background, the cluster charge measurements may be contaminated due to background particles, leading to less accurate hit position estimation. The least squares method for track fitting assumes the same position error distribution for all hits and thus loses its optimal properties on contaminated data. For this reason, a new robust algorithm is proposed. The algorithm first uses the known spatial charge distribution caused by a single charged particle over the strips, and classifies the clusters into ldquocleanrdquo and ldquodirtyrdquo clusters. Then, using the classification results, it performs an iterative weighted least squares fitting procedure, updating its optimal weights each iteration. The performance of the suggested algorithm is compared to other track fitting techniques using a simulation of tracks with radiation background. It is shown that the algorithm improves the track fitting performance significantly. A practical implementation of the algorithm is presented for muon track fitting in the cathode strip chamber (CSC) of the ATLAS experiment.

Effect of counting chamber depth on the accuracy of lensless microscopy for the assessment of boar sperm motility.

PubMed

Soler, Carles; Picazo-Bueno, José Á; Micó, Vicente; Valverde, Anthony; Bompart, Daznia; Blasco, Francisco J; Álvarez, Juan G; García-Molina, Almudena

2018-05-04

Sperm motility is one of the most significant parameters in the prediction of male fertility. Until now, both motility analysis using an optical microscope and computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA-Mot) entailed the use of counting chambers with a depth to 20µm. Chamber depth significantly affects the intrinsic sperm movement, leading to an artificial motility pattern. For the first time, laser microscopy offers the possibility of avoiding this interference with sperm movement. The aims of the present study were to determine the different motility patterns observed in chambers with depths of 10, 20 and 100µm using a new holographic approach and to compare the results obtained in the 20-µm chamber with those of the laser and optical CASA-Mot systems. The ISAS®3D-Track results showed that values for curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity, wobble and beat cross frequency were higher for the 100-µm chambers than for the 10- and 20-µm chambers. Only VCL showed a positive correlation between chambers. In addition, Bayesian analysis confirmed that the kinematic parameters observed with the 100-µm chamber were significantly different to those obtained using chambers with depths of 10 and 20µm. When an optical analyser CASA-Mot system was used, all kinematic parameters, except VCL, were higher with ISAS®3D-Track, but were not relevant after Bayesian analysis. Finally, almost three different three-dimensional motility patterns were recognised. In conclusion, the use of the ISAS®3D-Track allows for the analysis of the natural three-dimensional pattern of sperm movement.

Showing "F = BIL" Using Video Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Leon; Parker, David; Brown, Carl; Ireson, Gren

2011-01-01

The force on a current-carrying conductor in a magnetic field is a common aspect of post-16 physics courses. Many textbooks approach this topic via a current balance, e.g. Hutchins (1990) through to Duncan (2000), with websites such as "Practical Physics" giving a qualitative version. This article takes the approach of equating "F = BIL"sin[theta]…

Detecting paraprotein interference on a direct bilirubin assay by reviewing the photometric reaction data.

PubMed

García-González, Elena; Aramendía, Maite; González-Tarancón, Ricardo; Romero-Sánchez, Naiara; Rello, Luis

2017-07-26

The direct bilirubin (D-Bil) assay on the AU Beckman Coulter instrumentation can be interfered by paraproteins, which may result in spurious D-Bil results. In a previous work, we took advantage of this fact to detect this interference, thus helping with the identification of patients with unsuspected monoclonal gammopathies. In this work, we investigate the possibility to detect interference based on the review of the photometric reactions, regardless of the D-Bil result. The D-Bil assay was carried out in a set of 2164 samples. It included a group of 164 samples with paraproteins (67 of which caused interference on the assay), as well as different groups of samples for which high absorbance background readings could also be expected (i.e. hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric samples). Photometric reaction data were reviewed and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves were used to establish a cut-off for absorbance that best discriminates interference. The best cut-off was 0.0100 for the absorbance at the first photometric point of the complementary wavelength in the blank cuvette. Once the optimal cut-off for probable interference was selected, all samples analyzed in our laboratory that provided absorbance values above this cut-off were further investigated to try to discover paraproteins. During a period of 6 months, we detected 44 samples containing paraproteins, five of which belonged to patients with non-diagnosed monoclonal gammopathies. Review of the photometric reaction data permits the systematic detection of paraprotein interference on the D-Bil AU assay, even for samples for which reasonable results are obtained.

Certified In-lined Reference Monitoring on .NET

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

Introduction Language -based approaches to computer security have employed two major strategies for enforcing security policies over untrusted programs. • Low...automatically verify IRM’s using a static type-checker. Mobile (MOnitorable BIL with Effects) is an exten- sion of BIL (Baby Intermediate Language ) [15], a...AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES Proceedings of the 2006 Programming Languages and

Brassinosteroids regulate pavement cell growth by mediating BIN2-induced microtubule stabilization.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaolei; Yang, Qin; Wang, Yuan; Wang, Linhai; Fu, Ying; Wang, Xuelu

2018-02-23

Brassinosteroids (BRs), a group of plant steroid hormones, play important roles in regulating plant development. The cytoskeleton also affects key developmental processes and a deficiency in BR biosynthesis or signaling leads to abnormal phenotypes similar to those of microtubule-defective mutants. However, how BRs regulate microtubule and cell morphology remains unknown. Here, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we identified tubulin proteins that interact with Arabidopsis BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE2 (BIN2), a negative regulator of BR responses in plants. In vitro and in vivo pull-down assays confirmed that BIN2 interacts with tubulin proteins. High-speed co-sedimentation assays demonstrated that BIN2 also binds microtubules. The Arabidopsis genome also encodes two BIN2 homologs, BIN2-LIKE 1 (BIL1) and BIL2, which function redundantly with BIN2. In the bin2-3 bil1 bil2 triple mutant, cortical microtubules were more sensitive to treatment with the microtubule-disrupting drug oryzalin than in wild-type, whereas in the BIN2 gain-of-function mutant bin2-1, cortical microtubules were insensitive to oryzalin treatment. These results provide important insight into how BR regulates plant pavement cell and leaf growth by mediating the stabilization of microtubules by BIN2.

Technology and needs for tomorrow's treatment of cataract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tassignon, Marie-José

2007-02-01

Cataract surgery is considered to be the most successful surgery worldwide. However, new developments are ongoing either to improve the surgical stress or to improve the surgical outcome. While restoration of the transparency and optical parameters of the eye were initially the first goals, the need to improve the quality of sight (QOS) and to restore accommodation became evident during the last decades. By introducing the bag-in-the-lens (BIL) intraocular lens (IOL) and technique of implantation (US Patent 6,027,531) in 2000, PCO was no longer a matter of concern. Clinical studies conducted between 2000 and 2004 proved the efficacy of this new IOL with respect to PCO control, but showed additional advantages like surgeon-controlled centration and rotational stability. Surgeon-controlled IOL centration based on the alignment of the first and third Purkinje reflexes is one method to promote IOL centration but future tracking devices will probably enhance the precision by which IOL centration along the line of sight can be achieved. Optimal alignment is a major issue if toric correction and compensation of the spherical aberrations is intended to be incorporated into the IOL optic. IOL optics with toric correction to compensate for regular astigmatism are in development now, but toric correction for irregular astigmatism remains extremely challenging for the manufacturers. Improving the quality of the image by compensating for the spherical aberrations is the next step on our research programme. The BIL offers some opportunities to optimize postoperative accommodation by introducing the capsular accommodation ring.

Precise 3D Track Reconstruction Algorithm for the ICARUS T600 Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber Detector

DOE PAGES

Antonello, M.; Baibussinov, B.; Benetti, P.; ...

2013-01-15

Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LAr TPC) detectors offer charged particle imaging capability with remarkable spatial resolution. Precise event reconstruction procedures are critical in order to fully exploit the potential of this technology. In this paper we present a new, general approach to 3D reconstruction for the LAr TPC with a practical application to the track reconstruction. The efficiency of the method is evaluated on a sample of simulated tracks. We present also the application of the method to the analysis of stopping particle tracks collected during the ICARUS T600 detector operation with the CNGS neutrino beam.

Development of a model using the MATLAB System identification toolbox to estimate (222)Rn equilibrium factor from CR-39 based passive measurements.

PubMed

Abo-Elmagd, M; Sadek, A M

2014-12-01

Can and Bare method is a widely used passive method for measuring the equilibrium factor F through the determination of the track density ratio between bare (D) and filtered (Do) detectors. The dimensions of the used diffusion chamber are altering the deposition ratios of Po-isotopes on the chamber walls as well as the ratios of the existing alpha emitters in air. Then the measured filtered track density and therefore the resultant equilibrium factor is changed according to the diffusion chamber dimensions. For this reason, high uncertainty was expected in the measured F using different diffusion chambers. In the present work, F is derived as a function of both track density ratio (D/Do) and the dimensions of the used diffusion chambers (its volume to the total internal surface area; V/A). The accuracy of the derived formula was verified using the black-box modeling technique via the MATLAB System identification toolbox. The results show that the uncertainty of the calculated F by using the derived formula of F (D/Do, V/A) is only 5%. The obtained uncertainty ensures the quality of the derived function to calculate F using diffusion chambers with wide range of dimensions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reduced nocturnal hypoglycaemia with basal insulin peglispro compared with insulin glargine: pooled analyses of five randomized controlled trials.

PubMed

Rosenstock, Julio; Marre, Michel; Qu, Yongming; Zhang, Shuyu; Bastyr, Edward J; Prince, Melvin J; Chang, Annette M

2016-11-01

Basal insulin peglispro (BIL) is a novel basal insulin with hepato-preferential action, resulting from reduced peripheral effects. This report summarizes hypoglycaemia data from five BIL phase III studies with insulin glargine as the comparator, including three double-blind trials. Prespecified pooled analyses (n = 4927) included: patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) receiving basal insulin only, those with T2D on basal-bolus therapy, and those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). BIL treatment resulted in a 36-45% lower nocturnal hypoglycaemia rate compared with glargine, despite greater reduction in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and higher basal insulin dosing. The total hypoglycaemia rate was similar in patients with T2D on basal treatment only, trended towards being higher (10%) in patients with T2D on basal-bolus treatment (p = .053), and was 15% higher (p < .001) with BIL versus glargine in patients with T1D, with more daytime hypoglycaemia in the T1D and T2D groups who were receiving basal-bolus therapy. In T1D, during the maintenance treatment period (26-52 weeks), the total hypoglycaemia rate was not significantly different. There were no differences in severe hypoglycaemia in the T1D or T2D pooled analyses. BIL versus glargine treatment resulted in greater HbA1c reduction with less nocturnal hypoglycaemia in all patient populations, higher daytime hypoglycaemia with basal-bolus therapy in the T1D and T2D groups, and an associated increase in total hypoglycaemia in the patients with T1D. © 2016 The Authors. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The role of baseline impedance as a marker of mucosal integrity in children with gastro esophageal reflux disease.

PubMed

Pilic, Denisa; Hankel, Saskia; Koerner-Rettberg, Cordula; Hamelmann, Eckard; Schmidt-Choudhury, Anjona

2013-07-01

Diagnosis of gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children is challenging. 24-h-pH-multichannel-intraluminal-impedance measurement (pH-MII) is the best diagnostic tool to display gastro esophageal reflux whereas esophageal endoscopy indicates mucosal lesions. The aim of this study was to compare esophageal endoscopy results with reflux parameters such as acid exposure time (reflux index RI), bolus exposure time (bolus index BI), baseline impedance level (BIL) detected by pH-MII in children with suspected GERD. Analysis of data from 285 children (38 infants) referred to our hospital with suspected GERD. Division into three 'reflux esophagitis' (RE)-stages depending on the severity of endoscopic and histological findings and comparison with reflux parameters in these stages. Further categorization into four groups based on the pH-MII-results. Children with high-grade esophagitis had a significantly lower BIL; otherwise there was no significant association between elevated reflux parameters and esophagitis. Pathological pH-MII results (RI and BI) were associated with lower BIL in the distal impedance channel. The BIL was significantly lower in infants compared to children >1 year regardless of the RI or BI. The main difference between these groups regarding reflux parameters was a longer BI and a higher number of retrograde bolus movements. Pathologic pH-MII results are not predictive for an erosive esophagitis and vice versa. Therefore, these two procedures cannot replace each other. A lower BIL is associated with esophagitis ≥ LA-grade B and may be caused by longer acid but also by longer bolus exposure and thus may be another useful parameter in GERD monitoring.

BilKristal 2.0: A tool for pattern information extraction from crystal structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okuyan, Erhan; Güdükbay, Uğur

2014-01-01

We present a revised version of the BilKristal tool of Okuyan et al. (2007). We converted the development environment into Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 in order to resolve compatibility issues. We added multi-core CPU support and improvements are made to graphics functions in order to improve performance. Discovered bugs are fixed and exporting functionality to a material visualization tool is added.

Structural definition of the BIL and DL: a new universal methodology to rationalize non-linear χ(2)(ω) SFG signals at charged interfaces, including χ(3)(ω) contributions.

PubMed

Pezzotti, Simone; Galimberti, Daria Ruth; Shen, Y Ron; Gaigeot, Marie-Pierre

2018-02-14

This work provides unambiguous definitions from theoretical simulations of the two interfacial regions named the BIL (binding interfacial layer) and DL (diffuse layer) at charged solid/water and air/water interfaces. The BIL and DL nomenclature follows the pioneering work of Wen et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 2016, 116, 016101]. Our definitions are based on the intrinsic structural properties of water only. Knowing the BIL and DL interfacial regions, one is then able to deconvolve the χ (2) (ω) non-linear SFG (sum frequency generation) response into χ(ω) and χ(ω) contributions, thus providing a detailed molecular interpretation of these signals and of the measured total SFG. We furthermore show that the χ(ω) spectrum arises from the χ (3) (ω) non-linear third order contribution of bulk liquid water, here calculated for several charged interfaces and shown to be universal. The χ(ω) contribution therefore has the same origin in terms of molecular normal modes at any charged interface. The molecular interpretation of χ(ω) is hence at the heart of the unambiguous molecular comprehension and interpretation of the measured total SFG signal at any charged interface.

A novel oral vehicle for poorly soluble HSV-helicase inhibitors: PK/PD validations.

PubMed

Duan, Jianmin; Liard, Francine; Paris, William; Lambert, Michelle

2004-11-01

The current study describes the design and validation of a novel oral vehicle for delivering poorly water-soluble herpes simplex virus (HSV)-helicase inhibitors in preclinical pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluations. Poorly water-soluble compounds were used in solubility and drinking compliance tests in mice. A preferred vehicle containing 0.1% bovine serum albumin (BSA), 3% dextrose, 5% polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, and 2% peanut oil, pH 2.8 with HCL (BDPP) was selected. This vehicle was further validated with oral PK and in vivo antiviral PD studies using BILS 45 BS. Solubility screen and drinking compliance tests revealed that the BDPP vehicle could solubilize BILS compounds at 0.5-3 mg/ml concentration range and could be administered to mice without reducing water consumption. Comparative oral PK of BILS 45 BS in HCL or BDPP by gavage at 40 mg/kg showed overlapping PK profiles. In vivo antiviral efficacy and potency of BILS 45 BS in BDPP by oral gavages or in drinking water were confirmed to be comparable as that achieved by gavage in HCL solution. These results provide a protein-enriched novel oral vehicle for delivering poorly water-soluble antiviral compounds in a continuous administration mode. Similar approaches may be applicable to other poorly soluble compounds by gavage or in drinking solution.

Development of the ZEUS central tracking detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brooks, C. B.; Bullock, F. W.; Cashmore, R. J.; Devenish, R. C.; Foster, B.; Fraser, T. J.; Gibson, M. D.; Gilmore, R. S.; Gingrich, D.; Harnew, N.; Hart, J. C.; Heath, G. P.; Hiddleston, J.; Holmes, A. R.; Jamdagni, A. K.; Jones, T. W.; Llewellyn, T. J.; Long, K. R.; Lush, G. J.; Malos, J.; Martin, N. C.; McArthur, I.; McCubbin, N. A.; McQuillan, D.; Miller, D. B.; Mobayyen, M. M.; Morgado, C.; Nash, J.; Nixon, G.; Parham, A. G.; Payne, B. T.; Roberts, J. H. C.; Salmon, G.; Saxon, D. H.; Sephton, A. J.; Shaw, D.; Shaw, T. B.; Shield, P. D.; Shulman, J.; Silvester, I.; Smith, S.; Strachan, D. E.; Tapper, R. J.; Tkaczyk, S. M.; Toudup, L. W.; Wallis, E. W.; Wastie, R.; Wells, J.; White, D. J.; Wilson, F. F.; Yeo, K. L.; ZEUS-UK Collaboration

1989-11-01

The design concept and development of the ZEUS central tracking detector is described. This is a cylindrical drift chamber designed for track reconstruction, electron identification and event triggering in a high-crossing-rate, high-magnetic-field environment.

Charge division in a small proportional chamber constructed with aluminized mylar tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biino, C.; Mussa, R.; Palestini, S.; Pastrone, N.; Pesando, L.

1988-09-01

A tracking detector composed of aluminized mylar drift tubes is under development for the Fermilab experiment 760. A prototype chamber has been constructed. Results on the longitudinal coordinate determined by charge division are given. Spatial resolution values below 2 mm (rms) were found, corresponding to <1% of the chamber length. Results on chamber ageing are also discussed.

China Macroeconomic: Summary Data Banks (China Macroeconomic: Documentation Data Banks. Volume 1. Population Gross Value Output of Agriculture and Industry).

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-11-15

3) IL- R 0 104 em fm r4. N V @f 4 . * N P - 3 a U N I 11 111Bala ---w4f ft ’D " & W. f4p r... ;;W 6.C 4’ 0 4.-49 A B C D EF G H AF25:FH/CNTG3.3GJ...A Sources, see below Load from row 12 to row 54 * - 104 - A B C D E F G H AF09:FK/PCICi.3FD revision 001 6/13/83 17:45 Prices of Industrial Crops Prices...Val Brig Ind Brig Ind Brig Ind (80 pr) (70 pr) (80 pr) (bil RMB)(bil RHB ) (bil RMB) XOBI XOBILK XOBI 1949 N/A N/A N/A 1950 N/A N/A N/A 1951 N/A N/A N/A

Advertising cadavers in the republic of letters: anatomical publications in the early modern Netherlands.

PubMed

Margócsy, Dániel

2009-06-01

This paper sketches how late seventeenth-century Dutch anatomists used printed publications to advertise their anatomical preparations, inventions and instructional technologies to an international clientele. It focuses on anatomists Frederik Ruysch (1638-1732) and Lodewijk de Bils (1624-69), inventors of two separate anatomical preparation methods for preserving cadavers and body parts in a lifelike state for decades or centuries. Ruysch's and de Bils's publications functioned as an 'advertisement' for their preparations. These printed volumes informed potential customers that anatomical preparations were aesthetically pleasing and scientifically important but did not divulge the trade secrets of the method of production. Thanks to this strategy of non-disclosure and advertisement, de Bils and Ruysch could create a well-working monopoly market of anatomical preparations. The 'advertising' rhetorics of anatomical publications highlight the potential dangers of equating the growth of print culture with the development of an open system of knowledge exchange.

Streamlined calibrations of the ATLAS precision muon chambers for initial LHC running

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amram, N.; Ball, R.; Benhammou, Y.; Ben Moshe, M.; Dai, T.; Diehl, E. B.; Dubbert, J.; Etzion, E.; Ferretti, C.; Gregory, J.; Haider, S.; Hindes, J.; Levin, D. S.; Manilow, E.; Thun, R.; Wilson, A.; Weaverdyck, C.; Wu, Y.; Yang, H.; Zhou, B.; Zimmermann, S.

2012-04-01

The ATLAS Muon Spectrometer is designed to measure the momentum of muons with a resolution of dp/p=3% at 100 GeV and 10% at 1 TeV. For this task, the spectrometer employs 355,000 Monitored Drift Tubes (MDTs) arrayed in 1200 chambers. Calibration (RT) functions convert drift time measurements into tube-centered impact parameters for track segment reconstruction. RT functions depend on MDT environmental parameters and so must be appropriately calibrated for local chamber conditions. We report on the creation and application of a gas monitor system based calibration program for muon track reconstruction in the LHC startup phase.

Health-related characteristics and preferred methods of receiving health education according to dominant language among Latinos aged 25 to 64 in a large Northern California health plan.

PubMed

Gordon, Nancy P; Iribarren, Carlos

2008-09-09

Latinos are a fast growing segment of the U.S. health care population. Acculturation factors, including English fluency, result in an ethnic group heterogeneous with regard to SES, health practices, and health education needs. This study examined how demographic and health-related characteristics of Spanish-dominant (SD), Bilingual (BIL), and English-dominant (ED) Latino men and women aged 25-64 differed among members of a large Northern California health plan. This observational study was based on data from cohorts of 171 SD (requiring an interpreter), 181 BIL, and 734 ED Latinos aged 25-64 who responded to random sample health plan member surveys conducted 2005-2006. Language groups were compared separately by gender on education, income, behavioral health risks (smoking, obesity, exercise frequency, dietary practices, health beliefs), health status (overall health and emotional health, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heartburn/acid reflux, back pain, depression), computer and Internet access, and health education modality preferences. Compared with ED Latinos, higher percentages of the SD and BIL groups had very low educational attainment and low income. While groups were similar in prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, SD were less likely than ED Latinos to rate overall health and emotional well-being as good, very good, or excellent and more likely to report heartburn and back pain (women only). The groups were similar with regard to smoking and obesity, but among women, SD were more likely to be physically inactive than ED, and BIL were less likely than SD and ED groups to eat <3 servings of fruit/vegetables per day. SD and BIL of both genders were significantly less likely than ED Latinos to believe that health practices had a large impact on health. Compared to ED men and women, SD and BIL Latinos had significantly lower Internet and computer access. As a result, SD Latinos had a greater preference for lower technology health education modalities such as videos and taped phone messages. There are important differences among Latinos of different English language proficiency with regard to education, income, health status, health behaviors, IT access, and health education modality preferences that ought to be considered when planning and implementing health programs for this growing segment of the U.S. population.

Health-related characteristics and preferred methods of receiving health education according to dominant language among Latinos Aged 25 to 64 in a large Northern California health plan

PubMed Central

Gordon, Nancy P; Iribarren, Carlos

2008-01-01

Background Latinos are a fast growing segment of the U.S. health care population. Acculturation factors, including English fluency, result in an ethnic group heterogeneous with regard to SES, health practices, and health education needs. This study examined how demographic and health-related characteristics of Spanish-dominant (SD), Bilingual (BIL), and English-dominant (ED) Latino men and women aged 25–64 differed among members of a large Northern California health plan. Methods This observational study was based on data from cohorts of 171 SD (requiring an interpreter), 181 BIL, and 734 ED Latinos aged 25–64 who responded to random sample health plan member surveys conducted 2005–2006. Language groups were compared separately by gender on education, income, behavioral health risks (smoking, obesity, exercise frequency, dietary practices, health beliefs), health status (overall health and emotional health, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heartburn/acid reflux, back pain, depression), computer and Internet access, and health education modality preferences. Results Compared with ED Latinos, higher percentages of the SD and BIL groups had very low educational attainment and low income. While groups were similar in prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, SD were less likely than ED Latinos to rate overall health and emotional well-being as good, very good, or excellent and more likely to report heartburn and back pain (women only). The groups were similar with regard to smoking and obesity, but among women, SD were more likely to be physically inactive than ED, and BIL were less likely than SD and ED groups to eat <3 servings of fruit/vegetables per day. SD and BIL of both genders were significantly less likely than ED Latinos to believe that health practices had a large impact on health. Compared to ED men and women, SD and BIL Latinos had significantly lower Internet and computer access. As a result, SD Latinos had a greater preference for lower technology health education modalities such as videos and taped phone messages. Conclusion There are important differences among Latinos of different English language proficiency with regard to education, income, health status, health behaviors, IT access, and health education modality preferences that ought to be considered when planning and implementing health programs for this growing segment of the U.S. population. PMID:18782454

Calibrations for Charged Particle Tracking with the GlueX Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staib, Michael; GlueX Collaboration

2015-10-01

Two gas detectors comprise the tracking system for the GlueX experiment, the Central Drift Chamber (CDC) and the Forward Drift Chamber (FDC). The CDC is a cylindrical straw-tube detector covering polar angles between 6° and 168°, delivering spatial resolution of ~150 μm. The FDC is a Cathode Strip Chamber consisting of four packages, each with six alternating layers of anode wires and cathode strips. The FDC is designed to track forward-going charged particles with polar angles between 1° and 20° with a spatial resolution of ~200 μm. Both tracking detectors record timing information and energy loss measurements useful for particle identification. During Fall 2014 and Spring 2015, the first photon beam was delivered on target for commissioning of the GlueX detector in Hall-D at Jefferson Lab. These data are currently being used in a large effort to calibrate the individual detector subsystems to achieve design performance. Methods and results for calibrations of each of the tracking detectors are presented. Techniques for alignment of the tracking system using a combination of cosmic rays and beam data is discussed. Finally, some early results of physics measurements including charged final-state particles are presented. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics under Contract DE-AC05-06OR23177.

The Association between Dystemperament and Prevention of Diseases: A Systematic Review

PubMed Central

Kopaei, Rafieian; Khajegir, Alireza

2016-01-01

Introduction Temperament or mizaj is referred to four different humors differentiating individuals and as a result, proposing different preventive measures for their diseases. Aim In this study, a systematic and purposeful review with emphasis on the research question was done to retrieve, evaluate and consolidate the required information. Materials and Methods Computerized search of published original articles with fulltext was performed using PubMed and Web of Science, Medline data Science direct, ProQuest, SID and Cochrane Library bases as well as local references from March 1990 to March 2016. The key terms used were “temperament”, “Dystemperament”, “prevention”, “health promotion”, “sue mizaj”, “treatments” and “preventive measures”,”preventive medicine”. Original and translated books were also used. Out of 25 articles, 9 were selected. Results The findings of this study indicated that there are six essential factors (asbab-e-sitlah Zarooriya), in preventing diseases which includes air, water, food, rest and improvement of body, soul and mind, sleeping and awakening, retention and discharge of fluids, solids, gases and energy from the body and based on the aforementioned causes, some Tadbeer were introduced as Tadabir-i-Nafas (air), Tadbeer-bil-food, Tadbeer-bil-drinks, Tadbeer bil-exercise and physical relaxation, Tadbeer-bil-sleep and wakefulness, Tadbeer bil-retention and discharge. Conclusion There are two differences between these two kinds of medicine; firstly, although some preventive factors are overlapped in traditional and mainstream medicines (including nutrition (both food and drink), physical activity and sleep), some of the traditional preventive factors become undelined (retention, air) and some new preventive factors get highlighted in mainstream medicine (e.g., not smoking, not having stress, …); secondly, rules of preventive medicine in Unani system were mentioned in detail and were different for different people with different types of temperament, while the mainstream medicine states its rules, generally for different types of people. PMID:27790567

Environmental pollution affects molecular and biochemical responses during gonadal maturation of Astyanax fasciatus (Teleostei: Characiformes: Characidae).

PubMed

Tolussi, Carlos E; Gomes, Aline D Olio; Kumar, Anupama; Ribeiro, Cristiele S; Nostro, Fabiana L Lo; Bain, Peter A; de Souza, Gabriela B; Cuña, Rodrigo Da; Honji, Renato M; Moreira, Renata G

2018-01-01

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) have the potential to alter fish reproduction at various levels of organization. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a natural environment with heavily anthropogenic influence on the physiological processes involved in reproduction in the freshwater fish lambari (Astyanax fasciatus) using different biomarkers. Adult males and females were collected in different seasons from two distinct sites in the same watershed: Ponte Nova Reservoir (PN) considered a pristine or small anthropogenic influence reference point; and Billings Reservoir (Bil), subjected to a large anthropogenic impact. Biological indices, such as hepatosomatic index and gonadosomatic index (GSI), gonadal histomorphology, fecundity, and biomarkers such as plasma levels of estradiol (E2) as well as hepatic gene expression of its alfa nuclear receptor (ERα), were analyzed. Hepatic vitellogenin (VTG) gene expression was evaluated in both sexes, as an indicator of xenoestrogen exposure. Females collected at PN presented a typical annual variation reflected in GSI, whereas for those sampled at Bil the index did not change through the seasons. The higher concentration of E2 in males collected at Bil during spring/2013, together with the detection of VTG gene expression, suggest the presence of EDCs in the water. These EDCs may have also influenced fecundity of females from Bil, which was higher during winter and spring/2013. Gene expression of ERα and ovarian morphology did not differ between fish from both sites. Water conditions from Bil reservoir impacted by anthropic activity clearly interfered mainly with biomarkers of biological effect such as plasma E2 levels and absolute and relative fecundity, but also altered biomarkers of exposure as VTG gene expression. These facts support the notion that waterborne EDCs are capable of causing estrogenic activity in A. fasciatus. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Digital 3D-Reconstruction of the Younger Dryas Baltic Ice Lake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jakobsson, M.; Alm, G.; Bjorck, S.; Lindeberg, G.; Svensson, N.

2005-12-01

A digital 3D-reconstruction of the final stage of the ice dammed Baltic Ice Lake (BIL), dated to the very end of the Younger Dryas cold period (ca. 11 600 cal. yr BP) has been compiled using a combined bathymetric-topographic Digital Terrain Model (DTM), Scandinavian ice sheet limits, Baltic Sea Holocene bottom sediment thickness information, and a paleoshoreline database maintained at the Lund University. The combined bathymetric-topographic Digital Terrain Model (DTM) model used to reconstruct the ice dammed lake was compiled specifically for this study from publicly available data sets. The final DTM is in the form of a digital grid on Lamberts Equal Area projection with a resolution of 500 x 500 m, which permits a much more detailed reconstruction of the BIL than previously made. The lake was constructed through a series of experiments where mathematical algorithms were applied to fit the paleolake's surface through the shoreline database. The accumulated Holocene bottom sediments in the Baltic Sea were subsequently subtracted from the present bathymetry in our reconstruction. This allows us to estimate the Baltic Ice Lake's paleobathymetry, area, volume, and hypsometry, which will comprise key input data to lake/climate modeling exercises following this study. The Scandinavian ice sheet margin eventually retreated north of Mount Billingen, which was the high point in terrain of Southern central Sweden bordering to lower terrain further to the North. As a consequence, the BIL was catastrophically drained through this area, resulting in a 25 m drop of the lake level. With our digital BIL model we estimate that approximately 7, 800 km3 of water drained during this event and that the ice dammed lake area was reduced with ca 18 percent. The digital BIL reconstruction is analyzed using 3D-visualization techniques that provide new detailed information on the paleogeography in the area, both before and after the lake drainage, with implications for interpretations of geological records concerning the post-glacial environmental development of southern Scandinavia.

A binary link tracker for the BaBar level 1 trigger system

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

Berenyi, A.; Chen, H.K.; Dao, K.

1999-08-01

The BaBar detector at PEP-II will operate in a high-luminosity e{sup +}e{sup {minus}} collider environment near the {Upsilon}(4S) resonance with the primary goal of studying CP violation in the B meson system. In this environment, typical physics events of interest involve multiple charged particles. These events are identified by counting these tracks in a fast first level (Level 1) trigger system, by reconstructing the tracks in real time. For this purpose, a Binary Link Tracker Module (BLTM) was designed and fabricated for the BaBar Level 1 Drift Chamber trigger system. The BLTM is responsible for linking track segments, constructed bymore » the Track Segment Finder Modules (TSFM), into complete tracks. A single BLTM module processes a 360 MBytes/s stream of segment hit data, corresponding to information from the entire Drift Chamber, and implements a fast and robust algorithm that tolerates high hit occupancies as well as local inefficiencies of the Drift Chamber. The algorithms and the necessary control logic of the BLTM were implemented in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), using the VHDL hardware description language. The finished 9U x 400 mm Euro-format board contains roughly 75,000 gates of programmable logic or about 10,000 lines of VHDL code synthesized into five FPGAs.« less

[Development of cloud chamber having thin-film entrance windows and proposal of practical training for beginners using X-ray equipment and unsealed radioactive material].

PubMed

Konishi, Yuki; Hayashi, Hiroaki; Takegami, Kazuki; Fukuda, Ikuma; Ueno, Junji

2014-01-01

A cloud chamber is a detector that can visualize the tracks of charged particles. Hayashi, et al. suggested a visualization experiment in which X-rays generated by diagnostic X-ray equipment were directed into a cloud chamber; however, there was a problem in that the wall of the cloud chamber scattered the incoming X-rays. In this study, we developed a new cloud chamber with entrance windows. Because these windows are made of thin film, we were able to direct the X-rays through them without contamination by scattered X-rays from the cloud chamber wall. We have newly proposed an experiment in which beta-particles emitted from radioisotopes are directed into a cloud chamber. We place shielding material in the cloud chamber and visualize the various shielding effects seen with the material positioned in different ways. During the experiment, electrons scattered in the air were measured quantitatively using GM counters. We explained the physical phenomena in the cloud chamber using Monte Carlo simulation code EGS5. Because electrons follow a tortuous path in air, the shielding material must be placed appropriately to be able to effectively block their emissions. Visualization of the tracks of charged particles in this experiment proved effective for instructing not only trainee radiological technologists but also different types of healthcare professionals.

Predictive effects of bilirubin on response of colorectal cancer to irinotecan-based chemotherapy.

PubMed

Yu, Qian-Qian; Qiu, Hong; Zhang, Ming-Sheng; Hu, Guang-Yuan; Liu, Bo; Huang, Liu; Liao, Xin; Li, Qian-Xia; Li, Zhi-Huan; Yuan, Xiang-Lin

2016-04-28

To examine the predictive effects of baseline serum bilirubin levels and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) 1A1*28 polymorphism on response of colorectal cancer to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. The present study was based on a prospective multicenter longitudinal trial of Chinese metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy (NCT01282658). Baseline serum bilirubin levels, including total bilirubin (TBil) and unconjugated bilirubin (UBil), were measured, and genotyping of UGT1A1*28 polymorphism was performed. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine cutoff values of TBil and UBil. The TBil values were categorized into > 13.0 or ≤ 13.0 groups; the UBil values were categorized into > 4.1 or ≤ 4.1 groups. Combining the cutoff values of TBil and UBil, which was recorded as CoBil, patients were classified into three groups. The classifier's performance of UGT1A1*28 and CoBil for predicting treatment response was evaluated by ROC analysis. Associations between response and CoBil or UGT1A1*28 polymorphism were estimated using simple and multiple logistic regression models. Among the 120 mCRC patients, the serum bilirubin level was significantly different between the UGT1A1*28 wild-type and mutant genotypes. Patients with the mutant genotype had an increased likelihood of a higher TBil (P = 0.018) and a higher UBil (P = 0.014) level compared with the wild-type genotype. Patients were stratified into three groups based on CoBil. Group 1 was patients with TBil > 13.0 and UBil > 4.1; Group 2 was patients with TBil ≤ 13.0 and UBil > 4.1; and Group 3 was patients with TBil ≤ 13.0 and UBil ≤ 4.1. Patients in Group 3 had more than a 10-fold higher likelihood of having a response in the simple (OR = 11.250; 95%CI: 2.286-55.367; P = 0.003) and multiple (OR = 16.001; 95%CI: 2.802 -91.371; P = 0.002) analyses compared with the Group 1 individuals. Patients carrying the UGT1A1*28 (TA)7 allele were 4-fold less likely to present with a response compared with the individuals harboring a homozygous (TA)6 genotype in the simple (OR = 0.267; 95%CI: 0.100-0.709; P = 0.008) and multiple (OR = 0.244; 95%CI: 0.088-0.678; P = 0.007) analyses. Classifier's performance of CoBil and UGT1A1*28 were comparable. CoBil and UGT1A1*28 are both independent biomarkers for predicting the treatment response of mCRC patients to irinotecan-based chemotherapy. After validation, CoBil, an easily determinable index in the clinic, might be helpful in facilitating stratification of mCRC patients for individualized treatment options.

Availability of Alternatives and the Processing of Scalar Implicatures: A Visual World Eye-tracking Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Degen, Judith; Tanenhaus, Michael K.

2016-01-01

Two visual world experiments investigated the processing of the implicature associated with "some" using a "gumball paradigm." On each trial, participants saw an image of a gumball machine with an upper chamber with orange and blue gumballs and an empty lower chamber. Gumballs dropped to the lower chamber, creating a contrast…

Large area emulsion chamber experiments for the Space Shuttle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parnell, T. A.

1985-01-01

Emulsion-chamber experiments employing nuclear-track emulsions, etchable plastic detectors, metal plates, and X-ray films continue to demonstrate high productivity and potential in the study of cosmic-ray primaries and their interactions. Emulsions, with unsurpassed track-recording capability, provide an appropriate medium for the study of nucleus-nucleus interactions at high energy, which will likely produce observations of a phase change in nuclear matter. The many advantages of emulsion chambers (excellent multitrack recording capability, large geometry factor, low apparatus cost, simplicity of design and construction) are complemented by the major advantages of the Space Shuttle as an experiment carrier. A Shuttle experiment which could make a significant advance in both cosmic-ray primary and nucleus-nucleus interaction studies is described. Such an experiment would serve as a guide for use of emulsions during the Space Station era. Some practical factors that must be considered in planning a Shuttle exposure of emulsion chambers are discussed.

Proton Radiography With Timepix Based Time Projection Chambers.

PubMed

Biegun, Aleksandra K; Visser, Jan; Klaver, Tom; Ghazanfari, Nafiseh; van Goethem, Marc-Jan; Koffeman, Els; van Beuzekom, Martin; Brandenburg, Sytze

2016-04-01

The development of a proton radiography system to improve the imaging of patients in proton beam therapy is described. The system comprises gridpix based time projection chambers, which are based on the Timepix chip designed by the Medipix collaboration, for tracking the protons. This type of detector was chosen to have minimal impact on the actual determination of the proton tracks by the tracking detectors. To determine the residual energy of the protons, a BaF 2 crystal with a photomultiplier tube is used. We present data taken in a feasibility experiment with phantoms that represent tissue equivalent materials found in the human body. The obtained experimental results show a good agreement with the performed simulations.

A GEM-TPC in twin configuration for the Super-FRS tracking of heavy ions at FAIR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García, F.; Grahn, T.; Hoffmann, J.; Jokinen, A.; Kaya, C.; Kunkel, J.; Rinta-Antila, S.; Risch, H.; Rusanov, I.; Schmidt, C. J.; Simon, H.; Simons, C.; Turpeinen, R.; Voss, B.; Äystö, J.; Winkler, M.

2018-03-01

The GEM-TPC described herein will be part of the standard beam-diagnostics equipment of the Super-FRS. This chamber will provide tracking information for particle identification at rates up to 1 MHz on an event-by-event basis. The key requirements of operation for these chambers are: close to 100% tracking efficiency under conditions of high counting rate, spatial resolution below 1 mm and a superb large dynamic range covering projectiles from Z = 1 up to Z = 92. The current prototype consists of two GEM-TPCs inside a single vessel, which are operating independently and have electrical drift fields in opposite directions. The twin configuration is done by flipping one of the GEM-TPCs on the middle plane with respect to the second one. In order to put this development in context, the evolution of previous prototypes will be described and its performances discussed. Finally, this chamber was tested at the University of Jyväskylä accelerator with proton projectiles and at GSI with Uranium, Xenon, fragments and Carbon beams. The results obtained have shown a position resolution between 120 to 300 μm at moderate counting rate under conditions of full tracking efficiency.

Safety and tolerability of Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis EVC001 supplementation in healthy term breastfed infants: a phase I clinical trial.

PubMed

Smilowitz, Jennifer T; Moya, Jackelyn; Breck, Melissa A; Cook, Chelsea; Fineberg, Annette; Angkustsiri, Kathleen; Underwood, Mark A

2017-05-30

Historically, bifidobacteria were the dominant intestinal bacteria in breastfed infants. Still abundant in infants in developing nations, levels of intestinal bifidobacteria are low among infants in developed nations. Recent studies have described an intimate relationship between human milk and a specific subspecies of Bifidobacterium, B. longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis), yet supplementation of breastfed, healthy, term infants with this organism, has not been reported. The IMPRINT Study, a Phase I clinical trial, was initiated to determine the safety and tolerability of supplementing breastfed infants with B. infantis (EVC001). Eighty mother-infant dyads were enrolled in either lactation support plus B. infantis supplementation (BiLS) or lactation support alone (LS). Starting with Day 7 postnatal, BiLS infants were fed 1.8-2.8 × 10 10  CFU B. infantis EVC001 daily in breast milk for 21 days. Mothers collected fecal samples, filled out health questionnaires, and kept daily logs about their infants' feeding and gastrointestinal symptoms from birth until Day 61 postnatal. Safety and tolerability were determined from maternal reports. There were no differences in the mean gestational age at birth, weight 1 and 2 months postnatal, and breast milk intake between groups. The mean Log 10 change in fecal Bifidobacterium from Day 6 to Day 28 was higher (p = 0.0002) for BiLS (6.6 ± 2.8 SD) than for LS infants (3.5 ± 3.5 SD). Daily stool number was higher (p < 0.005) for LS and lower (p < 0.05) for BiLS infants during supplementation than at Baseline. During supplementation, watery stools decreased and soft stools increased by 36% over baseline in BiLS infants (p < 0.05) with no significant changes in stool consistency for the LS infants. None of the safety and tolerability endpoints, including flatulence, bloody stool, body temperature, ratings of gastrointestinal symptoms, use of antibiotics or gas-relieving medications, infant colic, jaundice, number of illnesses, sick doctor visits, or diagnoses of eczema were different for the groups at any point. The B. infantis EVC001 supplement was safely consumed and well-tolerated. Stools were fewer and better formed in infants in the BiLS group compared with LS group. Adverse events were those expected in healthy infants and not different between groups. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02457338 . Registered May 27, 2015.

Radon detection in conical diffusion chambers: Monte Carlo calculations and experiment

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

Rickards, J.; Golzarri, J. I.; Espinosa, G., E-mail: espinosa@fisica.unam.mx

2015-07-23

The operation of radon detection diffusion chambers of truncated conical shape was studied using Monte Carlo calculations. The efficiency was studied for alpha particles generated randomly in the volume of the chamber, and progeny generated randomly on the interior surface, which reach track detectors placed in different positions within the chamber. Incidence angular distributions, incidence energy spectra and path length distributions are calculated. Cases studied include different positions of the detector within the chamber, varying atmospheric pressure, and introducing a cutoff incidence angle and energy.

Nuclear Track Detector Characterization via Alpha-Spectrometry for Radioprotection Use

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

Morelli, D.; Imme, G.; Catalano, R.

2011-12-13

Solid Nuclear Track Detectors (SNTDs), CR-39 type, are usually adopted to monitor radon gas concentrations. In order to characterize the detectors according to track geometrical parameters, detectors were irradiated inside a vacuum chamber by alpha particles at twelve energy values, obtained by different Mylar foils in front of a {sup 241}Am source. The alpha energy values were verified using a Si detector. After the exposure to the alpha particles, the detectors were chemically etched to enlarge the tracks, which were then analyzed by means of a semiautomatic system composed of an optical microscope equipped with a CCD camera connected tomore » a personal computer to store images. A suitable routine analyzed the track parameters: major and minor axis length and mean grey level, allowing us to differentiate tracks according to the incident alpha energy and then to individuate the discrimination factors for radon alpha tracks. The combined use of geometrical and optical parameters allows one to overcome the ambiguity in the alpha energy determination due to the non-monotonicity of each parameter versus energy. After track parameter determination, a calibration procedure was performed by means of a radon chamber. The calibration was verified through an inter-comparing survey.« less

A study of the polyethylene membrane used in diffusion chambers for radon gas concentration measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, S. Y. Y.; Nikezic, D.; Leung, J. K. C.; Yu, K. N.

2007-10-01

Solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) in diffusion chambers have been routinely used for long-term measurements of radon gas concentrations. In usual practice, a filter is added across the top of the diffusion chamber to stop the progeny from entering. Thoron can also be deterred from entering the diffusion chamber by using a polyethylene (PE) membrane. However, the thickness of the PE membrane is rarely specified in the literature. In this paper, we will present our experimental results for a radon exposure that the number of alpha-particle tracks registered by the LR 115 SSNTD in a Karlsruhe diffusion chamber covered with one layer of PE membrane is actually enhanced. This is explained by enhanced deposition of radon progeny on the outside surface of the PE membrane and the insufficient thickness of the PE membrane to stop the alpha particles emitted from these deposited radon progeny to reach the SSNTD. We will present the PE thickness which can stop the alpha particles emitted from the deposited radon or thoron progeny. For the "twin diffusion chambers method", one of the diffusion chambers is covered with PE membranes. The optimal number of thickness of PE membranes will be determined, which allows the largest amount of radon gas to diffuse into the diffusion chamber while at the same time screening out the largest amount of thoron gas.

Time dependence of 222Rn, 220Rn and their progenies' distributions in a diffusion chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stevanovic, N.; Markovic, V. M.; Nikezic, D.

2017-11-01

Diffusion chamber with SSNTD (Solid State Nuclear Track Detector) placed inside is a passive detector for measuring the activity of 222Rn and 220Rn (radon and thoron) and their progenies. Calibration from detected alpha particle tracks to progeny activity is often acquired from theoretical models. One common assumption related to these models found in literature is that concentrations of 222Rn and 220Rn at the entrance of a chamber are constant during the exposure. In this paper, concentrations of 222Rn and 220Rn at the entrance of the chamber are taken to be variable with time, which is actually the case in reality. Therefore, spatial distributions of 222Rn and 220Rn and their progenies inside the diffusion chamber should be time dependent. Variation of 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations on the entrance of the chamber was modeled on the basis of true measurements. Diffusion equations in cylindrical coordinates were solved using FDM (Finite Difference Method) to obtain spatial distributions as functions of time. It was shown that concentrations of 222Rn, 220Rn and their progenies were not homogeneously distributed in the chamber. Due to variable 222Rn and 220Rn concentrations at the entrance of the chamber, steady state (the case when concentration of 222Rn, 220Rn and their progenies inside the chamber remains unchanged with time) could not be reached. Deposition of progenies on the chamber walls was considered and it was shown that distributions of deposited progenies were not uniform over walls' surface.

Whole-rock uranium analysis by fission track activation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weiss, J. R.; Haines, E. L.

1974-01-01

We report a whole-rock uranium method in which the polished sample and track detector are separated in a vacuum chamber. Irradiation with thermal neutrons induces uranium fission in the sample, and the detector records the integrated fission track density. Detection efficiency and geometric factors are calculated and compared with calibration experiments.

Analysis Strategy and Selection Procedure for νμ Charged Current Inclusive Interactions using the ^0 Detector (P0D) and the Time Projection Chambers of the T2K Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinherz-Aronis, Erez; Clifton, Alex; Das, Raj; Toki, Walter; Johnson, Robert; Marino, Alysia; Yuan, Tianlu

2013-04-01

νμ Charge-Current events are produced and collected by the Near Detectors (ND280) in the Tokai to Kamioka (T2K) experiment. This talk focuses on those interactions that are created in the Pi-Zero detector (PøD) and whose momentum is measured by the Time Projection Chambers (TPC). The description of the analysis event selection is presented which includes Data-Quality cuts, Beam Quality parameters, and Fiducial Volume boundaries which are applied on the beginning of the PøD track. In addition the matching procedure of a TPC track to a PøD track and the optimization of this procedure in presented.

Different carcinogenic process in cholangiocarcinoma cases epidemically developing among workers of a printing company in Japan.

PubMed

Sato, Yasunori; Kubo, Shoji; Takemura, Shigekazu; Sugawara, Yasuhiko; Tanaka, Shogo; Fujikawa, Masahiro; Arimoto, Akira; Harada, Kenichi; Sasaki, Motoko; Nakanuma, Yasuni

2014-01-01

Recently, cholangiocarcinoma has epidemically developed among young adult workers of a printing company in Japan. Exposure to organic solvents including 1,2-dichloropropane and/or dichloromethane is supposed to be associated with the carcinoma development. The metabolism of dichloromethane proceeds through a Theta-class glutathione S-transferase (GST) T1-1-catalyzed pathway, where its reactive intermediates have been implicated in genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. This study examined features of the carcinogenic process of the cholangiocarcinoma developed in the printing company. Surgically resected specimens of the cholangiocarcinoma cases were analyzed, where all cases were associated with precursor lesions such as biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) and/or intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB). Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed constitutional expression of GST T1-1 in normal hepatobiliary tract. Immunostaining of γ-H2AX, a marker of DNA double strand break, showed that its expression was significantly increased in foci of BilIN, IPNB and invasive carcinoma as well as in non-neoplastic biliary epithelial cells of the printing company cases when compared to that of control groups. In the printing company cases, immunohistochemical expression of p53 was observed in non-neoplastic biliary epithelial cells and BilIN-1. Mutations of KRAS and GNAS were detected in foci of BilIN in one out of 3 cases of the printing company. These results revealed different carcinogenic process of the printing company cases, suggesting that the exposed organic solvents might act as a carcinogen for biliary epithelial cells by causing DNA damage, thereby contributing to the carcinoma development.

Reducing Uncertainties in Neutron-Induced Fission Cross Sections Using a Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manning, Brett; Niffte Collaboration

2015-10-01

Neutron-induced fission cross sections for actinides have long been of great interest for nuclear energy and stockpile stewardship. Traditionally, measurements were performed using fission chambers which provided limited information about the detected fission events. For the case of 239Pu(n,f), sensitivity studies have shown a need for more precise measurements. Recently the Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking Experiment (NIFFTE) has developed the fission Time Projection Chamber (fissionTPC) to measure fission cross sections to better than 1% uncertainty by providing 3D tracking of fission fragments. The fissionTPC collected data to calculate the 239Pu(n,f) cross section at the Weapons Neutron Research facility at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center during the 2014 run cycle. Preliminary analysis has been focused on studying particle identification and target and beam non-uniformities to reduce the uncertainty on the cross section. Additionally, the collaboration is investigating other systematic errors that could not be well studied with a traditional fission chamber. LA-UR-15-24906.

New installation for inclined EAS investigations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zadeba, E. A.; Ampilogov, N. V.; Barbashina, N. S.; Bogdanov, A. G.; Borisov, A. A.; Chernov, D. V.; Dushkin, L. I.; Fakhrutdinov, R. M.; Kokoulin, R. P.; Kompaniets, K. G.; Kozhin, A. S.; Ovchinnikov, V. V.; Ovechkin, A. S.; Petrukhin, A. A.; Shutenko, V. V.; Volkov, N. S.; Vorobjev, V. S.; Yashin, I. I.

2017-06-01

The large-scale coordinate-tracking detector TREK for registration of inclined EAS is being developed in MEPhI. The detector is based on multiwire drift chambers from the neutrino experiment at the IHEP U-70 accelerator. Their key advantages are a large effective area (1.85 m2), a good coordinate and angular resolution with a small number of measuring channels. The detector will be operated as part of the experimental complex NEVOD, in particular, jointly with a Cherenkov water detector (CWD) with a volume of 2000 cubic meters and the coordinate detector DECOR. The first part of the detector named Coordinate-Tracking Unit based on the Drift Chambers (CTUDC), representing two coordinate planes of 8 drift chambers in each, has been developed and mounted on opposite sides of the CWD. It has the same principle of joint operation with the NEVOD-DECOR triggering system and the same drift chambers alignment, so the main features of the TREK detector will be examined. Results of the CTUDC development and a joint operation with NEVOD-DECOR complex are presented.

Design, construction, prototype tests and performance of a vertex chamber for the MAC detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ash, W. W.; Band, H. R.; Bloom, E. D.; Bosman, M.; Camporesi, T.; Chadwick, G. B.; Delfino, M. C.; De Sangro, R.; Ford, W. T.; Gettner, M. W.; Goderre, G. P.; Godfrey, G. L.; Groom, D. E.; Hurst, R. B.; Johnson, J. R.; Lau, K. H.; Lavine, T. L.; Leedy, R. E.; Lippi, I.; Maruyama, T.; Messner, R. L.; Moromisato, J. H.; Moss, L. J.; Muller, F.; Nelson, H. N.; Peruzzi, I.; Piccolo, M.; Prepost, R.; Pyrlik, J.; Qi, N.; Read, A. L.; Ritson, D. M.; Rosenberg, L. J.; Shambroom, W. D.; Sleeman, J. C.; Smith, J. G.; Venuti, J. P.; Verdini, P. G.; Von Goeler, E.; Wald, H. B.; Weinstein, R.; Wiser, D. E.; Zdarko, R. W.

1987-11-01

The design considerations, construction techniques, prototype tests and performance characteristics of a pressurized drift chamber used in the MAC detector at PEP are described. The chamber consists of 324 aluminized mylar tubes of 6.9 mm diameter with wall thickness of 100 μm. With appropriate shielding it operates successfully at 4.6 cm from the beam line. It was simple to construct and was configured to permit any malfunctioning tubes to be remotely disconnected without affecting operation. The chamber operated without problems for two years in the PEP environment with a gas mixture of 49.5% argon, 49.5% CO 2, 1% CH 4, at 4 atm absolute pressure. The mean spatial resolution averaged over all tubes was 45 μm. The time to distance relation for this gas mixture, along with the geometric positioning of individual wires relative to the central tracking chamber, was obtained with data from Bhabha scattering events. We also describe resolution studies performed with a prototype chamber in a SLAC test beam. A wide range of gases, gas pressures, and electronic parameters were explored. These studies proved that resolutions in the 10-50 μm range were possible. Our experience demonstrates that chambers of this type provide high precision tracking and are particularly suited for operation in regions with difficult physical access and/or high ambient radiation levels.

Relief of mitral leaflet tethering following chronic myocardial infarction by chordal cutting diminishes left ventricular remodeling.

PubMed

Messas, Emmanuel; Bel, Alain; Szymanski, Catherine; Cohen, Iris; Touchot, Bernard; Handschumacher, Mark D; Desnos, Michel; Carpentier, Alain; Menasché, Philippe; Hagège, Albert A; Levine, Robert A

2010-11-01

one of the key targets in treating mitral regurgitation (MR) is reducing the otherwise progressive left ventricular (LV) remodeling that exacerbates MR and conveys adverse prognosis. We have previously demonstrated that severing 2 second-order chordae to the anterior mitral leaflet relieves tethering and ischemic MR acutely. The purpose of this study was to test whether this technique reduces the progression of LV remodeling in the chronic ischemic MR setting. a posterolateral MI was created in 18 sheep by obtuse marginal branch ligation. After chronic remodeling and MR development at 3 months, 6 sheep were randomized to sham surgery (control group) and 12 to second-order chordal cutting (6 each to anterior leaflet [AntL] and bileaflet [BiL] chordal cutting, techniques that are in clinical application). At baseline, chronic infarction (3 months), and follow-up at a mean of 6.6 months post-myocardial infarction (MI) (euthanasia), we measured LV end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic volume (ESV), ejection fraction, wall motion score index, and posterior leaflet (PL) restriction angle relative to the annulus by 2D and 3D echocardiography. All measurements were comparable among groups at baseline and chronic MI. At euthanasia, AntL and BiL chordal cutting limited the progressive remodeling seen in controls. LVESV increased relative to chronic MI by 109±8.7% in controls versus 30.5±6.1% with chordal cutting (P<0.01) (LVESV in controls, 82.5±2.6 mL; in AntL, 60.6±5.1 mL; in BiL, 61.8±4.1 mL). LVEDV increased by 63±2.0% in controls versus 26±5.5% and 22±3.4% with chordal cutting (P<0.01). LV ejection fraction and wall motion score index were not significantly different at follow-up among the chordal cutting and control groups. MR progressively increased to moderate in controls but decreased to trace-mild with AntL and BiL chordal cutting (MR vena contracta in controls, 5.9±1.1 mm; in AntL, 2.6±0.1 mm; in BiL, 1.7±0.1 mm; P<0.01). BiL chordal cutting provided greater PL mobility (decreased PL restriction angle to 54.2±5.0° versus 83±3.2° with AntL chordal cutting; P<0.01). reduced leaflet tethering by chordal cutting in the chronic post-MI setting substantially decreases the progression of LV remodeling with sustained reduction of MR over a chronic follow-up. These benefits have the potential to improve clinical outcomes.

SONTRAC: A solar neutron track chamber detector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frye, G. M., Jr.; Jenkins, T. L.; Owens, A.

1985-01-01

The recent detection on the solar maximum mission (SMM) satellite of high energy neutrons emitted during large solar flares has provided renewed incentive to design a neutron detector which has the sensitivity, energy resolution, and time resolution to measure the neutron time and energy spectra with sufficient precision to improve our understanding of the basic flare processes. Over the past two decades a variety of neutron detectors has been flown to measure the atmospheric neutron intensity above 10 MeV and to search for solar neutrons. The SONTRAC (Solar Neutron Track Chamber) detector, a new type of neutron detector which utilizes n-p scattering and has a sensitivity 1-3 orders of magnitude greater than previous instruments in the 20-200 MeV range is described. The energy resolution is 1% for neutron kinetic energy, T sub n 50 MeV. When used with a coded aperture mask at 50 m (as would be possible on the space station) an angular resolution of approx. 4 arc sec could be achieved, thereby locating the sites of high energy nuclear interactions with an angular precision comparable to the existing x-ray experiments on SMM. The scintillation chamber is investigated as a track chamber for high energy physics, either by using arrays of scintillating optical fibers or by optical imaging of particle trajectories in a block of scintillator.

4-Phenylbutyrate modulates ubiquitination of hepatocanalicular MRP2 and reduces serum total bilirubin concentration.

PubMed

Hayashi, Hisamitsu; Mizuno, Tadahaya; Horikawa, Reiko; Nagasaka, Hironori; Yabuki, Takashi; Takikawa, Hajime; Sugiyama, Yuichi

2012-05-01

Multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (in humans, MRP2; in rodents, Mrp2) mediates biliary excretion of bilirubin glucuronides. Therefore, upregulation of MRP2/Mrp2 expression may improve hyperbilirubinemia. We investigated the effects of 4-phenylbutyrate (4PBA), a drug used to treat ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency (OTCD), on the cell surface expression and transport function of MRP2/Mrp2 and serum T-Bil concentration. MRP2-expressing MDCKII (MRP2-MDCKII) cells and rats were studied to explore the change induced by 4PBA treatment in the cell surface expression and transport function of MRP2/Mrp2 and its underlying mechanism. Serum and liver specimens from OTCD patients were analyzed to examine the effect of 4PBA on hepatic MRP2 expression and serum T-Bil concentration in humans. In MRP2-MDCKII cells and the rat liver, 4PBA increased the cell surface expression and transport function of MRP2/Mrp2. In patients with OTCD, hepatic MRP2 expression increased and serum T-Bil concentration decreased significantly after 4PBA treatment. In vitro studies designed to explore the mechanism underlying this drug action suggested that cell surface-resident MRP2/Mrp2 is degraded via ubiquitination-mediated targeting to the endosomal/lysosomal degradation pathway and that 4PBA inhibits the degradation of cell surface-resident MRP2/Mrp2 by reducing its susceptibility to ubiquitination. 4PBA activates MRP2/Mrp2 function through increased expression of MRP2/Mrp2 at the hepatocanalicular membrane by modulating its ubiquitination, and thereby decreases serum T-Bil concentration. 4PBA has thus therapeutic potential for improving hyperbilirubinemia. Copyright © 2012 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Involvement of the Major Capsid Protein and Two Early-Expressed Phage Genes in the Activity of the Lactococcal Abortive Infection Mechanism AbiT

PubMed Central

Labrie, Simon J.; Tremblay, Denise M.; Moisan, Maxim; Villion, Manuela; Magadán, Alfonso H.; Campanacci, Valérie; Cambillau, Christian

2012-01-01

The dairy industry uses the mesophilic, Gram-positive, lactic acid bacterium (LAB) Lactococcus lactis to produce an array of fermented milk products. Milk fermentation processes are susceptible to contamination by virulent phages, but a plethora of phage control strategies are available. One of the most efficient is to use LAB strains carrying phage resistance systems such as abortive infection (Abi) mechanisms. Yet, the mode of action of most Abi systems remains poorly documented. Here, we shed further light on the antiviral activity of the lactococcal AbiT system. Twenty-eight AbiT-resistant phage mutants derived from the wild-type AbiT-sensitive lactococcal phages p2, bIL170, and P008 were isolated and characterized. Comparative genomic analyses identified three different genes that were mutated in these virulent AbiT-insensitive phage derivatives: e14 (bIL170 [e14bIL170]), orf41 (P008 [orf41P008]), and orf6 (p2 [orf6p2] and P008 [orf6P008]). The genes e14bIL170 and orf41P008 are part of the early-expressed genomic region, but bioinformatic analyses did not identify their putative function. orf6 is found in the phage morphogenesis module. Antibodies were raised against purified recombinant ORF6, and immunoelectron microscopy revealed that it is the major capsid protein (MCP). Coexpression in L. lactis of ORF6p2 and ORF5p2, a protease, led to the formation of procapsids. To our knowledge, AbiT is the first Abi system involving distinct phage genes. PMID:22820334

Effects of stacked quantitative resistances to downy mildew in lettuce do not simply add up.

PubMed

den Boer, Erik; Pelgrom, Koen T B; Zhang, Ningwen W; Visser, Richard G F; Niks, Rients E; Jeuken, Marieke J W

2014-08-01

In a stacking study of eight resistance QTLs in lettuce against downy mildew, only three out of ten double combinations showed an increased resistance effect under field conditions. Complete race nonspecific resistance to lettuce downy mildew, as observed for the nonhost wild lettuce species Lactuca saligna, is desired in lettuce cultivation. Genetic dissection of L. saligna's complete resistance has revealed several quantitative loci (QTL) for resistance with field infection reductions of 30-50 %. To test the effect of stacking these QTL, we analyzed interactions between homozygous L. saligna CGN05271 chromosome segments introgressed into the genetic background of L. sativa cv. Olof. Eight different backcross inbred lines (BILs) with single introgressions of 30-70 cM and selected predominately for quantitative resistance in field situations were intercrossed. Ten developed homozygous lines with stacked introgression segments (double combinations) were evaluated for resistance in the field. Seven double combinations showed a similar infection as the individual most resistant parental BIL, revealing epistatic interactions with 'less-than-additive' effects. Three double combinations showed an increased resistance level compared to their parental BILs and their interactions were additive, 'less-than-additive' epistatic and 'more-than-additive' epistatic, respectively. The additive interaction reduced field infection by 73 %. The double combination with a 'more-than-additive' epistatic effect, derived from a combination between a susceptible and a resistant BIL with 0 and 30 % infection reduction, respectively, showed an average field infection reduction of 52 %. For the latter line, an attempt to genetically dissect its underlying epistatic loci by substitution mapping did not result in smaller mapping intervals as none of the 22 substitution lines reached a similar high resistance level. Implications for breeding and the inheritance of L. saligna's complete resistance are discussed.

AGATE: A High Energy Gamma-Ray Telescope Using Drift Chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, R.; Dingus, B. L.; Esposito, J. A.; Bertsch, D. L.; Cuddapah, R.; Fichtel, C. E.; Hartman, R. C.; Hunter, S. D.; Thompson, D. J.

1996-01-01

The exciting results from the highly successful Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (CGRO) has contributed significantly to increasing our understanding of high energy gamma-ray astronomy. A follow-on mission to EGRET is needed to continue these scientific advances as well as to address the several new scientific questions raised by EGRET. Here we describe the work being done on the development of the Advanced Gamma-Ray Astronomy Telescope Experiment (AGATE), visualized as the successor to EGRET. In order to achieve the scientific goals, AGATE will have higher sensitivity than EGRET in the energy range 30 MeV to 30 GeV, larger effective area, better angular resolution, and an extended low and high energy range. In its design, AGATE will follow the tradition of the earlier gamma-ray telescopes, SAS-2, COS B, and EGRET, and will have the same four basic components of an anticoincidence system, directional coincidence system, track imaging, and energy measurement systems. However, due to its much larger size, AGATE will use drift chambers as its track imaging system rather than the spark chambers used by EGRET. Drift chambers are an obvious choice as they have less deadtime per event, better spatial resolution, and are relatively easy and inexpensive to build. Drift chambers have low power requirements, so that many layers of drift chambers can be included. To test the feasibility of using drift chambers, we have constructed a prototype instrument consisting of a stack of sixteen 1/2m × 1/2m drift chambers and have measured the spatial resolution using atmospheric muons. The results on the drift chamber performance in the laboratory are presented here.

A model-based approach for automated in vitro cell tracking and chemotaxis analyses.

PubMed

Debeir, Olivier; Camby, Isabelle; Kiss, Robert; Van Ham, Philippe; Decaestecker, Christine

2004-07-01

Chemotaxis may be studied in two main ways: 1) counting cells passing through an insert (e.g., using Boyden chambers), and 2) directly observing cell cultures (e.g., using Dunn chambers), both in response to stationary concentration gradients. This article promotes the use of Dunn chambers and in vitro cell-tracking, achieved by video microscopy coupled with automatic image analysis software, in order to extract quantitative and qualitative measurements characterizing the response of cells to a diffusible chemical agent. Previously, we set up a videomicroscopy system coupled with image analysis software that was able to compute cell trajectories from in vitro cell cultures. In the present study, we are introducing a new software increasing the application field of this system to chemotaxis studies. This software is based on an adapted version of the active contour methodology, enabling each cell to be efficiently tracked for hours and resulting in detailed descriptions of individual cell trajectories. The major advantages of this method come from an improved robustness with respect to variability in cell morphologies between different cell lines and dynamical changes in cell shape during cell migration. Moreover, the software includes a very small number of parameters which do not require overly sensitive tuning. Finally, the running time of the software is very short, allowing improved possibilities in acquisition frequency and, consequently, improved descriptions of complex cell trajectories, i.e. trajectories including cell division and cell crossing. We validated this software on several artificial and real cell culture experiments in Dunn chambers also including comparisons with manual (human-controlled) analyses. We developed new software and data analysis tools for automated cell tracking which enable cell chemotaxis to be efficiently analyzed. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Distributed drift chamber design for rare particle detection in relativistic heavy ion collisions

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

Bellwied, R.; Bennett, M.J.; Bernardo, V.

2001-10-02

This report describes a multi-plane drift chamber that was designed and constructed to function as a topological detector for the BNL AGSE896 rare particle experiment. The chamber was optimized for good spatial resolution, two track separation, and a high uniform efficiency while operating in a 1.6 Tesla magnetic field and subjected to long term exposure from a 11.6 GeV/nucleon beam of 10**6 Au ions per second.

Aquisição fonológica do português brasileiro por crianças ouvintes bilíngues bimodais e surdas usuárias de implante coclear

PubMed Central

Cruz, Carina Rebello; Finger, Ingrid

2014-01-01

Resumo O presente estudo investiga a aquisição fonológica do Português Brasileiro (PB) por 24 crianças ouvintes bilíngues bimodais, com acesso irrestrito à Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras), e por 6 crianças surdas que utilizam implante coclear (IC), com acesso restrito ou irrestrito à Libras. Para a avaliação do sistema fonológico das crianças em PB, foi utilizada a Parte A, Prova de Nomeação, do ABFW – Teste de Linguagem Infantil (ANDRADE et al. 2004). Os resultados revelaram que as crianças ouvintes bilíngues bimodais e a criança surda usuária de IC com acesso irrestrito à Libras apresentaram processo de aquisição fonológica esperada (normal) para a sua faixa etária. Considera-se que a aquisição precoce e o acesso irrestrito à Libras podem ter sido determinantes para o desempenho dessas crianças no teste oral utilizado. PMID:25506105

Enhancing bile tolerance improves survival and persistence of Bifidobacterium and Lactococcus in the murine gastrointestinal tract

PubMed Central

Watson, Debbie; Sleator, Roy D; Hill, Colin; Gahan, Cormac GM

2008-01-01

Background The majority of commensal gastrointestinal bacteria used as probiotics are highly adapted to the specialised environment of the large bowel. However, unlike pathogenic bacteria; they are often inadequately equipped to endure the physicochemical stresses of gastrointestinal (GI) delivery in the host. Herein we outline a patho-biotechnology strategy to improve gastric delivery and host adaptation of a probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 and the generally regarded as safe (GRAS) organism Lactococcus lactis NZ9000. Results In vitro bile tolerance of both strains was significantly enhanced (P < 0.001), following heterologous expression of the Listeria monocytogenes bile resistance mechanism BilE. Strains harbouring bilE were also recovered at significantly higher levels (P < 0.001), than control strains from the faeces and intestines of mice (n = 5), following oral inoculation. Furthermore, a B. breve strain expressing bilE demonstrated increased efficacy relative to the wild-type strain in reducing oral L. monocytogenes infection in mice. Conclusion Collectively the data indicates that bile tolerance can be enhanced in Bifidobacterium and Lactococcus species through rational genetic manipulation and that this can significantly improve delivery to and colonisation of the GI tract. PMID:18844989

Enhancing bile tolerance improves survival and persistence of Bifidobacterium and Lactococcus in the murine gastrointestinal tract.

PubMed

Watson, Debbie; Sleator, Roy D; Hill, Colin; Gahan, Cormac G M

2008-10-09

The majority of commensal gastrointestinal bacteria used as probiotics are highly adapted to the specialised environment of the large bowel. However, unlike pathogenic bacteria; they are often inadequately equipped to endure the physicochemical stresses of gastrointestinal (GI) delivery in the host. Herein we outline a patho-biotechnology strategy to improve gastric delivery and host adaptation of a probiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 and the generally regarded as safe (GRAS) organism Lactococcus lactis NZ9000. In vitro bile tolerance of both strains was significantly enhanced (P < 0.001), following heterologous expression of the Listeria monocytogenes bile resistance mechanism BilE. Strains harbouring bilE were also recovered at significantly higher levels (P < 0.001), than control strains from the faeces and intestines of mice (n = 5), following oral inoculation. Furthermore, a B. breve strain expressing bilE demonstrated increased efficacy relative to the wild-type strain in reducing oral L. monocytogenes infection in mice. Collectively the data indicates that bile tolerance can be enhanced in Bifidobacterium and Lactococcus species through rational genetic manipulation and that this can significantly improve delivery to and colonisation of the GI tract.

Liver elasticity measurement before and after biliary drainage in patients with obstructive jaundice: a prospective cohort studya prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Kubo, Kimitoshi; Kawakami, Hiroshi; Kuwatani, Masaki; Nishida, Mutsumi; Kawakubo, Kazumichi; Kawahata, Shuhei; Taya, Yoko; Kubota, Yoshimasa; Amano, Toraji; Shirato, Hiroki; Sakamoto, Naoya

2016-07-08

Obstructive jaundice has been reported to influence liver elasticity, independent of liver fibrosis. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the changes in liver elasticity, before and after biliary drainage, in patients with obstructive jaundice, and to evaluate the correlation between elasticity measures and serum markers of liver fibrosis. This is a prospective cohort study of 20 patients with obstructive jaundice. Liver elasticity was assessed by Transient Elastography (TE) and Virtual Touch™ Quantification (VTQ). Serum total bilirubin (T-Bil) level was measured before biliary drainage (Day 0), with measures repeated at 2 days (Day 2) and 7 days (Day 7) after biliary drainage. Serum levels of the following markers of liver fibrosis were also obtained on Day 0 and Day 7: hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen-III-peptide (P-III-P). T-Bil, TE, and VTQ for the left (VTQ-L) and right (VTQ-R) lobes of the liver were all elevated before biliary drainage, with respective levels, measured at Day 0, of 11.9 ± 1.5 mg/dl, 12.1 ± 0.9 kPa, 2.23 ± 0.10 m/s, and 1.85 ± 0.10 m/s. All values decreased on Day 7 after drainage: T-Bil, 4.7 ± 1.0 mg/dl (P < 0.001); TE, 7.6 ± 0.6 kPa (P < 0.001); VTQ-L, 1.53 ± 0.08 m/s (P < 0.001); and VTQ-R, 1.30 ± 0.05 m/s (P < 0.001). Similar changes were observed in serum markers of liver fibrosis. Liver elasticity measures correlated with serum levels of T-Bil, P-III-P, and HA (r = 0.35-0.67, P < 0.001). This study confirmed decreases in liver elasticity, measured by TE and VTQ, after biliary drainage. Measures of liver elasticity correlated to levels of T-Bil and serum markers of liver fibrosis. (UMIN ID: UMIN00001284313). University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN ID: UMIN00001284313 ); Registration date: 2014-01-14.

The Drift Chamber for the Experiment to Study the Nature of the Confinement

DOE PAGES

Berdnikov, Vladimir V.; Somov, S. V.; Pentchev, Lubomir; ...

2015-01-01

The GlueX experiment was designed to search for hybrid mesons with exotic quantum numbers using a beam of linearly polarized photons incident on a liquid hydrogen target. The spectrum of these states and their mass splitting from normal mesons may yield information on confinement. The description of the GlueX spectrometer and Forward Drift Chambers (FDC) as a part of track reconstruction system is presented in the text. FDC‘s are multiwire chambers with cathode and anode read-out. The system allows reconstructing tracks of charged particles with ~200mkm accuracy with angles from 20° up to 1°. One of the detector features ismore » 1.64% X 0 material amount in the active area. The cathode gain calibration procedure is presented. The results of such calibration using cosmic data and beam data are presented as well.« less

Performance studies of resistive Micromegas chambers for the upgrade of the ATLAS Muon Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ntekas, Konstantinos

2018-02-01

The ATLAS collaboration at LHC has endorsed the resistive Micromegas technology (MM), along with the small-strip Thin Gap Chambers (sTGC), for the high luminosity upgrade of the first muon station in the high-rapidity region, the so called New Small Wheel (NSW) project. The NSW requires fully efficient MM chambers, up to a particle rate of ˜ 15 kHz/cm2, with spatial resolution better than 100 μm independent of the track incidence angle and the magnetic field (B ≤ 0.3 T). Along with the precise tracking the MM should be able to provide a trigger signal, complementary to the sTGC, thus a decent timing resolution is required. Several tests have been performed on small (10 × 10 cm2) MM chambers using medium (10 GeV/c) and high (150 GeV/c) momentum hadron beams at CERN. Results on the efficiency and position resolution measured during these tests are presented demonstrating the excellent characteristics of the MM that fulfil the NSW requirements. Exploiting the ability of the MM to work as a Time Projection Chamber a novel method, called the μTPC, has been developed for the case of inclined tracks, allowing for a precise segment reconstruction using a single detection plane. A detailed description of the method along with thorough studies towards refining the method's performance are shown. Finally, during 2014 the first MM quadruplet (MMSW) following the NSW design scheme, comprising four detection planes in a stereo readout configuration, has been realised at CERN. Test-beam results of this prototype are discussed and compared to theoretical expectations.

Construction and test of new precision drift-tube chambers for the ATLAS muon spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kroha, H.; Kortner, O.; Schmidt-Sommerfeld, K.; Takasugi, E.

2017-02-01

ATLAS muon detector upgrades aim for increased acceptance for muon triggering and precision tracking and for improved rate capability of the muon chambers in the high-background regions of the detector with increasing LHC luminosity. The small-diameter Muon Drift Tube (sMDT) chambers have been developed for these purposes. With half of the drift-tube diameter of the MDT chambers and otherwise unchanged operating parameters, sMDT chambers share the advantages of the MDTs, but have an order of magnitude higher rate capability and can be installed in detector regions where MDT chambers do not fit in. The chamber assembly methods have been optimized for mass production, minimizing construction time and personnel. Sense wire positioning accuracies of 5 μm have been achieved in serial production for large-size chambers comprising several hundred drift tubes. The construction of new sMDT chambers for installation in the 2016/17 winter shutdown of the LHC and the design of sMDT chambers in combination with new RPC trigger chambers for replacement of the inner layer of the barrel muon spectrometer are in progress.

Track chambers based on precision drift tubes housed inside 30 mm mylar pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borisov, A.; Bozhko, N.; Fakhrutdinov, R.; Kozhin, A.; Leontiev, B.; Levin, A.

2014-06-01

We describe drift chambers consisting of 3 layers of 30 mm (OD) drift tubes made of double sided aluminized mylar film with thickness 0.125 mm. A single drift tube is self-supported structure withstanding 350 g tension of 50 microns sense wire located in the tube center with 10 microns precision with respect to end-plug outer surface. Such tubes allow to create drift chambers with small amount of material, construction of such chambers doesn't require hard frames. Twenty six chambers with working area from 0.8 × 1.0 to 2.5 × 2.0 m2 including 4440 tubes have been manufactured for experiments at 70-GeV proton accelerator at IHEP(Protvino).

MEASURING PROJECTOR

DOEpatents

Franck, J.V.; Broadhead, P.S.; Skiff, E.W.

1959-07-14

A semiautomatic measuring projector particularly adapted for measurement of the coordinates of photographic images of particle tracks as prcduced in a bubble or cloud chamber is presented. A viewing screen aids the operator in selecting a particle track for measurement. After approximate manual alignment, an image scanning system coupled to a servo control provides automatic exact alignment of a track image with a reference point. The apparatus can follow along a track with a continuous motion while recording coordinate data at various selected points along the track. The coordinate data is recorded on punched cards for subsequent computer calculation of particle trajectory, momentum, etc.

ACE: AMY CDC (central drift chamber) fast track finder

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

Mori, T.

1988-01-01

The central drift chamber (CDC) of the AMY detector at the TRISTAN e/sup /+//e/sup /-// collider features its fine granularity and multi-band structure. The tracking software named ACE which makes the most of these features shows an excellent performance for reconstruction of high multiplicity events with highly collimated jets. The obtained reconstruction efficiency is 97% for the particles coming from within 5 cm of the primary vertex with p/sub t/ /approx gt/ 500 MeVc in the simulated hadronic events. The processing time is on average less than 300 ms per hadronic event (simulated or real) on a FACOM M-382 computer.more » 3 refs., 5 figs.« less

Five-year follow-up two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography in a juvenile with a double-chambered left ventricle.

PubMed

Harada, Kenji; Mori, Kazuhiro; Ichimiya, Chiyo; Terada, Naho; Iima, Tsutomu; Harada, Takafumi; Fujisawa, Kazutoshi; Kawata, Atsushi; Okada, Ayumi; Yamamoto, Hirofumi; Fujinaga, Hiroyuki

2017-05-01

Double-chambered left ventricle (DCLV) is a particularly rare congenital entity characterized by the presence of two ventricular cavities separated by an abnormal muscle band. An asymptomatic 15-year-old boy was referred to our hospital because of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities. His initial transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) demonstrated a DCLV with mild left ventricular systolic dysfunction. During a 5-year follow-up period, he remained symptom free with no changes in ECG and conventional TTE findings. However, two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography revealed a subtle progressive deterioration of left ventricular systolic function during the 5-year follow-up. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Methods to improve track fit parameters in the PHENIX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omiwade, Olusoji

2003-10-01

During the summer of 2003, several problems in the muon tracking chambers of the PHENIX experiment at Brookhaven National Lab needed to be fixed. This presentation discusses the needed software to help speed up the task of analyzing the data that were used to find broken cathode strips on one of the muon tracker stations. The inclusion of cathode strips that have been scratched or broken causes problems for chamber alignment issues and for correct track reconstruction. First we had to take the raw data obtained using the muon tracker calibration system, which sent pulses to selected anode wires though the high-voltage distributions system, and convert it into data that the CERN ROOT program could manipulate. Most of the work here will describe the set of software scripts that greatly reduced the amount of work required so that more time could be spent looking at the results of the analysis. The ROOT macros and C++ programs written were essentially for handling the job. This should result in more accurate tracking and better mass resolution for the muon arms in the PHENIX experiment.

Methods to improve track fit parameters in the PHENIX muon arms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omiwade, Olusoji

2003-10-01

During the summer of 2003, several problems in the muon tracking chambers of the PHENIX experiment at Brookhaven National Lab needed to be fixed. This presentation discusses the needed software to help speed up the task of analyzing the data that were used to find broken cathode strips on one of the muon tracker stations. The inclusion of cathode strips that have been scratched or broken causes problems for chamber alignment issues and for correct track reconstruction. First we had to take the raw data obtained using the muon tracker calibration system, which sent pulses to selected anode wires through the high-voltage distributions system, and convert it into data that the CERN ROOT program could manipulate. Most of the work here will describe the set of software scripts that greatly reduced the amount of work required so that more time could be spent looking at the results of the analysis to improve other software. The ROOT macros and C++ programs written were essential for handling the job. This should result in more accurate tracking and better mass resolution for the muon arms in the PHENIX experiment.

T-Violation experiment using polarized Li-8 at TRIUMF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, Jiro; MTV Collaboration

2014-09-01

The MTV experiment searching T-Violating electron transverse polarization in polarized nuclear beta decay at TRIUMF is running. The main electron tracking detector as a Mott polarimeter was upgraded from a planer drift chamber to a cylindrical drift chamber (CDC), which has been commissioned and tested. In this talk, preparation status of the next physics production using the CDC will be presented.

Trigger drift chamber for the upgraded mark II detector at PEP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ford, W. T.; Smith, J. G.; Wagner, S. R.; Weber, P.; White, S. L.; Alvarez, M.; Calviño, F.; Fernandez, E.

1987-04-01

A small cylindrical track detector was built as an array of single-wire drift cells with aluminized mylar cathode tubes. Point measurement resolution of ˜ 90 μm was achieved with a drift gas of 50% argon-50% ethane at atmospheric pressure. The chamber construction, electronics, and calibration are discussed. Performance results from PEP colliding-beam data are presented.

Phylogenetic and Complementation Analysis of a Single-Stranded DNA Binding Protein Family from Lactococcal Phages Indicates a Non-Bacterial Origin

PubMed Central

Mariadassou, Mahendra; Bardowski, Jacek K.; Bidnenko, Elena

2011-01-01

Background The single-stranded-nucleic acid binding (SSB) protein superfamily includes proteins encoded by different organisms from Bacteria and their phages to Eukaryotes. SSB proteins share common structural characteristics and have been suggested to descend from an ancestor polypeptide. However, as other proteins involved in DNA replication, bacterial SSB proteins are clearly different from those found in Archaea and Eukaryotes. It was proposed that the corresponding genes in the phage genomes were transferred from the bacterial hosts. Recently new SSB proteins encoded by the virulent lactococcal bacteriophages (Orf14bIL67-like proteins) have been identified and characterized structurally and biochemically. Methodology/Principal Findings This study focused on the determination of phylogenetic relationships between Orf14bIL67-like proteins and other SSBs. We have performed a large scale phylogenetic analysis and pairwise sequence comparisons of SSB proteins from different phyla. The results show that, in remarkable contrast to other phage SSBs, the Orf14bIL67–like proteins form a distinct, self-contained and well supported phylogenetic group connected to the archaeal SSBs. Functional studies demonstrated that, despite the structural and amino acid sequence differences from bacterial SSBs, Orf14bIL67 protein complements the conditional lethal ssb-1 mutation of Escherichia coli. Conclusions/Significance Here we identified for the first time a group of phages encoded SSBs which are clearly distinct from their bacterial counterparts. All methods supported the recognition of these phage proteins as a new family within the SSB superfamily. Our findings suggest that unlike other phages, the virulent lactococcal phages carry ssb genes that were not acquired from their hosts, but transferred from an archaeal genome. This represents a unique example of a horizontal gene transfer between Archaea and bacterial phages. PMID:22073223

Simulating synchrotron radiation in accelerators including diffuse and specular reflections

DOE PAGES

Dugan, G.; Sagan, D.

2017-02-24

An accurate calculation of the synchrotron radiation flux within the vacuum chamber of an accelerator is needed for a number of applications. These include simulations of electron cloud effects and the design of radiation masking systems. To properly simulate the synchrotron radiation, it is important to include the scattering of the radiation at the vacuum chamber walls. To this end, a program called synrad3d has been developed which simulates the production and propagation of synchrotron radiation using a collection of photons. Photons generated by a charged particle beam are tracked from birth until they strike the vacuum chamber wall wheremore » the photon is either absorbed or scattered. Both specular and diffuse scattering is simulated. If a photon is scattered, it is further tracked through multiple encounters with the wall until it is finally absorbed. This paper describes the synrad3d program, with a focus on the details of its scattering model, and presents some examples of the program’s use.« less

A study of amplifying the response of an LR115 solid state track detector by combining it with electret.

PubMed

Nikezić, D; Krstić, D

1995-12-01

Radon progeny are positively charged immediately after formation. A negatively charged electret collects radon progeny atoms which are produced in the diffusion chamber. The detector sensitivity may be increased by using an electret in front of solid state nuclear track detector. Dependence of detection sensitivity on distance between electret and detector LR115 II is studied theoretically and experimentally in this paper. A relatively small fraction of 218Po atoms that formed in the diffusion chamber are collected by the electret. We estimated that the attracted fraction of 218Po was 17% while the attracted fraction of 214Bi-214Po is considerably larger and amounted to approximately 60%. These results confirm previous finding that 218Po atoms discharge quickly after their formation. The comparative radon measurements using diffusion chambers with and without electrets were performed. The amplification of detector sensitivity due to the electret amounted to approximately 80%.

Tracking chamber made of 15-mm mylar drift tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozhin, A.; Borisov, A.; Bozhko, N.; Fakhrutdinov, R.; Plotnikov, I.

2017-05-01

We are presenting a drift chamber composed from three layers of mylar drift tubes with outer diameter 15 mm. The pipe is made of strip of mylar film 125 micrometers thick covered with aluminium from the both sides. A strip of mylar is wrapped around the mandrel. Pipe is created by ultrasonic welding. A single drift tube is self-supported structure withstanding 350 g wire tension without supports and internal overpressure. About 400 such tubes were assembled. Design, quality control procedures of the drift tubes are described. Seven chambers were glued from these tubes of 560 mm length. Each chamber consists of 3 layers, 16 tubes per layer. Several chambers were tested with cosmic rays. Results of the tests, counting rate plateau and coordinate resolution are presented.

Demonstration of a chamber for strain mapping of steel specimens under mechanical load in a hydrogen environment by synchrotron radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Connolly, Matthew; Park, Jun-Sang; Bradley, Peter; Lauria, Damian; Slifka, Andrew; Drexler, Elizabeth

2018-06-01

We demonstrate a hydrogen gas chamber suitable for lattice strain measurements and capturing radiographs of a steel specimen under a mechanical load using high energy synchrotron x-rays. The chamber is suitable for static and cyclic mechanical loading. Experiments were conducted at the 1-ID-E end station of the Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory. Diffraction patterns show a high signal-to-noise ratio suitable for lattice strain measurements for the specimen and with minimal scattering and overlap from the gas chamber manufactured from aluminum. In situ radiographs of a specimen in the hydrogen chamber show the ability to track a growing crack and to map the lattice strain around the crack with high spatial and strain resolution.

Lifespan-on-a-chip: microfluidic chambers for performing lifelong observation of C. elegans†

PubMed Central

Hulme, S. Elizabeth; Shevkoplyas, Sergey S.; McGuigan, Alison P.; Apfeld, Javier; Fontana, Walter

2011-01-01

This article describes the fabrication of a microfluidic device for the liquid culture of many individual nematode worms (Caenorhabditis elegans) in separate chambers. Each chamber houses a single worm from the fourth larval stage until death, and enables examination of a population of individual worms for their entire adult lifespans. Adjacent to the chambers, the device includes microfluidic worm clamps, which enable periodic, temporary immobilization of each worm. The device made it possible to track changes in body size and locomotion in individual worms throughout their lifespans. This ability to perform longitudinal measurements within the device enabled the identification of age-related phenotypic changes that correlate with lifespan in C. elegans. PMID:20162234

Assessment of the high temperature fission chamber technology for the French fast reactor program

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

Jammes, C.; Filliatre, P.; Geslot, B.

2011-07-01

High temperature fission chambers are key instruments for the control and protection of the sodium-cooled fast reactor. First, the developments of those neutron detectors, which are carried out either in France or abroad are reviewed. Second, the French realizations are assessed with the use of the technology readiness levels in order to identify tracks of improvement. (authors)

Nuclotron Beam Momentum Estimation Using Multiwire Proportional Chambers and Drift Chambers in the BM@N Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapishin, Mikhail; Lenivenko, Vasilisa; Palichik, Vladimir; Voytishin, Nikolay

2018-02-01

The BM@N experiment is considered as the first phase of NICA Mega science project. The energy of the beam will vary from 1 to 6 GeV/u. The beams delivered by Nuclotron will be of different types from protons to Au. The ability to reconstruct the beam momentum with high precision is one way for showing that the tracking detectors are tuned in the right way and the reconstruction procedure performs well. A quick overview of the experimental setup is given in the work along with the description of some of the main tracking detectors. The beam momentum reconstruction procedure is described and results are presented for different values of the beam energy.

Track vertex reconstruction with neural networks at the first level trigger of Belle II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neuhaus, Sara; Skambraks, Sebastian; Kiesling, Christian

2017-08-01

The track trigger is one of the main components of the Belle II first level trigger, taking input from the Central Drift Chamber (CDC). It consists of several stages, first combining hits to track segments, followed by a 2D track finding in the transverse plane and finally a 3D track reconstruction. The results of the track trigger are the track multiplicity, the momentum vector of each track and the longitudinal displacement of the origin or production vertex of each track ("z-vertex"). The latter allows to reject background tracks from outside of the interaction region and thus to suppress a large fraction of the machine background. This contribution focuses on the track finding stage using Hough transforms and on the z-vertex reconstruction with neural networks. We describe the algorithms and show performance studies on simulated events.

A whole-tree chamber system for examining tree-level physiological responses of field-grown trees to environmental variation and climate change.

PubMed

Medhurst, Jane; Parsby, Jan; Linder, Sune; Wallin, Göran; Ceschia, Eric; Slaney, Michelle

2006-09-01

A whole-tree chamber (WTC) system was installed at Flakaliden in northern Sweden to examine the long-term physiological responses of field-grown 40-year-old Norway spruce trees [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] to climate change. The WTCs were designed as large cuvettes to allow the net tree-level CO(2) and water fluxes to be measured on a continuous basis. A total of 12 WTCs were used to impose combinations of atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration, [CO(2)], and air temperature treatments. The air inside the ambient and elevated [CO(2)] WTCs was maintained at 365 and 700 micromol mol(-1), respectively. The air temperature inside the ambient temperature WTCs tracked air temperature outside the WTCs. Elevated temperatures were altered on a monthly time-step and ranged between +2.8 and +5.6 degrees C above ambient temperature. The system allowed continuous, long-term measurement of whole-tree photosynthesis, night-time respiration and transpiration. The performance of the WTCs was assessed using winter and spring data sets. The ability of the WTC system to measure tree-level physiological responses is demonstrated. All WTCs displayed a high level of control over tracking of air temperatures. The set target of 365 micromol mol(-1) in the ambient [CO(2)] chambers was too low to be maintained during winter because of tree dormancy and the high natural increase in [CO(2)] over winter at high latitudes such as the Flakaliden site. Accurate control over [CO(2)] in the ambient [CO(2)] chambers was restored during the spring and the system maintained the elevated [CO(2)] target of 700 micromol mol(-1) for both measurement periods. Air water vapour deficit (VPD) was accurately tracked in ambient temperature WTCs. However, as water vapour pressure in all 12 WTCs was maintained at the level of non-chambered (reference) air, VPD of elevated temperature WTCs was increased.

Radar cross section measurements of a scale model of the space shuttle orbiter vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yates, W. T.

1978-01-01

A series of microwave measurements was conducted to determine the radar cross section of the Space Shuttle Orbiter vehicle at a frequency and at aspect angles applicable to re-entry radar acquisition and tracking. The measurements were performed in a microwave anechoic chamber using a 1/15th scale model and a frequency applicable to C-band tracking radars. The data were digitally recorded and processed to yield statistical descriptions useful for prediction of orbiter re-entry detection and tracking ranges.

Impact of different sofosbuvir based treatment regimens on the biochemical profile of chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 patients.

PubMed

Elsharkawy, Aisha; Eletreby, Rasha; Fouad, Rabab; Soliman, Zeinab; Abdallah, Mohamed; Negm, Mohamed; Mohey, Mohammad; Esmat, Gamal

2017-08-01

Huge efforts have been made to control chronic HCV in Egypt with introduction of Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs). Current study aims at evaluating effect of various DAA regimens on liver biochemical profile and haematological indices during treatment. 272 patients with chronic HCV genotype 4 treated by different DAA regimens (SOF/RBV, SOF/DAC ± RBV, SOF/SIM) for a duration of 12 or 24 weeks in Kasr Alainy Viral Hepatitis Center, Cairo University were followed up for serum bilirubin (BIL), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), prothrombin concentration, international normalized ratio (INR), and CBC at baseline, week-4 and end of treatment. Mean age was 54 years. Males comprised 64.7%, 72.4% were treatment-naïve, 39% were cirrhotic. Overall SVR12 rate was (93.4%). With all regimens, ALT and AST declined after treatment. In cirrhotics, there was a rise in BIL and INR; with no change in ALB and a decrease in White blood cells. Drop in Hemoglobin and platelets in cirrhotic patients were noted with SOF/RBV, while SOF/SIM showed rise in BIL. DAAs are safe and effective in genotype 4 chronic HCV patients. It improves liver necro-inflammatory markers in cirrhotics and non-cirrhotics. Cirrhotic patients require careful observation being more vulnerable for treatment related complications.

Studies on fast triggering and high precision tracking with Resistive Plate Chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aielli, G.; Ball, R.; Bilki, B.; Chapman, J. W.; Cardarelli, R.; Dai, T.; Diehl, E.; Dubbert, J.; Ferretti, C.; Feng, H.; Francis, K.; Guan, L.; Han, L.; Hou, S.; Levin, D.; Li, B.; Liu, L.; Paolozzi, L.; Repond, J.; Roloff, J.; Santonico, R.; Song, H. Y.; Wang, X. L.; Wu, Y.; Xia, L.; Xu, L.; Zhao, T.; Zhao, Z.; Zhou, B.; Zhu, J.

2013-06-01

We report on studies of fast triggering and high precision tracking using Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs). Two beam tests were carried out with the 180 GeV/c muon beam at CERN using glass RPCs with gas gaps of 1.15 mm and equipped with readout strips with 1.27 mm pitch. This is the first beam test of RPCs with fine-pitch readout strips that explores precision tracking and triggering capabilities. RPC signals were acquired with precision timing and charge integrating readout electronics at both ends of the strips. The time resolution was measured to be better than 600 ps and the average spatial resolution was found to be 220 μm using charge information and 287 μm only using signal arrival time information. The dual-ended readout allows the determination of the average and the difference of the signal arrival times. The average time was found to be independent of the incident particle position along the strip and is useful for triggering purposes. The time difference yielded a determination of the hit position with a precision of 7.5 mm along the strip. These results demonstrate the feasibility using RPCs for fast and high-resolution triggering and tracking.

Uniform, stable supply of medium for in vitro cell culture using a robust chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Juan; Liu, Chong; Jiang, Yang; Liu, Tao; Chen, Li; Liu, Bo; Li, Jingmin

2018-06-01

A uniform, stable supply of medium is important for in vitro cell culture. In this paper, a microfluidic device is presented for culturing cells inside a robust chamber with continuous perfusion of medium. The device consists of a main channel, two bifurcated channels and a culture chamber. The culture chamber connects to the bifurcated channels via multiple paths, and distributes symmetrically on the main channel, to improve the efficiency of medium exchange. Furthermore, regular polygonal chambers with various numbers of edges have been designed, to study the effects of chamber shape on flow fields. The finite element method has been employed to predict the effects of multiple paths on the uniformity and stability of flow fields in the culture chamber. Particle tracking technology has been used to evaluate the flow fields in the chambers, and PC-12 cells have been cultured using the microfluidic device, to test its validity. The results of simulation and experiment indicate that the microfluidic design could provide a continuous interstitial-like flow microenvironment, with a relatively stable and uniform supply of medium.

Two-dimensional tracking of a motile micro-organism allowing high-resolution observation with various imaging techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oku, H.; Ogawa, N.; Ishikawa, M.; Hashimoto, K.

2005-03-01

In this article, a micro-organism tracking system using a high-speed vision system is reported. This system two dimensionally tracks a freely swimming micro-organism within the field of an optical microscope by moving a chamber of target micro-organisms based on high-speed visual feedback. The system we developed could track a paramecium using various imaging techniques, including bright-field illumination, dark-field illumination, and differential interference contrast, at magnifications of 5 times and 20 times. A maximum tracking duration of 300s was demonstrated. Also, the system could track an object with a velocity of up to 35 000μm/s (175diameters/s), which is significantly faster than swimming micro-organisms.

Sliding Mode Control of a Thermal Mixing Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richter, Hanz; Figueroa, Fernando

2004-01-01

In this paper we consider the robust control of a thermal mixer using multivariable Sliding Mode Control (SMC). The mixer consists of a mixing chamber, hot and cold fluid valves, and an exit valve. The commanded positions of the three valves are the available control inputs, while the controlled variables are total mass flow rate, chamber pressure and the density of the mixture inside the chamber. Unsteady thermodynamics and linear valve models are used in deriving a 5th order nonlinear system with three inputs and three outputs, An SMC controller is designed to achieve robust output tracking in the presence of unknown energy losses between the chamber and the environment. The usefulness of the technique is illustrated with a simulation.

Changes in SWB following injury to different brain lobes.

PubMed

Hayward, Carrie S; Stokes, Mark A; Taylor, David; Young, Simon; Anderson, Vicki

2011-06-01

A neurological substrate for subjective well-being (SWB) has received little research attention. This study was designed to conduct exploratory investigation into the neuroanatomical correlates of SWB, by monitoring the SWB of a head-injured population over a six-month period. Seventy people with head injury (HI), aged 10-65, were studied. The SWB of each participant was measured, and computed tomography (CT) scans were analysed to obtain regional brain injury location (BIL). SWB was associated with BIL. However, the hypothesis that individuals with left frontal injury would report lower SWB was not supported. Instead, it was observed that participants with injury to their right frontal lobe reported higher SWB than individuals with injury to other regions of the brain. This study provides initial exploration into the neuroanatomical correlates of SWB.

Lateral distortions of electromagnetic cascades in emulsion chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porter, L. G.; Levit, L. B.; Jones, W. V.; Huggett, R. W.; Barrowes, S. C.

1975-01-01

Electromagnetic cascades in a lead-emulsion chamber have been studied to determine the effect of air gaps on the upstream sides of the emulsions. Such air gaps cause a change in the form of the radial distribution of electron tracks, making cascades appear older and giving incorrect energy estimates. The number of tracks remaining within a radius r was found to vary as exp(-g/G), where g is the gap thickness. The characteristic gap thickness in mm is G = 3.04 + 1.30 ln (Err per GeV per sq mm) where E is the energy of the initiating gamma ray. Use of this relation provides a significant correction to cascade-energy estimates and allows one to calculate the effect of different gap thicknesses on the energy threshold for visual detection of cascades.

MIMAC-He3: MICRO-TPC MATRIX OF CHAMBERS OF 3He

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, D.; Guillaudin, O.; Lamy, Th.; Mayet, F.; Moulin, E.

2007-08-01

The project of a micro-TPC matrix of chambers of 3He for direct detection of non-baryonic dark matter is outlined. The privileged properties of 3He are highlighted. The double detection (ionization - projection of tracks) will assure the electron-recoil discrimination. The complementarity of MIMAC-He3 for supersymmetric dark matter search with respect to other experiments is illustrated. The modular character of the detector allows to have different gases to get A-dependence. The pressure degreee of freedom gives the possibility to work at high and low pressure. The low pressure regime gives the possibility to get the directionality of the tracks. The first measurements of ionization at very few keVs for 3He in 4He gas are described.

Reducing Uncertainties in Neutron Induced Fission Cross Sections via a Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magee, Joshua; Niffte Collaboration

2016-09-01

Neutron induced fission cross sections of actinides are of great interest in nuclear energy and stockpile stewardship. Traditionally, measurements of these cross sections have been made with fission chambers, which provide limited information on the actual fragments, and ultimately result in uncertainties on the order of several percent. The Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking Experiment collaboration (NIFFTE) designed and built a fission Time Project Chamber (fission TPC), which provides additional information on these processes, through 3-dimensional tracking, improved particle identification, and in-situ profiles of target and beam non-uniformities. Ultimately, this should provide sub-percent measurements of (n,f) cross-sections. During the 2015 run cycle, measurements of several actinides were performed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) facility. An overview of the fission TPC will be given, as well as the current progress towards a sub-percent measurement of the 239Pu/235U (n,f) cross-section ratio. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Developing a Webcam-Based Data Logger to Analyze Cosmic Rays in a Cloud Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nealon, Kelly; Bellis, Matt

2015-04-01

Muons from secondary cosmic rays provide students with an opportunity to interact with a natural phenomenon that relies both on special relativity and fairly sophisticated particle physics knowledge. In many physics departments, undergraduate students set up a pair of scintillators in coincidence to measure the rate of these muons and in some cases, measure their angular dependence, but this requires specialized and potentially expensive equipment. We have spent the past year formalizing a design of a cloud chamber that relies not on dry ice, but Peltier thermoelectric coolers, that can be built for about one hundred dollars worth of equipment. With this design we can see the tracks left by cosmic rays, however to turn it into a useful undergraduate physics lab requires some sort of data logger. This poster details our efforts to use an off-the-shelf webcam to trigger on the change in image when a cosmic ray track appears in the chamber. We use this to estimate the rate and angular dependence and compare our results to other measurements. The successes and limitations of this approach will be discussed.

[Protective effect of Tanreqing injection on acute hepatic injury induced by CCl4 in rats].

PubMed

Lei, Yang; Zhou, Ai-Min; Guo, Tao; Tan, Ye; Tao, Yan-Yan; Liu, Cheng-Hai

2013-04-01

To observe the protective effect of Tanreqing injection(TRQ) on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury in rats. Rats were randomly divided into the normal group and the model group, and injected subcutaneously with 100% CCl4 5 mL x kg(-1) to establish the single CCl4 infection model, in order to observe the changes in rat liver injury after 3 h and 6 h. Subsequently, the multiple CCl4 infection liver injury model was reproduced by subcutaneously injecting 100% CCl4 (5 mL x kg(-1)), 50% CCl4 olive oil solution (2 mL x kg(-1)) and then 20% CCl4 olive oil solution (2 mL x kg(-1)). At 6 h after the first CCl4 injection, the rats were divided into six groups: the model group, the control group, the diammonium glycyrrhizinate-treated group, and TRQ high, middle and low dose groups. They were injected through caudal veins, while a normal control group was set up. Their weight and liver-body ratio were observed. Hepatic inflammation was observed with HE staining. Assay kits were adopted to detect ALT, AST, T. Bil, D. Bil, CHE, TBA, gamma-GT and Alb. According to the single injection model, serum AST and T. Bil of model rats were obviously increased at 6 h after single subcutaneous injection of CCl4, with disordered lobular structure in liver tissues, notable swollen liver cells and remarkable liver injury. According to the results of the multiple injection pharmacological experiment, compared with the normal group, the model group had higher serum ALT, AST, and gamma-GT activities (P < 0. 05), TBA and T. Bil contents (P < 0.05) and lower CHE activity (P < 0.05). HE staining showed disorganized lobular structure in liver tissues and notable ballooning degeneration in liver cells. Compared with the model group, TRQ high and middle dose groups and the diammonium glycyrrhizinate-treated group showed significant charges in serum liver function and inflammation in liver cells. Specifically, TRQ high and middle dose groups were superior to the diammonium glycyrrhizinate-treated group. Tanreqing injection has significant protective effect on CCl4-induced acute hepatic injury in rats.

Moisture separator reheater with round tube bundle

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

Byerley, W. M.

1984-11-27

A moisture separator reheater having a central chamber with cylindrical wall protions and a generally round tube bundle, the tube bundle having arcuate plates disposed on each side of the bundle which form a wrapper on each side of the bundle and having a tongue and groove juncture between the wrapper and cylindrical wall portions to provide a seal therebetween and a track for installing and removing the tube bundle from the central chamber.

Studies with cathode drift chambers for the GlueX experiment at Jefferson Lab

DOE PAGES

Pentchev, L.; Barbosa, F.; Berdnikov, V.; ...

2017-04-22

A drift chamber system consisting of 24 1 m-diameter chambers with both cathode and wire readout (total of 12,672 channels) is operational in Hall D at Jefferson Lab (Virginia). Two cathode strip planes and one wire plane in each chamber register the same avalanche allowing the study of avalanche development, charge induction process, and strip resolution. We demonstrate a method for reconstructing the two-dimensional distribution of the avalanche “center-of-gravity” position around the wire from an 55Fe source with resolutions down to 30 μm. We estimate the azimuthal extent of the avalanche around the wire as a function of the totalmore » charge for an Ar/CO 2 gas mixture. By means of cluster counting using a modified 3 cm-gap chamber, we observe significant space charge effects within the same track, resulting in an extent of the avalanche along the wire.« less

ROBucket: A low cost operant chamber based on the Arduino microcontroller.

PubMed

Devarakonda, Kavya; Nguyen, Katrina P; Kravitz, Alexxai V

2016-06-01

The operant conditioning chamber is a cornerstone of animal behavioral research. Operant boxes are used to assess learning and motivational behavior in animals, particularly for food and drug reinforcers. However, commercial operant chambers cost several thousands of dollars. We have constructed the Rodent Operant Bucket (ROBucket), an inexpensive and easily assembled open-source operant chamber based on the Arduino microcontroller platform, which can be used to train mice to respond for sucrose solution or other liquid reinforcers. The apparatus contains two nose pokes, a drinking well, and a solenoid-controlled liquid delivery system. ROBucket can run fixed ratio and progressive ratio training schedules, and can be programmed to run more complicated behavioral paradigms. Additional features such as motion sensing and video tracking can be added to the operant chamber through the array of widely available Arduino-compatible sensors. The design files and programming code are open source and available online for others to use.

Analysis and Characterization of the Mechanical Structure for the I-Tracker of the Mu2e Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Lorenzis, L.; Grancagnolo, F.; L'Erario, A.; Maffezzoli, A.; Miccoli, A.; Rella, S.; Spedicato, M.; Zavarise, G.

2014-03-01

The design of a tracking detector for electrons in a magnetic field consisting of a drift chamber is discussed. The chosen materials for its construction must be light to minimize the effects of the subatomic particles interactions with the chamber walls. Low-density materials and very thin wall thicknesses are therefore needed. From a mechanical engineering point of view, it is important to analyse the drift chamber structure and define the conditions to which it is subject in terms of both mechanical loads and geometric constraints. The analysis of the structural response of the drift chamber has been performed through the Finite Element Method (FEM) as implemented in the commercial software ANSYS and its interface for the analysis for composite structures ACP (Ansys Composite Pre/Post).

[Index screening and comprehensive evaluation of phenotypic traits of low nitrogen tolerance using BILs population derived from Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff)].

PubMed

Hu, Biao-lin; Li, Xia; Wan, Yong; Qiu, Zai-hui; Nie, Yuan-yuan; Xie, Jian-kun

2015-08-01

To identify the low nitrogen tolerance of Dongxiang wild rice (DXWR) and its progenies, ten phenotypic traits including plant height (PH), heading day (HD), panicle length (PL), number of effective tillers per plant (NETP), number of filled grains per panicle (NFGP), number of grains per panicle (NGP), grain density (GD), spikelet fertility (SF), 1000-grain mass (TGM) and grain yield per plant (GYP) were studied under normal and low nitrogen treatments, using backcross inbred lines (BILs) of Xieqingzao B//DXWR/Xieqingzao B in BC1 F12. Comprehensive evaluation on the low nitrogen tolerance of the BILs population was conducted using principal component analysis and the subordinate function. The evaluation results indicated that the low nitrogen tolerance of the line 116, 143 and 157 was the strongest, which could be served as the intermediate materials for genetic studies on the low nitrogen tolerance of DXWR and breeding for the low nitrogen tolerance in rice. The optimal regression equation of the low nitrogen tolerance in rice was established using stepwise regression analysis. The relative values of five traits including PH, NGP, SF, TGM and GYP were screened out and could be used as comprehensive evaluation indices for the low nitrogen tolerance in the whole growth stage. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the relative values of these five traits, especially for NGP and GYP, in the genetic improvement of the low nitrogen tolerance in rice.

Charged particle tracking without magnetic field: Optimal measurement of track momentum by a Bayesian analysis of the multiple measurements of deflections due to multiple scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frosini, Mikael; Bernard, Denis

2017-09-01

We revisit the precision of the measurement of track parameters (position, angle) with optimal methods in the presence of detector resolution, multiple scattering and zero magnetic field. We then obtain an optimal estimator of the track momentum by a Bayesian analysis of the filtering innovations of a series of Kalman filters applied to the track. This work could pave the way to the development of autonomous high-performance gas time-projection chambers (TPC) or silicon wafer γ-ray space telescopes and be a powerful guide in the optimization of the design of the multi-kilo-ton liquid argon TPCs that are under development for neutrino studies.

A Drift Chamber to Measure Charged Particles at COMPASS-II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heitz, Robert; Compass Collaboration

2013-10-01

A new drift chamber (DC05) will be constructed to replace two tracking detector stations based on straw tubes, ST02 and ST03 in the COMPASS spectrometer. DC05 uses the designs from DC04, a previous drift chamber designed at CEA-Saclay, France, but adds the addition of more wires for improved acceptance. In addition to more wires DC05 will also change its front end electronics using a new pre-amplifier-discriminator chip (CMAD). DC05 consists of 8 layers of anode planes and 21 layers of G-10 material frames carrying cathode planes and gas windows. The wires are orientated with two layers in the vertical x-direction, two layers in the horizontal y-direction, two layers offset +10 deg of the vertical x-direction, and two layers offset -10 deg of the vertical x-direction. The wires in parallel directions are offset half a pitch to resolve left-right ambiguities. The purpose for different wire orientations is to reconstruct the 3D space particle trajectory to fit a particle track. Each layer of wires is covered on the top and bottom by a cathode plane of carbon coated mylar. All these layers are sandwiched between two steel stiffening frames for support and noise reduction. A future drift chamber, DC06, is also being designed based off of DC05. Research funded by NSF-PHY-12-05-671 Medium Energy Nuclear Physics.

Measurement of the Hadronic Charm Production Cross-Section in a High Resolution Streamer Chamber Experiment

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

Tzeng, Liang

1984-05-01

Hadronic production of charmed particles in association with muons from semileptonic decay or. these short lived particles has been observed in a high resolution streamer cham her experiment performed at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in 1982. The incident beam was a collimated high energy neutron beam with an average energy or 280 Gev. The streamer cham her was triggered on the detection or the prom pt muon from the charm decay. Two toroids were installed at the downstream end or the muon spectrometer for analyzing the muon momentum. In the operation of the streamer chamber, we achieved a streamer size or 50 μm and a run track width or 120 μm in space. The streamer chamber optical system had a demagnification factor of about 1.5 from space to film. The minimum separation between two measurable tracks was about 150 μm on the film. With a special miss-distance analysis or the streamer chamber pictures. 17.32 ± 4.73 charm signal events were obtained. Using the assumption ofmore » $$A^{2/3}$$ dependenre for the production cross section and several different $$D-\\bar{D}$$ production models, the nucleonnucleon charm production cross section, averaged over the neutron spectrum, is estimated to be between 13 to 20 μb (with the average value equal to 17.69 ± 6.80 μb).« less

Commissioning of the Active-Target Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradt, J.; Bazin, D.; Abu-Nimeh, F.; Ahn, T.; Ayyad, Y.; Beceiro Novo, S.; Carpenter, L.; Cortesi, M.; Kuchera, M. P.; Lynch, W. G.; Mittig, W.; Rost, S.; Watwood, N.; Yurkon, J.

2017-12-01

The Active-Target Time Projection Chamber (AT-TPC) was recently built and commissioned at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University. This gas-filled detector uses an active-target design where the gas acts as both the tracking medium and the reaction target. Operating inside a 2T solenoidal magnetic field, the AT-TPC records charged particle tracks that can be reconstructed to very good energy and angular resolutions. The near- 4 π solid angle coverage and thick target of the detector are well-suited to experiments with low secondary beam intensities. In this paper, the design and instrumentation of theAT-TPC are described along with the methods used to analyze the data it produces. A simulation of the detector's performance and some results from its commissioning with a radioactive 46Ar beam are also presented.

Multigap resistive plate chambers for EAS study in the EEE Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, S.; Antolini, R.; Badalà, A.; Baldini Ferroli, R.; Bencivenni, G.; Blanco, F.; Bressan, E.; Chiavassa, A.; Cifarelli, L.; Cindolo, F.; Coccia, E.; de Pasquale, S.; di Giovanni, A.; D'Incecco, M.; Fabbri, F. L.; Garbini, M.; Giuliano, A.; Gustavino, C.; Hatzifotiadou, D.; Imponente, G.; Kim, J.; La Rocca, P.; Librizzi, F.; Maggiora, A.; Menghetti, H.; Miozzi, S.; Moro, R.; Pace, E.; Panareo, M.; Pappalardo, G. S.; Piragino, G.; Riggi, F.; Sartorelli, G.; Sbarra, C.; Selvi, M.; Williams, C.; Zichichi, A.; Zuyeuski, R.

2007-10-01

The EEE (Extreme Energy Events) Project, conceived by its leader Antonino Zichichi, is an experiment to study very high-energetic air showers (EAS) through the detection of the shower's muon component using a network of tracking detectors, installed in Italian high schools. The single tracking telescope is composed of three large area (˜2m) Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPCs). The data collected by the telescopes will be used for studies of air showers and also for the search of time correlations between sites which are far apart. The first telescope, recently installed in the Liceo B. Touschek in Grottaferrata (Rome), is successfully running, and other telescopes are going to be installed in a short time in other towns, opening up the way for the first search of long-distance coincidences over a total area of ˜10km.

Pars plana vitrectomy for retinal detachment due to internal posterior ophthalmomyiasis after cataract extraction.

PubMed

Billi, B; Lesnoni, G; Audisio, P; Giuliano, M A; Rossi, T; Costi, E; Stirpe, M

1997-04-01

The authors report a case of posterior internal ophthalmomyiasis causing vitreous haemorrhage and retinal detachment after uncomplicated cataract extraction. The patient suffered an abrupt vitreous haemorrhage 9 days after ECCE and posterior chamber IOL implantation. After 2 months the haemorrhage did not clear up and a retinal detachment arose. The patient underwent encircling scleral buckle, pars plana vitrectomy and fluid-gas exchange. In course of intervention the surgeon removed from the vitreous chamber a 14-mm-long round worm subsequently identified as a dipterous larva of the Sarcophagidae family. The patient showed no sign of subretinal tracking or retinal breaks or holes. The sclerocorneal surgical wound seems the most likely site of entrance of the parasite, and this would then be the first reported case of myiasis with no RPE tracking.

Segmented annular combustor

DOEpatents

Reider, Samuel B.

1979-01-01

An industrial gas turbine engine includes an inclined annular combustor made up of a plurality of support segments each including inner and outer walls of trapezoidally configured planar configuration extents and including side flanges thereon interconnected by means of air cooled connector bolt assemblies to form a continuous annular combustion chamber therebetween and wherein an air fuel mixing chamber is formed at one end of the support segments including means for directing and mixing fuel within a plenum and a perforated header plate for directing streams of air and fuel mixture into the combustion chamber; each of the outer and inner walls of each of the support segments having a ribbed lattice with tracks slidably supporting porous laminated replaceable panels and including pores therein for distributing combustion air into the combustion chamber while cooling the inner surface of each of the panels by transpiration cooling thereof.

Numerical simulation of film-cooled ablative rocket nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Landrum, D. B.; Beard, R. M.

1996-01-01

The objective of this research effort was to evaluate the impact of incorporating an additional cooling port downstream between the injector and nozzle throat in the NASA Fast Track chamber. A numerical model of the chamber was developed for the analysis. The analysis did not model ablation but instead correlated the initial ablation rate with the initial nozzle wall temperature distribution. The results of this study provide guidance in the development of a potentially lighter, second generation ablative rocket nozzle which maintains desired performance levels.

Better state-of-good-repair indicators for the transportation performance index.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

The Transportation Performance Index was developed for the US Chamber of Commerce to track the : performance of transportation infrastructure over time and explore the connection between economic : health and infrastructure performance. This project ...

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

Averyanov, A. V.; Bajajin, A. G.; Chepurnov, V. F.

The time-projection chamber (TPC) is the main tracking detector in the MPD/NICA. The information on charge-particle tracks in the TPC is registered by the MWPG with cathode pad readout. The frontend electronics (FEE) are developed with use of modern technologies such as application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), and data transfer to a concentrator via a fast optical interface. The main parameters of the FEE are as follows: total number of channels, ∼95 000; data stream from the whole TPC, 5 GB/s; low power consumption, less than 100 mW/ch; signal to noise ratio (S/N), 30; equivalent noisemore » charge (ENC), <1000e{sup –} (C{sub in} = 10–20 pF); and zero suppression (pad signal rejection ∼90%). The article presents the status of the readout chamber construction and the data acquisition system. The results of testing FEE prototypes are presented.« less

MWPC prototyping and testing for STAR inner TPC upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, F.; Wang, S.; Yang, C.; Xu, Q.

2017-06-01

STAR experiment at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) is upgrading the inner sectors of the Time Projection Chamber (iTPC). The iTPC upgrade project will increase the segmentation on the inner pad plane from 13 to 40 pad rows and renew the inner sector wire chambers. The upgrade will expand the TPC's acceptance from |η|<=1.0 to |η|<=1.5. Furthermore, the detector will have better acceptance for tracks with low momentum, as well as better resolution in both momentum and dE/dx for tracks of all momenta. The enhanced measurement capabilities of STAR-iTPC upgrade are crucial to the physics program of the Phase II of Beam Energy Scan (BES-II) at RHIC during 2019-2020, in particular the QCD phase transition study. In this proceedings, I will discuss the iTPC MWPC module fabrication and testing results from the first full size iTPC MWPC pre-prototype made at Shandong University.

Población de galaxias de baja luminosidad en cúmulos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valotto, C. A.; Muriel, H.; Moore, B.; García Lambas, D.

En este trabajo se discute sobre la presencia de un exceso de galaxias de baja luminosidad en medios de alta densidad de galaxias y la posibilidad de que los halos de galaxias cD puedan ser formados a partir de galaxias en cúmulos ricos, los cuales muestran una función de luminosidad (FL) con el extremo débil plano. Se analizaron muestras de cúmulos cercanos obtenidas a partir de los catálogos de Abell y X-ray Sample of Bright Clusters. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que los cúmulos de galaxias que tienen emisión en rayos X detectada poseen una FL plana (α ≈ -1.2), consistente con los valores encontrados para las galaxias de campo. En cambio, los cúmulos de galaxias identificados a partir de distribuciones bidimensionales de galaxias que no tienen su contraparte en rayos X, muestran una FL con una pendiente pronunciada en el extremo débil (α ≈ -1.6). Se examinaron además, los posibles efectos debido a la presencia de una galaxia central dominante sobre el extremo débil de la FL. Se analizaron muestras de acuerdo a la clasificación Bautz-Morgan dividiendo en las submuestras I,I-II y II, II- III, III. Las FL resultantes para ambas muestras son indistinguibles. Nuestros resultados son consistentes con la hipótesis de que los efectos de proyección en cúmulos identificados en dos dimensiones pueden producir un exceso artificial de galaxias de baja luminosidad.

Beam tracking with micromegas & wire chambers in secondary electron detection configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voštinar, M.; Fernández, B.; Pancin, J.; Alvarez, M. A. G.; Chaminade, T.; Damoy, S.; Doré, D.; Drouart, A.; Druillole, F.; Frémont, G.; Kebbiri, M.; Materna, T.; Monmarthe, E.; Panebianco, S.; Papaevangelou, T.; Riallot, M.; Savajols, H.; Spitaels, C.

2013-12-01

The focal plane of S3 (Super Separator Spectrometer), a new experimental area of SPIRAL2 at GANIL, will be used for identification of nuclei, and requires the reconstruction of their trajectories and velocities by the Time Of Flight (TOF) method. Classical tracking detectors used in-beam would generate a lot of angular and energy straggling due to their thickness. One solution is the use of a SED (Secondary Electron Detection), which consists of a thin emissive foil in beam coupled to a low pressure gaseous detector out of the beam, for the detection of secondary electrons ejected from the foil. Moreover, this type of detector can be used for classical beam tracking at low energies, or for example at NFS (GANIL) for the FALSTAFF experiment for the reconstruction of fission fragments trajectories. Several low pressure gaseous detectors such as wire chambers and Micromegas have been constructed and tested since 2008. High counting rate capabilities and good time resolution obtained in previous tests motivated the construction of a new real-size 2D prototype wire chamber and a 2D bulk Micromegas at low pressure. For the first time, spatial resolution of the Micromegas at low pressure (below 20 mbar) in the SED configuration was measured. Different tests have been performed in order to characterize time and spatial properties of both prototypes, giving spatial resolution in the horizontal (X) direction of 0.90(0.02) mm FWHM for the real size prototype and 0.72(0.08) mm FWHM for Micromegas, and a time resolution of ~ 110(25) ps for the real size prototype.

In vivo multi-modality photoacoustic and pulse echo tracking of prostate tumor growth using a window chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Daniel R.; Olafsson, Ragnar; Montilla, Leonardo G.; Witte, Russell S.

2010-02-01

Understanding the tumor microenvironment is critical to characterizing how cancers operate and predicting how they will eventually respond to treatment. The mouse window chamber model is an excellent tool for cancer research, because it enables high resolution tumor imaging and cross-validation using multiple modalities. We describe a novel multimodality imaging system that incorporates three dimensional (3D) photoacoustics with pulse echo ultrasound for imaging the tumor microenvironment and tracking tissue growth in mice. Three mice were implanted with a dorsal skin flap window chamber. PC-3 prostate tumor cells, expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), were injected into the skin. The ensuing tumor invasion was mapped using photoacoustic and pulse echo imaging, as well as optical and fluorescent imaging for comparison and cross validation. The photoacoustic imaging and spectroscopy system, consisting of a tunable (680-1000nm) pulsed laser and 25 MHz ultrasound transducer, revealed near infrared absorbing regions, primarily blood vessels. Pulse echo images, obtained simultaneously, provided details of the tumor microstructure and growth with 100-μm3 resolution. The tumor size in all three mice increased between three and five fold during 3+ weeks of imaging. Results were consistent with the optical and fluorescent images. Photoacoustic imaging revealed detailed maps of the tumor vasculature, whereas photoacoustic spectroscopy identified regions of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood vessels. The 3D photoacoustic and pulse echo imaging system provided complementary information to track the tumor microenvironment, evaluate new cancer therapies, and develop molecular imaging agents in vivo. Finally, these safe and noninvasive techniques are potentially applicable for human cancer imaging.

Relative performance of different types of passive dosimeters employing solid state nuclear track detectors.

PubMed

Jamil, K; Al-Ahmady, K K; Fazal-ur-Rehman; Ali, S; Qureshi, A A; Khan, H A

1997-10-01

Radon and its progeny, known to be carcinogenic, are a matter of great concern in underground mines and energy conserved air-tight houses. Different shapes of dosimeters using solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs) have been devised to measure radon concentrations in mines and dwellings. Sometimes intercomparison of results is required by various laboratories working with solid state nuclear track detector-based passive dosimeters. The present work includes the determination of various parameters for a set of dosimeters consisting of (1) box-type, (2) pen-type, (3) tube-type, (4) Karlsruhe Diffusion Chamber, and (5) bare-type dosimeters. In this research two types of plastics, allyl-diglycol-carbonate (C12H18O7) and cellulose nitrate (C6H8O8N2) known as CR-39 and CN-85, respectively, have been employed. The detection efficiency for alpha particles from radon and its progeny for CR-39 and CN-85 have been compared. All experiments have been carried out in a custom-designed exposure chamber connected to a radon source. The calibration factors, in terms of Bq m(-3) per unit track density (1.0 cm(-2)) with respect to box-type dosimeter, have been determined for intercomparison and standardization of measured radon concentrations by a set of passive radon dosimeters used in various laboratories of the world.

Approval Letter for an Alternative Renewable Biomass Tracking Program

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This January 27, 2015 letter and decision document from EPA approves the Argentine Chamber of Biofuel's (CARBIO) Alternate Biomass Traking Program meeting all the requirements outlined in 40 CFR § 80.1454, including elements determined necessary to achieve

Central Drift Chamber for Belle-II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taniguchi, N.

2017-06-01

The Central Drift Chamber (CDC) is the main device for tracking and identification of charged particles for Belle-II experiment. The Belle-II CDC is cylindrical wire chamber with 14336 sense wires, 2.3 m-length and 2.2 m-diameter. The wire chamber and readout electronics have been completely replaced from the Belle CDC. The new readout electronics system must handle higher trigger rate of 30 kHz with less dead time at the design luminosity of 8 × 1035 cm-2s-1. The front-end electronics are located close to detector and send digitized signal through optical fibers. The Amp-Shaper-Discriminator chips, FADC and FPGA are assembled on a single board. Belle-II CDC with readout electronics has been installed successfully in Belle structure in October 2016. We will present overview of the Belle-II CDC and status of commissioning with cosmic ray.

Eliminating impingement optimizes patellar biomechanics in high knee flexion.

PubMed

Tang, Qi-heng; Zhou, Yi-xin; Tang, Jing; Shao, Hong-yi; Wang, Guang-zhi

2010-08-01

We investigated the impact of eliminating the impingement between extensor mechanism and tibial insert on patellar tracking and patellar ligament tension in high knee flexion. Six cadaveric specimens were tested on an Oxford-type testing rig. The Genesis II knee system was implanted into each specimen knee with the traditional tibial insert and high-flex insert successively. Compared to traditional insert, the high-flex insert was characterized with a chambered anterior post and a chambered anterior lip which eliminates patella-post and patellar ligament-anterior lip impingements. The patella was tracked with an NDI Optotrak Certus system. The patellar ligament tension was measured using a NKB S-type tension transducer. There was a decrease of resultant patellar translation relative to the femur with statistically significant (P<0.05) at 90 degrees to 150 degrees of knee flexion and a decrease of patellar ligament tension with statistical significance (P<0.05) at 100 degrees, 120 degrees, 130 degrees, and 140 degrees of flexion using high-flex insert compared to traditional insert. Eliminating the impingement between extensor mechanism and implant in high knee flexion altered patellar tracking and reduced patellar ligament tension, which would facilitate high knee flexion.

A time projection chamber for high accuracy and precision fission cross-section measurements

DOE PAGES

Heffner, M.; Asner, D. M.; Baker, R. G.; ...

2014-05-22

The fission Time Projection Chamber (fissionTPC) is a compact (15 cm diameter) two-chamber MICROMEGAS TPC designed to make precision cross-section measurements of neutron-induced fission. The actinide targets are placed on the central cathode and irradiated with a neutron beam that passes axially through the TPC inducing fission in the target. The 4π acceptance for fission fragments and complete charged particle track reconstruction are powerful features of the fissionTPC which will be used to measure fission cross-sections and examine the associated systematic errors. This study provides a detailed description of the design requirements, the design solutions, and the initial performance ofmore » the fissionTPC.« less

Automated Proton Track Identification in MicroBooNE Using Gradient Boosted Decision Trees

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

Woodruff, Katherine

MicroBooNE is a liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) neutrino experiment that is currently running in the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermilab. LArTPC technology allows for high-resolution, three-dimensional representations of neutrino interactions. A wide variety of software tools for automated reconstruction and selection of particle tracks in LArTPCs are actively being developed. Short, isolated proton tracks, the signal for low- momentum-transfer neutral current (NC) elastic events, are easily hidden in a large cosmic background. Detecting these low-energy tracks will allow us to probe interesting regions of the proton's spin structure. An effective method for selecting NC elastic events is tomore » combine a highly efficient track reconstruction algorithm to find all candidate tracks with highly accurate particle identification using a machine learning algorithm. We present our work on particle track classification using gradient tree boosting software (XGBoost) and the performance on simulated neutrino data.« less

Vaporizing particle velocimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinstein, Leonard M. (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A velocimeter measures flow characteristics of a flow traveling through a chamber in a given direction. Tracer particles are entrained in the flow and a source of radiant energy produces an output stream directed transversely to the chamber, having a sufficient intensity to vaporize the particles as they pass through the output stream. Each of the vaporized particles explodes to produce a shock wave and a hot core, and a flow visualization system tracks the motion of the hot cores and shock waves to measure the velocity of each tracer particle and the temperature of the flow around the tracer.

Condensate Recycling in Closed Plant Growth Chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bledsoe, J. O.; Sager, J. C.; Fortson, R. E.

1994-01-01

Water used in the the Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) Breadboard Project at the Kennedy Space Center is being recycled. Condensation is collected in the air ducts, filtered and deionized, and resupplied to the system for nutrient solutions, supplemental humidification, solvents and diluents. While the system functions well from a process control standpoint, precise and accurate tracking of water movement through the system to answer plant physiological questions is not consistent. Possible causes include hardware errors, undetected vapor loss from chamber leakage, and unmeasured changes in water volume in the plant growth trays.

Study of the GEM detector performance in BM@N experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bazylev, Sergei; Kapishin, Mikhail; Kapusniak, Kacper; Karjavine, Vladimir; Khabarov, Sergei; Kolesnikov, Alexander; Kulish, Elena; Lenivenko, Vasilisa; Makankin, Alexander; Maksymchuk, Anna; Mehl, Bertrand; De Oliveira, Rui; Palchik, Vladimir; Pokatashkin, Gleb; Rodriguez, A.; Rufanov, Igor; Shutov, Alexander; Slepnev, Ilya; Slepnev, Vyacheslav; Vasiliev, Sergei; Zinchenko, Alexander

2018-04-01

BM@N is the fixed target experiment at the accelerator complex NICA-Nuclotron aimed to study nuclear matter in the relativistic heavy ion collisions. Triple-GEM detectors were identified as appropriate for the BM@N tracking system located inside the analyzing magnet. Seven GEM chambers are integrated into the BM@N experimental setup and data acquisition system. GEM construction, main characteristics and first obtained results of the GEM tracking system performance in the technical run with the deuteron beam are shortly reviewed.

CDF-II and B physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lockyer, Nigel S.

1998-02-01

This paper reports on the CDF-II B physics goals and new detector systems presently being built for Run-II of the Tevatron collider in the year 2000. The B physics goals are focused towards observing and studying CP violation and B s flavor oscillations. Estimates of expected performance are reported. The new detector systems described are: the 5-layer 3-D silicon vertex detector, the intermedia silicon tracking layers, the central tracking drift chamber, muon system upgrades, and a proposed time-of-flight system.

A new expression for computing the bottomside thickness parameter and comparisons with the NeQuick and IRI-2012 models during declining phase of solar cycle 23 at equatorial latitude station, Chumphon, Thailand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamjareegulgarn, Punyawi; Supnithi, Pornchai; Watthanasangmechai, Kornyanat; Yokoyama, Tatsuhiro; Tsugawa, Takuya; Ishii, Mamoru

2017-07-01

This paper proposes a new expression for computing the bottomside thickness parameter at equatorial latitude station, Chumphon (10.72°N, 99.37°E), Thailand. Its diurnal variations from 2004 to 2006 at this location are then studied. The proposed expression is derived based on two experimental data sources: FMCW ionosonde and dual-frequency GPS system, and some expressions of the NeQuick 2 model. Hence, after both the bottomside thickness parameter computed by the proposed equation, B2bot_Pro, and the bottomside shape parameter (namely, B1_Pro in this work) are computed, the bottomside electron density and the height where the bottomside electron density drops down to be 24% of the NmF2 (namely, h0.24) can be computed and shown in this work using the analytical functions of the IRI model. Moreover, the diurnal variations of the B2bot_Pro are compared with those computed from the NeQuick model, B2bot_NeQ, and the predicted B0 of the IRI-2012 model with ABT-2009 and Bil-2000 options (namely, ;B0_ABT; and ;B0_Bil;, respectively). The averaged, minimum, and maximum values of percentage deviations among these bottomside thickness parameters are also computed and shown in this work. Our results show that the diurnal variations of B2bot_Pro at Chumphon station have the following patterns: they start to increase during nighttime to the first peaks during pre-sunrise hours, and then decrease abruptly to their minimum values during sunrise hours. Afterward, they increase again to reach the second peaks around local noontime and fall gradually to their starting times during 20-04 LT. The diurnal variations of B2bot_Pro follow generally the same trends as those of the B2bot_NeQ and the B0_ABT, except pre-sunrise hours. The pre-sunrise peaks and sunrise collapses in both the B2bot_NeQ and the B0_ABT can be found occasionally. On the other hand, the diurnal variations in B2bot_Pro differ from those in B0_Bil due to the flattened variation in B0_Bil and the pre-sunrise peaks as well as sunrise collapses in B0_Bil disappear. The pre-sunrise peaks of the B2bot_Pro at the Chumphon station are higher than those of the B2bot_NeQ, the B0_ABT, and the observed B0 at other regions. Furthermore, the percentage deviations between the B2bot_Pro and the B0_ABT (PD_B2B0ABT) are mostly lower than 30% for all seasons of the studied years, opposite to the other percentage deviations studied in this work. The proposed B2bot_Pro parameters in this work follow a similar trend to the B2bot_NeQ and the B0_ABT, but it is not conclusive that the proposed values are equivalent to them.

The ISOMAX Magnetic Rigidity Spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hams, Thomas

1999-08-01

The Isotope Magnet Experiment, (ISOMAX), is a balloon-borne superconducting magnetic spectrometer with a time-of-flight system and aerogel Cherenkov counters. Its purpose is to measure the isotopic composition of the light elements (3 < Z < 8) in the cosmic radiation. Particle mass is derived from a velocity vs. magnetic rigidity (momentum/charge) technique. The experiment had its first flight in August 1998. The precision magnetic spectrometer uses advanced drift-chamber tracking and a large, high-field, superconducting magnet. The drift-chamber system consists of three chambers with 24 layers of hexagonal drift cells (16 bending, 8 non-bending) and a vertical extent of 1.4 m. Pure CO2 gas is used. The magnet is a split-pair design with 79 cm diameter coils and a separation of 80 cm. During the 1998 flight, the central field was 0.8 T (60% of the full design field). Presented are results from flight data, for a range of incident particle Z, on the spatial resolution and efficiency of the tracking system, and on the maximum detectable rigidity (MDR) of the spectrometer. For in-flight data, spatial resolutions of 54 mm for Z=2 and 45 mm for Z=4 are obtained. An MDR of 970 GV/c is achieved for Z=2.

A drift chamber tracking system for muon scattering tomography applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burns, J.; Quillin, S.; Stapleton, M.; Steer, C.; Snow, S.

2015-10-01

Muon scattering tomography (MST) allows the identification of shielded high atomic number (high-Z) materials by measuring the scattering angle of cosmic ray muons passing through an inspection region. Cosmic ray muons scatter to a greater degree due to multiple Coulomb scattering in high-Z materials than low-Z materials, which can be measured as the angular difference between the incoming and outgoing trajectories of each muon. Measurements of trajectory are achieved by placing position sensitive particle tracking detectors above and below the inspection volume. By localising scattering information, the point at which a series of muons scatter can be used to reconstruct an image, differentiating high, medium and low density objects. MST is particularly useful for differentiating between materials of varying density in volumes that are difficult to inspect visually or by other means. This paper will outline the experimental work undertaken to develop a prototype MST system based on drift chamber technology. The planar drift chambers used in this prototype measure the longitudinal interaction position of an ionising particle from the time taken for elections, liberated in the argon (92.5%), carbon dioxide (5%), methane (2.5%) gas mixture, to reach a central anode wire. Such a system could be used to enhance the detection of shielded radiological material hidden within regular shipping cargo.

Direct electron-pair production by high energy heavy charged particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takahashi, Y.; Gregory, J. C.; Hayashi, T.; Dong, B. L.

1989-01-01

Direct electron pain production via virtual photons by moving charged particles is a unique electro-magnetic process having a substantial dependence on energy. Most electro-magnetic processes, including transition radiation, cease to be sensitive to the incident energy above 10 TeV/AMU. Thus, it is expected, that upon establishment of cross section and detection efficiency of this process, it may provide a new energy measuring technique above 10 TeV/AMU. Three accelerator exposures of emulsion chambers designed for measurements of direct electron-pains were performed. The objectives of the investigation were to provide the fundamental cross-section data in emulsion stacks to find the best-fit theoretical model, and to provide a calibration of measurements of direct electron-pairs in emulsion chamber configurations. This paper reports the design of the emulsion chambers, accelerator experiments, microscope measurements, and related considerations for future improvements of the measurements, and for possible applications to high energy cosmic ray experiments. Also discussed are the results from scanning 56m of emulsion tracks at 1200x magnification so that scanning efficiency is optimized. Measurements of the delta-ray range spectrum were also performed for much shorter track lengths, but with sufficiently large statistics in the number of measured delta-rays.

Clinicopathologic evaluation of hepatic lipidosis in periparturient dairy cattle.

PubMed

Kalaitzakis, Emmanouil; Roubies, Nikolaos; Panousis, Nikolaos; Pourliotis, Konstantinos; Kaldrymidou, Eleni; Karatzias, Harilaos

2007-01-01

Fatty change of the liver (FCL) is very common in dairy cattle periparturiently. Many laboratory methods have been implicated in order to assist the diagnosis. To investigate whether FCL in dairy cattle could be evaluated by assessment of ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT) by means of an assay modified for bovine serum, other enzyme activity, serum bile acids (SBA) concentration, or other biochemical constituents. A total of 187 dairy cattle were included: 106 were suspected to have liver dysfunction and were examined after referral by veterinarians; 70 were clinically healthy with mild FCL; and 11 were clinically healthy without FCL. Blood and liver biopsy samples were obtained after clinical examination. Histologic examination by light microscopy and classification of samples according to the severity of FCL was done, and total lipid and triglyceride concentration was measured. In serum, OCT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (gamma-GT) activity as well as SBA, glucose, ketones, total bilirubin (tBIL), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration were measured. OCT and AST activity and tBIL concentration correlate well with the degree of FCL. SBA concentration does not contribute well to FCL diagnosis. The majority of FCL cases appeared within the first 21 days-in-milk (DIM). The majority of moderate-to-severe and severe FCL cases arose in the first 7 DIM. Except for OCT, AST, and tBIL, none of the biochemical tests used, including SBA, had sufficient discriminatory power to differentiate reliably between mild and severe FCL because of poor sensitivity. A weak correlation between clinical signs and the extent of FCL was evident.

An integrated model of water resources optimization allocation based on projection pursuit model - Grey wolf optimization method in a transboundary river basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Sen; Lu, Hongwei

2018-04-01

Under the effects of global change, water crisis ranks as the top global risk in the future decade, and water conflict in transboundary river basins as well as the geostrategic competition led by it is most concerned. This study presents an innovative integrated PPMGWO model of water resources optimization allocation in a transboundary river basin, which is integrated through the projection pursuit model (PPM) and Grey wolf optimization (GWO) method. This study uses the Songhua River basin and 25 control units as examples, adopting the PPMGWO model proposed in this study to allocate the water quantity. Using water consumption in all control units in the Songhua River basin in 2015 as reference to compare with optimization allocation results of firefly algorithm (FA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithms as well as the PPMGWO model, results indicate that the average difference between corresponding allocation results and reference values are 0.195 bil m3, 0.151 bil m3, and 0.085 bil m3, respectively. Obviously, the average difference of the PPMGWO model is the lowest and its optimization allocation result is closer to reality, which further confirms the reasonability, feasibility, and accuracy of the PPMGWO model. And then the PPMGWO model is adopted to simulate allocation of available water quantity in Songhua River basin in 2018, 2020, and 2030. The simulation results show water quantity which could be allocated in all controls demonstrates an overall increasing trend with reasonable and equal exploitation and utilization of water resources in the Songhua River basin in future. In addition, this study has a certain reference value and application meaning to comprehensive management and water resources allocation in other transboundary river basins.

1. DISTANT VIEW OF FRONT FROM SOUTHWEST SHOWING AREA OF ...

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

1. DISTANT VIEW OF FRONT FROM SOUTHWEST SHOWING AREA OF COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SHOP WITH PORTION OF WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND TRACK FILL AREA IN RIGHT HAND CORNER - Hardin City Water Works, 101 East Fourth Street, Hardin, Big Horn County, MT

Long term performance studies of large oil-free bakelite resistive plate chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganai, R.; Roy, A.; Shiroya, M. K.; Agarwal, K.; Ahammed, Z.; Choudhury, S.; Chattopadhyay, S.

2016-09-01

Several high energy physics and neutrino physics experiments worldwide require large-size RPCs to cover wide acceptances. The muon tracking systems in the Iron calorimeter (ICAL) experiment in the India based Neutrino Observatory (INO), India and the near detector in Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) at Fermilab are two such examples. A single gap bakelite RPC of dimension 240 cm × 120 cm, with gas gap of 0.2 cm, has been built and tested at Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre, Kolkata, using indigenous materials procured from the local market. No additional lubricant, like oil has been used on the electrode surfaces for smoothening. The chamber is in operation for > 365 days. We have tested the chamber for its long term operation. The leakage current, bulk resistivity, efficiency, noise rate and time resolution of the chamber have been found to be quite stable during the testing peroid. It has shown an efficiency > 95% with an average time resolution of ~ 0.83 ns at the point of measurement at ~ 8700 V throughout the testing period. Details of the long term performance of the chamber have been discussed.

The tracking analysis in the Q-weak experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, J.; Androic, D.; Armstrong, D. S.; Asaturyan, A.; Averett, T.; Balewski, J.; Beaufait, J.; Beminiwattha, R. S.; Benesch, J.; Benmokhtar, F.; Birchall, J.; Carlini, R. D.; Cates, G. D.; Cornejo, J. C.; Covrig, S.; Dalton, M. M.; Davis, C. A.; Deconinck, W.; Diefenbach, J.; Dowd, J. F.; Dunne, J. A.; Dutta, D.; Duvall, W. S.; Elaasar, M.; Falk, W. R.; Finn, J. M.; Forest, T.; Gaskell, D.; Gericke, M. T. W.; Grames, J.; Gray, V. M.; Grimm, K.; Guo, F.; Hoskins, J. R.; Johnston, K.; Jones, D.; Jones, M.; Jones, R.; Kargiantoulakis, M.; King, P. M.; Korkmaz, E.; Kowalski, S.; Leacock, J.; Leckey, J.; Lee, A. R.; Lee, J. H.; Lee, L.; MacEwan, S.; Mack, D.; Magee, J. A.; Mahurin, R.; Mammei, J.; Martin, J. W.; McHugh, M. J.; Meekins, D.; Mei, J.; Michaels, R.; Micherdzinska, A.; Mkrtchyan, A.; Mkrtchyan, H.; Morgan, N.; Myers, K. E.; Narayan, A.; Ndukum, L. Z.; Nelyubin, V.; Nuruzzaman; van Oers, W. T. H.; Opper, A. K.; Page, S. A.; Pan, J.; Paschke, K. D.; Phillips, S. K.; Pitt, M. L.; Poelker, M.; Rajotte, J. F.; Ramsay, W. D.; Roche, J.; Sawatzky, B.; Seva, T.; Shabestari, M. H.; Silwal, R.; Simicevic, N.; Smith, G. R.; Solvignon, P.; Spayde, D. T.; Subedi, A.; Subedi, R.; Suleiman, R.; Tadevosyan, V.; Tobias, W. A.; Tvaskis, V.; Waidyawansa, B.; Wang, P.; Wells, S. P.; Wood, S. A.; Yang, S.; Young, R. D.; Zhamkochyan, S.

2016-12-01

The Q-weak experiment at Jefferson Laboratory measured the parity violating asymmetry ( A P V ) in elastic electron-proton scattering at small momentum transfer squared ( Q 2=0.025 ( G e V/ c)2), with the aim of extracting the proton's weak charge ({Q^p_W}) to an accuracy of 5 %. As one of the major uncertainty contribution sources to {Q^p_W}, Q 2 needs to be determined to ˜1 % so as to reach the proposed experimental precision. For this purpose, two sets of high resolution tracking chambers were employed in the experiment, to measure tracks before and after the magnetic spectrometer. Data collected by the tracking system were then reconstructed with dedicated software into individual electron trajectories for experimental kinematics determination. The Q-weak kinematics and the analysis scheme for tracking data are briefly described here. The sources that contribute to the uncertainty of Q 2 are discussed, and the current analysis status is reported.

The effect of attention loading on the inhibition of choice reaction time to visual motion by concurrent rotary motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Looper, M.

1976-01-01

This study investigates the influence of attention loading on the established intersensory effects of passive bodily rotation on choice reaction time (RT) to visual motion. Subjects sat at the center of rotation in an enclosed rotating chamber and observed an oscilloscope on which were, in the center, a tracking display and, 10 deg left of center, a RT line. Three tracking tasks and a no-tracking control condition were presented to all subjects in combination with the RT task, which occurred with and without concurrent cab rotations. Choice RT to line motions was inhibited (probability less than .001) both when there was simultaneous vestibular stimulation and when there was a tracking task; response latencies lengthened progressively with increased similarity between the RT and tracking tasks. However, the attention conditions did not affect the intersensory effect; the significance of this for the nature of the sensory interaction is discussed.

Quality Control and Reproducibility in M-mode, Two-dimensional, and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Acquisition and Analysis: The CARDIA Study, Year-25 Examination Experience

PubMed Central

Armstrong, Anderson C.; Ricketts, Erin P.; Cox, Christopher; Adler, Paul; Arynchyn, Alexander; Liu, Kiang; Stengel, Ellen; RDCS; Sidney, Stephen; Lewis, Cora E.; Schreiner, Pamela J.; Shikany, James M.; Keck, Kimberly; Merlo, Jamie; Gidding, Samuel S.; Lima, João A. C.

2014-01-01

Introduction Few large studies describe quality control procedures and reproducibility findings in cardiovascular ultra-sound, particularly in novel techniques such as Speckle Tracking (STE). We evaluate the echocardiography assessment performance in the CARDIA study Y25 examination (2010-2011) and report findings from a quality control and reproducibility program conducted to assess Field Center image acquisition and Reading Center (RC) accuracy. Methods The CARDIA Y25 examination had 3,475 echocardiograms performed in 4 US Field Centers and analyzed in a Reading Center, assessing standard echocardiography (LA dimension, aortic root, LV mass, LV end-diastolic volume [LVEDV], ejection fraction [LVEF]), and STE (2- and 4-chamber longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains). Reproducibility was assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV), and Bland-Altman plots. Results For standard echocardiography reproducibility, LV mass and LVEDV consistently had CV above 10% and aortic root below 6%. Intra-sonographer aortic root and LV mass had the most robust values of ICC in standard echocardiography. For STE, the number of properly tracking segments was above 80% in short-axis and 4-chamber and 58% in 2-chamber. Longitudinal strain parameters were the most robust and radial strain showed the highest variation. Comparing Field Centers with Echo RC STE readings, mean differences ranged from 0.4% to 4.1% and ICC from 0.37 to 0.66, with robust results for longitudinal strains. Conclusion Echocardiography image acquisition and reading processes in the CARDIA study were highly reproducible, including robust results for STE analysis. Consistent quality control may increase the reliability of echocardiography measurements in large cohort studies. PMID:25382818

Quality Control and Reproducibility in M-Mode, Two-Dimensional, and Speckle Tracking Echocardiography Acquisition and Analysis: The CARDIA Study, Year 25 Examination Experience.

PubMed

Armstrong, Anderson C; Ricketts, Erin P; Cox, Christopher; Adler, Paul; Arynchyn, Alexander; Liu, Kiang; Stengel, Ellen; Sidney, Stephen; Lewis, Cora E; Schreiner, Pamela J; Shikany, James M; Keck, Kimberly; Merlo, Jamie; Gidding, Samuel S; Lima, João A C

2015-08-01

Few large studies describe quality control procedures and reproducibility findings in cardiovascular ultrasound, particularly in novel techniques such as speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). We evaluate the echocardiography assessment performance in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study Year 25 (Y25) examination (2010-2011) and report findings from a quality control and reproducibility program conducted to assess Field Center image acquisition and reading center (RC) accuracy. The CARDIA Y25 examination had 3475 echocardiograms performed in 4 US Field Centers and analyzed in a RC, assessing standard echocardiography (LA dimension, aortic root, LV mass, LV end-diastolic volume [LVEDV], ejection fraction [LVEF]), and STE (two- and four-chamber longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains). Reproducibility was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), coefficients of variation (CV), and Bland-Altman plots. For standard echocardiography reproducibility, LV mass and LVEDV consistently had CV above 10% and aortic root below 6%. Intra-sonographer aortic root and LV mass had the most robust values of ICC in standard echocardiography. For STE, the number of properly tracking segments was above 80% in short-axis and four-chamber and 58% in two-chamber views. Longitudinal strain parameters were the most robust and radial strain showed the highest variation. Comparing Field Centers with echocardiography RC STE readings, mean differences ranged from 0.4% to 4.1% and ICC from 0.37 to 0.66, with robust results for longitudinal strains. Echocardiography image acquisition and reading processes in the CARDIA study were highly reproducible, including robust results for STE analysis. Consistent quality control may increase the reliability of echocardiography measurements in large cohort studies. © 2014, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Construction and performance of the sTGC and MicroMegas chambers for ATLAS NSW upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekhniaidze, G.

2017-03-01

The innermost stations of the current ATLAS muon end-cap system, the Small Wheels, must be upgraded in 2019 to retain their good precision tracking and trigger capabilities in the high background environment expected with the upcoming luminosity increase of the LHC. The New Small Wheels (NSW) will employ two chamber technologies: eight layers of MicroMegas (MM) arranged in two quadruplets, sandwiched between two quadruplets of small-strip Thin Gap Chambers (sTGC) for a total of about 2400 m2 of detection planes. All quadruplets have trapezoidal shapes with surface areas between 1 and 3 m2. Both MM and sTGC systems will independently provide trigger and tracking capabilities. The readout boards are industrially produced for both technologies and an accurate quality control is needed. In order to achieve a 15% transverse momentum resolution for 1 TeV muons, in addition to an excellent intrinsic resolution (010 μm), the mechanical precision of each plane of the assembled modules must be as good as 30 μm along the precision coordinate and 80 μm perpendicular to the chamber. In 2016 the milestone to build the first module-0 prototypes for both technologies has been reached. The construction procedure of the module-0 detectors will be reviewed, along with the results of the quality control checks performed during construction. The module-0 have been measured and subjected to a thorough validation. Results obtained with high-energy particle beams, with cosmic rays and with X-rays will be presented.

Performance of an image analysis processing system for hen tracking in an environmental preference chamber.

PubMed

Kashiha, Mohammad Amin; Green, Angela R; Sales, Tatiana Glogerley; Bahr, Claudia; Berckmans, Daniel; Gates, Richard S

2014-10-01

Image processing systems have been widely used in monitoring livestock for many applications, including identification, tracking, behavior analysis, occupancy rates, and activity calculations. The primary goal of this work was to quantify image processing performance when monitoring laying hens by comparing length of stay in each compartment as detected by the image processing system with the actual occurrences registered by human observations. In this work, an image processing system was implemented and evaluated for use in an environmental animal preference chamber to detect hen navigation between 4 compartments of the chamber. One camera was installed above each compartment to produce top-view images of the whole compartment. An ellipse-fitting model was applied to captured images to detect whether the hen was present in a compartment. During a choice-test study, mean ± SD success detection rates of 95.9 ± 2.6% were achieved when considering total duration of compartment occupancy. These results suggest that the image processing system is currently suitable for determining the response measures for assessing environmental choices. Moreover, the image processing system offered a comprehensive analysis of occupancy while substantially reducing data processing time compared with the time-intensive alternative of manual video analysis. The above technique was used to monitor ammonia aversion in the chamber. As a preliminary pilot study, different levels of ammonia were applied to different compartments while hens were allowed to navigate between compartments. Using the automated monitor tool to assess occupancy, a negative trend of compartment occupancy with ammonia level was revealed, though further examination is needed. ©2014 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Automatic left-atrial segmentation from cardiac 3D ultrasound: a dual-chamber model-based approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almeida, Nuno; Sarvari, Sebastian I.; Orderud, Fredrik; Gérard, Olivier; D'hooge, Jan; Samset, Eigil

2016-04-01

In this paper, we present an automatic solution for segmentation and quantification of the left atrium (LA) from 3D cardiac ultrasound. A model-based framework is applied, making use of (deformable) active surfaces to model the endocardial surfaces of cardiac chambers, allowing incorporation of a priori anatomical information in a simple fashion. A dual-chamber model (LA and left ventricle) is used to detect and track the atrio-ventricular (AV) plane, without any user input. Both chambers are represented by parametric surfaces and a Kalman filter is used to fit the model to the position of the endocardial walls detected in the image, providing accurate detection and tracking during the whole cardiac cycle. This framework was tested in 20 transthoracic cardiac ultrasound volumetric recordings of healthy volunteers, and evaluated using manual traces of a clinical expert as a reference. The 3D meshes obtained with the automatic method were close to the reference contours at all cardiac phases (mean distance of 0.03+/-0.6 mm). The AV plane was detected with an accuracy of -0.6+/-1.0 mm. The LA volumes assessed automatically were also in agreement with the reference (mean +/-1.96 SD): 0.4+/-5.3 ml, 2.1+/-12.6 ml, and 1.5+/-7.8 ml at end-diastolic, end-systolic and pre-atrial-contraction frames, respectively. This study shows that the proposed method can be used for automatic volumetric assessment of the LA, considerably reducing the analysis time and effort when compared to manual analysis.

Detecting special nuclear material using a neutron time projection chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carosi, G.; Bernstein, A.; Bowden, N.; Burke, J.; Carter, D.; Foxe, M.; Heffner, M.; Jovanovic, I.; Mintz, J.; O'Malley, P.

2010-02-01

Time projection chambers are 3-dimensional charged particle cameras based on drifting ionization tracks at a known velocity onto an electronic readout plane. These instruments are capable of detecting fast neutrons which are unique signatures of special nuclear material with low natural background rates. Here we describe a neutron Time Projection Chamber (nTPC) developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) which has demonstrated directional sensitivity to fission neutrons along with high rejection of background gamma-ray and electron events. Using a combination hydrogen/methane drift gas at several atmospheres we've demonstrated the ability to point to a Cf-252 source simulating 6kg of weapons grade plutonium at 10's of meters with one hour integration time. Plans for future field deployable devices will also be outlined. )

A measurement of the holographic minimum-observable beam branching ratio in the FERMILAB 15-ft bubble chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aderholz, M.; Aggarwal, M. M.; Akbari, H.; Allport, P. P.; Badyal, S. K.; Ballagh, H. C.; Barth, M.; Baton, J. P.; Bingham, H. H.; Bjelkhagen, H.; Brucker, E. B.; Burnstein, R. A.; Campbell, J. R.; Cence, R. J.; Chatterjee, T. K.; Clayton, E. F.; Corrigan, G.; Coutures, C.; DeProspo, D.; Devanand; De Wolf, E. A.; Faulkner, P. J. W.; Foeth, H.; Fretter, W. B.; Geissler, K.; Gupta, V. K.; Hanlon, J.; Harigel, G. G.; Harris, F. A.; Hawkins, J.; Jabiol, M. A.; Jacques, P.; Jones, G. T.; Jones, M. D.; Kafka, T.; Kalelkar, M.; Kasper, P.; Kohli, J. M.; Koller, E. L.; Krawiec, R. J.; Lauko, M.; Lys, J. E.; Marage, P.; Milburn, R. H.; Miller, D. B.; Mittra, I. S.; Mobayyen, M. M.; Moreels, J.; Morrison, D. R. O.; Myatt, G.; Naon, R.; Napier, A.; Naylor, P.; Neveu, M.; Passmore, D.; Peters, M. W.; Peterson, V. Z.; Plano, R.; Rao, N. K.; Rubin, H. A.; Sacton, J.; Sambyal, S. S.; Schmitz, N.; Schneps, J.; Sekulin, R. L.; Sewell, S.; Singh, J. B.; Smart, W.; Stamer, P.; Varvell, K. E.; Verluyten, L.; Voyvodic, L.; Wachsmuth, H.; Wainstein, S.; Williams, W.; Willocq, S.; Yost, G. P.; E-632 Collaboration

1999-01-01

Holography has been used successfully in combination with conventional optics for the first time in a large cryogenic bubble chamber, the 15-foot bubble chamber at Fermilab, during a physics run. The innovative system combined the reference beam with the object beam, irradiating a conical volume of ˜1.4 m 3. Bubble tracks from neutrino interactions with a width of ˜120 μm have been recorded with good contrast. The ratio of intensities of the object light to the reference light striking the film is called the beam branching ratio. We obtained in our experiment an exceedingly small minimum-observable ratio of (0.54±0.21)×10 -7. The technology has the potential for a wide range of applications.

Extending the Dynamic Range of a Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Estee, Justin; S πRIT Collaboration

2017-09-01

The use of Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) in intermediate heavy ion reactions faces some challenges in addressing the energy losses that range from the small energy loss of relativistic pions to the large energy loss of slow moving heavy ions. A typical trade-off can be to set the smallest desired signals to be well within the lower limits of the dynamic range of the electronics while allowing for some larger signals to saturate the electronics. With wire plane anodes, signals from readout pads further away from the track remain unsaturated and allow signals from tracks with saturated pads to be accurately recovered. We illustrate this technique using data from the SAMURAI Pion-Reconstruction and Ion-Tracker (S πRIT) TPC , which recently measured pions and light charged particles in collisions of Sn+Sn isotopes. Our method exploits knowledge of how the induced charge distribution depends on the distance from the track to smoothly extend dynamic range even when some of the pads in the track are saturated. To accommodate the analysis of slow moving heavy ions, we have extended the Bichsel energy loss distributions to handle slower moving ions as well. In this talk, I will discuss a combined approach which successfully extends the dynamic range of the TPC electronics. This work is supported by the U.S. DOE under Grant Nos. DE-SC0014530, DE-NA0002923, US NSF Grant No. PHY-1565546 and the Japan MEXT KAKENHI Grant No. 24105004.

Hybrid-PIC Computer Simulation of the Plasma and Erosion Processes in Hall Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hofer, Richard R.; Katz, Ira; Mikellides, Ioannis G.; Gamero-Castano, Manuel

2010-01-01

HPHall software simulates and tracks the time-dependent evolution of the plasma and erosion processes in the discharge chamber and near-field plume of Hall thrusters. HPHall is an axisymmetric solver that employs a hybrid fluid/particle-in-cell (Hybrid-PIC) numerical approach. HPHall, originally developed by MIT in 1998, was upgraded to HPHall-2 by the Polytechnic University of Madrid in 2006. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory has continued the development of HPHall-2 through upgrades to the physical models employed in the code, and the addition of entirely new ones. Primary among these are the inclusion of a three-region electron mobility model that more accurately depicts the cross-field electron transport, and the development of an erosion sub-model that allows for the tracking of the erosion of the discharge chamber wall. The code is being developed to provide NASA science missions with a predictive tool of Hall thruster performance and lifetime that can be used to validate Hall thrusters for missions.

TACTIC: the TRIUMF Annular Chamber for Tracking and Identification of Charged particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martin, L.; Ruprecht, G.; Hager, U.; Amaudruz, P.-A.; Buchmann, L.; Fox, S. P.; Laird, A. M.; Martin, E.

2018-01-01

An in-depth characterization of the TACTIC detector was performed using data from a 148Gd alpha source and some test runs with a stable ion beam. The detector is an active target time-projection chamber with a blind central region for maximizing beam tolerance and GEM-based electron amplification, equipped with a modern digitizing data acquisition system allowing the recording of full signals. The system was developed to study the reaction 8Li(α,n)11B, which is important for bridging the mass 8 gap in scenarios of low 4He density like Inhomogeneous Big Bang Nucleosynthesis and the production of r-process seeds in supernovae. Both energy resolution and tracking accuracy were found to agree with theoretical predictions and Geant4 simulations. The 8Li beam rate capability of the system is predicted to be of the order of 105s-1, several orders of magnitude higher than most previous measurements of the same reaction, while still maintaining a high detection efficiency of 70% to 80 %.

Wavelet-based tracking of bacteria in unreconstructed off-axis holograms.

PubMed

Marin, Zach; Wallace, J Kent; Nadeau, Jay; Khalil, Andre

2018-03-01

We propose an automated wavelet-based method of tracking particles in unreconstructed off-axis holograms to provide rough estimates of the presence of motion and particle trajectories in digital holographic microscopy (DHM) time series. The wavelet transform modulus maxima segmentation method is adapted and tailored to extract Airy-like diffraction disks, which represent bacteria, from DHM time series. In this exploratory analysis, the method shows potential for estimating bacterial tracks in low-particle-density time series, based on a preliminary analysis of both living and dead Serratia marcescens, and for rapidly providing a single-bit answer to whether a sample chamber contains living or dead microbes or is empty. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ion recombination correction in carbon ion beams.

PubMed

Rossomme, S; Hopfgartner, J; Lee, N D; Delor, A; Thomas, R A S; Romano, F; Fukumura, A; Vynckier, S; Palmans, H

2016-07-01

In this work, ion recombination is studied as a function of energy and depth in carbon ion beams. Measurements were performed in three different passively scattered carbon ion beams with energies of 62 MeV/n, 135 MeV/n, and 290 MeV/n using various types of plane-parallel ionization chambers. Experimental results were compared with two analytical models for initial recombination. One model is generally used for photon beams and the other model, developed by Jaffé, takes into account the ionization density along the ion track. An investigation was carried out to ascertain the effect on the ion recombination correction with varying ionization chamber orientation with respect to the direction of the ion tracks. The variation of the ion recombination correction factors as a function of depth was studied for a Markus ionization chamber in the 62 MeV/n nonmodulated carbon ion beam. This variation can be related to the depth distribution of linear energy transfer. Results show that the theory for photon beams is not applicable to carbon ion beams. On the other hand, by optimizing the value of the ionization density and the initial mean-square radius, good agreement is found between Jaffé's theory and the experimental results. As predicted by Jaffé's theory, the results confirm that ion recombination corrections strongly decrease with an increasing angle between the ion tracks and the electric field lines. For the Markus ionization chamber, the variation of the ion recombination correction factor with depth was modeled adequately by a sigmoid function, which is approximately constant in the plateau and strongly increasing in the Bragg peak region to values of up to 1.06. Except in the distal edge region, all experimental results are accurately described by Jaffé's theory. Experimental results confirm that ion recombination in the investigated carbon ion beams is dominated by initial recombination. Ion recombination corrections are found to be significant and cannot be neglected for reference dosimetry and for the determination of depth dose curves in carbon ion beams.

An Efficient, FPGA-Based, Cluster Detection Algorithm Implementation for a Strip Detector Readout System in a Time Projection Chamber Polarimeter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gregory, Kyle J.; Hill, Joanne E. (Editor); Black, J. Kevin; Baumgartner, Wayne H.; Jahoda, Keith

2016-01-01

A fundamental challenge in a spaceborne application of a gas-based Time Projection Chamber (TPC) for observation of X-ray polarization is handling the large amount of data collected. The TPC polarimeter described uses the APV-25 Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) to readout a strip detector. Two dimensional photoelectron track images are created with a time projection technique and used to determine the polarization of the incident X-rays. The detector produces a 128x30 pixel image per photon interaction with each pixel registering 12 bits of collected charge. This creates challenging requirements for data storage and downlink bandwidth with only a modest incidence of photons and can have a significant impact on the overall mission cost. An approach is described for locating and isolating the photoelectron track within the detector image, yielding a much smaller data product, typically between 8x8 pixels and 20x20 pixels. This approach is implemented using a Microsemi RT-ProASIC3-3000 Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), clocked at 20 MHz and utilizing 10.7k logic gates (14% of FPGA), 20 Block RAMs (17% of FPGA), and no external RAM. Results will be presented, demonstrating successful photoelectron track cluster detection with minimal impact to detector dead-time.

"F = BIL" Revisited

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leadstone, Stuart

2012-01-01

This article discusses improvements to two "classic" demonstrations of the interaction force between a magnet and a current-carrying conductor, which it is hoped will both interest and delight readers. Creating new demonstrations of fundamental phenomena in physics is the most rewarding activity for the keen demonstrator. A close second is the…

A radial time projection chamber for α detection in CLAS at JLab

DOE PAGES

Dupre, R.; Stepanyan, S.; Hattawy, M.; ...

2018-08-01

A new Radial Time Projection Chamber (RTPC) was developed at the Jefferson Laboratory to track low-energy nuclear recoils to measure exclusive nuclear reactions, such as coherent deeply virtual Compton scattering and coherent meson production off 4He. In 2009, we carried out these measurements using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) supplemented by the RTPC positioned directly around a gaseous 4He target, allowing a detection threshold as low as 12 MeV for 4He. This work discusses the design, principle of operation, calibration methods and performances of this RTPC.

Searching for possible hidden chambers in the Pyramid of the Sun

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alfaro, R.; Belmont, E.; Grabski, V.; Manzanilla, L.; Martinez-Davalos, A.; Menchaca-Rocha, A.; Moreno, M.; Sandoval, A.

The Pyramid of the Sun, at Teotihuacan, Mexico, is being searched for possible hidden chambers, using a muon tracking technique inspired in the experiment carried out by Luis Alvarez over 30 years ago at the Chephren Pyramid, in Giza. A fortunate similarity between this monument and the Pyramid of the Sun is a tunnel, running 8 m below the base and ending close to the symmetry axis, which permits the use muon attenuation measurements. A brief account of the project, including planning, detector design, construction and simulations, as well as the current status of the project is presented

A radial time projection chamber for α detection in CLAS at JLab

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

Dupre, R.; Stepanyan, S.; Hattawy, M.

A new Radial Time Projection Chamber (RTPC) was developed at the Jefferson Laboratory to track low-energy nuclear recoils to measure exclusive nuclear reactions, such as coherent deeply virtual Compton scattering and coherent meson production off 4He. In 2009, we carried out these measurements using the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) supplemented by the RTPC positioned directly around a gaseous 4He target, allowing a detection threshold as low as 12 MeV for 4He. This work discusses the design, principle of operation, calibration methods and performances of this RTPC.

SU-F-T-458: Tracking Trends of TG-142 Parameters Via Analysis of Data Recorded by 2D Chamber Array

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

Alexandrian, A; Kabat, C; Defoor, D

Purpose: With increasing QA demands of medical physicists in clinical radiation oncology, the need for an effective method of tracking clinical data has become paramount. A tool was produced which scans through data automatically recorded by a 2D chamber array and extracts relevant information recommended by TG-142. Using this extracted information a timely and comprehensive analysis of QA parameters can be easily performed enabling efficient monthly checks on multiple linear accelerators simultaneously. Methods: A PTW STARCHECK chamber array was used to record several months of beam outputs from two Varian 2100 series linear accelerators and a Varian NovalisTx−. In conjunctionmore » with the chamber array, a beam quality phantom was used to simultaneously to determine beam quality. A minimalist GUI was created in MatLab that allows a user to set the file path of the data for each modality to be analyzed. These file paths are recorded to a MatLab structure and then subsequently accessed by a script written in Python (version 3.5.1) which then extracts values required to perform monthly checks as outlined by recommendations from TG-142. The script incorporates calculations to determine if the values recorded by the chamber array fall within an acceptable threshold. Results: Values obtained by the script are written to a spreadsheet where results can be easily viewed and annotated with a “pass” or “fail” and saved for further analysis. In addition to creating a new scheme for reviewing monthly checks, this application allows for able to succinctly store data for follow up analysis. Conclusion: By utilizing this tool, parameters recommended by TG-142 for multiple linear accelerators can be rapidly obtained and analyzed which can be used for evaluation of monthly checks.« less

Designing an Active Target Test Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koci, James; Tan Ahn Collaboration, Dr.; Nicolas Dixneuf Collaboration

2015-10-01

The development of instrumentation in nuclear physics is crucial for advancing our ability to measure the properties of exotic nuclei. One limitation of the use of exotic nuclei in experiment is their very low production intensities. Recently, detectors, called active-target dectectors, have been developed to address this issue. Active-target detectors use a gas medium to image charged-particle tracks that are emitted in nuclear reactions. Last semester, I designed a vacuum chamber to be used in developing Micro-Pattern Gas detectors that will upgrade the capabilities of an active-target detector called the Prototype AT-TPC. With the exterior of the chamber complete, I have now been using an electric field modeling program, Garfield, developed by CERN to design a field cage to be placed within the vacuum chamber. The field cage will be a box-like apparatus consisting of two parallel metal plates connected with a resistor chain and attached to wires wrapped between them. The cage will provide a uniform electric field within the chamber to drift electrons from nuclear reactions down to the detector in the bottom of the chamber. These signals are then amplified by a proportional counter, and the data is sent to a computer. For the long term, we would like to incorporate a Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors in the interior of the chamber and eventually use the AT-TPC to examine various nuclei. Dr. Ahn is my advising professor.

Neutron Imaging Camera

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunter, Stanley; deNolfo, G. A.; Barbier, L. M.; Link, J. T.; Son, S.; Floyd, S. R.; Guardala, N.; Skopec, M.; Stark, B.

2008-01-01

The Neutron Imaging Camera (NIC) is based on the Three-dimensional Track Imager (3DTI) technology developed at GSFC for gamma-ray astrophysics applications. The 3-DTI, a large volume time-projection chamber, provides accurate, approximately 0.4 mm resolution, 3-D tracking of charged particles. The incident direction of fast neutrons, En > 0.5 MeV, are reconstructed from the momenta and energies of the proton and triton fragments resulting from (sup 3)He(n,p) (sup 3)H interactions in the 3-DTI volume. The performance of the NIC from laboratory and accelerator tests is presented.

Recent developments in track reconstruction and hadron identification at MPD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mudrokh, A.; Zinchenko, A.

2017-03-01

A Monte Carlo simulation of real detector effects with as many details as possible has been carried out instead of a simplified Geant point smearing approach during the study of the detector performance. Some results of realistic simulation of the MPD TPC (Time Projection Chamber) including digitization in central Au+Au collisions have been obtained. Particle identification (PID) has been tuned to account for modifications in the track reconstruction. Some results on hadron identification in the TPC and TOF (Time Of Flight) detectors with realistically simulated response have been also obtained.

Low pressure cold spraying on materials with low erosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shikalov, V. S.; Klinkov, S. V.; Kosarev, V. F.

2017-10-01

In present work, the erosion-adhesion transition was investigated during cold spraying of aluminum particles on brittle ceramic substrates. Cold spraying was carried out with aid of sonic nozzle, which use allows significantly reducing the gas stagnation pressure without the effect of flow separation inside the nozzle and, accordingly, reducing the velocity of the spraying particles. Two stagnation pressures were chosen. The coating tracks were sprayed at different air temperatures in nozzle pre-chamber under each of regimes. Single sprayed tracks were obtained and their profiles were investigated by optical profilometry.

A "Family" Friend to Catholic Schools.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Keebler, Barbara

2000-01-01

Highlights cartoonist Bil Keane's support in marketing Catholic schools. Describes Keane as a lifelong Catholic who frequently includes a crucifix in his illustrations to give them a "Catholic touch." Emphasizes how Keane's 40-year-old daily comic, Family Circus, has inspired Catholic readers and educators, and has been included in posters and…

Automation and Robotics in Construction: Japanese Research and Development

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-10-01

P’rocurei’ment D5epartrnentDivisionEH Nuclear Fac. Engr. p pt. Administration Department Products Dev. Department Housing _jInformation Systems Dept. Sales ... Promotion Division Depart Figure 2. Taisei administrative structure. 13 hgtre . Tisc tehnial erch. Ioramation.Srvc Shimiznfn~~aera Secpotion bil

High-resolution recording of particle tracks with in-line holography in a large cryogenic bubble chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harigel, Gert G.

2000-10-01

Holography has been used successfully in combination with conventional optics for the first time in a large cryogenic bubble chamber, the 15-Foot Bubble Chamber at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL), during a physics run in a high energy neutrino beam. The innovative system combined the reference beam with the object beam, irradiating a conical volume of approx1.5m3. Bubble tracks from neutrino interactions with a width of approx 120 micrometers have been recorded with good contrast. The ratio of intensities of the object light to the reference light striking the film is called the beam branching ratio (BBR). We obtained in our experiment an exceedingly small minimum- observable ration of BBR = (0.54 divided by 0.21) x 107. The technology has the potential for a wide range of applications. This paper describes the various difficulties in achieving the success. It required the development of laser pulse stretching via enhanced closed loop control with slow Q- switching, to overcome excessive heating of the cryogenic liquid by the powerful laser beam. A sophisticated system of light-absorbing baffles had to be installed to avoid stray light reaching the holographic film. Optical decoupling of classical and holographic illumination systems was required. Real and virtual image replay machines for holograms were built, tailored to our illumination technique.

A Measurement of the holographic minimum observable beam branching ratio in the Fermilab 15-foot bubble chamber

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

Aderholz, M.; Aggarwal, M.M.; Akbari, H.

1997-01-01

Holography has been used successfully in combination with conventional optics for the first time in a large cryogenic bubble chamber, the 15-Foot Bubble Chamber at Fermilab, during a physics run. The innovative system combined the reference beam with the object beam, illuminating a conical volume of {approx} 1.4 m{sup 3}. Bubble tracks from neutrino interactions with a width of {approx} 120 {micro}m have been recorded with good contrast. The ratio of intensities of the object light to the reference light striking the film is called the Beam Branching Ratio. We obtained in our experiment an exceedingly small minimum-observable ratio ofmore » (0.54 {+-} 0.21) x 10{sup -7}. The technology has the potential for a wide range of applications.« less

Development and Application of a Novel Environmental Preference Chamber for Assessing Responses of Laboratory Mice to Atmospheric Ammonia

PubMed Central

Green, Angela R; Wathes, Christopher M; Demmers, Theo GM; Clark, Judy MacArthur; Xin, Hongwei

2008-01-01

A novel environmental preference chamber (EPC) was developed and used to assess responses of laboratory mice to atmospheric ammonia. The EPC features 1) a test chamber with 4 individually ventilated, mutually accessible compartments; b) automated tracking of mouse movements by using paired infrared sensors; c) identification of individual mice by using photosensors; d) monitoring and regulation of the NH3 concentration in each compartment; and e) personal-computer–based data acquisition. In an initial preference study with the EPC, 4 groups of 4 laboratory mice (BALB/c/Bkl; body weight, 13.4 to 18.4 g) were each given a choice among 4 NH3 concentrations (mean ± SE) of 4 ± 2, 30 ± 2, 56 ± 4, and 110 ± 6 ppm for 2 d after a 2-d familiarization period. Once trained to use the intercompartment tunnels, the mice made extensive use of the EPC, with each group making more than 2000 intercompartment movements during 48 h. Video recording verified the results of the automatic tracking system, which detected and correctly determined mouse location for 79% of the moves. The use of photosensors proved to be ineffective in recognizing individual mice. Although the EPC would benefit from refinement and further development, it simplified analysis of locomotion behavioral data. Results of the preference study indicated that the mice exhibited no clear preference for, or aversion to, any of the experimental concentrations of ammonia and that the mice clearly preferred the upper 2 compartments of the chamber over the lower 2 compartments. Further investigation should be conducted to verify these preliminary results and explore other preferences of laboratory mice for environmental conditions and resources. PMID:18351722

Charge Identification of Highly Ionizing Particles in Desensitized Nuclear Emulsion Using High Speed Read-Out System

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

Toshito, T.; Kodama, K.; Yusa, K.

2006-05-10

We performed an experimental study of charge identification of heavy ions from helium to carbon having energy of about 290 MeV/u using an emulsion chamber. Emulsion was desensitized by means of forced fading (refreshing) to expand a dynamic range of response to highly charged particles. For the track reconstruction and charge identification, the fully automated high speed emulsion read-out system, which was originally developed for identifying minimum ionizing particles, was used without any modification. Clear track by track charge identification up to Z=6 was demonstrated. The refreshing technique has proved to be a powerful technique to expand response of emulsionmore » film to highly ionizing particles.« less

Study of the performance of Micromegas detectors in magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dimitrios, Sampsonidis

2018-02-01

Resistive Micromegas (MICRO MEsh GAseous Structure) detectors have been chosen by the ATLAS collaboration at LHC for the high luminosity upgrade, due to their capability to maintain full efficiency and high spatial resolution at high occupancy, for tracking muons in the forward region of the detector. The Inner Muon Station, in the high-rapidity region, the so called New Small Wheel (NSW), will be composed of micromegas detectors that will have to maintain good performance in the presence of magnetic field of up to about 0.3 T. The response of micromegas detectors is affected by the magnetic field, where the deflection of the drift electrons is described by the Lorentz angle, resulting in a bias in the reconstructed track position. Several test-beam campaigns have been performed to test the behaviour of small size resistive micromegas prototypes (10×10 cm2) in magnetic fields up to 1 T, using high momentum muon and hadron beams at CERN. These studies are performed in order to validate the capability of the chambers to provide unbiased tracks in the NSW conditions. Measurements of the Lorentz angle and drift velocity as a function of the magnetic field are presented and both are compared to expectations based on Garfield-Magboltz simulations. Several methods to correct the position bias are applied, based on the chamber configuration or on the knowledge of the local value of the magnetic field. The results of these studies are presented together with an overall discussion of the Micromegas tracking capability in magnetic field.

The tracking analysis in the Q-weak experiment

DOE PAGES

Pan, J.; Androic, D.; Armstrong, D. S.; ...

2016-11-21

Here, the Q-weak experiment at Jefferson Laboratory measured the parity violating asymmetry (Amore » $$_{PV}$$ ) in elastic electron-proton scattering at small momentum transfer squared (Q$$^{2}$$=0.025 (G e V/c)$$^{2}$$), with the aim of extracting the proton’s weak charge ( $${Q^p_W}$$ ) to an accuracy of 5 %. As one of the major uncertainty contribution sources to $${Q^p_W}$$ , Q$$^{2}$$ needs to be determined to ~1 % so as to reach the proposed experimental precision. For this purpose, two sets of high resolution tracking chambers were employed in the experiment, to measure tracks before and after the magnetic spectrometer. Data collected by the tracking system were then reconstructed with dedicated software into individual electron trajectories for experimental kinematics determination. The Q-weak kinematics and the analysis scheme for tracking data are briefly described here. The sources that contribute to the uncertainty of Q$$^{2}$$ are discussed, and the current analysis status is reported.« less

Tracking control of a spool displacement in a direct piezoactuator-driven servo valve system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Chulhee; Hwang, Yong-Hoon; Choi, Seung-Bok

2017-03-01

This paper presents tracking control performances of a piezostack direct drive valve (PDDV) operated at various temperatures. As afirst step, a spool valve and valve system are designed operated by the piezoactuator. After briefly describing about operating principle, an experimental apparatus to investigate the effect of temperaturs on the performances is set up. Subsequently, the PDDV is installed in a large-size heat chamber equipped with electric circuits and sensors. A classical proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller is designed and applied to control the spool displacement. In addition, a fuzzt algorithm is integrated with the PID controller to enhace performance of the proposed valve system. The tracking performance of a spool displacement is tested by increasing the teperature and exciting frequency up to 150°C and 200 Hz, respectively. It is shown that the tracking performance heavily depends on both the operating temperature and the excitation frequency.

The BoNuS GEM-Based Radial Time-Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fenker, Howard

2006-10-01

A special-purpose detector for measuring low-momentum spectator protons from e-d collisions has been developed. It is a radial time-projection chamber in which the gas-amplification elements are GEM foils formed into cylinders. This is believed to be the first application of curved GEMs. In a 4T magnetic field, this low-mass detector allows tracking of spectator protons with momentum as low as 70 MeV/c while covering a large solid angle. Physics data were taken using the system in late 2005. We report on the development of the detector, experience with operating it, and the data coming out of it.

A New Measurement of Neutron Induced Fission Cross Sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magee, Joshua; Niffte Collaboration

2017-09-01

Neutron induced fission cross sections of actinides are of great interest in nuclear energy and stockpile stewardship. Traditionally, measurements of these cross sections have been made with fission chambers, which provide limited information on the actual fragments, and ultimately result in uncertainties on the order of several percent. The Neutron Induced Fission ragment Tracking Experiment (NIFFTE) collaboration designed and built a fission Time Projection Chamber (fissionTPC), which provides additional information on these processes, through 3-dimensional tracking, improved particle identification, and in-situ profiles of target and beam non-uniformities. Ultimately, this should provide sub-percent measurements of (n,f) cross-sections. During the 2016 run cycle, measurements of the 238U(n,f)/235U(n,f) cross section shape was performed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) facility. An overview of the fission TPC will be given, as well as these recently reported results. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

High resolution muon tracking with resistive plate chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baesso, P.; Cussans, D.; Davies, J.; Glaysher, P.; Thomay, C.; Vassallo, C.; Velthuis, J.; Quillin, S.; Robertson, S.; Steer, C.

2012-11-01

Following their introduction in the physics community in the early '80s the use of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) as charged particles detectors has constantly increased. Low cost per unit area, good time resolution and easy of operation are some of the features that contributed to such large adoption and that make RPCs interesting for several applications not necessarily related to physics. We built a prototype detector to track cosmic muons and exploit the information provided by estimating the multiple coulomb scattering angle to determine the type of materials they traversed. Simulations show that the technique could be used to inspect a cargo container in a time of the order of minutes. The detector we built consists of six planes, each one providing X-Y readout over a 50 cm × 50 cm area. The readout scheme we adopted, based on multiplexing chips used in high energy physics, allowed us to use a limited amount of electronic output channels while still obtaining a spatial resolution lower than 1 mm. An overview of the detector and of the analysis performed on the data is provided.

Performance of a Drift Chamber Candidate for a Cosmic Muon Tomography System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anghel, V.; Armitage, J.; Botte, J.; Boudjemline, K.; Bueno, J.; Bryman, D.; Charles, E.; Cousins, T.; Drouin, P.-L.; Erlandson, A.; Gallant, G.; Jewett, C.; Jonkmans, G.; Liu, Z.; Noel, S.; Oakham, G.; Stocki, T. J.; Thompson, M.; Waller, D.

2011-12-01

In the last decade, many groups around the world have been exploring different ways to probe transport containers which may contain illicit Special Nuclear Materials such as uranium. The muon tomography technique has been proposed as a cost effective system with an acceptable accuracy. A group of Canadian institutions (see above), funded by Defence Research and Development Canada, is testing different technologies to track the cosmic muons. One candidate is the single wire Drift Chamber. With the capability of a 2D impact position measurement, two detectors will be placed above and two below the object to be probed. In order to achieve a good 3D image quality of the cargo content, a good angular resolution is required. The simulation showed that 1mrad was required implying the spatial resolution of the trackers must be in the range of 1 to 2 mm for 1 m separation. A tracking system using three prototypes has been built and tested. The spatial resolution obtained is 1.7 mm perpendicular to the wire and 3 mm along the wire.

The EGRET high energy gamma ray telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartman, R. C.; Bertsch, D. L.; Fichtel, C. E.; Hunter, S. D.; Kanbach, G.; Kniffen, D. A.; Kwok, P. W.; Lin, Y. C.; Mattox, J. R.; Mayer-Hasselwander, H. A.

1992-01-01

The Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) is sensitive in the energy range from about 20 MeV to about 30,000 MeV. Electron-positron pair production by incident gamma photons is utilized as the detection mechanism. The pair production occurs in tantalum foils interleaved with the layers of a digital spark chamber system; the spark chamber records the tracks of the electron and positron, allowing the reconstruction of the arrival direction of the gamma ray. If there is no signal from the charged particle anticoincidence detector which surrounds the upper part of the detector, the spark chamber array is triggered by two hodoscopes of plastic scintillators. A time of flight requirement is included to reject events moving backward through the telescope. The energy of the gamma ray is primarily determined by absorption of the energies of the electron and positron in a 20 cm deep NaI(Tl) scintillator.

Microparticle analysis system and method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morrison, Dennis R. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A device for analyzing microparticles is provided which includes a chamber with an inlet and an outlet for respectively introducing and dispensing a flowing fluid comprising microparticles, a light source for providing light through the chamber and a photometer for measuring the intensity of light transmitted through individual microparticles. The device further includes an imaging system for acquiring images of the fluid. In some cases, the device may be configured to identify and determine a quantity of the microparticles within the fluid. Consequently, a method for identifying and tracking microparticles in motion is contemplated herein. The method involves flowing a fluid comprising microparticles in laminar motion through a chamber, transmitting light through the fluid, measuring the intensities of the light transmitted through the microparticles, imaging the fluid a plurality of times and comparing at least some of the intensities of light between different images of the fluid.

The EGRET high energy gamma ray telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartman, R. C.; Bertsch, D. L.; Fichtel, C. E.; Hunter, S. D.; Kanbach, G.; Kniffen, D. A.; Kwok, P. W.; Lin, Y. C.; Mattox, J. R.; Mayer-Hasselwander, H. A.; Michelson, P. F.; von Montigny, C.; Nolan, P. L.; Pinkau, K.; Rothermel, H.; Schneid, E.; Sommer, M.; Sreekumar, P.; Thompson, D. J.

1992-02-01

The Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (EGRET) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) is sensitive in the energy range from about 20 MeV to about 30,000 MeV. Electron-positron pair production by incident gamma photons is utilized as the detection mechanism. The pair production occurs in tantalum foils interleaved with the layers of a digital spark chamber system; the spark chamber records the tracks of the electron and positron, allowing the reconstruction of the arrival direction of the gamma ray. If there is no signal from the charged particle anticoincidence detector which surrounds the upper part of the detector, the spark chamber array is triggered by two hodoscopes of plastic scintillators. A time of flight requirement is included to reject events moving backward through the telescope. The energy of the gamma ray is primarily determined by absorption of the energies of the electron and positron in a 20 cm deep NaI(Tl) scintillator.

New high-precision drift-tube detectors for the ATLAS muon spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kroha, H.; Fakhrutdinov, R.; Kozhin, A.

2017-06-01

Small-diameter muon drift tube (sMDT) detectors have been developed for upgrades of the ATLAS muon spectrometer. With a tube diameter of 15 mm, they provide an about an order of magnitude higher rate capability than the present ATLAS muon tracking detectors, the MDT chambers with 30 mm tube diameter. The drift-tube design and the construction methods have been optimised for mass production and allow for complex shapes required for maximising the acceptance. A record sense wire positioning accuracy of 5 μm has been achieved with the new design. In the serial production, the wire positioning accuracy is routinely better than 10 μm. 14 new sMDT chambers are already operational in ATLAS, further 16 are under construction for installation in the 2019-2020 LHC shutdown. For the upgrade of the barrel muon spectrometer for High-Luminosity LHC, 96 sMDT chambers will be contructed between 2020 and 2024.

A neural network z-vertex trigger for Belle II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neuhaus, S.; Skambraks, S.; Abudinen, F.; Chen, Y.; Feindt, M.; Frühwirth, R.; Heck, M.; Kiesling, C.; Knoll, A.; Paul, S.; Schieck, J.

2015-05-01

We present the concept of a track trigger for the Belle II experiment, based on a neural network approach, that is able to reconstruct the z (longitudinal) position of the event vertex within the latency of the first level trigger. The trigger will thus be able to suppress a large fraction of the dominating background from events outside of the interaction region. The trigger uses the drift time information of the hits from the Central Drift Chamber (CDC) of Belle II within narrow cones in polar and azimuthal angle as well as in transverse momentum (sectors), and estimates the z-vertex without explicit track reconstruction. The preprocessing for the track trigger is based on the track information provided by the standard CDC trigger. It takes input from the 2D (r — φ) track finder, adds information from the stereo wires of the CDC, and finds the appropriate sectors in the CDC for each track in a given event. Within each sector, the z-vertex of the associated track is estimated by a specialized neural network, with a continuous output corresponding to the scaled z-vertex. The input values for the neural network are calculated from the wire hits of the CDC.

Three dimensional drop tracking flow chamber for coalescence studies

DOE PAGES

Grillet, Anne M.; Brooks, Carlton F.; Bourdon, Chris J.; ...

2007-09-12

Here, we have developed a novel flow chamber which imposes a controlled axisymmetric stagnation flow to enable the study of external flow effects on coalescence dynamics. This system allows for the first time the precise positioning of a drop in a three dimensional flow and additionally enforces a highly symmetric flow around the drop. We focus on the study of a single drop approaching a stationary flat plane as this is analogous to two drops approaching each other. A single drop is created and then guided along the unsteady center line of a stagnation flow. The real time computer controlmore » algorithm analyzes video images of the drop in two orthogonal planes and manipulates flow restricting valves along the four outlets of the flow. We demonstrate using particle image velocimetry that the computer control not only controls the drop position but also ensures a symmetric flow inside the flow chamber. Finally, this chamber will enable a detailed investigation of the drainage of the thin film between the drop and the lower surface in order to probe the effect of external flow on coalescence.« less

Space simulation facilities providing a stable thermal vacuum facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tellalian, Martin L.

1990-01-01

CBI has recently constructed the Intermediate Thermal Vacuum Facility. Built as a corporate facility, the installation will first be used on the Boost Surveillance and Tracking System (BSTS) program. It will also be used to develop and test other sensor systems. The horizontal chamber has a horseshoe shaped cross section and is supported on pneumatic isolators for vibration isolation. The chamber structure was designed to meet stability and stiffness requirements. The design process included measurement of the ambient ground vibrations, analysis of various foundation test article support configurations, design and analysis of the chamber shell and modal testing of the chamber shell. A detailed 3-D finite element analysis was made in the design stage to predict the lowest three natural frequencies and mode shapes and to identify local vibrating components. The design process is described and the results are compared of the finite element analysis to the results of the field modal testing and analysis for the 3 lowest natural frequencies and mode shapes. Concepts are also presented for stiffening large steel structures along with methods to improve test article stability in large space simulation facilities.

Assessment of Atrial Fibrillation and Vulnerability in Patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome Using Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography

PubMed Central

Li, Jing-Jie; Wei, Fang; Chen, Ju-Gang; Yu, Yan-Wei; Gu, Hong-Yue; Jiang, Rui; Wu, Xiu-Li; Sun, Qian

2014-01-01

Purpose The aim was to assess atrial fibrillation (AF) and vulnerability in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome patients using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Methods All patients were examined via transthoracic echocardiography and 2D-STE in order to assess atrial function 7 days before and 10 days after RF catheter ablation. A postoperative 3-month follow-up was performed via outpatient visit or telephone calls. Results Results showed significant differences in both body mass index (BMI) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) duration between WPW patients and DAVNP patients (both P<0.05). Echocardiography revealed that the maximum left atrial volume (LAVmax) and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in diastole increased noticeably in patients with WPW compared to patients with DAVNP both before and after ablation (all P<0.05). Before ablation, there were obvious differences in the levels of SRs, SRe, and SRa from the 4-chamber view (LA) in the WPW patients group compared with patients in the DAVNP group (all P<0.05). In the AF group, there were significant differences in the levels of systolic strain rate (SRs), early diastolic strain rate (SRe), and late diastolic strain rate (SRa) from the 4-chamber view (LA) both before and after ablation (all P<0.05). In the non-AF group, there were decreased SRe levels from the 4-chamber view (LA/RA) pre-ablation compared to post-ablation (all P<0.05). Conclusion Our findings provide convincing evidence that WPW syndrome may result in increased atrial vulnerability and contribute to the development of AF. Further, RF catheter ablation of AAV pathway can potentially improve atrial function in WPW syndrome patients. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography imaging in WPW patients would be necessary in the evaluation and improvement of the overall function of RF catheter ablation in a long-term follow-up period. PMID:25397668

Assessment of atrial fibrillation and vulnerability in patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography.

PubMed

Li, Jing-Jie; Wei, Fang; Chen, Ju-Gang; Yu, Yan-Wei; Gu, Hong-Yue; Jiang, Rui; Wu, Xiu-Li; Sun, Qian

2014-01-01

The aim was to assess atrial fibrillation (AF) and vulnerability in Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome patients using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). All patients were examined via transthoracic echocardiography and 2D-STE in order to assess atrial function 7 days before and 10 days after RF catheter ablation. A postoperative 3-month follow-up was performed via outpatient visit or telephone calls. Results showed significant differences in both body mass index (BMI) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) duration between WPW patients and DAVNP patients (both P<0.05). Echocardiography revealed that the maximum left atrial volume (LAVmax) and the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in diastole increased noticeably in patients with WPW compared to patients with DAVNP both before and after ablation (all P<0.05). Before ablation, there were obvious differences in the levels of SRs, SRe, and SRa from the 4-chamber view (LA) in the WPW patients group compared with patients in the DAVNP group (all P<0.05). In the AF group, there were significant differences in the levels of systolic strain rate (SRs), early diastolic strain rate (SRe), and late diastolic strain rate (SRa) from the 4-chamber view (LA) both before and after ablation (all P<0.05). In the non-AF group, there were decreased SRe levels from the 4-chamber view (LA/RA) pre-ablation compared to post-ablation (all P<0.05). Our findings provide convincing evidence that WPW syndrome may result in increased atrial vulnerability and contribute to the development of AF. Further, RF catheter ablation of AAV pathway can potentially improve atrial function in WPW syndrome patients. Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography imaging in WPW patients would be necessary in the evaluation and improvement of the overall function of RF catheter ablation in a long-term follow-up period.

Computational Model Tracking Primary Electrons, Secondary Electrons, and Ions in the Discharge Chamber of an Ion Engine

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mahalingam, Sudhakar; Menart, James A.

2005-01-01

Computational modeling of the plasma located in the discharge chamber of an ion engine is an important activity so that the development and design of the next generation of ion engines may be enhanced. In this work a computational tool called XOOPIC is used to model the primary electrons, secondary electrons, and ions inside the discharge chamber. The details of this computational tool are discussed in this paper. Preliminary results from XOOPIC are presented. The results presented include particle number density distributions for the primary electrons, the secondary electrons, and the ions. In addition the total number of a particular particle in the discharge chamber as a function of time, electric potential maps and magnetic field maps are presented. A primary electron number density plot from PRIMA is given in this paper so that the results of XOOPIC can be compared to it. PRIMA is a computer code that the present investigators have used in much of their previous work that provides results that compare well to experimental results. PRIMA only models the primary electrons in the discharge chamber. Modeling ions and secondary electrons, as well as the primary electrons, will greatly increase our ability to predict different characteristics of the plasma discharge used in an ion engine.

Ultrastructural organization of connective tissue microfibrils in the posterior chamber of the eye in vivo and in vitro.

PubMed

Inoue, S

1995-02-01

The ultrastructural organization of connective tissue microfibrils was studied in the mouse eye and also by means of in vitro experiments for reconstituting microfibrils. In the posterior chamber of the eye of the C57BL/6J mouse, 3 nm-wide ribbon-like double-tracked structures were present and were periodically associated on either side with 3.5 nm-wide particulate structures identified as pentosomes, the subunits of amyloid P component (AP). At certain sites, such composite structures were observed in various stages of helical winding, and in these helices, pentosomes were preferentially localized internally. In helices in the final stages of winding, the resulting rods appeared increasingly similar to those of microfibrils. In experiments in vitro, incubation of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) in TRIS buffer, pH 7.4, at 35 degrees C for 1 h produced random aggregates of 3 nm-wide double-tracked structures similar to those observed in the eye. Co-incubation of CSPG and AP resulted in the formation of rod-like structures arranged parallel to one another in approximately 50 nm-thick sheet-like layers. These rods were ultrastructurally similar to microfibrils and were made up of helically wound, 3 nm-wide double-tracked structures containing pentosomes within their core. The results of in vivo as well as in vitro experiments suggest the possibility that the connective tissue microfibril is composed of helically wound, CSPG-containing, 3 nm-wide double-tracked structures periodically associated with pentosomes which, as the helix becomes progressively tighter, fit with one another at the core of the helix to form successive 8.5 nm-wide disks of AP segments.

A morpho-functional study using PEP/LVET ratio and global longitudinal strain in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Corîci, Oana Maria; Tănasie, Cornelia Andreea; Alexandru, Dragoş Ovidiu; Florescu, Mihaela Corina; Comănescu, Maria Victoria; Kamal, Kamal Constantin; Ţenea-Cojan, Tiberiu Ştefăniţă; Iancău, Maria; Dinescu, Sorin Nicolae

2018-01-01

To assess left ventricular (LV) systolic function and morphology in patients with severe dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), using both conventional and a complex technique, speckle-tracking echocardiography, and evaluate the correlation between pre-ejection period and left ventricular ejection period (PEP/LVET) ratio, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and severity of the condition. Seventeen patients were enrolled after rigorous criteria. Echocardiography was performed in conventional and speckle-tracking mode, in all patients with DCM, in sinus rhythm. LV dimensions, volumes and ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured. PEP/LVET ratio was obtained from apical 5-chamber axis and was defined as the time between QRS onset and LV ejection reported to LV ejection period. Speckle-tracking imaging was performed in offline mode and GLS was obtained from parasternal 4-, 3-, 2-chamber apical view, by averaging longitudinal peak systolic strain of all 17 LV-segments. New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class correlated significantly with LVEF (-0.82; p=0.0006), PEP/LVET (0.86; p=0.001) or GLS (0.85; p=0.0002). Considerable correlations were between mitral regurgitation (MR) severity and LVEF (-0.65; p=0.01) or PEP/LVET (0.69; p=0.0059), but higher were between MR severity and GLS (0.76; p=0.0018). Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) grading correlated statistically with LVEF (-0.62; p=0.01), PEP/LVET and GLS (0.6; p=0.018; and 0.62; p=0.014, respectively). As opposed to the parameters in conventional echocardiography, GLS correlated with DCM etiology (p=0.0046) and with the gender (p=0.048). This study demonstrates that, in patients with DCM, assessment of cardiac dyssynchrony can be accurately accomplished by combining parameters in conventional and in speckle-tracking echocardiography.

Characteristics of Air Core and Surface Velocity for Water Flow in a Vortex Sediment-Extraction Chamber Measured by Using Photo Images and PTV Technique.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Hou Chang; Chyan Deng, Jan; Chao, Hsu Yu; Chih Yuan, Yang

2017-04-01

A vortex sediment-extraction chamber, consisted of cylindrical chamber, inflow system, bottom orifice and overflow weir, is used to separate sediment from sediment-laden water flow. A tangential inflow is introduced into a cylindrical chamber with a bottom orifice; thus, a strong vortex flow is produced there. Under actions of gravity and centrifugal force, heavier sediment particles are forced to move towards the bottom orifice, and relatively clear water flows over through the top overflow weir. The flow field in the cylindrical chamber consists of forced vortex and free vortex. When the bottom orifice is opened during the sediment-extraction process, an air core appears and changes with different settings. In this study, the air core and water surface velocity in the cylindrical chamber were measured by using a photo image process and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV), as well as numerically simulated by using a commercial software, Flow-3D.Laboratory experiments were conducted in a vortex chamber, having height of 130 cm and diameter of 48 cm. Five kinds of bottom orifice size from 1.0 cm to 3.0 cm and four kinds of inflow water discharge from 1,300cm3/s to 1,700 cm3/s were used while the inflow pipe of 3 cm in diameter was kept the same for all experiments. The characteristics of the air core and water surface velocity, and the inflow and outflow ratios under different experimental arrangements were observed and discussed so as to provide a better design and application for a vortex sediment-extraction chamber in the future.

A Globally Optimal Particle Tracking Technique for Stereo Imaging Velocimetry Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McDowell, Mark

2008-01-01

An important phase of any Stereo Imaging Velocimetry experiment is particle tracking. Particle tracking seeks to identify and characterize the motion of individual particles entrained in a fluid or air experiment. We analyze a cylindrical chamber filled with water and seeded with density-matched particles. In every four-frame sequence, we identify a particle track by assigning a unique track label for each camera image. The conventional approach to particle tracking is to use an exhaustive tree-search method utilizing greedy algorithms to reduce search times. However, these types of algorithms are not optimal due to a cascade effect of incorrect decisions upon adjacent tracks. We examine the use of a guided evolutionary neural net with simulated annealing to arrive at a globally optimal assignment of tracks. The net is guided both by the minimization of the search space through the use of prior limiting assumptions about valid tracks and by a strategy which seeks to avoid high-energy intermediate states which can trap the net in a local minimum. A stochastic search algorithm is used in place of back-propagation of error to further reduce the chance of being trapped in an energy well. Global optimization is achieved by minimizing an objective function, which includes both track smoothness and particle-image utilization parameters. In this paper we describe our model and present our experimental results. We compare our results with a nonoptimizing, predictive tracker and obtain an average increase in valid track yield of 27 percent

SEASONAL PATTERNS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN DOUGLAS FIR SEEDLINGS DURING THE THIRD AND FOURTH YEAR OF EXPOSURE TO ELEVATED CO2 AND TEMPERATURE

EPA Science Inventory

We examined the interactive effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 and temperature on seasonal patterns of photosynthesis in Douglas-fir (Psuedotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) seedlings. Seedlings were grown in sunlit chambers controlled to track either ambient (~400 ppm) CO2 or am...

Tribochemical Studies of Hard Carbon Films as a Function of Load and Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-13

the wear tracks on the flat as well as the wear scar on the sphere. The BNL imaging apparatus uses a magnetic field to guide the photoemitted...from the sample surface, and the electron optics, which can filter electrons with the wrong path or energy. The BNL imaging chamber is not able to

Department of Defense In-House RDT&E Activities

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-30

DISEASES*.’......*......... 43 MISSILE LABORATORY ................................................. 44 MOBILITY EQUIPMENT R&D COMMAND...HELICOPTER INFLIGHT MONITORING SYS WITH INSTRUMENTED RANGE; ANECHOIC AND REVERBERATION CHAMBERS; MOBILE -’ ACCOUSTICS LAB; EYE MOVEMENT MEASURING...IN- CLUDES: LIGHTWEIGIHT OPTICAL TRACKING SYSTEM, 25-TON CRANE, 2 20-TON MOBILE CRANES, 5-TON WRECKER, 40,000 LB ACFT LOADER, THREE T-28B ACFT, 1 UH

On-line data analysis and monitoring for H1 drift chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Düllmann, Dirk

1992-05-01

The on-line monitoring, slow control and calibration of the H1 central jet chamber uses a VME multiprocessor system to perform the analysis and a connected Macintosh computer as graphical interface to the operator on shift. Task of this system are: - analysis of event data including on-line track search, - on-line calibration from normal events and testpulse events, - control of the high voltage and monitoring of settings and currents, - monitoring of temperature, pressure and mixture of the chambergas. A program package is described which controls the dataflow between data aquisition, differnt VME CPUs and Macintosh. It allows to run off-line style programs for the different tasks.

AN ALTERNATIVE CALIBRATION OF CR-39 DETECTORS FOR RADON DETECTION BEYOND THE SATURATION LIMIT.

PubMed

Franci, Daniele; Aureli, Tommaso; Cardellini, Francesco

2016-12-01

Time-integrated measurements of indoor radon levels are commonly carried out using solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs), due to the numerous advantages offered by this radiation detection technique. However, the use of SSNTD also presents some problems that may affect the accuracy of the results. The effect of overlapping tracks often results in the underestimation of the detected track density, which leads to the reduction of the counting efficiency for increasing radon exposure. This article aims to address the effect of overlapping tracks by proposing an alternative calibration technique based on the measurement of the fraction of the detector surface covered by alpha tracks. The method has been tested against a set of Monte Carlo data and then applied to a set of experimental data collected at the radon chamber of the Istituto Nazionale di Metrologia delle Radiazioni Ionizzanti, at the ENEA centre in Casaccia, using CR-39 detectors. It has been proved that the method allows to extend the detectable range of radon exposure far beyond the intrinsic limit imposed by the standard calibration based on the track density. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Non-contact measurement of oxygen saturation with an RGB camera

PubMed Central

Guazzi, Alessandro R.; Villarroel, Mauricio; Jorge, João; Daly, Jonathan; Frise, Matthew C.; Robbins, Peter A.; Tarassenko, Lionel

2015-01-01

A novel method (Sophia) is presented to track oxygen saturation changes in a controlled environment using an RGB camera placed approximately 1.5 m away from the subject. The method is evaluated on five healthy volunteers (Fitzpatrick skin phenotypes II, III, and IV) whose oxygen saturations were varied between 80% and 100% in a purpose-built chamber over 40 minutes each. The method carefully selects regions of interest (ROI) in the camera image by calculating signal-to-noise ratios for each ROI. This allows it to track changes in oxygen saturation accurately with respect to a conventional pulse oximeter (median coefficient of determination, 0.85). PMID:26417504

Live imaging of root–bacteria interactions in a microfluidics setup

PubMed Central

Massalha, Hassan; Korenblum, Elisa; Malitsky, Sergey; Shapiro, Orr H.; Aharoni, Asaph

2017-01-01

Plant roots play a dominant role in shaping the rhizosphere, the environment in which interaction with diverse microorganisms occurs. Tracking the dynamics of root–microbe interactions at high spatial resolution is currently limited because of methodological intricacy. Here, we describe a microfluidics-based approach enabling direct imaging of root–bacteria interactions in real time. The microfluidic device, which we termed tracking root interactions system (TRIS), consists of nine independent chambers that can be monitored in parallel. The principal assay reported here monitors behavior of fluorescently labeled Bacillus subtilis as it colonizes the root of Arabidopsis thaliana within the TRIS device. Our results show a distinct chemotactic behavior of B. subtilis toward a particular root segment, which we identify as the root elongation zone, followed by rapid colonization of that same segment over the first 6 h of root–bacteria interaction. Using dual inoculation experiments, we further show active exclusion of Escherichia coli cells from the root surface after B. subtilis colonization, suggesting a possible protection mechanism against root pathogens. Furthermore, we assembled a double-channel TRIS device that allows simultaneous tracking of two root systems in one chamber and performed real-time monitoring of bacterial preference between WT and mutant root genotypes. Thus, the TRIS microfluidics device provides unique insights into the microscale microbial ecology of the complex root microenvironment and is, therefore, likely to enhance the current rate of discoveries in this momentous field of research. PMID:28348235

Development of a Gas Dynamic and Thermodynamic Simulation Model of the Lontra Blade Compressor™

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karlovsky, Jerome

2015-08-01

The Lontra Blade Compressor™ is a patented double acting, internally compressing, positive displacement rotary compressor of innovative design. The Blade Compressor is in production for waste-water treatment, and will soon be launched for a range of applications at higher pressure ratios. In order to aid the design and development process, a thermodynamic and gas dynamic simulation program has been written in house. The software has been successfully used to optimise geometries and running conditions of current designs, and is also being used to evaluate future designs for different applications and markets. The simulation code has three main elements. A positive displacement chamber model, a leakage model and a gas dynamic model to simulate gas flow through ports and to track pressure waves in the inlet and outlet pipes. All three of these models are interlinked in order to track mass and energy flows within the system. A correlation study has been carried out to verify the software. The main correlation markers used were mass flow, chamber pressure, pressure wave tracking in the outlet pipe, and volumetric efficiency. It will be shown that excellent correlation has been achieved between measured and simulated data. Mass flow predictions were to within 2% of measured data, and the timings and magnitudes of all major gas dynamic effects were well replicated. The simulation will be further developed in the near future to help with the optimisation of exhaust and inlet silencers.

The cylindrical GEM detector of the KLOE-2 experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bencivenni, G.; Branchini, P.; Ciambrone, P.; Czerwinski, E.; De Lucia, E.; Di Cicco, A.; Domenici, D.; Felici, G.; Fermani, P.; Morello, G.

2017-07-01

The KLOE-2 experiment started its data taking campaign in November 2014 with an upgraded tracking system at the DAΦNE electron-positron collider at the Frascati National Laboratory of INFN. The new tracking device, the Inner Tracker, operated together with the KLOE-2 Drift Chamber, has been installed to improve track and vertex reconstruction capabilities of the experimental apparatus. The Inner Tracker is a cylindrical GEM detector composed of four cylindrical triple-GEM detectors, each provided with an X-V strips-pads stereo readout. Although GEM detectors are already used in high energy physics experiments, this device is considered a frontier detector due to its fully-cylindrical geometry: KLOE-2 is the first experiment benefiting of this novel detector technology. Alignment and calibration of this detector will be presented together with its operating performance and reconstruction capabilities.

A high time and spatial resolution MRPC designed for muon tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, L.; Wang, Y.; Huang, X.; Wang, X.; Zhu, W.; Li, Y.; Cheng, J.

2014-12-01

A prototype of cosmic muon scattering tomography system has been set up in Tsinghua University in Beijing. Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chamber (MRPC) is used in the system to get the muon tracks. Compared with other detectors, MRPC can not only provide the track but also the Time of Flight (ToF) between two detectors which can estimate the energy of particles. To get a more accurate track and higher efficiency of the tomography system, a new type of high time and two-dimensional spatial resolution MRPC has been developed. A series of experiments have been done to measure the efficiency, time resolution and spatial resolution. The results show that the efficiency can reach 95% and its time resolution is around 65 ps. The cluster size is around 4 and the spatial resolution can reach 200 μ m.

Methods of reconstruction of multi-particle events in the new coordinate-tracking setup

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vorobyev, V. S.; Shutenko, V. V.; Zadeba, E. A.

2018-01-01

At the Unique Scientific Facility NEVOD (MEPhI), a large coordinate-tracking detector based on drift chambers for investigations of muon bundles generated by ultrahigh energy primary cosmic rays is being developed. One of the main characteristics of the bundle is muon multiplicity. Three methods of reconstruction of multiple events were investigated: the sequential search method, method of finding the straight line and method of histograms. The last method determines the number of tracks with the same zenith angle in the event. It is most suitable for the determination of muon multiplicity: because of a large distance to the point of generation of muons, their trajectories are quasiparallel. The paper presents results of application of three reconstruction methods to data from the experiment, and also first results of the detector operation.

Automated Track Recognition and Event Reconstruction in Nuclear Emulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deines-Jones, P.; Cherry, M. L.; Dabrowska, A.; Holynski, R.; Jones, W. V.; Kolganova, E. D.; Kudzia, D.; Nilsen, B. S.; Olszewski, A.; Pozharova, E. A.;

Visual-motor response of crewmen during a simulated 90-day space mission as measured by the critical task battery

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, R. W.; Jex, H. R.

1973-01-01

In order to test various components of a regenerative life support system and to obtain data on the physiological and psychological effects of long duration exposure to confinement in a space station atmosphere, four carefully screened young men were sealed in a space station simulator for 90 days and administered a tracking test battery. The battery included a clinical test (Critical Instability Task) designed to measure a subject's dynamic time delay, and a more conventional steady tracking task, during which dynamic response (describing functions) and performance measures were obtained. Good correlation was noted between the clinical critical instability scores and more detailed tracking parameters such as dynamic time delay and gain-crossover frequency. The levels of each parameter span the range observed with professional pilots and astronaut candidates tested previously. The chamber environment caused no significant decrement on the average crewman's dynamic response behavior, and the subjects continued to improve slightly in their tracking skills during the 90-day confinement period.

BOREAS Level-0 NS001 TMS Imagery: Digital Counts in BIL Format

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hall, Forrest G. (Editor); Newcomer, Jeffrey A.; Dominguez, Roseanne

2000-01-01

For BOREAS, the NS001 TMS imagery, along with the other remotely sensed images, was collected in order to provide spatially extensive information over the primary study areas. This information includes detailed land cover and biophysical parameter maps such as fPAR and LAI. Data collections occurred over the study areas during the 1994 field campaigns.

BOREAS Level-0 TIMS Imagery: Digital Counts in BIL Format

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newcomer, Jeffrey A.; Dominquez, Roseanne; Hall, Forrest G. (Editor)

2000-01-01

For BOREAS, the TIMS imagery, along with the other remotely sensed images, was collected to provide spatially extensive information over the primary study areas. The level-0 TIMS images cover the time periods of 16-Apr-1994 to 20-Apr-1994 and 06-Sep-1994 to 17-Sep-1994. The images are available in their original uncalibrated format.

NAVAIR Portable Source Initiative (NPSI) Standard for Reusable Source Dataset Metadata (RSDM) V2.4

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-26

defining a raster file format: <RasterFileFormat> <FormatName>TIFF</FormatName> <Order>BIP</Order> < DataType >8-BIT_UNSIGNED</ DataType ...interleaved by line (BIL); Band interleaved by pixel (BIP). element RasterFileFormatType/ DataType diagram type restriction of xsd:string facets

A case of an infant with congenital combined pituitary hormone deficiency and normalized liver histology of infantile cholestasis after hormone replacement therapy.

PubMed

Wada, Keisuke; Kobayashi, Hironori; Moriyama, Aisa; Haneda, Yasuhiro; Mushimoto, Yuichi; Hasegawa, Yuki; Onigata, Kazumichi; Kumori, Koji; Ishikawa, Noriyoshi; Maruyama, Riruke; Sogo, Tsuyoshi; Murphy, Lynne; Taketani, Takeshi

2017-01-01

Congenital combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) may present with cholestasis in the neonate or during early infancy. However, its precise mechanism is unknown. A 3-mo-old boy presented with cryptorchidism and hypoplastic scrotum after birth. Neonatal jaundice was noted but temporarily improved with phototherapy. Jaundice recurred at 2 mo of age. Elevated direct bilirubin (D-Bil) and liver dysfunction were found but cholangiography showed no signs of biliary atresia (BA). Liver biopsy findings showed giant cell formation of hepatocytes with hypoplastic bile ducts. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed a hypoplastic pituitary gland with an ectopic posterior lobe, and the patient was diagnosed with congenital CPHD based on decreased secretion of cortisol and GH by the pituitary anterior lobe load test. D-Bil levels promptly improved after hydrocortisone (HDC) replacement. We subsequently began replacement with levothyroxine (L-T 4 ) and GH, and liver histology showed normal interlobular bile ducts at 8 mo old. This is the first case report of proven histological improvement after hormone replacement therapy. This suggested that pituitary-mediated hormones, especially cortisol, might be involved in the development of the bile ducts.

A case of an infant with congenital combined pituitary hormone deficiency and normalized liver histology of infantile cholestasis after hormone replacement therapy

PubMed Central

Wada, Keisuke; Kobayashi, Hironori; Moriyama, Aisa; Haneda, Yasuhiro; Mushimoto, Yuichi; Hasegawa, Yuki; Onigata, Kazumichi; Kumori, Koji; Ishikawa, Noriyoshi; Maruyama, Riruke; Sogo, Tsuyoshi; Murphy, Lynne; Taketani, Takeshi

2017-01-01

Abstract. Congenital combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) may present with cholestasis in the neonate or during early infancy. However, its precise mechanism is unknown. A 3-mo-old boy presented with cryptorchidism and hypoplastic scrotum after birth. Neonatal jaundice was noted but temporarily improved with phototherapy. Jaundice recurred at 2 mo of age. Elevated direct bilirubin (D-Bil) and liver dysfunction were found but cholangiography showed no signs of biliary atresia (BA). Liver biopsy findings showed giant cell formation of hepatocytes with hypoplastic bile ducts. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head revealed a hypoplastic pituitary gland with an ectopic posterior lobe, and the patient was diagnosed with congenital CPHD based on decreased secretion of cortisol and GH by the pituitary anterior lobe load test. D-Bil levels promptly improved after hydrocortisone (HDC) replacement. We subsequently began replacement with levothyroxine (L-T4) and GH, and liver histology showed normal interlobular bile ducts at 8 mo old. This is the first case report of proven histological improvement after hormone replacement therapy. This suggested that pituitary-mediated hormones, especially cortisol, might be involved in the development of the bile ducts. PMID:29026274

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

NONE

The ATLAS collaboration at LHC has chosen the Micromegas (Micro Mesh Gaseous Structure) technology along with the small-strip Thin Gap Chambers (sTGC) for the high luminosity upgrade of the inner muon station in the high-rapidity region, the so called New Small Wheel (NSW). It employs eight layers of Micromegas detectors and eight layers of sTGC. The NSW project requires fully efficient Micromegas chambers with spatial resolution down to 100 μm in the precision coordinate for momentum reconstruction, and at mm level in the azimuthal (second) coordinate, over a total active area of 1200 m{sup 2}, with a rate capability upmore » to about 15 kHz/cm{sup 2} and operation in a moderate magnetic field up to B = 0.4 T. The required tracking capability is provided by the intrinsic space resolution combined with a mechanical precision at the level of 30 μm along the precision coordinate. Together with the precise tracking capability the Micromegas chambers should provide a trigger signal. Several tests have been performed on small (10x10 cm{sup 2}) and large (1 x 1 m{sup 2}) size single gap chambers prototypes using high energy hadron beams at CERN, low and intermediate energy (0.5-5 GeV) electron beams at Frascati and DESY, neutron beams at Demokritos (Athens) and Garching (Munich) and cosmic rays. More recently two quadruplets with dimensions 1.2 x 0.5 m{sup 2} and the same configuration and structure foreseen for the NSW upgrade have been built at CERN and tested with high energy pions/muons beam. Results obtained in the most recent tests, in different configurations and operating conditions, in dependence with the magnetic field, will be presented, along with a comparison between different read-out electronics, either based on the APV25 chips, or based on a new digital front-end ASIC developed in its second version (VMM2) as a new prototype of the final chip that will be employed in the NSW upgrade. (authors)« less

REACTION $pi$$sup -$ + p $Yields$ $pi$$sup -$ + $pi$$sup +$ + n FROM 360 TO 800 Mev

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

Kirz, J.; Schwartz, J.; Tripp, R.D.

1963-10-31

The reaction ceramic materia /sup -/ + p ons in pyrolyti ceramic materia /sup -/ + ceramic materia /sup +/ + n is sLLawrence Radiation Laboratory's 72-in. hydrogen bubble chamber. Events are located by scanning the pictures for ceramic materia /sup +/ tracks. Cross sections, Dalitz plots, and ceramic materia /sup +/ ceramic materia /sup -/ d please delete abstract 26339

Acoustic Levitator Maintains Resonance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barmatz, M. B.; Gaspar, M. S.

1986-01-01

Transducer loading characteristics allow resonance tracked at high temperature. Acoustic-levitation chamber length automatically adjusted to maintain resonance at constant acoustic frequency as temperature changes. Developed for containerless processing of materials at high temperatures, system does not rely on microphones as resonance sensors, since microphones are difficult to fabricate for use at temperatures above 500 degrees C. Instead, system uses acoustic transducer itself as sensor.

Frederic Joliot, Irene Curie and the Early History of the Positron (1932-33)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leone, Matteo; Robotti, Nadia

2010-01-01

As is well known, the positron was discovered in August 1932 by Carl Anderson while studying cloud chamber tracks left by cosmic rays. Far less known is the fact that a few months before Anderson's discovery, in April 1932, Frederic Joliot and Irene Curie had missed an opportunity to discover the positron during a nuclear physics experiment. One…

The importance of speckle tracking echocardiography in the early detection of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PubMed

Demirelli, Selami; Degirmenci, Husnu; Ermis, Emrah; Inci, Sinan; Nar, Gokay; Ayhan, Mehmet Emin; Fırtına, Serdar; Hamur, Hikmet; Durmaz, Senay Arikan

2015-10-19

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hormonal and metabolic abnormalities and is thought to increase a risk for cardiovascular diseases. In this study we use speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) to evaluate left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in the early period of the disease. We enrolled 31 patients with PCOS and 32 healthy volunteers as a control group. The participants' ages ranged between 18 and 40 years. PCOS was diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. LV strain (LS) and strain rate (SR) were evaluated using apical two-chamber (2C), three-chamber (3C), and four-chamber (4C) imaging. Global LS and SR were calculated as average of three apical views. The waist-to-hip ratio, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and fasting insulin and triglyceride levels were higher in the PCOS group than in the controls (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001, and p=0.005, respectively). In the PCOS group, the mitral A wave, deceleration time (DT), and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) were significantly higher than in the controls (all p<0.05). The LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and global longitudinal SR systolic (GLSRS) were significantly lower in the PCOS patient group (both p= 0.001). There were strong negative correlations between GLS and both fasting insulin (r=-0.64) and DT (r=-0.62) (both p<0.05). The study demonstrated that PCOS patients had decreased LV function using STE. Therefore, STE imaging appears to be useful for the early detection of subclinical LV dysfunction in patients with PCOS.

Intercomparison of active and passive instruments for radon and radon progeny in North America

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

George, A.C.; Tu, Keng-Wu; Knutson, E.O.

1995-02-01

An intercomparison exercise for radon and radon progeny instruments and methods was held at the Environmental Measurements Laboratory (EML) from April 22--May 2, 1994. The exercise was conducted in the new EML radon test and calibration facility in which conditions of exposure are very well controlled. The detection systems of the intercompared instruments consisted of. (1) pulse ionization chambers, (2) electret ionization chambers, (3) scintillation detectors, (4) alpha particle spectrometers with silicon diodes, surface barrier or diffused junction detectors, (5) registration of nuclear tracks in solid-state materials, and (6) activated carbon collectors counted by gamma-ray spectrometry or by alpha- andmore » beta-liquid scintillation counting. 23 private firms, government laboratories and universities participated with a 165 passive integrating devices consisting of: Activated carbon collectors, nuclear alpha track detectors and electret ionization chambers, and 11 active and passive continuous radon monitors. Five portable integrating and continuous instruments were intercompared for radon progeny. Forty grab samples for radon progeny were taken by five groups that participated in person to test and evaluate their primary instruments and methods that measure individual radon progeny and the potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC) in indoor air. Results indicate that more than 80% of the measurements for radon performed with a variety of instruments, are within {plus_minus}10% of actual value. The majority of the instruments that measure individual radon progeny and the PAEC gave results that are in good agreement with the EML reference value. Radon progeny measurements made with continuous and integrating instruments are satisfactory with room for improvement.« less

A new passive radon-thoron discriminative measurement system.

PubMed

Sciocchetti, G; Sciocchetti, A; Giovannoli, P; DeFelice, P; Cardellini, F; Cotellessa, G; Pagliari, M

2010-10-01

A new passive radon-thoron discriminative measurement system has been developed for monitoring radon and thoron individually. It consists of a 'couple' of passive integrating devices with a CR39 nuclear track detector (NTD). The experimental prototype is based on the application of a new concept of NTD instrument developed at ENEA, named Alpha-PREM, acronym of piston radon exposure meter, which allows controlling the detector exposure with a patented sampling technique (Int. Eu. Pat. and US Pat.). The 'twin diffusion chambers system' was based on two A-PREM devices consisting of the standard device, named NTD-Rn, and a modified version, named NTD-Rn/Tn, which was set up to improve thoron sampling efficiency of the diffusion chamber, without changing the geometry and the start/stop function of the NTD-Rn device. Coupling devices fitted on each device allowed getting a system, which works as a double-chamber structure when deployed at the monitoring position. In this paper both technical and physical aspects are considered.

Timing and charge measurement of single gap resistive plate chamber detectors for INO-ICAL experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaur, Ankit; Kumar, Ashok; Naimuddin, Md.

2018-01-01

The recently approved India-based Neutrino Observatory will use the world's largest magnet to study atmospheric muon neutrinos. The 50 kiloton Iron Calorimeter consists of iron alternating with single-gap resistive plate chambers. A uniform magnetic field of ∼1.5 T is produced in the iron using toroidal-shaped copper coils. Muon neutrinos interact with the iron target to produce charged muons, which are detected by the resistive plate chambers, and tracked using orthogonal pick up strips. Timing information for each layer is used to discriminate between upward and downward traveling muons. The design of the readout electronics for the detector depends critically on an accurate model of the charge induced by the muons, and the dependence on bias voltages. In this paper, we present timing and charge response measurements using prototype detectors under different operating conditions. We also report the effect of varying gas mixture, particularly SF6, on the timing response.

Experimental evidence regarding the pressure dependence of fission track annealing in apatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, J. S.; Lelarge, M. L. M. V.; Conceicao, R. V.; Balzaretti, N. M.

2014-03-01

The main purposes of fission track thermochronology are unravelling the thermal histories of sedimentary basins, determining uplift and denudation rates, identifying the structural evolution of orogenic belts, determining sedimentary provenance, and dating volcanic rocks. The effect of temperature on fission tracks is well known and is used to determine the thermal history; however, the effect of pressure on the stability of tracks is still under debate. The present work aims to understand the role of pressure on the annealing kinetics of apatite fission tracks. The samples of Durango apatite used in our experiments were chosen for their international recognition as a calibration standard for geological dating. Neutron irradiation of the samples, after total annealing of their spontaneous tracks, produced induced tracks with homogeneous densities and lengths. The effect of pressure associated with temperature on fission track annealing was verified by experimental procedures using a hydraulic press of 1000 t with a toroidal chamber profile. The experiments consisted of a combination of applying 2 and 4 GPa with 20,150,190,235, and 290 °C for 1 and 10 h. The annealing rate was analysed by measuring the lengths of the fission tracks after each experiment using optical microscopy. The results demonstrate that the annealing of apatite fission tracks has a pressure dependence for samples subjected to 2 and 4 GPa. However, when extrapolated to pressures of ⩽150 MPa, compatible with the normal geological context in which apatite fission track methodology is broadly used, this dependence becomes insignificant compared to the temperature effect.

Liquid rocket combustor computer code development

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liang, P. Y.

1985-01-01

The Advanced Rocket Injector/Combustor Code (ARICC) that has been developed to model the complete chemical/fluid/thermal processes occurring inside rocket combustion chambers are highlighted. The code, derived from the CONCHAS-SPRAY code originally developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory incorporates powerful features such as the ability to model complex injector combustion chamber geometries, Lagrangian tracking of droplets, full chemical equilibrium and kinetic reactions for multiple species, a fractional volume of fluid (VOF) description of liquid jet injection in addition to the gaseous phase fluid dynamics, and turbulent mass, energy, and momentum transport. Atomization and droplet dynamic models from earlier generation codes are transplated into the present code. Currently, ARICC is specialized for liquid oxygen/hydrogen propellants, although other fuel/oxidizer pairs can be easily substituted.

Web-based monitoring tools for Resistive Plate Chambers in the CMS experiment at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, M. S.; Ban, Y.; Cai, J.; Li, Q.; Liu, S.; Qian, S.; Wang, D.; Xu, Z.; Zhang, F.; Choi, Y.; Kim, D.; Goh, J.; Choi, S.; Hong, B.; Kang, J. W.; Kang, M.; Kwon, J. H.; Lee, K. S.; Lee, S. K.; Park, S. K.; Pant, L. M.; Mohanty, A. K.; Chudasama, R.; Singh, J. B.; Bhatnagar, V.; Mehta, A.; Kumar, R.; Cauwenbergh, S.; Costantini, S.; Cimmino, A.; Crucy, S.; Fagot, A.; Garcia, G.; Ocampo, A.; Poyraz, D.; Salva, S.; Thyssen, F.; Tytgat, M.; Zaganidis, N.; Doninck, W. V.; Cabrera, A.; Chaparro, L.; Gomez, J. P.; Gomez, B.; Sanabria, J. C.; Avila, C.; Ahmad, A.; Muhammad, S.; Shoaib, M.; Hoorani, H.; Awan, I.; Ali, I.; Ahmed, W.; Asghar, M. I.; Shahzad, H.; Sayed, A.; Ibrahim, A.; Aly, S.; Assran, Y.; Radi, A.; Elkafrawy, T.; Sharma, A.; Colafranceschi, S.; Abbrescia, M.; Calabria, C.; Colaleo, A.; Iaselli, G.; Loddo, F.; Maggi, M.; Nuzzo, S.; Pugliese, G.; Radogna, R.; Venditti, R.; Verwilligen, P.; Benussi, L.; Bianco, S.; Piccolo, D.; Paolucci, P.; Buontempo, S.; Cavallo, N.; Merola, M.; Fabozzi, F.; Iorio, O. M.; Braghieri, A.; Montagna, P.; Riccardi, C.; Salvini, P.; Vitulo, P.; Vai, I.; Magnani, A.; Dimitrov, A.; Litov, L.; Pavlov, B.; Petkov, P.; Aleksandrov, A.; Genchev, V.; Iaydjiev, P.; Rodozov, M.; Sultanov, G.; Vutova, M.; Stoykova, S.; Hadjiiska, R.; Ibargüen, H. S.; Morales, M. I. P.; Bernardino, S. C.; Bagaturia, I.; Tsamalaidze, Z.; Crotty, I.

2014-10-01

The Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC) are used in the CMS experiment at the trigger level and also in the standard offline muon reconstruction. In order to guarantee the quality of the data collected and to monitor online the detector performance, a set of tools has been developed in CMS which is heavily used in the RPC system. The Web-based monitoring (WBM) is a set of java servlets that allows users to check the performance of the hardware during data taking, providing distributions and history plots of all the parameters. The functionalities of the RPC WBM monitoring tools are presented along with studies of the detector performance as a function of growing luminosity and environmental conditions that are tracked over time.

Small-strip Thin Gap Chambers for the muon spectrometer upgrade of the ATLAS experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perez Codina, E.; ATLAS Muon Collaboration

2016-07-01

The ATLAS muon system upgrade to be installed during the LHC long shutdown in 2018/19, the so-called New Small Wheel (NSW), is designed to cope with the increased instantaneous luminosity in LHC Run 3. The small-strip Thin Gap Chambers (sTGC) will provide the NSW with a fast trigger and high precision tracking. The construction protocol has been validated by test beam experiments on a full-size prototype sTGC detector, showing the performance requirements are met. The intrinsic spatial resolution for a single layer has been found to be about 45 μm for a perpendicular incident angle, and the transition region between pads has been measured to be about 4 mm.

DARK-FIELD ILLUMINATION SYSTEM

DOEpatents

Norgren, D.U.

1962-07-24

A means was developed for viewing objects against a dark background from a viewing point close to the light which illuminates the objects and under conditions where the back scattering of light by the objects is minimal. A broad light retro-directing member on the opposite side of the objects from the light returns direct light back towards the source while directing other light away from the viewing point. The viewing point is offset from the light and thus receives only light which is forwardly scattered by an object while returning towards the source. The object is seen, at its true location, against a dark background. The invention is particularly adapted for illuminating and viewing nuclear particle tracks in a liquid hydrogen bubble chamber through a single chamber window. (AEC)

Uma análise do fenômeno “alternância de línguas” na fala de bilíngues intermodais (Libras e Português)

PubMed Central

de Sousa, Aline Nunes; de Quadros, Ronice Müller

2013-01-01

Um interessante fenômeno lingüístico presente nas interações das pessoas bilíngues é a alternância de línguas. Neste trabalho, estamos investigando a alternância entre a língua portuguesa oral e a língua de sinais brasileira – Libras, numa mesma cadeia enunciativa, com o objetivo de identificar e analisar o uso dessa alternância na fala de uma criança e de um adulto (ambos ouvintes, filhos de pais surdos), interagindo em uma situação de bilinguismo intermodal, com interlocutores surdos e ouvintes. A alternância de línguas, nesse caso, ocorre quando se para de falar em português e se alterna para sinalizar. O presente trabalho se caracteriza como um estudo inicial, com análise qualitativa de dados. Fazem parte do nosso corpus nove sessões de interações em Libras e em português oral, gravadas em vídeo, que fazem parte do Projeto Desenvolvimento Bilíngue Bimodal da UFSC. Os dados revelam que as características da alternância de línguas pelo adulto e pela criança parecem ter semelhanças e diferenças. O sujeito adulto parece ter feito um uso da alternância mais preocupado com o curso da interação. A criança, por sua vez, não parece tê-la usado com propósitos pragmáticos específicos. Quanto à extensão das alternâncias, pode-se perceber que tanto a criança quanto o adulto utilizaram enunciados maiores do que uma única palavra isolada. O papel dos interlocutores parece ter sido decisivo nas interações aqui investigadas – especialmente nas do adulto, já que a criança ainda está em processo de tomada de consciência do papel do interlocutor na interação. PMID:24379831

Analysis of relativistic nucleus-nucleus interactions in emulsion chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcguire, Stephen C.

1987-01-01

The development of a computer-assisted method is reported for the determination of the angular distribution data for secondary particles produced in relativistic nucleus-nucleus collisions in emulsions. The method is applied to emulsion detectors that were placed in a constant, uniform magnetic field and exposed to beams of 60 and 200 GeV/nucleon O-16 ions at the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS) of the European Center for Nuclear Research (CERN). Linear regression analysis is used to determine the azimuthal and polar emission angles from measured track coordinate data. The software, written in BASIC, is designed to be machine independent, and adaptable to an automated system for acquiring the track coordinates. The fitting algorithm is deterministic, and takes into account the experimental uncertainty in the measured points. Further, a procedure for using the track data to estimate the linear momenta of the charged particles observed in the detectors is included.

Determination of muon momentum in the MicroBooNE LArTPC using an improved model of multiple Coulomb scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abratenko, P.; Acciarri, R.; Adams, C.; An, R.; Anthony, J.; Asaadi, J.; Auger, M.; Bagby, L.; Balasubramanian, S.; Baller, B.; Barnes, C.; Barr, G.; Bass, M.; Bay, F.; Bishai, M.; Blake, A.; Bolton, T.; Bugel, L.; Camilleri, L.; Caratelli, D.; Carls, B.; Castillo Fernandez, R.; Cavanna, F.; Chen, H.; Church, E.; Cianci, D.; Cohen, E.; Collin, G. H.; Conrad, J. M.; Convery, M.; Crespo-Anadón, J. I.; Del Tutto, M.; Devitt, D.; Dytman, S.; Eberly, B.; Ereditato, A.; Escudero Sanchez, L.; Esquivel, J.; Fleming, B. T.; Foreman, W.; Furmanski, A. P.; Garcia-Gamez, D.; Garvey, G. T.; Genty, V.; Goeldi, D.; Gollapinni, S.; Graf, N.; Gramellini, E.; Greenlee, H.; Grosso, R.; Guenette, R.; Hackenburg, A.; Hamilton, P.; Hen, O.; Hewes, J.; Hill, C.; Ho, J.; Horton-Smith, G.; Huang, E.-C.; James, C.; de Vries, J. Jan; Jen, C.-M.; Jiang, L.; Johnson, R. A.; Joshi, J.; Jostlein, H.; Kaleko, D.; Kalousis, L. N.; Karagiorgi, G.; Ketchum, W.; Kirby, B.; Kirby, M.; Kobilarcik, T.; Kreslo, I.; Laube, A.; Li, Y.; Lister, A.; Littlejohn, B. R.; Lockwitz, S.; Lorca, D.; Louis, W. C.; Luethi, M.; Lundberg, B.; Luo, X.; Marchionni, A.; Mariani, C.; Marshall, J.; Martinez Caicedo, D. A.; Meddage, V.; Miceli, T.; Mills, G. B.; Moon, J.; Mooney, M.; Moore, C. D.; Mousseau, J.; Murrells, R.; Naples, D.; Nienaber, P.; Nowak, J.; Palamara, O.; Paolone, V.; Papavassiliou, V.; Pate, S. F.; Pavlovic, Z.; Piasetzky, E.; Porzio, D.; Pulliam, G.; Qian, X.; Raaf, J. L.; Rafique, A.; Rochester, L.; von Rohr, C. Rudolf; Russell, B.; Schmitz, D. W.; Schukraft, A.; Seligman, W.; Shaevitz, M. H.; Sinclair, J.; Snider, E. L.; Soderberg, M.; Söldner-Rembold, S.; Soleti, S. R.; Spentzouris, P.; Spitz, J.; St. John, J.; Strauss, T.; Szelc, A. M.; Tagg, N.; Terao, K.; Thomson, M.; Toups, M.; Tsai, Y.-T.; Tufanli, S.; Usher, T.; Van de Water, R. G.; Viren, B.; Weber, M.; Wickremasinghe, D. A.; Wolbers, S.; Wongjirad, T.; Woodruff, K.; Yang, T.; Yates, L.; Zeller, G. P.; Zennamo, J.; Zhang, C.

2017-10-01

We discuss a technique for measuring a charged particle's momentum by means of multiple Coulomb scattering (MCS) in the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC). This method does not require the full particle ionization track to be contained inside of the detector volume as other track momentum reconstruction methods do (range-based momentum reconstruction and calorimetric momentum reconstruction). We motivate use of this technique, describe a tuning of the underlying phenomenological formula, quantify its performance on fully contained beam-neutrino-induced muon tracks both in simulation and in data, and quantify its performance on exiting muon tracks in simulation. Using simulation, we have shown that the standard Highland formula should be re-tuned specifically for scattering in liquid argon, which significantly improves the bias and resolution of the momentum measurement. With the tuned formula, we find agreement between data and simulation for contained tracks, with a small bias in the momentum reconstruction and with resolutions that vary as a function of track length, improving from about 10% for the shortest (one meter long) tracks to 5% for longer (several meter) tracks. For simulated exiting muons with at least one meter of track contained, we find a similarly small bias, and a resolution which is less than 15% for muons with momentum below 2 GeV/c. Above 2 GeV/c, results are given as a first estimate of the MCS momentum measurement capabilities of MicroBooNE for high momentum exiting tracks.

Determination of muon momentum in the MicroBooNE LArTPC using an improved model of multiple Coulomb scattering

DOE PAGES

Abratenko, P.

2017-10-18

Here, we discuss a technique for measuring a charged particle's momentum by means of multiple Coulomb scattering (MCS) in the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC). This method does not require the full particle ionization track to be contained inside of the detector volume as other track momentum reconstruction methods do (range-based momentum reconstruction and calorimetric momentum reconstruction). We motivate use of this technique, describe a tuning of the underlying phenomenological formula, quantify its performance on fully contained beam-neutrino-induced muon tracks both in simulation and in data, and quantify its performance on exiting muon tracks in simulation. Using simulation,more » we have shown that the standard Highland formula should be re-tuned specifically for scattering in liquid argon, which significantly improves the bias and resolution of the momentum measurement. With the tuned formula, we find agreement between data and simulation for contained tracks, with a small bias in the momentum reconstruction and with resolutions that vary as a function of track length, improving from about 10% for the shortest (one meter long) tracks to 5% for longer (several meter) tracks. For simulated exiting muons with at least one meter of track contained, we find a similarly small bias, and a resolution which is less than 15% for muons with momentum below 2 GeV/c. Above 2 GeV/c, results are given as a first estimate of the MCS momentum measurement capabilities of MicroBooNE for high momentum exiting tracks.« less

Determination of muon momentum in the MicroBooNE LArTPC using an improved model of multiple Coulomb scattering

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

Abratenko, P.

Here, we discuss a technique for measuring a charged particle's momentum by means of multiple Coulomb scattering (MCS) in the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC). This method does not require the full particle ionization track to be contained inside of the detector volume as other track momentum reconstruction methods do (range-based momentum reconstruction and calorimetric momentum reconstruction). We motivate use of this technique, describe a tuning of the underlying phenomenological formula, quantify its performance on fully contained beam-neutrino-induced muon tracks both in simulation and in data, and quantify its performance on exiting muon tracks in simulation. Using simulation,more » we have shown that the standard Highland formula should be re-tuned specifically for scattering in liquid argon, which significantly improves the bias and resolution of the momentum measurement. With the tuned formula, we find agreement between data and simulation for contained tracks, with a small bias in the momentum reconstruction and with resolutions that vary as a function of track length, improving from about 10% for the shortest (one meter long) tracks to 5% for longer (several meter) tracks. For simulated exiting muons with at least one meter of track contained, we find a similarly small bias, and a resolution which is less than 15% for muons with momentum below 2 GeV/c. Above 2 GeV/c, results are given as a first estimate of the MCS momentum measurement capabilities of MicroBooNE for high momentum exiting tracks.« less

Applications of Cosmic Muon Tracking at Shallow Depth Underground

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oláh, L.; Barnaföldi, G. G.; Hamar, G.; Melegh, H. G.; Surányi, G.; Varga, D.

2014-06-01

A portable cosmic muon telescope has been developed for environmental and geophysical applications, as well as cosmic background measurements for nuclear research in underground labs by the REGARD group (Wigner RCP of the HAS and Eötvös Loránd University collaboration on gaseous detector R&D). The modular, low power consuming (5 W) Close Cathode Chamber-based tracking system has 10 mrad angular resolution with its sensitive area of 0.1 m2. The angular distribution of cosmic muons has been measured at shallow depth underground (< 70 meter-rock-equivalent) in four different remote locations. Application of cosmic muon detection for the reconstruction of underground caverns and building structures are demonstrated by the measurements.

Gamma-Ray Imaging for Explosives Detection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

deNolfo, G. A.; Hunter, S. D.; Barbier, L. M.; Link, J. T.; Son, S.; Floyd, S. R.; Guardala, N.; Skopec, M.; Stark, B.

2008-01-01

We describe a gamma-ray imaging camera (GIC) for active interrogation of explosives being developed by NASA/GSFC and NSWCICarderock. The GIC is based on the Three-dimensional Track Imager (3-DTI) technology developed at GSFC for gamma-ray astrophysics. The 3-DTI, a large volume time-projection chamber, provides accurate, approx.0.4 mm resolution, 3-D tracking of charged particles. The incident direction of gamma rays, E, > 6 MeV, are reconstructed from the momenta and energies of the electron-positron pair resulting from interactions in the 3-DTI volume. The optimization of the 3-DTI technology for this specific application and the performance of the GIC from laboratory tests is presented.

Resistive-strips micromegas detectors with two-dimensional readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byszewski, M.; Wotschack, J.

2012-02-01

Micromegas detectors show very good performance for charged particle tracking in high rate environments as for example at the LHC. It is shown that two coordinates can be extracted from a single gas gap in these detectors. Several micromegas chambers with spark protection by resistive strips and two-dimensional readout have been tested in the context of the R&D work for the ATLAS Muon System upgrade.

MO-FG-CAMPUS-IeP1-04: Kerma Area Product Calculation for Non-Uniform X-Ray Fields Using a Skin Dose Tracking System

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

Vijayan, S; Xiong, Z; Rudin, S

Purpose: The functionality of the Dose-Tracking System (DTS) has been expanded to include the calculation of the Kerma-Area Product (KAP) for non-uniform x-ray fields such as result from the use of compensation filters during fluoroscopic procedures Methods: The DTS calculates skin dose during fluoroscopic interventions and provides a color-coded dose map on a patient-graphic model. The KAP is the integral of air kerma over the x-ray field and is usually measured with a transmission-ionization chamber that intercepts the entire x-ray beam. The DTS has been modified to determine KAP when there are beam non-uniformities that can be modeled. For example,more » the DTS includes models of the three compensation filters with tapered edges located in the collimator assembly of the Toshiba Infinix fluoroscopic C-Arm and can track their movement. To determine the air kerma after the filters, DTS includes transmission factors for the compensation filters as a function of kVp and beam filtration. A virtual KAP dosimeter is simulated in the DTS by an array of graphic vertices; the air kerma at each vertex is corrected by the field non-uniformity, which in this case is the attenuation factor for those rays which pass through the filter. The products of individual vertex air-kerma values for all vertices within the beam times the effective-area-per-vertex are summed for each x-ray pulse to yield the KAP per pulse and the cumulative KAP for the procedure is then calculated. Results: The KAP values estimated by DTS with the compensation filter inserted into the x-ray field agree within ± 6% with the values displayed on the fluoroscopy unit monitor, which are measured with a transmission chamber. Conclusion: The DTS can account for field non-uniformities such as result from the use of compensation filters in calculating KAP and can obviate the need for a KAP transmission ionization chamber. Partial support from NIH Grant R01-EB002873 and Toshiba Medical Systems Corp.« less

Electronics for CMS Endcap Muon Level-1 Trigger System Phase-1 and HL LHC upgrades

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madorsky, A.

2017-07-01

To accommodate high-luminosity LHC operation at a 13 TeV collision energy, the CMS Endcap Muon Level-1 Trigger system had to be significantly modified. To provide robust track reconstruction, the trigger system must now import all available trigger primitives generated by the Cathode Strip Chambers and by certain other subsystems, such as Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC). In addition to massive input bandwidth, this also required significant increase in logic and memory resources. To satisfy these requirements, a new Sector Processor unit has been designed. It consists of three modules. The Core Logic module houses the large FPGA that contains the track-finding logic and multi-gigabit serial links for data exchange. The Optical module contains optical receivers and transmitters; it communicates with the Core Logic module via a custom backplane section. The Pt Lookup table (PTLUT) module contains 1 GB of low-latency memory that is used to assign the final Pt to reconstructed muon tracks. The μ TCA architecture (adopted by CMS) was used for this design. The talk presents the details of the hardware and firmware design of the production system based on Xilinx Virtex-7 FPGA family. The next round of LHC and CMS upgrades starts in 2019, followed by a major High-Luminosity (HL) LHC upgrade starting in 2024. In the course of these upgrades, new Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors and more RPC chambers will be added to the Endcap Muon system. In order to keep up with all these changes, a new Advanced Processor unit is being designed. This device will be based on Xilinx UltraScale+ FPGAs. It will be able to accommodate up to 100 serial links with bit rates of up to 25 Gb/s, and provide up to 2.5 times more logic resources than the device used currently. The amount of PTLUT memory will be significantly increased to provide more flexibility for the Pt assignment algorithm. The talk presents preliminary details of the hardware design program.

A Mobile Asset Tracking System Architecture under Mobile-Stationary Co-Existing WSNs

PubMed Central

Kim, Tae Hyon; Jo, Hyeong Gon; Lee, Jae Shin; Kang, Soon Ju

2012-01-01

The tracking of multiple wireless mobile nodes is not easy with current legacy WSN technologies, due to their inherent technical complexity, especially when heavy traffic and frequent movement of mobile nodes are encountered. To enable mobile asset tracking under these legacy WSN systems, it is necessary to design a specific system architecture that can manage numerous mobile nodes attached to mobile assets. In this paper, we present a practical system architecture including a communication protocol, a three-tier network, and server-side middleware for mobile asset tracking in legacy WSNs consisting of mobile-stationary co-existing infrastructures, and we prove the functionality of this architecture through careful evaluation in a test bed. Evaluation was carried out in a microwave anechoic chamber as well as on a straight road near our office. We evaluated communication mobility performance between mobile and stationary nodes, location-awareness performance, system stability under numerous mobile node conditions, and the successful packet transfer rate according to the speed of the mobile nodes. The results indicate that the proposed architecture is sufficiently robust for application in realistic mobile asset tracking services that require a large number of mobile nodes. PMID:23242277

A fully coupled petrological geodynamical model to investigate the evolution of crustal magma chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rummel, Lisa; Kaus, Boris J. P.; White, Richard W.

2017-04-01

The evolution of crustal magma chambers can be considered from a range of different physical and chemical perspectives. Most previous studies focus either on the petrological side (assuming only thermal effects and ignoring mechanics), or on the mechanical evolution (assuming a fixed melt chemistry). Here, we develop a method that fully couples petrological with geodynamic modelling, by combining a finite element code, MVEP2, with a thermodynamic modelling approach (Perple_X) that takes the evolving chemistry into account. The evolution of melt chemistry in a crustal magma chamber is analyzed by focusing on the effects of depth and temperature as well as size and shape of the magma chamber(s). The models show that each of these factors influences the melting behavior of rocks, the magma composition and their effects on the mechanics in the upper lithosphere. Interactions with country rocks (assimilation), ongoing rock depletion (fractional melting) and a possible open system behavior (fractional crystallization) and their effects on magma chemistry are taken into account. The chemical and mineralogical evolution of the melt source, composition (10 oxide component system) of intrusive and extrusive rocks as well as melt fraction and density are tracked on particles using a marker-in-cell-method in the geodynamic code. After each melt extraction event, the employed phase diagram is updated or recalculated based on the residuum chemistry that shifts the solidus to higher temperatures with sequential melt extraction. The resulting wide range in chemical compositions and the volume of intrusive and extrusive rocks are tracked in time and space over the melting region. The newly generated crust employs phase diagrams which are directly computed from the chemistry of extracted melts. Plutons are able to melt again as long as the local temperature is higher in the model than the solidus temperature in the employed phase diagram. As a result, our models make testable predictions on types of erupted lavas. We show an application to the plume-related intracontinental West Eifel volcanism (Germany), where our models explain a sudden change in K2O/Na2O-ratios in the volcanic rocks by a transition between melting a metasomatized and a pyrolitic mantle. We also show initial results from crustal melt extraction in an arc system.

A large ungated TPC with GEM amplification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berger, M.; Ball, M.; Fabbietti, L.; Ketzer, B.; Arora, R.; Beck, R.; Böhmer, F. V.; Chen, J.-C.; Cusanno, F.; Dørheim, S.; García, F.; Hehner, J.; Herrmann, N.; Höppner, C.; Kaiser, D.; Kis̆, M.; Kleipa, V.; Konorov, I.; Kunkel, J.; Kurz, N.; Leifels, Y.; Müllner, P.; Münzer, R.; Neubert, S.; Rauch, J.; Schmidt, C. J.; Schmitz, R.; Soyk, D.; Vandenbroucke, M.; Voss, B.; Walther, D.; Zmeskal, J.

2017-10-01

A Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is an ideal device for the detection of charged particle tracks in a large volume covering a solid angle of almost 4 π. The high density of hits on a given particle track facilitates the task of pattern recognition in a high-occupancy environment and in addition provides particle identification by measuring the specific energy loss for each track. For these reasons, TPCs with Multiwire Proportional Chamber (MWPC) amplification have been and are widely used in experiments recording heavy-ion collisions. A significant drawback, however, is the large dead time of the order of 1 ms per event generated by the use of a gating grid, which is mandatory to prevent ions created in the amplification region from drifting back into the drift volume, where they would severely distort the drift path of subsequent tracks. For experiments with higher event rates this concept of a conventional TPC operating with a triggered gating grid can therefore not be applied without a significant loss of data. A continuous readout of the signals is the more appropriate way of operation. This, however, constitutes a change of paradigm with considerable challenges to be met concerning the amplification region, the design and bandwidth of the readout electronics, and the data handling. A mandatory prerequisite for such an operation is a sufficiently good suppression of the ion backflow from the avalanche region, which otherwise limits the tracking and particle identification capabilities of such a detector. Gas Electron Multipliers (GEM) are a promising candidate to combine excellent spatial resolution with an intrinsic suppression of ions. In this paper we describe the design, construction and the commissioning of a large TPC with GEM amplification and without gating grid (GEM-TPC). The design requirements have driven innovations in the construction of a light-weight field-cage, a supporting media flange, the GEM amplification and the readout system, which are presented in this paper. We further describe the support infrastructure such as gas, cooling and slow control. Finally, we report on the operation of the GEM-TPC in the FOPI experiment, and describe the calibration procedures which are applied to achieve the design performance of the device.

The design and performance of a prototype water Cherenkov optical time-projection chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oberla, Eric; Frisch, Henry J.

2016-04-01

A first experimental test of tracking relativistic charged particles by 'drifting' Cherenkov photons in a water-based optical time-projection chamber (OTPC) has been performed at the Fermilab Test Beam Facility. The prototype OTPC detector consists of a 77 cm long, 28 cm diameter, 40 kg cylindrical water mass instrumented with a combination of commercial 5.1 × 5.1cm2 micro-channel plate photo-multipliers (MCP-PMT) and 6.7 × 6.7cm2 mirrors. Five MCP-PMTs are installed in two columns along the OTPC cylinder in a small-angle stereo configuration. A mirror is mounted opposite each MCP-PMT on the inner surface of the detector cylinder, effectively increasing the photo-detection efficiency and providing a time-resolved image of the Cherenkov light on the opposing wall. Each MCP-PMT is coupled to an anode readout consisting of thirty 50 Ω microstrips. A 180-channel data acquisition system digitizes the MCP-PMT signals on one end of the microstrips using the PSEC4 waveform sampling-and-digitizing chip operating at a sampling rate of 10.24 Gigasamples-per-second. The single-ended microstrip readout determines the time and position of a photon arrival at the face of the MCP-PMT by recording both the direct signal and the pulse reflected from the unterminated far end of the strip. The detector was installed on the Fermilab MCenter secondary beam-line behind a steel absorber where the primary flux is multi-GeV muons. Approximately 80 Cherenkov photons are detected for a through-going muon track in a total event duration of 2 ns. By measuring the time-of-arrival and the position of individual photons at the surface of the detector to ≤ 100 ps and a few mm, respectively, we have measured a spatial resolution of 15 mm for each MCP-PMT track segment, and, from linear fits over the entire track length of 40 cm, an angular resolution on the track direction of 60 mrad.

A Study of a Mini-Drift GEM Tracking Detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azmoun, B.; DiRuzza, B.; Franz, A.; Kiselev, A.; Pak, R.; Phipps, M.; Purschke, M. L.; Woody, C.

2016-06-01

A GEM tracking detector with an extended drift region has been studied as part of an effort to develop new tracking detectors for future experiments at RHIC and for the Electron Ion Collider that is being planned for BNL or JLAB. The detector consists of a triple GEM stack with a 1.6 cm drift region that was operated in a mini TPC type configuration. Both the position and arrival time of the charge deposited in the drift region were measured on the readout plane which allowed the reconstruction of a short vector for the track traversing the chamber. The resulting position and angle information from the vector could then be used to improve the position resolution of the detector for larger angle tracks, which deteriorates rapidly with increasing angle for conventional GEM tracking detectors using only charge centroid information. Two types of readout planes were studied. One was a COMPASS style readout plane with 400 μm pitch XY strips and the other consisted of 2 × 10 mm2 chevron pads. The detector was studied in test beams at Fermilab and CERN, along with additional measurements in the lab, in order to determine its position and angular resolution for incident track angles up to 45 degrees. Several algorithms were studied for reconstructing the vector using the position and timing information in order to optimize the position and angular resolution of the detector for the different readout planes. Applications for large angle tracking detectors at RHIC and EIC are also discussed.

Calibration of large area Micromegas detectors using cosmic rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biebel, O.; Flierl, B.; Herrmann, M.; Hertenberger, R.; Klitzner, F.; Lösel, P.; Müller, R.; Valderanis, C.; Zibell, A.

2017-06-01

Currently m2-sized micropattern detectors with spatial resolution better than 100 μm and online trigger capability are of big interest for many experiments. Large size in combination with superb spatial resolution and trigger capability implicates that the construction of these detectors is highly sophisticated and imposes strict mechanical tolerances. We developed a method to survey assembled and working detectors on potential deviations of the micro pattern readout structures from design value as well as deformations of the whole detector, using cosmic muons in a tracking facility. The LMU Cosmic Ray Facility consists of two 8 m2 ATLAS Monitored Drift Tube chambers (MDT) for precision muon reference tracking and two segmented trigger hodoscopes with sub-ns time-resolution and additional 10 cm position information along the wires of the MDTs. It provides information on homogeneity in efficiency and pulse height of one or several micropattern detectors installed in between the MDTs. With an angular acceptance of -30° to +30° the comparison of the reference muon tracking with centroidal position determination or time projection chamber like track reconstruction in the micropattern detector allows for calibration in three dimensions. We present results of a m2-sized one-dimensional resistive strip Micromegas detector consisting of two readout boards with in total 2048 strips, read out by 16 APV25 front-end boards. This 16-fold segmentation along the precision direction in combination with a 10-fold segmentation in orthogonal direction by the resolution of the trigger hodoscope, allows for very detailed analysis of the 1 m2 detector under study by subdivision into 160 partitions, each being analyzed separately. We are able to disentangle deviations from the readout strip straightness and global deformation due to the small overpressure caused by the Ar:CO2 (93:7) gas mixture flux. We introduce the alignment and calibration procedure, report on homogeneity in efficiency and pulse height and present results on deformation and performance of the m2-sized Micromegas.

Tracking flow of leukocytes in blood for drug analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basharat, Arslan; Turner, Wesley; Stephens, Gillian; Badillo, Benjamin; Lumpkin, Rick; Andre, Patrick; Perera, Amitha

2011-03-01

Modern microscopy techniques allow imaging of circulating blood components under vascular flow conditions. The resulting video sequences provide unique insights into the behavior of blood cells within the vasculature and can be used as a method to monitor and quantitate the recruitment of inflammatory cells at sites of vascular injury/ inflammation and potentially serve as a pharmacodynamic biomarker, helping screen new therapies and individualize dose and combinations of drugs. However, manual analysis of these video sequences is intractable, requiring hours per 400 second video clip. In this paper, we present an automated technique to analyze the behavior and recruitment of human leukocytes in whole blood under physiological conditions of shear through a simple multi-channel fluorescence microscope in real-time. This technique detects and tracks the recruitment of leukocytes to a bioactive surface coated on a flow chamber. Rolling cells (cells which partially bind to the bioactive matrix) are detected counted, and have their velocity measured and graphed. The challenges here include: high cell density, appearance similarity, and low (1Hz) frame rate. Our approach performs frame differencing based motion segmentation, track initialization and online tracking of individual leukocytes.

GEM detector performance with innovative micro-TPC readout in high magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garzia, I.; Alexeev, M.; Amoroso, A.; Baldini Ferroli, R.; Bertani, M.; Bettoni, D.; Bianchi, F.; Calcaterra, A.; Canale, N.; Capodiferro, M.; Cassariti, V.; Cerioni, S.; Chai, J. Y.; Chiozzi, S.; Cibinetto, G.; Cossio, F.; Cotta Ramusino, A.; De Mori, F.; Destefanis, M.; Dong, J.; Evangelisti, F.; Evangelisti, F.; Farinelli, R.; Fava, L.; Felici, G.; Fioravanti, E.; Gatta, M.; Greco, M.; Lavezzi, L.; Leng, C. Y.; Li, H.; Maggiora, M.; Malaguti, R.; Marcello, S.; Melchiorri, M.; Mezzadri, G.; Mignone, M.; Morello, G.; Pacetti, S.; Patteri, P.; Pellegrino, J.; Pelosi, A.; Rivetti, A.; Rolo, M. D.; Savrié, M.; Scodeggio, M.; Soldani, E.; Sosio, S.; Spataro, S.; Tskhadadze, E.; Verma, S.; Wheadon, R.; Yan, L.

2018-01-01

Gas detector development is one of the pillars of the research in fundamental physics. Since several years, a new concept of detectors, called Micro Pattern Gas Detector (MPGD), allowed to overcome several problems related to other types of commonly used detectors, like drift chamber and micro strips detectors, reducing the rate of discharges and providing better radiation tolerance. Among the most used MPGDs are the Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs). Invented by Sauli in 1997, nowadays GEMs have become an important reality for particle detectors in high energy physics. Commonly deployed as fast timing detectors and triggers, their fast response, high rate capability and high radiation hardness make them also suitable as tracking detectors. The readout scheme is one of the most important features in tracking technology. Analog readout based on the calculation of the center of gravity technique allows to overcome the limit imposed by digital pads, whose spatial resolution is limited by the pitch dimensions. However, the presence of high external magnetic fields can distort the electronic cloud and affect the performance. The development of the micro-TPC reconstruction method brings GEM detectors into a new prospective, improving significantly the spatial resolutionin presence of high magnetic fields. This innovative technique allows to reconstruct the 3-dimensional particle position, as Time Projection Chamber, but within a drift gap of a few millimeters. In these report, the charge centroid and micro-TPC methods are described in details. We discuss the results of several test beams performed with planar chambers in magnetic field. These results are one of the first developments of micro-TPC technique for GEM detectors, which allows to reach unprecedented performance in a high magnetic field of 1 T.

Two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography prognostic parameters in patients after acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Haberka, Maciej; Liszka, Jerzy; Kozyra, Andrzej; Finik, Maciej; Gąsior, Zbigniew

2015-03-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the left ventricle (LV) function with speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) and to assess its relation to prognosis in patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Sixty-three patients (F/M = 16/47 pts; 62.33 ± 11.85 years old) with AMI (NSTEMI/STEMI 24/39 pts) and successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction; TIMI 3 flow) were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent baseline two-dimensional conventional echocardiography and STE 3 days (baseline) and 30 days after PCI. All patients were followed up for cardiovascular clinical endpoints, major adverse cardiovascular endpoint (MACE), and functional status (Canadian Cardiovascular Society and New York Heart Association). During the follow-up (31.9 ± 5.1 months), there were 3 cardiovascular deaths, 15 patients had AMI, 2 patients had cerebral infarction, 24 patients reached the MACE. Baseline LV torsion (P = 0.035), but none of the other strain parameters were associated with the time to first unplanned cardiovascular hospitalization. Univariate analysis showed that baseline longitudinal two-chamber and four-chamber strain (sLa2 0 and sLa4 0) and the same parameters obtained 30 days after the AMI together with transverse four-chamber strain (sLa2 30, sLa4 30, and sTa4 30) were significantly associated with combined endpoint (MACE). The strongest association in the univariate analysis was found for the baseline sLa2. However, in multivariable analysis only a left ventricular remodeling (LVR - 27% pts) was significantly associated with MACE and strain parameters were not associated with the combined endpoint. The assessment of LV function with STE may improve cardiovascular risk prediction in postmyocardial infarction patients. © 2014, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Observations and modelling of inflation in the Lazufre volcanic region, South America

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearse, J.; Lundgren, P.

2010-12-01

The Central Volcanic Zone (CVZ) is an active volcanic arc in the central Andes, extending through Peru, southwestern Bolivia, Chile, and northwestern Argentina [De Silva, 1989; De Silva and Francis, 1991]. The CVZ includes a number of collapsed calderas, remnants of catastrophic eruptions, which are now thought to be inactive. However, recent Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) observations [Pritchard and Simons, 2004] show surface deformation occurring at some of these large ancient volcanic regions, indicating that magma chambers are slowly inflating beneath the surface. The mechanisms responsible for the initiation and growth of large midcrustal magma chambers remains poorly understood, and InSAR provides an opportunity for us to observe volcanic systems in remote regions that are otherwise difficult to monitor and observe. The Lastarria-Cordon del Azufre ("Lazufre" [Pritchard and Simons, 2002]) volcanic area is one such complex showing recent deformation, with average surface uplift rates of approximately 2.5 cm/year [Froger et al., 2007; Ruch et al, 2008]. We have processed InSAR data from ERS-1/2 and Envisat in the Lazufre volcanic area, including both ascending and descending satellite tracks. Time series analysis of the data shows steady uplift beginning in about 2000, continuing into 2010. We use boundary-element elastic models to invert for the depth and shape of the magmatic source responsible for the surface deformation. Given data from both ascending and descending tracks, we are able to resolve the ambiguity between the source depth and size, and constrain the geometry of the inflating magma source. Finite element modelling allows us to understand the effect of viscoelasticity on the development of the magma chamber.

Quantitative Evaluation of the Fetal Right and Left Ventricular Fractional Area Change Using Speckle Tracking Technology.

PubMed

DeVore, Greggory R; Klas, Berthold; Satou, Gary; Sklansky, Mark

2018-03-14

The purpose of this study was to measure the fractional area change (FAC) of the right and left ventricles in normal fetal hearts between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation using speckle-tracking software. The 4-chamber view of the fetal heart was obtained in 200 control fetuses between 20 and 40 weeks of gestation. The FAC was computed from the ventricular areas [((end-diastolic area) - (end-systolic area)/(end-diastolic area)) x 100] for the right and left ventricles and regressed against 7 independent biometric and age variables. The FAC was correlated with longitudinal fractional shortening (LFS) [((end-diastolic longitudinal length) - (end-systolic longitudinal length) /(end-diastolic longitudinal length)) x 100] obtained from the mid ventricular basal-apical lengths of the right and left ventricular chambers and the transverse fractional shortening (TFS) [((end-diastolic transverse length) - (end-systolic transverse length)/(end-diastolic transverse length)) x 100] from three transverse positions (base, mid, apical) located within each ventricular chamber. To evaluate potential clinical utility, the FAC, LFS, and TFS results were examined in 9 fetuses with congenital heart defects (CHD). Regression analysis demonstrated significant associations between the FAC and the biometric and age independent variables (R 2 = 0.13 - 0.15). The FAC was significantly correlated with the LFS (R 2 =0.18 to 0.28) and TFS (R 2 = 0.13 to 0.33). The 9 fetuses with CHD illustrated the interrelationship between the FAC, LFS, and TFS when identifying abnormal ventricular function. This study reports results from measuring the FAC of the right and left ventricles, and demonstrates a correlation with longitudinal fractional shortening (LFS) and transverse fractional shortening (TFS). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Virulence for mice, resistance to synthetic gastric fluid, and biofilm formation of Listeria monocytogenes H7550, a serotype 4b strain isolated from frankfurters associated with the BilMar listeriosis outbreak

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Introduction: One of the largest and most severe listeriosis outbreaks in the United States occurred in 1998 as a result of contamination of frankfurters with a serotype 4b strain of Listeria monocytogenes. However, there has been little characterization of the virulence attributes of strains reta...

Variation in heading date conceals quantitative trait loci for other traits of importance in breeding selection of rice

PubMed Central

Hori, Kiyosumi; Kataoka, Tomomori; Miura, Kiyoyuki; Yamaguchi, Masayuki; Saka, Norikuni; Nakahara, Takahiro; Sunohara, Yoshihiro; Ebana, Kaworu; Yano, Masahiro

2012-01-01

To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with the primary target traits for selection in practical rice breeding programs, backcross inbred lines (BILs) derived from crosses between temperate japonica rice cultivars Nipponbare and Koshihikari were evaluated for 50 agronomic traits at six experimental fields located throughout Japan. Thirty-three of the 50 traits were significantly correlated with heading date. Using a linkage map including 647 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), a total of 122 QTLs for 38 traits were mapped on all rice chromosomes except chromosomes 5 and 9. Fifty-eight of the 122 QTLs were detected near the heading date QTLs Hd16 and Hd17 and the remaining 64 QTLs were found in other chromosome regions. QTL analysis of 51 BILs having homozygous for the Koshihikari chromosome segments around Hd16 and Hd17 allowed us to detect 40 QTLs associated with 27 traits; 23 of these QTLs had not been detected in the original analysis. Among the 97 QTLs for the 30 traits measured in multiple environments, the genotype-by-environment interaction was significant for 44 QTLs and not significant for 53 QTLs. These results led us to propose a new selection strategy to improve agronomic performance in temperate japonica rice cultivars. PMID:23226082

[Plasma exchange and continuous hemodiafiltration as an initial treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome].

PubMed

Yanagiya, Norimitsu; Takahashi, Naoto; Nakae, Hajime; Kume, Masaaki; Chubachi, Akihiko; Miura, Ikuo

2002-01-01

A 68-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of fever, jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly. A diagnosis of diffuse large cell, B-cell type malignant lymphoma, associated with hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS), was made. CT scan revealed lymphadenopathy in the abdominal cavity and multiple tumors in the spleen. Performance status and hepatic coma grade were 4 and II, respectively. Laboratory findings showed bicytopenia (Hb 9.9 g/dl, platelet 35 x 10(3)/microliter), severe liver dysfunction (ALP 1,115 U/l, gamma-GTP 437 U/l, T.Bil 15.4 mg/dl, D.Bil 12.8 mg/dl) and elevated levels of beta 2 microglobulin (12.9 mg/dl), ferritin (2,300 ng/ml) and sIL-2 receptor (36,900 U/ml). Plasma exchange (PE) and continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) enabled the patient to undergo diagnostic procedures, irradiation (total 34 Gy) and chemotherapy. Biopsy specimens revealed infiltration of lymphoma cells into the liver and bone marrow. We measured the blood concentrations of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-8 before and after PE and CHDF by the ELISA method, and found normalization of hypercytokinemia after the procedure. It was suggested that initial treatment with PE and CHDF was effective for control of HPS, enabling us to perform chemotherapy for the lymphoma.

A fail safe laser activated switch used as an emergency control link at the Langley Vortex Research Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kassel, P. C., Jr.

1978-01-01

A fail safe light activated switch was used as an emergency control link at the Langley Vortex Research Facility. In this facility aircraft models were towed through a still air test chamber by a gasoline powered vehicle which was launched from one end of a 427-meter track and attained velocities to 31 m/sec in the test chamber. A 5 mW HeNe laser with a mechanical copper provided a connecting link with the moving tow vehicle on which a silicon photodiode receiver with a specially designed amplifier provided a fail safe switching action. This system provided an emergency means of stopping the vehicle by turning off the laser to interrupt the power to the vehicle ignition and brake release systems.

An architecture for rapid prototyping of control schemes for artificial ventricles.

PubMed

Ficola, Antonio; Pagnottelli, Stefano; Valigi, Paolo; Zoppitelli, Maurizio

2004-01-01

This paper presents an experimental system aimed at rapid prototyping of feedback control schemes for ventricular assist devices, and artificial ventricles in general. The system comprises a classical mock circulatory system, an actuated bellow-based ventricle chamber, and a software architecture for control schemes implementation and experimental data acquisition, visualization and storing. Several experiments have been carried out, showing good performance of ventricular pressure tracking control schemes.

Thermal Simulation Facilities Handbook.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-02-01

tower provide incident radiation angles of 900 or less. Since each heliostat Is Individually controlled, the size of a test Item depends on application...designed such that it can be used for many other applications. (See also Section 3.) The solar furnace uses both a flat mirror ( heliostat ) that track...type solar thermal facility. It consists of four main components: (1) heliostat , (2) attenua- tor, (3) concentrator, and (4) test and control chamber

3-D photoacoustic and pulse echo imaging of prostate tumor progression in the mouse window chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bauer, Daniel R.; Olafsson, Ragnar; Montilla, Leonardo G.; Witte, Russell S.

2011-02-01

Understanding the tumor microenvironment is critical to characterizing how cancers operate and predicting their response to treatment. We describe a novel, high-resolution coregistered photoacoustic (PA) and pulse echo (PE) ultrasound system used to image the tumor microenvironment. Compared to traditional optical systems, the platform provides complementary contrast and important depth information. Three mice are implanted with a dorsal skin flap window chamber and injected with PC-3 prostate tumor cells transfected with green fluorescent protein. The ensuing tumor invasion is mapped during three weeks or more using simultaneous PA and PE imaging at 25 MHz, combined with optical and fluorescent techniques. Pulse echo imaging provides details of tumor structure and the surrounding environment with 100-μm3 resolution. Tumor size increases dramatically with an average volumetric growth rate of 5.35 mm3/day, correlating well with 2-D fluorescent imaging (R = 0.97, p < 0.01). Photoacoustic imaging is able to track the underlying vascular network and identify hemorrhaging, while PA spectroscopy helps classify blood vessels according to their optical absorption spectrum, suggesting variation in blood oxygen saturation. Photoacoustic and PE imaging are safe, translational modalities that provide enhanced depth resolution and complementary contrast to track the tumor microenvironment, evaluate new cancer therapies, and develop molecular contrast agents in vivo.

MATCH package for the ANL three-view geometry program. [For matching particle tracks from various views to obtain proper input for TVGP

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

Gieraltowski, G.F.

1976-02-01

The ANL MATCH package consists of a set of 13 subroutines which are linked to the current 12-foot and 15-foot versions of the ANL TVGP program. Their purpose is to match the tracks from the various measured views to obtain a proper matched set of tracks to be processed by TVGP. The MATCH package can effectively handle up to 20 tracks per event measured in 2 or 3 views and, in cases of ambiguous match solutions, allow up to 10 match ambiguities. A basic assumption made is that the same number of tracks is measured in each view. MATCH canmore » work in either two or three measured views with the assumption that, if only two views are measured, the last point measured on each track is a good representation of the true end-point of the track. This is not to say that, if this assumption is false, that MATCH cannot obtain a match solution. It is true, however, that the probability of obtaining a match solution is inversely proportional both to the number of tracks per vertex and to the momentum of the tracks. Current uses of MATCH are in obtaining match solutions for two-view K/sup -/p (6.5 GeV/c) events measured on POLLY III and in obtaining match solutions for events with large numbers of tracks (3 to 10) produced by an anti ..nu.. p interaction in the FNAL 15-foot bubble chamber with a spectrum of momentum values ranging from 5 to 25 Gev/c. (RWR)« less

Monitoring the Gas Composition of the NIFFTE Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Towell, Travis; Travis Towell Collaboration

2017-09-01

The Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking Experiment (NIFFTE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory(LANL) is using a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) to measure with high precision the cross section ratio of U238 to P239. When the neutron beam hits a target, it may emit fission fragments. As the fission fragments travels through the chamber, it ionizes the gas it passes through. Based on the time it takes for the ions to drift to the pad planes and the hit location of the ions, the path of fission fragments can be determined. Knowing the composition of the gas mixture is vital to accurately reconstruct the data. A Binary Gas Analyzer (BGA) is used to measure the gas composition. To confirm the accuracy of the BGA, varying amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide were flowed through a test gas system. Several tests were performed to validate that the BGA for our gas system is working properly. This poster will describe the test gas system setup, tests of the BGA, and elaborate on the main goals of the NIFFTE experiment.

A load-lock compatible system for in situ electrical resistivity measurements during thin film growth.

PubMed

Colin, J J; Diot, Y; Guerin, Ph; Lamongie, B; Berneau, F; Michel, A; Jaouen, C; Abadias, G

2016-02-01

An experimental setup designed for in situ electrical resistance measurement during thin film growth is described. The custom-built sample holder with a four-point probe arrangement can be loaded into a high-vacuum magnetron sputter-deposition chamber through a load-lock transfer system, allowing measurements on series of samples without venting the main chamber. Electrical contact is ensured with circular copper tracks inserted in a Teflon plate on a mounting holder station inside the deposition chamber. This configuration creates the possibility to measure thickness-dependent electrical resistance changes with sub-monolayer resolution and is compatible with use of sample rotation during growth. Examples are presented for metallic films with high adatom mobility growing in a Volmer-Weber mode (Ag and Pd) as well as for refractory metal (Mo) with low adatom mobility. Evidence for an amorphous-to-crystalline phase transition at a film thickness of 2.6 nm is reported during growth of Mo on an amorphous Si underlayer, supporting previous findings based on in situ wafer curvature measurements.

Solar-pumped fiber laser with transverse-excitation geometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masuda, Taizo; Iyoda, Mitsuhiro; Yasumatu, Yuta; Yamashita, Tomohiro; Sasaki, Kiyoto; Endo, Masamori

2018-02-01

In this paper, we demonstrate an extremely low-concentrated solar-pumped laser (SPL) that uses a transversely excited fiber laser geometry. To eliminate the need for precise solar tracking with an aggressive cooling system and to considerably increase the number of laser applications, low-concentration factors in SPLs are highly desired. We investigate the intrinsic low-loss property of SiO2 optical fibers; this property can be used to compensate for the extremely low gain coefficient of the weakly-pumped active medium by sunlight. As part of the experimental setup, a 40-m long Nd3+-doped SiO2 fiber coil was packed in a ring-shaped chamber filled with a sensitizer solution; this solution functioned as a down-shifter. The dichroic top window of the chamber transmitted a wide range of sunlight and reflected the down-shifted photons, confining them to the highly-reflective chamber until they were absorbed by the Nd3+ ions in the active fiber. We demonstrated a lasing threshold that is 10 times the concentration of natural sunlight and two orders of magnitude smaller than that of conventional SPLs.

Chamber Bioaerosol Study: Outdoor Air and Human Occupants as Sources of Indoor Airborne Microbes

PubMed Central

Adams, Rachel I.; Bhangar, Seema; Pasut, Wilmer; Arens, Edward A.; Taylor, John W.; Lindow, Steven E.; Nazaroff, William W.; Bruns, Thomas D.

2015-01-01

Human occupants are an important source of microbes in indoor environments. In this study, we used DNA sequencing of filter samples to assess the fungal and bacterial composition of air in an environmental chamber under different levels of occupancy, activity, and exposed or covered carpeting. In this office-like, mechanically ventilated environment, results showed a strong influence of outdoor-derived particles, with the indoor microbial composition tracking that of outdoor air for the 2-hour sampling periods. The number of occupants and their activity played a significant but smaller role influencing the composition of indoor bioaerosols. Human-associated taxa were observed but were not particularly abundant, except in the case of one fungus that appeared to be transported into the chamber on the clothing of a study participant. Overall, this study revealed a smaller signature of human body-associated taxa than had been expected based on recent studies of indoor microbiomes, suggesting that occupants may not exert a strong influence on bioaerosol microbial composition in a space that, like many offices, is well ventilated with air that is moderately filtered and moderately occupied. PMID:26024222

Evaluation of Sun Glint Correction Algorithms for High-Spatial Resolution Hyperspectral Imagery

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS AISA Airborne Imaging Spectrometer for Applications AVIRIS Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer BIL Band...sensor bracket mount combining Airborne Imaging Spectrometer for Applications ( AISA ) Eagle and Hawk sensors into a single imaging system (SpecTIR 2011...The AISA Eagle is a VNIR sensor with a wavelength range of approximately 400–970 nm and the AISA Hawk sensor is a SWIR sensor with a wavelength

Twenty Minutes from Now

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-01

change— will become the norm. The global marketplace and the bil- lions of consumers that make up the cyberspace called Web 2.0 will drive this change... Global Marketplace 2 1 5 | A Publication of the Defense Acquisition University www.dau.mil The future is already here—it is just unevenly...driving the pace of change. It will be the marketplace—the global marketplace and the billions of consumers that make up that space. They will wield

Elevated-temperature Deformation Mechanisms in Ta2C: An Experimental Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

result, tan- talum carbides have found uses in a variety of wear- resis - tant applications including machine tooling, coatings for injection molding...HIP billet. In addition , the near surface of the bil- let was mechanically ground to remove any possible inter- diffusion reaction zone between the...mounted in a conductive epoxy for handling. TEM foils were prepared by ultrasonically drilling 3 mm discs from the cross-sections using a Fischione

The Community-based Whole Magnetosphere Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-11-15

magnetosphere to the IE module. These are used to specify the aurora. • Incorporated MSIS [Hedin, 1987] and IRI [Bil- itza, 2001] as empirical models...can actually be run utilizing MSIS and IRI at every time step, so they can be coupled like an upper atmosphere module. • Coupled the multifluid...J. L., and Gallagher, D. L.: Forma - tion of density troughs embedded in the outer plas- masphere by subauroral ion drift events, J. Geophys. Res., 102

Mechanism by Which Cold Shock Evokes Exocytosis of Symbiotic Algae in Marine Cnidarians

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-30

shock, and UV irradiation, and the mode of release of zooxanthellae was investigated. It was determined that all three types of acute stress evoked...detachment and expulsion of intact host endoderm cells containing zooxanthellae . To determine how cold shock evokes cell detachment we have formulated...Coral Reefs 11:143-154. Bil’, K., P. Kolmakov. and L. Muscatine (1992) Photosynthetic products of zooxanthellae of the reef building corals

A Study of a Mini-Drift GEM Tracking Detector

DOE PAGES

Azmoun, B.; DiRuzza, B.; Franz, A.; ...

2016-06-22

In this paper, a GEM tracking detector with an extended drift region has been studied as part of an effort to develop new tracking detectors for future experiments at RHIC and for the Electron Ion Collider that is being planned for BNL or JLAB. The detector consists of a triple GEM stack with a 1.6 cm drift region that was operated in a mini TPC type configuration. Both the position and arrival time of the charge deposited in the drift region were measured on the readout plane which allowed the reconstruction of a short vector for the track traversing themore » chamber. The resulting position and angle information from the vector could then be used to improve the position resolution of the detector for larger angle tracks, which deteriorates rapidly with increasing angle for conventional GEM tracking detectors using only charge centroid information. Two types of readout planes were studied. One was a COMPASS style readout plane with 400 μm pitch XY strips and the other consisted of 2 × 10 mm 2 chevron pads. The detector was studied in test beams at Fermilab and CERN, along with additional measurements in the lab, in order to determine its position and angular resolution for incident track angles up to 45 degrees. Several algorithms were studied for reconstructing the vector using the position and timing information in order to optimize the position and angular resolution of the detector for the different readout planes. Finally, applications for large angle tracking detectors at RHIC and EIC are also discussed.« less

A Study of a Mini-Drift GEM Tracking Detector

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

Azmoun, B.; DiRuzza, B.; Franz, A.

In this paper, a GEM tracking detector with an extended drift region has been studied as part of an effort to develop new tracking detectors for future experiments at RHIC and for the Electron Ion Collider that is being planned for BNL or JLAB. The detector consists of a triple GEM stack with a 1.6 cm drift region that was operated in a mini TPC type configuration. Both the position and arrival time of the charge deposited in the drift region were measured on the readout plane which allowed the reconstruction of a short vector for the track traversing themore » chamber. The resulting position and angle information from the vector could then be used to improve the position resolution of the detector for larger angle tracks, which deteriorates rapidly with increasing angle for conventional GEM tracking detectors using only charge centroid information. Two types of readout planes were studied. One was a COMPASS style readout plane with 400 μm pitch XY strips and the other consisted of 2 × 10 mm 2 chevron pads. The detector was studied in test beams at Fermilab and CERN, along with additional measurements in the lab, in order to determine its position and angular resolution for incident track angles up to 45 degrees. Several algorithms were studied for reconstructing the vector using the position and timing information in order to optimize the position and angular resolution of the detector for the different readout planes. Finally, applications for large angle tracking detectors at RHIC and EIC are also discussed.« less

Luminescent sensors for tracking spatial particle distributions in an explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Benjamin R.; Gunawidjaja, Ray; Diez-y-Riega, Helena; Eilers, Hergen; Svingala, Forrest R.; Daniels, Amber; Lightstone, James M.

2017-01-01

We previously developed and tested thermally sensitive particles that, when seeded into an explosive event, flow with the expanding post-detonation fireball and provide ex-situ measurements of this thermal environment. This current work presents the development and testing of tracking particles that are used in concert with the thermally sensitive particles to encode the initial positions of materials recovered for ex-situ analysis. These tracking sensors consist of fully-crystallized (c) rare-earth-doped yttria particles such as c-Dy:Y2O3, c-Sm:Y2O3, and c-Er,Yb:Y2O3. The temperature sensors consist of mixtures of precursor (p) and fully crystallized materials such as p-Eu:Y2O3/c-Tb:Y2O3 or p-Eu:ZrO2. Three mixtures containing one of the tracking sensors and one of the temperature sensing mixtures are placed at different locations within the chamber. Post-detonation, the tracking particles in the debris are excited by 355 nm light, resulting in different color luminescence, and allowing for potential visual inspection of the particle distribution originating from the different locations. Meanwhile, the temperature is determined from spectral changes of the precursor sensor materials or by comparison of the precursor sensor materials with the Tb:Y2O3 intensity reference.

Fragmentation studies of relativistic iron ions using plastic nuclear track detectors.

PubMed

Scampoli, P; Durante, M; Grossi, G; Manti, L; Pugliese, M; Gialanella, G

2005-01-01

We measured fluence and fragmentation of high-energy (1 or 5 A GeV) 56Fe ions accelerated at the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron or at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY, USA) using solid-state CR-39 nuclear track detectors. Different targets (polyethylene, PMMA, C, Al, Pb) were used to produce a large spectrum of charged fragments. CR-39 plastics were exposed both in front and behind the shielding block (thickness ranging from 5 to 30 g/cm2) at a normal incidence and low fluence. The radiation dose deposited by surviving Fe ions and charged fragments was measured behind the shield using an ionization chamber. The distribution of the measured track size was exploited to distinguish the primary 56Fe ions tracks from the lighter fragments. Measurements of projectile's fluence in front of the shield were used to determine the dose per incident particle behind the block. Simultaneous measurements of primary 56Fe ion tracks in front and behind the shield were used to evaluate the fraction of surviving iron projectiles and the total charge-changing fragmentation cross-section. These physical measurements will be used to characterize the beam used in parallel biological experiments. c2005 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sealing intersecting vane machines

DOEpatents

Martin, Jedd N.; Chomyszak, Stephen M.

2005-06-07

The invention provides a toroidal intersecting vane machine incorporating intersecting rotors to form primary and secondary chambers whose porting configurations minimize friction and maximize efficiency. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a toroidal intersecting vane machine that greatly reduces the frictional losses through intersecting surfaces without the need for external gearing by modifying the width of one or both tracks at the point of intermeshing. The inventions described herein relate to these improvements.

Sealing intersecting vane machines

DOEpatents

Martin, Jedd N [Providence, RI; Chomyszak, Stephen M [Attleboro, MA

2007-06-05

The invention provides a toroidal intersecting vane machine incorporating intersecting rotors to form primary and secondary chambers whose porting configurations minimize friction and maximize efficiency. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a toroidal intersecting vane machine that greatly reduces the frictional losses through intersecting surfaces without the need for external gearing by modifying the width of one or both tracks at the point of intermeshing. The inventions described herein relate to these improvements.

Proton Linear Energy Transfer measurement using Emulsion Cloud Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Jae-ik; Park, Seyjoon; Kim, Haksoo; Kim, Meyoung; Jeong, Chiyoung; Cho, Sungkoo; Lim, Young Kyung; Shin, Dongho; Lee, Se Byeong; Morishima, Kunihiro; Naganawa, Naotaka; Sato, Osamu; Kwak, Jungwon; Kim, Sung Hyun; Cho, Jung Sook; Ahn, Jung Keun; Kim, Ji Hyun; Yoon, Chun Sil; Incerti, Sebastien

2015-04-01

This study proposes to determine the correlation between the Volume Pulse Height (VPH) measured by nuclear emulsion and Linear Energy Transfer (LET) calculated by Monte Carlo simulation based on Geant4. The nuclear emulsion was irradiated at the National Cancer Center (NCC) with a therapeutic proton beam and was installed at 5.2 m distance from the beam nozzle structure with various thicknesses of water-equivalent material (PMMA) blocks to position with specific positions along the Bragg curve. After the beam exposure and development of the emulsion films, the films were scanned by S-UTS developed in Nagoya University. The proton tracks in the scanned films were reconstructed using the 'NETSCAN' method. Through this procedure, the VPH can be derived from each reconstructed proton track at each position along the Bragg curve. The VPH value indicates the magnitude of energy loss in proton track. By comparison with the simulation results obtained using Geant4, we found the correlation between the LET calculated by Monte Carlo simulation and the VPH measured by the nuclear emulsion.

Live event reconstruction in an optically read out GEM-based TPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunbauer, F. M.; Galgóczi, G.; Gonzalez Diaz, D.; Oliveri, E.; Resnati, F.; Ropelewski, L.; Streli, C.; Thuiner, P.; van Stenis, M.

2018-04-01

Combining strong signal amplification made possible by Gaseous Electron Multipliers (GEMs) with the high spatial resolution provided by optical readout, highly performing radiation detectors can be realized. An optically read out GEM-based Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is presented. The device permits 3D track reconstruction by combining the 2D projections obtained with a CCD camera with timing information from a photomultiplier tube. Owing to the intuitive 2D representation of the tracks in the images and to automated control, data acquisition and event reconstruction algorithms, the optically read out TPC permits live display of reconstructed tracks in three dimensions. An Ar/CF4 (80/20%) gas mixture was used to maximize scintillation yield in the visible wavelength region matching the quantum efficiency of the camera. The device is integrated in a UHV-grade vessel allowing for precise control of the gas composition and purity. Long term studies in sealed mode operation revealed a minor decrease in the scintillation light intensity.

DSA process window expansion with novel DSA track hardware

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harumoto, Masahiko; Stokes, Harold; Tanaka, Yuji; Kaneyama, Koji; Pieczulewski, Chalres; Asai, Masaya; Argoud, Maxime; Servin, Isabelle; Chamiot-Maitral, Gaëlle; Claveau, Guillaume; Tiron, Raluca; Cayrefourcq, Ian

2017-03-01

PS-b-PMMA block copolymer is a well-known DSA material, and there are many DSA patterning methods that make effective the use of such 1st generation materials. Consequently, this variety of patterning methods opens a wide array of possibilities for DSA application[1-4]. Last year, during the inaugural International DSA Symposium, researchers and lithographers concurred on common key issues for DSA patterning methods such as: defect density, LWR, placement error, etc. Defect density was specifically expressed as the biggest obstacle for new processes. Coat-Develop track systems contribute to the DSA pattern fabrication and also influence the DSA pattern performances[4]. In this study, defectivity was investigated using an atmosphere-controlled chamber on the SOKUDO DUO track. As an initial step for expanding the DSA process window, fingerprint patterns were used for various atmospheric conditions during DSA self-assembly annealing. In this study, we will demonstrate an improved DSA process window, and then we will discuss the mechanism for this atmospheric effect.

The ALICE TPC Upgrad

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castro, Andrew; Alice-Usa Collaboration; Alice-Tpc Collaboration

2017-09-01

The Time Projection Chamber (TPC) currently used for ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment at CERN) is a gaseous tracking detector used to study both proton-proton and heavy-ion collisions at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) In order to accommodate the higher luminosit collisions planned for the LHC Run-3 starting in 2021, the ALICE-TPC will undergo a major upgrade during the next LHC shut down. The TPC is limited to a read out of 1000 Hz in minimum bias events due to the intrinsic dead time associated with back ion flow in the multi wire proportional chambers (MWPC) in the TPC. The TPC upgrade will handle the increase in event readout to 50 kHz for heavy ion minimum bias triggered events expected with the Run-3 luminosity by switching the MWPCs to a stack of four Gaseous Electron Multiplier (GEM) foils. The GEM layers will combine different hole pitches to reduce the dead time while maintaining the current spatial and energy resolution of the existing TPC. Undertaking the upgrade of the TPC represents a massive endeavor in terms of design, production, construction, quality assurance, and installation, thus the upgrade is coordinated over a number of institutes worldwide. The talk will go over the physics motivation for the upgrade, the ALICE-USA contribution to the construction of Inner Read Out Chambers IROCs, and QA from the first chambers built in the U.S

One Dimensional Analysis Model of a Condensing Spray Chamber Including Rocket Exhaust Using SINDA/FLUINT and CEA

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sakowski, Barbara; Edwards, Daryl; Dickens, Kevin

2014-01-01

Modeling droplet condensation via CFD codes can be very tedious, time consuming, and inaccurate. CFD codes may be tedious and time consuming in terms of using Lagrangian particle tracking approaches or particle sizing bins. Also since many codes ignore conduction through the droplet and or the degradating effect of heat and mass transfer if noncondensible species are present, the solutions may be inaccurate. The modeling of a condensing spray chamber where the significant size of the water droplets and the time and distance these droplets take to fall, can make the effect of droplet conduction a physical factor that needs to be considered in the model. Furthermore the presence of even a relatively small amount of noncondensible has been shown to reduce the amount of condensation [Ref 1]. It is desirable then to create a modeling tool that addresses these issues. The path taken to create such a tool is illustrated. The application of this tool and subsequent results are based on the spray chamber in the Spacecraft Propulsion Research Facility (B2) located at NASA's Plum Brook Station that tested an RL-10 engine. The platform upon which the condensation physics is modeled is SINDAFLUINT. The use of SINDAFLUINT enables the ability to model various aspects of the entire testing facility, including the rocket exhaust duct flow and heat transfer to the exhaust duct wall. The ejector pumping system of the spray chamber is also easily implemented via SINDAFLUINT. The goal is to create a transient one dimensional flow and heat transfer model beginning at the rocket, continuing through the condensing spray chamber, and finally ending with the ejector pumping system. However the model of the condensing spray chamber may be run independently of the rocket and ejector systems detail, with only appropriate mass flow boundary conditions placed at the entrance and exit of the condensing spray chamber model. The model of the condensing spray chamber takes into account droplet conduction as well as the degrading effect of mass and heat transfer due to the presence of noncondensibles. The one dimension model of the condensing spray chamber makes no presupposition on the pressure profile within the chamber, allowing the implemented droplet physics of heat and mass transfer coupled to the SINDAFLUINT solver to determine a transient pressure profile of the condensing spray chamber. Model results compare well to the RL-10 engine pressure test data.

Indoor concentration of radon, thoron and their progeny around granite regions in the state of Karnataka, India.

PubMed

Sannappa, J; Ningappa, C

2014-03-01

An extensive studies on the indoor activity concentrations of thoron, radon and their progeny in the granite region in the state of Karnataka, India, has been carried out since, 2007 in the scope of a lung cancer epidemiological study using solid-state nuclear track detector-based double-chamber dosemeters (LR-115, type II plastic track detector). Seventy-four dwellings of different types were selected for the measurement. The dosemeters containing SSNTD detectors were fixed 2 m above the floor. After an exposure time of 3 months (90 d), films were etched to reveal tracks. From the track density, the concentrations of radon and thoron were evaluated. The value of the indoor concentration of thoron and radon in the study area varies from 16 to 170 Bq m(-3) and 18 to 300 Bq m(-3) with medians of 66 and 82.3 Bq m(-3), respectively, and that of their progeny varies from 1.8 to 24 mWL with a median of 3.6 mWL and 1.6 to 19.6 mWL, respectively. The concentrations of indoor thoron, radon and their progeny and their equivalent effective doses are discussed.

BOREAS Level-0 AOCI Imagery: Digital Counts in BIL Format

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newcomer, Jeffrey A.; Dominquez, Roseanne; Hall, Forrest G. (Editor)

2000-01-01

The level-0 AOCI imagery, along with the other remotely sensed images, was collected to provide spatially extensive information about radiant energy over the primary BOREAS study areas. The AOCI was the only remote sensing instrument flown with wavelength bands specific to the investigation of various aquatic parameters such as chlorophyll content and turbidity. Only one flight of the AOCI instrument was made onboard the ER-2 aircraft on 21-Jul-1994 over the SSA.

Properties of the unusually short pulse sequences occurring prior to the first strokes of negative cloud-to-ground lightning flashes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolmasova, Ivana; Santolik, Ondrej; Farges, Thomas; Rison, William; Lan, Radek; Uhlir, Ludek

2014-05-01

We analyze pulse sequences occurring prior to first return strokes of negative cloud-to-ground lightning flashes. The magnetic-field waveforms are measured close to the thunderstorm using a broad-band analyzer with a sampling interval of 12.5 ns. The electric-field waveforms are measured at the distance of ~ 400 km using an analyzer with a sampling interval of 80 ns. The sequence is usually composed of three parts. It begins with a larger pulse train which is believed to be connected with initial breakdown processes. The train of preliminary breakdown pulses ("B" part) is followed by a relatively low and irregular pulse activity ("I" part), which is sometimes missing. The sequence ends with a pulse train attributed to the stepped leader ("L" part). We recognize two different patterns ("B-I-L" and "B-L" types) in recorded waveforms. For the first time, we analyze the time evolution of the pulse amplitudes in the "B" part of "B-I-L" type sequences. The pulse amplitude is decreasing on average by 34% of the maximum value within a given train. We observe an unusually short duration of sequences. This is probably linked to a low height of the thundercloud. Another possible explanation may be based on an untypical precipitation mix resulting in faster steeped leaders.

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

Simón, A.; et al.

Gaseous time projection chambers (TPC) are a very attractive detector technology for particle tracking. Characterization of both drift velocity and diffusion is of great importance to correctly assess their tracking capabilities. NEXT-White is a High Pressure Xenon gas TPC with electroluminescent amplification, a 1:2 scale model of the future NEXT-100 detector, which will be dedicated to neutrinoless double beta decay searches. NEXT-White has been operating at Canfranc Underground Laboratory (LSC) since December 2016. The drift parameters have been measured usingmore » $$^{83m}$$Kr for a range of reduced drift fields at two different pressure regimes, namely 7.2 bar and 9.1 bar. The results have been compared with Magboltz simulations. Agreement at the 5% level or better has been found for drift velocity, longitudinal diffusion and transverse diffusion.« less

The KLOE-2 Inner Tracker: Detector commissioning and operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balla, A.; Bencivenni, G.; Branchini, P.; Ciambrone, P.; Czerwinski, E.; De Lucia, E.; Cicco, A.; Di Domenici, D.; Felici, G.; Morello, G.

2017-02-01

The KLOE-2 experiment started its data taking campaign in November 2014 with an upgraded tracking system including an Inner Tracker built with the cylindrical GEM technology, to operate together with the Drift Chamber improving the apparatus tracking performance. The Inner Tracker is composed of four cylindrical triple-GEM, each provided with an X-V strips-pads stereo readout and equipped with the GASTONE ASIC developed inside the KLOE-2 collaboration. Although GEM detectors are already used in high energy physics experiment, this device is considered a frontier detector due to its cylindrical geometry: KLOE-2 is the first experiment to use this novel solution. The results of the detector commissioning, detection efficiency evaluation, calibration studies and alignment, both with dedicated cosmic-ray muon and Bhabha scattering events, will be reported.

Commissioning of the ATLAS Muon Spectrometer with cosmic rays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aad, G.; Abbott, B.; Abdallah, J.; Abdelalim, A. A.; Abdesselam, A.; Abdinov, O.; Abi, B.; Abolins, M.; Abramowicz, H.; Abreu, H.; Acharya, B. S.; Adams, D. L.; Addy, T. N.; Adelman, J.; Adorisio, C.; Adragna, P.; Adye, T.; Aefsky, S.; Aguilar-Saavedra, J. A.; Aharrouche, M.; Ahlen, S. P.; Ahles, F.; Ahmad, A.; Ahmed, H.; Ahsan, M.; Aielli, G.; Akdogan, T.; Åkesson, T. P. A.; Akimoto, G.; Akimov, A. V.; Aktas, A.; Alam, M. S.; Alam, M. A.; Albrand, S.; Aleksa, M.; Aleksandrov, I. N.; Alexa, C.; Alexander, G.; Alexandre, G.; Alexopoulos, T.; Alhroob, M.; Aliev, M.; Alimonti, G.; Alison, J.; Aliyev, M.; Allport, P. P.; Allwood-Spiers, S. E.; Almond, J.; Aloisio, A.; Alon, R.; Alonso, A.; Alviggi, M. G.; Amako, K.; Amelung, C.; Amorim, A.; Amorós, G.; Amram, N.; Anastopoulos, C.; Andeen, T.; Anders, C. F.; Anderson, K. J.; Andreazza, A.; Andrei, V.; Anduaga, X. S.; Angerami, A.; Anghinolfi, F.; Anjos, N.; Annovi, A.; Antonaki, A.; Antonelli, M.; Antonelli, S.; Antos, J.; Antunovic, B.; Anulli, F.; Aoun, S.; Arabidze, G.; Aracena, I.; Arai, Y.; Arce, A. T. H.; Archambault, J. P.; Arfaoui, S.; Arguin, J.-F.; Argyropoulos, T.; Arik, M.; Armbruster, A. J.; Arnaez, O.; Arnault, C.; Artamonov, A.; Arutinov, D.; Asai, M.; Asai, S.; Asfandiyarov, R.; Ask, S.; Åsman, B.; Asner, D.; Asquith, L.; Assamagan, K.; Astbury, A.; Astvatsatourov, A.; Atoian, G.; Auerbach, B.; Augsten, K.; Aurousseau, M.; Austin, N.; Avolio, G.; Avramidou, R.; Axen, D.; Ay, C.; Azuelos, G.; Azuma, Y.; Baak, M. A.; Bach, A. M.; Bachacou, H.; Bachas, K.; Backes, M.; Badescu, E.; Bagnaia, P.; Bai, Y.; Bain, T.; Baines, J. T.; Baker, O. K.; Baker, M. D.; Baker, S.; Dos Santos Pedrosa, F. Baltasar; Banas, E.; Banerjee, P.; Banerjee, S.; Banfi, D.; Bangert, A.; Bansal, V.; Baranov, S. P.; Baranov, S.; Barashkou, A.; Barber, T.; Barberio, E. L.; Barberis, D.; Barbero, M.; Bardin, D. Y.; Barillari, T.; Barisonzi, M.; Barklow, T.; Barlow, N.; Barnett, B. M.; Barnett, R. M.; Baroncelli, A.; Barr, A. J.; Barreiro, F.; Barreiro Guimarães da Costa, J.; Barrillon, P.; Bartoldus, R.; Bartsch, D.; Bates, R. L.; Batkova, L.; Batley, J. R.; Battaglia, A.; Battistin, M.; Bauer, F.; Bawa, H. S.; Bazalova, M.; Beare, B.; Beau, T.; Beauchemin, P. H.; Beccherle, R.; Becerici, N.; Bechtle, P.; Beck, G. A.; Beck, H. P.; Beckingham, M.; Becks, K. H.; Beddall, A. J.; Beddall, A.; Bednyakov, V. A.; Bee, C.; Begel, M.; Harpaz, S. Behar; Behera, P. K.; Beimforde, M.; Belanger-Champagne, C.; Bell, P. J.; Bell, W. H.; Bella, G.; Bellagamba, L.; Bellina, F.; Bellomo, M.; Belloni, A.; Belotskiy, K.; Beltramello, O.; Ben Ami, S.; Benary, O.; Benchekroun, D.; Bendel, M.; Benedict, B. H.; Benekos, N.; Benhammou, Y.; Benincasa, G. P.; Benjamin, D. P.; Benoit, M.; Bensinger, J. R.; Benslama, K.; Bentvelsen, S.; Beretta, M.; Berge, D.; Bergeaas Kuutmann, E.; Berger, N.; Berghaus, F.; Berglund, E.; Beringer, J.; Bernat, P.; Bernhard, R.; Bernius, C.; Berry, T.; Bertin, A.; Besana, M. I.; Besson, N.; Bethke, S.; Bianchi, R. M.; Bianco, M.; Biebel, O.; Biesiada, J.; Biglietti, M.; Bilokon, H.; Bindi, M.; Binet, S.; Bingul, A.; Bini, C.; Biscarat, C.; Bitenc, U.; Black, K. M.; Blair, R. E.; Blanchard, J.-B.; Blanchot, G.; Blocker, C.; Blondel, A.; Blum, W.; Blumenschein, U.; Bobbink, G. J.; Bocci, A.; Boehler, M.; Boek, J.; Boelaert, N.; Böser, S.; Bogaerts, J. A.; Bogouch, A.; Bohm, C.; Bohm, J.; Boisvert, V.; Bold, T.; Boldea, V.; Bondarenko, V. G.; Bondioli, M.; Boonekamp, M.; Bordoni, S.; Borer, C.; Borisov, A.; Borissov, G.; Borjanovic, I.; Borroni, S.; Bos, K.; Boscherini, D.; Bosman, M.; Boterenbrood, H.; Bouchami, J.; Boudreau, J.; Bouhova-Thacker, E. V.; Boulahouache, C.; Bourdarios, C.; Boveia, A.; Boyd, J.; Boyko, I. R.; Bozovic-Jelisavcic, I.; Bracinik, J.; Braem, A.; Branchini, P.; Brandenburg, G. W.; Brandt, A.; Brandt, G.; Brandt, O.; Bratzler, U.; Brau, B.; Brau, J. E.; Braun, H. M.; Brelier, B.; Bremer, J.; Brenner, R.; Bressler, S.; Britton, D.; Brochu, F. M.; Brock, I.; Brock, R.; Brodet, E.; Bromberg, C.; Brooijmans, G.; Brooks, W. K.; Brown, G.; Bruckman de Renstrom, P. A.; Bruncko, D.; Bruneliere, R.; Brunet, S.; Bruni, A.; Bruni, G.; Bruschi, M.; Bucci, F.; Buchanan, J.; Buchholz, P.; Buckley, A. G.; Budagov, I. A.; Budick, B.; Büscher, V.; Bugge, L.; Bulekov, O.; Bunse, M.; Buran, T.; Burckhart, H.; Burdin, S.; Burgess, T.; Burke, S.; Busato, E.; Bussey, P.; Buszello, C. P.; Butin, F.; Butler, B.; Butler, J. M.; Buttar, C. M.; Butterworth, J. M.; Byatt, T.; Caballero, J.; Cabrera Urbán, S.; Caforio, D.; Cakir, O.; Calafiura, P.; Calderini, G.; Calfayan, P.; Calkins, R.; Caloba, L. P.; Calvet, D.; Camarri, P.; Cameron, D.; Campana, S.; Campanelli, M.; Canale, V.; Canelli, F.; Canepa, A.; Cantero, J.; Capasso, L.; Capeans Garrido, M. D. M.; Caprini, I.; Caprini, M.; Capua, M.; Caputo, R.; Caramarcu, C.; Cardarelli, R.; Carli, T.; Carlino, G.; Carminati, L.; Caron, B.; Caron, S.; Carrillo Montoya, G. D.; Carron Montero, S.; Carter, A. A.; Carter, J. R.; Carvalho, J.; Casadei, D.; Casado, M. P.; Cascella, M.; Castaneda Hernandez, A. M.; Castaneda-Miranda, E.; Castillo Gimenez, V.; Castro, N. F.; Cataldi, G.; Catinaccio, A.; Catmore, J. R.; Cattai, A.; Cattani, G.; Caughron, S.; Cauz, D.; Cavalleri, P.; Cavalli, D.; Cavalli-Sforza, M.; Cavasinni, V.; Ceradini, F.; Cerqueira, A. S.; Cerri, A.; Cerrito, L.; Cerutti, F.; Cetin, S. A.; Chafaq, A.; Chakraborty, D.; Chan, K.; Chapman, J. D.; Chapman, J. W.; Chareyre, E.; Charlton, D. G.; Chavda, V.; Cheatham, S.; Chekanov, S.; Chekulaev, S. V.; Chelkov, G. A.; Chen, H.; Chen, S.; Chen, X.; Cheplakov, A.; Chepurnov, V. F.; Cherkaoui El Moursli, R.; Tcherniatine, V.; Chesneanu, D.; Cheu, E.; Cheung, S. L.; Chevalier, L.; Chevallier, F.; Chiarella, V.; Chiefari, G.; Chikovani, L.; Childers, J. T.; Chilingarov, A.; Chiodini, G.; Chizhov, V.; Choudalakis, G.; Chouridou, S.; Christidi, I. A.; Christov, A.; Chromek-Burckhart, D.; Chu, M. L.; Chudoba, J.; Ciapetti, G.; Ciftci, A. K.; Ciftci, R.; Cinca, D.; Cindro, V.; Ciobotaru, M. D.; Ciocca, C.; Ciocio, A.; Cirilli, M.; Citterio, M.; Clark, A.; Clark, P. J.; Cleland, W.; Clemens, J. C.; Clement, B.; Clement, C.; Coadou, Y.; Cobal, M.; Coccaro, A.; Cochran, J.; Coggeshall, J.; Cogneras, E.; Colijn, A. P.; Collard, C.; Collins, N. J.; Collins-Tooth, C.; Collot, J.; Colon, G.; Conde Muiño, P.; Coniavitis, E.; Consonni, M.; Constantinescu, S.; Conta, C.; Conventi, F.; Cooke, M.; Cooper, B. D.; Cooper-Sarkar, A. M.; Cooper-Smith, N. J.; Copic, K.; Cornelissen, T.; Corradi, M.; Corriveau, F.; Corso-Radu, A.; Cortes-Gonzalez, A.; Cortiana, G.; Costa, G.; Costa, M. J.; Costanzo, D.; Costin, T.; Côté, D.; Coura Torres, R.; Courneyea, L.; Cowan, G.; Cowden, C.; Cox, B. E.; Cranmer, K.; Cranshaw, J.; Cristinziani, M.; Crosetti, G.; Crupi, R.; Crépé-Renaudin, S.; Almenar, C. Cuenca; Cuhadar Donszelmann, T.; Curatolo, M.; Curtis, C. J.; Cwetanski, P.; Czyczula, Z.; D'Auria, S.; D'Onofrio, M.; D'Orazio, A.; da Via, C.; Dabrowski, W.; Dai, T.; Dallapiccola, C.; Dallison, S. J.; Daly, C. H.; Dam, M.; Danielsson, H. O.; Dannheim, D.; Dao, V.; Darbo, G.; Darlea, G. L.; Davey, W.; Davidek, T.; Davidson, N.; Davidson, R.; Davies, M.; Davison, A. R.; Dawson, I.; Daya, R. K.; de, K.; de Asmundis, R.; de Castro, S.; de Castro Faria Salgado, P. E.; de Cecco, S.; de Graat, J.; de Groot, N.; de Jong, P.; de Mora, L.; de Oliveira Branco, M.; de Pedis, D.; de Salvo, A.; de Sanctis, U.; de Santo, A.; de Vivie de Regie, J. B.; de Zorzi, G.; Dean, S.; Dedovich, D. V.; Degenhardt, J.; Dehchar, M.; Del Papa, C.; Del Peso, J.; Del Prete, T.; Dell'Acqua, A.; Dell'Asta, L.; Della Pietra, M.; Della Volpe, D.; Delmastro, M.; Delsart, P. A.; Deluca, C.; Demers, S.; Demichev, M.; Demirkoz, B.; Deng, J.; Deng, W.; Denisov, S. P.; Derkaoui, J. E.; Derue, F.; Dervan, P.; Desch, K.; Deviveiros, P. O.; Dewhurst, A.; Dewilde, B.; Dhaliwal, S.; Dhullipudi, R.; di Ciaccio, A.; di Ciaccio, L.; di Domenico, A.; di Girolamo, A.; di Girolamo, B.; di Luise, S.; di Mattia, A.; di Nardo, R.; di Simone, A.; di Sipio, R.; Diaz, M. A.; Diblen, F.; Diehl, E. B.; Dietrich, J.; Dietzsch, T. A.; Diglio, S.; Dindar Yagci, K.; Dingfelder, J.; Dionisi, C.; Dita, P.; Dita, S.; Dittus, F.; Djama, F.; Djilkibaev, R.; Djobava, T.; Do Vale, M. A. B.; Do Valle Wemans, A.; Doan, T. K. O.; Dobos, D.; Dobson, E.; Dobson, M.; Doglioni, C.; Doherty, T.; Dolejsi, J.; Dolenc, I.; Dolezal, Z.; Dolgoshein, B. 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R.; Nattermann, T.; Naumann, T.; Navarro, G.; Nderitu, S. K.; Neal, H. A.; Nebot, E.; Nechaeva, P.; Negri, A.; Negri, G.; Nelson, A.; Nelson, T. K.; Nemecek, S.; Nemethy, P.; Nepomuceno, A. A.; Nessi, M.; Neubauer, M. S.; Neusiedl, A.; Neves, R. M.; Nevski, P.; Newcomer, F. M.; Nickerson, R. B.; Nicolaidou, R.; Nicolas, L.; Nicoletti, G.; Nicquevert, B.; Niedercorn, F.; Nielsen, J.; Nikiforov, A.; Nikolaev, K.; Nikolic-Audit, I.; Nikolopoulos, K.; Nilsen, H.; Nilsson, P.; Nisati, A.; Nishiyama, T.; Nisius, R.; Nodulman, L.; Nomachi, M.; Nomidis, I.; Nordberg, M.; Nordkvist, B.; Notz, D.; Novakova, J.; Nozaki, M.; Nožička, M.; Nugent, I. M.; Nuncio-Quiroz, A.-E.; Nunes Hanninger, G.; Nunnemann, T.; Nurse, E.; O'Neil, D. C.; O'Shea, V.; Oakham, F. G.; Oberlack, H.; Ochi, A.; Oda, S.; Odaka, S.; Odier, J.; Ogren, H.; Oh, A.; Oh, S. H.; Ohm, C. C.; Ohshima, T.; Ohshita, H.; Ohsugi, T.; Okada, S.; Okawa, H.; Okumura, Y.; Okuyama, T.; Olchevski, A. G.; Oliveira, M.; Damazio, D. Oliveira; Oliver, J.; Garcia, E. Oliver; Olivito, D.; Olszewski, A.; Olszowska, J.; Omachi, C.; Onofre, A.; Onyisi, P. U. E.; Oram, C. J.; Oreglia, M. J.; Oren, Y.; Orestano, D.; Orlov, I.; Oropeza Barrera, C.; Orr, R. S.; Ortega, E. O.; Osculati, B.; Ospanov, R.; Osuna, C.; Ottersbach, J. P.; Ould-Saada, F.; Ouraou, A.; Ouyang, Q.; Owen, M.; Owen, S.; Oyarzun, A.; Ozcan, V. E.; Ozone, K.; Ozturk, N.; Pacheco Pages, A.; Padilla Aranda, C.; Paganis, E.; Pahl, C.; Paige, F.; Pajchel, K.; Palestini, S.; Pallin, D.; Palma, A.; Palmer, J. D.; Pan, Y. B.; Panagiotopoulou, E.; Panes, B.; Panikashvili, N.; Panitkin, S.; Pantea, D.; Panuskova, M.; Paolone, V.; Papadopoulou, Th. D.; Park, S. J.; Park, W.; Parker, M. A.; Parker, S. I.; Parodi, F.; Parsons, J. A.; Parzefall, U.; Pasqualucci, E.; Passeri, A.; Pastore, F.; Pastore, Fr.; Pásztor, G.; Pataraia, S.; Pater, J. R.; Patricelli, S.; Patwa, A.; Pauly, T.; Peak, L. S.; Pecsy, M.; Pedraza Morales, M. I.; Peleganchuk, S. V.; Peng, H.; Penson, A.; Penwell, J.; Perantoni, M.; Perez, K.; Codina, E. Perez; Pérez García-Estañ, M. T.; Reale, V. Perez; Perini, L.; Pernegger, H.; Perrino, R.; Persembe, S.; Perus, P.; Peshekhonov, V. D.; Petersen, B. A.; Petersen, T. C.; Petit, E.; Petridou, C.; Petrolo, E.; Petrucci, F.; Petschull, D.; Petteni, M.; Pezoa, R.; Phan, A.; Phillips, A. W.; Piacquadio, G.; Piccinini, M.; Piegaia, R.; Pilcher, J. E.; Pilkington, A. D.; Pina, J.; Pinamonti, M.; Pinfold, J. L.; Pinto, B.; Pizio, C.; Placakyte, R.; Plamondon, M.; Pleier, M.-A.; Poblaguev, A.; Poddar, S.; Podlyski, F.; Poffenberger, P.; Poggioli, L.; Pohl, M.; Polci, F.; Polesello, G.; Policicchio, A.; Polini, A.; Poll, J.; Polychronakos, V.; Pomeroy, D.; Pommès, K.; Ponsot, P.; Pontecorvo, L.; Pope, B. G.; Popeneciu, G. A.; Popovic, D. S.; Poppleton, A.; Popule, J.; Portell Bueso, X.; Porter, R.; Pospelov, G. E.; Pospisil, S.; Potekhin, M.; Potrap, I. N.; Potter, C. J.; Potter, C. T.; Potter, K. P.; Poulard, G.; Poveda, J.; Prabhu, R.; Pralavorio, P.; Prasad, S.; Pravahan, R.; Pribyl, L.; Price, D.; Price, L. E.; Prichard, P. M.; Prieur, D.; Primavera, M.; Prokofiev, K.; Prokoshin, F.; Protopopescu, S.; Proudfoot, J.; Prudent, X.; Przysiezniak, H.; Psoroulas, S.; Ptacek, E.; Puigdengoles, C.; Purdham, J.; Purohit, M.; Puzo, P.; Pylypchenko, Y.; Qi, M.; Qian, J.; Qian, W.; Qin, Z.; Quadt, A.; Quarrie, D. R.; Quayle, W. B.; Quinonez, F.; Raas, M.; Radeka, V.; Radescu, V.; Radics, B.; Rador, T.; Ragusa, F.; Rahal, G.; Rahimi, A. M.; Rajagopalan, S.; Rammensee, M.; Rammes, M.; Rauscher, F.; Rauter, E.; Raymond, M.; Read, A. L.; Rebuzzi, D. M.; Redelbach, A.; Redlinger, G.; Reece, R.; Reeves, K.; Reinherz-Aronis, E.; Reinsch, A.; Reisinger, I.; Reljic, D.; Rembser, C.; Ren, Z. L.; Renkel, P.; Rescia, S.; Rescigno, M.; Resconi, S.; Resende, B.; Reznicek, P.; Rezvani, R.; Richards, A.; Richards, R. A.; Richter, R.; Richter-Was, E.; Ridel, M.; Rijpstra, M.; Rijssenbeek, M.; Rimoldi, A.; Rinaldi, L.; Rios, R. R.; Riu, I.; Rizatdinova, F.; Rizvi, E.; Roa Romero, D. A.; Robertson, S. H.; Robichaud-Veronneau, A.; Robinson, D.; Robinson, J. E. M.; Robinson, M.; Robson, A.; Rocha de Lima, J. G.; Roda, C.; Dos Santos, D. Roda; Rodriguez, D.; Garcia, Y. Rodriguez; Roe, S.; Røhne, O.; Rojo, V.; Rolli, S.; Romaniouk, A.; Romanov, V. M.; Romeo, G.; Romero Maltrana, D.; Roos, L.; Ros, E.; Rosati, S.; Rosenbaum, G. A.; Rosselet, L.; Rossetti, V.; Rossi, L. P.; Rotaru, M.; Rothberg, J.; Rousseau, D.; Royon, C. R.; Rozanov, A.; Rozen, Y.; Ruan, X.; Ruckert, B.; Ruckstuhl, N.; Rud, V. I.; Rudolph, G.; Rühr, F.; Ruggieri, F.; Ruiz-Martinez, A.; Rumyantsev, L.; Rurikova, Z.; Rusakovich, N. A.; Rutherfoord, J. P.; Ruwiedel, C.; Ruzicka, P.; Ryabov, Y. F.; Ryan, P.; Rybkin, G.; Rzaeva, S.; Saavedra, A. F.; Sadrozinski, H. F.-W.; Sadykov, R.; Sakamoto, H.; Salamanna, G.; Salamon, A.; Saleem, M. S.; Salihagic, D.; Salnikov, A.; Salt, J.; Salvachua Ferrando, B. M.; Salvatore, D.; Salvatore, F.; Salvucci, A.; Salzburger, A.; Sampsonidis, D.; Samset, B. H.; Sandaker, H.; Sander, H. G.; Sanders, M. P.; Sandhoff, M.; Sandhu, P.; Sandstroem, R.; Sandvoss, S.; Sankey, D. P. C.; Sanny, B.; Sansoni, A.; Santamarina Rios, C.; Santoni, C.; Santonico, R.; Saraiva, J. G.; Sarangi, T.; Sarkisyan-Grinbaum, E.; Sarri, F.; Sasaki, O.; Sasao, N.; Satsounkevitch, I.; Sauvage, G.; Savard, P.; Savine, A. Y.; Savinov, V.; Sawyer, L.; Saxon, D. H.; Says, L. P.; Sbarra, C.; Sbrizzi, A.; Scannicchio, D. A.; Schaarschmidt, J.; Schacht, P.; Schäfer, U.; Schaetzel, S.; Schaffer, A. C.; Schaile, D.; Schamberger, R. D.; Schamov, A. G.; Schegelsky, V. A.; Scheirich, D.; Schernau, M.; Scherzer, M. I.; Schiavi, C.; Schieck, J.; Schioppa, M.; Schlenker, S.; Schmieden, K.; Schmitt, C.; Schmitz, M.; Schott, M.; Schouten, D.; Schovancova, J.; Schram, M.; Schreiner, A.; Schroeder, C.; Schroer, N.; Schroers, M.; Schultes, J.; Schultz-Coulon, H.-C.; Schumacher, J. W.; Schumacher, M.; Schumm, B. A.; Schune, Ph.; Schwanenberger, C.; Schwartzman, A.; Schwemling, Ph.; Schwienhorst, R.; Schwierz, R.; Schwindling, J.; Scott, W. G.; Searcy, J.; Sedykh, E.; Segura, E.; Seidel, S. C.; Seiden, A.; Seifert, F.; Seixas, J. M.; Sekhniaidze, G.; Seliverstov, D. M.; Sellden, B.; Semprini-Cesari, N.; Serfon, C.; Serin, L.; Seuster, R.; Severini, H.; Sevior, M. E.; Sfyrla, A.; Shabalina, E.; Shamim, M.; Shan, L. Y.; Shank, J. T.; Shao, Q. T.; Shapiro, M.; Shatalov, P. B.; Shaw, K.; Sherman, D.; Sherwood, P.; Shibata, A.; Shimojima, M.; Shin, T.; Shmeleva, A.; Shochet, M. J.; Shupe, M. A.; Sicho, P.; Sidoti, A.; Siegert, F.; Siegrist, J.; Sijacki, Dj.; Silbert, O.; Silva, J.; Silver, Y.; Silverstein, D.; Silverstein, S. B.; Simak, V.; Simic, Lj.; Simion, S.; Simmons, B.; Simonyan, M.; Sinervo, P.; Sinev, N. B.; Sipica, V.; Siragusa, G.; Sisakyan, A. N.; Sivoklokov, S. Yu.; Sjoelin, J.; Sjursen, T. B.; Skovpen, K.; Skubic, P.; Slater, M.; Slavicek, T.; Sliwa, K.; Sloper, J.; Sluka, T.; Smakhtin, V.; Smirnov, S. Yu.; Smirnov, Y.; Smirnova, L. N.; Smirnova, O.; Smith, B. C.; Smith, D.; Smith, K. M.; Smizanska, M.; Smolek, K.; Snesarev, A. A.; Snow, S. W.; Snow, J.; Snuverink, J.; Snyder, S.; Soares, M.; Sobie, R.; Sodomka, J.; Soffer, A.; Solans, C. A.; Solar, M.; Solc, J.; Solfaroli Camillocci, E.; Solodkov, A. A.; Solovyanov, O. V.; Soluk, R.; Sondericker, J.; Sopko, V.; Sopko, B.; Sosebee, M.; Soukharev, A.; Spagnolo, S.; Spanò, F.; Spencer, E.; Spighi, R.; Spigo, G.; Spila, F.; Spiwoks, R.; Spousta, M.; Spreitzer, T.; Spurlock, B.; Denis, R. D. St.; Stahl, T.; Stahlman, J.; Stamen, R.; Stancu, S. N.; Stanecka, E.; Stanek, R. W.; Stanescu, C.; Stapnes, S.; Starchenko, E. A.; Stark, J.; Staroba, P.; Starovoitov, P.; Stastny, J.; Stavina, P.; Steele, G.; Steinbach, P.; Steinberg, P.; Stekl, I.; Stelzer, B.; Stelzer, H. J.; Stelzer-Chilton, O.; Stenzel, H.; Stevenson, K.; Stewart, G. A.; Stockton, M. C.; Stoerig, K.; Stoicea, G.; Stonjek, S.; Strachota, P.; Stradling, A. R.; Straessner, A.; Strandberg, J.; Strandberg, S.; Strandlie, A.; Strauss, M.; Strizenec, P.; Ströhmer, R.; Strom, D. M.; Stroynowski, R.; Strube, J.; Stugu, B.; Soh, D. A.; Su, D.; Sugaya, Y.; Sugimoto, T.; Suhr, C.; Suk, M.; Sulin, V. V.; Sultansoy, S.; Sumida, T.; Sun, X. H.; Sundermann, J. E.; Suruliz, K.; Sushkov, S.; Susinno, G.; Sutton, M. R.; Suzuki, T.; Suzuki, Y.; Sykora, I.; Sykora, T.; Szymocha, T.; Sánchez, J.; Ta, D.; Tackmann, K.; Taffard, A.; Tafirout, R.; Taga, A.; Takahashi, Y.; Takai, H.; Takashima, R.; Takeda, H.; Takeshita, T.; Talby, M.; Talyshev, A.; Tamsett, M. C.; Tanaka, J.; Tanaka, R.; Tanaka, S.; Tanaka, S.; Tapprogge, S.; Tardif, D.; Tarem, S.; Tarrade, F.; Tartarelli, G. F.; Tas, P.; Tasevsky, M.; Tassi, E.; Tatarkhanov, M.; Taylor, C.; Taylor, F. E.; Taylor, G. N.; Taylor, R. P.; Taylor, W.; Teixeira-Dias, P.; Ten Kate, H.; Teng, P. K.; Tennenbaum-Katan, Y. D.; Terada, S.; Terashi, K.; Terron, J.; Terwort, M.; Testa, M.; Teuscher, R. J.; Thioye, M.; Thoma, S.; Thomas, J. P.; Thompson, E. N.; Thompson, P. D.; Thompson, P. D.; Thompson, R. J.; Thompson, A. S.; Thomson, E.; Thun, R. P.; Tic, T.; Tikhomirov, V. O.; Tikhonov, Y. A.; Tipton, P.; Tique Aires Viegas, F. J.; Tisserant, S.; Toczek, B.; Todorov, T.; Todorova-Nova, S.; Toggerson, B.; Tojo, J.; Tokár, S.; Tokushuku, K.; Tollefson, K.; Tomasek, L.; Tomasek, M.; Tomoto, M.; Tompkins, L.; Toms, K.; Tonoyan, A.; Topfel, C.; Topilin, N. D.; Torrence, E.; Torró Pastor, E.; Toth, J.; Touchard, F.; Tovey, D. R.; Trefzger, T.; Tremblet, L.; Tricoli, A.; Trigger, I. M.; Trincaz-Duvoid, S.; Trinh, T. N.; Tripiana, M. F.; Triplett, N.; Trischuk, W.; Trivedi, A.; Trocmé, B.; Troncon, C.; Trzupek, A.; Tsarouchas, C.; Tseng, J. C.-L.; Tsiakiris, M.; Tsiareshka, P. V.; Tsionou, D.; Tsipolitis, G.; Tsiskaridze, V.; Tskhadadze, E. G.; Tsukerman, I. I.; Tsulaia, V.; Tsung, J.-W.; Tsuno, S.; Tsybychev, D.; Tuggle, J. M.; Turecek, D.; Turk Cakir, I.; Turlay, E.; Tuts, P. M.; Twomey, M. S.; Tylmad, M.; Tyndel, M.; Uchida, K.; Ueda, I.; Ugland, M.; Uhlenbrock, M.; Uhrmacher, M.; Ukegawa, F.; Unal, G.; Undrus, A.; Unel, G.; Unno, Y.; Urbaniec, D.; Urkovsky, E.; Urquijo, P.; Urrejola, P.; Usai, G.; Uslenghi, M.; Vacavant, L.; Vacek, V.; Vachon, B.; Vahsen, S.; Valente, P.; Valentinetti, S.; Valkar, S.; Valladolid Gallego, E.; Vallecorsa, S.; Valls Ferrer, J. A.; van Berg, R.; van der Graaf, H.; van der Kraaij, E.; van der Poel, E.; van der Ster, D.; van Eldik, N.; van Gemmeren, P.; van Kesteren, Z.; van Vulpen, I.; Vandelli, W.; Vaniachine, A.; Vankov, P.; Vannucci, F.; Vari, R.; Varnes, E. W.; Varouchas, D.; Vartapetian, A.; Varvell, K. E.; Vasilyeva, L.; Vassilakopoulos, V. I.; Vazeille, F.; Vellidis, C.; Veloso, F.; Veneziano, S.; Ventura, A.; Ventura, D.; Venturi, M.; Venturi, N.; Vercesi, V.; Verducci, M.; Verkerke, W.; Vermeulen, J. C.; Vetterli, M. C.; Vichou, I.; Vickey, T.; Viehhauser, G. H. A.; Villa, M.; Villani, E. G.; Villaplana Perez, M.; Vilucchi, E.; Vincter, M. G.; Vinek, E.; Vinogradov, V. B.; Viret, S.; Virzi, J.; Vitale, A.; Vitells, O.; Vivarelli, I.; Vives Vaque, F.; Vlachos, S.; Vlasak, M.; Vlasov, N.; Vogel, A.; Vokac, P.; Volpi, M.; von der Schmitt, H.; von Loeben, J.; von Radziewski, H.; von Toerne, E.; Vorobel, V.; Vorwerk, V.; Vos, M.; Voss, R.; Voss, T. T.; Vossebeld, J. H.; Vranjes, N.; Vranjes Milosavljevic, M.; Vrba, V.; Vreeswijk, M.; Anh, T. Vu; Vudragovic, D.; Vuillermet, R.; Vukotic, I.; Wagner, P.; Walbersloh, J.; Walder, J.; Walker, R.; Walkowiak, W.; Wall, R.; Wang, C.; Wang, H.; Wang, J.; Wang, S. M.; Warburton, A.; Ward, C. P.; Warsinsky, M.; Wastie, R.; Watkins, P. M.; Watson, A. T.; Watson, M. F.; Watts, G.; Watts, S.; Waugh, A. T.; Waugh, B. M.; Weber, M. D.; Weber, M.; Weber, M. S.; Weber, P.; Weidberg, A. R.; Weingarten, J.; Weiser, C.; Wellenstein, H.; Wells, P. S.; Wen, M.; Wenaus, T.; Wendler, S.; Wengler, T.; Wenig, S.; Wermes, N.; Werner, M.; Werner, P.; Werth, M.; Werthenbach, U.; Wessels, M.; Whalen, K.; White, A.; White, M. J.; White, S.; Whitehead, S. R.; Whiteson, D.; Whittington, D.; Wicek, F.; Wicke, D.; Wickens, F. J.; Wiedenmann, W.; Wielers, M.; Wienemann, P.; Wiglesworth, C.; Wiik, L. A. M.; Wildauer, A.; Wildt, M. A.; Wilkens, H. G.; Williams, E.; Williams, H. H.; Willocq, S.; Wilson, J. A.; Wilson, M. G.; Wilson, A.; Wingerter-Seez, I.; Winklmeier, F.; Wittgen, M.; Wolter, M. W.; Wolters, H.; Wosiek, B. K.; Wotschack, J.; Woudstra, M. J.; Wraight, K.; Wright, C.; Wright, D.; Wrona, B.; Wu, S. L.; Wu, X.; Wulf, E.; Wynne, B. M.; Xaplanteris, L.; Xella, S.; Xie, S.; Xu, D.; Xu, N.; Yamada, M.; Yamamoto, A.; Yamamoto, K.; Yamamoto, S.; Yamamura, T.; Yamaoka, J.; Yamazaki, T.; Yamazaki, Y.; Yan, Z.; Yang, H.; Yang, U. K.; Yang, Z.; Yao, W.-M.; Yao, Y.; Yasu, Y.; Ye, J.; Ye, S.; Yilmaz, M.; Yoosoofmiya, R.; Yorita, K.; Yoshida, R.; Young, C.; Youssef, S. P.; Yu, D.; Yu, J.; Yuan, L.; Yurkewicz, A.; Zaidan, R.; Zaitsev, A. M.; Zajacova, Z.; Zambrano, V.; Zanello, L.; Zaytsev, A.; Zeitnitz, C.; Zeller, M.; Zemla, A.; Zendler, C.; Zenin, O.; Zenis, T.; Zenonos, Z.; Zenz, S.; Zerwas, D.; Della Porta, G. Zevi; Zhan, Z.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, J.; Zhang, Q.; Zhang, X.; Zhao, L.; Zhao, T.; Zhao, Z.; Zhemchugov, A.; Zhong, J.; Zhou, B.; Zhou, N.; Zhou, Y.; Zhu, C. G.; Zhu, H.; Zhu, Y.; Zhuang, X.; Zhuravlov, V.; Zimmermann, R.; Zimmermann, S.; Zimmermann, S.; Ziolkowski, M.; Živković, L.; Zobernig, G.; Zoccoli, A.; Zur Nedden, M.; Zutshi, V.

2010-12-01

The ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider has collected several hundred million cosmic ray events during 2008 and 2009. These data were used to commission the Muon Spectrometer and to study the performance of the trigger and tracking chambers, their alignment, the detector control system, the data acquisition and the analysis programs. We present the performance in the relevant parameters that determine the quality of the muon measurement. We discuss the single element efficiency, resolution and noise rates, the calibration method of the detector response and of the alignment system, the track reconstruction efficiency and the momentum measurement. The results show that the detector is close to the design performance and that the Muon Spectrometer is ready to detect muons produced in high energy proton-proton collisions.

Performance and brain electrical activity during prolonged confinement.

PubMed

Lorenz, B; Lorenz, J; Manzey, D

1996-01-01

A subset of the AGARD-STRES battery including memory search, unstable tracking, and a combination of both tasks (dual-task), was applied repeatedly to the four chamber crew members before, during, and after the 60-day isolation period of EXEMSI. Five ground control group members served as a control group. A subjective state questionnaire was also included. The results were subjected to a quantitative single-subject analysis. Electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded to permit correlation of changes in task performance with changes in the physiological state. Evaluation of the EEG focused on spectral parameters of spontaneous EEG waves. No physiological data were collected from the control group. Significant decrements in tracking ability were observed in the chamber crew. The time course of these effects followed a triphasic pattern with initial deterioration, intermediate recovery to pre-isolation baseline scores after the first half of the isolation period, and a second deterioration towards the end. None of the control group subjects displayed such an effect. Memory search (speed and accuracy) was only occasionally impaired during isolation, but the control group displayed a similar pattern of changes. It is suggested that a state of decreased alertness causes tracking deterioration, which leads to a reduced efficiency of sustained cue utilization. The assumption of low alertness was further substantiated by higher fatigue ratings by the chamber crew compared to those of the control group. Analysis of the continuous EEG recordings revealed that only two subjects produced reliable alpha wave activity (8-12 Hz) over Pz and, to a much smaller extent, Fz-theta wave activity (5-7 Hz) during task performance. In both subjects Pz-alpha power decreased consistently under task conditions involving single-task and dual-task tracking. Fz-theta activity was increased more by single-task and dual-task memory search than by single-task tracking. The alpha attenuation appears to be associated with an increasing demand on perceptual cue utilization required by the tracking performance. In one subject marked attenuation of alpha power occurred during the first half of the confinement period, where he also scored the highest fatigue ratings. A striking increase in fronto-central theta activity was observed in the same subject after six weeks of isolation. The change was associated with an efficient rather than a degraded task performance, and a high rating of the item "concentrated" and a low rating of the item "fatigued." This finding supports the hypothesis that the activation state associated with increased fronto-central theta activity accompanies efficient performance of demanding mental tasks. The usefulness of standardized laboratory tasks as monitoring instruments is demonstrated by the direct comparability with results of studies obtained from other relevant research applications using the same tasks. The feasibility of a self-administered integrated psychophysiological assessment of the individual state was illustrated by the nearly complete collection of data. The large number of individual data collected over the entire period permitted application of quantitative single-subject analysis, allowing reliable determination of changes in the individual state in the course of time. It thus appears that this assessment technique can be adapted for in-flight monitoring of astronauts during prolonged spaceflights. Parallel EEG recording can provide relevant supplementary information for diagnosing the individual activation state associated with task performance. The existence of large individual differences in the generation of task-sensitive EEG rhythms forms an important issue for further studies.

Speckle-tracking strain assessment of left ventricular dysfunction in synthetic cannabinoid and heroin users.

PubMed

Demirkıran, Aykut; Albayrak, Neslihan; Albayrak, Yakup; Zorkun, Cafer Sadık

2018-06-01

There is growing evidence regarding the numerous adverse effects of synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs) on the cardiovascular system; however, no studies have shown the cardiovascular effects of opioids using strain echocardiography. This study examines the cardiac structure and function using echocardiographic strain imaging in heroin and synthetic cannabinoid users. This double-blind study included patients who were admitted or referred to a rehabilitation center for heroin (n=31) and synthetic cannabinoid users (n=30). Heroin users and synthetic cannabinoid users were compared with healthy volunteers (n=32) using two-dimensional (2D) speckle-tracking (ST) echocardiography. No differences were found in the baseline characteristics and 2D echocardiography values. The mean global longitudinal strain value was -20.5%±2.4% for SCB users, -22.3%±2.4% for opioid users, and -22.5%±2.2% for healthy volunteers (p=0.024). The mean apical 2-chamber (AP2C) L-strain values were -20.1%±3.1%, -22.4%±3.0%, and -22.3%±2.8% for SCB users, opioid users, and healthy volunteers, respectively (p=0.032). The mean apical 4-chamber (AP4C) L-strain values were -20.7%±2.5% for SCB users, -23.2%±3.2% for opioid users, and -23.8%±3.1% for healthy volunteers (p<0.001). SCBs are potential causes of subclinical left ventricular dysfunction.

Commissioning of the upgraded CSC Endcap Muon Port Cards at CMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ecklund, K.; Liu, J.; Madorsky, A.; Matveev, M.; Michlin, B.; Padley, P.; Rorie, J.

2016-01-01

There are 180 1.6 Gbps optical links from 60 Muon Port Cards (MPC) to the Cathode Strip Chamber Track Finder (CSCTF) in the original system. Before the upgrade each MPC was able to provide up to three trigger primitives from a cluster of nine CSC chambers to the Level 1 CSCTF. With an LHC luminosity increase to 1035 cm-2s-1 at full energy of 7 TeV/beam, the simulation studies suggest that we can expect two or three times more trigger primitives per bunch crossing from the front-end electronics. To comply with this requirement, the MPC, CSCTF, and optical cables need to be upgraded. The upgraded MPC allows transmission of up to 18 trigger primitives from the peripheral crate. This feature would allow searches for physics signatures of muon jets that require more trigger primitives per trigger sector. At the same time, it is very desirable to preserve all the old optical links for compatibility with the older Track Finder during transition period at the beginning of Run 2. Installation of the upgraded MPC boards and the new optical cables has been completed at the CMS detector in the summer of 2014. We describe the final design of the new MPC mezzanine FPGA, its firmware, and results of tests in laboratory and in situ with the old and new CSCTF boards.

GPU-accelerated track reconstruction in the ALICE High Level Trigger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rohr, David; Gorbunov, Sergey; Lindenstruth, Volker; ALICE Collaboration

2017-10-01

ALICE (A Large Heavy Ion Experiment) is one of the four major experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The High Level Trigger (HLT) is an online compute farm which reconstructs events measured by the ALICE detector in real-time. The most compute-intensive part is the reconstruction of particle trajectories called tracking and the most important detector for tracking is the Time Projection Chamber (TPC). The HLT uses a GPU-accelerated algorithm for TPC tracking that is based on the Cellular Automaton principle and on the Kalman filter. The GPU tracking has been running in 24/7 operation since 2012 in LHC Run 1 and 2. In order to better leverage the potential of the GPUs, and speed up the overall HLT reconstruction, we plan to bring more reconstruction steps (e.g. the tracking for other detectors) onto the GPUs. There are several tasks running so far on the CPU that could benefit from cooperation with the tracking, which is hardly feasible at the moment due to the delay of the PCI Express transfers. Moving more steps onto the GPU, and processing them on the GPU at once, will reduce PCI Express transfers and free up CPU resources. On top of that, modern GPUs and GPU programming APIs provide new features which are not yet exploited by the TPC tracking. We present our new developments for GPU reconstruction, both with a focus on the online reconstruction on GPU for the online offline computing upgrade in ALICE during LHC Run 3, and also taking into account how the current HLT in Run 2 can profit from these improvements.

Optimization of the LCLS X-Ray FEL Output Performance in the Presence of Strong Undulator Wakefields

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

Reiche, S.; /UCLA; Bane, K.L.F.

The Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) Free-Electron Laser will operate in the wavelength range of 1.5 to 15 Angstroms. Energy loss due to wakefields within the long undulator can degrade the FEL process by detuning the resonant FEL frequency. The wakefields arise from the vacuum chamber wall resistivity, its surface roughness, and abrupt changes in its aperture. For LCLS parameters, the resistive component is the most critical and depends upon the chamber material (e.g. Cu) and its radius. To study the expected performance in the presence of these wakefields, we make a series of start-to-end simulations with tracking codes PARMELAmore » and ELEGANT and time-dependent FEL simulation codes Genesis 1.3 and Ginger. We discuss the impact of the wakefield on output energy, spectral bandwidth, and temporal envelope of the output FEL pulse, as well as the benefits of a partial compensation obtained with a slight z dependent taper in the undulator field. We compare these results to those obtained by decreasing the bunch charge or increasing the vacuum chamber radius. We also compare our results to those predicted in concurrent analytical work.« less

The MTV experiment: a test of time reversal symmetry using polarized 8Li

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murata, J.; Baba, H.; Behr, J. A.; Hirayama, Y.; Iguri, T.; Ikeda, M.; Kato, T.; Kawamura, H.; Kishi, R.; Levy, C. D. P.; Nakaya, Y.; Ninomiya, K.; Ogawa, N.; Onishi, J.; Openshaw, R.; Pearson, M.; Seitaibashi, E.; Tanaka, S.; Tanuma, R.; Totsuka, Y.; Toyoda, T.

2014-01-01

The MTV ( Mott Polarimetry for T- Violation Experiment) experiment at TRIUMF-ISAC ( Isotope Separator and ACcelerator), which aims to achieve the highest precision test of time reversal symmetry in polarized nuclear beta decay by measuring a triple correlation ( R-correlation), is motivated by the search for a new physics beyond the Standard Model. In this experiment, the existence of non-zero transverse electron polarization is examined utilizing the analyzing power of Mott scattering from a thin metal foil. Backward scattering electron tracks are measured using a multi-wire drift chamber for the first time. The MTV experiment was commissioned at ISAC in 2009 using an 80 % polarized 8Li beam at 107 pps, resulting in 0.1 % statistical precision on the R-parameter in the first physics run performed in 2010. Next generation cylindrical drift chamber (CDC) is now being installed for the future run.

Pressure oscillations and instability of working processes in the combustion chambers of solid rocket motors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emelyanov, V. N.; Teterina, I. V.; Volkov, K. N.; Garkushev, A. U.

2017-06-01

Metal particles are widely used in space engineering to increase specific impulse and to supress acoustic instability of intra-champber processes. A numerical analysis of the internal injection-driven turbulent gas-particle flows is performed to improve the current understanding and modeling capabilities of the complex flow characteristics in the combustion chambers of solid rocket motors (SRMs) in presence of forced pressure oscillations. The two-phase flow is simulated with a combined Eulerian-Lagrangian approach. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and transport equations of k - ε model are solved numerically for the gas. The particulate phase is simulated through a Lagrangian deterministic and stochastic tracking models to provide particle trajectories and particle concentration. The results obtained highlight the crucial significance of the particle dispersion in turbulent flowfield and high potential of statistical methods. Strong coupling between acoustic oscillations, vortical motion, turbulent fluctuations and particle dynamics is observed.

Ionization imaging—A new method to search for 0- ν ββ decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chinowski, W.; Goldschmidt, A.; Nygren, D.; Bernstein, A.; Heffner, M.; Millaud, J.

2007-10-01

We present a new method to search for 0- ν ββ decay in 136Xe, the Ionization Imaging Chamber. This concept is based on 3-D track reconstruction by detection of ionization, without avalanche gain, in a novel time projection chamber (TPC) geometry. The rejection efficiency of external charged particle backgrounds is optimized by the realization of a maximal, fully active, closed, and ex post facto variable fiducial surface. Event localization within the fiducial volume and detailed event reconstruction mitigate external neutral particle backgrounds; larger detectors offer higher rejection efficiencies. Energy resolution at the Q-value of 2.5 MeV is expected to be better than 1% FWHM, reducing the potential impact of allowed 2- ν ββ decays. Scaling from ˜25 kg prototype to 1000+ kg target mass is graceful. A new possible methodology for the identification of the daughter barium nucleus is also described.

An instrument employing electronic counters and an emulsion chamber for studying heavy cosmic ray interactions (JACEE-3)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Austin, R. W.; Meegan, C. A.; Parnell, T. A.; Selig, W. J.; Watts, J. W.; Burnett, T. H.; Iwai, J.; Lord, J. J.; Strauscz, S.; Wilkes, R. J.;

Secondary gamma-ray production in a coded aperture mask

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Owens, A.; Frye, G. M., Jr.; Hall, C. J.; Jenkins, T. L.; Pendleton, G. N.; Carter, J. N.; Ramsden, D.; Agrinier, B.; Bonfand, E.; Gouiffes, C.

1985-01-01

The application of the coded aperture mask to high energy gamma-ray astronomy will provide the capability of locating a cosmic gamma-ray point source with a precision of a few arc-minutes above 20 MeV. Recent tests using a mask in conjunction with drift chamber detectors have shown that the expected point spread function is achieved over an acceptance cone of 25 deg. A telescope employing this technique differs from a conventional telescope only in that the presence of the mask modifies the radiation field in the vicinity of the detection plane. In addition to reducing the primary photon flux incident on the detector by absorption in the mask elements, the mask will also be a secondary radiator of gamma-rays. The various background components in a CAMTRAC (Coded Aperture Mask Track Chamber) telescope are considered. Monte-Carlo calculations are compared with recent measurements obtained using a prototype instrument in a tagged photon beam line.

Negative Ion Time Projection Chamber operation with SF6 at nearly atmospheric pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baracchini, E.; Cavoto, G.; Mazzitelli, G.; Murtas, F.; Renga, F.; Tomassini, S.

2018-04-01

We present the measurement of negative ion drift velocities and mobilities for innovative particle tracking detectors using gas mixtures based on SF6. This gas has recently received attention in the context of directional Dark Matter searches, thanks to its high Fluorine content, reduced diffusion and multiple species of charge carriers, which allow for full detector fiducialization. Our measurements, performed with a 5 cm drift distance Negative Ion Time Projection Chamber, show the possibility of negative ion operation in pure SF6 between 75 and 150 Torr with triple thin GEM amplification, confirming the attractive potentialities of this gas. Above all, our results with the mixture He:CF4:SF6 360:240:10 Torr demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of SF6‑ negative ion drift and gas gain in He at nearly atmospheric pressure, opening very interesting prospects for the next generation of directional Dark Matter detectors.

The electrical performance of polymeric insulating materials under accelerated aging in a fog chamber

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

Gorur, R.S.; Cherney, E.A.; Hackam, R.

1988-07-01

A comparative study of the ac (60 Hz) surface aging in a fog chamber is reported on cylindrical rod samples of high temperature vulcanized (HTV) silicone rubber and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber containing various amounts of alumina trihydrate (ATH) and/or silica fillers. In low conductivity (250 ..mu..S/cm) fog, silicone rubber performed better than EPDM samples whereas in high conductivity (1000 ..mu..S/cm) fog, the order of performance was reversed. The mechanisms by which fillers impart tracking and erosion resistance to materials is discussed as influenced by the experimental conditions of the accelerated aging tests. Surface studies by ESCA (Electronmore » Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis) demonstrate that the hydrophobicity of silicone rubber, despite the accumulation of surface contamination, can be attributed to migration of low molecular weight polymer chains and/or mobile fluids, such as silicone oil.« less

Luminescent Sensors for Tracking Spatial Particle Distribution in an Explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eilers, Hergen; Gunawidjaja, Ray; Diez-Y-Riega, Helena; Svingala, Forrest; Daniels, Amber; Lightstone, James; Washington State University Collaboration; Nswc Iheodtd Collaboration

2015-06-01

We previously developed and tested thermally sensitive particles that, when seeded into an explosive event, flow with the expanding post-detonation fireball and provide ex-situ measurements of this thermal environment. This current work presents the development and testing of tracking particles that are used in concert with the thermally sensitive particles to encode the initial positions of materials recovered for ex-situ analysis. These tracking sensors consist of fully-crystallized (c) rare-earth-doped yttria particles such as c-Dy:Y2O3, c-Sm:Y2O3, and c-Er,Yb:Y2O3. The temperature sensors consist of mixtures of precursor (p) and fully crystallized materials such as p-Eu:Y2O3/c-Tb:Y2O3 orp-Eu:ZrO2/c-Tb:Y2O3. Three mixtures containing one of the tracking sensors and one of the temperature sensing mixtures are placed at different locations within the chamber. Post-detonation, the tracking particles in the debris are excited by 365 nm light, resulting in different color luminescence, and allowing for potential visual inspection of the particle distribution originating from the different locations. Meanwhile, the temperature is determined from spectral changes of the precursor sensor materials or by comparison of the precursor sensor materials with the Tb:Y2O3 intensity reference. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, HDTRA1-10-1-0005.

A Proposed 2025 Ground Systems, Systems Engineering Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-01

Ten sio ns Egy pt Int ern al Ten sio ns Ira n R eg ion al An ata go nis ms Yem en In sta bil ity Ter ror ist Ch all en ge s Sud an Co nfl ict Ter...brainstorm solutions. Meanwhile, engineers can observe what is working and program managers can assess the true tactical value of technolo- gies ...user needs into materiel solutions (Boehm, 2010). Due to the length of the existing process, decisions made and available technolo- gies that were

Comparing Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) to Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR) Products

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-09-01

specifications and procedures call for the use of Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quadrangles (DOQs) produced by the USGS to be the default base map if...egm96.html (14 September 2000). USGS. “Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles”, http://www-wmc.wr.usgs.gov/doq (7 November 2000). United States Naval...Technologies Inc. Global Terrain Metadata File (DEM) File Creation date: Wednesday, June 02, 1999 Tile Identifier #: GT1N36W075H8V1.bil Project Area

A Study of the Effects of Detergents on Typical Bilge Waters and Correlation of Oil Particle Sizes

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-07-01

Code 15 Supplementary Notet 1 T v/atei6. Abstract il removal systems for treating bilge r are drastically affected by the condi- tion...to develop effi cient oil removal systems for treating discharged bilgewaters. The oil -removi ng efficiency of any oil-water separator is grossly...difficulty i n removal from the bilge water during or prior to discharge. However, all bil~es are usually collection point s for other var ious a ~ 1

BOREAS Level-0 ER-2 Daedalus TMS Imagery Digital Counts in BIL Format

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Newcomer, Jeffrey A.; Dominguez, Roseanne; Hall, Forrest G. (Editor)

2000-01-01

The level-0 Daedalus Thematic Mapper Simulator (TMS) imagery, along with the other remotely sensed images, was collected to provide spatially extensive information about radiant energy over the primary BOReal Ecosystem-Atmosphere Study (BOREAS) study areas. This information includes detailed land cover and biophysical parameter maps such as fraction of Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fPAR) and Leaf Area Index (LAI). Two flights of the Daedalus TMS instrument were made onboard the ER-2 aircraft on 16-Sep-1994 and 17-Sep-1994.

Combining Microfluidics and Microrheology to Determine Rheological Properties of Soft Matter during Repeated Phase Transitions.

PubMed

Wehrman, Matthew D; Milstrey, Melissa J; Lindberg, Seth; Schultz, Kelly M

2018-04-19

The microstructure of soft matter directly impacts macroscopic rheological properties and can be changed by factors including colloidal rearrangement during previous phase changes and applied shear. To determine the extent of these changes, we have developed a microfluidic device that enables repeated phase transitions induced by exchange of the surrounding fluid and microrheological characterization while limiting shear on the sample. This technique is µ 2 rheology, the combination of microfluidics and microrheology. The microfluidic device is a two-layer design with symmetric inlet streams entering a sample chamber that traps the gel sample in place during fluid exchange. Suction can be applied far away from the sample chamber to pull fluids into the sample chamber. Material rheological properties are characterized using multiple particle tracking microrheology (MPT). In MPT, fluorescent probe particles are embedded into the material and the Brownian motion of the probes is recorded using video microscopy. The movement of the particles is tracked and the mean-squared displacement (MSD) is calculated. The MSD is related to macroscopic rheological properties, using the Generalized Stokes-Einstein Relation. The phase of the material is identified by comparison to the critical relaxation exponent, determined using time-cure superposition. Measurements of a fibrous colloidal gel illustrate the utility of the technique. This gel has a delicate structure that can be irreversibly changed when shear is applied. µ 2 rheology data shows that the material repeatedly equilibrates to the same rheological properties after each phase transition, indicating that phase transitions do not play a role in microstructural changes. To determine the role of shear, samples can be sheared prior to injection into our microfluidic device. µ 2 rheology is a widely applicable technique for the characterization of soft matter enabling the determination of rheological properties of delicate microstructures in a single sample during phase transitions in response to repeated changes in the surrounding environmental conditions.

Multi-scale observations of the variability of magmatic CO2 emissions, Mammoth Mountain, CA, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lewicki, J. L.; Hilley, G. E.

2014-09-01

One of the primary indicators of volcanic unrest at Mammoth Mountain is diffuse emission of magmatic CO2, which can effectively track this unrest if its variability in space and time and relationship to near-surface meteorological and hydrologic phenomena versus those occurring at depth beneath the mountain are understood. In June-October 2013, we conducted accumulation chamber soil CO2 flux surveys and made half-hourly CO2 flux measurements with automated eddy covariance and accumulation chamber (auto-chamber) instrumentation at the largest area of diffuse CO2 degassing on Mammoth Mountain (Horseshoe Lake tree kill; HLTK). Estimated CO2 emission rates for HLTK based on 20 June, 30 July, and 24-25 October soil CO2 flux surveys were 165, 172, and 231 t d- 1, respectively. The average (June-October) CO2 emission rate estimated for this area was 123 t d- 1 based on an inversion of 4527 eddy covariance CO2 flux measurements and corresponding modeled source weight functions. Average daily eddy covariance and auto-chamber CO2 fluxes consistently declined over the four-month observation time. Wavelet analysis of auto-chamber CO2 flux and environmental parameter time series was used to evaluate the periodicity of, and local correlation between these variables in time-frequency space. Overall, CO2 emissions at HLTK were highly dynamic, displaying short-term (hourly to weekly) temporal variability related to meteorological and hydrologic changes, as well as long-term (monthly to multi-year) variations related to migration of CO2-rich magmatic fluids beneath the volcano. Accumulation chamber soil CO2 flux surveys were also conducted in the four additional areas of diffuse CO2 degassing on Mammoth Mountain in July-August 2013. Summing CO2 emission rates for all five areas yielded a total for the mountain of 311 t d- 1, which may suggest that emissions returned to 1998-2009 levels, following an increase from 2009 to 2011.

Novel single-cell mega-size chambers for electrochemical etching of panorama position-sensitive polycarbonate ion image detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sohrabi, Mehdi

2017-11-01

A novel development is made here by inventing panorama single-cell mega-size electrochemical etching (MS-ECE) chamber systems for processing panorama position-sensitive mega-size polycarbonate ion image detectors (MS-PCIDs) of potential for many neutron and ion detection applications in particular hydrogen ions or proton tracks and images detected for the first time in polycarbonates in this study. The MS-PCID is simply a large polycarbonate sheet of a desired size. The single-cell MS-ECE invented consists of two large equally sized transparent Plexiglas sheets as chamber walls holding a MS-PCID and the ECE chamber components tightly together. One wall has a large flat stainless steel electrode (dry cell) attached to it which is directly in contact with the MS-PCID and the other wall has a rod electrode with two holes to facilitate feeding and draining out the etching solution from the wet cell. A silicon rubber washer plays the role of the wet cell to hold the etchant and the electrical insulator to isolate the dry cell from the wet cell. A simple 50 Hz-HV home-made generator provides an adequate field strength through the two electrodes across the MS-ECE chamber. Two panorama single-cell MS-ECE chamber systems (circular and rectangular shapes) constructed were efficiently applied to processing the MS-PCIDs for 4π ion emission image detection of different gases in particular hydrogen ions or protons in a 3.5 kJ plasma focus device (PFD as uniquely observed by the unaided eyes). The panorama MS-PCID/MS-ECE image detection systems invented are novel with high potential for many applications in particular as applied to 4π panorama ion emission angular distribution image detection studies in PFD space, some results of which are presented and discussed.

Novel single-cell mega-size chambers for electrochemical etching of panorama position-sensitive polycarbonate ion image detectors.

PubMed

Sohrabi, Mehdi

2017-11-01

A novel development is made here by inventing panorama single-cell mega-size electrochemical etching (MS-ECE) chamber systems for processing panorama position-sensitive mega-size polycarbonate ion image detectors (MS-PCIDs) of potential for many neutron and ion detection applications in particular hydrogen ions or proton tracks and images detected for the first time in polycarbonates in this study. The MS-PCID is simply a large polycarbonate sheet of a desired size. The single-cell MS-ECE invented consists of two large equally sized transparent Plexiglas sheets as chamber walls holding a MS-PCID and the ECE chamber components tightly together. One wall has a large flat stainless steel electrode (dry cell) attached to it which is directly in contact with the MS-PCID and the other wall has a rod electrode with two holes to facilitate feeding and draining out the etching solution from the wet cell. A silicon rubber washer plays the role of the wet cell to hold the etchant and the electrical insulator to isolate the dry cell from the wet cell. A simple 50 Hz-HV home-made generator provides an adequate field strength through the two electrodes across the MS-ECE chamber. Two panorama single-cell MS-ECE chamber systems (circular and rectangular shapes) constructed were efficiently applied to processing the MS-PCIDs for 4π ion emission image detection of different gases in particular hydrogen ions or protons in a 3.5 kJ plasma focus device (PFD as uniquely observed by the unaided eyes). The panorama MS-PCID/MS-ECE image detection systems invented are novel with high potential for many applications in particular as applied to 4π panorama ion emission angular distribution image detection studies in PFD space, some results of which are presented and discussed.

Multi-scale observations of the variability of magmatic CO2 emissions, Mammoth Mountain, CA, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lewicki, Jennifer L.; Hilley, George E.

2014-01-01

One of the primary indicators of volcanic unrest at Mammoth Mountain is diffuse emission of magmatic CO2, which can effectively track this unrest if its variability in space and time and relationship to near-surface meteorological and hydrologic phenomena versus those occurring at depth beneath the mountain are understood. In June–October 2013, we conducted accumulation chamber soil CO2 flux surveys and made half-hourly CO2 flux measurements with automated eddy covariance and accumulation chamber (auto-chamber) instrumentation at the largest area of diffuse CO2 degassing on Mammoth Mountain (Horseshoe Lake tree kill; HLTK). Estimated CO2 emission rates for HLTK based on 20 June, 30 July, and 24–25 October soil CO2 flux surveys were 165, 172, and 231 t d− 1, respectively. The average (June–October) CO2 emission rate estimated for this area was 123 t d− 1 based on an inversion of 4527 eddy covariance CO2 flux measurements and corresponding modeled source weight functions. Average daily eddy covariance and auto-chamber CO2 fluxes consistently declined over the four-month observation time. Wavelet analysis of auto-chamber CO2 flux and environmental parameter time series was used to evaluate the periodicity of, and local correlation between these variables in time–frequency space. Overall, CO2 emissions at HLTK were highly dynamic, displaying short-term (hourly to weekly) temporal variability related to meteorological and hydrologic changes, as well as long-term (monthly to multi-year) variations related to migration of CO2-rich magmatic fluids beneath the volcano. Accumulation chamber soil CO2 flux surveys were also conducted in the four additional areas of diffuse CO2 degassing on Mammoth Mountain in July–August 2013. Summing CO2 emission rates for all five areas yielded a total for the mountain of 311 t d− 1, which may suggest that emissions returned to 1998–2009 levels, following an increase from 2009 to 2011.

Size Distribution and Velocity of Ethanol Drops in a Rocket Combustor Burning Ethanol and Liquid Oxygen

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingebo, Robert D.

1961-01-01

Single jets of ethanol were studied photomicrographically inside a rocket chamber as they broke up into sprays of drops which underwent simultaneous acceleration and vaporization with chemical reaction occurring in the surrounding combustion gas stream. In each rocket test-firing, liquid oxygen was used as the oxidant. Both drop velocity and drop size distribution data were obtained from photomicrographs of the ethanol drops taken with an ultra-high speed tracking camera developed at NASA, Lewis Research Center.

Improved non-invasive method for aerosol particle charge measurement employing in-line digital holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathi, Anjan Kumar

Electrically charged particles are found in a wide range of applications ranging from electrostatic powder coating, mineral processing, and powder handling to rain-producing cloud formation in atmospheric turbulent flows. In turbulent flows, particle dynamics is influenced by the electric force due to particle charge generation. Quantifying particle charges in such systems will help in better predicting and controlling particle clustering, relative motion, collision, and growth. However, there is a lack of noninvasive techniques to measure particle charges. Recently, a non-invasive method for particle charge measurement using in-line Digital Holographic Particle Tracking Velocimetry (DHPTV) technique was developed in our lab, where charged particles to be measured were introduced to a uniform electric field, and their movement towards the oppositely charged electrode was deemed proportional to the amount of charge on the particles (Fan Yang, 2014 [1]). However, inherent speckle noise associated with reconstructed images was not adequately removed and therefore particle tracking data was contaminated. Furthermore, particle charge calculation based on particle deflection velocity neglected the particle drag force and rebound effect of the highly charged particles from the electrodes. We improved upon the existing particle charge measurement method by: 1) hologram post processing, 2) taking drag force into account in charge calculation, 3) considering rebound effect. The improved method was first fine-tuned through a calibration experiment. The complete method was then applied to two different experiments, namely conduction charging and enclosed fan-driven turbulence chamber, to measure particle charges. In all three experiments conducted, the particle charge was found to obey non-central t-location scale family of distribution. It was also noted that the charge distribution was insensitive to the change in voltage applied between the electrodes. The range of voltage applied where reliable particle charges can be measured was also quantified by taking into account the rebound effect of highly charged particles. Finally, in the enclosed chamber experiment, it was found that using carbon conductive coating on the inner walls of the chamber minimized the charge generation inside the chamber when glass bubble particles were used. The value of electric charges obtained in calibration experiment through the improved method was found to have the same order as reported in the existing work (Y.C Ahn et al. 2004 [2]), indicating that the method is indeed effective.

A method for sampling microbial aerosols using high altitude balloons.

PubMed

Bryan, N C; Stewart, M; Granger, D; Guzik, T G; Christner, B C

2014-12-01

Owing to the challenges posed to microbial aerosol sampling at high altitudes, very little is known about the abundance, diversity, and extent of microbial taxa in the Earth-atmosphere system. To directly address this knowledge gap, we designed, constructed, and tested a system that passively samples aerosols during ascent through the atmosphere while tethered to a helium-filled latex sounding balloon. The sampling payload is ~ 2.7 kg and comprised of an electronics box and three sampling chambers (one serving as a procedural control). Each chamber is sealed with retractable doors that can be commanded to open and close at designated altitudes. The payload is deployed together with radio beacons that transmit GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude and altitude) in real time for tracking and recovery. A cut mechanism separates the payload string from the balloon at any desired altitude, returning all equipment safely to the ground on a parachute. When the chambers are opened, aerosol sampling is performed using the Rotorod® collection method (40 rods per chamber), with each rod passing through 0.035 m3 per km of altitude sampled. Based on quality control measurements, the collection of ~ 100 cells rod(-1) provided a 3-sigma confidence level of detection. The payload system described can be mated with any type of balloon platform and provides a tool for characterizing the vertical distribution of microorganisms in the troposphere and stratosphere. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Progress Towards a Thermo-Mechanical Magma Chamber Forward Model for Eruption Cycles, Applied to the Columbia River Flood Basalts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karlstrom, L.; Ozimek, C.

2016-12-01

Magma chamber modeling has advanced to the stage where it is now possible to develop self-consistent, predictive models that consider mechanical, thermal, and compositional magma time evolution through multiple eruptive cycles. We have developed such a thermo-mechanical-chemical model for a laterally extensive sill-like chamber beneath free surface, to understand physical controls on eruptive products through time at long-lived magmatic centers. This model predicts the relative importance of recharge, eruption, assimilation and fractional crystallization (REAFC, Lee et al., 2013) on evolving chemical composition as a function of mechanical magma chamber stability regimes. We solve for the time evolution of chamber pressure, temperature, gas volume fraction, volume, elemental concentration in the melt and crustal temperature field that accounts for moving boundary conditions associated with chamber inflation (and the possibility of coupled chambers at different depths). The density, volume fractions of melt and crystals, crustal assimilation and the changing viscosity and crustal properties of the wall rock are also tracked, along with joint solubility of water and CO2. The eventual goal is to develop an efficient forward model to invert for eruptive records at long-lived eruptive centers, where multiple types of data for eruptions are available. As a first step, we apply this model to a new compilation of eruptive data from the Columbia River Flood Basalts (CRFB), which erupted 210,000 km3 from feeder dikes in Washington, Oregon and Idaho between 16.9-6Ma. Data include volumes, timing and geochemical composition of eruptive units, along with seismic surveys and clinopyroxene geobarometry that constrain depth of storage through time. We are in the process of performing a suite of simulations varying model input parameters such as mantle melt rate, emplacement depth, wall rock compositions and rheology, and volatile content to explain volume, eruption timescales, and chemical trace aspects of CRFB eruptions. We are particularly interested in whether the large volume eruptions of the main phase Grande Ronde basalts were made possible due to the development of shallow crustal storage.

SU-F-P-11: Long Term Dosimetric Stability of 6 TomoTherapy Systems

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

Smilowitz, J; Dunkerley, D; Geurts, M

2016-06-15

Purpose: The dosimetric stability of six TomoTherapy units was analyzed to investigate changes in performance over time and with system upgrades. Methods: Energy and output were tracked using monitor chamber signal, onboard MVCT detector signal and external ion chamber measurements. The systems (and monitoring periods) include 3 Hi-Art (67, 61 and 65 mos.), 2 HDA (29 and 25 mos.) and one research unit (7 mo.). Dose Control Stability system (DCS) was installed on 4 systems. Output stability is reported as deviation from reference monitor chamber signal for all systems, and from an external chamber for 4 systems. Energy stability wasmore » monitored using the relative (center versus off-axis) MVCT detector signal and/or the ratio of chamber measurements at 2 depths. The results from the clinical systems were used to benchmark the stability of the research unit, which has the same linear accelerator but runs at a higher dose rate. Results: The output based on monitor chamber data of all six systems is very stable. Non- DCS had a standard deviation of 1.7% and 1.8%. As expected, DCS systems had improved standard deviation: 0.003–0.05%. The energy was also very stable for all units. The standard deviation in exit detector flatness was 0.02–0.3%. Ion chamber output and 20/10 cm ratios supported these results. The stability for the research system, as monitored with a variety of metrics, is on par with the existing systems. Conclusion: The output and energy of six TomoTherapy units over a total of almost 10 years is quite stable. For each system, the results are consistent between the different measurement tools and techniques, proving not only the dosimetric stability, but that these quality parameters can be confirmed with various metrics. A research unit operating at a higher dose rate performed as well as the clinical treatment units. University of Wisconsin and Accuray Inc. (vendor of TomoTherapy systems) have a research agreement which supplies funds for research to the University. This project was partially supporting with these funds.« less

Particle based plasma simulation for an ion engine discharge chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahalingam, Sudhakar

Design of the next generation of ion engines can benefit from detailed computer simulations of the plasma in the discharge chamber. In this work a complete particle based approach has been taken to model the discharge chamber plasma. This is the first time that simplifying continuum assumptions on the particle motion have not been made in a discharge chamber model. Because of the long mean free paths of the particles in the discharge chamber continuum models are questionable. The PIC-MCC model developed in this work tracks following particles: neutrals, singly charged ions, doubly charged ions, secondary electrons, and primary electrons. The trajectories of these particles are determined using the Newton-Lorentz's equation of motion including the effects of magnetic and electric fields. Particle collisions are determined using an MCC statistical technique. A large number of collision processes and particle wall interactions are included in the model. The magnetic fields produced by the permanent magnets are determined using Maxwell's equations. The electric fields are determined using an approximate input electric field coupled with a dynamic determination of the electric fields caused by the charged particles. In this work inclusion of the dynamic electric field calculation is made possible by using an inflated plasma permittivity value in the Poisson solver. This allows dynamic electric field calculation with minimal computational requirements in terms of both computer memory and run time. In addition, a number of other numerical procedures such as parallel processing have been implemented to shorten the computational time. The primary results are those modeling the discharge chamber of NASA's NSTAR ion engine at its full operating power. Convergence of numerical results such as total number of particles inside the discharge chamber, average energy of the plasma particles, discharge current, beam current and beam efficiency are obtained. Steady state results for the particle number density distributions and particle loss rates to the walls are presented. Comparisons of numerical results with experimental measurements such as currents and the particle number density distributions are made. Results from a parametric study and from an alternative magnetic field design are also given.

Effect of semen preparation on casa motility results in cryopreserved bull spermatozoa.

PubMed

Contri, Alberto; Valorz, Claudio; Faustini, Massimo; Wegher, Laura; Carluccio, Augusto

2010-08-01

Computer-assisted sperm analyzers (CASA) have become the standard tool for evaluating sperm motility and kinetic patterns because they provide objective data for thousands of sperm tracks. However, these devices are not ready-to-use and standardization of analytical practices is a fundamental requirement. In this study, we evaluated the effects of some settings, such as frame rate and frames per field, chamber and time of analysis, and samples preparations, including thawing temperature, sperm sample concentration, and media used for dilution, on the kinetic results of bovine frozen-thawed semen using a CASA. In Experiment 1, the frame rate (30-60 frame/s) significantly affected motility parameters, whereas the number of frames per field (30 or 45) did not seem to affect sperm kinetics. In Experiment 2, the thawing protocol affects sperm motility and kinetic parameters. Sperm sample concentration significantly limited the opportunity to perform the analysis and the kinetic results. A concentration of 100 and 50 x 10(6) sperm/mL limited the device's ability to perform the analysis or gave wrong results, whereas 5, 10, 20, and 30 x 10(6) sperm/mL concentrations allowed the analysis to be performed, but with different results (Experiment 3). The medium used for the dilution of the sample, which is fundamental for a correct sperm head detection, affects sperm motility results (Experiment 4). In this study, Makler and Leja chambers were used to perform the semen analysis with CASA devices. The chamber used significantly affected motility results (Experiment 5). The time between chamber loading and analysis affected sperm velocities, regardless of chamber used. Based on results recorded in this study, we propose that the CASA evaluation of motility of bovine frozen-thawed semen using Hamilton-Thorne IVOS 12.3 should be performed using a frame rate of 60 frame/s and 30 frames per field. Semen should be diluted at least at 20 x 10(6) sperm/mL using PBS. Furthermore, it is necessary to consider the type of chamber used and perform the analysis within 1 or 2 min, regardless of the chamber used. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

EUPHORE: Research facility to study tropospheric transformation processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wirtz, K.

2003-04-01

The EUPHORE simulation chamber consists of two half-spherical Teflon bags, each with a volume of 200 m^3 and a base diameter of 9.2 m. The FEP Teflon has a transmission of about 75% at 280 nm and of more than 80% above 300 nm. Purified and dried ambient air is used to fill the chamber and flush it between experiments. The humidity in the chamber is measured by a dew point hygrometer, and the temperature is monitored by several thermocouples located at different positions inside the chamber. The solar flux is monitored with spectral resolution in the photochemically active spectral region. The simulation chamber is equipped with a number of analytical instruments for the measurement of single VOC components, NO, NO_2, O_3 and other species. In-situ measurements in the ppb range are performed using long-path absorption spectroscopy, in the UV/VIS by DOAS and in the IR by FT-IR. A GC-MS system is used for the sensitive analysis of a variety of reaction products. A newly installed LIF technique allows the in situ measurement of OH and HO_2 radicals during the reaction processes. The technological concept and the organisation structure of the EUPHORE facility will be presented. The integration of quality control measures is an obvious and necessary second step for the successful exploitation of the technically advanced outdoor smog chamber EUPHORE as a research tool. This will underline the leadership of the European scientific community in the important research areas of investigating transformation processes in the troposphere and tracking the influence of human activities on photooxidant formation and its interaction with processes related to global change. In the coming years the main scientific focus will be on testing chemical mechanisms in order to improve the models which describe the atmospheric processes of complex chemical systems. The collaborative work at the EUPHORE outdoor simulation chamber will provide all the users of the installation with a basic platform to exchange analytical technology, sampling procedures, methods of data treatment, and know-how that can also be applied in field campaigns.

Data Analysis And Polarization Measurements With GEMS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stohmayer, Tod

2011-01-01

The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism SMEX (GEMS) mission was selected by NASA for flight in 2014. GEMS will make the first sensitive survey of X-ray polarization across a wide range of source classes including black hole and neutron star binaries, AGN of different types, rotation and accretion-powered pulsars, magnetars, shell supernova remnants and pulsar wind nebulae. GEMS employs grazing-incidence foil mirrors and novel time-projection chamber (TPC) polarimeters leveraging the photoelectric effect. The GEMS detectors image the charge tracks of photoelectrons produced by 2 - 10 keV X-rays. The initial direction of the photoelectron is determined by the linear polarization of the photon. We present an overview of the data analysis challenges and methods for GEMS, including procedures for producing optimally filtered images of the charge tracks and estimating their initial directions. We illustrate our methods using laboratory measurements of polarized and unpolarized X-rays with flight-like detectors as well as from simulated tracks. We also present detailed simulations exploring the statistics of polarization measurements appropriate for GEMS, and make comparisons with previous work.

Influence of laser power on the penetration depth and geometry of scanning tracks in selective laser melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stopyra, Wojciech; Kurzac, Jarosław; Gruber, Konrad; Kurzynowski, Tomasz; Chlebus, Edward

2016-12-01

SLM technology allows production of a fully functional objects from metal and ceramic powders, with true density of more than 99,9%. The quality of manufactured items in SLM method affects more than 100 parameters, which can be divided into fixed and variable. Fixed parameters are those whose value before the process should be defined and maintained in an appropriate range during the process, e.g. chemical composition and morphology of the powder, oxygen level in working chamber, heating temperature of the substrate plate. In SLM technology, five parameters are variables that optimal set allows to produce parts without defects (pores, cracks) and with an acceptable speed. These parameters are: laser power, distance between points, time of exposure, distance between lines and layer thickness. To develop optimal parameters thin walls or single track experiments are performed, to select the best sets narrowed to three parameters: laser power, exposure time and distance between points. In this paper, the effect of laser power on the penetration depth and geometry of scanned single track was shown. In this experiment, titanium (grade 2) substrate plate was used and scanned by fibre laser of 1064 nm wavelength. For each track width, height and penetration depth of laser beam was measured.

GEMS X-ray Polarimeter Performance Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baumgartner, Wayne H.; Strohmayer, Tod; Kallman, Tim; Black, J. Kevin; Hill, Joanne; Swank, Jean

2012-01-01

The Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small explorer (GEMS) is an X-ray polarization telescope selected as a NASA small explorer satellite mission. The X-ray Polarimeter on GEMS uses a Time Projection Chamber gas proportional counter to measure the polarization of astrophysical X-rays in the 2-10 keV band by sensing the direction of the track of the primary photoelectron excited by the incident X-ray. We have simulated the expected sensitivity of the polarimeter to polarized X-rays. We use the simulation package Penelope to model the physics of the interaction of the initial photoelectron with the detector gas and to determine the distribution of charge deposited in the detector volume. We then model the charge diffusion in the detector,and produce simulated track images. Within the track reconstruction algorithm we apply cuts on the track shape and focus on the initial photoelectron direction in order to maximize the overall sensitivity of the instrument, using this technique we have predicted instrument modulation factors nu(sub 100) for 100% polarized X-rays ranging from 10% to over 60% across the 2-10 keV X-ray band. We also discuss the simulation program used to develop and model some of the algorithms used for triggering, and energy measurement of events in the polarimeter.

Statistical analysis of lightning electric field measured under Malaysian condition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salimi, Behnam; Mehranzamir, Kamyar; Abdul-Malek, Zulkurnain

2014-02-01

Lightning is an electrical discharge during thunderstorms that can be either within clouds (Inter-Cloud), or between clouds and ground (Cloud-Ground). The Lightning characteristics and their statistical information are the foundation for the design of lightning protection system as well as for the calculation of lightning radiated fields. Nowadays, there are various techniques to detect lightning signals and to determine various parameters produced by a lightning flash. Each technique provides its own claimed performances. In this paper, the characteristics of captured broadband electric fields generated by cloud-to-ground lightning discharges in South of Malaysia are analyzed. A total of 130 cloud-to-ground lightning flashes from 3 separate thunderstorm events (each event lasts for about 4-5 hours) were examined. Statistical analyses of the following signal parameters were presented: preliminary breakdown pulse train time duration, time interval between preliminary breakdowns and return stroke, multiplicity of stroke, and percentages of single stroke only. The BIL model is also introduced to characterize the lightning signature patterns. Observations on the statistical analyses show that about 79% of lightning signals fit well with the BIL model. The maximum and minimum of preliminary breakdown time duration of the observed lightning signals are 84 ms and 560 us, respectively. The findings of the statistical results show that 7.6% of the flashes were single stroke flashes, and the maximum number of strokes recorded was 14 multiple strokes per flash. A preliminary breakdown signature in more than 95% of the flashes can be identified.

Assessment of the Simulated Molecular Composition with the GECKO-A Modeling Tool Using Chamber Observations for α-Pinene.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aumont, B.; Camredon, M.; Isaacman-VanWertz, G. A.; Karam, C.; Valorso, R.; Madronich, S.; Kroll, J. H.

2016-12-01

Gas phase oxidation of VOC is a gradual process leading to the formation of multifunctional organic compounds, i.e., typically species with higher oxidation state, high water solubility and low volatility. These species contribute to the formation of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) viamultiphase processes involving a myriad of organic species that evolve through thousands of reactions and gas/particle mass exchanges. Explicit chemical mechanisms reflect the understanding of these multigenerational oxidation steps. These mechanisms rely directly on elementary reactions to describe the chemical evolution and track the identity of organic carbon through various phases down to ultimate oxidation products. The development, assessment and improvement of such explicit schemes is a key issue, as major uncertainties remain on the chemical pathways involved during atmospheric oxidation of organic matter. An array of mass spectrometric techniques (CIMS, PTRMS, AMS) was recently used to track the composition of organic species during α-pinene oxidation in the MIT environmental chamber, providing an experimental database to evaluate and improve explicit mechanisms. In this study, the GECKO-A tool (Generator for Explicit Chemistry and Kinetics of Organics in the Atmosphere) is used to generate fully explicit oxidation schemes for α-pinene multiphase oxidation simulating the MIT experiment. The ability of the GECKO-A chemical scheme to explain the organic molecular composition in the gas and the condensed phases is explored. First results of this model/observation comparison at the molecular level will be presented.

Asymmetric Fuzzy Control of a Positive and Negative Pneumatic Pressure Servo System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Gang; Du, Jing-Min; Fu, Xiao-Yun; Li, Bao-Ren

2017-11-01

The pneumatic pressure control systems have been used in some fields. However, the researches on pneumatic pressure control mainly focus on constant pressure regulation. Poor dynamic characteristics and strong nonlinearity of such systems limit its application in the field of pressure tracking control. In order to meet the demand of generating dynamic pressure signal in the application of the hardware-in-the-loop simulation of aerospace engineering, a positive and negative pneumatic pressure servo system is provided to implement dynamic adjustment of sealed chamber pressure. A mathematical model is established with simulation and experiment being implemented afterwards to discuss the characteristics of the system, which shows serious asymmetry in the process of charging and discharging. Based on the analysis of the system dynamics, a fuzzy proportional integral derivative (PID) controller with asymmetric fuzzy compensator is proposed. Different from conventional adjusting mechanisms employing the error and change in error of the controlled variable as input parameters, the current chamber pressure and charging or discharging state are chosen as inputs of the compensator, which improves adaptability. To verify the effectiveness and performance of the proposed controller, the comparison experiments tracking sinusoidal and square wave commands are conducted. Experimental results show that the proposed controller can obtain better dynamic performance and relatively consistent control performance across the scope of work (2-140 kPa). The research proposes a fuzzy control method to overcome asymmetry and enhance adaptability for the positive and negative pneumatic pressure servo system.

Construction and Design of a full size sTGC prototype for the ATLAS New Small Wheel upgrade

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

NONE

For the forthcoming Phase-I upgrade to the LHC (2018/19), the first station of the ATLAS muon end-cap system, Small Wheel, will need to be replaced. The New Small Wheel (NSW) will have to operate in a high background radiation region while reconstructing muon tracks with high precision as well as furnishing information for the Level-1 trigger. In particular, the precision reconstruction of tracks requires a spatial resolution of about 100 μm, and the Level-1 trigger track segments have to be reconstructed with an angular resolution of approximately 1 mrad. The NSW will have two chamber technologies, one primarily devoted tomore » the Level-1 trigger function the small-strip Thin Gap Chambers (sTGC) and one dedicated to precision tracking, Micromegas detectors, (MM). The single sTGC planes of a quadruplet consists of an anode layer of 50 μm gold plated tungsten wire sandwiched between two resistive cathode layers. Behind one of the resistive cathode layers, a PCB with precise machined strips (thus the name sTGC's) spaced every 3.2 mm allows to achieve the position resolution that ranges from 70 to 150 μm, depending on the incident particle angle. Behind the second cathode, a PCB that contains an arrangement of pads, allows for a fast coincidence between successive sTGC layers to tag the passage of a track and reads only the corresponding strips for triggering. To be able to profit from the high accuracy of each of the sTGC planes for trigger purposes, their relative geometrical position between planes has to be controlled to within a precision of about 40 μm in their parallelism, as well (due to the various incident angles), to within a precision of 80 μm in the relative distance between the planes to achieve the overall angular resolution of 1 mrad. The needed accuracy in the position and parallelism of the strips is achieved by machining brass inserts together when machining the strip patterns into the cathode boards in a single step. The inserts can then be used as external references on a granite table. Precision methods are used to maintain high accuracy when combining four single detector gaps first into two doublets and then into a quadruplet. We will present results on the ongoing construction of full size (∼1 x 1 m) sTGC quadruplet prototypes before full construction starts in 2015. (authors)« less

Gold nanoparticles: novel catalyst for the preparation of direct methanol fuel cell.

PubMed

Kuralkar, Mayuri; Ingle, Avinash; Gaikwad, Swapnil; Gade, Aniket; Rai, Mahendra

2015-04-01

The authors report the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) using plant pathogenic Phoma glomerata (MTCC 2210). The synthesis of nanoparticles was characterised by visual observation followed UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Later, direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was constructed using two chambers (anodic chamber and cathodic chamber). These Au-NPs as catalysts have various advantages over the other catalysts that are used in the DMFC. Most importantly, it is cheaper as compared with other catalysts like platinum, and showed higher catalytic activity because of its effective surface structure. Being nano in size, it provides more surface area for the attachment of reactant molecules (methanol molecules). The DMFC catalysed by Au-NPs are found to be suitable to replace lithium ion battery technology in consumer electronics like cell phones, laptops and so on due to the fact that they can produce a high amount of energy in a small space. As long as fuel and air are supplied to the DMFC, it will continue to produce power, so it does not need to be recharged. The use of Au-NPs as catalyst in DMFC has not been reported in the past; it is reported here the first time.

TPC status for MPD experiment of NICA project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Averyanov, A.; Bazhazhin, A.; Chepurnov, V. F.; Chepurnov, V. V.; Cheremukhina, G.; Chernenko, S.; Fateev, O.; Kiriushin, Yu.; Kolesnikov, A.; Korotkova, A.; Levchanovsky, F.; Lukstins, J.; Movchan, S.; Pilyar, A.; Razin, S.; Ribakov, A.; Samsonov, V.; Vereschagin, S.; Zanevsky, Yu.; Zaporozhets, S.; Zruev, V.

2017-06-01

In a frame of the JINR scientific program on study of hot and dense baryonic matter a new accelerator complex Ion Collider fAcility (NICA) based on the Nuclotron-M is under realization. It will operate at luminosity up to 1027 cm-2s-1 for Au79+ ions. Two interaction points are foreseen at NICA for two detectors which will operate simultaneously. One of these detectors, the Multi-Purpose Detector (MPD), is optimized for investigations of heavy-ion collisions. The Time-Projection Chamber (TPC) is the main tracking detector of the MPD central barrel. It is a well-known detector for 3-dimensional tracking and particle identification for high multiplicity events. The conceptual layout of MPD and detailed description of the design and main working parameters of TPC, the readout system based on MWPC and readout electronics as well as the TPC subsystems and tooling for assembling and integration TPC into MPD are presented.

Nonlinear Modeling and Control of a Propellant Mixer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barbieri, Enrique; Richter, Hanz; Figueroa, Fernando

2003-01-01

A mixing chamber used in rocket engine combustion testing at NASA Stennis Space Center is modeled by a second order nonlinear MIMO system. The mixer is used to condition the thermodynamic properties of cryogenic liquid propellant by controlled injection of the same substance in the gaseous phase. The three inputs of the mixer are the positions of the valves regulating the liquid and gas flows at the inlets, and the position of the exit valve regulating the flow of conditioned propellant. The outputs to be tracked and/or regulated are mixer internal pressure, exit mass flow, and exit temperature. The outputs must conform to test specifications dictated by the type of rocket engine or component being tested downstream of the mixer. Feedback linearization is used to achieve tracking and regulation of the outputs. It is shown that the system is minimum-phase provided certain conditions on the parameters are satisfied. The conditions are shown to have physical interpretation.

Commissioning of the ATLAS Muon Spectrometer with cosmic rays

DOE PAGES

Aad, G; Abbott, B; Abdallah, J; ...

2010-12-01

The ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider has collected several hundred million cosmic ray events during 2008 and 2009. These data were used to commission the Muon Spectrometer and to study the performance of the trigger and tracking chambers, their alignment, the detector control system, the data acquisition and the analysis programs. We present the performance in the relevant parameters that determine the quality of the muon measurement. We discuss the single element efficiency, resolution and noise rates, the calibration method of the detector response and of the alignment system, the track reconstruction efficiency and the momentum measurement. Themore » results show that the detector is close to the design performance and that the Muon Spectrometer is ready to detect muons produced in high energy proton-proton collisions. © 2010 CERN for the benefit of the ATLAS collaboration.« less

The First National Student Conference: NASA University Research Centers at Minority Institutions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daso, Endwell O. (Editor); Mebane, Stacie (Editor)

1997-01-01

The conference includes contributions from 13 minority universities with NASA University Research Centers. Topics discussed include: leadership, survival strategies, life support systems, food systems, simulated hypergravity, chromium diffusion doping, radiation effects on dc-dc converters, metal oxide glasses, crystal growth of Bil3, science and communication on wheels, semiconductor thin films, numerical solution of random algebraic equations, fuzzy logic control, spatial resolution of satellite images, programming language development, nitric oxide in the thermosphere and mesosphere, high performance polyimides, crossover control in genetic algorithms, hyperthermal ion scattering, etc.

On five species of the tribes Abacetini and Pterostichini (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

PubMed Central

Guéorguiev, Borislav V.

2013-01-01

Abstract Metabacetus willi sp. n. (type locality: Indonesia, Central Java Province, Purworejo Regency, Kaligesing District, cave Seplawan near Donorejo) and Rhytiferonia beroni sp. n. (type locality: Papua New Guinea, West Sepik Province, Bonforok bil, Tifalmin, 1600 m) are described. Two new combinations: Poecilus (Ancholeus) campania (Andrewes, 1937), comb. n. of Feronia campania Andrewes, 1937, Aristochroa poecilma (Andrewes, 1937), comb. n. of Feronia poecilma Andrewes, 1937, and a new synonymy: Pterostichus (Oreophilus) podgoricensis B. Guéorguiev, 2013, syn. n. of Pterostichus (Oreophilus) flavofemoratus pinguis (Dejean, 1828), are proposed, too. PMID:24294091

Molecular Mechanisms of Microbially Facilitated Corrosion

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-10-23

fatty acids were recovered by acidification of the sediment residue in 50 ml of IN IICI. After being T I~~|~7 refluxed at 100*C for 3 h and cooled...sedli- Laure an reoic wle ments. Rlecent studies jtidiCate thait the planktonic bacterial ill Lt(!te rba fe ocean may also represent ii iiiiijor...11 Il 1 i13cides ill oil anld g gas well dilling mluds Ismith etl. 1I982 1 1. These ml.Iii(s can lie sand taifiyiecl ith an inials. Thew reef -bil i

Proceedings of Damping Volume 2 of 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

engineering, marine engineering, auto-industry, sporting goods, proved that the realms of application will definitely be expanding. The paper surveyed by...G13 = G13 + i Tic G13 (43a) D11 = D + i ibD (43b) (AI-All)* =(All-All) + i ql(AI1-AIl) (43c) B11 ’= Bjj + i 1d BIL (43d) (All+A11) =(Aj1 +Ajj) + i l.(A...F.: Tail Buffet Characteristics and Longitudinal Oscillation of Combat Airplanes. NAVY x Bureau of Aeronautics, Structures Project Report No. 27, Feb

Coastal Inlets Research Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

structures, adjacent beaches dredging and placement within, regional systems .  Transfer technology and products  Guidance documents, Workshops...Mitch Brown Coastal  Modeling  Waves at  Navigation System   (CMS) Alex Sanchez   Structures Lihwa Lin Z ki D i bil kCIRPHonghai Li e   em r e C l...MD Inlet Modeling System technology transfer workshop 13 Years of Annu l Wo kshops 40 Cumulativ Workshops  ,            #7 – FSBPA, Jan/Feb 2006

STAR results on central exclusive production in proton-proton collisions

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

Przybycien, Mariusz

2015-04-10

We present a preliminary measurement of the Central Exclusive Production of the two oppositely charged pions produced in the process pp → ppπ{sup +} π{sup −}, obtained with the STAR detector at RHIC at √(s)=200 GeV. Silicon strip detectors placed in Roman Pots were used for tagging forward protons while pion pair tracks were reconstructed in the STAR Time Projection Chamber. Predictions of models based on Regge phenomenology are compared to the spectra of the kinematical variables corrected for detector acceptance and efficiency.

Decoherence and Determinism in a One-Dimensional Cloud-Chamber Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sparenberg, Jean-Marc; Gaspard, David

2018-03-01

The hypothesis (Sparenberg et al. in EPJ Web Conf 58:01016, [1]. https://doi.org/10.1051/epjconf/20135801016) that the particular linear tracks appearing in the measurement of a spherically-emitting radioactive source in a cloud chamber are determined by the (random) positions of atoms or molecules inside the chamber is further explored in the framework of a recently established one-dimensional model (Carlone et al. Comm Comput Phys 18:247, [2]. https://doi.org/10.4208/cicp.270814.311214a). In this model, meshes of localized spins 1/2 play the role of the cloud-chamber atoms and the spherical wave is replaced by a linear superposition of two wave packets moving from the origin to the left and to the right, evolving deterministically according to the Schrödinger equation. We first revisit these results using a time-dependent approach, where the wave packets impinge on a symmetric two-sided detector. We discuss the evolution of the wave function in the configuration space and stress the interest of a non-symmetric detector in a quantum-measurement perspective. Next we use a time-independent approach to study the scattering of a plane wave on a single-sided detector. Preliminary results are obtained, analytically for the single-spin case and numerically for up to 8 spins. They show that the spin-excitation probabilities are sometimes very sensitive to the parameters of the model, which corroborates the idea that the measurement result could be determined by the atom positions. The possible origin of decoherence and entropy increase in future models is finally discussed.

A new type of recording chamber with an easy-to-exchange microdrive array for chronic recordings in macaque monkeys.

PubMed

Galashan, F Orlando; Rempel, Hanna C; Meyer, Anneke; Gruber-Dujardin, Eva; Kreiter, Andreas K; Wegener, Detlef

2011-06-01

In monkeys, long-term recordings with chronically implanted microelectrodes frequently suffer from a continuously decreasing probability to record single units or even small multiunit clusters. This problem is associated with two technical limitations of the available devices: first, restrictions for electrode movement, and second, absent possibility to exchange electrodes easily on a regular basis. Permitting to adjust the recording site and to use new recording tracks with proper electrodes may avoid these problems and make chronic more similar to acute recordings. Here, we describe a novel type of implant tackling this issue. It consists of a new type of recording chamber combined with an exchangeable multielectrode array that precisely fits into it. The multielectrode array is reversibly fixed to the chamber, and within a minute it can be exchanged against another array equipped with new electrodes at the awake animal. The array allows for bidirectional movement of six electrodes for a distance of up to 12 mm. The recording chamber enables hermetical isolation of the intracranial space, resulting in long-lasting aseptic conditions and reducing dural thickening to a minimum, as confirmed by microbiological and histopathological analysis. The device has a simple design and is both easy to produce and low in cost. Functionality has been tested in primary and secondary visual cortex of three macaque monkeys over a period of up to 15 mo. The results show that even after more than a year, single and multiunit responses can be obtained with high incidence.

Ants regulate colony spatial organization using multiple chemical road-signs

PubMed Central

Heyman, Yael; Shental, Noam; Brandis, Alexander; Hefetz, Abraham; Feinerman, Ofer

2017-01-01

Communication provides the basis for social life. In ant colonies, the prevalence of local, often chemically mediated, interactions introduces strong links between communication networks and the spatial distribution of ants. It is, however, unknown how ants identify and maintain nest chambers with distinct functions. Here, we combine individual tracking, chemical analysis and machine learning to decipher the chemical signatures present on multiple nest surfaces. We present evidence for several distinct chemical ‘road-signs' that guide the ants' movements within the dark nest. These chemical signatures can be used to classify nest chambers with different functional roles. Using behavioural manipulations, we demonstrate that at least three of these chemical signatures are functionally meaningful and allow ants from different task groups to identify their specific nest destinations, thus facilitating colony coordination and stabilization. The use of multiple chemicals that assist spatiotemporal guidance, segregation and pattern formation is abundant in multi-cellular organisms. Here, we provide a rare example for the use of these principles in the ant colony. PMID:28569746

Quality control for the first large areas of triple-GEM chambers for the CMS endcaps

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbaneo, D.; Abbas, M.; Abbrescia, M.; Abi Akl, M.; Aboamer, O.; Acosta, D.; Ahmad, A.; Ahmed, W.; Aleksandrov, A.; Altieri, P.; Asawatangtrakuldee, C.; Aspell, P.; Assran, Y.; Awan, I.; Bally, S.; Ban, Y.; Banerjee, S.; Barashko, V.; Barria, P.; Bencze, G.; Beni, N.; Benussi, L.; Bhopatkar, V.; Bianco, S.; Bos, J.; Bouhali, O.; Braghieri, A.; Braibant, S.; Buontempo, S.; Calabria, C.; Caponero, M.; Caputo, C.; Cassese, F.; Castaneda, A.; Cauwenbergh, S.; Cavallo, F. R.; Celik, A.; Choi, M.; Choi, S.; Christiansen, J.; Cimmino, A.; Colafranceschi, S.; Colaleo, A.; Conde Garcia, A.; Czellar, S.; Dabrowski, M. M.; De Lentdecker, G.; De Oliveira, R.; de Robertis, G.; Dildick, S.; Dorney, B.; Endroczi, G.; Errico, F.; Fenyvesi, A.; Ferry, S.; Furic, I.; Giacomelli, P.; Gilmore, J.; Golovtsov, V.; Guiducci, L.; Guilloux, F.; Gutierrez, A.; Hadjiiska, R. M.; Hauser, J.; Hoepfner, K.; Hohlmann, M.; Hoorani, H.; Iaydjiev, P.; Jeng, Y. G.; Kamon, T.; Karchin, P.; Korytov, A.; Krutelyov, S.; Kumar, A.; Kim, H.; Lee, J.; Lenzi, T.; Litov, L.; Loddo, F.; Madorsky, A.; Maerschalk, T.; Maggi, M.; Magnani, A.; Mal, P. K.; Mandal, K.; Marchioro, A.; Marinov, A.; Majumdar, N.; Merlin, J. A.; Mitselmakher, G.; Mohanty, A. K.; Mohapatra, A.; Molnar, J.; Muhammad, S.; Mukhopadhyay, S.; Naimuddin, M.; Nuzzo, S.; Oliveri, E.; Pant, L. M.; Paolucci, P.; Park, I.; Passeggio, G.; Pavlov, B.; Philipps, B.; Piccolo, D.; Postema, H.; Puig Baranac, A.; Radi, A.; Radogna, R.; Raffone, G.; Ranieri, A.; Rashevski, G.; Riccardi, C.; Rodozov, M.; Rodrigues, A.; Ropelewski, L.; RoyChowdhury, S.; Ryu, G.; Ryu, M. S.; Safonov, A.; Salva, S.; Saviano, G.; Sharma, A.; Sharma, A.; Sharma, R.; Shah, A. H.; Shopova, M.; Sturdy, J.; Sultanov, G.; Swain, S. K.; Szillasi, Z.; Talvitie, J.; Tatarinov, A.; Tuuva, T.; Tytgat, M.; Vai, I.; Van Stenis, M.; Venditti, R.; Verhagen, E.; Verwilligen, P.; Vitulo, P.; Volkov, S.; Vorobyev, A.; Wang, D.; Wang, M.; Yang, U.; Yang, Y.; Yonamine, R.; Zaganidis, N.; Zenoni, F.; Zhang, A.

2018-02-01

The CMS Collaboration plans to equip the very forward muon system with triple-GEM detectors that can withstand the environment of the High-Luminosity LHC. This project is at the final stages of R&D and moving to production. An unprecedented large area of several 100 m2 are to be instrumented with GEM detectors which will be produced in six different sites around the world. A common construction and quality control procedure is required to ensure the performance of each detector. The quality control steps will include optical inspection, cleaning and baking of all materials and parts used to build the detector, leakage current tests of the GEM foils, high voltage tests, gas leak tests of the chambers and monitoring pressure drop vs. time, gain calibration to know the optimal operation region of the detector, gain uniformity tests, and studying the efficiency, noise and tracking performance of the detectors in a cosmic stand using scintillators.

Ants regulate colony spatial organization using multiple chemical road-signs.

PubMed

Heyman, Yael; Shental, Noam; Brandis, Alexander; Hefetz, Abraham; Feinerman, Ofer

2017-06-01

Communication provides the basis for social life. In ant colonies, the prevalence of local, often chemically mediated, interactions introduces strong links between communication networks and the spatial distribution of ants. It is, however, unknown how ants identify and maintain nest chambers with distinct functions. Here, we combine individual tracking, chemical analysis and machine learning to decipher the chemical signatures present on multiple nest surfaces. We present evidence for several distinct chemical 'road-signs' that guide the ants' movements within the dark nest. These chemical signatures can be used to classify nest chambers with different functional roles. Using behavioural manipulations, we demonstrate that at least three of these chemical signatures are functionally meaningful and allow ants from different task groups to identify their specific nest destinations, thus facilitating colony coordination and stabilization. The use of multiple chemicals that assist spatiotemporal guidance, segregation and pattern formation is abundant in multi-cellular organisms. Here, we provide a rare example for the use of these principles in the ant colony.

Radon exhalation rates from building materials using electret ion chamber radon monitors in accumulators.

PubMed

Kotrappa, Payasada; Stieff, Frederick

2009-08-01

An electret ion chamber (EIC) radon monitor in a sealed accumulator measures the integrated average radon concentration at the end of the accumulation duration. Theoretical equations have been derived to relate such radon concentrations (Bq m(-3) ) to the radon emanation rate (Bq d(-1)) from building materials enclosed in the accumulator. As an illustration, a 4-L sealable glass jar has been used as an accumulator to calculate the radon emanation rate from different granite samples. The radon emanation rate was converted into radon flux (Bq mm(-2) d(-1)) by dividing the emanation rate by surface area of the sample. Fluxes measured on typical, commercially available granites ranged from 20-30 Bq m(-2) d(-1). These results are similar to the results reported in the literature. The lower limit of detection for a 2-d measurement works out to be 7 Bq m(-2) d(-1). Equations derived can also be used for other sealable accumulators and other integrating detectors, such as alpha track detectors.

A cylindrical tripleGEM detector for the BESIII experiment: Measurement of the performance in a magnetic field and project status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farinelli, R.; BESIII CGEM Group

2017-01-01

A new cylindrical GEM detector is under development to upgrade the tracking system of the BESIII experiment at the IHEP in Beijing. The new detector will replace the current inner drift chamber of the experiment in order to increase significantly the spatial resolution along the beam direction (σ_z ˜ 300 μ m) and to grant the performance of momentum resolution (σ_{p_t}/p_t ˜ 0.5% at 1GeV) and spatial resolution (σ_{xy} ˜ 130 μ m). A cylindrical prototype with the final detector dimensions has been built and the assembly procedure has been successfully validated. Moreover the performance of a 10 × 10 cm ^2 planar GEM has been studied inside a magnetic field by means of a beam test at CERN. The data have been analyzed using two different readout mode: the charge centroid (CC) and the micro time projection chamber ( μ TPC) method.

Wall-motion tracking in fetal echocardiography-Influence of frame rate on longitudinal strain analysis assessed by two-dimensional speckle tracking.

PubMed

Enzensberger, Christian; Achterberg, Friederike; Graupner, Oliver; Wolter, Aline; Herrmann, Johannes; Axt-Fliedner, Roland

2017-06-01

Frame rates (FR) used for strain analysis assessed by speckle tracking in fetal echocardiography show a considerable variation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the FR on strain analysis in 2D speckle tracking. Fetal echocardiography was performed prospectively on a Toshiba Aplio 500 system and a Toshiba Artida system, respectively. Based on an apical or basal four-chamber view of the fetal heart, cine loops were stored with a FR of 30 fps (Aplio 500) and 60 fps (Artida/Aplio 500). For both groups (30fps and 60fps), global and segmental longitudinal peak systolic strain (LPSS) values of both, left (LV) and right ventricle (RV), were assessed by 2D wall-motion tracking. A total of 101 fetuses, distributed to three study groups, were included. The mean gestational age was 25.2±5.0 weeks. Mean global LPSS values for RV in the 30 fps group and in the 60 fps group were -16.07% and -16.47%, respectively. Mean global LPSS values for LV in the 30 fps group and in the 60 fps group were -17.54% and -17.06%, respectively. Comparing global and segmental LPSS values of both, the RV and LV, did not show any statistically significant differences within the two groups. Performance of myocardial 2D strain analysis by wall-motion tracking was feasible with 30 and 60 fps. Obtained global and segmental LPSS values of both ventricles were relatively independent from acquisition rate. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A z-Vertex Trigger for Belle II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skambraks, S.; Abudinén, F.; Chen, Y.; Feindt, M.; Frühwirth, R.; Heck, M.; Kiesling, C.; Knoll, A.; Neuhaus, S.; Paul, S.; Schieck, J.

2015-08-01

The Belle II experiment will go into operation at the upgraded SuperKEKB collider in 2016. SuperKEKB is designed to deliver an instantaneous luminosity L = 8 ×1035 cm - 2 s - 1. The experiment will therefore have to cope with a much larger machine background than its predecessor Belle, in particular from events outside of the interaction region. We present the concept of a track trigger, based on a neural network approach, that is able to suppress a large fraction of this background by reconstructing the z (longitudinal) position of the event vertex within the latency of the first level trigger. The trigger uses the hit information from the Central Drift Chamber (CDC) of Belle II within narrow cones in polar and azimuthal angle as well as in transverse momentum (“sectors”), and estimates the z-vertex without explicit track reconstruction. The preprocessing for the track trigger is based on the track information provided by the standard CDC trigger. It takes input from the 2D track finder, adds information from the stereo wires of the CDC, and finds the appropriate sectors in the CDC for each track. Within the sector, the z-vertex is estimated by a specialized neural network, with the drift times from the CDC as input and a continuous output corresponding to the scaled z-vertex. The neural algorithm will be implemented in programmable hardware. To this end a Virtex 7 FPGA board will be used, which provides at present the most promising solution for a fully parallelized implementation of neural networks or alternative multivariate methods. A high speed interface for external memory will be integrated into the platform, to be able to store the O(109) parameters required. The contribution presents the results of our feasibility studies and discusses the details of the envisaged hardware solution.

Single ion hit detection set-up for the Zagreb ion microprobe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, R. W.; Karlušić, M.; Jakšić, M.

2012-04-01

Irradiation of materials by heavy ions accelerated in MV tandem accelerators may lead to the production of latent ion tracks in many insulators and semiconductors. If irradiation is performed in a high resolution microprobe facility, ion tracks can be ordered by submicrometer positioning precision. However, full control of the ion track positioning can only be achieved by a reliable ion hit detection system that should provide a trigger signal irrespectively of the type and thickness of the material being irradiated. The most useful process that can be utilised for this purpose is emission of secondary electrons from the sample surface that follows the ion impact. The status report of the set-up presented here is based on the use of a channel electron multiplier (CEM) detector mounted on an interchangable sample holder that is inserted into the chamber in a close geometry along with the sample to be irradiated. The set-up has been tested at the Zagreb ion microprobe for different ions and energies, as well as different geometrical arrangements. For energies of heavy ions below 1 MeV/amu, results show that efficient (100%) control of ion impact can be achieved only for ions heavier than silicon. The successful use of the set-up is demonstrated by production of ordered single ion tracks in a polycarbonate film and by monitoring fluence during ion microbeam patterning of Foturan glass.

Major histocompatibility complex class I expression impacts on patient survival and type and density of immune cells in biliary tract cancer

PubMed Central

Goeppert, Benjamin; Frauenschuh, Lena; Zucknick, Manuela; Roessler, Stephanie; Mehrabi, Arianeb; Hafezi, Mohammadreza; Stenzinger, Albrecht; Warth, Arne; Pathil, Anita; Renner, Marcus; Schirmacher, Peter; Weichert, Wilko

2015-01-01

Background: Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are rare malignant tumours with a poor prognosis. Previously, we have presented a detailed characterisation of the inflammatory infiltrate in BTC. Here, we analysed the impact of the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) on patient survival and the quantity, as well as the quality of tumour-infiltrating immune cell types in BTC. Methods: MHC I expression was assessed semi-quantitatively in 334 BTC, including extrahepatic (n=129) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (n=146), as well as adenocarcinomas of the gallbladder (n=59). In addition, 71 high-grade biliary intraepithelial lesions (BilIN 3) were included. Results were correlated with data on antitumour inflammation and investigated with respect to their association with clinicopathological variables and patient survival. Results: BTC showed a wide spectrum of different MHC I expression patterns ranging from complete negativity in some tumours to strong homogenous expression in others. In BilIN 3, significantly higher MHC I expression levels were seen compared to invasive tumours (P=0.004). Patients with strong tumoural MHC I expression had a significantly higher overall survival probability (median survival benefit: 8 months; P=0.006). MHC I expression strongly correlated with the number of tumour-infiltrating T-lymphocytes (CD4+ and CD8+) and macrophages. Conclusions: Differences of MHC I expression predict patient outcome and show correlations with specific components of the inflammatory infiltrate in BTC. These findings contribute to a better understanding of immune response and immune escape phenomena in cholangiocarcinogenesis. PMID:26461054

Comparison of the effect of dietary copper nanoparticles and one copper (II) salt on the metabolic and immune status in a rat model.

PubMed

Cholewińska, Ewelina; Juśkiewicz, Jerzy; Ognik, Katarzyna

2018-07-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing different levels of Cu in two different chemical forms (carbonate and nanoparticles) on metabolic, immune and antioxidant status in a rat model. Five experimental treatments (8 rats in each) were used to test different dosages of Cu added to the diet (standard -6.5 mg/kg, half the standard dosage -3.25 mg/kg, and no added Cu as a negative control) and two sources of added copper (standard -CuCO 3 and copper nanoparticles -CuNPs). Blood and urine samples were collected from all the animals after four weeks of treatment. Metabolic and immune parameters were determined in blood and urine samples. The study has shown that a dietary Cu deficiency (negative control) decreases rat's plasma levels of Cu, Fe, CREAT, BIL and IL-6, whereas reducing the level of Cu from the recommended 6.5 mg/kg to 3.25 mg/kg decreases only the plasma concentration of TG, IgE and IL-6. Replacing CuCO 3 with CuNPs in rat diets affects their metabolism, as indicated by decreased Ca, CREAT, BIL, ALB and IL-6 plasma levels. To sum up, CuNP added to a diet of rats have a more beneficial effect on metabolic indices (indicative of kidney and liver function) and inhibit inflammatory processes more effectively than CuCO 3 . Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Tracking performance with two breathing oxygen concentrations after high altitude rapid decompression

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nesthus, Thomas E.; Schiflett, Samuel G.; Oakley, Carolyn J.

1992-01-01

Current military aircraft Liquid Oxygen (LOX) systems supply 99.5 pct. gaseous Aviator's Breathing Oxygen (ABO) to aircrew. Newer Molecular Sieve Oxygen Generation Systems (MSOGS) supply breathing gas concentration of 93 to 95 pct. O2. The margin is compared of hypoxia protection afforded by ABO and MSOGS breathing gas after a 5 psi differential rapid decompression (RD) in a hypobaric research chamber. The barometric pressures equivalent to the altitudes of 46000, 52000, 56000, and 60000 ft were achieved from respective base altitudes in 1 to 1.5 s decompressions. During each exposure, subjects remained at the simulated peak altitude breathing either 100 or 94 pct. O2 with positive pressure for 60 s, followed by a rapid descent to 40000 ft. Subjects used the Tactical Life Support System (TLSS) for high altitude protection. Subcritical tracking task performance on the Performance Evaluation Device (PED) provided psychomotor test measures. Overall tracking task performance results showed no differences between the MSOGS breathing O2 concentration of 94 pct. and ABO. Significance RMS error differences were found between the ground level and base altitude trials compared to peak altitude trials. The high positive breathing pressures occurring at the peak altitudes explained the differences.

Validation of a pretreatment delivery quality assurance method for the CyberKnife Synchrony system.

PubMed

Mastella, E; Vigorito, S; Rondi, E; Piperno, G; Ferrari, A; Strata, E; Rozza, D; Jereczek-Fossa, B A; Cattani, F

2016-08-01

To evaluate the geometric and dosimetric accuracies of the CyberKnife Synchrony respiratory tracking system (RTS) and to validate a method for pretreatment patient-specific delivery quality assurance (DQA). An EasyCube phantom was mounted on the ExacTrac gating phantom, which can move along the superior-inferior (SI) axis of a patient to simulate a moving target. The authors compared dynamic and static measurements. For each case, a Gafchromic EBT3 film was positioned between two slabs of the EasyCube, while a PinPoint ionization chamber was placed in the appropriate space. There were three steps to their evaluation: (1) the field size, the penumbra, and the symmetry of six secondary collimators were measured along the two main orthogonal axes. Dynamic measurements with deliberately simulated errors were also taken. (2) The delivered dose distributions (from step 1) were compared with the planned ones, using the gamma analysis method. The local gamma passing rates were evaluated using three acceptance criteria: 3% local dose difference (LDD)/3 mm, 2%LDD/2 mm, and 3%LDD/1 mm. (3) The DQA plans for six clinical patients were irradiated in different dynamic conditions, to give a total of 19 cases. The measured and planned dose distributions were evaluated with the same gamma-index criteria used in step 2 and the measured chamber doses were compared with the planned mean doses in the sensitive volume of the chamber. (1) A very slight enlargement of the field size and of the penumbra was observed in the SI direction (on average <1 mm), in line with the overall average CyberKnife system error for tracking treatments. (2) Comparison between the planned and the correctly delivered dose distributions confirmed the dosimetric accuracy of the RTS for simple plans. The multicriteria gamma analysis was able to detect the simulated errors, proving the robustness of their method of analysis. (3) All of the DQA clinical plans passed the tests, both in static and dynamic conditions. No statistically significant differences were found between static and dynamic cases, confirming the high degree of accuracy of the Synchrony RTS. The presented methods and measurements verified the mechanical and dosimetric accuracy of the Synchrony RTS. Their method confirms the fact that the RTS, if used properly, is able to treat a moving target with great precision. By combining PinPoint ion chamber, EBT3 films, and gamma evaluation of dose distributions, their DQA method robustly validated the effectiveness of CyberKnife and Synchrony system.

Development of HWIL Testing Capabilities for Satellite Target Emulation at AEDC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowry, H.; Crider, D.; Burns, J.; Thompson, R.; Goldsmith, G., II; Sholes, W.

Programs involved in Space Situational Awareness (SSA) need the capability to test satellite sensors in a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) environment. Testing in a ground system avoids the significant cost of on-orbit test targets and the resulting issues such as debris mitigation, and in-space testing implications. The space sensor test facilities at AEDC consist of cryo-vacuum chambers that have been developed to project simulated targets to air-borne, space-borne, and ballistic platforms. The 7V chamber performs calibration and characterization of surveillance and seeker systems, as well as some mission simulation. The 10V chamber is being upgraded to provide real-time target simulation during the detection, acquisition, discrimination, and terminal phases of a seeker mission. The objective of the Satellite Emulation project is to upgrade this existing capability to support the ability to discern and track other satellites and orbital debris in a HWIL capability. It would provide a baseline for realistic testing of satellite surveillance sensors, which would be operated in a controlled environment. Many sensor functions could be tested, including scene recognition and maneuvering control software, using real interceptor hardware and software. Statistically significant and repeatable datasets produced by the satellite emulation system can be acquired during such test and saved for further analysis. In addition, the robustness of the discrimination and tracking algorithms can be investigated by a parametric analysis using slightly different scenarios; this will be used to determine critical points where a sensor system might fail. The radiometric characteristics of satellites are expected to be similar to the targets and decoys that make up a typical interceptor mission scenario, since they are near ambient temperature. Their spectral reflectivity, emissivity, and shape must also be considered, but the projection systems employed in the 7V and 10V chambers should be capable of providing the simulation of satellites as well. There may also be a need for greater radiometric intensity or shorter time response. An appropriate satellite model is integral to the scene generation process to meet the requirements of SSA programs. The Kinetic Kill Vehicle Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator (KHILS) facility and the Guided Weapons Evaluation Facility (GWEF), both at Eglin Air Force Base, FL are assisting in developing the scene projection hardware, based on their significant test experience using resistive emitter arrays to test interceptors in a real-time environment. Army Aviation and Missile Research & Development Command (AMRDEC) will develop the Scene Generation System for the real-time mission simulation.

Electromechanical Wave Imaging (EWI) validation in all four cardiac chambers with 3D electroanatomic mapping in canines in vivo

PubMed Central

Costet, Alexandre; Wan, Elaine; Bunting, Ethan; Grondin, Julien; Garan, Hasan; Konofagou, Elisa

2016-01-01

Characterization and mapping of arrhythmias is currently performed through invasive insertion and manipulation of cardiac catheters. Electromechanical wave imaging (EWI) is a non-invasive ultrasound-based imaging technique, which tracks the electromechanical activation that immediately follows electrical activation. Electrical and electromechanical activations were previously found to be linearly correlated in the left ventricle, but the relationship has not yet been investigated in the three other chambers of the heart. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between electrical and electromechanical activations and validate EWI in all four chambers of the heart with conventional 3D electroanatomical mapping. Six (n = 6) normal adult canines were used in this study. The electrical activation sequence was mapped in all four chambers of the heart, both endocardially and epicardially using the St Jude's EnSite 3D mapping system (St. Jude Medical, Secaucus, NJ). EWI acquisitions were performed in all four chambers during normal sinus rhythm, and during pacing in the left ventricle. Isochrones of the electromechanical activation were generated from standard echocardiographic imaging views. Electrical and electromechanical activation maps were co-registered and compared, and electrical and electromechanical activation times were plotted against each other and linear regression was performed for each pair of activation maps. Electromechanical and electrical activations were found to be directly correlated with slopes of the correlation ranging from 0.77 to 1.83, electromechanical delays between 9 and 58 ms and R2 values from 0.71 to 0.92. The linear correlation between electrical and electromechanical activations and the agreement between the activation maps indicate that the electromechanical activation follows the pattern of propagation of the electrical activation. This suggests that EWI may be used as a novel non-invasive method to accurately characterize and localize sources of arrhythmias. PMID:27782003

Electromechanical wave imaging (EWI) validation in all four cardiac chambers with 3D electroanatomic mapping in canines in vivo.

PubMed

Costet, Alexandre; Wan, Elaine; Bunting, Ethan; Grondin, Julien; Garan, Hasan; Konofagou, Elisa

2016-11-21

Characterization and mapping of arrhythmias is currently performed through invasive insertion and manipulation of cardiac catheters. Electromechanical wave imaging (EWI) is a non-invasive ultrasound-based imaging technique, which tracks the electromechanical activation that immediately follows electrical activation. Electrical and electromechanical activations were previously found to be linearly correlated in the left ventricle, but the relationship has not yet been investigated in the three other chambers of the heart. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between electrical and electromechanical activations and validate EWI in all four chambers of the heart with conventional 3D electroanatomical mapping. Six (n  =  6) normal adult canines were used in this study. The electrical activation sequence was mapped in all four chambers of the heart, both endocardially and epicardially using the St Jude's EnSite 3D mapping system (St. Jude Medical, Secaucus, NJ). EWI acquisitions were performed in all four chambers during normal sinus rhythm, and during pacing in the left ventricle. Isochrones of the electromechanical activation were generated from standard echocardiographic imaging views. Electrical and electromechanical activation maps were co-registered and compared, and electrical and electromechanical activation times were plotted against each other and linear regression was performed for each pair of activation maps. Electromechanical and electrical activations were found to be directly correlated with slopes of the correlation ranging from 0.77 to 1.83, electromechanical delays between 9 and 58 ms and R 2 values from 0.71 to 0.92. The linear correlation between electrical and electromechanical activations and the agreement between the activation maps indicate that the electromechanical activation follows the pattern of propagation of the electrical activation. This suggests that EWI may be used as a novel non-invasive method to accurately characterize and localize sources of arrhythmias.

SU-E-I-45: Measurement of CT Dose to An HDPE Phantom Using Calorimetry: A Feasibility Study.

PubMed

Chen-Mayer, H; Tosh, R; Bateman, F; Zimmerman, B

2012-06-01

Radiation dose in CT is traditionally evaluated using an ionization chamber calibrated in terms of air kerma in a phantom of specific dimensions. The radiation absorbed dose, J/kg, can also be realized directly by measuring the temperature rise in the medium. We investigate using this primary method to determine the CT dose at a point (a few mm), using the recently proposed (APMM TG220) high density polyethylene (HDPE) phantom as a medium. The calorimeter detection scheme is adapted from the second generation NIST water calorimeter using sensitive thermistors in a Wheatstone bridge powered by a lock-in amplifier. The temperature sensitivity is about 3 microK. The expected temperature rise in PE is about 0.6 mK per Gy. The thermistor sensors were placed inside a 26 cm dia. × 10 cm HDPE phantom. Two preliminary tests were made: at a linear accelerator with a 6 MV photon beam, and at a 16-slice CT scanner with a 120 kV beam, each with the thermal sensor and with a calibrated ionization chamber. The 6 MV photon beam with 10 on/off cycles at 60 s each yielded the (uncorrected) run-to-run average dose of 3.06 Gy per cycle (sdm 0.3%), about 8% higher than the Result from the ionization chamber (calibrated in terms of absorbed to water). The CT measurements were also made in the middle section of the TG200 30 cm phantom. Twenty consecutive axial scans at 250 mA, which delivers a nominal accumulated dose (CTDIvol) of 705 mGy in 50 s at three axial and three radial locations were measured. The accumulated dose measured by the ionization chamber at the center of the smaller phantom was 347 mGy. The calorimeter data show qualitative tracking of the chamber measurements. Detailed thermal and electrical analysis of the system are planned to obtain quantitative results. © 2012 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

An Optimized Small Tissue Handling System for Immunohistochemistry and In Situ Hybridization

PubMed Central

Anthony, Giovanni; Lee, Ju-Ahng

2016-01-01

Recent development in 3D printing technology has opened an exciting possibility for manufacturing 3D devices on one’s desktop. We used 3D modeling programs to design 3D models of a tissue-handling system and these models were “printed” in a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printer to create precision histology devices that are particularly useful to handle multiple samples with small dimensions in parallel. Our system has been successfully tested for in situ hybridization of zebrafish embryos. Some of the notable features include: (1) A conveniently transferrable chamber with 6 mesh-bottomed wells, each of which can hold dozens of zebrafish embryos. This design allows up to 6 different samples to be treated per chamber. (2) Each chamber sits in a well of a standard 6-well tissue culture plate. Thus, up to 36 different samples can be processed in tandem using a single 6 well plate. (3) Precisely fitting lids prevent solution evaporation and condensation, even at high temperatures for an extended period of time: i.e., overnight riboprobe hybridization. (4) Flat bottom mesh maximizes the consistent treatment of individual tissue samples. (5) A magnet-based lifter was created to handle up to 6 chambers (= 36 samples) in unison. (6) The largely transparent resin aids in convenient visual inspection both with eyes and using a stereomicroscope. (7) Surface engraved labeling enables an accurate tracking of different samples. (8) The dimension of wells and chambers minimizes the required amount of precious reagents. (9) Flexible parametric modeling enables an easy redesign of the 3D models to handle larger or more numerous samples. Precise dimensions of 3D models and demonstration of how we use our devices in whole mount in situ hybridization are presented. We also provide detailed information on the modeling software, 3D printing tips, as well as 3D files that can be used with any 3D printer. PMID:27489962

Development of Large Area Emulsion Chamber Methods with a Super Conducting Magnet for Observation of Cosmic Ray Nuclei from 1 GeV to 1,000 TeV (Emulsion Techniques)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takahashi, Yoshiyuki; Gregory, John C.; Tominaga, Taka; Dong, Bei Lei

1997-01-01

The research developed the fundamental techniques of the emulsion chamber methods that permit measurements of the composition and energy spectra of cosmic rays at energies ranging from 1 GeV/n to over 1,000 TeV/n. The research program consisted of exploring new principles and techniques in measuring very high energy cosmic nuclei with large-area emulsion chambers for high statistics experiments. These tasks have been accomplished and their use was essential in successful analysis of the balloon-borne emulsion chamber experiments up to 10(exp 14) eV. It also provided the fundamental technologies for designing large-area detectors that are aimed at measuring the composition at above 1015 eV region. The latter is now partially succeeded by a NASA Mission Concept, Advanced Cosmic Composition Experiments on the Space Station (ACCESS). The cosmic ray group at the University of Alabama in Huntsville has performed technological R & D as well as contributing to the Japanese-American-Emulsion-Chamber-Experiments (JACEE) Collaboration with the regular data analysis. While primary research support for other institutions' efforts in the JACEE experiments came from NSF and DOE, primary support for the University of Alabama in Huntsville was this contract. Supplemental tasks to standardize the data base and hardware upgrades (automatized microscope) had this institutions cooperation. Investigation of new techniques in this program consisted of development of a fast calorimetry, magnetic/scattering selection of high momentum tracks for a pairmeter, and high statistics momentum measurements for low energy nuclei (E < 1 TeV/n). The highest energy calorimetry and a pairmeter have been considered as strawman instruments by the GOAL (Galactic Origin and Acceleration Limit) proposal of the NASA Cosmic Ray Working Group for long- duration balloon flights. We accomplished the objectives of the GOAL program with three circumpolar, Antarctic JACEE balloon flights during 1992 - 1994.

Performance measurement of HARPO: A time projection chamber as a gamma-ray telescope and polarimeter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gros, P.; Amano, S.; Attié, D.; Baron, P.; Baudin, D.; Bernard, D.; Bruel, P.; Calvet, D.; Colas, P.; Daté, S.; Delbart, A.; Frotin, M.; Geerebaert, Y.; Giebels, B.; Götz, D.; Hashimoto, S.; Horan, D.; Kotaka, T.; Louzir, M.; Magniette, F.; Minamiyama, Y.; Miyamoto, S.; Ohkuma, H.; Poilleux, P.; Semeniouk, I.; Sizun, P.; Takemoto, A.; Yamaguchi, M.; Yonamine, R.; Wang, S.

2018-01-01

We analyse the performance of a gas time projection chamber (TPC) as a high-performance gamma-ray telescope and polarimeter in the e+e- pair-creation regime. We use data collected at a gamma-ray beam of known polarisation. The TPC provides two orthogonal projections (x, z) and (y, z) of the tracks induced by each conversion in the gas volume. We use a simple vertex finder in which vertices and pseudo-tracks exiting from them are identified. We study the various contributions to the single-photon angular resolution using Monte Carlo simulations, compare them with the experimental data and find that they are in excellent agreement. The distribution of the azimuthal angle of pair conversions shows a bias due to the non-cylindrical-symmetric structure of the detector. This bias would average out for a long duration exposure on a space mission, but for this pencil-beam characterisation we have ensured its accurate simulation by a double systematics-control scheme, data taking with the detector rotated at several angles with respect to the beam polarisation direction and systematics control with a non-polarised beam. We measure, for the first time, the polarisation asymmetry of a linearly polarised gamma-ray beam in the low energy pair-creation regime. This sub-GeV energy range is critical for cosmic sources as their spectra are power laws which fall quickly as a function of increasing energy. This work could pave the way to extending polarised gamma-ray astronomy beyond the MeV energy regime.

Climate change reverses the competitive balance of ash and beech seedlings under simulated forest conditions.

PubMed

Saxe, H; Kerstiens, G

2005-07-01

This study identifies the important role of climate change and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) in the regenerative competence of ash and beech seedlings in 12 inter- and intra-specific competition designs in simulated mixed ash-beech forest gaps under conditions of non-limiting soil volume, water and nutrient supply. The growth conditions simulated natural forest conditions as closely as possible. Simulations were performed by growing interacting seedling canopies for one season in temperature-regulated closed-top chambers (CTCs). Eight CTCs were used in a factorial design with replicate treatments of [CO2] x temperature x PPFD x competition design. [CO2] tracked ambient levels or was 360 micromol mol-1 higher. Temperature tracked ambient levels or was 2.8 degrees C higher. PPFD on two plant tables inside each CTC was 16% and 5% of open-field levels, respectively, representative of typical light flux levels in a natural forest gap. In several of the competition designs, climate change made the ash seedlings grow taller than the beech seedlings and, at the same time, attain a larger leaf area and a larger total biomass. Advantages of this type for ash were found particularly at lower PPFD. There was a positive synergistic interaction of elevated temperature x [CO2] for both species, but more so for ash. There are many uncertainties when a study of chambered seedlings is to be projected to real changes in natural forests. Nevertheless, this study supports a possible future shift towards ash in north European, unmanaged, mixed ash-beech forests in response to the predicted climate change.

Integration of kerma-area product and cumulative air kerma determination into a skin dose tracking system for fluoroscopic imaging procedures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijayan, Sarath; Shankar, Alok; Rudin, Stephen; Bednarek, Daniel R.

2016-03-01

The skin dose tracking system (DTS) that we developed provides a color-coded mapping of the cumulative skin dose distribution on a 3D graphic of the patient during fluoroscopic procedures in real time. The DTS has now been modified to also calculate the kerma area product (KAP) and cumulative air kerma (CAK) for fluoroscopic interventions using data obtained in real-time from the digital bus on a Toshiba Infinix system. KAP is the integral of air kerma over the beam area and is typically measured with a large-area transmission ionization chamber incorporated into the collimator assembly. In this software, KAP is automatically determined for each x-ray pulse as the product of the air kerma/ mAs from a calibration file for the given kVp and beam filtration times the mAs per pulse times the length and width of the beam times a field nonuniformity correction factor. Field nonuniformity is primarily the result of the heel effect and the correction factor was determined from the beam profile measured using radio-chromic film. Dividing the KAP by the beam area at the interventional reference point provides the area averaged CAK. The KAP and CAK per x-ray pulse are summed after each pulse to obtain the total procedure values in real-time. The calculated KAP and CAK were compared to the values displayed by the fluoroscopy machine with excellent agreement. The DTS now is able to automatically calculate both KAP and CAK without the need for measurement by an add-on transmission ionization chamber.

Automated 3-D cell counting method for grading uveitis of rodent eye in vivo with optical coherence tomograph.

PubMed

Choi, Woo June; Pepple, Kathryn L; Wang, Ruikang K

2018-05-24

In preclinical vision research, cell grading in small animal models is essential for the quantitative evaluation of intraocular inflammation. Here, we present a new and practical optical coherence tomography (OCT) image analysis method for the automated detection and counting of aqueous cells in the anterior chamber (AC) of a rodent model of uveitis. Anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT) images are acquired with a 100kHz swept-source OCT (SS-OCT) system. The proposed method consists of two steps. In the first step, we first despeckle and binarize each OCT image. After removing AS structures in the binary image, we then apply area thresholding to isolate cell-like objects. Potential cell candidates are selected based on their best fit to roundness. The second step performs the cell counting within the whole AC, in which additional cell tracking analysis is conducted on the successive OCT images to eliminate redundancy in cell counting. Finally, 3-D cell grading using the proposed method is demonstrated in longitudinal OCT imaging of a mouse model of anterior uveitis in vivo. Rendering of anterior segment (orange) of mouse eye and automatically counted anterior chamber cells (green). Inset is a top view of the rendering, showing the cell distribution across the anterior chamber. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Potential benefits of dosimetric VMAT tracking verified with 3D film measurements.

PubMed

Crijns, Wouter; Defraene, Gilles; Van Herck, Hans; Depuydt, Tom; Haustermans, Karin; Maes, Frederik; Van den Heuvel, Frank

2016-05-01

To evaluate three different plan adaptation strategies using 3D film-stack dose measurements of both focal boost and hypofractionated prostate VMAT treatments. The adaptation strategies (a couch shift, geometric tracking, and dosimetric tracking) were applied for three realistic intrafraction prostate motions. A focal boost (35 × 2.2 and 35 × 2.7 Gy) and a hypofractionated (5 × 7.25 Gy) prostate VMAT plan were created for a heterogeneous phantom that allows for internal prostate motion. For these plans geometric tracking and dosimetric tracking were evaluated by ionization chamber (IC) point dose measurements (zero-D) and measurements using a stack of EBT3 films (3D). The geometric tracking applied translations, rotations, and scaling of the MLC aperture in response to realistic prostate motions. The dosimetric tracking additionally corrected the monitor units to resolve variations due to difference in depth, tissue heterogeneity, and MLC-aperture. The tracking was based on the positions of four fiducial points only. The film measurements were compared to the gold standard (i.e., IC measurements) and the planned dose distribution. Additionally, the 3D measurements were converted to dose volume histograms, tumor control probability, and normal tissue complication probability parameters (DVH/TCP/NTCP) as a direct estimate of clinical relevance of the proposed tracking. Compared to the planned dose distribution, measurements without prostate motion and tracking showed already a reduced homogeneity of the dose distribution. Adding prostate motion further blurs the DVHs for all treatment approaches. The clinical practice (no tracking) delivered the dose distribution inside the PTV but off target (CTV), resulting in boost dose errors up to 10%. The geometric and dosimetric tracking corrected the dose distribution's position. Moreover, the dosimetric tracking could achieve the planned boost DVH, but not the DVH of the more homogeneously irradiated prostate. A drawback of both the geometric and dosimetric tracking was a reduced MLC blocking caused by the rotational component of the MLC aperture corrections. Because of the used CTV to PTV margins and the high doses in the considered fractionation schemes, the TCP differed less than 0.02 from the planned value for all targets and all correction methods. The rectal NTCP constraints, however, could not be realized using any of these methods. The geometric and dosimetric tracking use only a limited input, but they deposit the dose distribution with higher geometric accuracy than the clinical practice. The latter case has boost dose errors up to 10%. The increased accuracy has a modest impact [Δ(NT)CP < 0.02] because of the applied margins and the high dose levels used. To allow further margin reduction tracking methods are vital. The proposed methodology could further be improved by implementing a rotational correction using collimator rotations.

Reference left atrial dimensions and volumes by steady state free precession cardiovascular magnetic resonance

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Left atrial (LA) size is related to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides high quality images of the left atrium with high temporal resolution steady state free precession (SSFP) cine sequences. We used SSFP cines to define normal ranges for LA volumes and dimensions relative to gender, age and body surface area (BSA), and examine the relative value of 2D atrial imaging techniques in patients. For definition of normal ranges of LA volume we studied 120 healthy subjects after careful exclusion of cardiovascular abnormality (60 men, 60 women; 20 subjects per age decile from 20 to 80 years). Data were generated from 3-dimensional modeling, including tracking of the atrioventricular ring motion and time-volume curves analysis. For definition of the best 2D images-derived predictors of LA enlargement, we studied 120 patients (60 men, 60 women; age range 20 to 80 years) with a clinical indication for CMR. Results In the healthy subjects, age was associated with LA 4-chamber transverse and 3-chamber anteroposterior diameters, but not with LA volume. Gender was an independent predictor of most absolute LA dimensions and volume, but following normalization to BSA, some associations became non-significant. CMR normal ranges were modeled and are tabled for clinical use with normalization, where appropriate, for BSA and gender and display of parameter variation with age. The best 2D predictors of LA volume were the 2-chamber area and 3-chamber area (both r = 0.90, p < 0.001). Conclusions These CMR data show that LA dimensions and volume in healthy, individuals vary significantly by BSA, with lesser effects of age and gender. PMID:21070636

Portable cosmic particle detectors for subsurface density mapping

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oláh, László; Gábor Barnaföldi, Gergely; Hamar, Gergö; Surányi, Gergely; Varga, Dezsö

2016-04-01

Muography deduces the density length in the interior of the investigated geological object, such as a mountain or volcano by the measurement of the cosmic muon absorption along different paths through the object. If path lengths (average densities) are measured, the average density (path length) can be deduced along the muon paths. A portable, low power consumption cosmic particle tracking detector based on Close Cathode multi-wire proportional chambers [1,2] has been developed for muography based on our earlier developments and experiences at the Wigner RCP of the HAS in Budapest [3,4,5]. The newly developed tracking system consists of six layers with the sensitive area of 0.25 m2 [6]. The spatial resolution of 2 mm provides an angular resolution of 15 mrad. This instrument has been optimized for underground and outdoor measurements: it has a Raspberry pi controlled data acquisition system which includes a custom designed board with a coincidence unit and allows high level remote control, data management and analysis. The individual trigger signals, number of missed triggers, analogue signals from chambers and the temperature are recorded. The duration of data readout (dead time) is 100 microsec. The DAQ software runs on the Raspberry Pi. For standard operation, a graphical user interface has been developed, running on any remote computer with Internet connection (both of wired and wireless) to the Raspberry Pi. A temperature-controlled high-voltage power supply provides a stable and reasonable (> 95 %) tracking performance for the measurements. With total power consumption of 5W, a portable tracking detector can operate for 5 days with a standard 50 Ah battery and with gas (non flammable Ar-CO2 mixture) consumption of 0.5 liter per hour, a 10 l bottle at pressure of 150 bar is enough for four month. The portability (total weight of less than 30 kg) allowed that our tracking detectors have been applied in underground caverns for subsurface density mapping. The developed detectors were reliably operated in natural environmental conditions proving operational stability. For each measurement, the experiences and the muon flux will be presented. [1] D. Varga et al.: Nucl. Inst. and Meth. A648 (2011), p. 163 [2] D. Varga et al.: Nucl. Inst. and Meth. A698 (2013), p. 11 [3] G. G. Barnaföldi et al.: Nucl. Inst. and Meth. A689 (2012), p. 60 [4] L. Oláh et al.: 2012 Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst. Vol 1, p. 229 [5] L. Oláh et al.: Advances in High Energy Physics, Vol. 2013, 2013, 560192 [6] L. Oláh et al.: Journal of Physics: Conference Series 632 (2015) 012020

Development of a novel scintillation-trigger detector for the MTV experiment using aluminum-metallized film tapes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, S.; Ozaki, S.; Sakamoto, Y.; Tanuma, R.; Yoshida, T.; Murata, J.

2014-07-01

A new type of a trigger-scintillation counter array designed for the MTV experiment at TRIUMF-ISAC has been developed, which uses aluminum-metallized film tape for wrapping to achieve the required assembling precision of ±0.5 mm. The MTV experiment uses a cylindrical drift chamber (CDC) as the main electron-tracking detector. The barrel-type trigger counter is placed inside the CDC to generate a trigger signal using 1 mm thick, 300 mm long thin plastic scintillation counters. Detection efficiency and light attenuation compared with conventional wrapping materials are studied.

High-Energy Cosmic-Ray Antiprotons with the CAPRICE98 experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boezio, M.; Ambriola, M.; Bartalucci, S.; Bellotti, R.; Bergström, D.; Bonvicini, V.; Bravar, U.; Cafagna, F.; Carlson, P.; Casolino, M.; Ciacio, F.; Circella, M.; De Marzo, C. N.; De Pascale, M. P.; Finetti, N.; Francke, T.; Hansen, P.; Hof, M.; Kremer, J.; Menn, W.; Mitchell, J. W.; Mocchitti, E.; Morselli, A.; Ormes, J. F.; Papini, P.; Piccardi, S.; Picozza, P.; Ricci, M.; Schiavon, P.; Simon, M.; Sparvoli, R.; Spillantini, P.; Stephens, S. A.; Stochaj, S. J.; Streitmatter, R. E.; Suffert, M.; Vacchi, A.; Vannuccini, E.; Zampa, N.; WIZARD/CAPRICE Collaboration

2001-08-01

Observations of cosmic-ray antiprotons were performed by the balloon-borne experiment CAPRICE98 that was flown on 28-29 May 1998 from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, USA. The experiment used the NMSU-WIZARD/CAPRICE98 balloon-borne magnet spectrometer equipped with a gas Ring Imaging Cherenkov detector, a time-of-flight system, a tracking device consisting of drift chambers and a superconducting magnet and a silicon-tungsten calorimeter. We report on the absolute-antiproton-energy spectrum determined in the kinetic energy region at the top of the atmosphere between 3.2 and 49.1 GeV.

Towards a muon radiography of the Puy de Dôme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cârloganu, C.; Niess, V.; Béné, S.; Busato, E.; Dupieux, P.; Fehr, F.; Gay, P.; Miallier, D.; Vulpescu, B.; Boivin, P.; Combaret, C.; Labazuy, P.; Laktineh, I.; Lénat, J.-F.; Mirabito, L.; Portal, A.

2013-02-01

High-energy (above a few hundred GeV) atmospheric muons are a natural probe for geophysical studies. They can travel through kilometres of rock allowing for a radiography of the density distribution within large structures, like mountains or volcanoes. A collaboration between volcanologists, astroparticle and particle physicists, Tomuvol was formed in 2009 to study tomographic muon imaging of volcanoes with high-resolution, large-scale tracking detectors. We report on two campaigns of measurements at the flank of the Puy de Dôme using glass resistive plate chambers (GRPCs) developed for particle physics, within the CALICE collaboration.

Towards a muon radiography of the Puy de Dôme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cârloganu, C.; Niess, V.; Béné, S.; Busato, E.; Dupieux, P.; Fehr, F.; Gay, P.; Miallier, D.; Vulpescu, B.; Boivin, P.; Combaret, C.; Labazuy, P.; Laktineh, I.; Lénat, J.-F.; Mirabito, L.; Portal, A.

2012-09-01

High energy (above 100 GeV) atmospheric muons are a natural probe for geophysical studies. They can travel through kilometres of rock allowing for a radiography of the density distribution within large structures, like mountains or volcanoes. A collaboration between volcanologists, astroparticle and particle physicists, TOMUVOL, was formed in 2009 to study tomographic muon imaging of volcanoes with high resolution, large scale tracking detectors. We report on two campaigns of measurements at the flank of the Puy de Dôme using Glass Resistive Plate Chambers (GRPCs) developed for Particle Physics, within the CALICE collaboration.

The Origins and Evolution of the Time Projection Chamber (TPC) Idea

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

Nygren, David

In February 1974, I conceived an idea for a tracking detector with only one spatial projection, thereby eliminating ambiguities that occur in conventional detector systems based on wires. I called it the “Time Projection Chamber”, or TPC, a name that has stuck even though the concept has evolved considerably over the following decades. I will recount the history leading to its conception and development in that now distant epoch, and will attempt to show why this is an interesting and instructive story and how the idea may continue to extend scientific reach in the coming era.

Tracking of Listeria monocytogenes in meat establishment using Whole Genome Sequencing as a food safety management tool: A proof of concept.

PubMed

Nastasijevic, Ivan; Milanov, Dubravka; Velebit, Branko; Djordjevic, Vesna; Swift, Craig; Painset, Anais; Lakicevic, Brankica

2017-09-18

Repeated Listeria outbreaks particularly associated with Ready-To-Eat (RTE) delicatessen meat products have been reported annually at global level. The most frequent scenario that led to foodborne outbreaks was the post-thermal treatment cross-contamination of deli meat products during slicing and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The precondition for such cross contamination is the previous introduction of Listeria into meat processing facilities and subsequent colonization of the production environment, associated with formation of biofilms resilient to common sanitation procedures regularly applied in meat establishments. The use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) can facilitate the understanding of contamination and colonization routes of pathogens within the food production environment and enable efficient pathogen tracking among different departments. This study aimed to: a) provide a proof of concept on practical use of WGS in a meat establishment to define the entry routes and spread pattern of L. monocytogenes, and b) to consider the regular use of WGS in meat processing establishments as a strong support of food safety management system. The results revealed that Listeria spp. was present in slaughter line, chilling chambers, deboning, slicing, MAP, as well as in corridors and dispatch (53 positive samples, out of 240). Eight L. monocytogenes isolates (out of 53) were identified from the slaughterhouse, chilling chambers, deboning, MAP and dispatch. L. monocytogenes isolates were of three different serotypes (1/2a, 1/2c, 4b) and correspondingly of three MLST sequence types. Overall, two pairs of L. monocytogenes isolates were genetically identical, i.e. two serotype 4b isolates (ST1), isolated from water drain at dispatch unit and two isolates obtained from slaughterhouse (floorwall junction at the carcass wash point) and MAP (water drain). These findings indicated that L. monocytogenes isolates identified in meat processing units (MAP, chilling chamber and dispatch) originated from the slaughter line. Further, all eight L. monocytogenes isolates were confirmed to be biofilm producers on glass and stainless steel surfaces. The identification of the main entry routes of L. monocytogenes into meat establishments and tracking the routes for spread of the pathogen are of essential importance to define appropriate risk mitigation strategies for L. monocytogenes in meat production environment. The routine use of WGS for bacterial characterization, as a strong support of food safety management system in meat establishments, will require the cost-effective approach. It may encompass in-house sequencing when sequencing equipment is used for multiple applications (e.g. WGS of pathogens, starter cultures and spoilage organisms). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Observation of excess flux for negative cosmic ray penetrating particles in bubble chamber "SKAT" for momentum range (30GeV/c

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bazhutov, Yu. N.; Baranov, D. S.

2001-08-01

There are presented the first results of the new heavy stable cosmic ray particles search in the bubble chamber "SKAT" (450 x 160 x 90 cm3 ), which was exposed in the neutrino beam of Serpukhov Accelerator during 1976 - 1992 years and was viewed along the horizontal direction so as the magnet field direction (MDM > 150 GeV/c). From looking over 1,270 stills (1 roll for April 23, 1979) it was selected 757 tracks of cosmic ray particles with zenith angle θ < 45°, track length - L > 50 cm and momentum P>2.0GeV/c. From this events there were constructed momentum spectrums for both negative and positive vertical cosmic ray penetrating particles in the (2.0 - 126) GeV/c range and calculated their charge ratio. For positive particles the momentum spectrum has normal shape in all studied range the same as for negative particles but only for momentum range (2.0 - 32) GeV/c and charge ratio for this range is normal and the same as for cosmic muons. But for momentum P>32GeV/c it was observed negative particles excess flux (~10-5 cm-2 s-1 sr-1 ) with changed charge ratio - R = 0.62 +/0.18 (˜>3.5σ) for momentum range (32GeV/c3σ) and for momentum range (3.6GeV/c107 cm2 ṡsṡsr); 2) the installation place must be on the Earth surface or small underground (< 100 m.w.e.); 3) it is desirable to use track detector for event and particle charge viewing. One of the largest Bubble Chamber "SKAT" (BC), operated from 1976 to 1992 on the Serpukhov Accelerator neutrino beam had satisfied to all these demands. Its operation on the neutrino beam could provide a small background from Accelerator fo r our researches. Accumulated ~ 4 x 2,000,000 stills inside ~ 4 x 1660 rolls during this long period were conserved until now and were ready to analysis. The large Bubble Chamber (450 x 160 x 90 cm3 ) had been placed in greatest magnetic field (17 kG) horizontally directed so as coaxial to it view of 4 stereo photo chambers. So near vertical penetrating cosmic rays could be registered the same as near horizontal neutrino beam events. Full "SKAT" exposition is S-T ~ 4ṡ109 cm2 ṡsṡsr , that is rather more demanded one. It provides us for charge and momentum (MDM > 150 GeV/c) measurements. BC had been placed on the Earth surface, but had large magnetic iron screen (d ~ 2500 g/cm2 = 25m.w.e., Fig.1).

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

Crijns, Wouter, E-mail: wouter.crijns@uzleuven.be; Depuydt, Tom; Haustermans, Karin

Purpose: To evaluate three different plan adaptation strategies using 3D film-stack dose measurements of both focal boost and hypofractionated prostate VMAT treatments. The adaptation strategies (a couch shift, geometric tracking, and dosimetric tracking) were applied for three realistic intrafraction prostate motions. Methods: A focal boost (35 × 2.2 and 35 × 2.7 Gy) and a hypofractionated (5 × 7.25 Gy) prostate VMAT plan were created for a heterogeneous phantom that allows for internal prostate motion. For these plans geometric tracking and dosimetric tracking were evaluated by ionization chamber (IC) point dose measurements (zero-D) and measurements using a stack of EBT3more » films (3D). The geometric tracking applied translations, rotations, and scaling of the MLC aperture in response to realistic prostate motions. The dosimetric tracking additionally corrected the monitor units to resolve variations due to difference in depth, tissue heterogeneity, and MLC-aperture. The tracking was based on the positions of four fiducial points only. The film measurements were compared to the gold standard (i.e., IC measurements) and the planned dose distribution. Additionally, the 3D measurements were converted to dose volume histograms, tumor control probability, and normal tissue complication probability parameters (DVH/TCP/NTCP) as a direct estimate of clinical relevance of the proposed tracking. Results: Compared to the planned dose distribution, measurements without prostate motion and tracking showed already a reduced homogeneity of the dose distribution. Adding prostate motion further blurs the DVHs for all treatment approaches. The clinical practice (no tracking) delivered the dose distribution inside the PTV but off target (CTV), resulting in boost dose errors up to 10%. The geometric and dosimetric tracking corrected the dose distribution’s position. Moreover, the dosimetric tracking could achieve the planned boost DVH, but not the DVH of the more homogeneously irradiated prostate. A drawback of both the geometric and dosimetric tracking was a reduced MLC blocking caused by the rotational component of the MLC aperture corrections. Because of the used CTV to PTV margins and the high doses in the considered fractionation schemes, the TCP differed less than 0.02 from the planned value for all targets and all correction methods. The rectal NTCP constraints, however, could not be realized using any of these methods. Conclusions: The geometric and dosimetric tracking use only a limited input, but they deposit the dose distribution with higher geometric accuracy than the clinical practice. The latter case has boost dose errors up to 10%. The increased accuracy has a modest impact [Δ(NT)CP < 0.02] because of the applied margins and the high dose levels used. To allow further margin reduction tracking methods are vital. The proposed methodology could further be improved by implementing a rotational correction using collimator rotations.« less

Use of a 10.22 m diameter EPB shield: a case study in Beijing subway construction.

PubMed

Li, Xinggao; Yuan, Dajun; Guo, Yuhai; Cai, Zhiyong

2016-01-01

Beijing subway line 14 includes four stations and approximately 2.8 km of tunnels between the Dongfengbeiqiao and Jingshunlu areas of the city. Due to the surface and underground space limitations of this section, a double-track running tunnel instead of two single-track running tunnels was adopted to connect the two stations. The double-track tunnels were excavated by a 10.22 m diameter earth pressure balance (EPB) shield. It was the first time that an EPB shield more than 10 m in diameter was used in Beijing subway construction. The shield, which passes underneath densely built-up areas of the city and is equipped with a spoke-type cutterhead, with balance between the ground pressure and the earth chamber pressure at the tunnel face, is of great importance. Referring to experiences gained in the EPB shield tunneling, attention was paid to the function of soil conditioning and simultaneous backfilling grouting of the shield, and some special designs were considered in manufacturing the machine. In addition to the agitating rods welded to the cutterhead, two independently driven agitators were added to fully mix everything in the earth chamber. Independent pipelines were arranged for injecting different conditioning agents. Indoor tests in combination with field tests were conducted to find suitable additives and injection ratios of the additives, and determine the mix ratio of the two-component grout for simultaneous backfilling grouting. A scheme was employed for simultaneously injecting the bentonite slurry at 8% concentration and the foam liquid at 5% concentration to condition the excavated soil. The cement-sodium silicate grout was adopted to fill the tail void and the injection volume per ring was 14.1-15.3 m 3 . The performance of the shield and evaluation of the corresponding tunneling technologies are introduced in terms of the shield tunneling induced ground surface settlements. The success of the project is of great significance to Beijing subway construction and underground space utilization. The findings serve as a useful reference for similar projects.

Experimental validation of damping properties and solar pressure effects on flexible, high area-to-mass ratio debris model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Channumsin, Sittiporn; Ceriotti, Matteo; Radice, Gianmarco; Watson, Ian

2017-09-01

Multilayer insulation (MLI) is a recently-discovered type of debris originating from delamination of aging spacecraft; it is mostly detected near the geosynchronous orbit (GEO). Observation data indicates that these objects are characterised by high reflectivity, high area-to-mass ratio (HAMR), fast rotation, high sensitivity to perturbations (especially solar radiation pressure) and change of area-to-mass ratio (AMR) over time. As a result, traditional models (e.g. cannonball) are unsuitable to represent and predict this debris' orbital evolution. Previous work by the authors effectively modelled the flexible debris by means of multibody dynamics to improve the prediction accuracy. The orbit evolution with the flexible model resulted significantly different from using the rigid model. This paper aims to present a methodology to determine the dynamic properties of thin membranes with the purpose to validate the deformation characteristics of the flexible model. A high-vacuum chamber (10-4 mbar) to significantly decrease air friction, inside which a thin membrane is hinged at one end but free at the other provides the experimental setup. A free motion test is used to determine the damping characteristics and natural frequency of the thin membrane via logarithmic decrement and frequency response. The membrane can swing freely in the chamber and the motion is tracked by a static, optical camera, and a Kalman filter technique is implemented in the tracking algorithm to reduce noise and increase the tracking accuracy of the oscillating motion. Then, the effect of solar radiation pressure on the thin membrane is investigated: a high power spotlight (500-2000 W) is used to illuminate the sample and any displacement of the membrane is measured by means of a high-resolution laser sensor. Analytic methods from the natural frequency response and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) including multibody simulations of both experimental setups are used for the validation of the flexible model by comparing the experimental results of amplitude decay, natural frequencies and deformation. The experimental results show good agreement with both analytical results and finite element methods.

Study of a Large Prototype TPC for the ILC using Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Münnich, A.; LCTPC Collaboration

2016-04-01

In the last decade, R&D for detectors for the future International Linear Collider (ILC) has been performed by the community. The International Large Detector (ILD) is one of two detector concepts at the ILC. Its tracking system consists of a Si vertex detector, forward tracking disks and a large volume Time Projection Chamber (TPC). Within the LCTPC collaboration, a Large Prototype (LP) TPC has been built as a demonstrator. Its endplate is able to house up to seven identical modules with Micro-Pattern Gas Detectors (MPGD) amplification. Recently, the LP has been equipped with resistive anode Micromegas (MM) or Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) modules. Both the MM and GEM technologies have been studied with an electron beam up to 6 GeV in a 1 Tesla solenoid magnet. After introducing the current R&D status, recent results will be presented including field distortions, ion gating and spatial resolution as well as future plans of the LCTPC R&D.

Calibration of CR-39-based thoron progeny device.

PubMed

Fábián, F; Csordás, A; Shahrokhi, A; Somlai, J; Kovács, T

2014-07-01

Radon isotopes and their progenies have proven significant role in respiratory tumour formation. In most cases, the radiological effect of one of the radon isotopes (thoron) and its progenies has been neglected together with its measurement technique; however, latest surveys proved that thoron's existence is expectable in flats and in workplace in Europe. Detectors based on different track detector measurement technologies have recently spread for measuring thoron progenies; however, the calibration is not yet completely elaborated. This study deals with the calibration of the track detector measurement method suitable for measuring thoron progenies using different devices with measurement techniques capable of measuring several progenies (Pylon AB5 and WLx, Sarad EQF 3220). The calibration factor values related to the thoron progeny monitors, the measurement uncertainty, reproducibility and other parameters were found using the calibration chamber. In the future, the effects of the different parameters (aerosol distribution, etc.) will be determined. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Search for space charge effects in the ICARUS T600 LAr-TPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torti, Marta

2016-11-01

Space charge in Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber is due to the accumu- lation of positive ions, produced by ionizing tracks crossing the detector, which slowly flow toward the cathode. As a consequence, electric field distortions may arise, thus hindering the possibility to produce faithful 3D images of the ionizing events. The presence of space charge becomes relevant for large TPCs operating at surface or at shallow depths, where cosmic ray flux is high. These effects could interest the next phase of the ICARUS T600 detector, which will be deployed at shallow depths as a Far Detector for Short Baseline Neutrino experiment at FNAL dedicated to sterile neutrino searches. In 2001, the first ICARUS T600 module (T300) operated at surface in Pavia (Italy), recording cosmic ray data. In this work, a sample of cosmic muon tracks from the 2001 run was analyzed and results on space charge effects in LAr-TPCs are shown.

Investigating the Flow and Biomechanics of the Embryonic Zebrafish Heart

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Brennan; Garrity, Deborah; Dasi, Lakshmi

2010-11-01

Understanding flow and kinematic characteristics of the embryonic heart is a prerequisite to devise early intervention or detection methods in the context of congenital heart defects. In this study, the kinematics and fluid dynamics of the embryonic zebrafish heart were analyzed through the early stages of cardiac development (24-48 hours post-fertilization) in vivo using optical microscopy and high-speed video. Endocardial walls and individual blood cells were segmented from raw images and were tracked through the cardiac cycle. Particle tracking velocimetry analysis yielded quantitative blood cell velocity field, chamber volume, and flow rate information. It was seen that the pumping mechanism starts as a combined peristaltic and suction pump while the heart is in the tube configuration and transforms into a positive displacement pump after cardiac looping. Strong two-phase nature of the fluid is evident. This work provides us new understanding of the spatio-temporal characteristics of kinematics and blood cell velocity field inside the developing heart.

Exploring Nucleon Spin Structure Through Neutrino Neutral-Current Interactions in MicroBooNE

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

Woodruff, Katherine

2017-02-02

The net contribution of the strange quark spins to the proton spin,more » $$\\Delta s$$, can be determined from neutral current elastic neutrino-proton interactions at low momentum transfer combined with data from electron-proton scattering. The probability of neutrino-proton interactions depends in part on the axial form factor, which represents the spin structure of the proton and can be separated into its quark flavor contributions. Low momentum transfer neutrino neutral current interactions can be measured in MicroBooNE, a high-resolution liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC) in its first year of running in the Booster Neutrino Beamline at Fermilab. The signal for these interactions in MicroBooNE is a single short proton track. We present our work on the automated reconstruction and classification of proton tracks in LArTPCs, an important step in the determination of neutrino- nucleon cross sections and the measurement of $$\\Delta s$$.« less

Comparative performance of short-term diffusion barrier charcoal canisters and long-term alpha-track monitors for indoor 222Rn measurements.

PubMed

Martz, D E; George, J L; Langner, G H

1991-04-01

The accuracy and precision of indoor 222Rn measurements obtained with the use of diffusion barrier charcoal canisters (DBCC) under actual field conditions were determined by comparing the integrated average of 26 successive 7-d exposures of DBCC in each of 16 occupied residences over a 6-mo period with simultaneous measurements using four types of commercially available alpha-track monitors (ATM) and one type of scintillation chamber continuous 222Rn monitor. The results suggest that properly calibrated DBCCs provide very good estimates of the integrated 222Rn concentrations in residential structures over the standard 1-wk exposure period despite the occurrence of large diurnal variations in the actual 222Rn concentrations. The results also suggest that a relatively small number of 1-wk DBCC measurements at selected times throughout the calendar year would provide estimates of the annual average indoor 222Rn concentrations that compare favorably with single long-term ATM measurements.

The association between left ventricular twisting motion and mechanical dyssynchrony: a three-dimensional speckle tracking study.

PubMed

Fujiwara, Shohei; Komamura, Kazuo; Nakabo, Ayumi; Masaki, Mitsuru; Fukui, Miho; Sugahara, Masataka; Itohara, Kanako; Soyama, Yuko; Goda, Akiko; Hirotani, Shinichi; Mano, Toshiaki; Masuyama, Tohru

2016-02-01

Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony is a causal factor in LV dysfunction and thought to be associated with LV twisting motion. We tested whether three-dimensional speckle tracking (3DT) can be used to evaluate the relationship between LV twisting motion and dyssynchrony. We examined 25 patients with sick sinus syndrome who had received dual chamber pacemakers. The acute effects of ventricular pacing on LV wall motion after the switch from atrial to ventricular pacing were assessed. LV twisting motion and dyssynchrony during each pacing mode were measured using 3DT. LV dyssynchrony was calculated from the time to the minimum peak systolic area strain of 16 LV imaging segments. Ventricular pacing increased LV dyssynchrony and decreased twist and torsion. A significant correlation was observed between changes in LV dyssynchrony and changes in torsion (r = -0.65, p < 0.01). Evaluation of LV twisting motion can potentially be used for diagnosing LV dyssynchrony.

Burst muscle performance predicts the speed, acceleration, and turning performance of Anna’s hummingbirds

PubMed Central

Segre, Paolo S; Dakin, Roslyn; Zordan, Victor B; Dickinson, Michael H; Straw, Andrew D; Altshuler, Douglas L

2015-01-01

Despite recent advances in the study of animal flight, the biomechanical determinants of maneuverability are poorly understood. It is thought that maneuverability may be influenced by intrinsic body mass and wing morphology, and by physiological muscle capacity, but this hypothesis has not yet been evaluated because it requires tracking a large number of free flight maneuvers from known individuals. We used an automated tracking system to record flight sequences from 20 Anna's hummingbirds flying solo and in competition in a large chamber. We found that burst muscle capacity predicted most performance metrics. Hummingbirds with higher burst capacity flew with faster velocities, accelerations, and rotations, and they used more demanding complex turns. In contrast, body mass did not predict variation in maneuvering performance, and wing morphology predicted only the use of arcing turns and high centripetal accelerations. Collectively, our results indicate that burst muscle capacity is a key predictor of maneuverability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11159.001 PMID:26583753

Exclusive muon neutrino charged current pion-less topologies. ArgoNeuT results and future prospects in LAr TPC detectors

DOE PAGES

Palamara, Ornella

2016-12-29

Results from the analysis of charged current pion-less (CC 0-pion) muon neutrino events in argon collected by the ArgoNeuT experiment on the NuMI beam at Fermilab are presented and compared with predictions from Monte Carlo simulations. A novel analysis method, based on the reconstruction of exclusive topologies, fully exploiting the Liquid argon Time Projection Chamber (LAr TPC) technique capabilities, is used to analyze the events, characterized by the presence at the vertex of a leading muon track eventually accompanied by one or more highly ionizing tracks, and study nuclear effects in neutrino interactions on argon nuclei. Multiple protons accompanying themore » leading muon are visible in the ArgoNeuT events, and measured with a proton reconstruction threshold of 21 MeV kinetic energy. As a result, measurements of (anti-)neutrino CC 0-pion inclusive and exclusive cross sections on argon nuclei are reported. Prospects for future, larger mass LAr TPC detectors are discussed.« less

PandaX-III neutrinoless double beta decay experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Shaobo; PandaX-III Collaboration

2017-09-01

The PandaX-III experiment uses high pressure Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay of Xe-136 with high energy resolution and sensitivity at the China Jin-Ping underground Laboratory II (CJPL-II). Fine-pitch Microbulk Micromegas will be used for charge amplification and readout in order to reconstruct both the energy and track of the neutrinoless double-beta decay event. In the first phase of the experiment, the detector, which contains 200 kg of 90% Xe-136 enriched gas operated at 10 bar, will be immersed in a large water tank to ensure 5 m of water shielding. For the second phase, a ton-scale experiment with multiple TPCs will be constructed to improve the detection probability and sensitivity. A 20-kg scale prototype TPC with 7 Micromegas modules has been built to optimize the design of Micromegas readout module, study the energy calibration of TPC and develop algorithm of 3D track reconstruction.

Investigation of procalcitonin, IL-6, oxidative stress index (OSI) plasma and tissue levels in experimental mild and severe pancreatitis in rats.

PubMed

Soyalp, M; Yalcin, M; Oter, V; Ozgonul, A

2017-01-01

This study was planned to evaluate blood and tissue levels of procalcitonin, IL-6 and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), which have a role in the pathophysiology of inflammation, in rats with experimental mild and severe pancreatitis. Thirty male Wistar Albino rats were included in the study and the rats were equally divided into the three groups. After 1, 5 and 24 hours, blood was obtained from the tail of all rats and samples were taken from pancreas tissue after 24 hours. Amylase, lipase, AST, ALT, WBC, LDH, glucose, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, GGT, ALP and TNF-α, Procalcitonin and IL-6 levels were evaluated from blood and tissue specimens. The mild pancreatitis group (group 1) and the severe pancreatitis group (group 3) were compared according to the OSI, Amylase, Lipase, Pct, IL-6, AST, ALT, Glucose, WBC, LDH and Tnf-α levels. In the severe pancreatitis group, a statistically significant increase was detected compared to the mild pancreatitis group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in TOS, T.Bil, D.Bil, GGT and ALP values (p > 0.05). Statistically significant increase was observed in severe pancreatitis group according to OSI, Amylase, Lipase, Pct, IL-6, LDH, WBC and TNF-α levels samples obtained from pancreatic tissues, compared to mild pancreatitis group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study showed that OSI, TNF-α, IL-6 and procalcitonin levels increases proportionally with the severity of pancreatitis. This also suggests that OSI, TNF-α, IL-6 and procalcitonin are the guiding substances in acute pancreatitis, and that this damage increases as the duration and severity of the pathological process increase. However, this result must be confirmed with more detailed and broadly planned future studies (Fig. 3, Ref. 25).

Genotype × Environment Interactions of Yield Traits in Backcross Introgression Lines Derived from Oryza sativa cv. Swarna/Oryza nivara

PubMed Central

Balakrishnan, Divya; Subrahmanyam, Desiraju; Badri, Jyothi; Raju, Addanki Krishnam; Rao, Yadavalli Venkateswara; Beerelli, Kavitha; Mesapogu, Sukumar; Surapaneni, Malathi; Ponnuswamy, Revathi; Padmavathi, G.; Babu, V. Ravindra; Neelamraju, Sarla

2016-01-01

Advanced backcross introgression lines (BILs) developed from crosses of Oryza sativa var. Swarna/O. nivara accessions were grown and evaluated for yield and related traits. Trials were conducted for consecutive three seasons in field conditions in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on yield traits under irrigated conditions were analyzed using the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI), Genotype and Genotype × Environment Interaction (GGE) and modified rank-sum statistic (YSi) for yield stability. BILs viz., G3 (14S) and G6 (166S) showed yield stability across the seasons along with high mean yield performance. G3 is early in flowering with high yield and has good grain quality and medium height, hence could be recommended for most of the irrigated locations. G6 is a late duration genotype, with strong culm strength, high grain number and panicle weight. G6 has higher yield and stability than Swarna but has Swarna grain type. Among the varieties tested DRRDhan 40 and recurrent parent Swarna showed stability for yield traits across the seasons. The component traits thousand grain weight, panicle weight, panicle length, grain number and plant height explained highest genotypic percentage over environment and interaction factors and can be prioritized to dissect stable QTLs/ genes. These lines were genotyped using microsatellite markers covering the entire rice genome and also using a set of markers linked to previously reported yield QTLs. It was observed that wild derived lines with more than 70% of recurrent parent genome were stable and showed enhanced yield levels compared to genotypes with higher donor genome introgressions. PMID:27807437

Atmospheric Neutrinos in Soudan 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodman, M.; Soudan 2 Collaboration

2001-08-01

Neutrino interactions recorded in a 5.1 fiducial kiloton-year exposure of the Soudan-2 iron tracking calorimeter are analyzed for effects of neutrino oscillations. Using contained single track and single shower events, we update our measurement of the atmospheric / ratio-of-ratios and find . Assuming this anomalously low R-value is the result of flavor disappearance viat o oscillation, we select samples of charged current events which offer good resolution, event-by-event, for Ä reconstruction. Oscillation-weighted Monte Carlo events are fitted to these data events using a ¾ function summed over bins of log´Ä µ. The region allowed in the (× Ò¾ ¾ , ¡Ñ¾) plane at 90% CL is obtained using the Feldman-Cousins procedure: 1 DETECTOR; DATA EXPOSURE The Soudan-2 experiment will soon (July 2001) be completing the taking of data using its fine-grained iron tracking calorimeter of total mass 963 tons. This detector images nonrelativistic as well as relativistic charged particles produced in atmospheric neutrino reactions. It has operated underground at a depth of 2100 meters-water-equivalent on level 27 of the Soudan Mine State Park in northern Minnesota. The calorimeter's modular design enabled data-taking to commence in April 1989 when the detector was one quarter of its full size; assembly of the detector was completed during 1993. Data-taking continued with 85% live time, even though dynamite blasting has been underway nearby for the MINOS cavern excavation since Summer 1999. The total data exposure will be 5.8fiducial kiloton-years (kTy). Results presented here are based upon a 5.1 kTy exposure. The tracking calorimeter operates as a slow-drift (0.6 cm/ s) time projection chamber. Its tracking elements are meterlong plastic drift tubes which are placed into the corruga-

Experimental Study of Inertial Particle-Pair Relative Velocity in Isotropic Turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dou, Zhongwang

The investigation of turbulence-enhanced inertial particle collision in isotropic turbulence could improve our understanding and modeling of many particle-laden turbulent flows in engineering and nature. In this study, we investigate one of the most critical factors of particle collision - particle-pair relative velocity (RV) in three major steps. First, to generate a reliable homogeneous and isotropic turbulence (HIT) field, we have designed and implemented a high Reynolds number (R lambda), enclosed, fan-driven HIT chamber in the shape of 'soccer ball', conducive for studying inertial particle dynamics using whole-field imaging techniques. The characterization of turbulence in this near-zero-mean flow chamber was performed using a new two-scale particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) approach. The measurement results showed that turbulence in the apparatus achieved high homogeneity and isotropy in a large central region (48mm diameter) of the chamber with minimized gravity effect. A maximum Rlambda of 384 was achieved. Second, to measure particle-pair RV accurately, we have employed numerical experiments to systemically analyze the measurement error in the previous particle-pair RV measurement by holographic PIV. We found that accurate RV measurement requires high accuracy of both particle positioning and particle pairing. To meet these requirements, we have devised a novel planar 4-frame particle tracking velocimetry technique (4F-PTV) combining two PIV systems. It tracks particles in four consecutive frames in high speed to increase particle pairing accuracy. Furthermore, the particles are tracked only in a thin laser light sheet, thus negating the intrinsic position uncertainty in the depth direction in holographic PIV. In addition, we have studied the laser thickness effect on the RV measurement and attempted to use Monte Carlo analysis to correct this effect. Third, and most importantly, to better understand turbulence-enhanced inertial particle collision, we have systematically investigated the effects of Reynolds number and Stokes number (St) on particle-pair RV using the planar 4F-PTV technique in the HIT chamber. Two experiments were performed: varying Rlambda between 246 and 357 at six fixed St values, and varying St between 0.02 and 4.63 at five fixed Rlambda values. Measured mean inward particle-pair RV as a function of separation distance r were compared against DNS under closely matched conditions. At all experimental conditions, an excellent agreement was achieved except when particle separation distance r<˜10eta (eta : Kolmogorov length scale), where experimental was consistently higher, possibly due to particle polydispersity and finite laser thickness in experiment. Through these three steps, we found that, at any fixed St, the mean inward particle-pair RV, was essentially independent of Rlambda, echoing DNS findings by Ireland et al. (2016a). At any fixed R lambda, increased with St at small r, showing dominance of the path-history effect in the dissipation range when St ≥ O(1), but decreased with St at large r, indicating dominance of the inertial filtering effect. What I provided here are the first experimental observation of the independence of mean inward particle-pair RV on Reynolds number, and the first experimental observation of these two mechanisms on the mean inward particle-pair RV over a large range of particle separation distances.

Measuring Fission Fragment Mass Distributions as a Function of Incident Neutron Energy Using the fissionTPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gearhart, Joshua; Niffte Collaboration

2017-09-01

Fission fragment mass distributions are important observables for developing next generation dynamical models of fission. Many previous measurements have utilized ionization chambers to measure fission fragment energies and emission angles which are then used for mass calculations. The Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking Experiment (NIFFTE) collaboration has built a time projection chamber (fissionTPC) that is capable of measuring additional quantities such as the ionization profiles of detected particles, allowing for the association of an individual fragment's ionization profile with its mass. The fragment masses are measured using the previously established 2E method. The fissionTPC takes its data using a continuous incident neutron energy spectrum provided by the Los Alamos Neutron Science CEnter (LANSCE). Mass distribution measurements across a continuous range of neutron energies put stronger constraints on fission models than similar measurements conducted at a handful of discrete neutron energies. This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Numbers DE-NA0003180 and DE-NA0002921.

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

Harker, Y.D.

On August 3-4, 1994, an INEL team made measurements related to a real-time monitoring system for use on the epithermal beam facility at the BMRR. BNL has installed two fission chambers in front of the beam collimator, which are to monitor the beam coming from the reactor. These two monitors are located with one just above the 16-cm dia. front aperture and the other is just below. The fission chambers contain depleted uranium, but because of the small amount of U-235 present, they respond to thermal and near thermal neutrons rather than fast neutrons. This feature combined with their relativelymore » small size (0.6 cm dia x 4 cm long) makes them very good monitors in the BMRR epithermal neutron beam. The INEL team worked with H.B. Lui (BNL) in performing initial tests of these monitors and established the settings to achieve stable operation. The main purpose of the measurement studies was to establish a basis for a monitoring method that tracks the dose the patient is receiving rather than the neutron fluence being delivered down the beam line.« less

The BetaCage, an ultra-sensitive screener for surface contamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunker, R.; Ahmed, Z.; Bowles, M. A.; Golwala, S. R.; Grant, D. R.; Kos, M.; Nelson, R. H.; Schnee, R. W.; Rider, A.; Wang, B.; Zahn, A.

2013-08-01

Material screening for identifying low-energy electron emitters and alpha-decaying isotopes is now a prerequisite for rare-event searches (e.g., dark-matter direct detection and neutrinoless double-beta decay) for which surface radiocon-tamination has become an increasingly important background. The BetaCage, a gaseous neon time-projection chamber, is a proposed ultra-sensitive (and nondestructive) screener for alpha-and beta-emitting surface contaminants to which existing screening facilities are insufficiently sensitive. Sensitivity goals are 0.1 betas keV-1 m-2 day-1 and 0.1 alphas m-2 day-1, with the former limited by Compton scattering of photons in the screening samples and (thanks to tracking) the latter expected to be signal-limited; radioassays and simulations indicate backgrounds from detector materials and radon daughters should be subdominant. We report on details of the background simulations and detector design that provide the discrimination, shielding, and radiopurity necessary to reach our sensitivity goals for a chamber with a 95 × 95 cm2 sample area positioned below a 40 cm drift region and monitored by crisscrossed anode and cathode planes consisting of 151 wires each.

Development of a high-resolution liquid xenon detector for gamma-ray astrophysics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Reshmi

It has been shown here that liquid xenon is one of the most promising detector media for future gamma-ray detectors, owing to an excellent combination of physical properties. The feasibility of the construction of a high resolution liquid xenon detector as a gamma-ray detector for astrophysics has been demonstrated. Up to 3.5 liters of liquid xenon has been successfully purified and using both small and large volume prototypes, the charge and the energy resolution response of such detectors to gamma-rays, internal conversion electrons and alpha particles have been measured. The best energy resolution measured was 4.5 percent FWHM at 1 MeV. Cosmic ray tracks have been imaged using a 2-dimensional liquid xenon multiwire imaging chamber. The spatial resolution along the direction of the drifting electrons was 180 microns rms. Experiments have been performed to study the scintillation light in liquid xenon, as the prompt scintillation signal in the liquid is an electron-ion pair in liquid krypton was measured for the first time with a pulsed ionization chamber to be 18.4 plus or minus 0.3 eV.

Temperature Stabilization of the NIFFTE Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hicks, Caleb

2017-09-01

The Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking Experiment (NIFFTE) is a collaboration measuring nuclear fission cross sections for use in advanced nuclear reactors. A neutron beam incident on targets of Uranium-235, Uranium-238, and Plutonium-239 is used to measure the neutron induced fission cross sections for these isotopes. A Time Projection Chamber (TPC) is used to record these reactions. Significant heat is generated by the readout cards mounted on the TPC, which are cooled by fans. One proposed measurement of the experiment is to compare the cross sections of the target to a proton target of gaseous hydrogen. A constant temperature inside the TPC's pressure vessel is desirable to maintain a constant number of hydrogen target atoms. In addition, a constant temperature minimizes the strain and wrinkles on an amplifying mesh inside the TPC. This poster describes the successful work to develop, build, and install a fan controller using a Raspberry Pi, an Arduino, and a custom circuit board to implement an algorithm called Proportional-Integral-Derivative control. This research was supported by US DOE MENP Grant DE-FG02-03ER41243.

Rechargeable Lithium-Air Batteries: Development of Ultra High Specific Energy Rechargeable Lithium-Air Batteries Based on Protected Lithium Metal Electrodes

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

None

2010-07-01

BEEST Project: PolyPlus is developing the world’s first commercially available rechargeable lithium-air (Li-Air) battery. Li-Air batteries are better than the Li-Ion batteries used in most EVs today because they breathe in air from the atmosphere for use as an active material in the battery, which greatly decreases its weight. Li-Air batteries also store nearly 700% as much energy as traditional Li-Ion batteries. A lighter battery would improve the range of EVs dramatically. Polyplus is on track to making a critical breakthrough: the first manufacturable protective membrane between its lithium–based negative electrode and the reaction chamber where it reacts with oxygenmore » from the air. This gives the battery the unique ability to recharge by moving lithium in and out of the battery’s reaction chamber for storage until the battery needs to discharge once again. Until now, engineers had been unable to create the complex packaging and air-breathing components required to turn Li-Air batteries into rechargeable systems.« less

Effect of Interactions between Harvester Ants on Forager Decisions

PubMed Central

Davidson, Jacob D.; Arauco-Aliaga, Roxana P.; Crow, Sam; Gordon, Deborah M.; Goldman, Mark S.

2017-01-01

Harvester ant colonies adjust their foraging activity to day-to-day changes in food availability and hour-to-hour changes in environmental conditions. This collective behavior is regulated through interactions, in the form of brief antennal contacts, between outgoing foragers and returning foragers with food. Here we consider how an ant, waiting in the entrance chamber just inside the nest entrance, uses its accumulated experience of interactions to decide whether to leave the nest to forage. Using videos of field observations, we tracked the interactions and foraging decisions of ants in the entrance chamber. Outgoing foragers tended to interact with returning foragers at higher rates than ants that returned to the deeper nest and did not forage. To provide a mechanistic framework for interpreting these results, we develop a decision model in which ants make decisions based upon a noisy accumulation of individual contacts with returning foragers. The model can reproduce core trends and realistic distributions for individual ant interaction statistics, and suggests possible mechanisms by which foraging activity may be regulated at an individual ant level. PMID:28758093

Chemotaxis of Amoeba proteus in the developing pH gradient within a pocket-like chamber studied with the computer assisted method.

PubMed

Korohoda, W; Golda, J; Sroka, J; Wojnarowicz, A; Jochym, P; Madeja, Z

1997-01-01

A new "U" shaped, pocket-like chamber was used to observe the chemotactic responses of individual cells. This method permits monitoring of both the development of the concentration gradient of a tested substance and cell locomotion. We investigated the chemotactic responses of Amoeba proteus and observed that the amoebae moved in positively and negatively developing [H+] gradients towards the solution of lower pH in a pH range 5.75-7.75. The chemotactic response of amoebae to [H+] gradients required the presence of extracellular calcium ions. It was blocked and random locomotion was restored by the replacement of calcium with magnesium in the cell medium. Time-lapse video recording and data processing were accomplished with computer-assisted methods. This made it possible to compare selected methods of data presentation and analysis for cells locomoting in isotropic and anisotropic conditions. The cell trajectories were determined and displayed in circular diagrams, lengths of cell tracks and final cell displacements were estimated and a few parameters characterizing cell locomotion were computed.

PandaX-III: Searching for neutrinoless double beta decay with high pressure 136Xe gas time projection chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xun; Fu, ChangBo; Galan, Javier; Giboni, Karl; Giuliani, Franco; Gu, LingHui; Han, Ke; Ji, XiangDong; Lin, Heng; Liu, JiangLai; Ni, KaiXiang; Kusano, Hiroki; Ren, XiangXiang; Wang, ShaoBo; Yang, Yong; Zhang, Dan; Zhang, Tao; Zhao, Li; Sun, XiangMing; Hu, ShouYang; Jian, SiYu; Li, XingLong; Li, XiaoMei; Liang, Hao; Zhang, HuanQiao; Zhao, MingRui; Zhou, Jing; Mao, YaJun; Qiao, Hao; Wang, SiGuang; Yuan, Ying; Wang, Meng; Khan, Amir N.; Raper, Neill; Tang, Jian; Wang, Wei; Dong, JiaNing; Feng, ChangQing; Li, Cheng; Liu, JianBei; Liu, ShuBin; Wang, XiaoLian; Zhu, DanYang; Castel, Juan F.; Cebrián, Susana; Dafni, Theopisti; Garza, Javier G.; Irastorza, Igor G.; Iguaz, Francisco J.; Luzón, Gloria; Mirallas, Hector; Aune, Stephan; Berthoumieux, Eric; Bedfer, Yann; Calvet, Denis; d'Hose, Nicole; Delbart, Alain; Diakaki, Maria; Ferrer-Ribas, Esther; Ferrero, Andrea; Kunne, Fabienne; Neyret, Damien; Papaevangelou, Thomas; Sabatié, Franck; Vanderbroucke, Maxence; Tan, AnDi; Haxton, Wick; Mei, Yuan; Kobdaj, Chinorat; Yan, Yu-Peng

2017-06-01

Searching for the neutrinoless double beta decay (NLDBD) is now regarded as the topmost promising technique to explore the nature of neutrinos after the discovery of neutrino masses in oscillation experiments. PandaX-III (particle and astrophysical xenon experiment III) will search for the NLDBD of 136Xe at the China Jin Ping Underground Laboratory (CJPL). In the first phase of the experiment, a high pressure gas Time Projection Chamber (TPC) will contain 200 kg, 90% 136Xe enriched gas operated at 10 bar. Fine pitch micro-pattern gas detector (Microbulk Micromegas) will be used at both ends of the TPC for the charge readout with a cathode in the middle. Charge signals can be used to reconstruct the electron tracks of the NLDBD events and provide good energy and spatial resolution. The detector will be immersed in a large water tank to ensure 5 m of water shielding in all directions. The second phase, a ton-scale experiment, will consist of five TPCs in the same water tank, with improved energy resolution and better control over backgrounds.

Gaseous Electron Multiplier (GEM) Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnanvo, Kondo

2017-09-01

Gaseous detectors have played a pivotal role as tracking devices in the field of particle physics experiments for the last fifty years. Recent advances in photolithography and micro processing techniques have enabled the transition from Multi Wire Proportional Chambers (MWPCs) and Drift Chambers to a new family of gaseous detectors refer to as Micro Pattern Gaseous Detectors (MPGDs). MPGDs combine the basic gas amplification principle with micro-structure printed circuits to provide detectors with excellent spatial and time resolution, high rate capability, low material budget and high radiation tolerance. Gas Electron Multiplier (GEMs) is a well-established MPGD technology invented by F. Sauli at CERN in 1997 and deployed various high energy physics (HEP) and nuclear NP experiment for tracking systems of current and future NP experiments. GEM detector combines an exceptional high rate capability (1 MHz / mm2) and robustness against harsh radiation environment with excellent position and timing resolution performances. Recent breakthroughs over the past decade have allowed the possibility for large area GEMs, making them cost effective and high-performance detector candidates to play pivotal role in current and future particle physics experiments. After a brief introduction of the basic principle of GEM technology, I will give a brief overview of the GEM detectors used in particle physics experiments over the past decades and especially in the NP community at Thomas Jefferson National Laboratory (JLab) and Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). I will follow by a review of state of the art of the new GEM development for the next generation of colliders such as Electron Ion Collider (EIC) or High Luminosity LHC and future Nuclear Physics experiments. I will conclude with a presentation of the CERN-based RD51 collaboration established in 2008 and its major achievements regarding technological developments and applications of MPGDs.

Detectors for MUSE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirschman, Jack; Muon Scattering Experiment (MUSE) Collaboration

2017-09-01

Until recently, it was thought that the proton radius was known with an uncertainty of 1%. However, experiments carried-out at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) involving muonic hydrogen yielded a radius 4% smaller with an uncertainty of .1%, a 7.9 σ inconsistency. This problem of properly measuring the radius now requires new and different measurements. The Muon Scattering Experiment (MUSE) will thus be the first to utilize elastic muon scattering with sufficient precision to address the proton radius measurement. MUSE will run in PSI's PiM1 beamline, using a stack of GEM chambers and thin scintillation detectors to identify and track the beam particle species in this mixed e, pi, mu beam. Scattered particles will be measured in two arms with ten layers of Straw Tube Tracking (STT) detectors and a double plastic scintillator wall for timing of and triggering on scattered particles. The STT chambers will employ the anti-Proton Annihilations at Darmstadt (PANDA) design. Each straw consists of a thin wire with high voltage surrounded by an aluminized Mylar tube inflated with a mix of Argon and Carbon Dioxide, the ratio of which is important for optimal operation. The Argon gas, ionized by incoming charged particles, releases electrons which attract to the central wire. The CO2 acts as a quencher, taking-up electrons to prevent an unstable avalanche effect. This project will investigate the effects of altering the gas mixture in the STTs on signal size and timing. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. OISE-1358175, PHY-1614850, and PHY-1614938. Thank you to the teams at HUJI and PSI, in particular, Dr. G. Ron, Dr. T. Rostomyan, Dr. K. Dieters, and D. Cohen.

Spontaneous Self-Assembly of Polymeric Nanoparticles in Aqueous Media: New Insights From Microfluidics, In Situ Size Measurements, and Individual Particle Tracking.

PubMed

Li, Xue; Salzano, Giuseppina; Zhang, Jiwen; Gref, Ruxandra

2017-01-01

Supramolecular cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles (CD-NPs) mediated by host-guest interactions have gained increased popularity because of their "green" and simple preparation procedure, as well as their versatility in terms of inclusion of active molecules. Herein, we showed that original CD-NPs of around 100 nm are spontaneously formed in water, by mixing 2 aqueous solutions of (1) a CD polymer and (2) dextran grafted with benzophenone moieties. For the first time, CD-NPs were instantaneously produced in a microfluidic interaction chamber by mixing 2 aqueous solutions of neutral polymers, in the absence of organic solvents. Whatever the mixing conditions, CD-NPs with narrow size distributions were immediately formed upon contact of the 2 polymeric solutions. In situ size measurements showed that the CD-NPs were spontaneously formed. Nanoparticle tracking analysis was used to individually follow the CD-NPs in their Brownian motions, to gain insights on their size distribution, concentration, and stability on extreme dilution. Nanoparticle tracking analysis allowed to establish that despite their non-covalent nature, and the CD-NPs were remarkably stable in terms of concentration and size distribution, even on extreme dilution (concentrations as low as 100 ng/mL). Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Design and Construction of a Vertex Chamber and Measurement of the Average Beta-Hadron Lifetime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, Harry Norman

Four parameters describe the mixing of the three quark generations in the Standard Model of the weak charged current interaction. These four parameters are experimental inputs to the model. A measurement of the mean lifetime of hadrons containing b-quarks, or B-Hadrons, constrains the magnitudes of two of these parameters. Measurement of the B-Hadron lifetime requires a device that can measure the locations of the stable particles that result from B-Hadron decay. This device must function reliably in an inaccessible location, and survive high radiation levels. We describe the design and construction of such a device, a gaseous drift chamber. Tubes of 6.9 mm diameter, having aluminized mylar walls of 100 μm thickness are utilized in this Vertex Chamber. It achieves a spatial resolution of 45 mum, and a resolution in extrapolation to the B-Hadron decay location of 87 mum. Its inner layer is 4.6 cm from e^+e ^- colliding beams. The Vertex Chamber is situated within the MAC detector at PEP. We have analyzed both the 94 pb ^{-1} of integrated luminosity accumulated at sqrt{s} = 29 GeV with the Vertex Chamber in place as well as the 210 pb^{-1} accumulated previously. We require a lepton with large momentum transverse to the event thrust axis to obtain a sample of events enriched in B-Hadron decays. The distribution of signed impact parameters of all tracks in these events is used to measure the B-Hadron flight distance, and hence lifetime. The trimmed mean signed impact parameters are 130 +/- 19 μm for data accumulated with the Vertex Chamber, and 162 +/- 25 μm for previous data. Together these indicate an average B-Hadron lifetime of tau_{b} = (1.37_sp{-0.19}{+0.22} stat. +/- 0.11 sys.) times (1 +/- 0.15 sys.) psec. We separate additive and multiplicative systematic errors because the second does not degrade the statistical significance of the difference of the result from 0. If b-c dominates b-quark decay the corresponding weak mixing matrix element mid V_ {cb}mid = 0.047 +/- 0.006 +/- 0.005, where the first error is from this experiment, and the second theoretical uncertainty. If b-u dominates, midV _{ub}mid = 0.033 +/- 0.004 +/- 0.12.

Improved background rejection in neutrinoless double beta decay experiments using a magnetic field in a high pressure xenon TPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renner, J.; Cervera, A.; Hernando, J. A.; Imzaylov, A.; Monrabal, F.; Muñoz, J.; Nygren, D.; Gomez-Cadenas, J. J.

2015-12-01

We demonstrate that the application of an external magnetic field could lead to an improved background rejection in neutrinoless double-beta (0νββ) decay experiments using a high-pressure xenon (HPXe) TPC. HPXe chambers are capable of imaging electron tracks, a feature that enhances the separation between signal events (the two electrons emitted in the 0νββ decay of 136Xe) and background events, arising chiefly from single electrons of kinetic energy compatible with the end-point of the 0νββ decay (0Qββ). Applying an external magnetic field of sufficiently high intensity (in the range of 0.5-1 Tesla for operating pressures in the range of 5-15 atmospheres) causes the electrons to produce helical tracks. Assuming the tracks can be properly reconstructed, the sign of the curvature can be determined at several points along these tracks, and such information can be used to separate signal (0νββ) events containing two electrons producing a track with two different directions of curvature from background (single-electron) events producing a track that should spiral in a single direction. Due to electron multiple scattering, this strategy is not perfectly efficient on an event-by-event basis, but a statistical estimator can be constructed which can be used to reject background events by one order of magnitude at a moderate cost (about 30%) in signal efficiency. Combining this estimator with the excellent energy resolution and topological signature identification characteristic of the HPXe TPC, it is possible to reach a background rate of less than one count per ton-year of exposure. Such a low background rate is an essential feature of the next generation of 0νββ experiments, aiming to fully explore the inverse hierarchy of neutrino masses.

Representations in Award-Winning LGBTQ Young Adult Literature from 2000-2013.

PubMed

Jiménez, Laura M

2015-01-01

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ) young adult (YA) literature is increasing in popularity, with novels like Bil Wright's Putting Makeup on the Fat Boy winning the two LGBTQ YA honors--the Lambda Literary and Stonewall Book Awards--as well awards commending their cultural diversity. Despite the upsurge of celebrated LGBTQ YA literature, a study of the protagonists in Lambda- and Stonewall-winning YA novels from 2000-2013 reveals three findings: the dominance of White, gay, male characters contradicts the trend toward strong female protagonists in mainstream YA; stories about lesbians are primarily tragic; and there are no bisexual protagonists.

The evaluation of Computed Tomography hard- and software tools for micropaleontologic studies on foraminifera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Loo, D.; Speijer, R.; Masschaele, B.; Dierick, M.; Cnudde, V.; Boone, M.; de Witte, Y.; Dewanckele, J.; van Hoorebeke, L.; Jacobs, P.

2009-04-01

Foraminifera (Forams) are single-celled amoeba-like organisms in the sea, which build a tiny calcareous multi-chambered shell for protection. Their enormous abundance, great variation of shape through time and their presence in all marine deposits made these tiny microfossils the oil companies' best friend by facilitating the detection of new oil wells. Besides the success of forams in the oil and gas industry, they are also a most powerful tool for reconstructing climate change in the past. The shell of a foraminifer is a tiny gold mine of information both geometrical as chemical. However, until recently the best information on this architecture was only obtained through imaging the outside of a shell with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), giving no clues towards internal structures other than single snapshots through breaking a specimen apart. With X-ray computed tomography (CT) it is possible to overcome this problem and uncover a huge amount of geometrical information without destructing the samples. Using the last generation of micro-CT's, called nano-CT, because of the sub-micron resolution, it is now possible to perform adequate imaging even on these tiny samples without needing huge facilities. In this research, a comparison is made between different X-ray sources and X-ray detectors and the resulting image resolution. Both sharpness, noise and contrast are very important parameters that will have important effects on the accuracy of the results and on the speed of data-processing. Combining this tomography technique with specific image processing software, called segmentation, it is possible to obtain a 3D virtual representation of the entire forams shell. This 3D virtual object can then be used for many purposes, from which automatic measurement of the chambers size is one of the most important ones. The segmentation process is a combination of several algorithms that are often used in CT evaluation, in this work an evaluation of those algorithms is presented. Difficulties arising when the forams shell is filled with material but it still remains possible to perform adequate segmentation. The void inside the shell corresponds to the chambers of the foram and the inter-chamber connections. Using automatic separation algorithms it is possible to obtain the shape of individual chambers. The results from the segmentation process can then be used to perform a multitude of analysis on each foram. Out of the shells geometry one can derive variations in shell thickness, shell density and shell porosity. Since the geometry of each individual chamber can be derived, it is possible to track chamber size variation for one foram or between two different forams, the difference in orientation and distance between the chambers. In this work the algorithms and procedures have been applied on two forams: Pseudouvigerina sp., a benthic foram that lived within the sediments at the seafloor. It dates from the earliest Paleocene, 65 Ma and was collected near Brazos River, Texas. Globigerinoides, a modern planktic foram, living in the upper part of the water comlumn in the open ocean. The test settled on the seafloor after death and was recently collected from the seafloor at 2900 m water depth at Nazca Ridge in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It was found that foram A consists of 15 chambers with a total volume of 1.8 x 106 m3 and shows progressive growth of consecutive chambers (average of 1,5 magnification). After the large globular initial chamber, which indicates asexual reproduction, each chamber is slightly larger than the previous one. In the later stages the chambers develop lateral edges with a thickened margin, leading to a distinct triangular shape in cross section. Foram B on the other hand has a distinct trochospiral coil (like a snail), consisting of 16 chambers with a total volume of 91 x 106 m3. The entire shell thickens with every successive chamber, so that the initial part of the test is embraced in a thick calcite crust. The chambers grow rapidly in size (average magnification of 2,24 ), which is typical for most planktic foraminifera. The globular shape aids in the buoyancy of the specimen for its planktic way of life.

Experimental Whole-Ecosystem Warming Alters Vegetation Phenology in a Boreal Spruce Bog: Initial Results from the SPRUCE Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richardson, A. D.

2016-12-01

Phenology is one of the most robust indicators of the biological impacts of global change. However, the response of phenology to future environmental conditions still remains highly uncertain because of the challenges associated with conducting realistic manipulative experiments. At the SPRUCE (Spruce and Peatland Responses Under Climatic and Environmental Change) experiment in the north-central United States, experimental temperature (0 to +9°C above ambient) and CO2 (ambient and elevated) treatments are being applied to mature, and intact, Picea mariana-Sphagnum spp. bog communities in their native habitat through the use of ten large (approximately 12 m wide, 10 m high) open-topped enclosures. We are tracking vegetation green-up and senescence in these chambers using repeat digital photography. Within each chamber, images are recorded every 30 minutes and uploaded to PhenoCam (http://phenocam.sr.unh.edu), where processed to yield quantitative measures of canopy color. These data are complemented by on-the-ground phenological data collected by human observers. Air warming treatments at SPRUCE began in August 2015. We observed a delay in senescence during autumn 2015 (2-5 days per degree of warming) and an advance in onset during spring 2016 (1-4 days per degree of warming). These patterns are robust across species and methods of phenological observation (i.e. camera-based vs. human observer). And, our results show very little evidence for photoperiod acting as a constraint on the response to warming. Early spring onset and consequent loss of frost hardiness in the warmest chambers proved disadvantageous when a brief period of extreme cold (to -12°C in the control chambers, to -3°C in the +9°C chambers) followed a month of generally mild weather. Foliage mortality for both Larix and Picea was immediate and severe, although both species subsequently re-flushed. These results give support for the hypothesis that warming may enhance the likelihood of spring frost damage. The SPRUCE experiment will run through 2025. We anticipate that different results may be obtained for autumn in future years, if early spring onset enhances evapotranspiration to a degree sufficient to cause drought conditions by late summer.

Chemotaxis of cancer cells in three-dimensional environment monitored label-free by quantitative phase digital holographic microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kemper, Björn; Schnekenburger, Jürgen; Ketelhut, Steffi

2017-02-01

We investigated the capabilities of digital holographic microscopy (DHM) for label-free quantification of the response of living single cells to chemical stimuli in 3D assays. Fibro sarcoma cells were observed in a collagen matrix inside 3D chemotaxis chambers with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer-based DHM setup. From the obtained series of quantitative phase images, the migration trajectories of single cells were retrieved by automated cell tracking and subsequently analyzed for maximum migration distance and motility. Our results demonstrate DHM as a highly reliable and efficient tool for label-free quantification of chemotaxis in 2D and 3D environments.

SPRUCE Ground Observations of Phenology in Experimental Plots, 2016-2017

DOE Data Explorer

Richardson, Andrew D.; Latimer, John M.; Nettles, W. Robert; Heiderman, Ryan R.; Warren, Jeffrey M.; Hanson, Paul J.

2018-01-01

This data set consists of phenological transition dates, as derived from direct observations of vegetative and reproductive phenology recorded by a human observer, from the SPRUCE experiment during the 2+ years (August 2015 through December 2017) of whole-ecosystem warming. For 2016, only springtime (April - June) phenological events are included. For 2017 (April - December), spring and autumn events are included.

Beginning in April 2016, human observers have been directly tracking the phenology of both woody and herbaceous species on a weekly schedule within the SPRUCE experimental chambers. The observed date reported here is the first survey date on which an event/phenophase was definitively observed.

A preliminary design of the collinear dielectric wakefield accelerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zholents, A.; Gai, W.; Doran, S.; Lindberg, R.; Power, J. G.; Strelnikov, N.; Sun, Y.; Trakhtenberg, E.; Vasserman, I.; Jing, C.; Kanareykin, A.; Li, Y.; Gao, Q.; Shchegolkov, D. Y.; Simakov, E. I.

2016-09-01

A preliminary design of the multi-meter long collinear dielectric wakefield accelerator that achieves a highly efficient transfer of the drive bunch energy to the wakefields and to the witness bunch is considered. It is made from 0.5 m long accelerator modules containing a vacuum chamber with dielectric-lined walls, a quadrupole wiggler, an rf coupler, and BPM assembly. The single bunch breakup instability is a major limiting factor for accelerator efficiency, and the BNS damping is applied to obtain the stable multi-meter long propagation of a drive bunch. Numerical simulations using a 6D particle tracking computer code are performed and tolerances to various errors are defined.

OSIRIS and SOMBRERO Inertial Fusion Power Plant Designs, Volume 2: Designs, Assessments, and Comparisons

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

Meier, W. R.; Bieri, R. L.; Monsler, M. J.

1992-03-01

This is a comprehensive design study of two Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) electric power plants. Conceptual designs are presented for a fusion reactor (called Osiris) using an induction-linac heavy-ion beam driver, and another (called SOMBRERO) using a KrF laser driver. The designs covered all aspects of IFE power plants, including the chambers, heat transport and power conversion systems, balance-of-plant facilities, target fabrication, target injection and tracking, as well as the heavy-ion and KrF drivers. The point designs were assessed and compared in terms of their environmental & safety aspects, reliability and availability, economics, and technology development needs.

Search for νμ → νe oscillations with the OPERA experiment in the CNGS beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tenti, M.; OPERA Collaboration

2016-04-01

The OPERA hybrid detector, designed to prove neutrino oscillations in the νμ →ντ channel, was exposed to the CNGS νμ beam at a distance of 730 km from the neutrino source. Profiting of the tracking capabilities of its Emulsion Cloud Chamber system, OPERA can perform also a search for νμ →νe oscillations. Current results are compatible with the non-oscillation hypothesis in the three flavour mixing model. The same data allow to constrain the non-standard oscillation parameters θnew and Δmnew2 indicated by the LSND and MiniBooNE experiments.

Radon emanometry in soil gases and activity in ashes from El Chichon Volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de La Cruz-Reyna, S.; Mena, M.; Segovia, N.; Chalot, J. F.; Seidel, J. L.; Monnin, M.

1985-05-01

Radon (222Em) emanation measurements in soil gases are reported in connection with the 1982 eruptions of El Chichón Volcano.222Em detection is performed with LR-115 cellulose nitrate track detectors. Results show a general decreasing pattern of222Em concentration in soil with time after the eruptions. Activity measurements of radon daughters in ashes show that a large amount of222Em and220Em was released from magma degassing during the eruptions, and that only a fraction of the degassed magma was erupted. An important fluid interaction between the magma chamber and the surrounding sedimentary rock is also suggested.

Left Ventricular Function after Arterial Switch Operation as Assessed by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Simple Transposition of the Great Arteries

PubMed Central

Malakan Rad, Elaheh; Ghandi, Yazdan; Kocharian, Armen; Mirzaaghayan, Mohammadreza

2016-01-01

Background: The late postoperative course for children with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with an intact ventricular septum (IVS) is very important because the coronary arteries may be at risk of damage during arterial switch operation (ASO). We sought to investigate left ventricular function in patients with TGA/IVS by echocardiography. Methods: From March 2011 to December 2012, totally 20 infants (12 males and 8 females) with TGA/IVS were evaluated via 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) more than 6 months after they underwent ASO. A control group of age-matched infants and children was also studied. Left ventricular longitudinal strain (S), strain rate (SR), time to peak systolic longitudinal strain (TPS), and time to peak systolic longitudinal strain rate (TPSR) were measured and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Mean ± SD of age at the time of study in the patients with TGA/IVS was 15 ± 5 months, and also age at the time of ASO was 12 ± 3 days. Weight was 3.13 ± 0.07 kg at birth and 8.83 ± 1.57 kg at the time of ASO. Global strain (S), Time to peak strain rate (TPSR), and Time to peak strain (TPS) were not significantly different between the 2 groups, whereas global strain rate (SR) was significantly different (p value < 0.001). In the 3-chamber view, the values of S in the lateral, septal, inferior, and anteroseptal walls were significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001), and SR in the posterior wall was significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001). There were no positive correlations between S and SR in terms of the variables of heart rate, total cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic cross-clamp time. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding S, SR, TPS, and TPSR in the anteroseptal and posterior walls in the 3-chamber view and in the lateral and septal walls in the 4-chamber view. Conclusion: We showed that between 6 and 18 months after a successful ASO, the parameters of S, SR, and global TPS were normal in our patients with TGA/IVS. However, LV myocardial TPSR did not normalize in this time period. PMID:27956909

Left Ventricular Function after Arterial Switch Operation as Assessed by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Simple Transposition of the Great Arteries.

PubMed

Malakan Rad, Elaheh; Ghandi, Yazdan; Kocharian, Armen; Mirzaaghayan, Mohammadreza

2016-07-06

Background: The late postoperative course for children with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with an intact ventricular septum (IVS) is very important because the coronary arteries may be at risk of damage during arterial switch operation (ASO). We sought to investigate left ventricular function in patients with TGA/IVS by echocardiography. Methods: From March 2011 to December 2012, totally 20 infants (12 males and 8 females) with TGA/IVS were evaluated via 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) more than 6 months after they underwent ASO. A control group of age-matched infants and children was also studied. Left ventricular longitudinal strain (S), strain rate (SR), time to peak systolic longitudinal strain (TPS), and time to peak systolic longitudinal strain rate (TPSR) were measured and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Mean ± SD of age at the time of study in the patients with TGA/IVS was 15 ± 5 months, and also age at the time of ASO was 12 ± 3 days. Weight was 3.13 ± 0.07 kg at birth and 8.83 ± 1.57 kg at the time of ASO. Global strain (S), Time to peak strain rate (TPSR), and Time to peak strain (TPS) were not significantly different between the 2 groups, whereas global strain rate (SR) was significantly different (p value < 0.001). In the 3-chamber view, the values of S in the lateral, septal, inferior, and anteroseptal walls were significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001), and SR in the posterior wall was significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001). There were no positive correlations between S and SR in terms of the variables of heart rate, total cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic cross-clamp time. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding S, SR, TPS, and TPSR in the anteroseptal and posterior walls in the 3-chamber view and in the lateral and septal walls in the 4-chamber view. Conclusion: We showed that between 6 and 18 months after a successful ASO, the parameters of S, SR, and global TPS were normal in our patients with TGA/IVS. However, LV myocardial TPSR did not normalize in this time period.

Holographic microscopy for 3D tracking of bacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nadeau, Jay; Cho, Yong Bin; El-Kholy, Marwan; Bedrossian, Manuel; Rider, Stephanie; Lindensmith, Christian; Wallace, J. Kent

2016-03-01

Understanding when, how, and if bacteria swim is key to understanding critical ecological and biological processes, from carbon cycling to infection. Imaging motility by traditional light microscopy is limited by focus depth, requiring cells to be constrained in z. Holographic microscopy offers an instantaneous 3D snapshot of a large sample volume, and is therefore ideal in principle for quantifying unconstrained bacterial motility. However, resolving and tracking individual cells is difficult due to the low amplitude and phase contrast of the cells; the index of refraction of typical bacteria differs from that of water only at the second decimal place. In this work we present a combination of optical and sample-handling approaches to facilitating bacterial tracking by holographic phase imaging. The first is the design of the microscope, which is an off-axis design with the optics along a common path, which minimizes alignment issues while providing all of the advantages of off-axis holography. Second, we use anti-reflective coated etalon glass in the design of sample chambers, which reduce internal reflections. Improvement seen with the antireflective coating is seen primarily in phase imaging, and its quantification is presented here. Finally, dyes may be used to increase phase contrast according to the Kramers-Kronig relations. Results using three test strains are presented, illustrating the different types of bacterial motility characterized by an enteric organism (Escherichia coli), an environmental organism (Bacillus subtilis), and a marine organism (Vibrio alginolyticus). Data processing steps to increase the quality of the phase images and facilitate tracking are also discussed.

Seasonal Trends and Inter-Individual Heterogeneity: A multi-species record of Mg, Sr, Ba, & Mn in Planktic Foraminifera from the Modern Cariaco Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davis, C. V.; Thunell, R.; Astor, Y. M.

2017-12-01

The trace element to calcium ratios (TE/Ca) of planktic foraminifera shells are a valuable tool for paleoceanographic reconstructions, and represent a combination of environmental, ecological and biological signals. We present here a three-year record (2010-2013) of TE/Ca (Mg, Sr, Ba, Mn) from four species of foraminifera (Orbulina universa, Globigerina ruber, Globigerinella siphonifera, and Globorotalia menardii) collected by plankton tow in the modern Cariaco basin. Each tow is paired with in situ measurements of water column properties, allowing a direct comparison between shell geochemistry and calcification environment. A combination of Laser Ablation and solution ICP-MS analyses are used to document seasonality, primarily due to the alternating influence of wind-driven coastal upwelling and riverine inputs, in shell TE/Ca. Individual shell data further allows for the quantification of trace element heterogeneity among individual shells within single tows. All TE/Ca ratios vary temporally and show inter-individual variability within single tows. The spread in TE/Ca differs between element and species, with Mg/Ca ratios being the most variable. Despite this, Mg/Ca still tracks temperature changes in G. ruber, O. universa, and G. menardii, with G. ruber most closely reproducing sea surface temperature. Some species show chamber-to-chamber differences in trace element ratios, with G. ruber Mg/Ca and Ba/Ca decreasing in younger chambers (but not other elements) and Mg/Ca, Mn/Ca and Ba/Ca decreasing in younger chambers in G. siphonifera. We find the original Mn/Ca to be variable both temporally and between species, with G. menardii in some samples having extremely high ratios (100 μmol/mol). Assessing seasonal trends and environmental drivers of TE/Ca variability and quantifying the extent of inter-individual heterogeneity in these species will inform the use of their shells as geochemical proxies.

MO-F-CAMPUS-T-04: Implementation of a Standardized Monthly Quality Check for Linac Output Management in a Large Multi-Site Clinic

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

Xu, H; Yi, B; Prado, K

2015-06-15

Purpose: This work is to investigate the feasibility of a standardized monthly quality check (QC) of LINAC output determination in a multi-site, multi-LINAC institution. The QC was developed to determine individual LINAC output using the same optimized measurement setup and a constant calibration factor for all machines across the institution. Methods: The QA data over 4 years of 7 Varian machines over four sites, were analyzed. The monthly output constancy checks were performed using a fixed source-to-chamber-distance (SCD), with no couch position adjustment throughout the measurement cycle for all the photon energies: 6 and 18MV, and electron energies: 6, 9,more » 12, 16 and 20 MeV. The constant monthly output calibration factor (Nconst) was determined by averaging the machines’ output data, acquired with the same monthly ion chamber. If a different monthly ion chamber was used, Nconst was then re-normalized to consider its different NDW,Co-60. Here, the possible changes of Nconst over 4 years have been tracked, and the precision of output results based on this standardized monthly QA program relative to the TG-51 calibration for each machine was calculated. Any outlier of the group was investigated. Results: The possible changes of Nconst varied between 0–0.9% over 4 years. The normalization of absorbed-dose-to-water calibration factors corrects for up to 3.3% variations of different monthly QA chambers. The LINAC output precision based on this standardized monthly QC relative to the TG-51 output calibration is within 1% for 6MV photon energy and 2% for 18MV and all the electron energies. A human error in one TG-51 report was found through a close scrutiny of outlier data. Conclusion: This standardized QC allows for a reasonably simplified, precise and robust monthly LINAC output constancy check, with the increased sensitivity needed to detect possible human errors and machine problems.« less

a Portable Apparatus for Absolute Measurements of the Earth's Gravity.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zumberge, Mark Andrew

We have developed a new, portable apparatus for making absolute measurements of the acceleration due to the earth's gravity. We use the method of interferometrically determining the acceleration of a freely falling corner -cube prism. The falling object is surrounded by a chamber which is driven vertically inside a fixed vacuum chamber. This falling chamber is servoed to track the falling corner -cube to shield it from drag due to background gas. In addition, the drag-free falling chamber removes the need for a magnetic release, shields the falling object from electrostatic forces, and provides a means of both gently arresting the falling object and quickly returning it to its start position, to allow rapid acquisition of data. A synthesized long period isolation device reduces the noise due to seismic oscillations. A new type of Zeeman laser is used as the light source in the interferometer, and is compared with the wavelength of an iodine stabilized laser. The times of occurrence of 45 interference fringes are measured to within 0.2 nsec over a 20 cm drop and are fit to a quadratic by an on-line minicomputer. 150 drops can be made in ten minutes resulting in a value of g having a precision of 3 to 6 parts in 10('9). Systematic errors have been determined to be less than 5 parts in 10('9) through extensive tests. Three months of gravity data have been obtained with a reproducibility ranging from 5 to 10 parts in 10('9). The apparatus has been designed to be easily portable. Field measurements are planned for the immediate future. An accuracy of 6 parts in 10('9) corresponds to a height sensitivity of 2 cm. Vertical motions in the earth's crust and tectonic density changes that may precede earthquakes are to be investigated using this apparatus.

Biochemical characteristics of neonatal cholestasis induced by citrin deficiency

PubMed Central

Wang, Jian-She; Wang, Xiao-Hong; Zheng, Ying-Jie; Fu, Hai-Yan; Chen, Rui; Lu, Yi; Fang, Ling-Juan; Saheki, Takeyori; Kobayashi, Keiko

2012-01-01

AIM: To explore differences in biochemical indices between neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis caused by citrin deficiency (NICCD) and that with other etiologies. METHODS: Patients under 6 mo of age who were referred for investigation of conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia from June 2003 to December 2010 were eligible for this study. After excluding diseases affecting the extrahepatic biliary system, all patients were screened for the two most common SLC25A13 mutations; the coding exons of the entire SLC25A13 gene was sequenced and Western blotting of citrin protein performed in selected cases. Patients in whom homozygous or compound heterozygous SLC25A13 mutation and/or absence of normal citrin protein was detected were defined as having NICCD. Cases in which no specific etiological factor could be ascertained after a comprehensive conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia work-up were defined as idiopathic neonatal cholestasis (INC). Thirty-two NICCD patients, 250 INC patients, and 39 infants with cholangiography-confirmed biliary atresia (BA) were enrolled. Laboratory values at their first visit were abstracted from medical files and compared. RESULTS: Compared with BA and INC patients, the NICCD patients had significantly higher levels of total bile acid (TBA) [all measures are expressed as median (inter-quartile range): 178.0 (111.2-236.4) μmol/L in NICCD vs 112.0 (84.9-153.9) μmol/L in BA and 103.0 (70.9-135.3) μmol/L in INC, P = 0.0001]. The NICCD patients had significantly lower direct bilirubin [D-Bil 59.6 (43.1-90.9) μmol/L in NICCD vs 134.0 (115.9-151.2) μmol/L in BA and 87.3 (63.0-123.6) μmol/L in INC, P = 0.0001]; alanine aminotransferase [ALT 34.0 (23.0-55.0) U/L in NICCD vs 108.0 (62.0-199.0) U/L in BA and 84.5 (46.0-166.0) U/L in INC, P = 0.0001]; aspartate aminotransferase [AST 74.0 (53.5-150.0) U/L in NICCD vs 153.0 (115.0-239.0) U/L in BA and 130.5 (81.0-223.0) U/L in INC, P = 0.0006]; albumin [34.9 (30.7-38.2) g/L in NICCD vs 38.4 (36.3-42.2) g/L in BA and 39.9 (37.0-42.3) g/L in INC, P = 0.0001]; glucose [3.2 (2.0-4.4) mmol/L in NICCD vs 4.1 (3.4-5.1) mmol/L in BA and 4.0 (3.4-4.6) mmol/L in INC, P = 0.0014] and total cholesterol [TCH 3.33 (2.97-4.00) mmol/L in NICCD vs 4.57 (3.81-5.26) mmol/L in BA and 4.00 (3.24-4.74) mmol/L in INC, P = 0.0155] levels. The D-Bil to total bilirubin (T-Bil) ratio was significantly lower in NICCD patients [all measures are expressed as median (inter-quartile range): 0.54 (0.40-0.74)] than that in BA patients [0.77 (0.72-0.81), P = 0.001] and that in INC patients [0.74 (0.59-0.80), P = 0.0045]. A much higher AST/ALT ratio was found in NICCD patients [2.46 (1.95-3.63)] compared to BA patients [1.38 (0.94-1.97), P = 0.0001] and INC patients [1.48 (1.10-2.26), P = 0.0001]. NICCD patients had significantly higher TBA/D-Bil ratio [3.36 (1.98-4.43) vs 0.85 (0.72-1.09) in BA patients and 1.04 (0.92-1.14) in INC patients, P = 0.0001], and TBA/TCH ratio [60.7 (32.4-70.9) vs 24.7 (19.8-30.2) in BA patients and 24.2 (21.4-26.9) in INC patients, P = 0.0001] compared to the BA and INC groups. CONCLUSION: NICCD has significantly different biochemical indices from BA or INC. TBA excretion in NICCD appeared to be more severely disturbed than that of bilirubin and cholesterol. PMID:23112554

Association between left atrial function assessed by speckle-tracking echocardiography and the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus in patients with atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Kupczynska, Karolina; Michalski, Blazej W; Miskowiec, Dawid; Kasprzak, Jaroslaw D; Wejner-Mik, Paulina; Wdowiak-Okrojek, Katarzyna; Lipiec, Piotr

2017-07-01

The aim of the study was to investigate whether the deformation of left atrium (LA) measured by speckle-tracking analysis (STE) is associated with the presence of LA appendage thrombus (LAAT) during non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Eighty-seven patients (mean age 67 years, 59% men) were included to retrospective cross-sectional study. On top of standard echocardiography we assessed: LA longitudinal systolic strain (LS), systolic (LSSR) and early diastolic strain rate (LESR) in four-chamber and twochamber apical views. All patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography disclosing LAAT in 36 (41%) patients. Subgroups with and without thrombi did not differ with regard to clinical characteristics. Univariate factors associated with LAAT were as follows: CH2ADS2-VASc Score, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV mass, and STE measurements. In a multivariate model only LVEF (p=0.002), LS (p=0.02), LESR (p=0.008), and LSSR (p=0.045) were independently associated with LAAT presence. Moreover, LVEF and LA STE measurements provided incremental value over the CH2ADS2-VASc Score. Speckle-tracking TTE may be used to describe LA reservoir and conduit function during AF, allowing the identification of patients with higher risk of LAAT and providing incremental value over the CH2ADS2-VASc Score.

Myocardial strain abnormalities in fetal congenital heart disease assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography.

PubMed

Germanakis, Ioannis; Matsui, Hikoro; Gardiner, Helena M

2012-01-01

To compare myocardial deformation patterns in fetuses with congenital heart disease (CHD) with our reference range using speckle tracking echocardiography. We prospectively stored and analyzed 4-chamber loops of 28 fetuses with CHD (median gestation 27 weeks, range 20.9-37.0). The peak longitudinal left (LVs) and right (RVs) ventricular free wall Lagrangian strain and LV/RV strain ratio were measured from Syngo VVI software- (Siemens) derived original coordinates. Strain values from the first examination were compared with normative data from the same population using ANOVA with post hoc tests and serial examinations described in 14 fetuses. Simple shunt lesions (0.82) and shunts with pulmonary stenosis or atresia (0.93) had reduced mean LV/RV strain ratios compared to normal fetuses (1.01; 95% CI 0.97-1.05). Fetuses with hypoplastic left heart had the lowest (0.29), and those with Ebstein the highest (1.55), LV:RV ratio. Serial measurements showed increased LVs in aortic coarctation and aortic stenosis, but not in one developing important mitral regurgitation. Increased right ventricular loading in a fetus developing pulmonary regurgitation was associated with increasing RVs. Myocardial strain reflects the changing physiology of fetal CHD. Speckle tracking might be a useful tool to study the progress of myocardial function in affected fetuses. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Cathode signal in a TPC directional detector: implementation and validation measuring the drift velocity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Couturier, C.; Riffard, Q.; Sauzet, N.; Guillaudin, O.; Naraghi, F.; Santos, D.

2017-11-01

Low-pressure gaseous TPCs are well suited detectors to correlate the directions of nuclear recoils to the galactic Dark Matter (DM) halo. Indeed, in addition to providing a measure of the energy deposition due to the elastic scattering of a DM particle on a nucleus in the target gas, they allow for the reconstruction of the track of the recoiling nucleus. In order to exclude the background events originating from radioactive decays on the surfaces of the detector materials within the drift volume, efforts are ongoing to precisely localize the track nuclear recoil in the drift volume along the axis perpendicular to the cathode plane. We report here the implementation of the measure of the signal induced on the cathode by the motion of the primary electrons toward the anode in a MIMAC chamber. As a validation, we performed an independent measurement of the drift velocity of the electrons in the considered gas mixture, correlating in time the cathode signal with the measure of the arrival times of the electrons on the anode.

Control performances of a piezoactuator direct drive valve system at high temperatures with thermal insulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Yung-Min; Han, Chulhee; Kim, Wan Ho; Seong, Ho Yong; Choi, Seung-Bok

2016-09-01

This technical note presents control performances of a piezoactuator direct drive valve (PDDV) operated at high temperature environment. After briefly discussing operating principle and mechanical dimensions of the proposed PDDV, an appropriate size of the PDDV is manufactured. As a first step, the temperature effect on the valve performance is experimentally investigated by measuring the spool displacement at various temperatures. Subsequently, the PDDV is thermally insulated using aerogel and installed in a large-size heat chamber in which the pneumatic-hydraulic cylinders and sensors are equipped. A proportional-integral-derivative feedback controller is then designed and implemented to control the spool displacement of the valve system. In this work, the spool displacement is chosen as a control variable since it is directly related to the flow rate of the valve system. Three different sinusoidal displacements with different frequencies of 1, 10 and 50 Hz are used as reference spool displacement and tracking controls are undertaken up to 150 °C. It is shown that the proposed PDDV with the thermal insulation can provide favorable control responses without significant tracking errors at high temperatures.

Precise Nuclear Data Measurements Possible with the NIFFTE fissionTPC for Advanced Reactor Designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Towell, Rusty; Niffte Collaboration

2015-10-01

The Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking Experiment (NIFFTE) Collaboration has applied the proven technology of Time Projection Chambers (TPC) to the task of precisely measuring fission cross sections. With the NIFFTE fission TPC, precise measurements have been made during the last year at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center from both U-235 and Pu-239 targets. The exquisite tracking capabilities of this device allow the full reconstruction of charged particles produced by neutron beam induced fissions from a thin central target. The wealth of information gained from this approach will allow systematics to be controlled at the level of 1%. The fissionTPC performance will be presented. These results are critical to the development of advanced uranium-fueled reactors. However, there are clear advantages to developing thorium-fueled reactors such as Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors over uranium-fueled reactors. These advantages include improved reactor safety, minimizing radioactive waste, improved reactor efficiency, and enhanced proliferation resistance. The potential for using the fissionTPC to measure needed cross sections important to the development of thorium-fueled reactors will also be discussed.

The BetaCage, an ultra-sensitive screener for surface contamination

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

Bunker, R.; Bowles, M. A.; Schnee, R. W.

Material screening for identifying low-energy electron emitters and alpha-decaying isotopes is now a prerequisite for rare-event searches (e.g., dark-matter direct detection and neutrinoless double-beta decay) for which surface radiocon-tamination has become an increasingly important background. The BetaCage, a gaseous neon time-projection chamber, is a proposed ultra-sensitive (and nondestructive) screener for alpha-and beta-emitting surface contaminants to which existing screening facilities are insufficiently sensitive. Sensitivity goals are 0.1 betas keV{sup −1} m{sup −2} day{sup −1} and 0.1 alphas m{sup −2} day{sup −1}, with the former limited by Compton scattering of photons in the screening samples and (thanks to tracking) the latter expectedmore » to be signal-limited; radioassays and simulations indicate backgrounds from detector materials and radon daughters should be subdominant. We report on details of the background simulations and detector design that provide the discrimination, shielding, and radiopurity necessary to reach our sensitivity goals for a chamber with a 95 × 95 cm{sup 2} sample area positioned below a 40 cm drift region and monitored by crisscrossed anode and cathode planes consisting of 151 wires each.« less

Recent results and performance of the multi-gap resistive plate chambers network for the EEE Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbrescia, M.; Avanzini, C.; Baldini, L.; Baldini Ferroli, R.; Batignani, G.; Bencivenni, G.; Bossini, E.; Chiavassa, A.; Cicalò, C.; Cifarelli, L.; Coccia, E.; Corvaglia, A.; De Gruttola, D.; De Pasquale, S.; Di Giovanni, A.; D`Incecco, M.; Dreucci, M.; Fabbri, F. L.; Fattibene, E.; Ferraro, A.; Frolov, V.; Galeotti, P.; Garbini, M.; Gemme, G.; Gnesi, I.; Grazzi, S.; Gustavino, C.; Hatzifotiadou, D.; La Rocca, P.; Licciulli, F.; Maggiora, A.; Maragoto Rodriguez, O.; Maron, G.; Martelli, B.; Mazziotta, M. N.; Miozzi, S.; Nania, R.; Noferini, F.; Nozzoli, F.; Panareo, M.; Panetta, M. P.; Paoletti, R.; Park, W.; Perasso, L.; Pilo, F.; Piragino, G.; Riggi, F.; Righini, G. C.; Sartorelli, G.; Scapparone, E.; Schioppa, M.; Scribano, A.; Selvi, M.; Serci, S.; Siddi, E.; Squarcia, S.; Stori, L.; Taiuti, M.; Terreni, G.; Visnyei, O. B.; Vistoli, M. C.; Votano, L.; Williams, M. C. S.; Zani, S.; Zichichi, A.; Zuyeusky, R.

2016-11-01

The Extreme Energy Events (EEE) Project is devoted to the study of Extensive Atmospheric Showers through a network of muon telescopes, installed in High Schools, with the further aim of introducing young students to particle and astroparticle physics. Each telescope is a tracking detector composed of three Multi-gap Resistive Plate Chambers (MRPC) with an active area of 1.60 × 0.80 m2. Their characteristics are similar to the ones built for the Time Of Flight array of the ALICE Experimentat LHC . The EEE Project started with a few pilot towns, where the telescopes have been taking data since 2008, and it has been constantly extended, reaching at present more than 50 MRPCs telescopes. They are spread across Italy with two additional stations at CERN, covering an area of around 3 × 105 km2, with a total surface area for all the MRPCs of 190 m2. A comprehensive description of the MRPCs network is reported here: efficiency, time and spatial resolution measured using cosmic rays hitting the telescopes. The most recent results on the detector and physics performance from a series of coordinated data acquisition periods are also presented.

A simple and effective process for noise reduction of multichannel cortical field potential recordings in freely moving rats.

PubMed

Shaw, Fu-Zen; Yen, Chen Tung; Chen, Ruei Feng

2003-04-15

Simple and useful steps, i.e. placing a grounded plate under the recording chamber as well as using multiple reference electrodes, are introduced here for obtaining reliable low-noise recordings of brain activity in freely moving rats. A general circuit model was built to analyze the electrical interference of both single-grounded and two-reference ground-free recording configurations. In both simulated and realistic conditions under two recording states, 60-Hz magnitude was in the microvolt range. Moreover, the noise was significantly reduced by shortening the distance between the subject and the grounded plate under the recording chamber. Furthermore, in chronically implanted rats, average 60-Hz interference of multichannel electroencephalograms of two-reference ground-free recordings (3.74 +/- 0.18 microV) was significantly smaller than that of the single-grounded condition (9.03 +/- 1.98 microV). Thus, we demonstrated that a lower-noise recording can be achieved by a two-reference configuration and a closely-placed metal grounded plate in an open-field circumstance. As compared to the use of a Faraday cage, this simple procedure is of benefit for long-term behavioral tracking with a video camera and for pharmacological experiments.

Overview of the data analysis and new micro-pattern gas detector development for the Active Target Time Projection Chamber (AT-TPC) project.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayyad, Yassid; Mittig, Wolfgang; Bazin, Daniel; Cortesi, Marco

2017-07-01

The Active Target Time Projection Chamber (AT-TPC) project at the NSCL (National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory, Michigan State University) is a novel active target detector tailored for low-energy nuclear reactions in inverse kinematics with radioactive ion beams. The AT-TPC allows for a full three dimensional reconstruction of the reaction and provides high luminosity without degradation of resolution by the thickness of the target. Since all the particles (and also the reaction vertex) are tracked inside the detector, the AT-TPC has full 4π efficiency. The AT-TPC can operate under a magnetic field (2 T) that improves the identification of the particles and the energy resolution through the measurement of the magnetic rigidity. Another important characteristic of the AT-TPC is the high-gain operation achieved by the hybrid thick Gas Electron Multipliers (THGEM)-Micromegas pad plane, that allow operation also in pure elemental gas. These two features make the AT-TPC a unique high resolution spectrometer with full acceptance for nuclear physics reactions. This work presents an overview of the project, focused on the data analysis and the development of new micro-pattern gas detectors.

Technical Note: A minimally invasive experimental system for pCO2 manipulation in plankton cultures using passive gas exchange (atmospheric carbon control simulator)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Love, Brooke A.; Olson, M. Brady; Wuori, Tristen

2017-05-01

As research into the biotic effects of ocean acidification has increased, the methods for simulating these environmental changes in the laboratory have multiplied. Here we describe the atmospheric carbon control simulator (ACCS) for the maintenance of plankton under controlled pCO2 conditions, designed for species sensitive to the physical disturbance introduced by the bubbling of cultures and for studies involving trophic interaction. The system consists of gas mixing and equilibration components coupled with large-volume atmospheric simulation chambers. These chambers allow gas exchange to counteract the changes in carbonate chemistry induced by the metabolic activity of the organisms. The system is relatively low cost, very flexible, and when used in conjunction with semi-continuous culture methods, it increases the density of organisms kept under realistic conditions, increases the allowable time interval between dilutions, and/or decreases the metabolically driven change in carbonate chemistry during these intervals. It accommodates a large number of culture vessels, which facilitate multi-trophic level studies and allow the tracking of variable responses within and across plankton populations to ocean acidification. It also includes components that increase the reliability of gas mixing systems using mass flow controllers.

Monte Carlo calculations of LR115 detector response to 222Rn in the presence of 220Rn.

PubMed

Nikezić, D; Yu, K N

2000-04-01

The sensitivities (in m) of bare LR115 detectors and detectors in diffusion chambers to 222Rn and 220Rn chains are calculated by the Monte Carlo method. The partial sensitivities of bare detectors to the 222Rn chain are larger than those to the 220Rn chain, which is due to the higher energies of alpha particles in the 220Rn chain and the upper energy limit for detection for the LR115 detector. However, the total sensitivities are approximately equal because 220Rn is always in equilibrium with its first progeny, which is not the case for the 222Rn chain. The total sensitivity of bare LR115 detectors to 222Rn chain depends linearly on the equilibrium factor. The overestimation in 222Rn measurements with bare detectors caused by 220Rn in air can reach 10% in normal environmental conditions. An analytical relationship between the equilibrium factor and the ratio between track densities on the bare detector and the detector enclosed in chamber is given in the last part of the paper. This ratio is also affected by 220Rn, which can disturb the determination of the equilibrium factor.

Mapping-guided characterization of mechanical and electrical activation patterns in patients with normal systolic function using a sensor-based tracking technology.

PubMed

Piorkowski, Christopher; Breithardt, Ole-A; Razavi, Hedi; Nabutovsky, Yelena; Rosenberg, Stuart P; Markovitz, Craig D; Arya, Arash; Rolf, Sascha; John, Silke; Kosiuk, Jedrzej; Olson, Eric; Eitel, Charlotte; Huo, Yan; Döring, Michael; Richter, Sergio; Ryu, Kyungmoo; Gaspar, Thomas; Prinzen, Frits W; Hindricks, Gerhard; Sommer, Philipp

2017-10-01

In times of evolving cardiac resynchronization therapy, intra-procedural characterization of left ventricular (LV) mechanical activation patterns is desired but technically challenging with currently available technologies. In patients with normal systolic function, we evaluated the feasibility of characterizing LV wall motion using a novel sensor-based, real-time tracking technology. Ten patients underwent simultaneous motion and electrical mapping of the LV endocardium during sinus rhythm using electroanatomical mapping and navigational systems (EnSite™ NavX™ and MediGuide™, SJM). Epicardial motion data were also collected simultaneously at corresponding locations from accessible coronary sinus branches. Displacements at each mapping point and times of electrical and mechanical activation were combined over each of the six standard LV wall segments. Mechanical activation timing was compared with that from electrical activation and preoperative 2D speckle tracking echocardiography (echo). MediGuide-based displacement data were further analysed to estimate LV chamber volumes that were compared with echo and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lateral and septal walls exhibited the largest (12.5 [11.6-15.0] mm) and smallest (10.2 [9.0-11.3] mm) displacement, respectively. Radial displacement was significantly larger endocardially than epicardially (endo: 6.7 [5.0-9.1] mm; epi: 3.8 [2.4-5.6] mm), while longitudinal displacement was significantly larger epicardially (endo: 8.0 [5.0-10.6] mm; epi: 10.3 [7.4-13.8] mm). Most often, the anteroseptal/anterior and lateral walls showed the earliest and latest mechanical activations, respectively. 9/10 patients had concordant or adjacent wall segments of latest mechanical and electrical activation, and 6/10 patients had concordant or adjacent wall segments of latest mechanical activation as measured by MediGuide and echo. MediGuide's LV chamber volumes were significantly correlated with MRI (R2= 0.73, P < 0.01) and echo (R2= 0.75, P < 0.001). The feasibility of mapping-guided intra-procedural characterization of LV wall motion was established. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: CT01629160. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Neutron Fluence and Energy Reconstruction with the LNE-IRSN/MIMAC Recoil Detector MicroTPC at 27 keV

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

Maire, D.; Lebreton, L.; Querre, Ph.

2015-07-01

The French Institute for Radiation protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), designated by the French Metrology Institute (LNE) for neutron metrology, is developing a time projection chamber using a Micromegas anode: microTPC. This work is carried out in collaboration with the Laboratory of Subatomic Physics and Cosmology (LPSC). The aim is to characterize the energy distribution of neutron fluence in the energy range 8 keV - 5 MeV with a primary procedure. The time projection chambers are gaseous detectors able to measure charged particles energy and to reconstruct their track if a pixelated anode is used. In our case, the gasmore » is used as a (n, p) converter in order to detect neutrons down to few keV. Coming from elastic collisions with neutrons, recoil protons lose a part of their kinetic energy by ionizing the gas. The ionization electrons are drifted toward a pixelated anode (2D projection), read at 50 MHz by a self-triggered electronic system to obtain the third track dimension. The neutron energy is reconstructed event by event thanks to proton scattering angle and proton energy measurements. The scattering angle is deduced from the 3D track. The proton energy is obtained by charge collection measurements, knowing the ionization quenching factor (i.e. the part of proton kinetic energy lost by ionizing the gas). The fluence is calculated thanks to the detected events number and the simulation of the detector response. The μTPC is a new reliable detector able to measure energy distribution of the neutron fluence without unfolding procedure or prior neutron calibration contrary to usual gaseous counters. The microTPC is still being developed and measurements have been carried out at the AMANDE facility, with neutrons energies going from 8 keV to 565 keV. After the context and the μ-TPC working principle presentation, measurements of the neutron energy and fluence at 27 keV and 144 keV are shown and compared to the complete detector response simulation. This work shows the first direct reconstruction of neutron energy and fluence, simultaneously, at 27.2 keV in a continuous irradiation mode. (authors)« less

Neutron fluence and energy reconstruction with the IRSN recoil detector μ-TPC at 27 keV, 144 keV and 565 keV

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

Maire, D.; Lebreton, L.; Richer, J.P.

2015-07-01

The French Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), associated to the French Metrology Institute (LNE), is developing a time projection chamber using a Micromegas anode: μ-TPC. This work is carried out in collaboration with the Laboratory of Subatomic Physics and Cosmology (LPSC). The aim is to characterize with a primary procedure the energy distribution of neutron fluence in the energy range 8 keV - 1 MeV. The time projection chambers are gaseous detectors, which are able to measure charged particles energy and to reconstruct their track if a pixelated anode is used. In our case, the gas is usedmore » as a (n, p) converter in order to detect neutrons down to few keV. Coming from elastic collisions with neutrons, recoil protons lose a part of their kinetic energy by ionizing the gas. The ionization electrons are drifted toward a pixelated anode (2D projection), read at 50 MHz by a self-triggered electronic system to obtain the third track dimension. The neutron energy is reconstructed event by event thanks to proton scattering angle and proton energy measurements. The scattering angle is deduced from the 3D track. The proton energy is obtained by charge collection measurements, knowing the ionization quenching factor (i.e. the part of proton kinetic energy lost by ionizing the gas). The fluence is calculated thanks to the detected events number and the simulated detector response. The μ-TPC is a new reliable detector which enables to measure energy distribution of the neutron fluence without deconvolution or neutron calibration contrary to usual gaseous counters. The μ-TPC is still being developed and measurements have been carried out at the AMANDE facility, with neutrons energies going from 8 keV to 565 keV. After the context and the μ-TPC working principle presentation, measurements of the neutron energy and fluence at 27.2 keV, 144 keV and 565 keV are shown and compared to the complete detector simulation. This work shows the first direct reconstruction of neutron energy and fluence, simultaneously, at 27.2 keV in a continuous irradiation mode. (authors)« less

Measurement of Isobaric Analogue Resonances of 47Ar with the Active-Target Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradt, Joshua William

While the nuclear shell model accurately describes the structure of nuclei near stability, the structure of unstable, neutron-rich nuclei is still an area of active research. One region of interest is the set of nuclei near N=28. The shell model suggests that these nuclei should be approximately spherical due to the shell gap predicted by their magic number of neutrons; however, experiments have shown that the nuclei in this region rapidly become deformed as protons are removed from the spherical 48Ca. This makes 46Ar a particularly interesting system as it lies in a transition region between 48Ca and lighter isotones that are known to be deformed. An experiment was performed at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) to measure resonant proton scattering on 46Ar. The resonances observed in this reaction correspond to unbound levels in the 47K intermediate state nucleus which are isobaric analogues of states in the 47Ar nucleus. By measuring the spectroscopic factors of these states in 47Ar, we gain information about the single-particle structure of this system, which is directly related to the size of the N=28 shell gap. Four resonances were observed: one corresponding to the ground state in 47Ar, one corresponding its first excited 1/2- state, and two corresponding to 1/2+ states in either 47Ar or the intermediate state nucleus. However, only a limited amount of information about these states could be recovered due to the low experimental statistics and limited angular resolution caused by pileup rejection and the inability to accurately reconstruct the beam particle track. In addition to the nuclear physics motivations, this experiment served as the radioactive beam commissioning for the Active-Target Time Projection Chamber (AT-TPC). The AT-TPC is a new gas-filled charged particle detector built at the NSCL to measure low-energy radioactive beams from the ReA3 facility. Since the gas inside the detector serves as both the tracking medium and the scattering target, reactions are measured over a continuous range of energies with near-4π solid angle coverage. This experiment demonstrated that tracks recorded by the AT-TPC can be reconstructed to a good resolution, and it established the feasibility of performing similar experiments with this detector in the future.

Gaseous time projection chambers for rare event detection: results from the T-REX project. I. Double beta decay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irastorza, I. G.; Aznar, F.; Castel, J.; Cebrián, S.; Dafni, T.; Galán, J.; Garcia, J. A.; Garza, J. G.; Gómez, H.; Herrera, D. C.; Iguaz, F. J.; Luzon, G.; Mirallas, H.; Ruiz, E.; Seguí, L.; Tomás, A.

2016-01-01

As part of the T-REX project, a number of R&D and prototyping activities have been carried out during the last years to explore the applicability of gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with Micromesh Gas Structures (Micromegas) in rare event searches like double beta decay, axion research and low-mass WIMP searches. In both this and its companion paper, we compile the main results of the project and give an outlook of application prospects for this detection technique. While in the companion paper we focus on axions and WIMPs, in this paper we focus on the results regarding the measurement of the double beta decay (DBD) of 136Xe in a high pressure Xe (HPXe) TPC. Micromegas of the microbulk type have been extensively studied in high pressure Xe and Xe mixtures. Particularly relevant are the results obtained in Xe + trimethylamine (TMA) mixtures, showing very promising results in terms of gain, stability of operation, and energy resolution at high pressures up to 10 bar. The addition of TMA at levels of ~ 1% reduces electron diffusion by up to a factor of 10 with respect to pure Xe, improving the quality of the topological pattern, with a positive impact on the discrimination capability. Operation with a medium size prototype of 30 cm diameter and 38 cm of drift (holding about 1 kg of Xe at 10 bar in the fiducial volume, enough to contain high energy electron tracks in the detector volume) has allowed to test the detection concept in realistic experimental conditions. Microbulk Micromegas are able to image the DBD ionization signature with high quality while, at the same time, measuring its energy deposition with a resolution of at least a ~ 3% FWHM @ Qββ. This value was experimentally demonstrated for high-energy extended tracks at 10 bar, and is probably improvable down to the ~ 1% FWHM levels as extrapolated from low energy events. In addition, first results on the topological signature information (one straggling track ending in two blobs) show promising background discrimination capabilities out of reach of other experimental implementations. Moreover, microbulk Micromegas have very low levels of intrinsic radioactivity, and offer cost-effective scaling-up options. All these results demonstrate that Micromegas-read HPXe TPC remains a very competitive technique for the next generation DBD experiments.

The low radioactivity link of the CUORE experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreotti, E.; Arnaboldi, C.; Barucci, M.; Brofferio, C.; Cosmelli, C.; Calligaris, L.; Capelli, S.; Clemenza, M.; Maiano, C.; Pellicciari, M.; Pessina, G.; Pirro, S.

2009-09-01

CUORE will be an array of 988 TeO2 bolometers (5 × 5 × 5 cm3) held at about 10 mK. It will study the very rare double β decay process from 130Te. The electrical connections of the array to the room temperature electronics will consist in about 2000 wires. We will describe the design and characterization of the 3 interconnection sectors going from the detectors to the mixing chamber, the coldest stage at which the array is thermally and mechanically anchored, and from the mixing chamber to room temperature. The lower part consists of a set of 2.3 m long, 50 μm thick, Cu-insulator tapes having PEN (Polyethylene 2.6 Naphthalate) substrate, on which a pattern of copper tracks are etched. The differential layout pattern chosen allows obtaining a signal cross talk between adjacent channels of about 0.024%, together with a capacitance of about 26 pF/m and a resistance larger than 200 GΩ/m. On the top of the mixing chamber, Cu-Kapton boards are used to join the tapes to the second upward-going 2 m long links, implemented with twisted NbTi wires, interwoven in a NOMEX® texture. NbTi-NOMEX link features about 100 pF/m and negligible level of cross-talk. The radioactivity content of Cu-PEN tapes, Cu-Kapton boards, NbTi-NOMEX ribbons and connectors has been investigated and found to be compliant with the experimental requirements. A mechanical study has been done to quote the vibration transmission properties of the highly packaged tapes.

[Present status and trend of heart fluid mechanics research based on medical image analysis].

PubMed

Gan, Jianhong; Yin, Lixue; Xie, Shenghua; Li, Wenhua; Lu, Jing; Luo, Anguo

2014-06-01

With introduction of current main methods for heart fluid mechanics researches, we studied the characteristics and weakness for three primary analysis methods based on magnetic resonance imaging, color Doppler ultrasound and grayscale ultrasound image, respectively. It is pointed out that particle image velocity (PIV), speckle tracking and block match have the same nature, and three algorithms all adopt block correlation. The further analysis shows that, with the development of information technology and sensor, the research for cardiac function and fluid mechanics will focus on energy transfer process of heart fluid, characteristics of Chamber wall related to blood fluid and Fluid-structure interaction in the future heart fluid mechanics fields.

Large Area Coverage of a TPC Endcap with GridPix Detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaminski, Jochen

2018-02-01

The Large Prototype TPC at DESY, Hamburg, was built by the LCTPC collaboration as a testbed for new readout technologies of Time Projection Chambers. Up to seven modules of about 400 cm2 each can be placed in the endcap. Three of these modules were equipped with a total of 160 GridPix detectors. This is a combination of a highly pixelated readout ASIC and a Micromegas built on top. GridPix detectors have a very high efficiency of detecting primary electrons, which leads to excellent spatial and energy resolutions. For the first time a large number of GridPix detectors has been operated and long segments of tracks have been recorded with excellent precision.

Operation of a LAr-TPC equipped with a multilayer LEM charge readout

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baibussinov, B.; Centro, S.; Farnese, C.; Fava, A.; Gibin, D.; Guglielmi, A.; Meng, G.; Pietropaolo, F.; Varanini, F.; Ventura, S.; Zatrimaylov, K.

2018-03-01

A novel detector for ionization signals in a single phase LAr-TPC has been experimented in the ICARINO test facility at the INFN Laboratories in Legnaro. It is based on the adoption of a multilayer Large Electron Multiplier (LEM) replacing the traditional anodic wire arrays. Cosmic muon tracks were detected allowing the measurement of energy deposition and a first determination of the signal to noise ratio. The analysis of the recorded events demonstrated the 3D reconstruction capability of this device for ionizing events in liquid Argon. The collected fraction of ionization charge is close to about 90%, with signal to noise ratio similar to that measured with more traditional wire chambers.

Precise mapping of the magnetic field in the CMS barrel yoke using cosmic rays

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

Chatrchyan, S.; et al.,

2010-03-01

The CMS detector is designed around a large 4 T superconducting solenoid, enclosed in a 12000-tonne steel return yoke. A detailed map of the magnetic field is required for the accurate simulation and reconstruction of physics events in the CMS detector, not only in the inner tracking region inside the solenoid but also in the large and complex structure of the steel yoke, which is instrumented with muon chambers. Using a large sample of cosmic muon events collected by CMS in 2008, the field in the steel of the barrel yoke has been determined with a precision of 3 tomore » 8% depending on the location.« less

The Electron Spectrum above 20 GeV Measured by ATIC

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, J.; Schmidt, W. K. H.; Adams, J. H.; Ahn, H. S.; Bashindzhagyan, G.; Batkov, K. E.; Christl, M.; Fazely, A. R.; Ganel, O.; Gunasingha, R. M.

2004-01-01

The Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC) Balloon Experiment has been flown from McMurdo, Antarctica in 2000-01 (test flight) and 2002-03 (science flight). ATIC is composed of a segmented BGO calorimeter following a carbon target with scintillator tracking layers and a Silicon matrix detector at the entrance. ATIC measures the composition and energy spectra of the nuclei plus electrons. We present the electron spectrum derived from the ATIC flights, from 20 GeV to 3 TeV, and compare it to existing very high energy measurements from emulsion chambers and to the results of galactic propagation calculations. The good energy resolution and high statistics in the ATIC data allow detailed astrophysical interpretation of the results.

Measurement of the 8Li(α,n)11B reaction and astrophysical implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizoi, Y.; Fukuda, T.; Matsuyama, Y.; Miyachi, T.; Miyatake, H.; Aoi, N.; Fukuda, N.; Notani, M.; Watanabe, Y. X.; Yoneda, K.; Ishihara, M.; Sakurai, H.; Watanabe, Y.; Yoshida, A.

2000-12-01

We have measured the 8Li(α,n)11B reaction directly and exclusively, and determined the total cross sections in the center-of-mass energy of 1.5-7.0 MeV, by using a new-type gas counter, multiple-sampling and tracking proportional chamber (MSTPC), and neutron counters. This experiment was performed in the condition of inverse kinematics. The 8Li beam was produced by the RIKEN projectile-fragment separator, and injected into the MSTPC filled with 4He gas, which worked as a detector gas and served as a target. The reaction cross section obtained in the present exclusive measurement is about half of the one obtained in previous inclusive measurements.

Three-dimensional imaging for large LArTPCs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, X.; Zhang, C.; Viren, B.; Diwan, M.

2018-05-01

High-performance event reconstruction is critical for current and future massive liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) to realize their full scientific potential. LArTPCs with readout using wire planes provide a limited number of 2D projections. In general, without a pixel-type readout it is challenging to achieve unambiguous 3D event reconstruction. As a remedy, we present a novel 3D imaging method, Wire-Cell, which incorporates the charge and sparsity information in addition to the time and geometry through simple and robust mathematics. The resulting 3D image of ionization density provides an excellent starting point for further reconstruction and enables the true power of 3D tracking calorimetry in LArTPCs.

MicroBooNE and its Cross Section Measurement

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

Tsai, Yun-Tse

2017-05-22

MicroBooNE (the Micro Booster Neutrino Experiment) is a short-baseline neutrino experiment based on the technology of a liquid-argon time-projection chamber (LArTPC), and has recently completed its first year of data-taking in the Fermilab Booster Neutrino Beam. It aims to address the anomalous excess of events with an electromagnetic final state in MiniBooNE, to measure neutrino-argon interaction cross sections, and to provide relevant R\\&D for the future LArTPC experiments, such as DUNE. In these proceedings, we present the first reconstructed energy spectrum of Michel electrons from cosmic muon decays, the first kinematic distributions of the candidate muon tracks frommore » $$\

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

Renner, J.; Farbin, A.; Vidal, J. Muñoz

Here, we investigate the potential of using deep learning techniques to reject background events in searches for neutrinoless double beta decay with high pressure xenon time projection chambers capable of detailed track reconstruction. The differences in the topological signatures of background and signal events can be learned by deep neural networks via training over many thousands of events. These networks can then be used to classify further events as signal or background, providing an additional background rejection factor at an acceptable loss of efficiency. The networks trained in this study performed better than previous methods developed based on the usemore » of the same topological signatures by a factor of 1.2 to 1.6, and there is potential for further improvement.« less

Development of a Telescope for Medium-Energy Gamma-Ray Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunter, Stanley D.

2010-01-01

Since the launch of AGILE and FERMI, the scientific progress in high-energy (E(sub gamma) greater than approximately 200 MeV) gamma-ray science has been, and will continue to be dramatic. Both of these telescopes cover a broad energy range from approximately 20 MeV to greater than 10 GeV. However, neither instrument is optimized for observations below approximately 200 MeV where many astrophysical objects exhibit unique, transitory behavior, such as spectral breaks, bursts, and flares. Hence, while significant progress from current observations is expected, there will nonetheless remain a significant sensitivity gap in the medium-energy (approximately 0.1-200 MeV) regime; the lower end of this range remains largely unexplored whereas the upper end will allow comparison with FERMI data. Tapping into this unexplored regime requires significant improvements in sensitivity. A major emphasis of modern detector development, with the goal of providing significant improvements in sensitivity in the medium-energy regime, focuses on high-resolution electron tracking. The Three-Dimensional Track Imager (3-DTI) technology being developed at GSFC provides high resolution tracking of the electron-positron pair from gamma-ray interactions from 5 to 200 MeV. The 3-DTI consists of a time projection chamber (TPC) and 2-D cross-strip microwell detector (MWD). The low-density and homogeneous design of the 3-DTI, offers unprecedented sensitivity by providing angular resolution near the kinematic limit. Electron tracking also enables measurement of gamma-ray polarization, a new tool to study astrophysical phenomenon. We describe the design, fabrication, and performance of a 30x30x30 cubic centimeters 3-DTI detector prototype of a medium-energy gamma-ray telescope.

Development of a Telescope for Medium-Energy Gamma-ray Astronomy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sunter, Stan

2012-01-01

Since the launch of AGILE and FERMI, the scientific progress in high-energy (Eg greater than approximately 200 MeV) gamma-ray science has been, and will continue to be dramatic. Both of these telescopes cover a broad energy range from approximately 20 MeV to greater than 10 GeV. However, neither instrument is optimized for observations below approximately 200 MeV where many astrophysical objects exhibit unique, transitory behavior, such as spectral breaks, bursts, and flares. Hence, while significant progress from current observations is expected, there will nonetheless remain a significant sensitivity gap in the medium-energy (approximately 0.1-200 MeV) regime; the lower end of this range remains largely unexplored whereas the upper end will allow comparison with FERMI data. Tapping into this unexplored regime requires significant improvements in sensitivity. A major emphasis of modern detector development, with the goal of providing significant improvements in sensitivity in the medium-energy regime, focuses on high-resolution electron tracking. The Three-Dimensional Track Imager (3-DTI) technology being developed at GSFC provides high resolution tracking of the electron-positron pair from gamma-ray interactions from 5 to 200 MeV. The 3-DTI consists of a time projection chamber (TPC) and 2-D cross-strip microwell detector (MWD). The low-density and homogeneous design of the 3-DTI, offers unprecedented sensitivity by providing angular resolution near the kinematic limit. Electron tracking also enables measurement of gamma-ray polarization, a new tool to study astrophysical phenomenon. We describe the design, fabrication, and performance of a 30x30x30 cm3 3-DTI detector prototype of a medium-energy gamma-ray telescope.

Mapping quantitative trait loci for lint yield and fiber quality across environments in a Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense backcross inbred line population.

PubMed

Yu, Jiwen; Zhang, Ke; Li, Shuaiyang; Yu, Shuxun; Zhai, Honghong; Wu, Man; Li, Xingli; Fan, Shuli; Song, Meizhen; Yang, Daigang; Li, Yunhai; Zhang, Jinfa

2013-01-01

Identification of stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) across different environments and mapping populations is a prerequisite for marker-assisted selection (MAS) for cotton yield and fiber quality. To construct a genetic linkage map and to identify QTLs for fiber quality and yield traits, a backcross inbred line (BIL) population of 146 lines was developed from a cross between Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense) through two generations of backcrossing using Upland cotton as the recurrent parent followed by four generations of self pollination. The BIL population together with its two parents was tested in five environments representing three major cotton production regions in China. The genetic map spanned a total genetic distance of 2,895 cM and contained 392 polymorphic SSR loci with an average genetic distance of 7.4 cM per marker. A total of 67 QTLs including 28 for fiber quality and 39 for yield and its components were detected on 23 chromosomes, each of which explained 6.65-25.27% of the phenotypic variation. Twenty-nine QTLs were located on the At subgenome originated from a cultivated diploid cotton, while 38 were on the Dt subgenome from an ancestor that does not produce spinnable fibers. Of the eight common QTLs (12%) detected in more than two environments, two were for fiber quality traits including one for fiber strength and one for uniformity, and six for yield and its components including three for lint yield, one for seedcotton yield, one for lint percentage and one for boll weight. QTL clusters for the same traits or different traits were also identified. This research represents one of the first reports using a permanent advanced backcross inbred population of an interspecific hybrid population to identify QTLs for fiber quality and yield traits in cotton across diverse environments. It provides useful information for transferring desirable genes from G. barbadense to G. hirsutum using MAS.

Development of an antibody to bovine IL-2 reveals multifunctional CD4 T(EM) cells in cattle naturally infected with bovine tuberculosis.

PubMed

Whelan, Adam O; Villarreal-Ramos, Bernardo; Vordermeier, H Martin; Hogarth, Philip J

2011-01-01

Gaining a better understanding of the T cell mechanisms underlying natural immunity to bovine tuberculosis would help to identify immune correlates of disease progression and facilitate the rational design of improved vaccine and diagnostic strategies. CD4 T cells play an established central role in immunity to TB, and recent interest has focussed on the potential role of multifunctional CD4 T cells expressing IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-α. Until now, it has not been possible to assess the contribution of these multifunctional CD4 T cells in cattle due to the lack of reagents to detect bovine IL-2 (bIL-2). Using recombinant phage display technology, we have identified an antibody that recognises biologically active bIL-2. Using this antibody, we have developed a polychromatic flow cytometric staining panel that has allowed the investigation of multifunctional CD4 T-cells responses in cattle naturally infected with M. bovis. Assessment of the frequency of antigen specific CD4 T cell subsets reveals a dominant IFN-γ(+)IL-2(+)TNF-α(+) and IFN-γ(+) TNF-α(+) response in naturally infected cattle. These multifunctional CD4 T cells express a CD44(hi)CD45RO(+)CD62L(lo) T-effector memory (T(EM)) phenotype and display higher cytokine median fluorescence intensities than single cytokine producers, consistent with an enhanced 'quality of response' as reported for multifunctional cells in human and murine systems. Through our development of these novel immunological bovine tools, we provide the first description of multifunctional T(EM) cells in cattle. Application of these tools will improve our understanding of protective immunity in bovine TB and allow more direct comparisons of the complex T cell mediated immune responses between murine models, human clinical studies and bovine TB models in the future. © 2011 Whelan et al.

The SyBil-AA real-time fMRI neurofeedback study: protocol of a single-blind randomized controlled trial in alcohol use disorder.

PubMed

Gerchen, Martin Fungisai; Kirsch, Martina; Bahs, Nathalie; Halli, Patrick; Gerhardt, Sarah; Schäfer, Axel; Sommer, Wolfgang H; Kiefer, Falk; Kirsch, Peter

2018-01-17

Alcohol Use Disorder is a highly prevalent mental disorder which puts a severe burden on individuals, families, and society. The treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder is challenging and novel and innovative treatment approaches are needed to expand treatment options. A promising neuroscience-based intervention method that allows targeting cortical as well as subcortical brain processes is real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback. However, the efficacy of this technique as an add-on treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder in a clinical setting is hitherto unclear and will be assessed in the Systems Biology of Alcohol Addiction (SyBil-AA) neurofeedback study. N = 100 patients with Alcohol Use Disorder will be randomized to 5 parallel groups in a single-blind fashion and receive real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback while they are presented pictures of alcoholic beverages. The groups will either downregulate the ventral striatum, upregulate the right inferior frontal gyrus, negatively modulate the connectivity between these regions, upregulate, or downregulate the auditory cortex as a control region. After receiving 3 sessions of neurofeedback training within a maximum of 2 weeks, participants will be followed up monthly for a period of 3 months and relapse rates will be assessed as the primary outcome measure. The results of this study will provide insights into the efficacy of real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging neurofeedback training in the treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder as well as in the involved brain systems. This might help to identify predictors of successful neurofeedback treatment which could potentially be useful in developing personalized treatment approaches. The study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (trial identifier: DRKS00010253 ; WHO Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111-1181-4218) on May 10th, 2016.

Determining Late Pleistocene to Early Holocene deglaciation of the Baltic Ice Lake through sedimentological core sample analysis of IODP Site M0064

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kelly, A. L.; Passchier, S.

2016-12-01

This study investigates the deglaciation history of the Scandinavian Ice Sheet (SIS) within the Baltic Sea's Hanö Bay from the Late Pleistocene to the Holocene using samples from International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Site M0064. The research aims to understand how the speed of deglaciation influences Baltic Ice Lake (BIL) drainage patterns and relative sea level changes on a high-resolution timescale. Glacial history of the SIS has been studied through glacial till analysis, surface exposure dating, and modeling, encompassing its most recent deglaciation 20-14ka BP, and suggests ice retreated from the project site 16.7ka BP. Between 17 and 14ka BP global sea level rose 4 meters per century, accompanied by a dramatic increase in atmospheric carbon. This period of rapid sea level rise and global warming is a valuable analog for understanding the Earth's current and projected climate. This project uses particle size analysis to better understand the late-glacial depositional environment in Hanö Bay, and ICP-OES geochemical analysis for evidence pertaining to changing sediment provenance and bottom water oxygenation in the BIL. Diamicton is present between 47 and 9 mbsf in Hole M0064D. At 8 mbsf, the sediment exhibits a prominent upward transition from well-laminated cm-scale grey to more thinly laminated reddish brown rhythmites. With calculated Al/Ti ratios, we find that there is not much provenance change in the sequence, however we see fluctuations in Mn/Al ratios, implying shifts in sediment color may be chemical, possibly indicating redox changes in the water column during sediment deposition. Although we find that particle size in the varve sequence does not change, this factor may be driving chemical fluctuations in the diamicton. These results increase the understanding of ice retreat, paleocirculation and relative sea level changes in the Baltic Sea at the onset of the last deglaciation.

Conocimientos y autoeficacia asociados a la prevención del VIH y SIDA en mujeres chilenas

PubMed Central

Villegas Rodríguez, Natalia; Ferrer Lagunas, Lilian Marcela; Cianelli Acosta, Rosina; Miner, Sarah; Lara Campos, Loreto; Peragallo, Nilda

2014-01-01

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la relación existente entre conocimientos y autoeficacia asociados al VIH/SIDA en mujeres chilenas en desventaja social. Metodología Estudio correlacional, que utiliza la medición basal del estudio “Testeando una intervención en VIH y SIDA en mujeres chilenas”, realizada entre 2006 y 2008, que tiene una muestra de 496 mujeres entre 18 y 49 años residentes en dos comunas de Santiago de Chile. Las participantes respondieron un cuestionario estructurado aplicado por entrevistadoras entrenadas. Este cuestionario incluyó preguntas sobre datos sociodemográficos, escala de conocimientos de conductas de riesgo y autoeficacia, entre otros. Resultados Edad promedio de 32.3±9.1 años, 72.2% vive con su pareja y 42.7% poseen educación media completa. La puntuación media de los conocimientos de la infección por el VIH fue de 8.9±2.5, mientras que para las tres escalas empleadas para medir autoeficacia fueron: “Normas de los pares” =9.8±3.6, “Intención de reducir conductas de riesgo” =12.2±3.6 y “Self Efficacy Form”=20.2±4.7. Los conocimientos tuvieron una correlación positiva débil con la “intención de reducir conductas de riesgo” (r=0.19; p<0.0001) y con la escala “Self Efficacy Form” (r=0.34; p<0.0001), pero no se relacionaron con las “normas de los pares en cuanto a relaciones sexuales seguras” (r=0.13; p=0.78). Conclusión Existe una débil correlación positiva entre el nivel de conocimientos sobre el VIH/SIDA y la autoeficacia en mujeres chilenas en desventaja social. PMID:25284914

Left Ventricular Myocardial Deformation Parameters Are Affected by Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon: A Study of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography.

PubMed

Gulel, Okan; Akcay, Murat; Soylu, Korhan; Aksan, Gokhan; Yuksel, Serkan; Zengin, Halit; Meric, Murat; Sahin, Mahmut

2016-05-01

The coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is defined as a delayed distal vessel contrast opacification in the absence of obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease during coronary angiography. There is conflicting data in medical literature regarding the effects of CSFP on the left ventricular functions assessed by conventional echocardiography or tissue Doppler imaging. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether there is any abnormality in the myocardial deformation parameters (strain, strain rate (SR), rotation, twist) of the left ventricle obtained by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) in patients with CSFP. Twenty patients with CSFP were included prospectively in the study. Another 20 patients with similar demographics and cardiovascular risk factors as well as normal coronary angiography were used as the control group. Two-dimensional echocardiographic images of the left ventricle from the apical long-axis, two-chamber, four-chamber, and parasternal short-axis views were used for STE analysis. The analysis of left ventricular circumferential deformation parameters showed that the averaged peak systolic strain, systolic SR, and early diastolic SR values were significantly lower in patients with CSFP (P = 0.009, P = 0.02, and P = 0.02, respectively). Among the left ventricular rotation and twist values, apical rotation was significantly lower in patients with CSFP (P = 0.02). Further, the mean thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count value was found to be negatively correlated with the averaged peak circumferential early diastolic SR (r = -0.35, P = 0.03). It was positively correlated with the averaged peak circumferential systolic strain (r = 0.47, P = 0.003) and circumferential systolic SR (r = 0.46, P = 0.005). Coronary slow flow phenomenon leads to significant alterations in the myocardial deformation parameters of the left ventricle as assessed by STE. Specifically, circumferential deformation parameters are affected in CSFP patients. © 2015, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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

Kanehira, T; Sutherland, K; Matsuura, T

Purpose: To evaluate density inhomogeneities which can effect dose distributions for real-time image gated spot-scanning proton therapy (RGPT), a dose calculation system, using treatment planning system VQA (Hitachi Ltd., Tokyo) spot position data, was developed based on Geant4. Methods: A Geant4 application was developed to simulate spot-scanned proton beams at Hokkaido University Hospital. A CT scan (0.98 × 0.98 × 1.25 mm) was performed for prostate cancer treatment with three or four inserted gold markers (diameter 1.5 mm, volume 1.77 mm3) in or near the target tumor. The CT data was read into VQA. A spot scanning plan was generatedmore » and exported to text files, specifying the beam energy and position of each spot. The text files were converted and read into our Geant4-based software. The spot position was converted into steering magnet field strength (in Tesla) for our beam nozzle. Individual protons were tracked from the vacuum chamber, through the helium chamber, steering magnets, dose monitors, etc., in a straight, horizontal line. The patient CT data was converted into materials with variable density and placed in a parametrized volume at the isocenter. Gold fiducial markers were represented in the CT data by two adjacent voxels (volume 2.38 mm3). 600,000 proton histories were tracked for each target spot. As one beam contained about 1,000 spots, approximately 600 million histories were recorded for each beam on a blade server. Two plans were considered: two beam horizontal opposed (90 and 270 degree) and three beam (0, 90 and 270 degree). Results: We are able to convert spot scanning plans from VQA and simulate them with our Geant4-based code. Our system can be used to evaluate the effect of dose reduction caused by gold markers used for RGPT. Conclusion: Our Geant4 application is able to calculate dose distributions for spot scanned proton therapy.« less

Inertial fusion energy target injection, tracking, and beam pointing

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

Petzoldt, Ronald Wayne

1995-03-07

Several cryogenic targets must be injected each second into a reaction chamber. Required target speed is about 100 m/s. Required accuracy of the driver beams on target is a few hundred micrometers. Fuel strength is calculated to allow acceleration in excess of 10,000 m/s 2 if the fuel temperature is less than 17 K. A 0.1 μm thick dual membrane will allow nearly 2,000 m/s 2 acceleration. Acceleration is gradually increased and decreased over a few membrane oscillation periods (a few ms), to avoid added stress from vibrations which could otherwise cause a factor of two decrease in allowed acceleration.more » Movable shielding allows multiple targets to be in flight toward the reaction chamber at once while minimizing neutron heating of subsequent targets. The use of multiple injectors is recommended for redundancy which increases availability and allows a higher pulse rate. Gas gun, rail gun, induction accelerator, and electrostatic accelerator target injection devices are studied, and compared. A gas gun is the preferred device for indirect-drive targets due to its simplicity and proven reliability. With the gas gun, the amount of gas required for each target (about 10 to 100 mg) is acceptable. A revolver loading mechanism is recommended with a cam operated poppet valve to control the gas flow. Cutting vents near the muzzle of the gas gun barrel is recommended to improve accuracy and aid gas pumping. If a railgun is used, we recommend an externally applied magnetic field to reduce required current by an order of magnitude. Optical target tracking is recommended. Up/down counters are suggested to predict target arrival time. Target steering is shown to be feasible and would avoid the need to actively point the beams. Calculations show that induced tumble from electrostatically steering the target is not excessive.« less

Assessment of myocardial mechanics in patients with end-stage renal disease and renal transplant recipients using speckle tracking echocardiography.

PubMed

Pirat, Bahar; Bozbas, Huseyin; Simsek, Vahide; Sade, L Elif; Sayin, Burak; Muderrisoglu, Haldun; Haberal, Mehmet

2015-04-01

Velocity vector imaging allows quantitation of myocardial strain and strain rate from 2-dimensional images based on speckle tracking echocardiography. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in myocardial strain and strain rate patterns in patients with end-stage renal disease and renal transplant recipients. We studied 33 patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis (19 men; mean age, 36 ± 8 y), 24 renal transplant recipients with functional grafts (21 men; mean age, 36 ± 7 y) and 26 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Longitudinal peak systolic strain and strain rate for basal, mid, and apical segments of the left ventricular wall were determined by velocity vector imaging from apical 4- and 2-chamber views. The average longitudinal strain and strain rate for the left ventricle were noted. From short-axis views at the level of papillary muscles, average circumferential, and radial strain, and strain rate were assessed. Mean heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure during imaging were similar between the groups. Longitudinal peak systolic strain and strain rate at basal and mid-segments of the lateral wall were significantly higher in renal transplant recipients and control groups than endstage renal disease patients. Average longitudinal systolic strain from the 4-chamber view was highest in control subjects (-14.5% ± 2.9%) and was higher in renal transplant recipients (-12.5% ± 3.0%) than end-stage renal disease patients (-10.2% ± 1.6%; P ≤ .001). Radial and circumferential strain and strain rate at the level of the papillary muscle were lower in patients with end-stage renal disease than other groups. Differences in myocardial function in patients with end-stage renal disease, renal transplant recipients, and normal controls can be quantified by strain imaging. Myocardial function is improved in renal transplant recipients compared with end-stage renal disease patients.

Compendium of Instrumentation Whitepapers on Frontier Physics Needs for Snowmass 2013

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

Lipton, R.

2013-01-01

Contents of collection of whitepapers include: Operation of Collider Experiments at High Luminosity; Level 1 Track Triggers at HL-LHC; Tracking and Vertex Detectors for a Muon Collider; Triggers for hadron colliders at the energy frontier; ATLAS Upgrade Instrumentation; Instrumentation for the Energy Frontier; Particle Flow Calorimetry for CMS; Noble Liquid Calorimeters; Hadronic dual-readout calorimetry for high energy colliders; Another Detector for the International Linear Collider; e+e- Linear Colliders Detector Requirements and Limitations; Electromagnetic Calorimetry in Project X Experiments The Project X Physics Study; Intensity Frontier Instrumentation; Project X Physics Study Calorimetry Report; Project X Physics Study Tracking Report; The LHCbmore » Upgrade; Neutrino Detectors Working Group Summary; Advanced Water Cherenkov R&D for WATCHMAN; Liquid Argon Time Projection Chamber (LArTPC); Liquid Scintillator Instrumentation for Physics Frontiers; A readout architecture for 100,000 pixel Microwave Kinetic In- ductance Detector array; Instrumentation for New Measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background polarization; Future Atmospheric and Water Cherenkov ?-ray Detectors; Dark Energy; Can Columnar Recombination Provide Directional Sensitivity in WIMP Search?; Instrumentation Needs for Detection of Ultra-high Energy Neu- trinos; Low Background Materials for Direct Detection of Dark Matter; Physics Motivation for WIMP Dark Matter Directional Detection; Solid Xenon R&D at Fermilab; Ultra High Energy Neutrinos; Instrumentation Frontier: Direct Detection of WIMPs; nEXO detector R&D; Large Arrays of Air Cherenkov Detectors; and Applications of Laser Interferometry in Fundamental Physics Experiments.« less

Calibration of the Politrack® system based on CR39 solid-state nuclear track detectors for passive indoor radon concentration measurements.

PubMed

Kropat, G; Baechler, S; Bailat, C; Barazza, F; Bochud, F; Damet, J; Meyer, N; Palacios Gruson, M; Butterweck, G

2015-11-01

Swiss national requirements for measuring radon gas exposures demand a lower detection limit of 50 kBq h m(-3), representing the Swiss concentration average of 70 Bq m(-3) over a 1-month period. A solid-state nuclear track detector (SSNTD) system (Politrack, Mi.am s.r.l., Italy) has been acquired to fulfil these requirements. This work was aimed at the calibration of the Politrack system with traceability to international standards and the development of a procedure to check the stability of the system. A total of 275 SSNTDs was exposed to 11 different radon exposures in the radon chamber of the Secondary Calibration Laboratory at the Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland. The exposures ranged from 50 to 15000 kBq h m(-3). For each exposure of 20 detectors, 5 SSNTDs were used to monitor possible background exposures during transport and storage. The response curve and the calibration factor of the whole system were determined using a Monte Carlo fitting procedure. A device to produce CR39 samples with a reference number of tracks using a (241)Am source was developed for checking the long-term stability of the Politrack system. The characteristic limits for the detection of a possible system drift were determined following ISO Standard 11929. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A Bioreactor to Identify the Driving Mechanical Stimuli of Tissue Growth and Remodeling.

PubMed

van Kelle, Mathieu A J; Oomen, Pim J A; Bulsink, Jurgen A; Janssen-van den Broek, Marloes W J T; Lopata, Richard G P; Rutten, Marcel C M; Loerakker, Sandra; Bouten, Carlijn V C

2017-06-01

Tissue growth and remodeling are essential processes that should ensure long-term functionality of tissue-engineered (TE) constructs. Even though it is widely recognized that these processes strongly depend on mechanical stimuli, the underlying mechanisms of mechanically induced growth and remodeling are only partially understood. It is generally accepted that cells sense mechanical changes and respond by altering their surroundings, by means of extracellular matrix growth and remodeling, in an attempt to return to a certain preferred mechanical homeostatic state. However, the exact mechanical cues that trigger cells to synthesize and remodel their environment remain unclear. To identify the driving mechanical stimuli of these processes, it is critical to be able to temporarily follow the mechanical state of developing tissues under physiological loading conditions. Therefore, a novel "versatile tissue growth and remodeling" (Vertigro) bioreactor was developed that is capable of tissue culture and mechanical stimulation for a prolonged time period, while simultaneously performing mechanical testing. The Vertigro's unique two-chamber design allows easy, sterile handling of circular 3D TE constructs in a dedicated culture chamber, while a separate pressure chamber facilitates a pressure-driven dynamic loading regime during culture. As a proof-of-concept, temporal changes in the mechanical state of cultured tissues were quantified using nondestructive mechanical testing by means of a classical bulge test, in which the tissue displacement was tracked using ultrasound imaging. To demonstrate the successful development of the bioreactor system, compositional, structural, and geometrical changes were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed using a series of standard analysis techniques. With this bioreactor and associated mechanical analysis technique, a powerful toolbox has been developed to quantitatively study and identify the driving mechanical stimuli of engineered tissue growth and remodeling.

Continuous monitoring of radon gas as a tool to understand air dynamics in the cave of Altamira (Cantabria, Spain).

PubMed

Sainz, Carlos; Rábago, Daniel; Celaya, Santiago; Fernández, Enrique; Quindós, Jorge; Quindós, Luis; Fernández, Alicia; Fuente, Ismael; Arteche, Jose Luis; Quindós, Luis Santiago

2018-05-15

The use of radon as an atmospheric tracer in the Altamira Cave over the past 30years has provided relevant information about gaseous exchanges between the Polychromes Room, the adjoining Chambers inside the cave, and the outside atmosphere. The relatively simple physico-chemical behaviour of radon gas provides a marked advantage over other tracer gases that are usually present in high concentrations in hypogeous environments, such as CO 2 . Two types of continuous radon measurement were undertaken. The first involves active detectors located in the Hall and Polychromes Room, which provide radon concentration values at 1-hour intervals. In addition, nuclear solid track etched detectors (CR-39) are used in every chamber of the cave over 14-day exposure periods, providing average radon concentrations. In this paper we show some of the specific degassing and recharge events identified by anomalous variations in the concentration of radon gas in the Polychromes Room. In addition, we update knowledge regarding the degree of connection between chambers inside the cave and with the outside atmosphere. We verify that the connection between the Polychromes Room and the rest of the cave has been drastically reduced by the installation of the second closure in 2008. Except for point exchanges with the Crossing zone generated by a negative temperature gradient in that direction, the atmosphere of the Polychromes Room remains stable, or else it exchanges matter with the outside atmosphere through the karst interface. The role of radon as a tracer is demonstrated to be valid both to reflect seasonal cycles of degassing and recharge, and to analyse shorter (daily) period fluctuations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cryogenic Hydrogen Fuel for Controlled Inertial Confinement Fusion (Cryogenic Target Factory Concept Based on FST-Layering Method)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aleksandrova, I. V.; Koresheva, E. R.; Koshelev, I. E.; Krokhin, O. N.; Nikitenko, A. I.; Osipov, I. E.

2017-12-01

A central element of a power plant based on inertial confinement fusion (ICF) is a target with cryogenic hydrogen fuel that should be delivered to the center of a reactor chamber with a high accuracy and repetition rate. Therefore, a cryogenic target factory (CTF) is an integral part of any ICF reactor. A promising way to solve this problem consists in the FST layering method developed at the Lebedev Physical Institute (LPI). This method (rapid fuel layering inside moving free-standing targets) is unique, having no analogs in the world. The further development of FST-layering technologies is implemented in the scope of the LPI program for the creation of a modular CTF and commercialization of the obtained results. In this report, we discuss our concept of CTF (CTF-LPI) that exhibits the following distinctive features: using a FST-layering technology for the elaboration of an in-line production of cryogenic targets, using an effect of quantum levitation of high-temperature superconductors (HTSCs) in magnetic field for noncontacting manipulation, transport, and positioning of the free-standing cryogenic targets, as well as in using a Fourier holography technique for an on-line characterization and tracking of the targets flying into the reactor chamber. The results of original experimental and theoretical investigations performed at LPI indicate that the existing and developing target fabrication capabilities and technologies can be applied to ICF target production. The unique scientific, engineering, and technological base developed in Russia at LPI allows one to make a CTFLPI prototype for mass production of targets and delivery thereof at the required velocity into the ICF reactor chamber.

Preliminary Experiments Using a Passive Detector for Measuring Indoor 220Rn Progeny Concentrations with an Aerosol Chamber.

PubMed

Sorimachi, Atsuyuki; Tokonami, Shinji; Kranrod, Chutima; Ishikawa, Tetsuo

2015-06-01

This paper describes preliminary experiments using a passive detector for integrating measurements of indoor thoron (²²⁰Rn) progeny concentrations with an aerosol chamber. A solid state nuclear detector (CR-39) covered with a thin aluminum-vaporized polyethylene plate (Mylar film) was used to detect only alpha particles emitted from ²¹²Po due to ²²⁰Rn progeny deposited on the detector surfaces. The initial experiment showed that Mylar film with area density of more than 5 mg cm⁻² was suitable to cut off completely alpha particles of 7.7 MeV from ²¹⁴Po of ²²²Rn progeny decay. In the experiment using the passive detector, it was observed that the net track density increased linearly with an increase of time-integrating ²²⁰Rn progeny concentration. As a result of dividing deposition rates by atom concentrations, the deposition velocity was given as 0.023 cm s⁻¹ for total ²²⁰Rn progeny. The model estimates of deposition velocities were 0.330 cm s⁻¹ for unattached ²²⁰Rn progeny and 0.0011 cm s⁻¹ for aerosol-attached ²²⁰Rn progeny using Lai-Nazaroff formulae. These deposition velocities were in the same range with the results reported in the literature. It was also found that the exposure experiments showed little influence of vertical profiles and surface orientations of the passive detector in the chamber on the detection responses, which was in good agreement with that in the model estimates. Furthermore, it was inferred that the main uncertainty of the passive detector was inhomogeneous deposition of Rn progeny onto its detection surfaces.

Chamber evaluation of a portable GC with tunable retention and microsensor-array detection for indoor air quality monitoring.

PubMed

Lu, Chia Jung; Jin, Chunguang; Zellers, Edward T

2006-02-01

The evaluation of a novel prototype instrument designed for on-site determinations of VOC mixtures found in indoor working environments is described. The instrument contains a miniature multi-stage preconcentrator, a dual-column separation module with pressure-tunable retention capabilities, and an integrated array of three polymer-coated surface acoustic wave sensors. It was challenged with dynamic test-atmospheres of a set of 15 common indoor air contaminants at parts-per-billion concentrations within a stainless-steel chamber under a range of conditions. Vapours were reliably identified at a known level of confidence by combining column retention times with sensor-array response patterns and applying a multivariate statistical test of pattern fidelity for the chromatographically resolved vapours. Estimates of vapour concentrations fell within 7% on average of those determined by EPA Method TO-17, and limits of detection ranged from 0.2 to 28 ppb at 25 degrees C for 1 L samples collected and analyzed in <12 min. No significant humidity effects were observed (0-90% RH). Increasing the chamber temperature from 25 to 30 degrees C reduced the retention times of the more volatile analytes which, in turn, demanded alterations in the scheduling of column-junction-point pressure (flow) modulations performed during the analysis. Reductions in sensor sensitivities with increasing temperature were predictable and similar among the sensors in the array such that most response patterns were not altered significantly. Short-term fluctuations in concentration were accurately tracked by the instrument. Results indicate that this type of instrument could provide routine, semi-autonomous, near-real-time, multi-vapour monitoring in support of efforts to assess air quality in office environments.

Dark matter directionality revisited with a high pressure xenon gas detector

DOE PAGES

Mohlabeng, Gopolang; Kong, Kyoungchul; Li, Jin; ...

2015-07-20

An observation of the anisotropy of dark matter interactions in a direction-sensitive detector would provide decisive evidence for the discovery of galactic dark matter. Directional information would also provide a crucial input to understanding its distribution in the local Universe. Most of the existing directional dark matter detectors utilize particle tracking methods in a low-pressure gas time projection chamber. These low pressure detectors require excessively large volumes in order to be competitive in the search for physics beyond the current limit. In order to avoid these volume limitations, we consider a novel proposal, which exploits a columnar recombination effect inmore » a high-pressure gas time projection chamber. The ratio of scintillation to ionization signals observed in the detector carries the angular information of the particle interactions. In this paper, we investigate the sensitivity of a future directional detector focused on the proposed high-pressure Xenon gas time projection chamber. We study the prospect of detecting an anisotropy in the dark matter velocity distribution. We find that tens of events are needed to exclude an isotropic distribution of dark matter interactions at 95% confidence level in the most optimistic case with head-to-tail information. However, one needs at least 10-20 times more events without head-to-tail information for light dark matter below ~50 GeV. For an intermediate mass range, we find it challenging to observe an anisotropy of the dark matter distribution. Our results also show that the directional information significantly improves precision measurements of dark matter mass and the elastic scattering cross section for a heavy dark matter.« less

A Pair Production Telescope for Medium-Energy Gamma-Ray Polarimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hunter, Stanley D.; Bloser, Peter F.; Depaola, Gerardo; Dion, Michael P.; DeNolfo, Georgia A.; Hanu, Andrei; Iparraguirre, Marcos; Legere, Jason; Longo, Francesco; McConnell, Mark L.;

Operation of a LAr-TPC equipped with a multilayer LEM charge readout

DOE PAGES

Baibussinov, B.; Centro, S.; Farnese, C.; ...

2018-03-01

A novel detector for ionization signals in a single phase LAr-TPC has been experimented in the ICARINO test facility at the INFN Laboratories in Legnaro. It is based on the adoption of a multilayer Large Electron Multiplier (LEM) replacing the traditional anodic wire arrays. Cosmic muon tracks were detected allowing the measurement of energy deposition and a first determination of the signal to noise ratio. The analysis of the recorded events thus demonstrated the 3D reconstruction capability of this device for ionizing events in liquid Argon. The collected fraction of ionization charge is close to about 90%, with signal tomore » noise ratio similar to that measured with more traditional wire chambers.« less

Extracting three-dimensional orientation and tractography of myofibers using optical coherence tomography

PubMed Central

Gan, Yu; Fleming, Christine P.

2013-01-01

Abnormal changes in orientation of myofibers are associated with various cardiac diseases such as arrhythmia, irregular contraction, and cardiomyopathy. To extract fiber information, we present a method of quantifying fiber orientation and reconstructing three-dimensional tractography of myofibers using optical coherence tomography (OCT). A gradient based algorithm was developed to quantify fiber orientation in three dimensions and particle filtering technique was employed to track myofibers. Prior to image processing, three-dimensional image data set were acquired from all cardiac chambers and ventricular septum of swine hearts using OCT system without optical clearing. The algorithm was validated through rotation test and comparison with manual measurements. The experimental results demonstrate that we are able to visualize three-dimensional fiber tractography in myocardium tissues. PMID:24156071

Low-concentrated solar-pumped laser via transverse excitation fiber-laser geometry.

PubMed

Masuda, Taizo; Iyoda, Mitsuhiro; Yasumatsu, Yuta; Endo, Masamori

2017-09-01

We demonstrate an extremely low-concentrated solar-pumped laser (SPL) using a fiber laser with transverse excitation geometry. A low concentration factor is highly desired in SPLs to eliminate the need for precise solar tracking and to considerably increase the practical applications of SPL technology. In this Letter, we have exploited the intrinsic low-loss property of silica fibers to compensate for the extremely low gain coefficient of the weakly pumped active medium. A 40 m long Nd 3+ -doped fiber coil is packed in a ring-shaped chamber filled with a sensitizer solution. We demonstrated a lasing threshold that is 15 times the concentration of natural sunlight and two orders of magnitude smaller than those of conventional SPLs.

A milliKelvin scanning Hall probe microscope for high resolution magnetic imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khotkevych, V. V.; Bending, S. J.

2009-02-01

The design and performance of a novel scanning Hall probe microscope for milliKelvin magnetic imaging with submicron lateral resolution is presented. The microscope head is housed in the vacuum chamber of a commercial 3He-refrigerator and operates between room temperature and 300 mK in magnetic fields up to 10 T. Mapping of the local magnetic induction at the sample surface is performed by a micro-fabricated 2DEG Hall probe equipped with an integrated STM tip. The latter provides a reliable mechanism of surface tracking by sensing and controlling the tunnel currents. We discuss the results of tests of the system and illustrate its potential with images of suitable reference samples captured in different modes of operation.

Three-dimensional imaging for large LArTPCs

DOE PAGES

Qian, X.; Zhang, Chao; Viren, B.; ...

2018-05-29

High-performance event reconstruction is critical for current and future massive liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) to realize their full scientific potential. LArTPCs with readout using wire planes provide a limited number of 2D projections. In general, without a pixel- type readout it is challenging to achieve unambiguous 3D event reconstruction. As a remedy, we present a novel 3D imaging method, Wire-Cell, which incorporates the charge and sparsity information in addition to the time and geometry through simple and robust mathematics. Furthermore, the resulting 3D image of ionization density provides an excellent starting point for further reconstruction and enables themore » true power of 3D tracking calorimetry in LArTPCs.« less

Three-dimensional imaging for large LArTPCs

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

Qian, X.; Zhang, Chao; Viren, B.

High-performance event reconstruction is critical for current and future massive liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs) to realize their full scientific potential. LArTPCs with readout using wire planes provide a limited number of 2D projections. In general, without a pixel- type readout it is challenging to achieve unambiguous 3D event reconstruction. As a remedy, we present a novel 3D imaging method, Wire-Cell, which incorporates the charge and sparsity information in addition to the time and geometry through simple and robust mathematics. Furthermore, the resulting 3D image of ionization density provides an excellent starting point for further reconstruction and enables themore » true power of 3D tracking calorimetry in LArTPCs.« less

The Electron Spectrum above 20 GeV Measured by ATIC-2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, J.; Schmidt, W. K. H.; Adams, James H.; Ahn, H. S.; Bashindzhagyan, G.; Batkov, K. E.; Christl, M.; Fazely, A. R.; Ganel, O.; Gunasigha, R. M.

2005-01-01

The Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC) Balloon Experiment has been flown from McMurdo, Antarctica in 2000-01 (test flight) and 2002-03 (science flight). ATIC is composed of a segmented BGO calorimeter following a carbon target with scintillator tracking layers and a Silicon matrix detector at the entrance. ATIC measures the composition and energy spectra of the nuclei plus electrons. We present the electron spectrum derived from the ATIC-2 science flight, from 20 GeV to 1.5 TeV, and compare it to existing very high energy measurements from emulsion chambers and to the results of galactic propagation calculations. The good energy resolution and high statistics in the ATIC data allow detailed astrophysical interpretation of the results.

Operation of a LAr-TPC equipped with a multilayer LEM charge readout

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

Baibussinov, B.; Centro, S.; Farnese, C.

A novel detector for ionization signals in a single phase LAr-TPC has been experimented in the ICARINO test facility at the INFN Laboratories in Legnaro. It is based on the adoption of a multilayer Large Electron Multiplier (LEM) replacing the traditional anodic wire arrays. Cosmic muon tracks were detected allowing the measurement of energy deposition and a first determination of the signal to noise ratio. The analysis of the recorded events thus demonstrated the 3D reconstruction capability of this device for ionizing events in liquid Argon. The collected fraction of ionization charge is close to about 90%, with signal tomore » noise ratio similar to that measured with more traditional wire chambers.« less

Saturn Apollo Program

NASA Image and Video Library

1967-11-01

This is a view of the the first test flight of the Saturn V vehicle (SA-501) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) launch complex 39A. The thrust chambers of the first stage's five engines extend into the 45-foot-square hole in the mobile launcher platform. Until liftoff, the flames impinged downward onto a flame deflector that diverted the blast lengthwise in the flame trench. Here, a flame deflector, coated with a black ceramic, is in place below the opening, while a yellow (uncoated) spare deflector rests on its track in the background. It took a tremendous flow of water (28,000 gallons per minute) to cool the flame deflector and trench. The Apollo 4 was launched on November 9, 1967 from KSC.

Background rejection in NEXT using deep neural networks

DOE PAGES

Renner, J.; Farbin, A.; Vidal, J. Muñoz; ...

2017-01-16

Here, we investigate the potential of using deep learning techniques to reject background events in searches for neutrinoless double beta decay with high pressure xenon time projection chambers capable of detailed track reconstruction. The differences in the topological signatures of background and signal events can be learned by deep neural networks via training over many thousands of events. These networks can then be used to classify further events as signal or background, providing an additional background rejection factor at an acceptable loss of efficiency. The networks trained in this study performed better than previous methods developed based on the usemore » of the same topological signatures by a factor of 1.2 to 1.6, and there is potential for further improvement.« less

SHMS Hodoscopes and Time of Flight System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Craycraft, Kayla; Malace, Simona

2017-09-01

As part of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility's (Jefferson Lab) upgrade from 6 GeV to 12 GeV, a new magnetic focusing spectrometer, the Super High Momentum Spectrometer (SHMS), was installed in experimental Hall C. The detector stack consists of horizontal drift chambers for tracking, gas Cerenkov and Aerogel detectors and a lead glass calorimeter for particle identification. A hodoscope system consisting of three planes of scintillator detectors (constructed by James Madison University) and one plane of quartz bars (built by North Carolina A&T State University) is used for triggering and time of flight measurements. This presentation consists of discussion of the installation, calibration, and characterization of the detectors used in this Time of Flight system. James Madison University, North Carolina A&T State University.

Enhanced trigger for the NIFFTE fissionTPC in presence of high-rate alpha backgrounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bundgaard, Jeremy; Niffte Collaboration

2015-10-01

Nuclear physics and nuclear energy communities call for new, high precision measurements to improve existing fission models and design next generation reactors. The Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking experiment (NIFFTE) has developed the fission Time Projection Chamber (fissionTPC) to measure neutron induced fission with unrivaled precision. The fissionTPC is annually deployed to the Weapons Neutron Research facility at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center where it operates with a neutron beam passing axially through the drift volume, irradiating heavy actinide targets to induce fission. The fissionTPC was developed at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's TPC lab, where it measures spontaneous fission from radioactive sources to characterize detector response, improve performance, and evolve the design. To measure 244Cm, we've developed a fission trigger to reduce the data rate from alpha tracks while maintaining a high fission detection efficiency. In beam, alphas from 239Pu are a large background when detecting fission fragments; implementing the fission trigger will greatly reduce this background. The implementation of the cathode fission trigger in the fissionTPC will be presented along with a detailed study of its efficiency.

Bringing Clouds into Our Lab! - The Influence of Turbulence on the Early Stage Rain Droplets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yavuz, Mehmet Altug; Kunnen, Rudie; Heijst, Gertjan; Clercx, Herman

2015-11-01

We are investigating a droplet-laden flow in an air-filled turbulence chamber, forced by speaker-driven air jets. The speakers are running in a random manner; yet they allow us to control and define the statistics of the turbulence. We study the motion of droplets with tunable size (Stokes numbers ~ 0.13 - 9) in a turbulent flow, mimicking the early stages of raindrop formation. 3D Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV) together with Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) methods are chosen as the experimental method to track the droplets and collect data for statistical analysis. Thereby it is possible to study the spatial distribution of the droplets in turbulence using the so-called Radial Distribution Function (RDF), a statistical measure to quantify the clustering of particles. Additionally, 3D-PTV technique allows us to measure velocity statistics of the droplets and the influence of the turbulence on droplet trajectories, both individually and collectively. In this contribution, we will present the clustering probability quantified by the RDF for different Stokes numbers. We will explain the physics underlying the influence of turbulence on droplet cluster behavior. This study supported by FOM/NWO Netherlands.

Stability Measurements for Alignment of the NIF Neutron Imaging System Pinhole Array

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

Fittinghoff, D N; Bower, D E; Drury, O B

2011-03-29

The alignment system for the National Ignition Facility's neutron imaging system has been commissioned and measurements of the relative stability of the 90-315 DIM, the front and the back of the neutron imaging pinhole array and an exploding pusher target have been made using the 90-135 and the 90-258 opposite port alignment systems. Additionally, a laser beam shot from the neutron-imaging Annex and reflected from a mirror at the back of the pinhole array was used to monitor the pointing of the pinhole. Over a twelve hour period, the relative stability of these parts was found to be within {approx}more » {+-}18 {micro}m rms even when using manual methods for tracking the position of the objects. For highly visible features, use of basic particle tracking techniques found that the front of the pinhole array was stable relative to the 90-135 opposite port alignment camera to within {+-}3.4 {micro}m rms. Reregistration, however, of the opposite port alignment systems themselves using the target alignment sensor was found to change the expected position of target chamber center by up to 194 {micro}m.« less

Development and evaluation of a device for simultaneous uniaxial compression and optical imaging of cartilage samples in vitro

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

Steinert, Marian; Kratz, Marita; Jones, David B.

2014-10-15

In this paper, we present a system that allows imaging of cartilage tissue via optical coherence tomography (OCT) during controlled uniaxial unconfined compression of cylindrical osteochondral cores in vitro. We describe the system design and conduct a static and dynamic performance analysis. While reference measurements yield a full scale maximum deviation of 0.14% in displacement, force can be measured with a full scale standard deviation of 1.4%. The dynamic performance evaluation indicates a high accuracy in force controlled mode up to 25 Hz, but it also reveals a strong effect of variance of sample mechanical properties on the tracking performancemore » under displacement control. In order to counterbalance these disturbances, an adaptive feed forward approach was applied which finally resulted in an improved displacement tracking accuracy up to 3 Hz. A built-in imaging probe allows on-line monitoring of the sample via OCT while being loaded in the cultivation chamber. We show that cartilage topology and defects in the tissue can be observed and demonstrate the visualization of the compression process during static mechanical loading.« less

Modeling of SSME fuel preburner ASI

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liang, Pak-Yan

1992-01-01

The Augmented Spark Ignitor (ASI) is a LOX/H2/electrical spark system that functions as an ignition source and sustainer for stable combustion. It is used in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) preburner combustor, the SMME main combustion chamber, the J-1 and J-2 engines, as well as proposed designs of the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME) main combustor and gas generators. An undertaking to characterize the flow of the ASI is documented. The code consists of a marriage of the Implicit-Continuous Eulerian/Arbitrary Lagrangian Code (ICE-ALE) Navier-Stokes solver with the Volume-of-Fluid (VOF) Methodology for tracking of two immiscible fluids with sharp discontinuities. Spray droplets are represented by discrete numerical parcels tracked in a Lagrangian fashion. Numerous physical sub-models are also incorporated to describe the processes of atomization, droplet collision, droplet breakup, evaporation, and droplet and gas phase turbulence. An equilibrium chemistry model accounting for 8 active gaseous species is also used. Taking advantage of this symmetry plane, half of the actual ASI is modeled with a 3-D grid that geometrically resolves the LOX ports, the spark plug locations, and the hydrogen injection slots.

Design of an Experiment to Measure ann Using 3H(γ, pn)n at HIγS★

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friesen, F. Q. L.; Ahmed, M. W.; Crowe, B. J.; Crowell, A. S.; Cumberbatch, L. C.; Fallin, B.; Han, Z.; Howell, C. R.; Malone, R. M.; Markoff, D.; Tornow, W.; Witała, H.

2016-03-01

We provide an update on the development of an experiment at TUNL for determining the 1S0 neutron-neutron (nn) scattering length (ann) from differential cross-section measurements of three-body photodisintegration of the triton. The experiment will be conducted using a linearly polarized gamma-ray beam at the High Intensity Gamma-ray Source (HIγS) and tritium gas contained in thin-walled cells. The main components of the planned experiment are a 230 Ci gas target system, a set of wire chambers and silicon strip detectors on each side of the beam axis, and an array of neutron detectors on each side beyond the silicon detectors. The protons emitted in the reaction are tracked in the wire chambers and their energy and position are measured in silicon strip detectors. The first iteration of the experiment will be simplified, making use of a collimator system, and silicon detectors to interrogate the main region of interest near 90° in the polar angle. Monte-Carlo simulations based on rigorous 3N calculations have been conducted to validate the sensitivity of the experimental setup to ann. This research supported in part by the DOE Office of Nuclear Physics Grant Number DE-FG02-97ER41033

Volumetric Echocardiographic Particle Image Velocimetry (V-Echo-PIV)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Falahatpisheh, Ahmad; Kheradvar, Arash

2015-11-01

Measurement of 3D flow field inside the cardiac chambers has proven to be a challenging task. Current laser-based 3D PIV methods estimate the third component of the velocity rather than directly measuring it and also cannot be used to image the opaque heart chambers. Modern echocardiography systems are equipped with 3D probes that enable imaging the entire 3D opaque field. However, this feature has not yet been employed for 3D vector characterization of blood flow. For the first time, we introduce a method that generates velocity vector field in 4D based on volumetric echocardiographic images. By assuming the conservation of brightness in 3D, blood speckles are tracked. A hierarchical 3D PIV method is used to account for large particle displacement. The discretized brightness transport equation is solved in a least square sense in interrogation windows of size 163 voxels. We successfully validate the method in analytical and experimental cases. Volumetric echo data of a left ventricle is then processed in the systolic phase. The expected velocity fields were successfully predicted by V-Echo-PIV. In this work, we showed a method to image blood flow in 3D based on volumetric images of human heart using no contrast agent.

Angular distribution of fusion products and x rays emitted by a small dense plasma focus machine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castillo, F.; Herrera, J. J. E.; Gamboa, Isabel; Rangel, J.; Golzarri, J. I.; Espinosa, G.

2007-01-01

Time integrated measurements of the angular distributions of fusion products and x rays in a small dense plasma focus machine are made inside the discharge chamber, using passive detectors. The machine is operated at 37kV with a stored energy of 4.8kJ and a deuterium filling pressure of 2.75torr. Distributions of protons and neutrons are measured with CR-39 Lantrack® nuclear track detectors, on 1.8×0.9cm2 chips, 500μm thick. A set of detectors was placed on a semicircular Teflon® holder, 13cm away from the plasma column, and covered with 15μm Al filters, thus eliminating tritium and helium-3 ions, but not protons and neutrons. A second set was placed on the opposite side of the holder, eliminating protons. The angular distribution of x rays is also studied within the chamber with TLD-200 dosimeters. While the neutron angular distributions can be fitted by Gaussian curves mounted on constant pedestals and the proton distributions are strongly peaked, falling rapidly after ±40°, the x-ray distributions show two maxima around the axis, presumably as a result of the collision of a collimated electron beam against the inner electrode, along the axis.

Electron Identification and Energy Measurement with Emulsion Cloud Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitagawa, Nobuko; Komatsu, Masahiro

Charged particles undergo the Multiple Coulomb Scattering (MCS) when passing through a material. Their momentum can be estimated from the distribution of the scattering angle directly. Angle of electrons (or positrons) largely changes because of the energy loss in bremsstrahlung, and they are distinguished from other charged particles by making use of its feature. Electron energy is generally measured by counting of electromagnetic shower (e.m. shower) tracks in Emulsion Cloud Chamber (ECC), so enough absorber material is needed to develop the shower. In the range from sub-GeV to a few GeV, electrons don't develop noticeable showers. In order to estimate the energy of electrons in this range with a limited material, we established the new method which is based on the scattering angle considering the energy loss in bremsstrahlung. From the Monte Carlo simulation (MC) data, which is generated by electron beam (0.5 GeV, 1 GeV, 2 GeV) exposure to ECC, we derived the correlation between energy and scattering angle in each emulsion layer. We fixed the function and some parameters which 1 GeV MC sample would return 1 GeV as the center value, and then applied to 0.5 GeV and 2 GeV sample and confirmed the energy resolution about 50% within two radiation length.

'Radon Concentration Survey in Inner Rooms from Deputy Chamber and National Congress-Brasilia/DF'

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

Nicoli, Ieda Gomes; Cardozo, Katia Maria; Azevedo Gouvea, Vandir de

2008-08-07

Radon gas has been monitored in many environments such as rural and urban houses, high natural radioactivity areas and underground mining regions. Nevertheless few data are reported in literature about studies in state buildings. So we get in touch with these buildings managers, where work the Deputy Chamber and the National Congress in Brasilia--DF, in order to obtain radon data in these state buildings, so representative for brazilian people. In order to make a preliminary scanning of radon concentration in these buildings, it was put in selected points, radon nuclear track passive detectors type SSNTD, specifically polycarbonate Lexan, which weremore » exposed for periods from two to five months. Afterwards they were sent to Nuclear Engineering Institute in Rio de Janeiro for analysis of {sup 222}Rn contents. Derived values, whose average value was about 73 Bq/m{sup 3}, were all under maximum permissible limits for radon 200 Bq/m{sup 3}, established by International Comission on Radiological Protection--ICRP 65, for inner environments of houses and state buildings. This work has been coordinated by CNEN Office in Braselia with effective participation of Nuclear Engineering Institute from CNEN--RJ, that has worked since beginning of april 2004, supplying and analysing radon detectors.« less

Intercomparison of active, passive and continuous instruments for radon and radon progeny measurements in the EML chamber and test facility

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

George, A.C.; Knutson, E.O.; Tu, K.W.

1995-12-01

The results from the May 1995 Intercomparison of Active, Passive and Continuous Instruments for Radon and Radon Progeny Measurement conducted in the EML radon exposure and test facility are presented. Represented were 13 participants that measure radon with open faced and diffusion barrier activated carbon collectors, 10 with nuclear alpha track detectors, 9 with short-term and long-term electret/ionization chambers, and 13 with active and passive commercial electronic continuous monitors. For radon progeny, there were four participants that came in person to take part in the grab sampling methodology for measuring individual radon progeny and the potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC).more » There were 11 participants with continuous and integrating commercial electronic instruments that are used for measuring the PAEC. The results indicate that all the tested instruments that measure radon fulfill their intended purpose. All instruments and methods used for grab sampling for radon progeny did very well. However, most of the continuous and integrating electronic instruments used for measuring the PAEC or working level appear to underestimate the potential risk from radon progeny when the concentration of particles onto which the radon progeny are attached is <5,000 cm{sup -3}.« less

Anterior chamber blood cell differentiation using spectroscopic optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Ruobing; McNabb, Ryan P.; Kuo, Anthony N.; Izatt, Joseph A.

2018-02-01

There is great clinical importance in identifying cellular responses in the anterior chamber (AC) which can indicate signs of hyphema (an accumulation of red blood cells (RBCs)) or aberrant intraocular inflammation (an accumulation of white blood cells (WBCs)). These responses are difficult to diagnose and require specialized equipment such as ophthalmic microscopes and specialists trained in examining the eye. In this work, we applied spectroscopic OCT to differentiate between RBCs and subtypes of WBCs, including neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes, both in vitro and in ACs of porcine eyes. We located and tracked single cells in OCT volumetric images, and extracted the spectroscopic data of each cell from the detected interferograms using short-time Fourier Transform (STFT). A look-up table of Mie spectra was generated and used to correlate the spectroscopic data of single cells to their characteristic sizes. The accuracy of the method was first validated on 10um polystyrene microspheres. For RBCs and subtypes of WBCs, the extracted size distributions based on the best Mie spectra fit were significantly different between each cell type by using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. A similar size distribution of neutrophils was also acquired in the measurements of cells introduced into the ACs of porcine eyes, further supporting spectroscopic OCT for potentially differentiating and quantifying blood cell types in the AC in vivo.

Fusion energy with lasers, direct drive targets, and dry wall chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sethian, J. D.; Friedman, M.; Lehmberg, R. H.; Myers, M.; Obenschain, S. P.; Giuliani, J.; Kepple, P.; Schmitt, A. J.; Colombant, D.; Gardner, J.; Hegeler, F.; Wolford, M.; Swanekamp, S. B.; Weidenheimer, D.; Welch, D.; Rose, D.; Payne, S.; Bibeau, C.; Baraymian, A.; Beach, R.; Schaffers, K.; Freitas, B.; Skulina, K.; Meier, W.; Latkowski, J.; Perkins, L. J.; Goodin, D.; Petzoldt, R.; Stephens, E.; Najmabadi, F.; Tillack, M.; Raffray, R.; Dragojlovic, Z.; Haynes, D.; Peterson, R.; Kulcinski, G.; Hoffer, J.; Geller, D.; Schroen, D.; Streit, J.; Olson, C.; Tanaka, T.; Renk, T.; Rochau, G.; Snead, L.; Ghoneim, N.; Lucas, G.

2003-12-01

A coordinated, focused effort is underway to develop Laser Inertial Fusion Energy. The key components are developed in concert with one another and the science and engineering issues are addressed concurrently. Recent advances include: target designs have been evaluated that show it could be possible to achieve the high gains (>100) needed for a practical fusion system.These designs feature a low-density CH foam that is wicked with solid DT and over-coated with a thin high-Z layer. These results have been verified with three independent one-dimensional codes, and are now being evaluated with two- and three-dimensional codes. Two types of lasers are under development: Krypton Fluoride (KrF) gas lasers and Diode Pumped Solid State Lasers (DPSSL). Both have recently achieved repetitive 'first light', and both have made progress in meeting the fusion energy requirements for durability, efficiency, and cost. This paper also presents the advances in development of chamber operating windows (target survival plus no wall erosion), final optics (aluminium at grazing incidence has high reflectivity and exceeds the required laser damage threshold), target fabrication (demonstration of smooth DT ice layers grown over foams, batch production of foam shells, and appropriate high-Z overcoats), and target injection (new facility for target injection and tracking studies).

Adsorption of diatoms at the oil-water interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathollahi, Niloofar; Sheng, Jian

2013-11-01

Statistically robust experimental observations on 3D trajectory of diatoms approaching an oil-water interface is crucial for understanding sorption mechanisms of active particles, and interfacial rheology with over-arching implications in interfacial dynamics, droplet break and coalescence. Digital Holographic Cinematography is utilized to measure 3-D trajectories of diatoms, Thalassiosira pseudomona and T. weissflogii and simultaneously track the interface. Experiments are conducted in a 300 × 100 × 100 mm chamber containing 32 ppt artificial seawater. A stationary pendant drop is created on the tip of a needle located at the center of the chamber. Three oil samples, Louisiana crude, hexadecane, and mineral oil, are used. Diatoms are injected at a height above the drop with a negligible velocity, where Diatom precipitates freely on its excess weight. Holograms of diatom and drop are recorded at 5 fps with a magnification of 1.3X and are streamed in real time allowing for long-term study of sorption onto a slowly aging interface. A novel autofocus algorithm enables us to determine 3D locations within an uncertainty of 0.05 particle diameter. This allows us to perform super-resolution measurement to determine the effects of location and orientation of diatoms on the adsorption rate at the oil-water interface. Funded by GoMRI.

Ultrasound image guidance of cardiac interventions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peters, Terry M.; Pace, Danielle F.; Lang, Pencilla; Guiraudon, Gérard M.; Jones, Douglas L.; Linte, Cristian A.

2011-03-01

Surgical procedures often have the unfortunate side-effect of causing the patient significant trauma while accessing the target site. Indeed, in some cases the trauma inflicted on the patient during access to the target greatly exceeds that caused by performing the therapy. Heart disease has traditionally been treated surgically using open chest techniques with the patient being placed "on pump" - i.e. their circulation being maintained by a cardio-pulmonary bypass or "heart-lung" machine. Recently, techniques have been developed for performing minimally invasive interventions on the heart, obviating the formerly invasive procedures. These new approaches rely on pre-operative images, combined with real-time images acquired during the procedure. Our approach is to register intra-operative images to the patient, and use a navigation system that combines intra-operative ultrasound with virtual models of instrumentation that has been introduced into the chamber through the heart wall. This paper illustrates the problems associated with traditional ultrasound guidance, and reviews the state of the art in real-time 3D cardiac ultrasound technology. In addition, it discusses the implementation of an image-guided intervention platform that integrates real-time ultrasound with a virtual reality environment, bringing together the pre-operative anatomy derived from MRI or CT, representations of tracked instrumentation inside the heart chamber, and the intra-operatively acquired ultrasound images.

An intercomparison for NIRS and NYU passive thoron gas detectors at NYU.

PubMed

Sorimachi, Atsuyuki; Ishikawa, Tetsuo; Tokonami, Shinji; Chittaporn, Passaporn; Harley, Naomi H

2012-04-01

An intercomparison on thoron ((220)Rn) measurement was carried out between National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Japan (NIRS), and New York University School of Medicine, USA (NYU). The measurements of (220)Rn concentration at NIRS and NYU were performed by using the scintillation cell method and the two-filter method, respectively, as the standard measurement method. Three types of alpha track detectors based on passive radon ((222)Rn)-(220)Rn discriminative measurement technique were used: Raduet and Radopot detectors were used at NIRS, and four-leaf detectors were used at NYU. In this study, the authors evaluated (220)Rn concentration variation in terms of run for exposure, measurement method, and exposure chamber. The detectors were exposed to (220)Rn gas with approximately 15 kBq m(-3) during the period from 0.75 to 3 d. As a result, the variation of each measurement method among these exposure runs was comparable to or less than that for the two-filter method. Agreement between the standard measurement methods of NIRS and NYU was observed to be about 10%, as is the case with the passive detectors. The Raduet detector showed a large variation in the detection response between the NIRS and NYU chambers, which could be related to different traceability.

Performance of a large size triple GEM detector at high particle rate for the CBM Experiment at FAIR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adak, Rama Prasad; Kumar, Ajit; Dubey, Anand Kumar; Chattopadhyay, Subhasis; Das, Supriya; Raha, Sibaji; Samanta, Subhasis; Saini, Jogender

2017-02-01

In CBM Experiment at FAIR, dimuons will be detected by a Muon Chamber (MUCH) consisting of segmented absorbers of varying widths and tracking chambers sandwiched between the absorber-pairs. In this fixed target heavy-ion collision experiment, operating at highest interaction rate of 10 MHz for Au+Au collision, the inner region of the 1st detector will face a particle rate of 1 MHz/cm2. To operate at such a high particle density, GEM technology based detectors have been selected for the first two stations of MUCH. We have reported earlier the performance of several small-size GEM detector prototypes built at VECC for use in MUCH. In this work, we report on a large GEM prototype tested with proton beam of momentum 2.36 GeV/c at COSY-Jülich Germany. The detector was read out using nXYTER operated in self-triggering mode. An efficiency higher than 96% at ΔVGEM = 375.2 V was achieved. The variation of efficiency with the rate of incoming protons has been found to vary within 2% when tested up to a maximum rate of 2.8 MHz/cm2. The gain was found to be stable at high particle rate with a maximum variation of ∼9%.

LCLS X-Ray FEL Output Performance in the Presence of Highly Time-Dependent Undulator Wakefields

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

Fawley, W.M.; /LBL, Berkeley; Bane, K.L.F.

Energy loss due to wakefields within a long undulator, if not compensated by an appropriate tapering of the magnetic field strength, can degrade the FEL process by detuning the resonant FEL frequency. The wakefields arise from the vacuum chamber wall resistivity, its surface roughness, and abrupt changes in its aperture. For LCLS parameters, the resistive-wall component is the most critical and depends upon the chamber material (e.g., Cu) and its radius. Of recent interest[1] is the so-called ''AC'' component of the resistive-wall wake which can lead to strong variations on very short timescales (e.g., {approx} 20 fs). To study themore » expected performance of the LCLS in the presence of these wakefields, we have made an extensive series of start-to-end SASE simulations with tracking codes PARMELA and ELEGANT, and time-dependent FEL simulation codes GENESIS1.3 and GINGER. We discuss the impact of the wakefield losses upon output energy, spectral bandwidth, and temporal envelope of the output FEL pulse, as well as the benefits of a partial compensation of the time-dependent wake losses obtained with a slight z-dependent taper in the undulator field. We compare the taper results to those predicted analytically[2].« less

LCLS X-Ray FEL Output Performance in the Presence of HighlyTime-Dependent Undulator Wakefields

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

Bane, Karl L.F.; Emma, Paul; Huang, Heinz-Dieter Nuhn

Energy loss due to wakefields within a long undulator, if not compensated by an appropriate tapering of the magnetic field strength, can degrade the FEL process by detuning the resonant FEL frequency. The wakefields arise from the vacuum chamber wall resistivity, its surface roughness, and abrupt changes in its aperture. For LCLS parameters, the resistive-wall component is the most critical and depends upon the chamber material (e.g., Cu) and its radius. Of recent interest[1] is the so-called ''AC'' component of the resistive-wall wake which can lead to strong variations on very short timescales (e.g., {approx} 20 0fs). To study themore » expected performance of the LCLS in the presence of these wakefields, we have made an extensive series of start-to-end SASE simulations with tracking codes PARMELA and ELEGANT, and time-dependent FEL simulation codes GENESIS1.3 and GINGER. We discuss the impact of the wakefield losses upon output energy, spectral bandwidth, and temporal envelope of the output FEL pulse, as well as the benefits of a partial compensation of the time-dependent wake losses obtained with a slight z-dependent taper in the undulator field. We compare the taper results to those predicted analytically[2].« less

TH-E-BRE-09: TrueBeam Monte Carlo Absolute Dose Calculations Using Monitor Chamber Backscatter Simulations and Linac-Logged Target Current

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

A, Popescu I; Lobo, J; Sawkey, D

2014-06-15

Purpose: To simulate and measure radiation backscattered into the monitor chamber of a TrueBeam linac; establish a rigorous framework for absolute dose calculations for TrueBeam Monte Carlo (MC) simulations through a novel approach, taking into account the backscattered radiation and the actual machine output during beam delivery; improve agreement between measured and simulated relative output factors. Methods: The ‘monitor backscatter factor’ is an essential ingredient of a well-established MC absolute dose formalism (the MC equivalent of the TG-51 protocol). This quantity was determined for the 6 MV, 6X FFF, and 10X FFF beams by two independent Methods: (1) MC simulationsmore » in the monitor chamber of the TrueBeam linac; (2) linac-generated beam record data for target current, logged for each beam delivery. Upper head MC simulations used a freelyavailable manufacturer-provided interface to a cloud-based platform, allowing use of the same head model as that used to generate the publicly-available TrueBeam phase spaces, without revealing the upper head design. The MC absolute dose formalism was expanded to allow direct use of target current data. Results: The relation between backscatter, number of electrons incident on the target for one monitor unit, and MC absolute dose was analyzed for open fields, as well as a jaw-tracking VMAT plan. The agreement between the two methods was better than 0.15%. It was demonstrated that the agreement between measured and simulated relative output factors improves across all field sizes when backscatter is taken into account. Conclusion: For the first time, simulated monitor chamber dose and measured target current for an actual TrueBeam linac were incorporated in the MC absolute dose formalism. In conjunction with the use of MC inputs generated from post-delivery trajectory-log files, the present method allows accurate MC dose calculations, without resorting to any of the simplifying assumptions previously made in the TrueBeam MC literature. This work has been partially funded by Varian Medical Systems.« less

Gaseous time projection chambers for rare event detection: results from the T-REX project. I. Double beta decay

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

Irastorza, I.G.; Aznar, F.; Castel, J., E-mail: igor.irastorza@cern.ch, E-mail: faznar@unizar.es, E-mail: jfcastel@unizar.es

2016-01-01

As part of the T-REX project, a number of R and D and prototyping activities have been carried out during the last years to explore the applicability of gaseous Time Projection Chambers (TPCs) with Micromesh Gas Structures (Micromegas) in rare event searches like double beta decay, axion research and low-mass WIMP searches. In both this and its companion paper, we compile the main results of the project and give an outlook of application prospects for this detection technique. While in the companion paper we focus on axions and WIMPs, in this paper we focus on the results regarding the measurementmore » of the double beta decay (DBD) of {sup 136}Xe in a high pressure Xe (HPXe) TPC. Micromegas of the microbulk type have been extensively studied in high pressure Xe and Xe mixtures. Particularly relevant are the results obtained in Xe + trimethylamine (TMA) mixtures, showing very promising results in terms of gain, stability of operation, and energy resolution at high pressures up to 10 bar. The addition of TMA at levels of ∼ 1% reduces electron diffusion by up to a factor of 10 with respect to pure Xe, improving the quality of the topological pattern, with a positive impact on the discrimination capability. Operation with a medium size prototype of 30 cm diameter and 38 cm of drift (holding about 1 kg of Xe at 10 bar in the fiducial volume, enough to contain high energy electron tracks in the detector volume) has allowed to test the detection concept in realistic experimental conditions. Microbulk Micromegas are able to image the DBD ionization signature with high quality while, at the same time, measuring its energy deposition with a resolution of at least a ∼ 3% FWHM @ Q{sub ββ}. This value was experimentally demonstrated for high-energy extended tracks at 10 bar, and is probably improvable down to the ∼ 1% FWHM levels as extrapolated from low energy events. In addition, first results on the topological signature information (one straggling track ending in two blobs) show promising background discrimination capabilities out of reach of other experimental implementations. Moreover, microbulk Micromegas have very low levels of intrinsic radioactivity, and offer cost-effective scaling-up options. All these results demonstrate that Micromegas-read HPXe TPC remains a very competitive technique for the next generation DBD experiments.« less

Cellular and molecular mechanism for secretory autophagy.

PubMed

Kimura, Tomonori; Jia, Jingyue; Claude-Taupin, Aurore; Kumar, Suresh; Choi, Seong Won; Gu, Yuexi; Mudd, Michal; Dupont, Nicolas; Jiang, Shanya; Peters, Ryan; Farzam, Farzin; Jain, Ashish; Lidke, Keith A; Adams, Christopher M; Johansen, Terje; Deretic, Vojo

2017-06-03

Macroautophagy/autophagy plays a role in unconventional secretion of leaderless cytosolic proteins. Whether and how secretory autophagy diverges from conventional degradative autophagy is unclear. We have shown that the prototypical secretory autophagy cargo IL1B/IL-1β (interleukin 1 β) is recognized by TRIM16, and that this first to be identified secretory autophagy receptor interacts with the R-SNARE SEC22B to jointly deliver cargo to the MAP1LC3B-II-positive sequestration membranes. Cargo secretion is unaffected by knockdowns of STX17, a SNARE catalyzing autophagosome-lysosome fusion as a prelude to cargo degradation. Instead, SEC22B in combination with plasma membrane syntaxins completes cargo secretion. Thus, secretory autophagy diverges from degradative autophagy by using specialized receptors and a dedicated SNARE machinery to bypass fusion with lysosomes.

Measurements of indoor 222RN activity in dwellings and workplaces of Curitiba (Brazil)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corrêa, Janine N.; Paschuk, Sergei A.; Del Claro, Flávia; Kappke, Jaqueline; Perna, Allan F. N.; Schelin, Hugo R.; Denyak, Valeriy

2014-11-01

The present work describes the results of systematic measurements of radon (222Rn) in residential environments and workplaces in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba (Paraná State, Brazil) during the period 2004-2012. For radon in air activity measurements, polycarbonate Track Etch Detectors CR-39, mounted in diffusion chambers protected by borosilicate glass fiber filters, were used. After being exposed in air, the CR-39 detectors were submitted to a chemical etching in a 6.25 M NaOH solution at 70 °C for 14 h. The alpha particle tracks were identified and manually counted with an optical microscope, and with the results of previously performed calibrations, the indoor activity concentration of 222Rn was calculated. The calibration of CR-39 and the alpha particle tracks chemical development procedures were performed in collaboration the National Institute of Radiological Sciences (NIRS, Japan). The major part of indoor 222Rn concentration in residences was found to be below 100 Bq/m3. In the case of working places, all measurements of 222Rn concentrations were below 100 Bq/m3. These values are considered within the limits set by international regulatory agencies, such as the US EPA and ICRP, which adopt up to 148 and 300 Bq/m3 as upper values for the reference levels for radon gas activity in dwellings, respectively. The latest value of 300 Bq/m3 for radon activity in air is proposed by ICRP considering the upper value for the individual dose reference level for radon exposure of 10 mSv/yr.

Long-term Behavioral Tracking of Freely Swimming Weakly Electric Fish

PubMed Central

Jun, James J.; Longtin, André; Maler, Leonard

2014-01-01

Long-term behavioral tracking can capture and quantify natural animal behaviors, including those occurring infrequently. Behaviors such as exploration and social interactions can be best studied by observing unrestrained, freely behaving animals. Weakly electric fish (WEF) display readily observable exploratory and social behaviors by emitting electric organ discharge (EOD). Here, we describe three effective techniques to synchronously measure the EOD, body position, and posture of a free-swimming WEF for an extended period of time. First, we describe the construction of an experimental tank inside of an isolation chamber designed to block external sources of sensory stimuli such as light, sound, and vibration. The aquarium was partitioned to accommodate four test specimens, and automated gates remotely control the animals' access to the central arena. Second, we describe a precise and reliable real-time EOD timing measurement method from freely swimming WEF. Signal distortions caused by the animal's body movements are corrected by spatial averaging and temporal processing stages. Third, we describe an underwater near-infrared imaging setup to observe unperturbed nocturnal animal behaviors. Infrared light pulses were used to synchronize the timing between the video and the physiological signal over a long recording duration. Our automated tracking software measures the animal's body position and posture reliably in an aquatic scene. In combination, these techniques enable long term observation of spontaneous behavior of freely swimming weakly electric fish in a reliable and precise manner. We believe our method can be similarly applied to the study of other aquatic animals by relating their physiological signals with exploratory or social behaviors. PMID:24637642

Magnetophoretic transistors in a tri-axial magnetic field.

PubMed

Abedini-Nassab, Roozbeh; Joh, Daniel Y; Albarghouthi, Faris; Chilkoti, Ashutosh; Murdoch, David M; Yellen, Benjamin B

2016-10-18

The ability to direct and sort individual biological and non-biological particles into spatially addressable locations is fundamentally important to the emerging field of single cell biology. Towards this goal, we demonstrate a new class of magnetophoretic transistors, which can switch single magnetically labeled cells and magnetic beads between different paths in a microfluidic chamber. Compared with prior work on magnetophoretic transistors driven by a two-dimensional in-plane rotating field, the addition of a vertical magnetic field bias provides significant advantages in preventing the formation of particle clumps and in better replicating the operating principles of circuits in general. However, the three-dimensional driving field requires a complete redesign of the magnetic track geometry and switching electrodes. We have solved this problem by developing several types of transistor geometries which can switch particles between two different tracks by either presenting a local energy barrier or by repelling magnetic objects away from a given track, hereby denoted as "barrier" and "repulsion" transistors, respectively. For both types of transistors, we observe complete switching of magnetic objects with currents of ∼40 mA, which is consistent over a range of particle sizes (8-15 μm). The switching efficiency was also tested at various magnetic field strengths (50-90 Oe) and driving frequencies (0.1-0.6 Hz); however, we again found that the device performance only weakly depended on these parameters. These findings support the use of these novel transistor geometries to form circuit architectures in which cells can be placed in defined locations and retrieved on demand.

Timing and tracking for the Crystal Barrel detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, Reinhard; Brinkmann, Kai; Novotny, Rainer

2017-01-01

The aim of the project D.3 is the upgrade of several detector components used in the CBELSA/TAPS experiment at ELSA. The readout of the Crystal Barrel Calorimeter will be extended by a timing branch in order to gain trigger capability for the detector, which will allow to measure completely neutral final states in photoproduction reactions (see projects A.1 and C.5). Additionally, the readout of the inner crystals of the TAPS detector, which covers the forward opening of the Crystal Barrel Calorimeter, will be modified to be capable of high event rates due to the intensity upgrade of ELSA. Furthermore, a full-scale prototype Time Projection Chamber (TPC) has been built to be used as a new central tracker for the CBELSA/TAPS experiment at ELSA and the FOPI experiment at GSI.