Minimum description length block finder, a method to identify haplotype blocks and to compare the strength of block boundaries.

PubMed

Mannila, H; Koivisto, M; Perola, M; Varilo, T; Hennah, W; Ekelund, J; Lukk, M; Peltonen, L; Ukkonen, E

2003-07-01

We describe a new probabilistic method for finding haplotype blocks that is based on the use of the minimum description length (MDL) principle. We give a rigorous definition of the quality of a segmentation of a genomic region into blocks and describe a dynamic programming algorithm for finding the optimal segmentation with respect to this measure. We also describe a method for finding the probability of a block boundary for each pair of adjacent markers: this gives a tool for evaluating the significance of each block boundary. We have applied the method to the published data of Daly and colleagues. The results expose some problems that exist in the current methods for the evaluation of the significance of predicted block boundaries. Our method, MDL block finder, can be used to compare block borders in different sample sets, and we demonstrate this by applying the MDL-based method to define the block structure in chromosomes from population isolates.

An incremental block-line-Gauss-Seidel method for the Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Napolitano, M.; Walters, R. W.

1985-01-01

A block-line-Gauss-Seidel (LGS) method is developed for solving the incompressible and compressible Navier-Stokes equations in two dimensions. The method requires only one block-tridiagonal solution process per iteration and is consequently faster per step than the linearized block-ADI methods. Results are presented for both incompressible and compressible separated flows: in all cases the proposed block-LGS method is more efficient than the block-ADI methods. Furthermore, for high Reynolds number weakly separated incompressible flow in a channel, which proved to be an impossible task for a block-ADI method, solutions have been obtained very efficiently by the new scheme.

Atmospheric Blocking and Intercomparison of Objective Detection Methods: Flow Field Characteristics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinheiro, M. C.; Ullrich, P. A.; Grotjahn, R.

2017-12-01

A number of objective methods for identifying and quantifying atmospheric blocking have been developed over the last couple of decades, but there is variable consensus on the resultant blocking climatology. This project examines blocking climatologies as produced by three different methods: two anomaly-based methods, and the geopotential height gradient method of Tibaldi and Molteni (1990). The results highlight the differences in blocking that arise from the choice of detection method, with emphasis on the physical characteristics of the flow field and the subsequent effects on the blocking patterns that emerge.

Détermination des paramètres bioécologiques et entomologiques d’Anopheles gambiae sl dans la transmission du paludisme à Bandundu-ville, République Démocratique de Congo

PubMed Central

Matubi, Emery Metelo; Bukaka, Eric; Luemba, Trésor Bakambana; Situakibanza, Hyppolite; Sangaré, Ibrahim; Mesia, Gauthier; Ngoyi, Dieudonné Mumba; Maniania, Nguya Kalemba; Akikwa, Charles Ngandote; Kanza, Jean Pierre Basilua; Tamfum, Jean-Jacques Muyembe; sudi, Jonas Nagahuedi Bongo

2015-01-01

Introduction La présente étude a été menée à Bandundu-ville (RDC) en vue d'identifier les paramètres écologiques et entomologiques modulant la transmission du paludisme ainsi que leur tendance saisonnière dans cette agglomération. Méthodes Cette étude a été réalisée dans la période du 1er juin au 31 décembre 2011. Des prospections des gîtes larvaires d'anophèles avec récolte ont été réalisées, les paramètres physiques, physico-chimiques et environnementaux déterminés. La densité larvaire a été estimée selon une échelle de classes de densité, inspirée de la méthode de Carron pour chaque type de gîtes. Quarante-huit maisons ont été sélectionnées et prospectées pour la récolte des moustiques par pulvérisation intradomicilaire. L'identification des moustiques a été faite sur base des critères morphologiques de Gilles et Demeillon. L'Indice sporozoïtique (Is) a été déterminé par le test ELISA CSP de Plasmodium falciparum à l'Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale selon le protocole de Robert Wirtz. Les autres paramètres entomologiques comme la densité, le taux d'agressivité, le taux d'inoculation entomologique (TIE) ainsi que l'indice de stabilité ont été déterminés selon le protocole de l'OMS. La régression linéaire a été réalisée au seuil de signification de 0,05 pour identifier les déterminants de la densité larvaire. Résultats Cent-sept gîtes larvaires ont été identifiés et caractérisés en 5 types (digues et puits d'eau, collections d'eau maraîchère et concasseurs moellons, marais Régie de distribution d'eau, marais le long des rivières et ruisseaux et flaques d'eau de pluies). La densité larvaire moyenne a été de 117,4±64,1. Quatre mille cinq cents quatre-vingt-huit moustiques ont été capturés et identifiés, parmi lesquels 1.258 Anopheles gambiae sl avec une densité de 8,86, un taux d'agressivité de 1,55 piqûre par homme par nuit, l'Is de 5,6%, un TIE de 0,085 piqûre infectante par homme par nuit, l'espérance de vie moyenne d'anophèles de 16,4 jours et un indice stabilité de 6,512. L'analyse des données a montré que la superficie des gîtes larvaires influençait significativement la densité larvaire (p < 0,001). Par contre, la turbidité et la conductivité des gîtes influençaient négativement la densité larvaire (p < 0,05, IC 95%). Conclusion Les diverses biotopes, la forte densité d’Anopheles gambiae sl, le TIE et l'indice de stabilité placent Bandundu-ville en zone endémique stable. PMID:26848355

High-bandwidth prefetcher for high-bandwidth memory

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

Mehta, Sanyam; Kohn, James Robert; Ernst, Daniel Jonathan

A method for prefetching data into a cache is provided. The method allocates an outstanding request buffer ("ORB"). The method stores in an address field of the ORB an address and a number of blocks. The method issues prefetch requests for a degree number of blocks starting at the address. When a prefetch response is received for all the prefetch requests, the method adjusts the address of the next block to prefetch and adjusts the number of blocks remaining to be retrieved and then issues prefetch requests for a degree number of blocks starting at the adjusted address. The prefetchingmore » pauses when a maximum distance between the reads of the prefetched blocks and the last prefetched block is reached. When a read request for a prefetched block is received, the method resumes prefetching when a resume criterion is satisfied.« less

Variation block-based genomics method for crop plants.

PubMed

Kim, Yul Ho; Park, Hyang Mi; Hwang, Tae-Young; Lee, Seuk Ki; Choi, Man Soo; Jho, Sungwoong; Hwang, Seungwoo; Kim, Hak-Min; Lee, Dongwoo; Kim, Byoung-Chul; Hong, Chang Pyo; Cho, Yun Sung; Kim, Hyunmin; Jeong, Kwang Ho; Seo, Min Jung; Yun, Hong Tai; Kim, Sun Lim; Kwon, Young-Up; Kim, Wook Han; Chun, Hye Kyung; Lim, Sang Jong; Shin, Young-Ah; Choi, Ik-Young; Kim, Young Sun; Yoon, Ho-Sung; Lee, Suk-Ha; Lee, Sunghoon

2014-06-15

In contrast with wild species, cultivated crop genomes consist of reshuffled recombination blocks, which occurred by crossing and selection processes. Accordingly, recombination block-based genomics analysis can be an effective approach for the screening of target loci for agricultural traits. We propose the variation block method, which is a three-step process for recombination block detection and comparison. The first step is to detect variations by comparing the short-read DNA sequences of the cultivar to the reference genome of the target crop. Next, sequence blocks with variation patterns are examined and defined. The boundaries between the variation-containing sequence blocks are regarded as recombination sites. All the assumed recombination sites in the cultivar set are used to split the genomes, and the resulting sequence regions are termed variation blocks. Finally, the genomes are compared using the variation blocks. The variation block method identified recurring recombination blocks accurately and successfully represented block-level diversities in the publicly available genomes of 31 soybean and 23 rice accessions. The practicality of this approach was demonstrated by the identification of a putative locus determining soybean hilum color. We suggest that the variation block method is an efficient genomics method for the recombination block-level comparison of crop genomes. We expect that this method will facilitate the development of crop genomics by bringing genomics technologies to the field of crop breeding.

Directional filtering for block recovery using wavelet features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyun, Seung H.; Eom, Il K.; Kim, Yoo S.

2005-07-01

When images compressed with block-based compression techniques are transmitted over a noisy channel, unexpected block losses occur. Conventional methods that do not consider edge directions can cause blocked blurring artifacts. In this paper, we present a post-processing-based block recovery scheme using Haar wavelet features. The adaptive selection of neighboring blocks is performed based on the energy of wavelet subbands (EWS) and difference between DC values (DDC). The lost blocks are recovered by linear interpolation in the spatial domain using selected blocks. The method using only EWS performs well for horizontal and vertical edges, but not as well for diagonal edges. Conversely, only using DDC performs well for diagonal edges with the exception of line- or roof-type edge profiles. Therefore, we combine EWS and DDC for better results. The proposed directional recovery method is effective for the strong edge because exploit the varying neighboring blocks adaptively according to the edges and the directional information in the image. The proposed method outperforms the previous methods that used only fixed blocks.

Color Image Classification Using Block Matching and Learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondo, Kazuki; Hotta, Seiji

In this paper, we propose block matching and learning for color image classification. In our method, training images are partitioned into small blocks. Given a test image, it is also partitioned into small blocks, and mean-blocks corresponding to each test block are calculated with neighbor training blocks. Our method classifies a test image into the class that has the shortest total sum of distances between mean blocks and test ones. We also propose a learning method for reducing memory requirement. Experimental results show that our classification outperforms other classifiers such as support vector machine with bag of keypoints.

Encoders for block-circulant LDPC codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divsalar, Dariush (Inventor); Abbasfar, Aliazam (Inventor); Jones, Christopher R. (Inventor); Dolinar, Samuel J. (Inventor); Thorpe, Jeremy C. (Inventor); Andrews, Kenneth S. (Inventor); Yao, Kung (Inventor)

2009-01-01

Methods and apparatus to encode message input symbols in accordance with an accumulate-repeat-accumulate code with repetition three or four are disclosed. Block circulant matrices are used. A first method and apparatus make use of the block-circulant structure of the parity check matrix. A second method and apparatus use block-circulant generator matrices.

A fast direct method for block triangular Toeplitz-like with tri-diagonal block systems from time-fractional partial differential equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ke, Rihuan; Ng, Michael K.; Sun, Hai-Wei

2015-12-01

In this paper, we study the block lower triangular Toeplitz-like with tri-diagonal blocks system which arises from the time-fractional partial differential equation. Existing fast numerical solver (e.g., fast approximate inversion method) cannot handle such linear system as the main diagonal blocks are different. The main contribution of this paper is to propose a fast direct method for solving this linear system, and to illustrate that the proposed method is much faster than the classical block forward substitution method for solving this linear system. Our idea is based on the divide-and-conquer strategy and together with the fast Fourier transforms for calculating Toeplitz matrix-vector multiplication. The complexity needs O (MNlog2 ⁡ M) arithmetic operations, where M is the number of blocks (the number of time steps) in the system and N is the size (number of spatial grid points) of each block. Numerical examples from the finite difference discretization of time-fractional partial differential equations are also given to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.

Development and evaluation of a novel lossless image compression method (AIC: artificial intelligence compression method) using neural networks as artificial intelligence.

PubMed

Fukatsu, Hiroshi; Naganawa, Shinji; Yumura, Shinnichiro

2008-04-01

This study was aimed to validate the performance of a novel image compression method using a neural network to achieve a lossless compression. The encoding consists of the following blocks: a prediction block; a residual data calculation block; a transformation and quantization block; an organization and modification block; and an entropy encoding block. The predicted image is divided into four macro-blocks using the original image for teaching; and then redivided into sixteen sub-blocks. The predicted image is compared to the original image to create the residual image. The spatial and frequency data of the residual image are compared and transformed. Chest radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, radioisotope mammography, ultrasonography, and digital subtraction angiography images were compressed using the AIC lossless compression method; and the compression rates were calculated. The compression rates were around 15:1 for chest radiography and mammography, 12:1 for CT, and around 6:1 for other images. This method thus enables greater lossless compression than the conventional methods. This novel method should improve the efficiency of handling of the increasing volume of medical imaging data.

Energy resolution in semiconductor gamma radiation detectors using heterojunctions and methods of use and preparation thereof

DOEpatents

Nikolic, Rebecca J.; Conway, Adam M.; Nelson, Art J.; Payne, Stephen A.

2012-09-04

In one embodiment, a system comprises a semiconductor gamma detector material and a hole blocking layer adjacent the gamma detector material, the hole blocking layer resisting passage of holes therethrough. In another embodiment, a system comprises a semiconductor gamma detector material, and an electron blocking layer adjacent the gamma detector material, the electron blocking layer resisting passage of electrons therethrough, wherein the electron blocking layer comprises undoped HgCdTe. In another embodiment, a method comprises forming a hole blocking layer adjacent a semiconductor gamma detector material, the hole blocking layer resisting passage of holes therethrough. Additional systems and methods are also presented.

A Novel Method for Block Size Forensics Based on Morphological Operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Weiqi; Huang, Jiwu; Qiu, Guoping

Passive forensics analysis aims to find out how multimedia data is acquired and processed without relying on pre-embedded or pre-registered information. Since most existing compression schemes for digital images are based on block processing, one of the fundamental steps for subsequent forensics analysis is to detect the presence of block artifacts and estimate the block size for a given image. In this paper, we propose a novel method for blind block size estimation. A 2×2 cross-differential filter is first applied to detect all possible block artifact boundaries, morphological operations are then used to remove the boundary effects caused by the edges of the actual image contents, and finally maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE) is employed to estimate the block size. The experimental results evaluated on over 1300 nature images show the effectiveness of our proposed method. Compared with existing gradient-based detection method, our method achieves over 39% accuracy improvement on average.

Automatic extraction of blocks from 3D point clouds of fractured rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Na; Kemeny, John; Jiang, Qinghui; Pan, Zhiwen

2017-12-01

This paper presents a new method for extracting blocks and calculating block size automatically from rock surface 3D point clouds. Block size is an important rock mass characteristic and forms the basis for several rock mass classification schemes. The proposed method consists of four steps: 1) the automatic extraction of discontinuities using an improved Ransac Shape Detection method, 2) the calculation of discontinuity intersections based on plane geometry, 3) the extraction of block candidates based on three discontinuities intersecting one another to form corners, and 4) the identification of "true" blocks using an improved Floodfill algorithm. The calculated block sizes were compared with manual measurements in two case studies, one with fabricated cardboard blocks and the other from an actual rock mass outcrop. The results demonstrate that the proposed method is accurate and overcomes the inaccuracies, safety hazards, and biases of traditional techniques.

Blocking the buccal nerve using two methods of inferior alveolar block injection.

PubMed

Aker, F D

2001-01-01

The anatomic relations of the buccal nerve branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve were studied to explain the rationale for the discrepancy in blocking the buccal nerve using two methods of blocking the inferior alveolar nerve, the conventional method and the Gow-Gates method. The conventional method rarely blocks the buccal nerve, while the Gow-Gates method is reported to consistently block the buccal nerve. Eight head and mandibular specimens were dissected to observe the path of buccal nerve and its relationship to the path of needles in the conventional and Gow-Gates techniques. The buccal nerve descends on the medial and then anterior aspect of the deep head of the temporalis muscle (Tdh). At the latter position the buccal nerve enters the retromolar fossa and is encased in a fascial sleeve created by a dense fascial band that spans between the temporalis muscle tendons and the buccinator muscle. At the level of the conventional block injection the buccal nerve was shielded from the path of the needle by the Tdh and the fascial band. In the Gow-Gates block injection, the buccal nerve was exposed on the medial surface of the Tdh, immediately lateral to the path of the needle and proximal to the fascial sleeve. Consequently, the anatomical relations of the buccal nerve in the conventional block method essentially shield the nerve from being bathed by anesthetic solution while in the Gow-Gates method the relations are such that the buccal nerve can be exposed to anesthetic solution and thus blocked, explaining the findings in clinical dentistry. Copyright Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[Clinical Value of Cell Block in the Diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Effusion].

PubMed

Wang, Xintong; Cheng, Fangyuan; Zhong, Diansheng; Zhang, Lisha; Meng, Fanlu; Shao, Yi; Yu, Tao

2017-06-20

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is due tumor which arises from the mesothelium or metastases from tumor origniating other sites. Generally, the prognosis of MPE is poor, in the premise of reducing the pain of patients, as soon as possible make clear the property of pleural effusion and cause of the disesease, rightly and quickly, providing effective information for subsequent treatment. The cell block of 103 patients by using natural sedimentation or plasma coagulation method combined with HE staining and immunohistochemical staining method maked clear diagnosis and compared with other methods. 90 patients were diagnosed by cell block section from 103 patients who had MPE (diagnostic rate 87.4%); 32 cases were diagnosed by cell block section only, 74 cases pointed out that the pathological type , 23 cases even pointed out the primary lesions; 71 cases examined other invasive methods at the same time, the diagnostic rate was 87.3% and 81.7%; the detection rate of cell block section and cytological smear in detecting malignant tumor cells was 86.7%and 44.0% respectively. Cell block can not only increase the diagnosis, in contrast to cytological smear, and own the same diagnostic rate compared with other invasive methods, but also can confirm pathological type and primary lesion; especially, for other invasive methods, cell block method is a preferable complementary method, and that cell block method maybe the only way for some patients.

Targeting Tryptophan Catabolism: A Novel Method to Block Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-01

AWARD NUMBER: W81XWH-15-1-0039 TITLE: Targeting Tryptophan Catabolism: A Novel Method to Block Triple- Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis...Mar 2017 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Targeting Tryptophan Catabolism: A Novel Method to Block Triple-Negative Breast Cancer...Tryptophan Catabolism: A Novel Method to Block Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis,” Submitted by Jennifer K. Richer, PhD, University of Colorado

Sequential and simultaneous SLAR block adjustment. [spline function analysis for mapping

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leberl, F.

1975-01-01

Two sequential methods of planimetric SLAR (Side Looking Airborne Radar) block adjustment, with and without splines, and three simultaneous methods based on the principles of least squares are evaluated. A limited experiment with simulated SLAR images indicates that sequential block formation with splines followed by external interpolative adjustment is superior to the simultaneous methods such as planimetric block adjustment with similarity transformations. The use of the sequential block formation is recommended, since it represents an inexpensive tool for satisfactory point determination from SLAR images.

STF Optimierung von single-bit CT ΣΔ Modulatoren basierend auf skalierten Filterkoeffizienten

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Widemann, C.; Zorn, C.; Brückner, T.; Ortmanns, M.; Mathis, W.

2012-09-01

Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit dem Signalübertragungsverhalten von single-bit continuous-time (CT) ΣΔ Modulatoren. Dabei liegt der Fokus der Untersuchung auf dem Peaking der Signaltransferfunktion (STF). Dieser Effekt kann die Performance und die Stabilität des Gesamtsystems negativ beeinflussen, da bei auftretendem STF-Peaking Signale außerhalb des Signalbands verstärkt werden. In dieser Arbeit wird ein neuer Ansatz zur Reduktion des Peakings vorgestellt, der auf der Optimierung der Systemdynamik basiert. Dabei werden die Filterkoeffizienten des Modulators systematisch angepasst. Anhand eines Beispielsystems wird gezeigt, dass der Ansatz genutzt werden kann, um das Übertragungsverhalten des Modulators abhängig vom Ausgangssystem zu verändern. So kann entweder die Systemsperformance verbessert werden, ohne Peaking in der STF zu erzeugen, oder das STF-Peaking reduziert werden, ohne die Systemperformance stark zu beeinflussen.

Assessment of Thematic Mapper Band-to-band Registration by the Block Correlation Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Card, D. H.; Wrigley, R. C.; Mertz, F. C.; Hall, J. R.

1984-01-01

The design of the Thematic Mapper (TM) multispectral radiometer makes it susceptible to band-to-band misregistration. To estimate band-to-band misregistration a block correlation method is employed. This method is chosen over other possible techniques (band differencing and flickering) because quantitative results are produced. The method correlates rectangular blocks of pixels from one band against blocks centered on identical pixels from a second band. The block pairs are shifted in pixel increments both vertically and horizontally with respect to each other and the correlation coefficient for each shift position is computed. The displacement corresponding to the maximum correlation is taken as the best estimate of registration error for each block pair. Subpixel shifts are estimated by a bi-quadratic interpolation of the correlation values surrounding the maximum correlation. To obtain statistical summaries for each band combination post processing of the block correlation results performed. The method results in estimates of registration error that are consistent with expectations.

Method for making block siloxane copolymers

DOEpatents

Butler, N.L.; Jessop, E.S.; Kolb, J.R.

1981-02-25

A method for synthesizing block polysiloxane copolymers is disclosed. Diorganoscyclosiloxanes and an end-blocking compound are interacted in the presence of a ring opening polymerization catalyst, producing a blocked prepolymer. The prepolymer is then interacted with a silanediol, resulting in condensation polymerization of the prepolymers. A second end-blocking compound is subsequently introduced to end-cap the polymers and copolymers formed from the condensation polymerization.

Method for making block siloxane copolymers

DOEpatents

Butler, Nora; Jessop, Edward S.; Kolb, John R.

1982-01-01

A method for synthesizing block polysiloxane copolymers. Diorganoscyclosiloxanes and an end-blocking compound are interacted in the presence of a ring opening polymerization catalyst, producing a blocked prepolymer. The prepolymer is then interacted with a silanediol, resulting in condensation polymerization of the prepolymers. A second end-blocking compound is subsequently introduced to end-cap the polymers and copolymers formed from the condensation polymerization.

Study of normal, fibrous and calcified aortic valve tissue by Raman and reflectance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodrigues, Kátia Calligaris; Munin, Egberto; Alves, Leandro P.; Silveira, Fabrício L.; Junior, Landulfo S.; De Lima, Carlos J.; Lázzaro, João C.; De Souza, Genivaldo C.; Piotto, José A. B.; Pacheco, Marcos T. T.; Zângaro, Renato A.

2007-02-01

Several studies have identified the degree of aortic valve calcification as a strong predictor both for the progression and outcome of aortic stenosis. In industrialized countries, aortic valve stenosis is most frequently caused by progressive calcification and degeneration of aortic cusps. However, there are no accurate methods to quantify the extent of aortic valve calcification. To provide a non-invasive alternative to biopsy, a range of optical methods have been investigated, including Raman and reflectance spectroscopy. A Raman spectrum can be used to access the molecular constitution of a particular tissue and classify it. Raman spectroscopy is largely used in the quantification and evaluation of human atherosclerosis, being a powerful technique for performing biochemical analysis without tissue removal. Nevertheless, increased thickness and disorganization of the collagen fibre network and extracellular matrix are known to affect the diffuse spectral reflectance of the tissue. A catheter with the "6 around 1" configuration, the central fiber transmit laser radiation to the sample and the scattered light is collected by the other six surrounding fibers, was used both for Raman and reflectance spectroscopy. A white light (krypton lamp, flashtube Model FX 1160 Perkin Elmer, USA) excitation was used for reflectance measurements. A Ti-sapphire (785nm, Spectra Physics, model 3900S, USA) laser, pumped by an argon laser (Spectra Physics, model Stabilite 2017, USA) was used as the near infrared Raman set up. Several ex-vivo spectra of aortic valve samples were analyzed. The results show a promising way to differentiate normal, fibrous and calcified tissue in aortic valve.

A Study on the Saving Method of Plate Jigs in Hull Block Butt Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, Dae-Eun

2017-11-01

A large amount of plate jigs is used for alignment of welding line and control of welding deformations in hull block assembly stage. Besides material cost, the huge working man-hours required for working process of plate jigs is one of the obstacles in productivity growth of shipyard. In this study, analysis method was proposed to simulate the welding deformations of block butt joint with plate jigs setting. Using the proposed analysis method, an example simulation was performed for actual panel block joint to investigate the saving method of plate jigs. Results show that it is possible to achieve two objectives of quality accuracy of the hull block and saving the plate jig usage at the same time by deploying the plate jigs at the right places. And the proposed analysis method can be used in establishing guidelines for the proper use of plate jigs in block assembly stage.

An adaptive block-based fusion method with LUE-SSIM for multi-focus images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Jianing; Guo, Yongcai; Huang, Yukun

2016-09-01

Because of the lenses' limited depth of field, digital cameras are incapable of acquiring an all-in-focus image of objects at varying distances in a scene. Multi-focus image fusion technique can effectively solve this problem. Aiming at the block-based multi-focus image fusion methods, the problem that blocking-artifacts often occurs. An Adaptive block-based fusion method based on lifting undistorted-edge structural similarity (LUE-SSIM) is put forward. In this method, image quality metrics LUE-SSIM is firstly proposed, which utilizes the characteristics of human visual system (HVS) and structural similarity (SSIM) to make the metrics consistent with the human visual perception. Particle swarm optimization(PSO) algorithm which selects LUE-SSIM as the object function is used for optimizing the block size to construct the fused image. Experimental results on LIVE image database shows that LUE-SSIM outperform SSIM on Gaussian defocus blur images quality assessment. Besides, multi-focus image fusion experiment is carried out to verify our proposed image fusion method in terms of visual and quantitative evaluation. The results show that the proposed method performs better than some other block-based methods, especially in reducing the blocking-artifact of the fused image. And our method can effectively preserve the undistorted-edge details in focus region of the source images.

Les inconvénients de perdre du poids

PubMed Central

Bosomworth, N. John

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Explorer les raisons pour lesquelles la perte de poids à long terme échoue la plupart du temps et évaluer les conséquences de diverses trajectoires pondérales, y compris la stabilité, la perte et le gain. Source des données Les études qui évaluent les paramètres pondéraux dans la population sont en majorité observationnelles. Des données probantes de niveau I ont été publiées pour évaluer l’influence des interventions relatives au poids sur la mortalité et la qualité de vie. Message principal Seulement un petit pourcentage des personnes qui désirent perdre du poids réussissent à le faire de manière durable. La mortalité est la plus faible chez les personnes se situant dans la catégorie de poids élevé-normal et surpoids. La trajectoire pondérale la plus sécuritaire est la stabilité du poids avec une optimisation de la condition physique et métabolique. Il est démontré que la mortalité est plus faible chez les personnes ayant des comorbidités reliées à l’obésité si elles perdent du poids. Il est aussi établi que la qualité de vie sur le plan de la santé est meilleure chez les personnes obèses qui perdent du poids. Par contre, la perte de poids chez une personne obèse autrement en santé est associée à une mortalité accrue. Conclusion La perte de poids est recommandable seulement chez les personnes qui ont des comorbidités reliées à l’obésité. Les personnes obèses en santé qui veulent perdre du poids devraient être informées qu’il peut y avoir des risques à le faire. Une stratégie qui se traduit par un indice de masse corporelle stable avec une condition physique et métabolique optimisée, peu importe le poids, est l’option d’intervention la plus sécuritaire en ce qui concerne le poids.

Young Investigator Challenge: A novel, simple method for cell block preparation, implementation, and use over 2 years.

PubMed

Lindsey, Kathryn G; Houser, Patricia M; Shotsberger-Gray, Wanda; Chajewski, Olga S; Yang, Jack

2016-12-01

The cell block is an essential adjunct to conventional cytopreparatory techniques. The need for molecular analysis and immunostains will increase the need for successful cell block preparation. Even with this need, to the authors' knowledge very little has changed regarding the way in which cell blocks are produced. The authors developed A Formalin-Fixed, paraffin Embedded Cytology cell block Technique (AFFECT) that uses a cytospin centrifuge and funnel to deposit a cell pellet into a well on a piece of open-cell, absorbent foam. The foam and the pellet are then sent through normal processing. Herein, the authors present the implementation of this method and some of their experience with its performance over the course of 2 years. Although a comparison of the methods indicated good correlation for the production of a cell block between AFFECT and the agarose method, the AFFECT blocks demonstrated markedly improved cellular morphology. Over the first 6 months of use, AFFECT produced a successful cell block in 74% of cases overall, and in 65% of cases with a cell pellet measuring ≤0.1 mL. The year preceding the implementation of AFFECT and its first year of use were compared for endoscopic and bronchoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration specimens, and demonstrated an improved success rate. The authors developed a novel method of cell block preparation that demonstrates improved histology and has increased the success rate of cell block production compared with the agarose method. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:885-892. © 2016 American Cancer Society. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

A protein block based fold recognition method for the annotation of twilight zone sequences.

PubMed

Suresh, V; Ganesan, K; Parthasarathy, S

2013-03-01

The description of protein backbone was recently improved with a group of structural fragments called Structural Alphabets instead of the regular three states (Helix, Sheet and Coil) secondary structure description. Protein Blocks is one of the Structural Alphabets used to describe each and every region of protein backbone including the coil. According to de Brevern (2000) the Protein Blocks has 16 structural fragments and each one has 5 residues in length. Protein Blocks fragments are highly informative among the available Structural Alphabets and it has been used for many applications. Here, we present a protein fold recognition method based on Protein Blocks for the annotation of twilight zone sequences. In our method, we align the predicted Protein Blocks of a query amino acid sequence with a library of assigned Protein Blocks of 953 known folds using the local pair-wise alignment. The alignment results with z-value ≥ 2.5 and P-value ≤ 0.08 are predicted as possible folds. Our method is able to recognize the possible folds for nearly 35.5% of the twilight zone sequences with their predicted Protein Block sequence obtained by pb_prediction, which is available at Protein Block Export server.

Method of forming oriented block copolymer line patterns, block copolymer line patterns formed thereby, and their use to form patterned articles

DOEpatents

Russell, Thomas P.; Hong, Sung Woo; Lee, Doug Hyun; Park, Soojin; Xu, Ting

2015-10-13

A block copolymer film having a line pattern with a high degree of long-range order is formed by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate surface with parallel facets, and annealing the block copolymer film to form an annealed block copolymer film having linear microdomains parallel to the substrate surface and orthogonal to the parallel facets of the substrate. The line-patterned block copolymer films are useful for the fabrication of magnetic storage media, polarizing devices, and arrays of nanowires.

Method of forming oriented block copolymer line patterns, block copolymer line patterns formed thereby, and their use to form patterned articles

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

Russell, Thomas P.; Hong, Sung Woo; Lee, Dong Hyun

A block copolymer film having a line pattern with a high degree of long-range order is formed by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate surface with parallel facets, and annealing the block copolymer film to form an annealed block copolymer film having linear microdomains parallel to the substrate surface and orthogonal to the parallel facets of the substrate. The line-patterned block copolymer films are useful for the fabrication of magnetic storage media, polarizing devices, and arrays of nanowires.

Seamless contiguity method for parallel segmentation of remote sensing image

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Geng; Wang, Guanghui; Yu, Mei; Cui, Chengling

2015-12-01

Seamless contiguity is the key technology for parallel segmentation of remote sensing data with large quantities. It can be effectively integrate fragments of the parallel processing into reasonable results for subsequent processes. There are numerous methods reported in the literature for seamless contiguity, such as establishing buffer, area boundary merging and data sewing. et. We proposed a new method which was also based on building buffers. The seamless contiguity processes we adopt are based on the principle: ensuring the accuracy of the boundary, ensuring the correctness of topology. Firstly, block number is computed based on data processing ability, unlike establishing buffer on both sides of block line, buffer is established just on the right side and underside of the line. Each block of data is segmented respectively and then gets the segmentation objects and their label value. Secondly, choose one block(called master block) and do stitching on the adjacent blocks(called slave block), process the rest of the block in sequence. Through the above processing, topological relationship and boundaries of master block are guaranteed. Thirdly, if the master block polygons boundaries intersect with buffer boundary and the slave blocks polygons boundaries intersect with block line, we adopt certain rules to merge and trade-offs them. Fourthly, check the topology and boundary in the buffer area. Finally, a set of experiments were conducted and prove the feasibility of this method. This novel seamless contiguity algorithm provides an applicable and practical solution for efficient segmentation of massive remote sensing image.

Cellient™ automated cell block versus traditional cell block preparation: a comparison of morphologic features and immunohistochemical staining.

PubMed

Wagner, David G; Russell, Donna K; Benson, Jenna M; Schneider, Ashley E; Hoda, Rana S; Bonfiglio, Thomas A

2011-10-01

Traditional cell block (TCB) sections serve as an important diagnostic adjunct to cytologic smears but are also used today as a reliable preparation for immunohistochemical (IHC) studies. There are many ways to prepare a cell block and the methods continue to be revised. In this study, we compare the TCB with the Cellient™ automated cell block system. Thirty-five cell blocks were obtained from 16 benign and 19 malignant nongynecologic cytology specimens at a large university teaching hospital and prepared according to TCB and Cellient protocols. Cell block sections from both methods were compared for possible differences in various morphologic features and immunohistochemical staining patterns. In the 16 benign cases, no significant morphologic differences were found between the TCB and Cellient cell block sections. For the 19 malignant cases, some noticeable differences in the nuclear chromatin and cellularity were identified, although statistical significance was not attained. Immunohistochemical or special stains were performed on 89% of the malignant cases (17/19). Inadequate cellularity precluded full evaluation in 23% of Cellient cell block IHC preparations (4/17). Of the malignant cases with adequate cellularity (13/17), the immunohistochemical staining patterns from the different methods were identical in 53% of cases. The traditional and Cellient cell block sections showed similar morphologic and immunohistochemical staining patterns. The only significant difference between the two methods concerned the lower overall cell block cellularity identified during immunohistochemical staining in the Cellient cell block sections. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Method of producing nanopatterned articles, and articles produced thereby

DOEpatents

Russell, Thomas P; Park, Soojin; Xu, Ting

2013-11-12

A nanopatterned surface is prepared by forming a block copolymer film on a miscut crystalline substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, then reconstructing the surface of the annealed block copolymer film. The method creates a well-ordered array of voids in the block copolymer film that is maintained over a large area. The nanopatterned block copolymer films can be used ina variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media.

A multiple-block multigrid method for the solution of the three-dimensional Euler and Navier-Stokes equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atkins, Harold

1991-01-01

A multiple block multigrid method for the solution of the three dimensional Euler and Navier-Stokes equations is presented. The basic flow solver is a cell vertex method which employs central difference spatial approximations and Runge-Kutta time stepping. The use of local time stepping, implicit residual smoothing, multigrid techniques and variable coefficient numerical dissipation results in an efficient and robust scheme is discussed. The multiblock strategy places the block loop within the Runge-Kutta Loop such that accuracy and convergence are not affected by block boundaries. This has been verified by comparing the results of one and two block calculations in which the two block grid is generated by splitting the one block grid. Results are presented for both Euler and Navier-Stokes computations of wing/fuselage combinations.

Block Volume Estimation from the Discontinuity Spacing Measurements of Mesozoic Limestone Quarries, Karaburun Peninsula, Turkey

PubMed Central

Elci, Hakan; Turk, Necdet

2014-01-01

Block volumes are generally estimated by analyzing the discontinuity spacing measurements obtained either from the scan lines placed over the rock exposures or the borehole cores. Discontinuity spacing measurements made at the Mesozoic limestone quarries in Karaburun Peninsula were used to estimate the average block volumes that could be produced from them using the suggested methods in the literature. The Block Quality Designation (BQD) ratio method proposed by the authors has been found to have given in the same order of the rock block volume to the volumetric joint count (J v) method. Moreover, dimensions of the 2378 blocks produced between the years of 2009 and 2011 in the working quarries have been recorded. Assuming, that each block surfaces is a discontinuity, the mean block volume (V b), the mean volumetric joint count (J vb) and the mean block shape factor of the blocks are determined and compared with the estimated mean in situ block volumes (V in) and volumetric joint count (J vi) values estimated from the in situ discontinuity measurements. The established relations are presented as a chart to be used in practice for estimating the mean volume of blocks that can be obtained from a quarry site by analyzing the rock mass discontinuity spacing measurements. PMID:24696642

Block volume estimation from the discontinuity spacing measurements of mesozoic limestone quarries, Karaburun Peninsula, Turkey.

PubMed

Elci, Hakan; Turk, Necdet

2014-01-01

Block volumes are generally estimated by analyzing the discontinuity spacing measurements obtained either from the scan lines placed over the rock exposures or the borehole cores. Discontinuity spacing measurements made at the Mesozoic limestone quarries in Karaburun Peninsula were used to estimate the average block volumes that could be produced from them using the suggested methods in the literature. The Block Quality Designation (BQD) ratio method proposed by the authors has been found to have given in the same order of the rock block volume to the volumetric joint count (J(v)) method. Moreover, dimensions of the 2378 blocks produced between the years of 2009 and 2011 in the working quarries have been recorded. Assuming, that each block surfaces is a discontinuity, the mean block volume (V(b)), the mean volumetric joint count (J(vb)) and the mean block shape factor of the blocks are determined and compared with the estimated mean in situ block volumes (V(in)) and volumetric joint count (J(vi)) values estimated from the in situ discontinuity measurements. The established relations are presented as a chart to be used in practice for estimating the mean volume of blocks that can be obtained from a quarry site by analyzing the rock mass discontinuity spacing measurements.

Method of producing nanopatterned articles, and articles produced thereby

DOEpatents

Russell, Thomas P; Park, Soojin; Xu, Ting

2015-04-28

A nanopatterned surface is prepared by forming a block copolymer film on a miscut crystalline substrate, annealing the block copolymer film, then reconstructing the surface of the annealed block copolymer film The method creates a well-ordered array of voids in the block copolymer film that is maintained over a large area. The nanopatterned block copolymer films can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media.

Combustion engine variable compression ratio apparatus and method

DOEpatents

Lawrence,; Keith, E [Peoria, IL; Strawbridge, Bryan E [Dunlap, IL; Dutart, Charles H [Washington, IL

2006-06-06

An apparatus and method for varying a compression ratio of an engine having a block and a head mounted thereto. The apparatus and method includes a cylinder having a block portion and a head portion, a piston linearly movable in the block portion of the cylinder, a cylinder plug linearly movable in the head portion of the cylinder, and a valve located in the cylinder plug and operable to provide controlled fluid communication with the block portion of the cylinder.

Encoders for block-circulant LDPC codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, Kenneth; Dolinar, Sam; Thorpe, Jeremy

2005-01-01

In this paper, we present two encoding methods for block-circulant LDPC codes. The first is an iterative encoding method based on the erasure decoding algorithm, and the computations required are well organized due to the block-circulant structure of the parity check matrix. The second method uses block-circulant generator matrices, and the encoders are very similar to those for recursive convolutional codes. Some encoders of the second type have been implemented in a small Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and operate at 100 Msymbols/second.

Text extraction method for historical Tibetan document images based on block projections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Li-juan; Zhang, Xi-qun; Ma, Long-long; Wu, Jian

2017-11-01

Text extraction is an important initial step in digitizing the historical documents. In this paper, we present a text extraction method for historical Tibetan document images based on block projections. The task of text extraction is considered as text area detection and location problem. The images are divided equally into blocks and the blocks are filtered by the information of the categories of connected components and corner point density. By analyzing the filtered blocks' projections, the approximate text areas can be located, and the text regions are extracted. Experiments on the dataset of historical Tibetan documents demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.

A time-domain decomposition iterative method for the solution of distributed linear quadratic optimal control problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinkenschloss, Matthias

2005-01-01

We study a class of time-domain decomposition-based methods for the numerical solution of large-scale linear quadratic optimal control problems. Our methods are based on a multiple shooting reformulation of the linear quadratic optimal control problem as a discrete-time optimal control (DTOC) problem. The optimality conditions for this DTOC problem lead to a linear block tridiagonal system. The diagonal blocks are invertible and are related to the original linear quadratic optimal control problem restricted to smaller time-subintervals. This motivates the application of block Gauss-Seidel (GS)-type methods for the solution of the block tridiagonal systems. Numerical experiments show that the spectral radii of the block GS iteration matrices are larger than one for typical applications, but that the eigenvalues of the iteration matrices decay to zero fast. Hence, while the GS method is not expected to convergence for typical applications, it can be effective as a preconditioner for Krylov-subspace methods. This is confirmed by our numerical tests.A byproduct of this research is the insight that certain instantaneous control techniques can be viewed as the application of one step of the forward block GS method applied to the DTOC optimality system.

Associative list processing unit

DOEpatents

Hemmert, Karl Scott; Underwood, Keith D.

2013-01-29

An associative list processing unit and method comprising employing a plurality of prioritized cell blocks and permitting inserts to occur in a single clock cycle if all of the cell blocks are not full. Also, an associative list processing unit and method comprising employing a plurality of prioritized cell blocks and using a tree of prioritized multiplexers descending from the plurality of cell blocks.

Comparison of the Cellient(™) automated cell block system and agar cell block method.

PubMed

Kruger, A M; Stevens, M W; Kerley, K J; Carter, C D

2014-12-01

To compare the Cellient(TM) automated cell block system with the agar cell block method in terms of quantity and quality of diagnostic material and morphological, histochemical and immunocytochemical features. Cell blocks were prepared from 100 effusion samples using the agar method and Cellient system, and routinely sectioned and stained for haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff with diastase (PASD). A preliminary immunocytochemical study was performed on selected cases (27/100 cases). Sections were evaluated using a three-point grading system to compare a set of morphological parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test. Parameters assessing cellularity, presence of single cells and definition of nuclear membrane, nucleoli, chromatin and cytoplasm showed a statistically significant improvement on Cellient cell blocks compared with agar cell blocks (P < 0.05). No significant difference was seen for definition of cell groups, PASD staining or the intensity or clarity of immunocytochemical staining. A discrepant immunocytochemistry (ICC) result was seen in 21% (13/63) of immunostains. The Cellient technique is comparable with the agar method, with statistically significant results achieved for important morphological features. It demonstrates potential as an alternative cell block preparation method which is relevant for the rapid processing of fine needle aspiration samples, malignant effusions and low-cellularity specimens, where optimal cell morphology and architecture are essential. Further investigation is required to optimize immunocytochemical staining using the Cellient method. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Assessing the height of block for caesarean section over the past three decades: trends from the literature.

PubMed

Hoyle, J; Yentis, S M

2015-04-01

There are multiple methods of assessing the height of block before caesarean section under regional anaesthesia, and surveys of practice suggest considerable variation in practice. So far, little emphasis has been placed on the guidance to be gained from published research literature or textbooks. We therefore set out to investigate the methods of block assessment documented in published articles and textbooks over the past 30 years. We performed two searches of PubMed for randomised clinical trials with caesarean section and either spinal anaesthesia or epidural anaesthesia as major Medical Subject Headings. A total of 284 papers, from 1984 to 2013, were analysed for methods of assessment of sensory and motor block, and the height of block deemed adequate for surgery. We also examined 45 editions of seven anaesthetic textbooks spanning 1950-2014 for recommended methods of assessment and height of block required for caesarean section. Analysis of published papers demonstrated a wide variation in techniques, though there has been a trend towards the increased use of touch, and an increased use of a block height of T5 over the study period. Only 115/284 (40.5%) papers described the method of assessing motor block, with most of those that did (102/115; 88.7%) describing it as the 'Bromage scale', although only five of these (4.9%) matched the original description by Bromage. The required height of block recommended by textbooks has risen over the last 30 years to T4, although only four textbooks made any recommendation about the preferred sensory modality. The variation in methods suggested by surveys of practice is reflected in variation in published trials, and there is little consensus or guidance in anaesthetic textbooks. © 2014 The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland.

Which Ultrasound-Guided Sciatic Nerve Block Strategy Works Faster? Prebifurcation or Separate Tibial-Peroneal Nerve Block? A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Faiz, Seyed Hamid Reza; Imani, Farnad; Rahimzadeh, Poupak; Alebouyeh, Mahmoud Reza; Entezary, Saeed Reza; Shafeinia, Amineh

2017-08-01

Peripheral nerve block is an accepted method in lower limb surgeries regarding its convenience and good tolerance by the patients. Quick performance and fast sensory and motor block are highly demanded in this method. The aim of the present study was to compare 2 different methods of sciatic and tibial-peroneal nerve block in lower limb surgeries in terms of block onset. In this clinical trial, 52 candidates for elective lower limb surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups: sciatic nerve block before bifurcation (SG; n = 27) and separate tibial-peroneal nerve block (TPG; n = 25) under ultrasound plus nerve stimulator guidance. The mean duration of block performance, as well as complete sensory and motor block, was recorded and compared between the groups. The mean duration of complete sensory block in the SG and TPG groups was 35.4 ± 4.1 and 24.9 ± 4.2 minutes, respectively, which was significantly lower in the TPG group (P = 0.001). The mean duration of complete motor block in the SG and TPG groups was 63.3 ± 4.4 and 48.4 ± 4.6 minutes, respectively, which was significantly lower in the TPG group (P = 0.001). No nerve injuries, paresthesia, or other possible side effects were reported in patients. According to the present study, it seems that TPG shows a faster sensory and motor block than SG.

49 CFR 236.827 - System, block signal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false System, block signal. 236.827 Section 236.827... System, block signal. A method of governing the movement of trains into or within one or more blocks by block signals or cab signals. ...

How They (Should Have) Built the Pyramids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallagher, Gregory; West, Joseph; Waters, Kevin

2014-03-01

A novel ``polygon method'' is proposed for moving large stone blocks. The method is implemented by the attachment of rods of analytically chosen radii to the block by means of rope. The chosen rods are placed on each side of the square-prism block in order to transform the square prism into a prism of higher order polygon, i.e. octagon, dodecagon etc. Experimental results are presented and compared to other methods proposed by the authors, including a dragging method and a rail method which includes the idea of dragging the block on rails made from arbitrarily chosen rod-shaped ``tracks,'' and to independent work by another group which utilized wooden attachments providing a cylindrical shape. It is found that the polygon method when used on small scale stone blocks across level open ground has an equivalent of a coefficient of friction order of 0.1. For full scale pyramid blocks, the wooden ``rods'' would need to be of order 30 cm in diameter, certainly within reason, given the diameter of wooden masts used on ships in that region during the relevant time period in Egypt. This project also inspired a ``spin-off'' project in which the behavior or rolling polygons is investigated and preliminary data is presented.

Zero-block mode decision algorithm for H.264/AVC.

PubMed

Lee, Yu-Ming; Lin, Yinyi

2009-03-01

In the previous paper , we proposed a zero-block intermode decision algorithm for H.264 video coding based upon the number of zero-blocks of 4 x 4 DCT coefficients between the current macroblock and the co-located macroblock. The proposed algorithm can achieve significant improvement in computation, but the computation performance is limited for high bit-rate coding. To improve computation efficiency, in this paper, we suggest an enhanced zero-block decision algorithm, which uses an early zero-block detection method to compute the number of zero-blocks instead of direct DCT and quantization (DCT/Q) calculation and incorporates two adequate decision methods into semi-stationary and nonstationary regions of a video sequence. In addition, the zero-block decision algorithm is also applied to the intramode prediction in the P frame. The enhanced zero-block decision algorithm brings out a reduction of average 27% of total encoding time compared to the zero-block decision algorithm.

RUN LENGTH SYNCHRONIZATION TECHNIQUES

DTIC Science & Technology

An important aspect of digital communications is the problem of determining efficient methods for acquiring block synchronization . In this paper we...utilizes an N-digit sync sequence as prefix to the data blocks. The results of this study show that this technique is a practical method for acquiring block synchronization .

Robotic follow system and method

DOEpatents

Bruemmer, David J [Idaho Falls, ID; Anderson, Matthew O [Idaho Falls, ID

2007-05-01

Robot platforms, methods, and computer media are disclosed. The robot platform includes perceptors, locomotors, and a system controller, which executes instructions for a robot to follow a target in its environment. The method includes receiving a target bearing and sensing whether the robot is blocked front. If the robot is blocked in front, then the robot's motion is adjusted to avoid the nearest obstacle in front. If the robot is not blocked in front, then the method senses whether the robot is blocked toward the target bearing and if so, sets the rotational direction opposite from the target bearing, and adjusts the rotational velocity and translational velocity. If the robot is not blocked toward the target bearing, then the rotational velocity is adjusted proportional to an angle of the target bearing and the translational velocity is adjusted proportional to a distance to the nearest obstacle in front.

An efficient blocking M2L translation for low-frequency fast multipole method in three dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, Toru; Shimba, Yuta; Isakari, Hiroshi; Matsumoto, Toshiro

2016-05-01

We propose an efficient scheme to perform the multipole-to-local (M2L) translation in the three-dimensional low-frequency fast multipole method (LFFMM). Our strategy is to combine a group of matrix-vector products associated with M2L translation into a matrix-matrix product in order to diminish the memory traffic. For this purpose, we first developed a grouping method (termed as internal blocking) based on the congruent transformations (rotational and reflectional symmetries) of M2L-translators for each target box in the FMM hierarchy (adaptive octree). Next, we considered another method of grouping (termed as external blocking) that was able to handle M2L translations for multiple target boxes collectively by using the translational invariance of the M2L translation. By combining these internal and external blockings, the M2L translation can be performed efficiently whilst preservingthe numerical accuracy exactly. We assessed the proposed blocking scheme numerically and applied it to the boundary integral equation method to solve electromagnetic scattering problems for perfectly electrical conductor. From the numerical results, it was found that the proposed M2L scheme achieved a few times speedup compared to the non-blocking scheme.

Method of making high breakdown voltage semiconductor device

DOEpatents

Arthur, Stephen D.; Temple, Victor A. K.

1990-01-01

A semiconductor device having at least one P-N junction and a multiple-zone junction termination extension (JTE) region which uniformly merges with the reverse blocking junction is disclosed. The blocking junction is graded into multiple zones of lower concentration dopant adjacent termination to facilitate merging of the JTE to the blocking junction and placing of the JTE at or near the high field point of the blocking junction. Preferably, the JTE region substantially overlaps the graded blocking junction region. A novel device fabrication method is also provided which eliminates the prior art step of separately diffusing the JTE region.

Convergence to Diagonal Form of Block Jacobi-type Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hari, Vjeran

2008-09-01

The main result of recent research on convergence to diagonal form of block Jacobi-type processes is presented. For this purpose, all notions needed to describe the result are introduced. In particular, elementary block transformation matrices, simple and non-simple algorithms, block pivot strategies together with the appropriate equivalence relations are defined. The general block Jacobi-type process considered here can be specialized to take the form of almost any known Jacobi-type method for solving the ordinary or the generalized matrix eigenvalue and singular value problems. The assumptions used in the result are satisfied by many concrete methods.

Morphing the feature-based multi-blocks of normative/healthy vertebral geometries to scoliosis vertebral geometries: development of personalized finite element models.

PubMed

Hadagali, Prasannaah; Peters, James R; Balasubramanian, Sriram

2018-03-01

Personalized Finite Element (FE) models and hexahedral elements are preferred for biomechanical investigations. Feature-based multi-block methods are used to develop anatomically accurate personalized FE models with hexahedral mesh. It is tedious to manually construct multi-blocks for large number of geometries on an individual basis to develop personalized FE models. Mesh-morphing method mitigates the aforementioned tediousness in meshing personalized geometries every time, but leads to element warping and loss of geometrical data. Such issues increase in magnitude when normative spine FE model is morphed to scoliosis-affected spinal geometry. The only way to bypass the issue of hex-mesh distortion or loss of geometry as a result of morphing is to rely on manually constructing the multi-blocks for scoliosis-affected spine geometry of each individual, which is time intensive. A method to semi-automate the construction of multi-blocks on the geometry of scoliosis vertebrae from the existing multi-blocks of normative vertebrae is demonstrated in this paper. High-quality hexahedral elements were generated on the scoliosis vertebrae from the morphed multi-blocks of normative vertebrae. Time taken was 3 months to construct the multi-blocks for normative spine and less than a day for scoliosis. Efforts taken to construct multi-blocks on personalized scoliosis spinal geometries are significantly reduced by morphing existing multi-blocks.

MR Image Reconstruction Using Block Matching and Adaptive Kernel Methods.

PubMed

Schmidt, Johannes F M; Santelli, Claudio; Kozerke, Sebastian

2016-01-01

An approach to Magnetic Resonance (MR) image reconstruction from undersampled data is proposed. Undersampling artifacts are removed using an iterative thresholding algorithm applied to nonlinearly transformed image block arrays. Each block array is transformed using kernel principal component analysis where the contribution of each image block to the transform depends in a nonlinear fashion on the distance to other image blocks. Elimination of undersampling artifacts is achieved by conventional principal component analysis in the nonlinear transform domain, projection onto the main components and back-mapping into the image domain. Iterative image reconstruction is performed by interleaving the proposed undersampling artifact removal step and gradient updates enforcing consistency with acquired k-space data. The algorithm is evaluated using retrospectively undersampled MR cardiac cine data and compared to k-t SPARSE-SENSE, block matching with spatial Fourier filtering and k-t ℓ1-SPIRiT reconstruction. Evaluation of image quality and root-mean-squared-error (RMSE) reveal improved image reconstruction for up to 8-fold undersampled data with the proposed approach relative to k-t SPARSE-SENSE, block matching with spatial Fourier filtering and k-t ℓ1-SPIRiT. In conclusion, block matching and kernel methods can be used for effective removal of undersampling artifacts in MR image reconstruction and outperform methods using standard compressed sensing and ℓ1-regularized parallel imaging methods.

Video compression of coronary angiograms based on discrete wavelet transform with block classification.

PubMed

Ho, B T; Tsai, M J; Wei, J; Ma, M; Saipetch, P

1996-01-01

A new method of video compression for angiographic images has been developed to achieve high compression ratio (~20:1) while eliminating block artifacts which leads to loss of diagnostic accuracy. This method adopts motion picture experts group's (MPEGs) motion compensated prediction to takes advantage of frame to frame correlation. However, in contrast to MPEG, the error images arising from mismatches in the motion estimation are encoded by discrete wavelet transform (DWT) rather than block discrete cosine transform (DCT). Furthermore, the authors developed a classification scheme which label each block in an image as intra, error, or background type and encode it accordingly. This hybrid coding can significantly improve the compression efficiency in certain eases. This method can be generalized for any dynamic image sequences applications sensitive to block artifacts.

Algorithms for the automatic generation of 2-D structured multi-block grids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schoenfeld, Thilo; Weinerfelt, Per; Jenssen, Carl B.

1995-01-01

Two different approaches to the fully automatic generation of structured multi-block grids in two dimensions are presented. The work aims to simplify the user interactivity necessary for the definition of a multiple block grid topology. The first approach is based on an advancing front method commonly used for the generation of unstructured grids. The original algorithm has been modified toward the generation of large quadrilateral elements. The second method is based on the divide-and-conquer paradigm with the global domain recursively partitioned into sub-domains. For either method each of the resulting blocks is then meshed using transfinite interpolation and elliptic smoothing. The applicability of these methods to practical problems is demonstrated for typical geometries of fluid dynamics.

Thinking Outside the Block: An Innovative Alternative to 4X4 Block Scheduling.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Frank, Myra

2002-01-01

Introduces a 4x1 block scheduling method that was developed as an alternative to 4x4 block scheduling. Schedules Fridays for summer school, test preparation, and enrichment and elective courses. Includes suggestions on how to alleviate drawbacks of the 4x1 block schedule. (YDS)

Multi-shape memory polymers achieved by the spatio-assembly of 3D printable thermoplastic building blocks.

PubMed

Li, Hongze; Gao, Xiang; Luo, Yingwu

2016-04-07

Multi-shape memory polymers were prepared by the macroscale spatio-assembly of building blocks in this work. The building blocks were methyl acrylate-co-styrene (MA-co-St) copolymers, which have the St-block-(St-random-MA)-block-St tri-block chain sequence. This design ensures that their transition temperatures can be adjusted over a wide range by varying the composition of the middle block. The two St blocks at the chain ends can generate a crosslink network in the final device to achieve strong bonding force between building blocks and the shape memory capacity. Due to their thermoplastic properties, 3D printing was employed for the spatio-assembly to build devices. This method is capable of introducing many transition phases into one device and preparing complicated shapes via 3D printing. The device can perform a complex action via a series of shape changes. Besides, this method can avoid the difficult programing of a series of temporary shapes. The control of intermediate temporary shapes was realized via programing the shapes and locations of building blocks in the final device.

Application of blocking diagnosis methods to General Circulation Models. Part I: a novel detection scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barriopedro, D.; García-Herrera, R.; Trigo, R. M.

2010-12-01

This paper aims to provide a new blocking definition with applicability to observations and model simulations. An updated review of previous blocking detection indices is provided and some of their implications and caveats discussed. A novel blocking index is proposed by reconciling two traditional approaches based on anomaly and absolute flows. Blocks are considered from a complementary perspective as a signature in the anomalous height field capable of reversing the meridional jet-based height gradient in the total flow. The method succeeds in identifying 2-D persistent anomalies associated to a weather regime in the total flow with blockage of the westerlies. The new index accounts for the duration, intensity, extension, propagation, and spatial structure of a blocking event. In spite of its increased complexity, the detection efficiency of the method is improved without hampering the computational time. Furthermore, some misleading identification problems and artificial assumptions resulting from previous single blocking indices are avoided with the new approach. The characteristics of blocking for 40 years of reanalysis (1950-1989) over the Northern Hemisphere are described from the perspective of the new definition and compared to those resulting from two standard blocking indices and different critical thresholds. As compared to single approaches, the novel index shows a better agreement with reported proxies of blocking activity, namely climatological regions of simultaneous wave amplification and maximum band-pass filtered height standard deviation. An additional asset of the method is its adaptability to different data sets. As critical thresholds are specific of the data set employed, the method is useful for observations and model simulations of different resolutions, temporal lengths and time variant basic states, optimizing its value as a tool for model validation. Special attention has been paid on the devise of an objective scheme easily applicable to General Circulation Models where observational thresholds may be unsuitable due to the presence of model bias. Part II of this study deals with a specific implementation of this novel method to simulations of the ECHO-G global climate model.

Estimation of Return Values of Wave Height: Consequences of Missing Observations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ryden, Jesper

2008-01-01

Extreme-value statistics is often used to estimate so-called return values (actually related to quantiles) for environmental quantities like wind speed or wave height. A basic method for estimation is the method of block maxima which consists in partitioning observations in blocks, where maxima from each block could be considered independent.…

Method for solidification of radioactive and other hazardous waste

DOEpatents

Anshits, Alexander G.; Vereshchagina, Tatiana A.; Voskresenskaya, Elena N.; Kostin, Eduard M.; Pavlov, Vyacheslav F.; Revenko, Yurii A.; Tretyakov, Alexander A.; Sharonova, Olga M.; Aloy, Albert S.; Sapozhnikova, Natalia V.; Knecht, Dieter A.; Tranter, Troy J.; Macheret, Yevgeny

2002-01-01

Solidification of liquid radioactive waste, and other hazardous wastes, is accomplished by the method of the invention by incorporating the waste into a porous glass crystalline molded block. The porous block is first loaded with the liquid waste and then dehydrated and exposed to thermal treatment at 50-1,000.degree. C. The porous glass crystalline molded block consists of glass crystalline hollow microspheres separated from fly ash (cenospheres), resulting from incineration of fossil plant coals. In a preferred embodiment, the porous glass crystalline blocks are formed from perforated cenospheres of grain size -400+50, wherein the selected cenospheres are consolidated into the porous molded block with a binder, such as liquid silicate glass. The porous blocks are then subjected to repeated cycles of saturating with liquid waste, and drying, and after the last cycle the blocks are subjected to calcination to transform the dried salts to more stable oxides. Radioactive liquid waste can be further stabilized in the porous blocks by coating the internal surface of the block with metal oxides prior to adding the liquid waste, and by coating the outside of the block with a low-melting glass or a ceramic after the waste is loaded into the block.

A pruning algorithm for Meta-blocking based on cumulative weight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Fulin; Gao, Zhipeng; Niu, Kun

2017-08-01

Entity Resolution is an important process in data cleaning and data integration. It usually employs a blocking method to avoid the quadratic complexity work when scales to large data sets. Meta-blocking can perform better in the context of highly heterogeneous information spaces. Yet, its precision and efficiency still have room to improve. In this paper, we present a new pruning algorithm for Meta-Blocking. It can achieve a higher precision than the existing WEP algorithm at a small cost of recall. In addition, can reduce the runtime of the blocking process. We evaluate our proposed method over five real-world data sets.

Rate-Compatible LDPC Codes with Linear Minimum Distance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divsalar, Dariush; Jones, Christopher; Dolinar, Samuel

2009-01-01

A recently developed method of constructing protograph-based low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes provides for low iterative decoding thresholds and minimum distances proportional to block sizes, and can be used for various code rates. A code constructed by this method can have either fixed input block size or fixed output block size and, in either case, provides rate compatibility. The method comprises two submethods: one for fixed input block size and one for fixed output block size. The first mentioned submethod is useful for applications in which there are requirements for rate-compatible codes that have fixed input block sizes. These are codes in which only the numbers of parity bits are allowed to vary. The fixed-output-blocksize submethod is useful for applications in which framing constraints are imposed on the physical layers of affected communication systems. An example of such a system is one that conforms to one of many new wireless-communication standards that involve the use of orthogonal frequency-division modulation

Porous block nanofiber composite filters

DOEpatents

Ginley, David S.; Curtis, Calvin J.; Miedaner, Alexander; Weiss, Alan J.; Paddock, Arnold

2016-08-09

Porous block nano-fiber composite (110), a filtration system (10) and methods of using the same are disclosed. An exemplary porous block nano-fiber composite (110) includes a porous block (100) having one or more pores (200). The porous block nano-fiber composite (110) also includes a plurality of inorganic nano-fibers (211) formed within at least one of the pores (200).

Estimation et validation des derivees de stabilite et controle du modele dynamique non-lineaire d'un drone a voilure fixe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Courchesne, Samuel

Knowledge of the dynamic characteristics of a fixed-wing UAV is necessary to design flight control laws and to conceive a high quality flight simulator. The basic features of a flight mechanic model include the properties of mass, inertia and major aerodynamic terms. They respond to a complex process involving various numerical analysis techniques and experimental procedures. This thesis focuses on the analysis of estimation techniques applied to estimate problems of stability and control derivatives from flight test data provided by an experimental UAV. To achieve this objective, a modern identification methodology (Quad-M) is used to coordinate the processing tasks from multidisciplinary fields, such as parameter estimation modeling, instrumentation, the definition of flight maneuvers and validation. The system under study is a non-linear model with six degrees of freedom with a linear aerodynamic model. The time domain techniques are used for identification of the drone. The first technique, the equation error method is used to determine the structure of the aerodynamic model. Thereafter, the output error method and filter error method are used to estimate the aerodynamic coefficients values. The Matlab scripts for estimating the parameters obtained from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) are used and modified as necessary to achieve the desired results. A commendable effort in this part of research is devoted to the design of experiments. This includes an awareness of the system data acquisition onboard and the definition of flight maneuvers. The flight tests were conducted under stable flight conditions and with low atmospheric disturbance. Nevertheless, the identification results showed that the filter error method is most effective for estimating the parameters of the drone due to the presence of process noise and measurement. The aerodynamic coefficients are validated using a numerical analysis of the vortex method. In addition, a simulation model incorporating the estimated parameters is used to compare the behavior of states measured. Finally, a good correspondence between the results is demonstrated despite a limited number of flight data. Keywords: drone, identification, estimation, nonlinear, flight test, system, aerodynamic coefficient.

Joint detection and tracking of size-varying infrared targets based on block-wise sparse decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Miao; Lin, Zaiping; Long, Yunli; An, Wei; Zhou, Yiyu

2016-05-01

The high variability of target size makes small target detection in Infrared Search and Track (IRST) a challenging task. A joint detection and tracking method based on block-wise sparse decomposition is proposed to address this problem. For detection, the infrared image is divided into overlapped blocks, and each block is weighted on the local image complexity and target existence probabilities. Target-background decomposition is solved by block-wise inexact augmented Lagrange multipliers. For tracking, label multi-Bernoulli (LMB) tracker tracks multiple targets taking the result of single-frame detection as input, and provides corresponding target existence probabilities for detection. Unlike fixed-size methods, the proposed method can accommodate size-varying targets, due to no special assumption for the size and shape of small targets. Because of exact decomposition, classical target measurements are extended and additional direction information is provided to improve tracking performance. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively suppress background clutters, detect and track size-varying targets in infrared images.

Cooperative storage of shared files in a parallel computing system with dynamic block size

DOEpatents

Bent, John M.; Faibish, Sorin; Grider, Gary

2015-11-10

Improved techniques are provided for parallel writing of data to a shared object in a parallel computing system. A method is provided for storing data generated by a plurality of parallel processes to a shared object in a parallel computing system. The method is performed by at least one of the processes and comprises: dynamically determining a block size for storing the data; exchanging a determined amount of the data with at least one additional process to achieve a block of the data having the dynamically determined block size; and writing the block of the data having the dynamically determined block size to a file system. The determined block size comprises, e.g., a total amount of the data to be stored divided by the number of parallel processes. The file system comprises, for example, a log structured virtual parallel file system, such as a Parallel Log-Structured File System (PLFS).

[Construction of haplotype and haplotype block based on tag single nucleotide polymorphisms and their applications in association studies].

PubMed

Gu, Ming-liang; Chu, Jia-you

2007-12-01

Human genome has structures of haplotype and haplotype block which provide valuable information on human evolutionary history and may lead to the development of more efficient strategies to identify genetic variants that increase susceptibility to complex diseases. Haplotype block can be divided into discrete blocks of limited haplotype diversity. In each block, a small fraction of ptag SNPsq can be used to distinguish a large fraction of the haplotypes. These tag SNPs can be potentially useful for construction of haplotype and haplotype block, and association studies in complex diseases. There are two general classes of methods to construct haplotype and haplotype blocks based on genotypes on large pedigrees and statistical algorithms respectively. The author evaluate several construction methods to assess the power of different association tests with a variety of disease models and block-partitioning criteria. The advantages, limitations and applications of each method and the application in the association studies are discussed equitably. With the completion of the HapMap and development of statistical algorithms for addressing haplotype reconstruction, ideas of construction of haplotype based on combination of mathematics, physics, and computer science etc will have profound impacts on population genetics, location and cloning for susceptible genes in complex diseases, and related domain with life science etc.

Picture of All Solutions of Successive 2-Block Maxbet Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Choulakian, Vartan

2011-01-01

The Maxbet method is a generalized principal components analysis of a data set, where the group structure of the variables is taken into account. Similarly, 3-block[12,13] partial Maxdiff method is a generalization of covariance analysis, where only the covariances between blocks (1, 2) and (1, 3) are taken into account. The aim of this paper is…

Carbonaceous cathode with enhanced wettability for aluminum production

DOEpatents

Keller, Rudolf; Gatty, David G.; Barca, Brian J.

2003-09-09

A method of preparing carbonaceous blocks or bodies for use in a cathode in an electrolytic cell for producing aluminum wherein the cell contains an electrolyte and has molten aluminum contacting the cathode, the cathode having improved wettability with molten aluminum. The method comprises the steps of providing a carbonaceous block and a boron oxide containing melt. The carbonaceous block is immersed in the melt and pressure is applied to the melt to impregnate the melt into pores in the block. Thereafter, the carbonaceous block is withdrawn from the melt, the block having boron oxide containing melt intruded into pores therein, the boron oxide capable of reacting with a source of titanium or zirconium or like metal to form titanium or zirconium diboride during heatup or operation of said cell.

Flash memory management system and method utilizing multiple block list windows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chow, James (Inventor); Gender, Thomas K. (Inventor)

2005-01-01

The present invention provides a flash memory management system and method with increased performance. The flash memory management system provides the ability to efficiently manage and allocate flash memory use in a way that improves reliability and longevity, while maintaining good performance levels. The flash memory management system includes a free block mechanism, a disk maintenance mechanism, and a bad block detection mechanism. The free block mechanism provides efficient sorting of free blocks to facilitate selecting low use blocks for writing. The disk maintenance mechanism provides for the ability to efficiently clean flash memory blocks during processor idle times. The bad block detection mechanism provides the ability to better detect when a block of flash memory is likely to go bad. The flash status mechanism stores information in fast access memory that describes the content and status of the data in the flash disk. The new bank detection mechanism provides the ability to automatically detect when new banks of flash memory are added to the system. Together, these mechanisms provide a flash memory management system that can improve the operational efficiency of systems that utilize flash memory.

Reversible conduction block in peripheral nerve using electrical waveforms.

PubMed

Bhadra, Niloy; Vrabec, Tina L; Bhadra, Narendra; Kilgore, Kevin L

2018-01-01

Electrical nerve block uses electrical waveforms to block action potential propagation. Two key features that distinguish electrical nerve block from other nonelectrical means of nerve block: block occurs instantly, typically within 1 s; and block is fully and rapidly reversible (within seconds). Approaches for achieving electrical nerve block are reviewed, including kilohertz frequency alternating current and charge-balanced polarizing current. We conclude with a discussion of the future directions of electrical nerve block. Electrical nerve block is an emerging technique that has many significant advantages over other methods of nerve block. This field is still in its infancy, but a significant expansion in the clinical application of this technique is expected in the coming years.

High aspect ratio sub-15 nm silicon trenches from block copolymer templates.

PubMed

Gu, Xiaodan; Liu, Zuwei; Gunkel, Ilja; Chourou, S T; Hong, Sung Woo; Olynick, Deirdre L; Russell, Thomas P

2012-11-08

High-aspect-ratio sub-15-nm silicon trenches are fabricated directly from plasma etching of a block copolymer mask. A novel method that combines a block copolymer reconstruction process and reactive ion etching is used to make the polymer mask. Silicon trenches are characterized by various methods and used as a master for subsequent imprinting of different materials. Silicon nanoholes are generated from a block copolymer with cylindrical microdomains oriented normal to the surface. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Validation of 31 of the most commonly used immunohistochemical antibodies in cytology prepared using the Cellient(®) automated cell block system.

PubMed

Montgomery, Eric; Gao, Chen; de Luca, Julie; Bower, Jessie; Attwood, Kristropher; Ylagan, Lourdes

2014-12-01

The Cellient(®) cell block system has become available as an alternative, partially automated method to create cell blocks in cytology. We sought to show a validation method for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining on the Cellient cell block system (CCB) in comparison with the formalin fixed paraffin embedded traditional cell block (TCB). Immunohistochemical staining was performed using 31 antibodies on 38 patient samples for a total of 326 slides. Split samples were processed using both methods by following the Cellient(®) manufacturer's recommendations for the Cellient cell block (CCB) and the Histogel method for preparing the traditional cell block (TCB). Interpretation was performed by three pathologists and two cytotechnologists. Immunohistochemical stains were scored as: 0/1+ (negative) and 2/3+ (positive). Inter-rater agreement for each antibody was evaluated for CCB and TCB, as well as the intra-rater agreement between TCB and CCB between observers. Interobserver staining concordance for the TCB was obtained with statistical significance (P < 0.05) in 24 of 31 antibodies. Interobserver staining concordance for the CCB was obtained with statistical significance in 27 of 31 antibodies. Intra-observer staining concordance between TCB and CCB was obtained with statistical significance in 24 of 31 antibodies tested. In conclusions, immunohistochemical stains on cytologic specimens processed by the Cellient system are reliable and concordant with stains performed on the same split samples processed via a formalin fixed-paraffin embedded (FFPE) block. The Cellient system is a welcome adjunct to cytology work-flow by producing cell block material of sufficient quality to allow the use of routine IHC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Diagnostic efficacy of cell block method for vitreoretinal lymphoma.

PubMed

Kase, Satoru; Namba, Kenichi; Iwata, Daiju; Mizuuchi, Kazuomi; Kitaichi, Nobuyoshi; Tagawa, Yoshiaki; Okada-Kanno, Hiromi; Matsuno, Yoshihiro; Ishida, Susumu

2016-03-17

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a life- and sight-threatening disorder. The aim of this study was to analyze the usefulness of the cell block method for diagnosis of VRL. Sixteen eyes in 12 patients with VRL, and 4 eyes in 4 patients with idiopathic uveitis presenting with vitreous opacity were enrolled in this study. Both undiluted vitreous and diluted fluids were isolated during micro-incision vitrectomy. Cell block specimens were prepared in 19 eyes from diluted fluid containing shredding vitreous. These specimens were then submitted for HE staining as well as immunocytological analyses with antibodies against the B-cell marker CD20, the T-cell marker CD3, and cell proliferation marker Ki67. Conventional smear cytology was applied in 14 eyes with VRL using undiluted vitreous samples. The diagnosis of VRL was made based on the results of cytology, concentrations of interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-6 in undiluted vitreous, and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene rearrangement analysis. Atypical lymphoid cells were identified in 14 out of 15 cell block specimens of VRL (positive rate: 93.3 %), but in 5 out of 14 eyes in conventional smear cytology (positive rate: 35.7 %). Atypical lymphoid cells showed immunoreactivity for CD20 and Ki67. Seven cell block specimens were smear cytology-negative and cell block-positive. The cell block method showed no atypical lymphoid cells in any patient with idiopathic uveitis. Cell block specimens using diluted vitreous fluid demonstrated a high diagnostic sensitivity and a low pseudo-positive rate for the cytological diagnosis of VRL. The cell block method contributed to clear differentiation between VRL and idiopathic uveitis with vitreous opacity.

A general multiblock Euler code for propulsion integration. Volume 1: Theory document

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, H. C.; Su, T. Y.; Kao, T. J.

1991-01-01

A general multiblock Euler solver was developed for the analysis of flow fields over geometrically complex configurations either in free air or in a wind tunnel. In this approach, the external space around a complex configuration was divided into a number of topologically simple blocks, so that surface-fitted grids and an efficient flow solution algorithm could be easily applied in each block. The computational grid in each block is generated using a combination of algebraic and elliptic methods. A grid generation/flow solver interface program was developed to facilitate the establishment of block-to-block relations and the boundary conditions for each block. The flow solver utilizes a finite volume formulation and an explicit time stepping scheme to solve the Euler equations. A multiblock version of the multigrid method was developed to accelerate the convergence of the calculations. The generality of the method was demonstrated through the analysis of two complex configurations at various flow conditions. Results were compared to available test data. Two accompanying volumes, user manuals for the preparation of multi-block grids (vol. 2) and for the Euler flow solver (vol. 3), provide information on input data format and program execution.

No-cost manual method for preparation of tissue microarrays having high quality comparable to semiautomated methods.

PubMed

Foda, Abd Al-Rahman Mohammad

2013-05-01

Manual tissue microarray (TMA) construction had been introduced to avoid the high cost of automated and semiautomated techniques. The cheapest and simplest technique for constructing manual TMA was that of using mechanical pencil tips. This study was carried out to modify this method, aiming to raise its quality to reach that of expensive ones. Some modifications were introduced to Shebl's technique. Two conventional mechanical pencil tips of different diameters were used to construct the recipient blocks. A source of mild heat was used, and blocks were incubated at 38°C overnight. With our modifications, 3 high-density TMA blocks were constructed. We successfully performed immunostaining without substantial tissue loss. Our modifications increased the number of cores per block and improved the stability of the cores within the paraffin block. This new, modified technique is a good alternative for expensive machines in many laboratories.

Superconducting magnet and fabrication method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Israelsson, Ulf E. (Inventor); Strayer, Donald M. (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A method of trapping a field in a block of superconductor material, includes providing (i) a block of material defining a bore, (ii) a high permeability core within the bore that defines a low reluctance path through the bore, (iii) a high permeability external structure on the exterior of the block of material that defines a low reluctance path between opposite ends of the core, and (iv) an electromagnet configured to apply a magnetic field around the high permeability core. The method proceeds by energizing the electromagnet to produce an applied magnetic field around the high permeability core, cooling the block of material sufficiently to render the block of material superconducting, de-energizing the electromagnet to result in a trapped magnetic field, and at least partially removing the low reluctance path defined by the core and the external structure in order to increase the magnetic flux density of the trapped magnetic field.

Conformal blocks from Wilson lines with loop corrections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hikida, Yasuaki; Uetoko, Takahiro

2018-04-01

We compute the conformal blocks of the Virasoro minimal model or its WN extension with large central charge from Wilson line networks in a Chern-Simons theory including loop corrections. In our previous work, we offered a prescription to regularize divergences from loops attached to Wilson lines. In this paper, we generalize our method with the prescription by dealing with more general operators for N =3 and apply it to the identity W3 block. We further compute general light-light blocks and heavy-light correlators for N =2 with the Wilson line method and compare the results with known ones obtained using a different prescription. We briefly discuss general W3 blocks.

Enhanced image fusion using directional contrast rules in fuzzy transform domain.

PubMed

Nandal, Amita; Rosales, Hamurabi Gamboa

2016-01-01

In this paper a novel image fusion algorithm based on directional contrast in fuzzy transform (FTR) domain is proposed. Input images to be fused are first divided into several non-overlapping blocks. The components of these sub-blocks are fused using directional contrast based fuzzy fusion rule in FTR domain. The fused sub-blocks are then transformed into original size blocks using inverse-FTR. Further, these inverse transformed blocks are fused according to select maximum based fusion rule for reconstructing the final fused image. The proposed fusion algorithm is both visually and quantitatively compared with other standard and recent fusion algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method generates better results than the other methods.

Method of holding optical elements without deformation during their fabrication

DOEpatents

Hed, P.P.

1997-04-29

An improved method for securing and removing an optical element to and from a blocking tool without causing deformation of the optical element is disclosed. A lens tissue is placed on the top surface of the blocking tool. Dots of UV cement are applied to the lens tissue without any of the dots contacting each other. An optical element is placed on top of the blocking tool with the lens tissue sandwiched therebetween. The UV cement is then cured. After subsequent fabrication steps, the bonded blocking tool, lens tissue, and optical element are placed in a debonding solution to soften the UV cement. The optical element is then removed from the blocking tool. 16 figs.

Method of holding optical elements without deformation during their fabrication

DOEpatents

Hed, P. Paul

1997-01-01

An improved method for securing and removing an optical element to and from a blocking tool without causing deformation of the optical element. A lens tissue is placed on the top surface of the blocking tool. Dots of UV cement are applied to the lens tissue without any of the dots contacting each other. An optical element is placed on top of the blocking tool with the lens tissue sandwiched therebetween. The UV cement is then cured. After subsequent fabrication steps, the bonded blocking tool, lens tissue, and optical element are placed in a debonding solution to soften the UV cement. The optical element is then removed from the blocking tool.

Method for Making a Carbon-Carbon Cylinder Block

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ransone, Phillip O. (Inventor)

1997-01-01

A method for making a lightweight cylinder block composed of carbon-carbon is disclosed. The use of carbon-carbon over conventional materials. such as cast iron or aluminum, reduces the weight of the cylinder block and improves thermal efficiency of the internal combustion reciprocating engine. Due to the negligible coefficient of thermal expansion and unique strength at elevated temperatures of carbon-carbon, the piston-to-cylinder wall clearance can be small, especially when the carbon-carbon cylinder block is used in conjunction with a carbon-carbon piston. Use of the carbon-carbon cylinder block has the effect of reducing the weight of other reciprocating engine components allowing the piston to run at higher speeds and improving specific engine performance.

Air gap winding method and support structure for a super conducting generator and method for forming the same

DOEpatents

Hopeck, James Frederick

2003-11-25

A method of forming a winding support structure for use with a superconducting rotor wherein the method comprises providing an inner support ring, arranging an outer support ring around the inner support ring, coupling first and second support blocks to the outer support ring and coupling a lamination to the first and second support blocks. A slot is defined between the support blocks and between the outer support ring and the lamination to receive a portion of a winding. An RTV fills any clearance space in the slot.

Interactive-predictive detection of handwritten text blocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramos Terrades, O.; Serrano, N.; Gordó, A.; Valveny, E.; Juan, A.

2010-01-01

A method for text block detection is introduced for old handwritten documents. The proposed method takes advantage of sequential book structure, taking into account layout information from pages previously transcribed. This glance at the past is used to predict the position of text blocks in the current page with the help of conventional layout analysis methods. The method is integrated into the GIDOC prototype: a first attempt to provide integrated support for interactive-predictive page layout analysis, text line detection and handwritten text transcription. Results are given in a transcription task on a 764-page Spanish manuscript from 1891.

Parallelized implicit propagators for the finite-difference Schrödinger equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, Jonathan; Taylor, K. T.

1995-08-01

We describe the application of block Gauss-Seidel and block Jacobi iterative methods to the design of implicit propagators for finite-difference models of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. The block-wise iterative methods discussed here are mixed direct-iterative methods for solving simultaneous equations, in the sense that direct methods (e.g. LU decomposition) are used to invert certain block sub-matrices, and iterative methods are used to complete the solution. We describe parallel variants of the basic algorithm that are well suited to the medium- to coarse-grained parallelism of work-station clusters, and MIMD supercomputers, and we show that under a wide range of conditions, fine-grained parallelism of the computation can be achieved. Numerical tests are conducted on a typical one-electron atom Hamiltonian. The methods converge robustly to machine precision (15 significant figures), in some cases in as few as 6 or 7 iterations. The rate of convergence is nearly independent of the finite-difference grid-point separations.

Colostomy with Transversus Abdominis Plane Block

PubMed Central

Tekelioğlu, Ümit Yaşar; Demirhan, Abdullah; Şit, Mustafa; Kurt, Adem Deniz; Bilgi, Murat; Koçoğlu, Hasan

2015-01-01

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is one of the abdominal field block. The TAP block is used for both anaesthetic management and post-operative pain therapy in lower abdominal surgery. TAP block is a procedure in which local anaesthetic agents are applied to the anatomic neurofacial space between the internal oblique and the transversus abdominis muscle. TAP block is a good method for post-operative pain control as well as allows for short operations involving the abdominal area. In this article, a case of colostomy under TAP block is presented. PMID:27366540

Rapid self-assembly of block copolymers to photonic crystals

DOEpatents

Xia, Yan; Sveinbjornsson, Benjamin R; Grubbs, Robert H; Weitekamp, Raymond; Miyake, Garret M; Atwater, Harry A; Piunova, Victoria; Daeffler, Christopher Scot; Hong, Sung Woo; Gu, Weiyin; Russell, Thomas P.

2016-07-05

The invention provides a class of copolymers having useful properties, including brush block copolymers, wedge-type block copolymers and hybrid wedge and polymer block copolymers. In an embodiment, for example, block copolymers of the invention incorporate chemically different blocks comprising polymer size chain groups and/or wedge groups that significantly inhibit chain entanglement, thereby enhancing molecular self-assembly processes for generating a range of supramolecular structures, such as periodic nanostructures and microstructures. The present invention also provides useful methods of making and using copolymers, including block copolymers.

Nodal Diffusion Burnable Poison Treatment for Prismatic Reactor Cores

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

A. M. Ougouag; R. M. Ferrer

2010-10-01

The prismatic block version of the High Temperature Reactor (HTR) considered as a candidate Very High Temperature Reactor (VHTR)design may use burnable poison pins in locations at some corners of the fuel blocks (i.e., assembly equivalent structures). The presence of any highly absorbing materials, such as these burnable poisons, within fuel blocks for hexagonal geometry, graphite-moderated High Temperature Reactors (HTRs) causes a local inter-block flux depression that most nodal diffusion-based method have failed to properly model or otherwise represent. The location of these burnable poisons near vertices results in an asymmetry in the morphology of the assemblies (or blocks). Hencemore » the resulting inadequacy of traditional homogenization methods, as these “spread” the actually local effect of the burnable poisons throughout the assembly. Furthermore, the actual effect of the burnable poison is primarily local with influence in its immediate vicinity, which happens to include a small region within the same assembly as well as similar regions in the adjacent assemblies. Traditional homogenization methods miss this artifact entirely. This paper presents a novel method for treating the local effect of the burnable poison explicitly in the context of a modern nodal method.« less

Passive forensics for copy-move image forgery using a method based on DCT and SVD.

PubMed

Zhao, Jie; Guo, Jichang

2013-12-10

As powerful image editing tools are widely used, the demand for identifying the authenticity of an image is much increased. Copy-move forgery is one of the tampering techniques which are frequently used. Most existing techniques to expose this forgery need to improve the robustness for common post-processing operations and fail to precisely locate the tampering region especially when there are large similar or flat regions in the image. In this paper, a robust method based on DCT and SVD is proposed to detect this specific artifact. Firstly, the suspicious image is divided into fixed-size overlapping blocks and 2D-DCT is applied to each block, then the DCT coefficients are quantized by a quantization matrix to obtain a more robust representation of each block. Secondly, each quantized block is divided non-overlapping sub-blocks and SVD is applied to each sub-block, then features are extracted to reduce the dimension of each block using its largest singular value. Finally, the feature vectors are lexicographically sorted, and duplicated image blocks will be matched by predefined shift frequency threshold. Experiment results demonstrate that our proposed method can effectively detect multiple copy-move forgery and precisely locate the duplicated regions, even when an image was distorted by Gaussian blurring, AWGN, JPEG compression and their mixed operations. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A method of the up or down layer development of class II oil reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Fulin; Zhao, Yunfei; Fang, Yanjun; Yang, Tao; Gui, Dongxu; Wang, Gang; Feng, Chengcheng

2018-06-01

During the 13th five-year period, class II reservoirs of DaQing Oilfield first layer series development will be fully completed, secondary up or down layer development is facing new well drilling or the use of old we ll pattern network method chosen, need to determine development mode of oil block. In this paper, the system economy model is established, the up and down oil layer of the block is considered as one system, and through the comparison of the two models that new well drilling or the use of old well pattern, we can determine the development mode of the block. And take b1ddd block as an example, determine the block need to use what method to develop in different oil prices. Result show when the oil price is 40/bbl, using exiting well to production, when oil price is 70/bbl., using new drilling development model. The method to fill the theory and methodology on selection about reservoir development mode, can provide technical support for DaQing Oilfield the 14th five-year planning and long-term planning.

Composite Interval Mapping Based on Lattice Design for Error Control May Increase Power of Quantitative Trait Locus Detection.

PubMed

He, Jianbo; Li, Jijie; Huang, Zhongwen; Zhao, Tuanjie; Xing, Guangnan; Gai, Junyi; Guan, Rongzhan

2015-01-01

Experimental error control is very important in quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. Although numerous statistical methods have been developed for QTL mapping, a QTL detection model based on an appropriate experimental design that emphasizes error control has not been developed. Lattice design is very suitable for experiments with large sample sizes, which is usually required for accurate mapping of quantitative traits. However, the lack of a QTL mapping method based on lattice design dictates that the arithmetic mean or adjusted mean of each line of observations in the lattice design had to be used as a response variable, resulting in low QTL detection power. As an improvement, we developed a QTL mapping method termed composite interval mapping based on lattice design (CIMLD). In the lattice design, experimental errors are decomposed into random errors and block-within-replication errors. Four levels of block-within-replication errors were simulated to show the power of QTL detection under different error controls. The simulation results showed that the arithmetic mean method, which is equivalent to a method under random complete block design (RCBD), was very sensitive to the size of the block variance and with the increase of block variance, the power of QTL detection decreased from 51.3% to 9.4%. In contrast to the RCBD method, the power of CIMLD and the adjusted mean method did not change for different block variances. The CIMLD method showed 1.2- to 7.6-fold higher power of QTL detection than the arithmetic or adjusted mean methods. Our proposed method was applied to real soybean (Glycine max) data as an example and 10 QTLs for biomass were identified that explained 65.87% of the phenotypic variation, while only three and two QTLs were identified by arithmetic and adjusted mean methods, respectively.

Lignin blockers and uses thereof

DOEpatents

Yang, Bin [West Lebanon, NH; Wyman, Charles E [Norwich, VT

2011-01-25

Disclosed is a method for converting cellulose in a lignocellulosic biomass. The method provides for a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein treatment of high lignin solids. The treatment enhances cellulase availability in cellulose conversion and allows for the determination of optimized pretreatment conditions. Additionally, ethanol yields from a Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation process are improved 5-25% by treatment with a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein. Thus, a more efficient and economical method of processing lignin containing biomass materials utilizes a polypeptide/protein treatment step that effectively blocks lignin binding of cellulase.

Block Play: Practical Suggestions for Common Dilemmas

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tunks, Karyn Wellhousen

2009-01-01

Learning materials and teaching methods used in early childhood classrooms have fluctuated greatly over the past century. However, one learning tool has stood the test of time: Wood building blocks, often called unit blocks, continue to be a source of pleasure and learning for young children at play. Wood blocks have the unique capacity to engage…

49 CFR 236.827 - System, block signal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false System, block signal. 236.827 Section 236.827..., MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Definitions § 236.827 System, block signal. A method of governing the movement of trains into or within one or more blocks by...

49 CFR 236.827 - System, block signal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 49 Transportation 4 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false System, block signal. 236.827 Section 236.827..., MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR OF SIGNAL AND TRAIN CONTROL SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND APPLIANCES Definitions § 236.827 System, block signal. A method of governing the movement of trains into or within one or more blocks by...

Automation of block assignment planning using a diagram-based scenario modeling method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, In Hyuck; Kim, Youngmin; Lee, Dong Kun; Shin, Jong Gye

2014-03-01

Most shipbuilding scheduling research so far has focused on the load level on the dock plan. This is be¬cause the dock is the least extendable resource in shipyards, and its overloading is difficult to resolve. However, once dock scheduling is completed, making a plan that makes the best use of the rest of the resources in the shipyard to minimize any additional cost is also important. Block assignment planning is one of the midterm planning tasks; it assigns a block to the facility (factory/shop or surface plate) that will actually manufacture the block according to the block characteristics and current situation of the facility. It is one of the most heavily loaded midterm planning tasks and is carried out manu¬ally by experienced workers. In this study, a method of representing the block assignment rules using a diagram was su¬ggested through analysis of the existing manual process. A block allocation program was developed which automated the block assignment process according to the rules represented by the diagram. The planning scenario was validated through a case study that compared the manual assignment and two automated block assignment results.

Three-dimensional implicit lambda methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Napolitano, M.; Dadone, A.

1983-01-01

This paper derives the three dimensional lambda-formulation equations for a general orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system and provides various block-explicit and block-implicit methods for solving them, numerically. Three model problems, characterized by subsonic, supersonic and transonic flow conditions, are used to assess the reliability and compare the efficiency of the proposed methods.

Method of producing nanopatterned articles using surface-reconstructed block copolymer films

DOEpatents

Russell, Thomas P; Park, Soojin; Wang, Jia-Yu; Kim, Bokyung

2013-08-27

Nanopatterned surfaces are prepared by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate, annealing and surface reconstructing the block copolymer film to create an array of cylindrical voids, depositing a metal on the surface-reconstructed block copolymer film, and heating the metal-coated block copolymer film to redistribute at least some of the metal into the cylindrical voids. When very thin metal layers and low heating temperatures are used, metal nanodots can be formed. When thicker metal layers and higher heating temperatures are used, the resulting metal structure includes nanoring-shaped voids. The nanopatterned surfaces can be transferred to the underlying substrates via etching, or used to prepare nanodot- or nanoring-decorated substrate surfaces.

Identifying Blocks Formed by Curbed Fractures Using Exact Arithmetic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Y.; Xia, L.; Yu, Q.; Zhang, X.

2015-12-01

Identifying blocks formed by fractures is important in rock engineering. Most studies assume the fractures to be perfect planar whereas curved fractures are rarely considered. However, large fractures observed in the field are often curved. This paper presents a new method for identifying rock blocks formed by both curved and planar fractures based on the element-block-assembling approach. The curved and planar fractures are represented as triangle meshes and planar discs, respectively. In the beginning of the identification method, the intersection segments between different triangle meshes are calculated and the intersected triangles are re-meshed to construct a piecewise linear complex (PLC). Then, the modeling domain is divided into tetrahedral subdomains under the constraint of the PLC and these subdomains are further decomposed into element blocks by extended planar fractures. Finally, the element blocks are combined and the subdomains are assembled to form complex blocks. The combination of two subdomains is skipped if and only if the common facet lies on a curved fracture. In this study, the exact arithmetic is used to handle the computational errors, which may threat the robustness of the block identification program when the degenerated cases are encountered. Specifically, a real number is represented as the ratio between two integers and the basic arithmetic such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division between different real numbers can be performed exactly if an arbitrary precision integer package is used. In this way, the exact construction of blocks can be achieved without introducing computational errors. Several analytical examples are given in this paper and the results show effectiveness of this method in handling arbitrary shaped blocks. Moreover, there is no limitation on the number of blocks in a block system. The results also show (suggest) that the degenerated cases can be handled without affecting the robustness of the identification program.

Assemblies and methods for mitigating effects of reactor pressure vessel expansion

DOEpatents

Challberg, Roy C.; Gou, Perng-Fei; Chu, Cherk Lam; Oliver, Robert P.

1999-01-01

Support assemblies for allowing RPV radial expansion while simultaneously limiting horizontal, vertical, and azimuthal movement of the RPV within a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a support block and a guide block. The support block includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is rigidly coupled to the RPV adjacent the first portion. The guide block is rigidly coupled to a reactor pressure vessel support structure and includes a channel sized to receive the second portion of the support block. The second portion of the support block is positioned in the guide block channel to movably couple the guide block to the support block.

Assemblies and methods for mitigating effects of reactor pressure vessel expansion

DOEpatents

Challberg, R.C.; Gou, P.F.; Chu, C.L.; Oliver, R.P.

1999-07-27

Support assemblies for allowing RPV radial expansion while simultaneously limiting horizontal, vertical, and azimuthal movement of the RPV within a nuclear reactor are described. In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a support block and a guide block. The support block includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion is rigidly coupled to the RPV adjacent the first portion. The guide block is rigidly coupled to a reactor pressure vessel support structure and includes a channel sized to receive the second portion of the support block. The second portion of the support block is positioned in the guide block channel to movably couple the guide block to the support block. 6 figs.

Orientation of airborne laser scanning point clouds with multi-view, multi-scale image blocks.

PubMed

Rönnholm, Petri; Hyyppä, Hannu; Hyyppä, Juha; Haggrén, Henrik

2009-01-01

Comprehensive 3D modeling of our environment requires integration of terrestrial and airborne data, which is collected, preferably, using laser scanning and photogrammetric methods. However, integration of these multi-source data requires accurate relative orientations. In this article, two methods for solving relative orientation problems are presented. The first method includes registration by minimizing the distances between of an airborne laser point cloud and a 3D model. The 3D model was derived from photogrammetric measurements and terrestrial laser scanning points. The first method was used as a reference and for validation. Having completed registration in the object space, the relative orientation between images and laser point cloud is known. The second method utilizes an interactive orientation method between a multi-scale image block and a laser point cloud. The multi-scale image block includes both aerial and terrestrial images. Experiments with the multi-scale image block revealed that the accuracy of a relative orientation increased when more images were included in the block. The orientations of the first and second methods were compared. The comparison showed that correct rotations were the most difficult to detect accurately by using the interactive method. Because the interactive method forces laser scanning data to fit with the images, inaccurate rotations cause corresponding shifts to image positions. However, in a test case, in which the orientation differences included only shifts, the interactive method could solve the relative orientation of an aerial image and airborne laser scanning data repeatedly within a couple of centimeters.

Orientation of Airborne Laser Scanning Point Clouds with Multi-View, Multi-Scale Image Blocks

PubMed Central

Rönnholm, Petri; Hyyppä, Hannu; Hyyppä, Juha; Haggrén, Henrik

2009-01-01

Comprehensive 3D modeling of our environment requires integration of terrestrial and airborne data, which is collected, preferably, using laser scanning and photogrammetric methods. However, integration of these multi-source data requires accurate relative orientations. In this article, two methods for solving relative orientation problems are presented. The first method includes registration by minimizing the distances between of an airborne laser point cloud and a 3D model. The 3D model was derived from photogrammetric measurements and terrestrial laser scanning points. The first method was used as a reference and for validation. Having completed registration in the object space, the relative orientation between images and laser point cloud is known. The second method utilizes an interactive orientation method between a multi-scale image block and a laser point cloud. The multi-scale image block includes both aerial and terrestrial images. Experiments with the multi-scale image block revealed that the accuracy of a relative orientation increased when more images were included in the block. The orientations of the first and second methods were compared. The comparison showed that correct rotations were the most difficult to detect accurately by using the interactive method. Because the interactive method forces laser scanning data to fit with the images, inaccurate rotations cause corresponding shifts to image positions. However, in a test case, in which the orientation differences included only shifts, the interactive method could solve the relative orientation of an aerial image and airborne laser scanning data repeatedly within a couple of centimeters. PMID:22454569

Reversible Nerve Conduction Block Using Kilohertz Frequency Alternating Current

PubMed Central

Kilgore, Kevin L.; Bhadra, Niloy

2013-01-01

Objectives The features and clinical applications of balanced-charge kilohertz frequency alternating currents (KHFAC) are reviewed. Preclinical studies of KHFAC block have demonstrated that it can produce an extremely rapid and reversible block of nerve conduction. Recent systematic analysis and experimentation utilizing KHFAC block has resulted in a significant increase in interest in KHFAC block, both scientifically and clinically. Materials and Methods We review the history and characteristics of KHFAC block, the methods used to investigate this type of block, the experimental evaluation of block, and the electrical parameters and electrode designs needed to achieve successful block. We then analyze the existing clinical applications of high frequency currents, comparing the early results with the known features of KHFAC block. Results Although many features of KHFAC block have been characterized, there is still much that is unknown regarding the response of neural structures to rapidly fluctuating electrical fields. The clinical reports to date do not provide sufficient information to properly evaluate the mechanisms that result in successful or unsuccessful treatment. Conclusions KHFAC nerve block has significant potential as a means of controlling nerve activity for the purpose of treating disease. However, early clinical studies in the use of high frequency currents for the treatment of pain have not been designed to elucidate mechanisms or allow direct comparisons to preclinical data. We strongly encourage the careful reporting of the parameters utilized in these clinical studies, as well as the development of outcome measures that could illuminate the mechanisms of this modality. PMID:23924075

Digital camera auto white balance based on color temperature estimation clustering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lei; Liu, Peng; Liu, Yuling; Yu, Feihong

2010-11-01

Auto white balance (AWB) is an important technique for digital cameras. Human vision system has the ability to recognize the original color of an object in a scene illuminated by a light source that has a different color temperature from D65-the standard sun light. However, recorded images or video clips, can only record the original information incident into the sensor. Therefore, those recorded will appear different from the real scene observed by the human. Auto white balance is a technique to solve this problem. Traditional methods such as gray world assumption, white point estimation, may fail for scenes with large color patches. In this paper, an AWB method based on color temperature estimation clustering is presented and discussed. First, the method gives a list of several lighting conditions that are common for daily life, which are represented by their color temperatures, and thresholds for each color temperature to determine whether a light source is this kind of illumination; second, an image to be white balanced are divided into N blocks (N is determined empirically). For each block, the gray world assumption method is used to calculate the color cast, which can be used to estimate the color temperature of that block. Third, each calculated color temperature are compared with the color temperatures in the given illumination list. If the color temperature of a block is not within any of the thresholds in the given list, that block is discarded. Fourth, the remaining blocks are given a majority selection, the color temperature having the most blocks are considered as the color temperature of the light source. Experimental results show that the proposed method works well for most commonly used light sources. The color casts are removed and the final images look natural.

Method for generating small and ultra small apertures, slits, nozzles and orifices

DOEpatents

Khounsary, Ali M [Hinsdale, IL

2012-05-22

A method and device for one or more small apertures, slits, nozzles and orifices, preferably having a high aspect ratio. In one embodiment, one or more alternating layers of sacrificial layers and blocking layers are deposited onto a substrate. Each sacrificial layer is made of a material which preferably allows a radiation to substantially pass through. Each blocking layer is made of a material which substantially blocks the radiation.

Active angular alignment of gauge blocks in double-ended interferometers.

PubMed

Buchta, Zdeněk; Reřucha, Simon; Hucl, Václav; Cížek, Martin; Sarbort, Martin; Lazar, Josef; Cíp, Ondřej

2013-09-27

This paper presents a method implemented in a system for automatic contactless calibration of gauge blocks designed at ISI ASCR. The system combines low-coherence interferometry and laser interferometry, where the first identifies the gauge block sides position and the second one measures the gauge block length itself. A crucial part of the system is the algorithm for gauge block alignment to the measuring beam which is able to compensate the gauge block lateral and longitudinal tilt up to 0.141 mrad. The algorithm is also important for the gauge block position monitoring during its length measurement.

Active Angular Alignment of Gauge Blocks in Double-Ended Interferometers

PubMed Central

Buchta, Zdeněk; Řeřucha, Šimon; Hucl, Václav; Čížek, Martin; Šarbort, Martin; Lazar, Josef; Číp, Ondřej

2013-01-01

This paper presents a method implemented in a system for automatic contactless calibration of gauge blocks designed at ISI ASCR. The system combines low-coherence interferometry and laser interferometry, where the first identifies the gauge block sides position and the second one measures the gauge block length itself. A crucial part of the system is the algorithm for gauge block alignment to the measuring beam which is able to compensate the gauge block lateral and longitudinal tilt up to 0.141 mrad. The algorithm is also important for the gauge block position monitoring during its length measurement. PMID:24084107

Etude de l'affaiblissement du comportement mecanique du pergelisol du au rechauffement climatique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buteau, Sylvie

Le rechauffement climatique predit pour les prochaines decennies, aura des impacts majeurs sur le pergelisol qui sont tres peu documentes pour l'instant. La presente etude a pour but d'evaluer ces impacts sur les proprietes mecaniques du pergelisol et sa stabilite a long terme. Une nouvelle technique d'essai de penetration au cone a taux de deformation controle, a ete developpee pour caracteriser en place le pergelisol. Ces essais geotechniques et la mesure de differentes proprietes physiques ont ete effectues sur une butte de pergelisol au cours du printemps 2000. Le developpement et l'utilisation d'un modele geothermique 1D tenant compte de la thermodependance du comportement mecanique ont permis d'evaluer que les etendues de pergelisol chaud deviendraient instables a la suite d'un rechauffement de l'ordre de 5°C sur cent ans. En effet, la resistance mecanique du pergelisol diminuera alors rapidement jusqu'a 11,6 MPa, ce qui correspond a une perte relative de 98% de la resistance par rapport a un scenario sans rechauffement.

Medial Versus Traditional Approach to US-guided TAP Blocks for Open Inguinal Hernia Repair

ClinicalTrials.gov

2012-04-30

Abdominal Muscles/Ultrasonography; Adult; Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; Anesthetics, Local/Administration & Dosage; Ropivacaine/Administration & Dosage; Ropivacaine/Analogs & Derivatives; Hernia, Inguinal/Surgery; Humans; Nerve Block/Methods; Pain Measurement/Methods; Pain, Postoperative/Prevention & Control; Ultrasonography, Interventional

The Structure of the Onega Downthrown Block and Adjacent Geological Objects According to the Microseismic Sounding Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danilov, Konstantin B.

2017-07-01

The geological structure of the major part of the Arkhangelsk region in the North-West Russia has been poorly studied. In the present work, the microseismic sounding method was, for the first time, used to carry out a detailed geological-geophysical survey in the region. The particles motion study confirmed the results of mathematical modeling of the smallest imaged heterogeneity and resolution of the method. The microseism stability study allowed to determine the amount of error of the microseismic sounding method which is 1-2 dB. Two geophysical cross sections of the north-eastern and south-western boundaries of the Onega downthrown block were studied. The method was shown to allow obtaining seismic images with a high precision in the horizontal direction at relatively low costs in terms of time and finances. The obtained data provided additional information about the structure of the crust, which was consistent with the known geological and geophysical information for the surveyed area. Based on the data, it was concluded that the main reasons of the dissonance of geological information were most likely the division of the downthrown block into the northern and southern blocks and horizontal displacement of the layer to the North at a depth ranging from 3 to 5 km. It was suggested that the most active tectonic processes, including eruptions of ancient volcanoes, occurred in the northern block. Two benches at the studied downthrown block were allocated at the depths of 5 and 10 km.

A Cost Effective Block Framing Scheme for Underwater Communication

PubMed Central

Shin, Soo-Young; Park, Soo-Hyun

2011-01-01

In this paper, the Selective Multiple Acknowledgement (SMA) method, based on Multiple Acknowledgement (MA), is proposed to efficiently reduce the amount of data transmission by redesigning the transmission frame structure and taking into consideration underwater transmission characteristics. The method is suited to integrated underwater system models, as the proposed method can handle the same amount of data in a much more compact frame structure without any appreciable loss of reliability. Herein, the performance of the proposed SMA method was analyzed and compared to those of the conventional Automatic Repeat-reQuest (ARQ), Block Acknowledgement (BA), block response, and MA methods. The efficiency of the underwater sensor network, which forms a large cluster and mostly contains uplink data, is expected to be improved by the proposed method. PMID:22247689

An efficient predictor-corrector-based dynamic mesh method for multi-block structured grid with extremely large deformation and its applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Tongqing; Chen, Hao; Lu, Zhiliang

2018-05-01

Aiming at extremely large deformation, a novel predictor-corrector-based dynamic mesh method for multi-block structured grid is proposed. In this work, the dynamic mesh generation is completed in three steps. At first, some typical dynamic positions are selected and high-quality multi-block grids with the same topology are generated at those positions. Then, Lagrange interpolation method is adopted to predict the dynamic mesh at any dynamic position. Finally, a rapid elastic deforming technique is used to correct the small deviation between the interpolated geometric configuration and the actual instantaneous one. Compared with the traditional methods, the results demonstrate that the present method shows stronger deformation ability and higher dynamic mesh quality.

Ganglion blocks as a treatment of pain: current perspectives

PubMed Central

Gunduz, Osman Hakan; Kenis-Coskun, Ozge

2017-01-01

The inputs from sympathetic ganglia have been known to be involved in the pathophysiology of various painful conditions such as complex regional pain syndrome, cancer pain of different origin, and coccygodynia. Sympathetic ganglia blocks are used to relieve patients who suffer from these conditions for over a century. Many numbers of local anesthetics such as bupivacaine or neurolytic agents such as alcohol can be chosen for a successful block. The agent is selected according to its duration of effect and the purpose of the injection. Most commonly used sympathetic blocks are stellate ganglion block, lumbar sympathetic block, celiac plexus block, superior hypogastric block, and ganglion Impar block. In this review, indications, methods, effectiveness, and complications of these blocks are discussed based on the data from the current literature. PMID:29276402

Periodic nanostructures from self assembled wedge-type block-copolymers

DOEpatents

Xia, Yan; Sveinbjornsson, Benjamin R.; Grubbs, Robert H.; Weitekamp, Raymond; Miyake, Garret M.; Piunova, Victoria; Daeffler, Christopher Scot

2015-06-02

The invention provides a class of wedge-type block copolymers having a plurality of chemically different blocks, at least a portion of which incorporates a wedge group-containing block providing useful properties. For example, use of one or more wedge group-containing blocks in some block copolymers of the invention significantly inhibits chain entanglement and, thus, the present block copolymers materials provide a class of polymer materials capable of efficient molecular self-assembly to generate a range of structures, such as periodic nanostructures and microstructures. Materials of the present invention include copolymers having one or more wedge group-containing blocks, and optionally for some applications copolymers also incorporating one or more polymer side group-containing blocks. The present invention also provides useful methods of making and using wedge-type block copolymers.

A generalized method for alignment of block copolymer films: solvent vapor annealing with soft shear.

PubMed

Qiang, Zhe; Zhang, Yuanzhong; Groff, Jesse A; Cavicchi, Kevin A; Vogt, Bryan D

2014-08-28

One of the key issues associated with the utilization of block copolymer (BCP) thin films in nanoscience and nanotechnology is control of their alignment and orientation over macroscopic dimensions. We have recently reported a method, solvent vapor annealing with soft shear (SVA-SS), for fabricating unidirectional alignment of cylindrical nanostructures. This method is a simple extension of the common SVA process by adhering a flat, crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) pad to the BCP thin film. The impact of processing parameters, including annealing time, solvent removal rate and the physical properties of the PDMS pad, on the quality of alignment quantified by the Herman's orientational factor (S) is systematically examined for a model system of polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene (SIS). As annealing time increases, the SIS morphology transitions from isotropic rods to highly aligned cylinders. Decreasing the rate of solvent removal, which impacts the shear rate imposed by the contraction of the PDMS, improves the orientation factor of the cylindrical domains; this suggests the nanostructure alignment is primarily induced by contraction of PDMS during solvent removal. Moreover, the physical properties of the PDMS controlled by the crosslink density impact the orientation factor by tuning its swelling extent during SVA-SS and elastic modulus. Decreasing the PDMS crosslink density increases S; this effect appears to be primarily driven by the changes in the solubility of the SVA-SS solvent in the PDMS. With this understanding of the critical processing parameters, SVA-SS has been successfully applied to align a wide variety of BCPs including polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene (SBS), polystyrene-block-poly(N,N-dimethyl-n-octadecylammonium p-styrenesulfonate) (PS-b-PSS-DMODA), polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) and polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinlypyridine) (PS-b-P2VP). These results suggest that SVA-SS is a generalizable method for the alignment of BCP thin films.

Computing global minimizers to a constrained B-spline image registration problem from optimal l1 perturbations to block match data

PubMed Central

Castillo, Edward; Castillo, Richard; Fuentes, David; Guerrero, Thomas

2014-01-01

Purpose: Block matching is a well-known strategy for estimating corresponding voxel locations between a pair of images according to an image similarity metric. Though robust to issues such as image noise and large magnitude voxel displacements, the estimated point matches are not guaranteed to be spatially accurate. However, the underlying optimization problem solved by the block matching procedure is similar in structure to the class of optimization problem associated with B-spline based registration methods. By exploiting this relationship, the authors derive a numerical method for computing a global minimizer to a constrained B-spline registration problem that incorporates the robustness of block matching with the global smoothness properties inherent to B-spline parameterization. Methods: The method reformulates the traditional B-spline registration problem as a basis pursuit problem describing the minimal l1-perturbation to block match pairs required to produce a B-spline fitting error within a given tolerance. The sparsity pattern of the optimal perturbation then defines a voxel point cloud subset on which the B-spline fit is a global minimizer to a constrained variant of the B-spline registration problem. As opposed to traditional B-spline algorithms, the optimization step involving the actual image data is addressed by block matching. Results: The performance of the method is measured in terms of spatial accuracy using ten inhale/exhale thoracic CT image pairs (available for download at www.dir-lab.com) obtained from the COPDgene dataset and corresponding sets of expert-determined landmark point pairs. The results of the validation procedure demonstrate that the method can achieve a high spatial accuracy on a significantly complex image set. Conclusions: The proposed methodology is demonstrated to achieve a high spatial accuracy and is generalizable in that in can employ any displacement field parameterization described as a least squares fit to block match generated estimates. Thus, the framework allows for a wide range of image similarity block match metric and physical modeling combinations. PMID:24694135

How to block and tackle the face.

PubMed

Zide, B M; Swift, R

1998-03-01

Regional blocking techniques as noted in dentistry, anesthesia, and anatomy texts may result in inconsistent and imperfect analgesia when needed for facial aesthetic surgery. The advent of laser facial surgery and more complicated aesthetic facial procedures has thus increased the demand for anesthesia support. Surgeons should know a fail-safe method of nerve blocks. Fresh cadaver dissections are used to demonstrate a series of eight regional nerve-blocking routes. This sequence of bilateral blocks will routinely provide profound full facial anesthesia. Certain groupings of blocks are effective for perioral or periorbital laser surgery.

Conduction block of mammalian myelinated nerve by local cooling to 15–30°C after a brief heating

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhaocun; Lyon, Timothy D.; Kadow, Brian T.; Shen, Bing; Wang, Jicheng; Lee, Andy; Kang, Audry; Roppolo, James R.; de Groat, William C.

2016-01-01

This study aimed at understanding thermal effects on nerve conduction and developing new methods to produce a reversible thermal block of axonal conduction in mammalian myelinated nerves. In 13 cats under α-chloralose anesthesia, conduction block of pudendal nerves (n = 20) by cooling (5–30°C) or heating (42–54°C) a small segment (9 mm) of the nerve was monitored by the urethral striated muscle contractions and increases in intraurethral pressure induced by intermittent (5 s on and 20 s off) electrical stimulation (50 Hz, 0.2 ms) of the nerve. Cold block was observed at 5–15°C while heat block occurred at 50–54°C. A complete cold block up to 10 min was fully reversible, but a complete heat block was only reversible when the heating duration was less than 1.3 ± 0.1 min. A brief (<1 min) reversible complete heat block at 50–54°C or 15 min of nonblock mild heating at 46–48°C significantly increased the cold block temperature to 15–30°C. The effect of heating on cold block fully reversed within ∼40 min. This study discovered a novel method to block mammalian myelinated nerves at 15–30°C, providing the possibility to develop an implantable device to block axonal conduction and treat many chronic disorders. The effect of heating on cold block is of considerable interest because it raises many basic scientific questions that may help reveal the mechanisms underlying cold or heat block of axonal conduction. PMID:26740534

Textual blocks rectification method based on fast Hough transform analysis in identity documents recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bezmaternykh, P. V.; Nikolaev, D. P.; Arlazarov, V. L.

2018-04-01

Textual blocks rectification or slant correction is an important stage of document image processing in OCR systems. This paper considers existing methods and introduces an approach for the construction of such algorithms based on Fast Hough Transform analysis. A quality measurement technique is proposed and obtained results are shown for both printed and handwritten textual blocks processing as a part of an industrial system of identity documents recognition on mobile devices.

Algorithm and Application of Gcp-Independent Block Adjustment for Super Large-Scale Domestic High Resolution Optical Satellite Imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Y. S.; Zhang, L.; Xu, B.; Zhang, Y.

2018-04-01

The accurate positioning of optical satellite image without control is the precondition for remote sensing application and small/medium scale mapping in large abroad areas or with large-scale images. In this paper, aiming at the geometric features of optical satellite image, based on a widely used optimization method of constraint problem which is called Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) and RFM least-squares block adjustment, we propose a GCP independent block adjustment method for the large-scale domestic high resolution optical satellite image - GISIBA (GCP-Independent Satellite Imagery Block Adjustment), which is easy to parallelize and highly efficient. In this method, the virtual "average" control points are built to solve the rank defect problem and qualitative and quantitative analysis in block adjustment without control. The test results prove that the horizontal and vertical accuracy of multi-covered and multi-temporal satellite images are better than 10 m and 6 m. Meanwhile the mosaic problem of the adjacent areas in large area DOM production can be solved if the public geographic information data is introduced as horizontal and vertical constraints in the block adjustment process. Finally, through the experiments by using GF-1 and ZY-3 satellite images over several typical test areas, the reliability, accuracy and performance of our developed procedure will be presented and studied in this paper.

Modelling and Analysis of the Excavation Phase by the Theory of Blocks Method of Tunnel 4 Kherrata Gorge, Algeria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boukarm, Riadh; Houam, Abdelkader; Fredj, Mohammed; Boucif, Rima

2017-12-01

The aim of our work is to check the stability during excavation tunnel work in the rock mass of Kherrata, connecting the cities of Bejaia to Setif. The characterization methods through the Q system (method of Barton), RMR (Bieniawski classification) allowed us to conclude that the quality of rock mass is average in limestone, and poor in fractured limestone. Then modelling of excavation phase using the theory of blocks method (Software UNWEDGE) with the parameters from the recommendations of classification allowed us to check stability and to finally conclude that the use of geomechanical classification and the theory of blocks can be considered reliable in preliminary design.

Thin sheet casting with electromagnetic pressurization

DOEpatents

Walk, Steven R.; Slepian, R. Michael; Nathenson, Richard D.; Williams, Robert S.

1991-01-01

An apparatus, method and system for the casting of thin strips or strips of metal upon a moving chill block that includes an electromagnet located so that molten metal poured from a reservoir onto the chill block passes into the magnetic field produced by the electromagnet. The electromagnet produces a force on the molten metal on said chill block in the direction toward said chill block in order to enhance thermal contact between the molten metal and the chill block.

An approximate block Newton method for coupled iterations of nonlinear solvers: Theory and conjugate heat transfer applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeckel, Andrew; Lun, Lisa; Derby, Jeffrey J.

2009-12-01

A new, approximate block Newton (ABN) method is derived and tested for the coupled solution of nonlinear models, each of which is treated as a modular, black box. Such an approach is motivated by a desire to maintain software flexibility without sacrificing solution efficiency or robustness. Though block Newton methods of similar type have been proposed and studied, we present a unique derivation and use it to sort out some of the more confusing points in the literature. In particular, we show that our ABN method behaves like a Newton iteration preconditioned by an inexact Newton solver derived from subproblem Jacobians. The method is demonstrated on several conjugate heat transfer problems modeled after melt crystal growth processes. These problems are represented by partitioned spatial regions, each modeled by independent heat transfer codes and linked by temperature and flux matching conditions at the boundaries common to the partitions. Whereas a typical block Gauss-Seidel iteration fails about half the time for the model problem, quadratic convergence is achieved by the ABN method under all conditions studied here. Additional performance advantages over existing methods are demonstrated and discussed.

Algorithmes de couplage RANS et ecoulement potentiel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallay, Sylvain

Dans le processus de developpement d'avion, la solution retenue doit satisfaire de nombreux criteres dans de nombreux domaines, comme par exemple le domaine de la structure, de l'aerodynamique, de la stabilite et controle, de la performance ou encore de la securite, tout en respectant des echeanciers precis et minimisant les couts. Les geometries candidates sont nombreuses dans les premieres etapes de definition du produit et de design preliminaire, et des environnements d'optimisations multidisciplinaires sont developpes par les differentes industries aeronautiques. Differentes methodes impliquant differents niveaux de modelisations sont necessaires pour les differentes phases de developpement du projet. Lors des phases de definition et de design preliminaires, des methodes rapides sont necessaires afin d'etudier les candidats efficacement. Le developpement de methodes ameliorant la precision des methodes existantes tout en gardant un cout de calcul faible permet d'obtenir un niveau de fidelite plus eleve dans les premieres phases de developpement du projet et ainsi grandement diminuer les risques associes. Dans le domaine de l'aerodynamisme, les developpements des algorithmes de couplage visqueux/non visqueux permettent d'ameliorer les methodes de calcul lineaires non visqueuses en methodes non lineaires prenant en compte les effets visqueux. Ces methodes permettent ainsi de caracteriser l'ecoulement visqueux sur les configurations et predire entre autre les mecanismes de decrochage ou encore la position des ondes de chocs sur les surfaces portantes. Cette these se focalise sur le couplage entre une methode d'ecoulement potentiel tridimensionnelle et des donnees de section bidimensionnelles visqueuses. Les methodes existantes sont implementees et leurs limites identifiees. Une methode originale est ensuite developpee et validee. Les resultats sur une aile elliptique demontrent la capacite de l'algorithme a de grands angles d'attaques et dans la region post-decrochage. L'algorithme de couplage a ete compare a des donnees de plus haute fidelite sur des configurations issues de la litterature. Un modele de fuselage base sur des relations empiriques et des simulations RANS a ete teste et valide. Les coefficients de portance, de trainee et de moment de tangage ainsi que les coefficients de pression extraits le long de l'envergure ont montre un bon accord avec les donnees de soufflerie et les modeles RANS pour des configurations transsoniques. Une configuration a geometrie hypersustentatoire a permis d'etudier la modelisation des surfaces hypersustentees de la methode d'ecoulement potentiel, demontrant que la cambrure peut etre prise en compte uniquement dans les donnees visqueuses.

[THE TECHNOLOGY "CELL BLOCK" IN CYTOLOGICAL PRACTICE].

PubMed

Volchenko, N N; Borisova, O V; Baranova, I B

2015-08-01

The article presents summary information concerning application of "cell block" technology in cytological practice. The possibilities of implementation of various modern techniques (immune cytochemnical analysis. FISH, CISH, polymerase chain reaction) with application of "cell block" method are demonstrated. The original results of study of "cell block" technology made with gelatin, AgarCyto and Shadon Cyoblock set are presented. The diagnostic effectiveness of "cell block" technology and common cytological smear and also immune cytochemical analysis on samples of "cell block" technology and fluid cytology were compared. Actually application of "cell block" technology is necessary for ensuring preservation of cell elements for subsequent immune cytochemical and molecular genetic analysis.

Formation des etoiles massives dans les galaxies spirales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lelievre, Mario

Le but de cette thèse est de décrire la formation des étoiles massives dans les galaxies spirales appartenant à divers types morphologiques. L'imagerie Hα profonde combinée à une robuste méthode d'identification des régions HII ont permis de détecter et de mesurer les propriétés (position, taille, luminosité, taux de formation d'étoiles) de plusieurs régions HII situées dans le disque interne (R < R25) de dix galaxies mais aussi à leur périphérie (R ≥ R 25). De façon générale, la répartition des régions HII ne montre aucune évidence de structure morphologique à R < R25 (bras spiraux, anneau, barre) à moins de limiter l'analyse aux régions HII les plus grosses ou les plus lumineuses. La répartition des régions HII, de même que leur taille et leur luminosité, sont toutefois sujettes à de forts effets de sélection qui dépendent de la distance des galaxies et qu'il faut corriger en ramenant l'échantillon à une résolution spatiale commune. Les fonctions de luminosité montrent que les régions HII les plus brillantes ont tendance à se former dans la portion interne du disque. De plus, l'analyse des pentes révèle une forte corrélation linéaire par rapport au type morphologique. Aucun pic n'est observé dans les fonctions de luminosité à log L-37 qui révèlerait la transition entre les régions HII bornées par l'ionisation et par la densité. Une relation cubique est obtenue entre la taille et la luminosité des régions HII, cette relation variant toutefois de façon significative entre le disque interne et la périphérie d'une même galaxie. La densité et la dynamique du gaz et des étoiles pourraient influencer de façon significative la stabilité des nuages moléculaires face à l'effondrement gravitationnel. D'une part, l'étendue du disque de régions HII pour cinq galaxies de l'échantillon coïncide avec celle de l'hydrogène atomique. D'autre part, en analysant la stabilité des disques galactiques, on conclue qu'en incluant la densité des étoiles vieilles présentes, on arrive à mieux contraindre le rayon à partir duquel aucune formation d'étoiles ne devrait se produire dans les galaxies.

An adaptive mesh refinement-multiphase lattice Boltzmann flux solver for simulation of complex binary fluid flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, H. Z.; Wang, Y.; Shu, C.

2017-12-01

This paper presents an adaptive mesh refinement-multiphase lattice Boltzmann flux solver (AMR-MLBFS) for effective simulation of complex binary fluid flows at large density ratios. In this method, an AMR algorithm is proposed by introducing a simple indicator on the root block for grid refinement and two possible statuses for each block. Unlike available block-structured AMR methods, which refine their mesh by spawning or removing four child blocks simultaneously, the present method is able to refine its mesh locally by spawning or removing one to four child blocks independently when the refinement indicator is triggered. As a result, the AMR mesh used in this work can be more focused on the flow region near the phase interface and its size is further reduced. In each block of mesh, the recently proposed MLBFS is applied for the solution of the flow field and the level-set method is used for capturing the fluid interface. As compared with existing AMR-lattice Boltzmann models, the present method avoids both spatial and temporal interpolations of density distribution functions so that converged solutions on different AMR meshes and uniform grids can be obtained. The proposed method has been successfully validated by simulating a static bubble immersed in another fluid, a falling droplet, instabilities of two-layered fluids, a bubble rising in a box, and a droplet splashing on a thin film with large density ratios and high Reynolds numbers. Good agreement with the theoretical solution, the uniform-grid result, and/or the published data has been achieved. Numerical results also show its effectiveness in saving computational time and virtual memory as compared with computations on uniform meshes.

Local dynamic range compensation for scanning electron microscope imaging system by sub-blocking multiple peak HE with convolution.

PubMed

Sim, K S; Teh, V; Tey, Y C; Kho, T K

2016-11-01

This paper introduces new development technique to improve the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image quality and we name it as sub-blocking multiple peak histogram equalization (SUB-B-MPHE) with convolution operator. By using this new proposed technique, it shows that the new modified MPHE performs better than original MPHE. In addition, the sub-blocking method consists of convolution operator which can help to remove the blocking effect for SEM images after applying this new developed technique. Hence, by using the convolution operator, it effectively removes the blocking effect by properly distributing the suitable pixel value for the whole image. Overall, the SUB-B-MPHE with convolution outperforms the rest of methods. SCANNING 38:492-501, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Self-assembly of block copolymers on topographically patterned polymeric substrates

DOEpatents

Russell, Thomas P.; Park, Soojin; Lee, Dong Hyun; Xu, Ting

2016-05-10

Highly-ordered block copolymer films are prepared by a method that includes forming a polymeric replica of a topographically patterned crystalline surface, forming a block copolymer film on the topographically patterned surface of the polymeric replica, and annealing the block copolymer film. The resulting structures can be used in a variety of different applications, including the fabrication of high density data storage media. The ability to use flexible polymers to form the polymeric replica facilitates industrial-scale processes utilizing the highly-ordered block copolymer films.

Multiple-block grid adaption for an airplane geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abolhassani, Jamshid Samareh; Smith, Robert E.

1988-01-01

Grid-adaption methods are developed with the capability of moving grid points in accordance with several variables for a three-dimensional multiple-block grid system. These methods are algebraic, and they are implemented for the computation of high-speed flow over an airplane configuration.

Block-accelerated aggregation multigrid for Markov chains with application to PageRank problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Zhao-Li; Huang, Ting-Zhu; Carpentieri, Bruno; Wen, Chun; Gu, Xian-Ming

2018-06-01

Recently, the adaptive algebraic aggregation multigrid method has been proposed for computing stationary distributions of Markov chains. This method updates aggregates on every iterative cycle to keep high accuracies of coarse-level corrections. Accordingly, its fast convergence rate is well guaranteed, but often a large proportion of time is cost by aggregation processes. In this paper, we show that the aggregates on each level in this method can be utilized to transfer the probability equation of that level into a block linear system. Then we propose a Block-Jacobi relaxation that deals with the block system on each level to smooth error. Some theoretical analysis of this technique is presented, meanwhile it is also adapted to solve PageRank problems. The purpose of this technique is to accelerate the adaptive aggregation multigrid method and its variants for solving Markov chains and PageRank problems. It also attempts to shed some light on new solutions for making aggregation processes more cost-effective for aggregation multigrid methods. Numerical experiments are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of this technique.

Blocking Mechanism Study of Self-Compacting Concrete Based on Discrete Element Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xuan; Li, Zhida; Zhang, Zhihua

2017-11-01

In order to study the influence factors of blocking mechanism of Self-Compaction Concrete (SCC), Roussel’s granular blocking model was verified and extended by establishing the discrete element model of SCC. The influence of different parameters on the filling capacity and blocking mechanism of SCC were also investigated. The results showed that: it was feasible to simulate the blocking mechanism of SCC by using Discrete Element Method (DEM). The passing ability of pebble aggregate was superior to the gravel aggregate and the passing ability of hexahedron particles was bigger than tetrahedron particles, while the tetrahedron particle simulation results were closer to the actual situation. The flow of SCC as another significant factor affected the passing ability that with the flow increased, the passing ability increased. The correction coefficient λ of the steel arrangement (channel section shape) and flow rate γ in the block model were introduced that the value of λ was 0.90-0.95 and the maximum casting rate was 7.8 L/min.

Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography Analysis of Polystyrene/Polybutadiene Block Copolymers.

PubMed

Lee, Sanghoon; Choi, Heejae; Chang, Taihyun; Staal, Bastiaan

2018-05-15

A detailed characterization of a commercial polystyrene/polybutadiene block copolymer material (Styrolux) was carried out using two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC). The Styrolux is prepared by statistical linking reaction of two different polystyrene- block-polybutadienyl anion precursors with a multivalent linking agent. Therefore, it is a mixture of a number of branched block copolymers different in molecular weight, composition, and chain architecture. While individual LC analysis, including size exclusion chromatography, interaction chromatography, or liquid chromatography at critical condition, is not good enough to resolve all the polymer species, 2D-LC separations coupling two chromatography methods were able to resolve all polymer species present in the sample; at least 13 block copolymer species and a homopolystyrene blended. Four different 2D-LC analyses combining a different pair of two LC methods provide their characteristic separation results. The separation characteristics of the 2D-LC separations are compared to elucidate the elution characteristics of the block copolymer species.

Carbon Emissions from Residue Burn Piles Estimated Using LiDAR or Ground Based Measurements of Pile Volumes in a Coastal Douglas-Fir Forest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trofymow, J. A.; Coops, N.; Hayhurst, D.

2012-12-01

Following forest harvest, residues left on site and roadsides are often disposed of to reduce fire risk and free planting space. In coastal British Columbia burn piles are the main method of disposal, particularly for accumulations from log processing. Quantification of residue wood in piles is required for: smoke emission estimates, C budget calculations, billable waste assessment, harvest efficiency monitoring, and determination of bioenergy potentials. A second-growth Douglas-fir dominated (DF1949) site on eastern Vancouver Island and subject of C flux and budget studies since 1998, was clearcut in winter 2011, residues piled in spring and burned in fall. Prior to harvest, the site was divided into 4 blocks to account for harvest plans and ecosite conditions. Total harvested wood volume was scaled for each block. Residue pile wood volume was determined by a standard Waste and Residue Survey (WRS) using field estimates of pile base area and plot density (wood volume / 0.005 ha plot) on 2 piles per block, by a smoke emissions geometric method with pile volumes estimated as ellipsoidal paraboloids and packing ratios (wood volume / pile volume) for 2 piles per block, as well as by five other GIS methods using pile volumes and areas from LiDAR and orthophotography flown August 2011, a LiDAR derived digital elevation model (DEM) from 2008, and total scaled wood volumes of 8 sample piles disassembled November 2011. A weak but significant negative relationship was found between pile packing ratio and pile volume. Block level avoidable+unavoidable residue pile wood volumes from the WRS method (20.0 m3 ha-1 SE 2.8) were 30%-50% of the geometric (69.0 m3 ha-1 SE 18.0) or five GIS/LiDAR (48.0 to 65.7 m3 ha-1 ) methods. Block volumes using the 2008 LiDAR DEM (unshifted 48.0 m3 ha-1 SE 3.9, shifted 53.6 m3 ha-1 SE 4.2) to account for pre-existing humps or hollows beneath piles were not different from those using the 2011 LiDAR DEM (50.3 m3 ha-1 SE 4.0). The block volume ratio (total residue pile / harvest scale, wood volumes x 100) for the WRS method (3.3% SE 0.45) was lower than for LiDAR 2011 method (8.1% SE 0.31). Using wood densities from in situ samples and LiDAR 2011 method wood volumes, total residue pile wood biomass in the blocks was 21.5 t dry mass ha-1 (SE 1.9). Post-burn charred residues were ~1.5 t dry mass ha-1 resulting in C emission estimates of 10 t C ha-1 (SE 0.91), assuming 50% C, and equivalent to 2 - 3 years of pre-harvest stand C uptake (NEP 4.8 t C ha-1 y-1 SE 0.58). Results suggest the WRS method may underestimate residue pile wood volumes, while the geometric method may overestimate depending on packing ratio used. While remote sensing methods reduce uncertainty in estimating volumes or areas of all piles in a block, quantification of packing ratios remains a significant source of uncertainty in determining block level residue pile wood volumes. Additional studies are needed for other forest and harvest types to determine the wider applicability of these findings.

High-efficiency Gaussian key reconciliation in continuous variable quantum key distribution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, ZengLiang; Wang, XuYang; Yang, ShenShen; Li, YongMin

2016-01-01

Efficient reconciliation is a crucial step in continuous variable quantum key distribution. The progressive-edge-growth (PEG) algorithm is an efficient method to construct relatively short block length low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. The qua-sicyclic construction method can extend short block length codes and further eliminate the shortest cycle. In this paper, by combining the PEG algorithm and qua-si-cyclic construction method, we design long block length irregular LDPC codes with high error-correcting capacity. Based on these LDPC codes, we achieve high-efficiency Gaussian key reconciliation with slice recon-ciliation based on multilevel coding/multistage decoding with an efficiency of 93.7%.

Lignin-blocking treatment of biomass and uses thereof

DOEpatents

Yang, Bin [Hanover, NH; Wyman, Charles E [Norwich, VT

2009-10-20

Disclosed is a method for converting cellulose in a lignocellulosic biomass. The method provides for a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein treatment of high lignin solids. The treatment enhances cellulase availability in cellulose conversion. Cellulase efficiencies are improved by the protein or polypeptide treatment. The treatment may be used in combination with steam explosion and acid prehydrolysis techniques. Hydrolysis yields from lignin containing biomass are enhanced 5-20%, and enzyme utilization is increased from 10% to 50%. Thus, a more efficient and economical method of processing lignin containing biomass materials utilizes a polypeptide/protein treatment step that effectively blocks lignin binding of cellulase.

An outline of graphical Markov models in dentistry.

PubMed

Helfenstein, U; Steiner, M; Menghini, G

1999-12-01

In the usual multiple regression model there is one response variable and one block of several explanatory variables. In contrast, in reality there may be a block of several possibly interacting response variables one would like to explain. In addition, the explanatory variables may split into a sequence of several blocks, each block containing several interacting variables. The variables in the second block are explained by those in the first block; the variables in the third block by those in the first and the second block etc. During recent years methods have been developed allowing analysis of problems where the data set has the above complex structure. The models involved are called graphical models or graphical Markov models. The main result of an analysis is a picture, a conditional independence graph with precise statistical meaning, consisting of circles representing variables and lines or arrows representing significant conditional associations. The absence of a line between two circles signifies that the corresponding two variables are independent conditional on the presence of other variables in the model. An example from epidemiology is presented in order to demonstrate application and use of the models. The data set in the example has a complex structure consisting of successive blocks: the variable in the first block is year of investigation; the variables in the second block are age and gender; the variables in the third block are indices of calculus, gingivitis and mutans streptococci and the final response variables in the fourth block are different indices of caries. Since the statistical methods may not be easily accessible to dentists, this article presents them in an introductory form. Graphical models may be of great value to dentists in allowing analysis and visualisation of complex structured multivariate data sets consisting of a sequence of blocks of interacting variables and, in particular, several possibly interacting responses in the final block.

Manipulation of a quasi-natural cell block for high-efficiency transplantation of adherent somatic cells

PubMed Central

Chung, H.J.; Hassan, M.M.; Park, J.O.; Kim, H.J.; Hong, S.T.

2015-01-01

Recent advances have raised hope that transplantation of adherent somatic cells could provide dramatic new therapies for various diseases. However, current methods for transplanting adherent somatic cells are not efficient enough for therapeutic applications. Here, we report the development of a novel method to generate quasi-natural cell blocks for high-efficiency transplantation of adherent somatic cells. The blocks were created by providing a unique environment in which cultured cells generated their own extracellular matrix. Initially, stromal cells isolated from mice were expanded in vitro in liquid cell culture medium followed by transferring the cells into a hydrogel shell. After incubation for 1 day with mechanical agitation, the encapsulated cell mass was perforated with a thin needle and then incubated for an additional 6 days to form a quasi-natural cell block. Allograft transplantation of the cell block into C57BL/6 mice resulted in perfect adaptation of the allograft and complete integration into the tissue of the recipient. This method could be widely applied for repairing damaged cells or tissues, stem cell transplantation, ex vivo gene therapy, or plastic surgery. PMID:25742639

Accelerating nuclear configuration interaction calculations through a preconditioned block iterative eigensolver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Meiyue; Aktulga, H. Metin; Yang, Chao; Ng, Esmond G.; Maris, Pieter; Vary, James P.

2018-01-01

We describe a number of recently developed techniques for improving the performance of large-scale nuclear configuration interaction calculations on high performance parallel computers. We show the benefit of using a preconditioned block iterative method to replace the Lanczos algorithm that has traditionally been used to perform this type of computation. The rapid convergence of the block iterative method is achieved by a proper choice of starting guesses of the eigenvectors and the construction of an effective preconditioner. These acceleration techniques take advantage of special structure of the nuclear configuration interaction problem which we discuss in detail. The use of a block method also allows us to improve the concurrency of the computation, and take advantage of the memory hierarchy of modern microprocessors to increase the arithmetic intensity of the computation relative to data movement. We also discuss the implementation details that are critical to achieving high performance on massively parallel multi-core supercomputers, and demonstrate that the new block iterative solver is two to three times faster than the Lanczos based algorithm for problems of moderate sizes on a Cray XC30 system.

Method for quantifying percentage wood failure in block-shear specimens by a laser scanning profilometer

Treesearch

C. T. Scott; R. Hernandez; C. Frihart; R. Gleisner; T. Tice

2005-01-01

A new method for quantifying percentage wood failure of an adhesively bonded block-shear specimen has been developed. This method incorporates a laser displacement gage with an automated two-axis positioning system that functions as a highly sensitive profilometer. The failed specimen is continuously scanned across its width to obtain a surface failure profile. The...

Local motion compensation in image sequences degraded by atmospheric turbulence: a comparative analysis of optical flow vs. block matching methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huebner, Claudia S.

2016-10-01

As a consequence of fluctuations in the index of refraction of the air, atmospheric turbulence causes scintillation, spatial and temporal blurring as well as global and local image motion creating geometric distortions. To mitigate these effects many different methods have been proposed. Global as well as local motion compensation in some form or other constitutes an integral part of many software-based approaches. For the estimation of motion vectors between consecutive frames simple methods like block matching are preferable to more complex algorithms like optical flow, at least when challenged with near real-time requirements. However, the processing power of commercially available computers continues to increase rapidly and the more powerful optical flow methods have the potential to outperform standard block matching methods. Therefore, in this paper three standard optical flow algorithms, namely Horn-Schunck (HS), Lucas-Kanade (LK) and Farnebäck (FB), are tested for their suitability to be employed for local motion compensation as part of a turbulence mitigation system. Their qualitative performance is evaluated and compared with that of three standard block matching methods, namely Exhaustive Search (ES), Adaptive Rood Pattern Search (ARPS) and Correlation based Search (CS).

Regularized Generalized Canonical Correlation Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tenenhaus, Arthur; Tenenhaus, Michel

2011-01-01

Regularized generalized canonical correlation analysis (RGCCA) is a generalization of regularized canonical correlation analysis to three or more sets of variables. It constitutes a general framework for many multi-block data analysis methods. It combines the power of multi-block data analysis methods (maximization of well identified criteria) and…

Method and apparatus for determining two-phase flow in rock fracture

DOEpatents

Persoff, Peter; Pruess, Karsten; Myer, Larry

1994-01-01

An improved method and apparatus as disclosed for measuring the permeability of multiple phases through a rock fracture. The improvement in the method comprises delivering the respective phases through manifolds to uniformly deliver and collect the respective phases to and from opposite edges of the rock fracture in a distributed manner across the edge of the fracture. The improved apparatus comprises first and second manifolds comprising bores extending within porous blocks parallel to the rock fracture for distributing and collecting the wetting phase to and from surfaces of the porous blocks, which respectively face the opposite edges of the rock fracture. The improved apparatus further comprises other manifolds in the form of plenums located adjacent the respective porous blocks for uniform delivery of the non-wetting phase to parallel grooves disposed on the respective surfaces of the porous blocks facing the opposite edges of the rock fracture and generally perpendicular to the rock fracture.

Change detection of medical images using dictionary learning techniques and principal component analysis.

PubMed

Nika, Varvara; Babyn, Paul; Zhu, Hongmei

2014-07-01

Automatic change detection methods for identifying the changes of serial MR images taken at different times are of great interest to radiologists. The majority of existing change detection methods in medical imaging, and those of brain images in particular, include many preprocessing steps and rely mostly on statistical analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Although most methods utilize registration software, tissue classification remains a difficult and overwhelming task. Recently, dictionary learning techniques are being used in many areas of image processing, such as image surveillance, face recognition, remote sensing, and medical imaging. We present an improved version of the EigenBlockCD algorithm, named the EigenBlockCD-2. The EigenBlockCD-2 algorithm performs an initial global registration and identifies the changes between serial MR images of the brain. Blocks of pixels from a baseline scan are used to train local dictionaries to detect changes in the follow-up scan. We use PCA to reduce the dimensionality of the local dictionaries and the redundancy of data. Choosing the appropriate distance measure significantly affects the performance of our algorithm. We examine the differences between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] norms as two possible similarity measures in the improved EigenBlockCD-2 algorithm. We show the advantages of the [Formula: see text] norm over the [Formula: see text] norm both theoretically and numerically. We also demonstrate the performance of the new EigenBlockCD-2 algorithm for detecting changes of MR images and compare our results with those provided in the recent literature. Experimental results with both simulated and real MRI scans show that our improved EigenBlockCD-2 algorithm outperforms the previous methods. It detects clinical changes while ignoring the changes due to the patient's position and other acquisition artifacts.

Computing Aerodynamic Performance of a 2D Iced Airfoil: Blocking Topology and Grid Generation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chi, X.; Zhu, B.; Shih, T. I.-P.; Slater, J. W.; Addy, H. E.; Choo, Yung K.; Lee, Chi-Ming (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

The ice accrued on airfoils can have enormously complicated shapes with multiple protruded horns and feathers. In this paper, several blocking topologies are proposed and evaluated on their ability to produce high-quality structured multi-block grid systems. A transition layer grid is introduced to ensure that jaggedness on the ice-surface geometry do not to propagate into the domain. This is important for grid-generation methods based on hyperbolic PDEs (Partial Differential Equations) and algebraic transfinite interpolation. A 'thick' wrap-around grid is introduced to ensure that grid lines clustered next to solid walls do not propagate as streaks of tightly packed grid lines into the interior of the domain along block boundaries. For ice shapes that are not too complicated, a method is presented for generating high-quality single-block grids. To demonstrate the usefulness of the methods developed, grids and CFD solutions were generated for two iced airfoils: the NLF0414 airfoil with and without the 623-ice shape and the B575/767 airfoil with and without the 145m-ice shape. To validate the computations, the computed lift coefficients as a function of angle of attack were compared with available experimental data. The ice shapes and the blocking topologies were prepared by NASA Glenn's SmaggIce software. The grid systems were generated by using a four-boundary method based on Hermite interpolation with controls on clustering, orthogonality next to walls, and C continuity across block boundaries. The flow was modeled by the ensemble-averaged compressible Navier-Stokes equations, closed by the shear-stress transport turbulence model in which the integration is to the wall. All solutions were generated by using the NPARC WIND code.

Utility of Cytospin and Cell block Technology in Evaluation of Body Fluids and Urine Samples: A Comparative Study

PubMed Central

Qamar, Irmeen; Rehman, Suhailur; Mehdi, Ghazala; Maheshwari, Veena; Ansari, Hena A.; Chauhan, Sunanda

2018-01-01

Background: Cytologic examination of body fluids commonly involves the use of direct or sediment smears, cytocentrifuge preparations, membrane filter preparations, or cell block sections. Cytospin and cell block techniques are extremely useful in improving cell yield of thin serous effusions and urine samples, and ensure high diagnostic efficacy. Materials and Methods: We studied cytospin preparations and cell block sections prepared from 180 samples of body fluids and urine samples to compare the relative efficiency of cell retrieval, preservation of cell morphology, ease of application of special stains, and diagnostic efficacy. Samples were collected and processed to prepare cytospin smears and cell block sections. Results: We observed that overall, cell yield and preservation of individual cell morphology were better in cytospin preparations as compared to cell blocks, while preservation of architectural pattern was better in cell block sections. The number of suspicious cases also decreased on cell block sections, with increased detection of malignancy. It was difficult to prepare cell blocks from urine samples due to low cellularity. Conclusions: Cytospin technology is a quick, efficient, and cost-effective method of increasing cell yield in hypocellular samples, with better preservation of cell morphology. Cell blocks are better prepared from high cellularity fluids; however, tissue architecture is better studied, with improved rate of diagnosis and decrease in ambiguous results. Numerous sections can be prepared from a small amount of material. Special stains and immunochemical stains can be easily applied to cell blocks. It also provides a source of archival material. PMID:29643653

Method for achieving sustained anisotropic crystal growth on the surface of a silicon melt

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

Mackintosh, Brian H.; Kellerman, Peter L.; Sun, Dawei

An apparatus for growing a crystalline sheet from a melt includes a cold block assembly. The cold block assembly may include a cold block and a shield surrounding the cold block and being at an elevated temperature with respect to that of the cold block, the shield defining an opening disposed along a surface of the cold block proximate a melt surface that defines a cold area comprising a width along a first direction of the cold block, the cold area operable to provide localized cooling of a region of the melt surface proximate the cold block. The apparatus maymore » further include a crystal puller arranged to draw a crystalline seed in a direction perpendicular to the first direction when the cold block assembly is disposed proximate the melt surface.« less

Effectiveness of Stellate Ganglion Block Under Fuoroscopy or Ultrasound Guidance in Upper Extremity CRPS.

PubMed

Imani, Farnad; Hemati, Karim; Rahimzadeh, Poupak; Kazemi, Mohamad Reza; Hejazian, Kokab

2016-01-01

Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) is an effective technique which may be used to manage upper extremities pain due to Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), in this study we tried to evaluate the effectiveness of this procedure under two different guidance for management of this syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ultrsound guide SGB by comparing it with the furoscopy guided SGB in upper extermities CRPS patients in reducing pain & dysfuction of the affected link. Fourteen patients with sympathetic CRPS in upper extremities in a randomized method with block randomization divided in two equal groups (with ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance). First group was blocked under fluoroscopic guidance and second group blocked under ultrasound guidance. After correct positioning of the needle, a mixture of 5 ml bupivacaine 0.25% and 1 mL of triamcinolone was injected. These data represent no meaningful statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the number of pain attacks before the blocks, a borderline correlation between two groups one week and one month after the block and a significant statistical correlation between two groups three month after the block. These data represent no meaningful statistical difference between the patients of any group in terms of the pain intensity (from one week to six months after block), p-value = 0.61. These data represent a meaningful statistical difference among patients of any group and between the two groups in terms of the pain intensity (before the block until six months after block), p-values were 0.001, 0.031 respectively. According the above mentioned data, in comparison with fluoroscopic guidance, stellate ganglion block under ultrasound guidance is a safe and effective method with lower complication and better improvement in patient's disability indexes.

A comparison between caudal block versus splash block for postoperative analgesia following inguinal herniorrhaphy in children

PubMed Central

Cheon, Jun Kong; Hwang, Kan Taeck; Choi, Bo Yoon

2011-01-01

Background We wanted to determine the postoperative analgesic efficacy of preincisional caudal epidural block versus instillation (splash block) following inguinal herniorrhaphy in children. Methods Thirty children (age range: 1-7 years) who were scheduled to undergo inguinal herniorrhaphy were divided into 2 groups: the caudal block group and the splash block group with 15 children in each group. Tracheal intubation was performed. Fifteen children received caudal block with 1.0 ml/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine (Group 1). Caudal block was performed using the loss of resistance method via the sacral hiatus. Fifteen children in Group 2 received local instillation (splash block) in the surgical site with up to 0.4 ml/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine. The patients were observed for 90 minutes in the postanesthesia care unit and then they were transferred to the ward. The pain scores were taken 4 times. We assessed pain using the Faces pain scores. Results There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the pain scores at 10, 30 and 60 minutes upon entering the postanesthesia care unit. The pain scores of Group 1 were slightly lower at the last evaluation point when compared to that of Group 2. One patient in Group 1 required supplemental postoperative intravenous (IV) tramadol, while all the other patients in both groups did not require supplemental IV tramadol. The intraoperative requirement for sevoflurane was decreased in Group 1 as compared to that of Group 2. There were no major complications related to either type of block. Conclusions We conclude that a splash block can have a similar analgesic effect as that of a caudal block for the postoperative herniorrhaphy pain of children. PMID:21602975

A generic method for projecting and valuing domestic water uses, application to the Mediterranean basin at the 2050 horizon.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neverre, Noémie; Dumas, Patrice

2014-05-01

The aim is to be able to assess future domestic water demands in a region with heterogeneous levels of economic development. This work offers an original combination of a quantitative projection of demands (similar to WaterGAP methodology) and an estimation of the marginal benefit of water. This method is applicable to different levels of economic development and usable for large-scale hydroeconomic modelling. The global method consists in building demand functions taking into account the impact of both the price of water and the level of equipment, proxied by economic development, on domestic water demand. Our basis is a 3-blocks inverse demand function: the first block consists of essential water requirements for food and hygiene; the second block matches intermediate needs; and the last block corresponds to additional water consumption, such as outdoor uses, which are the least valued. The volume of the first block is fixed to match recommended basic water requirements from the literature, but we assume that the volume limits of blocks 2 and 3 depend on the level of household equipment and therefore evolve with the level of GDP per capita (structural change), with a saturation. For blocks 1 and 2 we determine the value of water from elasticity, price and quantity data from the literature, using the point-extension method. For block 3, we use a hypothetical zero-cost demand and maximal demand with actual water costs to linearly interpolate the inverse demand function. These functions are calibrated on the 24 countries part of the Mediterranean basin using data from SIMEDD, and are used for the projection and valuation of domestic water demands at the 2050 horizon. They enable to project total water demand, and also the respective shares of the different categories of demand (basic demand, intermediate demand and additional uses). These projections are performed under different combined scenarios of population, GDP and water costs.

SU-F-T-436: A Method to Evaluate Dosimetric Properties of SFGRT in Eclipse TPS

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

Xu, M; Tobias, R; Pankuch, M

Purpose: The objective was to develop a method for dose distribution calculation of spatially-fractionated-GRID-radiotherapy (SFGRT) in Eclipse treatment-planning-system (TPS). Methods: Patient treatment-plans with SFGRT for bulky tumors were generated in Varian Eclipse version11. A virtual structure based on the GRID pattern was created and registered to a patient CT image dataset. The virtual GRID structure was positioned on the iso-center level together with matching beam geometries to simulate a commercially available GRID block made of brass. This method overcame the difficulty in treatment-planning and dose-calculation due to the lack o-the option to insert a GRID block add-on in Eclipse TPS.more » The patient treatment-planning displayed GRID effects on the target, critical structures, and dose distribution. The dose calculations were compared to the measurement results in phantom. Results: The GRID block structure was created to follow the beam divergence to the patient CT images. The inserted virtual GRID block made it possible to calculate the dose distributions and profiles at various depths in Eclipse. The virtual GRID block was added as an option to TPS. The 3D representation of the isodose distribution of the spatially-fractionated beam was generated in axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. Physics of GRID can be different from that for fields shaped by regular blocks because the charge-particle-equilibrium cannot be guaranteed for small field openings. Output factor (OF) measurement was required to calculate the MU to deliver the prescribed dose. The calculated OF based on the virtual GRID agreed well with the measured OF in phantom. Conclusion: The method to create the virtual GRID block has been proposed for the first time in Eclipse TPS. The dosedistributions, in-plane and cross-plane profiles in PTV can be displayed in 3D-space. The calculated OF’s based on the virtual GRID model compare well to the measured OF’s for SFGRT clinical use.« less

Method and system for progressive mesh storage and reconstruction using wavelet-encoded height fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxes, Gregory A. (Inventor); Linger, Timothy C. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

Systems and methods are provided for progressive mesh storage and reconstruction using wavelet-encoded height fields. A method for progressive mesh storage includes reading raster height field data, and processing the raster height field data with a discrete wavelet transform to generate wavelet-encoded height fields. In another embodiment, a method for progressive mesh storage includes reading texture map data, and processing the texture map data with a discrete wavelet transform to generate wavelet-encoded texture map fields. A method for reconstructing a progressive mesh from wavelet-encoded height field data includes determining terrain blocks, and a level of detail required for each terrain block, based upon a viewpoint. Triangle strip constructs are generated from vertices of the terrain blocks, and an image is rendered utilizing the triangle strip constructs. Software products that implement these methods are provided.

Method and system for progressive mesh storage and reconstruction using wavelet-encoded height fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baxes, Gregory A. (Inventor)

2010-01-01

Systems and methods are provided for progressive mesh storage and reconstruction using wavelet-encoded height fields. A method for progressive mesh storage includes reading raster height field data, and processing the raster height field data with a discrete wavelet transform to generate wavelet-encoded height fields. In another embodiment, a method for progressive mesh storage includes reading texture map data, and processing the texture map data with a discrete wavelet transform to generate wavelet-encoded texture map fields. A method for reconstructing a progressive mesh from wavelet-encoded height field data includes determining terrain blocks, and a level of detail required for each terrain block, based upon a viewpoint. Triangle strip constructs are generated from vertices of the terrain blocks, and an image is rendered utilizing the triangle strip constructs. Software products that implement these methods are provided.

75 FR 57254 - American Community Survey 5-Year Data Product Plans

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-20

...: 1. Block Group Level Geography--The Census Bureau proposed releasing block group data only as...) The option of alternative dissemination methods for data at the block group geography level, (2) the... Geography The Census Bureau received six comments in response to the question of using downloadable Summary...

Technique for CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Lumbar Medial Branch Blocks and Radiofrequency Ablation.

PubMed

Amrhein, Timothy J; Joshi, Anand B; Kranz, Peter G

2016-09-01

The purpose of this study is to describe the procedure for CT fluoroscopy-guided lumbar medial branch blocks and facet radiofrequency ablation. CT fluoroscopic guidance allows more-precise needle tip positioning and is an alternative method for performing medial branch blocks and facet radiofrequency ablation.

47 CFR 90.903 - Competitive bidding mechanisms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... Bureau will establish and may vary the sequence in which 800 MHz SMR licenses for Spectrum Blocks A through V will be auctioned. (b) Grouping. (1) All EA licenses for Spectrum Blocks A through V will be... the auction, an alternative method of grouping these licenses for auction. (2) Spectrum blocks D...

47 CFR 90.903 - Competitive bidding mechanisms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... Bureau will establish and may vary the sequence in which 800 MHz SMR licenses for Spectrum Blocks A through V will be auctioned. (b) Grouping. (1) All EA licenses for Spectrum Blocks A through V will be... the auction, an alternative method of grouping these licenses for auction. (2) Spectrum blocks D...

47 CFR 90.903 - Competitive bidding mechanisms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... Bureau will establish and may vary the sequence in which 800 MHz SMR licenses for Spectrum Blocks A through V will be auctioned. (b) Grouping. (1) All EA licenses for Spectrum Blocks A through V will be... the auction, an alternative method of grouping these licenses for auction. (2) Spectrum blocks D...

47 CFR 90.903 - Competitive bidding mechanisms.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... Bureau will establish and may vary the sequence in which 800 MHz SMR licenses for Spectrum Blocks A through V will be auctioned. (b) Grouping. (1) All EA licenses for Spectrum Blocks A through V will be... the auction, an alternative method of grouping these licenses for auction. (2) Spectrum blocks D...

Novel Near-Lossless Compression Algorithm for Medical Sequence Images with Adaptive Block-Based Spatial Prediction.

PubMed

Song, Xiaoying; Huang, Qijun; Chang, Sheng; He, Jin; Wang, Hao

2016-12-01

To address the low compression efficiency of lossless compression and the low image quality of general near-lossless compression, a novel near-lossless compression algorithm based on adaptive spatial prediction is proposed for medical sequence images for possible diagnostic use in this paper. The proposed method employs adaptive block size-based spatial prediction to predict blocks directly in the spatial domain and Lossless Hadamard Transform before quantization to improve the quality of reconstructed images. The block-based prediction breaks the pixel neighborhood constraint and takes full advantage of the local spatial correlations found in medical images. The adaptive block size guarantees a more rational division of images and the improved use of the local structure. The results indicate that the proposed algorithm can efficiently compress medical images and produces a better peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) under the same pre-defined distortion than other near-lossless methods.

Composite sandwich structure and method for making same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Magurany, Charles J. (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A core for a sandwich structure which has multi-ply laminate ribs separated by voids is made as an integral unit in one single curing step. Tooling blocks corresponding to the voids are first wrapped by strips of prepreg layup equal to one half of each rib laminate so a continuous wall of prepreg material is formed around the tooling blocks. The wrapped tooling blocks are next pressed together laterally, like tiles, so adjoining walls from two tooling blocks are joined. The assembly is then cured by conventional methods, and afterwards the tooling blocks are removed so voids are formed. The ribs can be provided with integral tabs forming bonding areas for face sheets, and face sheets may be co-cured with the core ribs. The new core design is suitable for discrete ribcores used in space telescopes and reflector panels, where quasiisotropic properties and zero coefficient of thermal expansion are required.

Protein extraction from methanol fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks: A new possibility using cell blocks

PubMed Central

Kokkat, Theresa J.; McGarvey, Diane; Patel, Miral S.; Tieniber, Andrew D.; LiVolsi, Virginia A.; Baloch, Zubair W.

2013-01-01

Background: Methanol fixed and paraffin embedded (MFPE) cellblocks are an essential cytology preparation. However, MFPE cellblocks often contain limited material and their relatively small size has caused them to be overlooked in biomarker discovery. Advances in the field of molecular biotechnology have made it possible to extract proteins from formalin fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks. In contrast, there are no established methods for extracting proteins from MFPE cellblocks. We investigated commonly available CHAPS (3-[(3-cholamidopropyl) dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate) buffer, as well as two commercially available Qiagen® kits and compared their effectiveness on MFPE tissue for protein yields. Materials and Methods: MFPE blocks were made by Cellient™ automated system using human tissue specimens from normal and malignant specimens collected in ThinPrep™ Vials. Protein was extracted from Cellient-methanol fixed and paraffin embedded blocks with CHAPS buffer method as well as FFPE and Mammalian Qiagen® kits. Results: Comparison of protein yields demonstrated the effectiveness of various protein extraction methods on MFPE cellblocks. Conclusion: In the current era of minimally invasive techniques to obtain minimal amount of tissue for diagnostic and prognostic purposes, the use of commercial and lab made buffer on low weight MFPE scrapings obtained by Cellient® processor opens new possibilities for protein biomarker research. PMID:24403950

High-Throughput Block Optical DNA Sequence Identification.

PubMed

Sagar, Dodderi Manjunatha; Korshoj, Lee Erik; Hanson, Katrina Bethany; Chowdhury, Partha Pratim; Otoupal, Peter Britton; Chatterjee, Anushree; Nagpal, Prashant

2018-01-01

Optical techniques for molecular diagnostics or DNA sequencing generally rely on small molecule fluorescent labels, which utilize light with a wavelength of several hundred nanometers for detection. Developing a label-free optical DNA sequencing technique will require nanoscale focusing of light, a high-throughput and multiplexed identification method, and a data compression technique to rapidly identify sequences and analyze genomic heterogeneity for big datasets. Such a method should identify characteristic molecular vibrations using optical spectroscopy, especially in the "fingerprinting region" from ≈400-1400 cm -1 . Here, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is used to demonstrate label-free identification of DNA nucleobases with multiplexed 3D plasmonic nanofocusing. While nanometer-scale mode volumes prevent identification of single nucleobases within a DNA sequence, the block optical technique can identify A, T, G, and C content in DNA k-mers. The content of each nucleotide in a DNA block can be a unique and high-throughput method for identifying sequences, genes, and other biomarkers as an alternative to single-letter sequencing. Additionally, coupling two complementary vibrational spectroscopy techniques (infrared and Raman) can improve block characterization. These results pave the way for developing a novel, high-throughput block optical sequencing method with lossy genomic data compression using k-mer identification from multiplexed optical data acquisition. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Preventive maintenance system for the photomultiplier detector blocks of PET scanners

DOEpatents

Levy, A.V.; Warner, D.

1995-01-24

A system including a method and apparatus for preventive maintenance of PET scanner photomultiplier detector blocks is disclosed. The qualitative comparisons used in the method of the present invention to provide an indication in the form of a display or printout advising the user that the photomultiplier block is stable, intermittently unstable, or drifting unstable, and also advising of the expected date of failure of a photomultiplier block in the PET scanner. The system alerts the user to replace the defective photomultiplier block prior to catastrophic failure in a scheduled preventative maintenance program, thus eliminating expensive and unscheduled downtime of the PET scanner due to photomultiplier failure. The apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention preferably resides in the host computer controlling a PET scanner. It includes a memory adapted for storing a record of a number of iterative adjustments that are necessary to calibrate the gain of a photomultiplier detector block i at a time t[sub 0], a time t[sub 1] and a time T, where T>t[sub 1]>t[sub 0], which is designated as Histo(i,j(t)). The apparatus also includes a processor configured by a software program or a combination of programmed RAM and ROM devices to perform a number of calculations and operations on these values, and also includes a counter for analyzing each photomultiplier detector block i=1 through I of a PET scanner. 40 figures.

Preventive maintenance system for the photomultiplier detector blocks of pet scanners

DOEpatents

Levy, Alejandro V.; Warner, Donald

1995-01-24

A system including a method and apparatus for preventive maintenance of PET scanner photomultiplier detector blocks is disclosed. The quantitive comparisons used in the method of the present invention to provide an indication in the form of a display or printout advising the user that the photomultiplier block is stable, intermittently unstable, or drifting unstable, and also advising of the expected date of failure of a photomultiplier block in the PET scanner. The system alerts the user to replace the defective photomultiplier block prior to catastrophic failure in a scheduled preventative maintenance program, thus eliminating expensive and unscheduled downtime of the PET scanner due to photomultiplier failure. The apparatus for carrying out the method of the present invention preferably resides in the host computer controlling a PET scanner. It includes a memory adapted for storing a record of a number of iterative adjustments that are necessary to calibrate the gain of a photomultiplier detector block i at a time t.sub.0, a time t.sub.1 and a time T, where T>t.sub.1 >t.sub.0, which is designated as Histo(i,j(t)). The apparatus also includes a processor configured by a software program or a combination of programmed RAM and ROM devices to perform a number of calculations and operations on these values, and also includes a counter for analyzing each photomultiplier detector block i=1 through I of a PET scanner.

The interaction between a solid body and viscous fluid by marker-and-cell method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheng, R. Y. K.

1976-01-01

A computational method for solving nonlinear problems relating to impact and penetration of a rigid body into a fluid type medium is presented. The numerical techniques, based on the Marker-and-Cell method, gives the pressure and velocity of the flow field. An important feature in this method is that the force and displacement of the rigid body interacting with the fluid during the impact and sinking phases are evaluated from the boundary stresses imposed by the fluid on the rigid body. A sample problem of low velocity penetration of a rigid block into still water is solved by this method. The computed time histories of the acceleration, pressure, and displacement of the block show food agreement with experimental measurements. A sample problem of high velocity impact of a rigid block into soft clay is also presented.

Comparison Between the Two-Injection Technique and the Four-Injection Technique in Axillary Brachial Plexus Block with Articaine.

PubMed

Ertikin, Aysun; Argun, Güldeniz; Mısırlıoğlu, Mesut; Aydın, Murat; Arıkan, Murat; Kadıoğulları, Nihal

2017-10-01

In this study, we aimed to compare axillary brachial plexus block using the two-injection and four-injection techniques assisted with ultrasonography (USG) and nerve stimulator in patients operated for carpal tunnel syndrome with articaine. To evaluate which technique is more effective, we compared the onset time, effectiveness, and duration of block procedures, patient satisfaction, adverse effect of the drug, and complication rates of the motor and sensory blocks. Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups. A mixture of physiologic serum added to articain with NaHCO 3 (30 mL) was injected into the patients' axilla in both the groups. After the blockage of the musculocutaneous nerve in both the groups, the median nerve in the two-injection group and the median nerve, ulnar nerve, and radial nerve in the four-injection group were blocked. In brachial plexus nerves, sensorial blockage was evaluated with pinprick test, and motor block was evaluated by contraction of the muscles innervated by each nerve. The adverse effects and complications, visual analog scale (VAS) values during the operation, and post-operative patient satisfaction were recorded. Sufficient analgesia and anaesthesia were achieved with no need for an additional local anaesthetics in both the groups. Furthermore, additional sedation requirements were found to be similar in both the groups. A faster rate and a more effective complete block were achieved in more patients from the four-injection group. In the two-injection group, the block could not be achieved for N. radialis in one patient. All other nerves were successfully blocked. Whereas the blockage procedure lasted longer in the four-injection group, the VAS values recorded during the blockage procedure were higher in the four-injection group. No statistical difference was found with regard to patient satisfaction, and no adverse effects and complications were observed in any group. Although the multi-injection method takes more time, it provides faster anaesthesia and more complete blockage than the two-injection method used with articain. The two-injection method can also be used in specific surgery such as for carpal tunnel syndrome, as an alternative to multi-injection method.

Novel modes and adaptive block scanning order for intra prediction in AV1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadar, Ofer; Shleifer, Ariel; Mukherjee, Debargha; Joshi, Urvang; Mazar, Itai; Yuzvinsky, Michael; Tavor, Nitzan; Itzhak, Nati; Birman, Raz

2017-09-01

The demand for streaming video content is on the rise and growing exponentially. Networks bandwidth is very costly and therefore there is a constant effort to improve video compression rates and enable the sending of reduced data volumes while retaining quality of experience (QoE). One basic feature that utilizes the spatial correlation of pixels for video compression is Intra-Prediction, which determines the codec's compression efficiency. Intra prediction enables significant reduction of the Intra-Frame (I frame) size and, therefore, contributes to efficient exploitation of bandwidth. In this presentation, we propose new Intra-Prediction algorithms that improve the AV1 prediction model and provide better compression ratios. Two (2) types of methods are considered: )1( New scanning order method that maximizes spatial correlation in order to reduce prediction error; and )2( New Intra-Prediction modes implementation in AVI. Modern video coding standards, including AVI codec, utilize fixed scan orders in processing blocks during intra coding. The fixed scan orders typically result in residual blocks with high prediction error mainly in blocks with edges. This means that the fixed scan orders cannot fully exploit the content-adaptive spatial correlations between adjacent blocks, thus the bitrate after compression tends to be large. To reduce the bitrate induced by inaccurate intra prediction, the proposed approach adaptively chooses the scanning order of blocks according to criteria of firstly predicting blocks with maximum number of surrounding, already Inter-Predicted blocks. Using the modified scanning order method and the new modes has reduced the MSE by up to five (5) times when compared to conventional TM mode / Raster scan and up to two (2) times when compared to conventional CALIC mode / Raster scan, depending on the image characteristics (which determines the percentage of blocks predicted with Inter-Prediction, which in turn impacts the efficiency of the new scanning method). For the same cases, the PSNR was shown to improve by up to 7.4dB and up to 4 dB, respectively. The new modes have yielded 5% improvement in BD-Rate over traditionally used modes, when run on K-Frame, which is expected to yield 1% of overall improvement.

SU-C-19A-01: A Simple Deep Inspiration Breath Hold System

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

Rasmussen, B; Kaznowski, L; Blackburn, J

2014-06-15

Purpose: Deep Inspiration Breath Hold (DIBH) Radiation therapy for left sided breast can reduce dose to the lungs and heart. The purpose of this work is to illustrate how to implement a simple method of DIBH for simulation and treatment using equipment readily available in most radiation oncology clinics. Methods: For simulation and treatment, a foam block is placed on the patient's abdomen or chest and a horizontal laser mounted on a movable slide is aimed at the center of the foam block. After a coaching session the block is marked at the average free breathing position and average DIBHmore » position. The position of block relative to laser can be seen by the patient via prism glasses as well as the radiation therapists via a video camera system. Simulation CT scans and treatment delivery are performed under DIBH conditions. Imaging and treatment are performed by manually turning the beam on once the patient has achieved DIBH after being given verbal instructions. Results: Manually triggered imaging was used daily to verify DIBH reproducibility for all patients treated using this system. Sets of before and during port images were used to ensure patient position was appropriate for treatment. Results of the laser on block method were compared to a sister facility using surface mapping techniques for DIBH and the two methods were found to have clinically equivalent reproducibility. Conclusion: The laser and block system was found to be simple to implement and robust during patient treatment. This system can be created from readily available materials at low cost and provides adequate feedback to patient and therapists. During treatment images document the reproducibility of setup and give confidence to clinicians that this method is reproducible from day to day.« less

Synthetic Method for Oligonucleotide Block by Using Alkyl-Chain-Soluble Support.

PubMed

Matsuno, Yuki; Shoji, Takao; Kim, Shokaku; Chiba, Kazuhiro

2016-02-19

A straightforward method for the synthesis of oligonucleotide blocks using a Cbz-type alkyl-chain-soluble support (Z-ACSS) attached to the 3'-OH group of 3'-terminal nucleosides was developed. The Z-ACSS allowed for the preparation of fully protected deoxyribo- and ribo-oligonucleotides without chromatographic purification and released dimer- to tetramer-size oligonucleotide blocks via hydrogenation using a Pd/C catalyst without significant loss or migration of protective groups such as 5'-end 4,4'-dimethoxtrityl, 2-cyanoethyl on internucleotide bonds, or 2'-TBS.

Channel Estimation and Pilot Design for Massive MIMO Systems with Block-Structured Compressive Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, ZhuoKai; Yang, Tiejun; Zhu, Chunhua

2018-03-01

Through utilizing the technology of compressive sensing (CS), the channel estimation methods can achieve the purpose of reducing pilots and improving spectrum efficiency. The channel estimation and pilot design scheme are explored during the correspondence under the help of block-structured CS in massive MIMO systems. The block coherence property of the aggregate system matrix can be minimized so that the pilot design scheme based on stochastic search is proposed. Moreover, the block sparsity adaptive matching pursuit (BSAMP) algorithm under the common sparsity model is proposed so that the channel estimation can be caught precisely. Simulation results are to be proved the proposed design algorithm with superimposed pilots design and the BSAMP algorithm can provide better channel estimation than existing methods.

Different blocking agents cause variation in the immunologic detection of proteins transferred to nitrocellulose membranes.

PubMed

Spinola, S M; Cannon, J G

1985-07-16

We compared bovine serum albumin, commercial non-fat dry milk, and Tween 20 as blocking agents for immunologic probing of bacterial proteins transferred to nitrocellulose sheets. There were quantitative and qualitative differences in antigens detected that depended on which blocking agents were used. We suggest that several methods for blocking and washing nitrocellulose should be compared when Western blotting is used to detect immunologically reactive proteins.

Markov prior-based block-matching algorithm for superdimension reconstruction of porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; He, Xiaohai; Teng, Qizhi; Feng, Junxi; Wu, Xiaohong

2018-04-01

A superdimension reconstruction algorithm is used for the reconstruction of three-dimensional (3D) structures of a porous medium based on a single two-dimensional image. The algorithm borrows the concepts of "blocks," "learning," and "dictionary" from learning-based superresolution reconstruction and applies them to the 3D reconstruction of a porous medium. In the neighborhood-matching process of the conventional superdimension reconstruction algorithm, the Euclidean distance is used as a criterion, although it may not really reflect the structural correlation between adjacent blocks in an actual situation. Hence, in this study, regular items are adopted as prior knowledge in the reconstruction process, and a Markov prior-based block-matching algorithm for superdimension reconstruction is developed for more accurate reconstruction. The algorithm simultaneously takes into consideration the probabilistic relationship between the already reconstructed blocks in three different perpendicular directions (x , y , and z ) and the block to be reconstructed, and the maximum value of the probability product of the blocks to be reconstructed (as found in the dictionary for the three directions) is adopted as the basis for the final block selection. Using this approach, the problem of an imprecise spatial structure caused by a point simulation can be overcome. The problem of artifacts in the reconstructed structure is also addressed through the addition of hard data and by neighborhood matching. To verify the improved reconstruction accuracy of the proposed method, the statistical and morphological features of the results from the proposed method and traditional superdimension reconstruction method are compared with those of the target system. The proposed superdimension reconstruction algorithm is confirmed to enable a more accurate reconstruction of the target system while also eliminating artifacts.

Codestream-Based Identification of JPEG 2000 Images with Different Coding Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watanabe, Osamu; Fukuhara, Takahiro; Kiya, Hitoshi

A method of identifying JPEG 2000 images with different coding parameters, such as code-block sizes, quantization-step sizes, and resolution levels, is presented. It does not produce false-negative matches regardless of different coding parameters (compression rate, code-block size, and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) resolutions levels) or quantization step sizes. This feature is not provided by conventional methods. Moreover, the proposed approach is fast because it uses the number of zero-bit-planes that can be extracted from the JPEG 2000 codestream by only parsing the header information without embedded block coding with optimized truncation (EBCOT) decoding. The experimental results revealed the effectiveness of image identification based on the new method.

From global to heavy-light: 5-point conformal blocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alkalaev, Konstantin; Belavin, Vladimir

2016-03-01

We consider Virasoro conformal blocks in the large central charge limit. There are different regimes depending on the behavior of the conformal dimensions. The most simple regime is reduced to the global sl(2,C) conformal blocks while the most complicated one is known as the classical conformal blocks. Recently, Fitzpatrick, Kaplan, and Walters showed that the two regimes are related through the intermediate stage of the so-called heavy-light semiclassical limit. We study this idea in the particular case of the 5-point conformal block. To find the 5-point global block we use the projector technique and the Casimir operator approach. Furthermore, we discuss the relation between the global and the heavy-light limits and construct the heavy-light block from the global block. In this way we reproduce our previous results for the 5-point perturbative classical block obtained by means of the monodromy method.

General purpose programmable accelerator board

DOEpatents

Robertson, Perry J.; Witzke, Edward L.

2001-01-01

A general purpose accelerator board and acceleration method comprising use of: one or more programmable logic devices; a plurality of memory blocks; bus interface for communicating data between the memory blocks and devices external to the board; and dynamic programming capabilities for providing logic to the programmable logic device to be executed on data in the memory blocks.

Superior perioperative analgesia with combined femoral-obturator-sciatic nerve block in comparison with posterior lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block for ACL reconstructive surgery.

PubMed

Bareka, Metaxia; Hantes, Michael; Arnaoutoglou, Eleni; Vretzakis, George

2018-02-01

The purpose of this randomized controlled study is to compare and evaluate the intraoperative and post-operative outcome of PLPS nerve block and that of femoral, obturator and sciatic (FOS) nerve block as a method of anaesthesia, in performing ACL reconstruction. Patients referred for elective arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using hamstring autograft were divided in two groups. The first group received combined femoral-obturator-sciatic nerve block (FOS Group) under dual guidance, whereas the second group received posterior lumbar plexus block under neurostimulation and sciatic nerve block (PLPS Group) under dual guidance. The two groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, BMI and athletic activity. The time needed to perform the nerve blocks was significantly shorter for the FOS group (p < 0.005). Similarly, VAS scores during tourniquet inflation and autograft harvesting were significantly higher (p < 0.005) in the PLPS group and this is also reflected in the intraoperative fentanyl consumption and conversion to general anaesthesia. Finally, patients in this group also reported higher post-operative VAS scores and consumed more morphine. Peripheral nerve blockade of FOS nerve block under dual guidance for arthroscopic ACL reconstructive surgery is a safe and tempting anaesthetic choice. The success rate of this technique is higher in comparison with PLPS and results in less peri- and post-operative pain with less opioid consumption. This study provides support for the use of peripheral nerve blocks as an exclusive method for ACL reconstructive surgery in an ambulatory setting with almost no complications. I.

A new method for detection and discrimination of Pepino mosaic virus isolates using high resolution melting analysis of the triple gene block 3.

PubMed

Hasiów-Jaroszewska, Beata; Komorowska, Beata

2013-10-01

Diagnostic methods distinguished different Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) genotypes but the methods do not detect sequence variation in particular gene segments. The necrotic and non-necrotic isolates (pathotypes) of PepMV share a 99% sequence similarity. These isolates differ from each other at one nucleotide site in the triple gene block 3. In this study, a combination of real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and high resolution melting curve analysis of triple gene block 3 was developed for simultaneous detection and differentiation of PepMV pathotypes. The triple gene block 3 region carrying a transition A → G was amplified using two primer pairs from twelve virus isolates, and was subjected to high resolution melting curve analysis. The results showed two distinct melting curve profiles related to each pathotype. The results also indicated that the high resolution melting method could readily differentiate between necrotic and non-necrotic PepMV pathotypes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Grid Block Design Based on Monte Carlo Simulated Dosimetry, the Linear Quadratic and Hug–Kellerer Radiobiological Models

PubMed Central

Gholami, Somayeh; Nedaie, Hassan Ali; Longo, Francesco; Ay, Mohammad Reza; Dini, Sharifeh A.; Meigooni, Ali S.

2017-01-01

Purpose: The clinical efficacy of Grid therapy has been examined by several investigators. In this project, the hole diameter and hole spacing in Grid blocks were examined to determine the optimum parameters that give a therapeutic advantage. Methods: The evaluations were performed using Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and commonly used radiobiological models. The Geant4 MC code was used to simulate the dose distributions for 25 different Grid blocks with different hole diameters and center-to-center spacing. The therapeutic parameters of these blocks, namely, the therapeutic ratio (TR) and geometrical sparing factor (GSF) were calculated using two different radiobiological models, including the linear quadratic and Hug–Kellerer models. In addition, the ratio of the open to blocked area (ROTBA) is also used as a geometrical parameter for each block design. Comparisons of the TR, GSF, and ROTBA for all of the blocks were used to derive the parameters for an optimum Grid block with the maximum TR, minimum GSF, and optimal ROTBA. A sample of the optimum Grid block was fabricated at our institution. Dosimetric characteristics of this Grid block were measured using an ionization chamber in water phantom, Gafchromic film, and thermoluminescent dosimeters in Solid Water™ phantom materials. Results: The results of these investigations indicated that Grid blocks with hole diameters between 1.00 and 1.25 cm and spacing of 1.7 or 1.8 cm have optimal therapeutic parameters (TR > 1.3 and GSF~0.90). The measured dosimetric characteristics of the optimum Grid blocks including dose profiles, percentage depth dose, dose output factor (cGy/MU), and valley-to-peak ratio were in good agreement (±5%) with the simulated data. Conclusion: In summary, using MC-based dosimetry, two radiobiological models, and previously published clinical data, we have introduced a method to design a Grid block with optimum therapeutic response. The simulated data were reproduced by experimental data. PMID:29296035

Reinforcement of subarachnoid block by epidural volume effect in lower abdominal surgery: A comparison between fentanyl and tramadol for efficacy and block properties

PubMed Central

Mohan, Atiharsh; Singh, Preet Mohinder; Malviya, Deepak; Arya, Sunil Kumar; Singh, Dinesh Kumar

2012-01-01

Background: Epidural volume extension (EVE) is claimed to increase the block height and decrease the dose requirement for intrathecal drug. However, almost all studies have been done in obstetric population and none actually compares the effect of additional drugs added to epidural volume. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five (ASA I and II) patients scheduled for lower abdominal surgery were randomly divided into three groups. All groups received intrathecal 10 mg bupivacaine; two groups received additional 10 ml of normal saline epidurally with 25 mg tramadol or 25 mg of fentanyl. Groups were than compared for maximal block height, rate of sensory block regression to T10, and motor block regression to Bromage scale of 0. Time to first analgesia and adverse effects were also compared among the three groups. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five (ASA I and II) patients scheduled for lower abdominal surgery were randomly divided into three groups. All groups received intrathecal 10 mg bupivacaine; two groups received additional 10 ml of normal saline epidurally with 25 mg tramadol or 25 mg of fentanyl. Groups were than compared for maximal block height, rate of sensory block regression to T10, and motor block regression to Bromage scale of 0. Time to first analgesia and adverse effects were also compared among the three groups. Results: Groups with EVE had statistically significant higher block height, with a significant faster regression that the control group. However, both fentanyl and tramadol groups were inseparable in respect to motor or sensory block regression. Fentanyl group had maximal time to first analgesia, followed by tramadol and control groups. Hemodynamic alterations were also more common in EVE groups. Conclusion: EVE can increase the block height significantly, but it seems to be limited only to the physical property of additional volume in epidural space and fentanyl or tramadol do not seem to differ in their ability to alter block properties. PMID:25885615

System and method for crystalline sheet growth using a cold block and gas jet

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

Kellerman, Peter L.; Mackintosh, Brian; Carlson, Frederick M.

A crystallizer for growing a crystalline sheet from a melt may include a cold block having a cold block surface that faces an exposed surface of the melt, the cold block configured to generate a cold block temperature at the cold block surface that is lower than a melt temperature of the melt at the exposed surface. The system may also include a nozzle disposed within the cold block and configured to deliver a gas jet to the exposed surface, wherein the gas jet and the cold block are interoperative to generate a process zone that removes heat from themore » exposed surface at a first heat removal rate that is greater than a second heat removal rate from the exposed surface in outer regions outside of the process zone.« less

Change detection of medical images using dictionary learning techniques and PCA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nika, Varvara; Babyn, Paul; Zhu, Hongmei

2014-03-01

Automatic change detection methods for identifying the changes of serial MR images taken at different times are of great interest to radiologists. The majority of existing change detection methods in medical imaging, and those of brain images in particular, include many preprocessing steps and rely mostly on statistical analysis of MRI scans. Although most methods utilize registration software, tissue classification remains a difficult and overwhelming task. Recently, dictionary learning techniques are used in many areas of image processing, such as image surveillance, face recognition, remote sensing, and medical imaging. In this paper we present the Eigen-Block Change Detection algorithm (EigenBlockCD). It performs local registration and identifies the changes between consecutive MR images of the brain. Blocks of pixels from baseline scan are used to train local dictionaries that are then used to detect changes in the follow-up scan. We use PCA to reduce the dimensionality of the local dictionaries and the redundancy of data. Choosing the appropriate distance measure significantly affects the performance of our algorithm. We examine the differences between L1 and L2 norms as two possible similarity measures in the EigenBlockCD. We show the advantages of L2 norm over L1 norm theoretically and numerically. We also demonstrate the performance of the EigenBlockCD algorithm for detecting changes of MR images and compare our results with those provided in recent literature. Experimental results with both simulated and real MRI scans show that the EigenBlockCD outperforms the previous methods. It detects clinical changes while ignoring the changes due to patient's position and other acquisition artifacts.

Merging Bottom-Up with Top-Down: Continuous Lamellar Networks and Block Copolymer Lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campbell, Ian Patrick

Block copolymer lithography is an emerging nanopatterning technology with capabilities that may complement and eventually replace those provided by existing optical lithography techniques. This bottom-up process relies on the parallel self-assembly of macromolecules composed of covalently linked, chemically distinct blocks to generate periodic nanostructures. Among the myriad potential morphologies, lamellar structures formed by diblock copolymers with symmetric volume fractions have attracted the most interest as a patterning tool. When confined to thin films and directed to assemble with interfaces perpendicular to the substrate, two-dimensional domains are formed between the free surface and the substrate, and selective removal of a single block creates a nanostructured polymeric template. The substrate exposed between the polymeric features can subsequently be modified through standard top-down microfabrication processes to generate novel nanostructured materials. Despite tremendous progress in our understanding of block copolymer self-assembly, continuous two-dimensional materials have not yet been fabricated via this robust technique, which may enable nanostructured material combinations that cannot be fabricated through bottom-up methods. This thesis aims to study the effects of block copolymer composition and processing on the lamellar network morphology of polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) and utilize this knowledge to fabricate continuous two-dimensional materials through top-down methods. First, block copolymer composition was varied through homopolymer blending to explore the physical phenomena surrounding lamellar network continuity. After establishing a framework for tuning the continuity, the effects of various processing parameters were explored to engineer the network connectivity via defect annihilation processes. Precisely controlling the connectivity and continuity of lamellar networks through defect engineering and optimizing the block copolymer lithography process thus enabled the top-down fabrication of continuous two-dimensional gold networks with nanoscale properties. The lamellar structure of these networks was found to confer unique mechanical properties on the nanowire networks and suggests that materials templated via this method may be excellent candidates for integration into stretchable and flexible devices.

A new estimation of equivalent matrix block sizes in fractured media with two-phase flow applications in dual porosity models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jerbi, Chahir; Fourno, André; Noetinger, Benoit; Delay, Frederick

2017-05-01

Single and multiphase flows in fractured porous media at the scale of natural reservoirs are often handled by resorting to homogenized models that avoid the heavy computations associated with a complete discretization of both fractures and matrix blocks. For example, the two overlapping continua (fractures and matrix) of a dual porosity system are coupled by way of fluid flux exchanges that deeply condition flow at the large scale. This characteristic is a key to realistic flow simulations, especially for multiphase flow as capillary forces and contrasts of fluid mobility compete in the extraction of a fluid from a capacitive matrix then conveyed through the fractures. The exchange rate between fractures and matrix is conditioned by the so-called mean matrix block size which can be viewed as the size of a single matrix block neighboring a single fracture within a mesh of a dual porosity model. We propose a new evaluation of this matrix block size based on the analysis of discrete fracture networks. The fundaments rely upon establishing at the scale of a fractured block the equivalence between the actual fracture network and a Warren and Root network only made of three regularly spaced fracture families parallel to the facets of the fractured block. The resulting matrix block sizes are then compared via geometrical considerations and two-phase flow simulations to the few other available methods. It is shown that the new method is stable in the sense it provides accurate sizes irrespective of the type of fracture network investigated. The method also results in two-phase flow simulations from dual porosity models very close to that from references calculated in finely discretized networks. Finally, calculations of matrix block sizes by this new technique reveal very rapid, which opens the way to cumbersome applications such as preconditioning a dual porosity approach applied to regional fractured reservoirs.

SCA with rotation to distinguish common and distinctive information in linked data.

PubMed

Schouteden, Martijn; Van Deun, Katrijn; Pattyn, Sven; Van Mechelen, Iven

2013-09-01

Often data are collected that consist of different blocks that all contain information about the same entities (e.g., items, persons, or situations). In order to unveil both information that is common to all data blocks and information that is distinctive for one or a few of them, an integrated analysis of the whole of all data blocks may be most useful. Interesting classes of methods for such an approach are simultaneous-component and multigroup factor analysis methods. These methods yield dimensions underlying the data at hand. Unfortunately, however, in the results from such analyses, common and distinctive types of information are mixed up. This article proposes a novel method to disentangle the two kinds of information, by making use of the rotational freedom of component and factor models. We illustrate this method with data from a cross-cultural study of emotions.

The Coordinate Transformation Method of High Resolution dem Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Chaode; Guo, Wang; Li, Aimin

2018-04-01

Coordinate transformation methods of DEM data can be divided into two categories. One reconstruct based on original vector elevation data. The other transforms DEM data blocks by transforming parameters. But the former doesn't work in the absence of original vector data, and the later may cause errors at joint places between adjoining blocks of high resolution DEM data. In view of this problem, a method dealing with high resolution DEM data coordinate transformation is proposed. The method transforms DEM data into discrete vector elevation points, and then adjusts positions of points by bi-linear interpolation respectively. Finally, a TIN is generated by transformed points, and the new DEM data in target coordinate system is reconstructed based on TIN. An algorithm which can find blocks and transform automatically is given in this paper. The method is tested in different terrains and proved to be feasible and valid.

Accelerating nuclear configuration interaction calculations through a preconditioned block iterative eigensolver

DOE PAGES

Shao, Meiyue; Aktulga, H.  Metin; Yang, Chao; ...

2017-09-14

In this paper, we describe a number of recently developed techniques for improving the performance of large-scale nuclear configuration interaction calculations on high performance parallel computers. We show the benefit of using a preconditioned block iterative method to replace the Lanczos algorithm that has traditionally been used to perform this type of computation. The rapid convergence of the block iterative method is achieved by a proper choice of starting guesses of the eigenvectors and the construction of an effective preconditioner. These acceleration techniques take advantage of special structure of the nuclear configuration interaction problem which we discuss in detail. Themore » use of a block method also allows us to improve the concurrency of the computation, and take advantage of the memory hierarchy of modern microprocessors to increase the arithmetic intensity of the computation relative to data movement. Finally, we also discuss the implementation details that are critical to achieving high performance on massively parallel multi-core supercomputers, and demonstrate that the new block iterative solver is two to three times faster than the Lanczos based algorithm for problems of moderate sizes on a Cray XC30 system.« less

Detection of combustion start in the controlled auto ignition engine by wavelet transform of the engine block vibration signal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seonguk; Min, Kyoungdoug

2008-08-01

The CAI (controlled auto ignition) engine ignites fuel and air mixture by trapping high temperature burnt gas using a negative valve overlap. Due to auto ignition in CAI combustion, efficiency improvements and low level NOx emission can be obtained. Meanwhile, the CAI combustion regime is restricted and control parameters are limited. The start of combustion data in the compressed ignition engine are most critical for controlling the overall combustion. In this research, the engine block vibration signal is transformed by the Meyer wavelet to analyze CAI combustion more easily and accurately. Signal acquisition of the engine block vibration is a more suitable method for practical use than measurement of in-cylinder pressure. A new method for detecting combustion start in CAI engines through wavelet transformation of the engine block vibration signal was developed and results indicate that it is accurate enough to analyze the start of combustion. Experimental results show that wavelet transformation of engine block vibration can track the start of combustion in each cycle. From this newly developed method, the start of combustion data in CAI engines can be detected more easily and used as input data for controlling CAI combustion.

Accelerating nuclear configuration interaction calculations through a preconditioned block iterative eigensolver

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

Shao, Meiyue; Aktulga, H.  Metin; Yang, Chao

In this paper, we describe a number of recently developed techniques for improving the performance of large-scale nuclear configuration interaction calculations on high performance parallel computers. We show the benefit of using a preconditioned block iterative method to replace the Lanczos algorithm that has traditionally been used to perform this type of computation. The rapid convergence of the block iterative method is achieved by a proper choice of starting guesses of the eigenvectors and the construction of an effective preconditioner. These acceleration techniques take advantage of special structure of the nuclear configuration interaction problem which we discuss in detail. Themore » use of a block method also allows us to improve the concurrency of the computation, and take advantage of the memory hierarchy of modern microprocessors to increase the arithmetic intensity of the computation relative to data movement. Finally, we also discuss the implementation details that are critical to achieving high performance on massively parallel multi-core supercomputers, and demonstrate that the new block iterative solver is two to three times faster than the Lanczos based algorithm for problems of moderate sizes on a Cray XC30 system.« less

Block correlated second order perturbation theory with a generalized valence bond reference function.

PubMed

Xu, Enhua; Li, Shuhua

2013-11-07

The block correlated second-order perturbation theory with a generalized valence bond (GVB) reference (GVB-BCPT2) is proposed. In this approach, each geminal in the GVB reference is considered as a "multi-orbital" block (a subset of spin orbitals), and each occupied or virtual spin orbital is also taken as a single block. The zeroth-order Hamiltonian is set to be the summation of the individual Hamiltonians of all blocks (with explicit two-electron operators within each geminal) so that the GVB reference function and all excited configuration functions are its eigenfunctions. The GVB-BCPT2 energy can be directly obtained without iteration, just like the second order Mo̸ller-Plesset perturbation method (MP2), both of which are size consistent. We have applied this GVB-BCPT2 method to investigate the equilibrium distances and spectroscopic constants of 7 diatomic molecules, conformational energy differences of 8 small molecules, and bond-breaking potential energy profiles in 3 systems. GVB-BCPT2 is demonstrated to have noticeably better performance than MP2 for systems with significant multi-reference character, and provide reasonably accurate results for some systems with large active spaces, which are beyond the capability of all CASSCF-based methods.

Deblocking of mobile stereo video

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azzari, Lucio; Gotchev, Atanas; Egiazarian, Karen

2012-02-01

Most of candidate methods for compression of mobile stereo video apply block-transform based compression based on the H-264 standard with quantization of transform coefficients driven by quantization parameter (QP). The compression ratio and the resulting bit rate are directly determined by the QP level and high compression is achieved for the price of visually noticeable blocking artifacts. Previous studies on perceived quality of mobile stereo video have revealed that blocking artifacts are the most annoying and most influential in the acceptance/rejection of mobile stereo video and can even completely cancel the 3D effect and the corresponding quality added value. In this work, we address the problem of deblocking of mobile stereo video. We modify a powerful non-local transform-domain collaborative filtering method originally developed for denoising of images and video. The method employs grouping of similar block patches residing in spatial and temporal vicinity of a reference block in filtering them collaboratively in a suitable transform domain. We study the most suitable way of finding similar patches in both channels of stereo video and suggest a hybrid four-dimensional transform to process the collected synchronized (stereo) volumes of grouped blocks. The results benefit from the additional correlation available between the left and right channel of the stereo video. Furthermore, addition sharpening is applied through an embedded alpha-rooting in transform domain, which improve the visual appearance of the deblocked frames.

Resampling method for applying density-dependent habitat selection theory to wildlife surveys.

PubMed

Tardy, Olivia; Massé, Ariane; Pelletier, Fanie; Fortin, Daniel

2015-01-01

Isodar theory can be used to evaluate fitness consequences of density-dependent habitat selection by animals. A typical habitat isodar is a regression curve plotting competitor densities in two adjacent habitats when individual fitness is equal. Despite the increasing use of habitat isodars, their application remains largely limited to areas composed of pairs of adjacent habitats that are defined a priori. We developed a resampling method that uses data from wildlife surveys to build isodars in heterogeneous landscapes without having to predefine habitat types. The method consists in randomly placing blocks over the survey area and dividing those blocks in two adjacent sub-blocks of the same size. Animal abundance is then estimated within the two sub-blocks. This process is done 100 times. Different functional forms of isodars can be investigated by relating animal abundance and differences in habitat features between sub-blocks. We applied this method to abundance data of raccoons and striped skunks, two of the main hosts of rabies virus in North America. Habitat selection by raccoons and striped skunks depended on both conspecific abundance and the difference in landscape composition and structure between sub-blocks. When conspecific abundance was low, raccoons and striped skunks favored areas with relatively high proportions of forests and anthropogenic features, respectively. Under high conspecific abundance, however, both species preferred areas with rather large corn-forest edge densities and corn field proportions. Based on random sampling techniques, we provide a robust method that is applicable to a broad range of species, including medium- to large-sized mammals with high mobility. The method is sufficiently flexible to incorporate multiple environmental covariates that can reflect key requirements of the focal species. We thus illustrate how isodar theory can be used with wildlife surveys to assess density-dependent habitat selection over large geographic extents.

Holographic entanglement and Poincaré blocks in three-dimensional flat space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hijano, Eliot; Rabideau, Charles

2018-05-01

We propose a covariant prescription to compute holographic entanglement entropy and Poincaré blocks (Global BMS blocks) in the context of three-dimensional Einstein gravity in flat space. We first present a prescription based on worldline methods in the probe limit, inspired by recent analog calculations in AdS/CFT. Building on this construction, we propose a full extrapolate dictionary and use it to compute holographic correlators and blocks away from the probe limit.

Numerical solution of second order ODE directly by two point block backward differentiation formula

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zainuddin, Nooraini; Ibrahim, Zarina Bibi; Othman, Khairil Iskandar; Suleiman, Mohamed; Jamaludin, Noraini

2015-12-01

Direct Two Point Block Backward Differentiation Formula, (BBDF2) for solving second order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) will be presented throughout this paper. The method is derived by differentiating the interpolating polynomial using three back values. In BBDF2, two approximate solutions are produced simultaneously at each step of integration. The method derived is implemented by using fixed step size and the numerical results that follow demonstrate the advantage of the direct method as compared to the reduction method.

Blocking performance approximation in flexi-grid networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ge, Fei; Tan, Liansheng

2016-12-01

The blocking probability to the path requests is an important issue in flexible bandwidth optical communications. In this paper, we propose a blocking probability approximation method of path requests in flexi-grid networks. It models the bundled neighboring carrier allocation with a group of birth-death processes and provides a theoretical analysis to the blocking probability under variable bandwidth traffic. The numerical results show the effect of traffic parameters to the blocking probability of path requests. We use the first fit algorithm in network nodes to allocate neighboring carriers to path requests in simulations, and verify approximation results.

Surface code implementation of block code state distillation.

PubMed

Fowler, Austin G; Devitt, Simon J; Jones, Cody

2013-01-01

State distillation is the process of taking a number of imperfect copies of a particular quantum state and producing fewer better copies. Until recently, the lowest overhead method of distilling states produced a single improved [formula: see text] state given 15 input copies. New block code state distillation methods can produce k improved [formula: see text] states given 3k + 8 input copies, potentially significantly reducing the overhead associated with state distillation. We construct an explicit surface code implementation of block code state distillation and quantitatively compare the overhead of this approach to the old. We find that, using the best available techniques, for parameters of practical interest, block code state distillation does not always lead to lower overhead, and, when it does, the overhead reduction is typically less than a factor of three.

Surface code implementation of block code state distillation

PubMed Central

Fowler, Austin G.; Devitt, Simon J.; Jones, Cody

2013-01-01

State distillation is the process of taking a number of imperfect copies of a particular quantum state and producing fewer better copies. Until recently, the lowest overhead method of distilling states produced a single improved |A〉 state given 15 input copies. New block code state distillation methods can produce k improved |A〉 states given 3k + 8 input copies, potentially significantly reducing the overhead associated with state distillation. We construct an explicit surface code implementation of block code state distillation and quantitatively compare the overhead of this approach to the old. We find that, using the best available techniques, for parameters of practical interest, block code state distillation does not always lead to lower overhead, and, when it does, the overhead reduction is typically less than a factor of three. PMID:23736868

Simple Common Plane contact detection algorithm for FE/FD methods

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

Vorobiev, O

2006-07-19

Common-plane (CP) algorithm is widely used in Discrete Element Method (DEM) to model contact forces between interacting particles or blocks. A new simple contact detection algorithm is proposed to model contacts in FE/FD methods which is similar to the CP algorithm. The CP is defined as a plane separating interacting faces of FE/FD mesh instead of blocks or particles in the original CP method. The method does not require iterations. It is very robust and easy to implement both in 2D and 3D case.

Surge Block Method for Controlling Well Clogging and Sampling Sediment during Bioremediation

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

Wu, Wei-min; Watson, David B; Luo, Jian

2013-01-01

A surge block treatment method (i.e. inserting a solid rod plunger with a flat seal that closely fits the casing interior into a well and stocking it up and down) was performed for the rehabilitation of wells clogged with biomass and for the collection of time series sediment samples during in situ bioremediation tests for U(VI) immobilization at a the U.S. Department of Energy site in Oak Ridge, TN. The clogging caused by biomass growth had been controlled by using routine surge block treatment for18 times over a nearly four year test period. The treatment frequency was dependent of themore » dosage of electron donor injection and microbial community developed in the subsurface. Hydraulic tests showed that the apparent aquifer transmissivity at a clogged well with an inner diameter (ID) of 10.16 cm was increased by 8 13 times after the rehabilitation, indicating the effectiveness of the rehabilitation. Simultaneously with the rehabilitation, the surge block method was successfully used for collecting time series sediment samples composed of fine particles (clay and silt) from wells with ID 1.9 10.16 cm for the analysis of mineralogical and geochemical composition and microbial community during the same period. Our results demonstrated that the surge block method provided a cost-effective approach for both well rehabilitation and frequent solid sampling at the same location.« less

A study of the tolerance block approach to special stratification. [winter wheat in Kansas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, W. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Twelve winter wheat LACIE segments in Kansas were used to compare the performance of three clustering methods: (1) BCLUST, which uses a spectral distance function to accumulate clusters; (2) blocks-alone, which divides spectral space into equally populated blocks; and (3) block-seeds, which uses spectral means of blocks-alone as seeds for accumulating distance-type clusters. Both BCLUST and block-seeds performed equally well and outperformed blocks-alone significantly. Their average variance ratio of about 0.5 showed imperfect separation of wheat from non-wheat. This result points to the need to explore the achievable crop separability in the spectral/temporal domain, and suggest evaluating derived features rather than data channels as a means to achieve purer spectral strata.

Polystyrene/wood composites and hydrophobic wood coatings from water-based hydrophilic-hydrophobic block copolymers

Treesearch

Marja-Leena Kosonen; Bo Wang; Gerard T. Caneba; Douglas J. Gardner; Tim G. Rials

2000-01-01

The combination of synthetic thermoplastic polymers and wood is normally problematic because wood surfaces are hydrophilic while typical thermoplastic polymers are hydrophobic. A possible solution is to use block copolymer coupling agents. In this work we show the use of a potentially useful synthetic method of producing hydrophilic-hydrophobic block copolymers as...

A Remote Sensing Image Fusion Method based on adaptive dictionary learning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Tongdi; Che, Zongxi

2018-01-01

This paper discusses using a remote sensing fusion method, based on' adaptive sparse representation (ASP)', to provide improved spectral information, reduce data redundancy and decrease system complexity. First, the training sample set is formed by taking random blocks from the images to be fused, the dictionary is then constructed using the training samples, and the remaining terms are clustered to obtain the complete dictionary by iterated processing at each step. Second, the self-adaptive weighted coefficient rule of regional energy is used to select the feature fusion coefficients and complete the reconstruction of the image blocks. Finally, the reconstructed image blocks are rearranged and an average is taken to obtain the final fused images. Experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to other traditional remote sensing image fusion methods in both spectral information preservation and spatial resolution.

Development of ocular viscosity characterization method.

PubMed

Shu-Hao Lu; Guo-Zhen Chen; Leung, Stanley Y Y; Lam, David C C

2016-08-01

Glaucoma is the second leading cause for blindness. Irreversible and progressive optic nerve damage results when the intraocular pressure (IOP) exceeds 21 mmHg. The elevated IOP is attributed to blocked fluid drainage from the eye. Methods to measure the IOP are widely available, but methods to measure the viscous response to blocked drainage has yet been developed. An indentation method to characterize the ocular flow is developed in this study. Analysis of the load-relaxation data from indentation tests on drainage-controlled porcine eyes showed that the blocked drainage is correlated with increases in ocular viscosity. Successful correlation of the ocular viscosity with drainage suggests that ocular viscosity maybe further developed as a new diagnostic parameter for assessment of normal tension glaucoma where nerve damage occurs without noticeable IOP elevation; and as a diagnostic parameter complimentary to conventional IOP in conventional diagnosis.

Three-dimensional block copolymer nanostructures by the solvent-annealing-induced wetting in anodic aluminum oxide templates.

PubMed

Chu, Chiang-Jui; Chung, Pei-Yun; Chi, Mu-Huan; Kao, Yi-Huei; Chen, Jiun-Tai

2014-09-01

Block copolymers have been extensively studied over the last few decades because they can self-assemble into well-ordered nanoscale structures. The morphologies of block copolymers in confined geometries, however, are still not fully understood. In this work, the fabrication and morphologies of three-dimensional polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) nanostructures confined in the nanopores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates are studied. It is discovered that the block copolymers can wet the nanopores using a novel solvent-annealing-induced nanowetting in templates (SAINT) method. The unique advantage of this method is that the problem of thermal degradation can be avoided. In addition, the morphologies of PS-b-PDMS nanostructures can be controlled by changing the wetting conditions. Different solvents are used as the annealing solvent, including toluene, hexane, and a co-solvent of toluene and hexane. When the block copolymer wets the nanopores in toluene vapors, a perpendicular morphology is observed. When the block copolymer wets the nanopores in co-solvent vapors (toluene/hexane = 3:2), unusual circular and helical morphologies are obtained. These three-dimensional nanostructures can serve as naontemplates for refilling with other functional materials, such as Au, Ag, ZnO, and TiO2 . © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The modeling of an automotive electronic control system and the application of optimizing methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yansheng; Yang, Zhigang; Zhang, Xiang

2005-12-01

Now, MATLAB/SIMULINK software is popularly used by automotive electronic control designers to develop automotive electronic control systems and perform numerical simulations. But they will face problems, such as value initialization in the "integrator" block, conversion among different data types, selection of "if" block and "switch" block, realization of the "if-clause" under multiple options and the auto-switching control, etc. Taking as an example the designing of an Automated Mechanical Transmission (AMT) system, this paper discusses some techniques and methods for modeling the automotive electronic control system with MATLAB/SIMULINK, offering designers some successful examples.

Preparation of high temperature gas-cooled reactor fuel element

DOEpatents

Bradley, Ronnie A.; Sease, John D.

1976-01-01

This invention relates to a method for the preparation of high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) fuel elements wherein uncarbonized fuel rods are inserted in appropriate channels of an HTGR fuel element block and the entire block is inserted in an autoclave for in situ carbonization under high pressure. The method is particularly applicable to remote handling techniques.

Method and apparatus for conducting variable thickness vapor deposition

DOEpatents

Nesslage, G.V.

1984-08-03

A method of vapor depositing metal on a substrate in variable thickness comprises conducting the deposition continuously without interruption to avoid formation of grain boundaries. To achieve reduced deposition in specific regions a thin wire or ribbon blocking body is placed between source and substrate to partially block vapors from depositing in the region immediately below.

Optimum target sizes for a sequential sawing process

Treesearch

H. Dean Claxton

1972-01-01

A method for solving a class of problems in random sequential processes is presented. Sawing cedar pencil blocks is used to illustrate the method. Equations are developed for the function representing loss from improper sizing of blocks. A weighted over-all distribution for sawing and drying operations is developed and graphed. Loss minimizing changes in the control...

A Study on Markerless AR-Based Infant Education System Using CBIR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Ji-Hoon; Kim, Seoksoo

Block play is widely known to be effective to help a child develop emotionally and physically based on learning by a sense of sight and touch. But block play can not expect to have learning effects through a sense of hearing. Therefore, in this study, such limitations are overcome by a method that recognizes an object made up of blocks, not a marker-based method generally used for an AR environment, a matching technology enabling an object to be perceived in every direction, and a technology combining images of the real world with 2D/3D images/pictures/sounds of a similar object. Also, an education system for children aged 3~5 is designed to implement markerless AR with the CBIR method.

Les conditions d’hébergement favorables au rétablissement : perspective des usagers et usagères

PubMed Central

Piat, Myra; Boyer, Richard; Cloutier, Simon; Fleury, Marie-Josée; Lesage, Alain

2016-01-01

Cette recherche vise à mieux comprendre le rôle de l’hébergement dans le rétablissement des personnes vivant avec une maladie mentale grave. Quarante résidents et résidentes de différents types d’hébergement communautaire structuré ont été interrogés sur les conditions d’hébergement qui favorisent leur rétablissement. Les résultats indiquent qu’aux yeux des résidents et résidentes, les conditions matérielles d’existence ont une influence déterminante sur le rétablissement. Leurs préoccupations s’articulent autour des besoins de base tels que l’alimentation, le coût, les commodités et la qualité de leur hébergement. Les relations sociales avec leur entourage immédiat ont également une grande influence sur le rétablissement des personnes, lesquelles souhaitent d’abord conserver leurs modestes acquis, tant matériels que sociaux. Cette stabilité est prérequise à leur rétablissement. PMID:27099410

A Comparison of Reliability Measures for Continuous and Discontinuous Recording Methods: Inflated Agreement Scores with Partial Interval Recording and Momentary Time Sampling for Duration Events

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rapp, John T.; Carroll, Regina A.; Stangeland, Lindsay; Swanson, Greg; Higgins, William J.

2011-01-01

The authors evaluated the extent to which interobserver agreement (IOA) scores, using the block-by-block method for events scored with continuous duration recording (CDR), were higher when the data from the same sessions were converted to discontinuous methods. Sessions with IOA scores of 89% or less with CDR were rescored using 10-s partial…

Influence of blood sampling methods on dopamine-receptor-blocking activities as determined by a radioreceptor assay.

PubMed

Lai, A A; Fleck, R J; Patzke, J V; Glueck, B G; Shaskan, E G; Rosenberg, B J

1982-01-01

The influence of blood collection methods on dopamine-receptor-blocking activities as determined by a radioreceptor assay kit was investigated. Thirty-one patients treated with one of six neuroleptic drugs (thioridazine, trifluoperazine, haloperidol, chlorpromazine, thiothixene, or fluphenazine) participated in this study. Blood samples were drawn from each patient into five different evacuated blood collection tubes made by the same manufacturer (red-stoppered tube containing no additives, lavender-stoppered tube containing EDTA, green-stoppered tube containing heparin, dark blue-stoppered tube containing no additives, and dark blue-stoppered tube containing heparin). The results show that for five drugs (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, thiothixene, and trifluoperazine), the dark blue-stoppered tubes without additives resulted in significantly higher dopamine-receptor-blocking activities than the red-, lavender-, or green-stoppered tubes. For thioridazine, the green-stoppered tubes resulted in significantly higher blocking activities than the blue- and red-stoppered tubes. The possible effect of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, a plasticizer, on dopamine-receptor-blocking activities by neuroleptic drugs is discussed.

A general parallel sparse-blocked matrix multiply for linear scaling SCF theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Challacombe, Matt

2000-06-01

A general approach to the parallel sparse-blocked matrix-matrix multiply is developed in the context of linear scaling self-consistent-field (SCF) theory. The data-parallel message passing method uses non-blocking communication to overlap computation and communication. The space filling curve heuristic is used to achieve data locality for sparse matrix elements that decay with “separation”. Load balance is achieved by solving the bin packing problem for blocks with variable size.With this new method as the kernel, parallel performance of the simplified density matrix minimization (SDMM) for solution of the SCF equations is investigated for RHF/6-31G ∗∗ water clusters and RHF/3-21G estane globules. Sustained rates above 5.7 GFLOPS for the SDMM have been achieved for (H 2 O) 200 with 95 Origin 2000 processors. Scalability is found to be limited by load imbalance, which increases with decreasing granularity, due primarily to the inhomogeneous distribution of variable block sizes.

Determination of Protein Expression Level in Cultured Cells by Immunocytochemistry on Paraffin-embedded Cell Blocks.

PubMed

Poojan, Shiv; Kim, Han-Seong; Yoon, Ji-Woon; Sim, Hye Won; Hong, Kyeong-Man

2018-05-20

Immunofluorescent staining is currently the method of choice for determination of protein expression levels in cell-culture systems when morphological information is also necessary. The protocol of immunocytochemical staining on paraffin-embedded cell blocks, presented herein, is an excellent alternative to immunofluorescent staining on non-paraffin-embedded fixed cells. In this protocol, a paraffin cell block from HeLa cells was prepared using the thromboplastin-plasma method, and immunocytochemistry was performed for the evaluation of two proliferation markers, CKAP2 and Ki-67. The nuclei and cytoplasmic morphology of the HeLa cells were well preserved in the cell-block slides. At the same time, the CKAP2 and Ki-67 staining patterns in the immunocytochemistry were quite similar to those in immunohistochemical staining in paraffin cancer tissues. With modified cell-culture conditions, including pre-incubation of HeLa cells under serum-free conditions, the effect could be evaluated while preserving architectural information. In conclusion, immunocytochemistry on paraffin-embedded cell blocks is an excellent alternative to immunofluorescent staining.

Non-immunogenic, hydrophilic/cationic block copolymers and uses thereof

DOEpatents

Scales, Charles W.; Huang, Faqing; McCormick, Charles L.

2010-05-18

The present invention provides novel non-immunogenic, hydrophilic/cationic block copolymers comprising a neutral-hydrophilic polymer and a cationic polymer, wherein both polymers have well-defined chain-end functionality. A representative example of such a block copolymer comprises poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) (PHPMA) and poly(N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide) (PDMAPMA). Also provided is a synthesis method thereof in aqueous media via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Further provided are uses of these block copolymers as drug delivery vehicles and protection agents.

Functionalized Helical Building Blocks for Nanoelectronics.

PubMed

Khokhlov, Khrystofor; Schuster, Nathaniel J; Ng, Fay; Nuckolls, Colin

2018-04-06

Molecular building blocks are designed and created for the cis- and trans-dibrominated perylenediimides. The syntheses are simple and provide these useful materials on the gram scale. To demonstrate their synthetic versatility, these building blocks were used to create new dimeric perylenediimide helixes. Two of these helical dimers are twistacenes, and one is a helicene. Crucially, each possesses regiochemically defined functionality that allows the dimer helix to be elaborated into higher oligomers. It would be very difficult to prepare these helical PDI building blocks regioselectively without the methods described.

Associative list processing unit

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

Hemmert, Karl Scott; Underwood, Keith D

2014-04-01

An associative list processing unit and method comprising employing a plurality of prioritized cell blocks and permitting inserts to occur in a single clock cycle if all of the cell blocks are not full.

Improving the Curie depth estimation through optimizing the spectral block dimensions of the aeromagnetic data in the Sabalan geothermal field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbar, Somaieh; Fathianpour, Nader

2016-12-01

The Curie point depth is of great importance in characterizing geothermal resources. In this study, the Curie iso-depth map was provided using the well-known method of dividing the aeromagnetic dataset into overlapping blocks and analyzing the power spectral density of each block separately. Determining the optimum block dimension is vital in improving the resolution and accuracy of estimating Curie point depth. To investigate the relation between the optimal block size and power spectral density, a forward magnetic modeling was implemented on an artificial prismatic body with specified characteristics. The top, centroid, and bottom depths of the body were estimated by the spectral analysis method for different block dimensions. The result showed that the optimal block size could be considered as the smallest possible block size whose corresponding power spectrum represents an absolute maximum in small wavenumbers. The Curie depth map of the Sabalan geothermal field and its surrounding areas, in the northwestern Iran, was produced using a grid of 37 blocks with different dimensions from 10 × 10 to 50 × 50 km2, which showed at least 50% overlapping with adjacent blocks. The Curie point depth was estimated in the range of 5 to 21 km. The promising areas with the Curie point depths less than 8.5 km are located around Mountain Sabalan encompassing more than 90% of known geothermal resources in the study area. Moreover, the Curie point depth estimated by the improved spectral analysis is in good agreement with the depth calculated from the thermal gradient data measured in one of the exploratory wells in the region.

Estimation of interplate coupling along Nankai trough considering the block motion model based on onland GNSS and seafloor GPS/A observation data using MCMC method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, H.; Ito, T.; Tadokoro, K.

2017-12-01

Introduction In southwest Japan, Philippine sea plate is subducting under the overriding plate such as Amurian plate, and mega interplate earthquakes has occurred at about 100 years interval. There is no occurrence of mega interplate earthquakes in southwest Japan, although it has passed about 70 years since the last mega interplate earthquakes: 1944 and 1946 along Nankai trough, meaning that the strain has been accumulated at plate interface. Therefore, it is essential to reveal the interplate coupling more precisely for predicting or understanding the mechanism of next occurring mega interplate earthquake. Recently, seafloor geodetic observation revealed the detailed interplate coupling distribution in expected source region of Nankai trough earthquake (e.g., Yokota et al. [2016]). In this study, we estimated interplate coupling in southwest Japan, considering block motion model and using seafloor geodetic observation data as well as onland GNSS observation data, based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method. Method Observed crustal deformation is assumed that sum of rigid block motion and elastic deformation due to coupling at block boundaries. We modeled this relationship as a non-linear inverse problem that the unknown parameters are Euler pole of each block and coupling at each subfault, and solved them simultaneously based on MCMC method. Input data we used in this study are 863 onland GNSS observation data and 24 seafloor GPS/A observation data. We made some block division models based on the map of active fault tracing and selected the best model based on Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC): that is consist of 12 blocks. Result We find that the interplate coupling along Nankai trough has heterogeneous spatial distribution, strong at the depth of 0 to 20km at off Tokai region, and 0 to 30km at off Shikoku region. Moreover, we find that observed crustal deformation at off Tokai region is well explained by elastic deformation due to subducting Izu Micro Plate. We will present more details of our result, and discuss about not only interplate coupling but also rigid block motion, elastic deformation due to inland fault coupling, and resolution of estimated parameters.

Comments on the Yule Marble Haines block: potential replacement, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington National Cemetery

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mossotti, Victor G.

2014-01-01

Marble for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery was cut from the Colorado Yule Marble Quarry in 1931. Although anecdotal reports suggest that cracks were noticed in the main section of the monument shortly after its installation at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, detailed documentation of the extent of cracking did not appear until 1963. Although debate continues as to whether the main section of the Tomb of the Unknowns monument should be repaired or replaced, Mr. John S. Haines of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, in anticipation of the permanent closing of the Yule Quarry, donated a 58-ton block of Yule Marble, the so-called Haines block, as a potential backup. The brief study reported here was conducted during mid-summer 2009 at the behest of the superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery. The field team entered the subterranean Yule Marble Quarry with the Chief Extraction Engineer in order to contrast the method used for extraction of the Haines block with the method that was probably used to extract the marble block that is now cracked. Based on surficial inspection and shallow coring of the Haines block, and on the nature of crack propagation in Yule Marble as judged by close inspection of a large collection of surrogate Yule Marble blocks, the team found the block to be structurally sound and cosmetically equivalent to the marble used for the current monument. If the Haines block were needed, it would be an appropriate replacement for the existing cracked section of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Monument.

Modeling haplotype block variation using Markov chains.

PubMed

Greenspan, G; Geiger, D

2006-04-01

Models of background variation in genomic regions form the basis of linkage disequilibrium mapping methods. In this work we analyze a background model that groups SNPs into haplotype blocks and represents the dependencies between blocks by a Markov chain. We develop an error measure to compare the performance of this model against the common model that assumes that blocks are independent. By examining data from the International Haplotype Mapping project, we show how the Markov model over haplotype blocks is most accurate when representing blocks in strong linkage disequilibrium. This contrasts with the independent model, which is rendered less accurate by linkage disequilibrium. We provide a theoretical explanation for this surprising property of the Markov model and relate its behavior to allele diversity.

Modeling Haplotype Block Variation Using Markov Chains

PubMed Central

Greenspan, G.; Geiger, D.

2006-01-01

Models of background variation in genomic regions form the basis of linkage disequilibrium mapping methods. In this work we analyze a background model that groups SNPs into haplotype blocks and represents the dependencies between blocks by a Markov chain. We develop an error measure to compare the performance of this model against the common model that assumes that blocks are independent. By examining data from the International Haplotype Mapping project, we show how the Markov model over haplotype blocks is most accurate when representing blocks in strong linkage disequilibrium. This contrasts with the independent model, which is rendered less accurate by linkage disequilibrium. We provide a theoretical explanation for this surprising property of the Markov model and relate its behavior to allele diversity. PMID:16361244

Molecular Building Block-Based Electronic Charges for High-Throughput Screening of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Adsorption Applications.

PubMed

Argueta, Edwin; Shaji, Jeena; Gopalan, Arun; Liao, Peilin; Snurr, Randall Q; Gómez-Gualdrón, Diego A

2018-01-09

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystalline materials with attractive properties for gas separation and storage. Their remarkable tunability makes it possible to create millions of MOF variations but creates the need for fast material screening to identify promising structures. Computational high-throughput screening (HTS) is a possible solution, but its usefulness is tied to accurate predictions of MOF adsorption properties. Accurate adsorption simulations often require an accurate description of electrostatic interactions, which depend on the electronic charges of the MOF atoms. HTS-compatible methods to assign charges to MOF atoms need to accurately reproduce electrostatic potentials (ESPs) and be computationally affordable, but current methods present an unsatisfactory trade-off between computational cost and accuracy. We illustrate a method to assign charges to MOF atoms based on ab initio calculations on MOF molecular building blocks. A library of building blocks with built-in charges is thus created and used by an automated MOF construction code to create hundreds of MOFs with charges "inherited" from the constituent building blocks. The molecular building block-based (MBBB) charges are similar to REPEAT charges-which are charges that reproduce ESPs obtained from ab initio calculations on crystallographic unit cells of nanoporous crystals-and thus similar predictions of adsorption loadings, heats of adsorption, and Henry's constants are obtained with either method. The presented results indicate that the MBBB method to assign charges to MOF atoms is suitable for use in computational high-throughput screening of MOFs for applications that involve adsorption of molecules such as carbon dioxide.

Multi-block sulfonated poly(phenylene) copolymer proton exchange membranes

DOEpatents

Fujimoto, Cy H [Albuquerque, NM; Hibbs, Michael [Albuquerque, NM; Ambrosini, Andrea [Albuquerque, NM

2012-02-07

Improved multi-block sulfonated poly(phenylene) copolymer compositions, methods of making the same, and their use as proton exchange membranes (PEM) in hydrogen fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, in electrode casting solutions and electrodes. The multi-block architecture has defined, controllable hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments. These improved membranes have better ion transport (proton conductivity) and water swelling properties.

Aerial Imagery and LIDAR Data Fusion for Unambiguous Extraction of Adjacent Level-Buildings Footprints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mola Ebrahimi, S.; Arefi, H.; Rasti Veis, H.

2017-09-01

Our paper aims to present a new approach to identify and extract building footprints using aerial images and LiDAR data. Employing an edge detector algorithm, our method first extracts the outer boundary of buildings, and then by taking advantage of Hough transform and extracting the boundary of connected buildings in a building block, it extracts building footprints located in each block. The proposed method first recognizes the predominant leading orientation of a building block using Hough transform, and then rotates the block according to the inverted complement of the dominant line's angle. Therefore the block poses horizontally. Afterwards, by use of another Hough transform, vertical lines, which might be the building boundaries of interest, are extracted and the final building footprints within a block are obtained. The proposed algorithm is implemented and tested on the urban area of Zeebruges, Belgium(IEEE Contest,2015). The areas of extracted footprints are compared to the corresponding areas in the reference data and mean error is equal to 7.43 m2. Besides, qualitative and quantitative evaluations suggest that the proposed algorithm leads to acceptable results in automated precise extraction of building footprints.

Responsive block copolymer photonics triggered by protein-polyelectrolyte coacervation.

PubMed

Fan, Yin; Tang, Shengchang; Thomas, Edwin L; Olsen, Bradley D

2014-11-25

Ionic interactions between proteins and polyelectrolytes are demonstrated as a method to trigger responsive transitions in block copolymer (BCP) photonic gels containing one neutral hydrophobic block and one cationic hydrophilic block. Poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) blocks in lamellar poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) block copolymer thin films are quaternized with primary bromides to yield swollen gels that show strong reflectivity peaks in the visible range; exposure to aqueous solutions of various proteins alters the swelling ratios of the quaternized P2VP (QP2VP) gel layers in the PS-QP2VP materials due to the ionic interactions between proteins and the polyelectrolyte. Parameters such as charge density, hydrophobicity, and cross-link density of the QP2VP gel layers as well as the charge and size of the proteins play significant roles on the photonic responses of the BCP gels. Differences in the size and pH-dependent charge of proteins provide a basis for fingerprinting proteins based on their temporal and equilibrium photonic response. The results demonstrate that the BCP gels and their photonic effect provide a robust and visually interpretable method to differentiate different proteins.

Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Extension Block Splint

PubMed Central

Abboudi, Jack; Jones, Christopher M.

2016-01-01

Background: Extension block splinting of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is a simple and useful treatment option although the practical application of this technique has remained undefined in the literature. Methods: This article provides a step-by-step technique for the construction of a reliable PIP extension block splint and also reviews basic indications for treatment with a PIP extension block splint as well as other PIP extension block splint designs. Results: The proposed splint design outlined in this article is reliable, easy to reproduce and easy for patients to manage when treated with a PIP extension block splint. Conclusions: PIP extension block splinting has a role for certain injuries and certain post-operative protocols. A reliable splint design that is easy to manage makes this treatment choice more attractive to the surgeon and the patient. PMID:27390555

Sintering behavior and mechanical properties of zirconia compacts fabricated by uniaxial press forming

PubMed Central

Oh, Gye-Jeong; Yun, Kwi-Dug; Lee, Kwang-Min; Lim, Hyun-Pil

2010-01-01

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to compare the linear sintering behavior of presintered zirconia blocks of various densities. The mechanical properties of the resulting sintered zirconia blocks were then analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three experimental groups of dental zirconia blocks, with a different presintering density each, were designed in the present study. Kavo Everest® ZS blanks (Kavo, Biberach, Germany) were used as a control group. The experimental group blocks were fabricated from commercial yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia powder (KZ-3YF (SD) Type A, KCM. Corporation, Nagoya, Japan). The biaxial flexural strengths, microhardnesses, and microstructures of the sintered blocks were then investigated. The linear sintering shrinkages of blocks were calculated and compared. RESULTS Despite their different presintered densities, the sintered blocks of the control and experimental groups showed similar mechanical properties. However, the sintered block had different linear sintering shrinkage rate depending on the density of the presintered block. As the density of the presintered block increased, the linear sintering shrinkage decreased. In the experimental blocks, the three sectioned pieces of each block showed the different linear shrinkage depending on the area. The tops of the experimental blocks showed the lowest linear sintering shrinkage, whereas the bottoms of the experimental blocks showed the highest linear sintering shrinkage. CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, the density difference of the presintered zirconia block did not affect the mechanical properties of the sintered zirconia block, but affected the linear sintering shrinkage of the zirconia block. PMID:21165274

[Application of blocking vessels in operative therapy of non-limb hemangioma].

PubMed

Zheng, Fanwei; Cen, Ying; Cui, Zhengjun

2005-04-01

To study the surgical method to reduce bleeding in treating hemangioma at non-limb sites. From November 1998 to November 2003, 49 cases of non-limb hemangioma were treated, aged 3 months to 63 years, including 21 males and 28 females. There were 14 cases of capillary hemangioma, 25 cases of cavernous hemangioma, 7 cases of arterial racemose angioma and 3 cases of mixture hemangioma. According to the position and type of hemangioma, the various methods of blocking blood vessels were adopted to assist resect tumors. After the pulsatile artery was felt in arterial racemose angioma of neck and face by palpation, we sutured and knotted it with 7-0 silk string to block the bleeding. We found out the common iliac artery or external iliac artery or femoral artery and blocked them temporarily to resect arterial racemose angioma in inguen and thigh. We sutured and knotted vessel with 7-0 silk string to block the bleeding in capillary hemangioma and cavernous hemangioma of neck and face and truncus. Intraoperative bleeding obviously decreased and the tumor size reduced to various extent. Of the 49 cases, 47 cases achieved complete success, 2 cases bled within two days after operation. A postoperative follow-up of 6 months to 4 years showed that the appearance and function were satisfactory. The preoperative method of blocking blood vessels obviously can reduce intraoperative bleeding and decrease operative difficulty, which makes it possible to eradicate hemangioma and lower recurrence rate.

A Two-Dimensional Helmholtz Equation Solution for the Multiple Cavity Scattering Problem

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-02-01

obtained by using the block Gauss – Seidel iterative meth- od. To show the convergence of the iterative method, we define the error between two...models to the general multiple cavity setting. Numerical examples indicate that the convergence of the Gauss – Seidel iterative method depends on the...variational approach. A block Gauss – Seidel iterative method is introduced to solve the cou- pled system of the multiple cavity scattering problem, where

An Angular Method with Position Control for Block Mesh Squareness Improvement

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

Yao, J.; Stillman, D.

We optimize a target function de ned by angular properties with a position control term for a basic stencil with a block-structured mesh, to improve element squareness in 2D and 3D. Comparison with the condition number method shows that besides a similar mesh quality regarding orthogonality can be achieved as the former does, the new method converges faster and provides a more uniform global mesh spacing in our numerical tests.

Physiological and pharmacologic aspects of peripheral nerve blocks

PubMed Central

Vadhanan, Prasanna; Tripaty, Debendra Kumar; Adinarayanan, S.

2015-01-01

A successful peripheral nerve block not only involves a proper technique, but also a thorough knowledge and understanding of the physiology of nerve conduction and pharmacology of local anesthetics (LAs). This article focuses on what happens after the block. Pharmacodynamics of LAs, underlying mechanisms of clinically observable phenomena such as differential blockade, tachyphylaxis, C fiber resistance, tonic and phasic blockade and effect of volume and concentration of LAs. Judicious use of additives along with LAs in peripheral nerve blocks can prolong analgesia. An entirely new group of drugs-neurotoxins has shown potential as local anesthetics. Various methods are available now to prolong the duration of peripheral nerve blocks. PMID:26330722

Modulation format identification aided hitless flexible coherent transceiver.

PubMed

Xiang, Meng; Zhuge, Qunbi; Qiu, Meng; Zhou, Xingyu; Zhang, Fangyuan; Tang, Ming; Liu, Deming; Fu, Songnian; Plant, David V

2016-07-11

We propose a hitless flexible coherent transceiver enabled by a novel modulation format identification (MFI) scheme for dynamic agile optical networks. The modulation format transparent digital signal processing (DSP) is realized by a block-wise decision-directed least-mean-square (DD-LMS) equalizer for channel tracking, and a pilot symbol aided superscalar phase locked loop (PLL) for carrier phase estimation (CPE). For the MFI, the modulation format information is encoded onto the pilot symbols initially used for CPE. Therefore, the proposed MFI method does not require extra overhead. Moreover, it can identify arbitrary modulation formats including multi-dimensional formats, and it enables tracking of the format change for short data blocks. The performance of the proposed hitless flexible coherent transceiver is successfully evaluated with five modulation formats including QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, Hybrid QPSK/8QAM and set-partitioning (SP)-512-QAM. We show that the proposed MFI method induces a negligible performance penalty. Moreover, we experimentally demonstrate that such a hitless transceiver can adapt to fast block-by-block modulation format switching. Finally, the performance improvement of the proposed MFI method is experimentally verified with respect to other commonly used MFI methods.

1963 Vajont rock slide: a comparison between 3D DEM and 3D FEM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crosta, Giovanni; Utili, Stefano; Castellanza, Riccardo; Agliardi, Federico; Bistacchi, Andrea; Weng Boon, Chia

2013-04-01

Data on the exact location of the failure surface of the landslide have been used as the starting point for the modelling of the landslide. 3 dimensional numerical analyses were run employing both the discrete element method (DEM) and a Finite Element Method (FEM) code. In this work the focus is on the prediction of the movement of the landlside during its initial phase of detachment from Mount Toc. The results obtained by the two methods are compared and conjectures on the observed discrepancies of the predictions between the two methods are formulated. In the DEM simulations the internal interaction of the sliding blocks and the expansion of the debris is obtained as a result of the kinematic interaction among the rock blocks resulting from the jointing of the rock mass involved in the slide. In the FEM analyses, the c-phi reduction technique was employed along the predefine failure surface until the onset of the landslide occurred. In particular, two major blocks of the landslide were identified and the stress, strain and displacement fields at the interface between the two blocks were analysed in detail.

Density-cluster NMA: A new protein decomposition technique for coarse-grained normal mode analysis.

PubMed

Demerdash, Omar N A; Mitchell, Julie C

2012-07-01

Normal mode analysis has emerged as a useful technique for investigating protein motions on long time scales. This is largely due to the advent of coarse-graining techniques, particularly Hooke's Law-based potentials and the rotational-translational blocking (RTB) method for reducing the size of the force-constant matrix, the Hessian. Here we present a new method for domain decomposition for use in RTB that is based on hierarchical clustering of atomic density gradients, which we call Density-Cluster RTB (DCRTB). The method reduces the number of degrees of freedom by 85-90% compared with the standard blocking approaches. We compared the normal modes from DCRTB against standard RTB using 1-4 residues in sequence in a single block, with good agreement between the two methods. We also show that Density-Cluster RTB and standard RTB perform well in capturing the experimentally determined direction of conformational change. Significantly, we report superior correlation of DCRTB with B-factors compared with 1-4 residue per block RTB. Finally, we show significant reduction in computational cost for Density-Cluster RTB that is nearly 100-fold for many examples. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bundle block adjustment of large-scale remote sensing data with Block-based Sparse Matrix Compression combined with Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Maoteng; Zhang, Yongjun; Zhou, Shunping; Zhu, Junfeng; Xiong, Xiaodong

2016-07-01

In recent years, new platforms and sensors in photogrammetry, remote sensing and computer vision areas have become available, such as Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV), oblique camera systems, common digital cameras and even mobile phone cameras. Images collected by all these kinds of sensors could be used as remote sensing data sources. These sensors can obtain large-scale remote sensing data which consist of a great number of images. Bundle block adjustment of large-scale data with conventional algorithm is very time and space (memory) consuming due to the super large normal matrix arising from large-scale data. In this paper, an efficient Block-based Sparse Matrix Compression (BSMC) method combined with the Preconditioned Conjugate Gradient (PCG) algorithm is chosen to develop a stable and efficient bundle block adjustment system in order to deal with the large-scale remote sensing data. The main contribution of this work is the BSMC-based PCG algorithm which is more efficient in time and memory than the traditional algorithm without compromising the accuracy. Totally 8 datasets of real data are used to test our proposed method. Preliminary results have shown that the BSMC method can efficiently decrease the time and memory requirement of large-scale data.

Super-pixel extraction based on multi-channel pulse coupled neural network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, GuangZhu; Hu, Song; Zhang, Liu; Zhao, JingJing; Fu, YunXia; Lei, BangJun

2018-04-01

Super-pixel extraction techniques group pixels to form over-segmented image blocks according to the similarity among pixels. Compared with the traditional pixel-based methods, the image descripting method based on super-pixel has advantages of less calculation, being easy to perceive, and has been widely used in image processing and computer vision applications. Pulse coupled neural network (PCNN) is a biologically inspired model, which stems from the phenomenon of synchronous pulse release in the visual cortex of cats. Each PCNN neuron can correspond to a pixel of an input image, and the dynamic firing pattern of each neuron contains both the pixel feature information and its context spatial structural information. In this paper, a new color super-pixel extraction algorithm based on multi-channel pulse coupled neural network (MPCNN) was proposed. The algorithm adopted the block dividing idea of SLIC algorithm, and the image was divided into blocks with same size first. Then, for each image block, the adjacent pixels of each seed with similar color were classified as a group, named a super-pixel. At last, post-processing was adopted for those pixels or pixel blocks which had not been grouped. Experiments show that the proposed method can adjust the number of superpixel and segmentation precision by setting parameters, and has good potential for super-pixel extraction.

Improved lossless intra coding for H.264/MPEG-4 AVC.

PubMed

Lee, Yung-Lyul; Han, Ki-Hun; Sullivan, Gary J

2006-09-01

A new lossless intra coding method based on sample-by-sample differential pulse code modulation (DPCM) is presented as an enhancement of the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC standard. The H.264/AVC design includes a multidirectional spatial prediction method to reduce spatial redundancy by using neighboring samples as a prediction for the samples in a block of data to be encoded. In the new lossless intra coding method, the spatial prediction is performed based on samplewise DPCM instead of in the block-based manner used in the current H.264/AVC standard, while the block structure is retained for the residual difference entropy coding process. We show that the new method, based on samplewise DPCM, does not have a major complexity penalty, despite its apparent pipeline dependencies. Experiments show that the new lossless intra coding method reduces the bit rate by approximately 12% in comparison with the lossless intra coding method previously included in the H.264/AVC standard. As a result, the new method is currently being adopted into the H.264/AVC standard in a new enhancement project.

A method for interactive specification of multiple-block topologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorenson, Reese L.; Mccann, Karen M.

1991-01-01

A method is presented for dealing with the vast amount of topological and other data which must be specified to generate a multiple-block computational grid. Specific uses of the graphical capabilities of a powerful scientific workstation are described which reduce the burden on the user of collecting and formatting such large amounts of data. A program to implement this method, 3DPREP, is described. A plotting transformation algorithm, some useful software tools, notes on programming, and a database organization are also presented. Example grids developed using the method are shown.

Simple Common Plane contact algorithm for explicit FE/FD methods

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

Vorobiev, O

2006-12-18

Common-plane (CP) algorithm is widely used in Discrete Element Method (DEM) to model contact forces between interacting particles or blocks. A new simple contact algorithm is proposed to model contacts in FE/FD methods which is similar to the CP algorithm. The CP is defined as a plane separating interacting faces of FE/FD mesh instead of blocks or particles used in the original CP method. The new method does not require iterations even for very stiff contacts. It is very robust and easy to implement both in 2D and 3D parallel codes.

New Method of Screening Young Children for Defects in Visual Acuity*

PubMed Central

Withnell, Allan; Wilson, H. E.

1968-01-01

The methods used at present for screening young children's vision have disadvantages, such as that the child's intelligence can affect the result. In a new method three white cards are used; these are printed with one, two, or three black blocks arranged so that if a child can correctly state the number of blocks at 6 metres the visual acuity is at least 6/9. When tested on 186 children the new method gave better results than conventional tests; eight children with defective vision were picked up only by the new method and none were missed. PMID:5681052

New method of screening young children for defects in visual acuity.

PubMed

Withnell, A; Wilson, H E

1968-10-19

The methods used at present for screening young children's vision have disadvantages, such as that the child's intelligence can affect the result. In a new method three white cards are used; these are printed with one, two, or three black blocks arranged so that if a child can correctly state the number of blocks at 6 metres the visual acuity is at least 6/9. When tested on 186 children the new method gave better results than conventional tests; eight children with defective vision were picked up only by the new method and none were missed.

Single block three-dimensional volume grids about complex aerodynamic vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alter, Stephen J.; Weilmuenster, K. James

1993-01-01

This paper presents an alternate approach for the generation of volumetric grids for supersonic and hypersonic flows about complex configurations. The method uses parametric two dimensional block face grid definition within the framework of GRIDGEN2D. The incorporation of face decomposition reduces complex surfaces to simple shapes. These simple shapes are combined to obtain the final face definition. The advantages of this method include the reduction of overall grid generation time through the use of vectorized computer code, the elimination of the need to generate matching block faces, and the implementation of simplified boundary conditions. A simple axisymmetric grid is used to illustrate this method. In addition, volume grids for two complex configurations, the Langley Lifting Body (HL-20) and the Space Shuttle Orbiter, are shown.

Propagation of eigenmodes and transfer functions in waveguide WDM structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mashkov, Vladimir A.; Francoeur, S.; Geuss, U.; Neiser, K.; Temkin, Henryk

1998-02-01

A method of propagation functions and transfer amplitudes suitable for the design of integrated optical circuits is presented. The method is based on vectorial formulation of electrodynamics: the distributions and propagation of electromagnetic fields in optical circuits is described by equivalent surface sources. This approach permits a division of complex optical waveguide structures into sets of primitive blocks and to separately calculate the transfer function and the transfer amplitude for each block. The transfer amplitude of the entire optical system is represented by a convolution of transfer amplitudes of its primitive blocks. The eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of arbitrary waveguide structure are obtained in the WKB approximation and compared with other methods. The general approach is illustrated with the transfer amplitude calculations for Dragone's star coupler and router.

Universal method for constructing N-port non-blocking optical router based on 2 × 2 optical switch for photonic networks-on-chip.

PubMed

Chen, Qiaoshan; Zhang, Fanfan; Ji, Ruiqiang; Zhang, Lei; Yang, Lin

2014-05-19

We propose a universal method for constructing N-port non-blocking optical router for photonic networks-on-chip, in which all microring (MR) optical switches or Mach-Zehnder (M-Z) optical switches behave as 2 × 2 optical switches. The optical router constructed by the proposed method has minimum optical switches, in which the number of the optical switches is reduced about 50% compared to the reported optical routers based on MR optical switches and more than 30% compared to the reported optical routers based on M-Z optical switches, and therefore is more compact in footprint and more power-efficient. We also present a strict mathematical proof of the non-blocking routing of the proposed N-port optical router.

Block-localized wavefunction (BLW) method at the density functional theory (DFT) level.

PubMed

Mo, Yirong; Song, Lingchun; Lin, Yuchun

2007-08-30

The block-localized wavefunction (BLW) approach is an ab initio valence bond (VB) method incorporating the efficiency of molecular orbital (MO) theory. It can generate the wavefunction for a resonance structure or diabatic state self-consistently by partitioning the overall electrons and primitive orbitals into several subgroups and expanding each block-localized molecular orbital in only one subspace. Although block-localized molecular orbitals in the same subspace are constrained to be orthogonal (a feature of MO theory), orbitals between different subspaces are generally nonorthogonal (a feature of VB theory). The BLW method is particularly useful in the quantification of the electron delocalization (resonance) effect within a molecule and the charge-transfer effect between molecules. In this paper, we extend the BLW method to the density functional theory (DFT) level and implement the BLW-DFT method to the quantum mechanical software GAMESS. Test applications to the pi conjugation in the planar allyl radical and ions with the basis sets of 6-31G(d), 6-31+G(d), 6-311+G(d,p), and cc-pVTZ show that the basis set dependency is insignificant. In addition, the BLW-DFT method can also be used to elucidate the nature of intermolecular interactions. Examples of pi-cation interactions and solute-solvent interactions will be presented and discussed. By expressing each diabatic state with one BLW, the BLW method can be further used to study chemical reactions and electron-transfer processes whose potential energy surfaces are typically described by two or more diabatic states.

Fast realization of nonrecursive digital filters with limits on signal delay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titov, M. A.; Bondarenko, N. N.

1983-07-01

Attention is given to the problem of achieving a fast realization of nonrecursive digital filters with the aim of reducing signal delay. It is shown that a realization wherein the impulse characteristic of the filter is divided into blocks satisfies the delay requirements and is almost as economical in terms of the number of multiplications as conventional fast convolution. In addition, the block method leads to a reduction in the needed size of the memory and in the number of additions; the short-convolution procedure is substantially simplified. Finally, the block method facilitates the paralleling of computations owing to the simple transfers between subfilters.

Cork-resin ablative insulation for complex surfaces and method for applying the same

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Walker, H. M.; Sharpe, M. H.; Simpson, W. G. (Inventor)

1980-01-01

A method of applying cork-resin ablative insulation material to complex curved surfaces is disclosed. The material is prepared by mixing finely divided cork with a B-stage curable thermosetting resin, forming the resulting mixture into a block, B-stage curing the resin-containing block, and slicing the block into sheets. The B-stage cured sheet is shaped to conform to the surface being insulated, and further curing is then performed. Curing of the resins only to B-stage before shaping enables application of sheet material to complex curved surfaces and avoids limitations and disadvantages presented in handling of fully cured sheet material.

Analysis of Preconditioning and Relaxation Operators for the Discontinuous Galerkin Method Applied to Diffusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Atkins, H. L.; Shu, Chi-Wang

2001-01-01

The explicit stability constraint of the discontinuous Galerkin method applied to the diffusion operator decreases dramatically as the order of the method is increased. Block Jacobi and block Gauss-Seidel preconditioner operators are examined for their effectiveness at accelerating convergence. A Fourier analysis for methods of order 2 through 6 reveals that both preconditioner operators bound the eigenvalues of the discrete spatial operator. Additionally, in one dimension, the eigenvalues are grouped into two or three regions that are invariant with order of the method. Local relaxation methods are constructed that rapidly damp high frequencies for arbitrarily large time step.

Atomic layer deposition of ultrathin blocking layer for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell on nanoporous substrate

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

Yu, Wonjong; Cho, Gu Young; Noh, Seungtak

2015-01-15

An ultrathin yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) blocking layer deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) was utilized for improving the performance and reliability of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) supported by an anodic aluminum oxide substrate. Physical vapor-deposited YSZ and gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) electrolyte layers were deposited by a sputtering method. The ultrathin ALD YSZ blocking layer was inserted between the YSZ and GDC sputtered layers. To investigate the effects of an inserted ultrathin ALD blocking layer, SOFCs with and without an ultrathin ALD blocking layer were electrochemically characterized. The open circuit voltage (1.14 V) of the ALD blocking-layered SOFC was visiblymore » higher than that (1.05 V) of the other cell. Furthermore, the ALD blocking layer augmented the power density and improved the reproducibility.« less

Lignin blockers and uses thereof

DOEpatents

Yang, Bin; Wyman, Charles E

2013-11-12

Disclosed is a method for converting cellulose in a lignocellulosic biomass. The method provides for a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein treatment of high lignin solids. The treatment enhances cellulase availability in cellulose conversion and allows for the determination of optimized pretreatment conditions. Additionally, ethanol yields from a Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation process are improved 5-25% by treatment with a lignin-blocking polypeptide and/or protein.

A scalable block-preconditioning strategy for divergence-conforming B-spline discretizations of the Stokes problem

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

Cortes, Adriano M.; Dalcin, Lisandro; Sarmiento, Adel F.

The recently introduced divergence-conforming B-spline discretizations allow the construction of smooth discrete velocity–pressure pairs for viscous incompressible flows that are at the same time inf–sup stable and pointwise divergence-free. When applied to the discretized Stokes problem, these spaces generate a symmetric and indefinite saddle-point linear system. The iterative method of choice to solve such system is the Generalized Minimum Residual Method. This method lacks robustness, and one remedy is to use preconditioners. For linear systems of saddle-point type, a large family of preconditioners can be obtained by using a block factorization of the system. In this paper, we show howmore » the nesting of “black-box” solvers and preconditioners can be put together in a block triangular strategy to build a scalable block preconditioner for the Stokes system discretized by divergence-conforming B-splines. Lastly, besides the known cavity flow problem, we used for benchmark flows defined on complex geometries: an eccentric annulus and hollow torus of an eccentric annular cross-section.« less

Block Preconditioning to Enable Physics-Compatible Implicit Multifluid Plasma Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phillips, Edward; Shadid, John; Cyr, Eric; Miller, Sean

2017-10-01

Multifluid plasma simulations involve large systems of partial differential equations in which many time-scales ranging over many orders of magnitude arise. Since the fastest of these time-scales may set a restrictively small time-step limit for explicit methods, the use of implicit or implicit-explicit time integrators can be more tractable for obtaining dynamics at time-scales of interest. Furthermore, to enforce properties such as charge conservation and divergence-free magnetic field, mixed discretizations using volume, nodal, edge-based, and face-based degrees of freedom are often employed in some form. Together with the presence of stiff modes due to integrating over fast time-scales, the mixed discretization makes the required linear solves for implicit methods particularly difficult for black box and monolithic solvers. This work presents a block preconditioning strategy for multifluid plasma systems that segregates the linear system based on discretization type and approximates off-diagonal coupling in block diagonal Schur complement operators. By employing multilevel methods for the block diagonal subsolves, this strategy yields algorithmic and parallel scalability which we demonstrate on a range of problems.

A scalable block-preconditioning strategy for divergence-conforming B-spline discretizations of the Stokes problem

DOE PAGES

Cortes, Adriano M.; Dalcin, Lisandro; Sarmiento, Adel F.; ...

2016-10-19

The recently introduced divergence-conforming B-spline discretizations allow the construction of smooth discrete velocity–pressure pairs for viscous incompressible flows that are at the same time inf–sup stable and pointwise divergence-free. When applied to the discretized Stokes problem, these spaces generate a symmetric and indefinite saddle-point linear system. The iterative method of choice to solve such system is the Generalized Minimum Residual Method. This method lacks robustness, and one remedy is to use preconditioners. For linear systems of saddle-point type, a large family of preconditioners can be obtained by using a block factorization of the system. In this paper, we show howmore » the nesting of “black-box” solvers and preconditioners can be put together in a block triangular strategy to build a scalable block preconditioner for the Stokes system discretized by divergence-conforming B-splines. Lastly, besides the known cavity flow problem, we used for benchmark flows defined on complex geometries: an eccentric annulus and hollow torus of an eccentric annular cross-section.« less

Small homologous blocks in phytophthora genomes do not point to an ancient whole-genome duplication.

PubMed

van Hooff, Jolien J E; Snel, Berend; Seidl, Michael F

2014-05-01

Genomes of the plant-pathogenic genus Phytophthora are characterized by small duplicated blocks consisting of two consecutive genes (2HOM blocks) and by an elevated abundance of similarly aged gene duplicates. Both properties, in particular the presence of 2HOM blocks, have been attributed to a whole-genome duplication (WGD) at the last common ancestor of Phytophthora. However, large intraspecies synteny-compelling evidence for a WGD-has not been detected. Here, we revisited the WGD hypothesis by deducing the age of 2HOM blocks. Two independent timing methods reveal that the majority of 2HOM blocks arose after divergence of the Phytophthora lineages. In addition, a large proportion of the 2HOM block copies colocalize on the same scaffold. Therefore, the presence of 2HOM blocks does not support a WGD at the last common ancestor of Phytophthora. Thus, genome evolution of Phytophthora is likely driven by alternative mechanisms, such as bursts of transposon activity.

Detecting dominant motion patterns in crowds of pedestrians

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saqib, Muhammad; Khan, Sultan Daud; Blumenstein, Michael

2017-02-01

As the population of the world increases, urbanization generates crowding situations which poses challenges to public safety and security. Manual analysis of crowded situations is a tedious job and usually prone to errors. In this paper, we propose a novel technique of crowd analysis, the aim of which is to detect different dominant motion patterns in real-time videos. A motion field is generated by computing the dense optical flow. The motion field is then divided into blocks. For each block, we adopt an Intra-clustering algorithm for detecting different flows within the block. Later on, we employ Inter-clustering for clustering the flow vectors among different blocks. We evaluate the performance of our approach on different real-time videos. The experimental results show that our proposed method is capable of detecting distinct motion patterns in crowded videos. Moreover, our algorithm outperforms state-of-the-art methods.

Position feedback system for volume holographic storage media

DOEpatents

Hays, Nathan J [San Francisco, CA; Henson, James A [Morgan Hill, CA; Carpenter, Christopher M [Sunnyvale, CA; Akin, Jr William R. [Morgan Hill, CA; Ehrlich, Richard M [Saratoga, CA; Beazley, Lance D [San Jose, CA

1998-07-07

A method of holographic recording in a photorefractive medium wherein stored holograms may be retrieved with maximum signal-to noise ratio (SNR) is disclosed. A plurality of servo blocks containing position feedback information is recorded in the crystal and made non-erasable by heating the crystal. The servo blocks are recorded at specific increments, either angular or frequency, depending whether wavelength or angular multiplexing is applied, and each servo block is defined by one of five patterns. Data pages are then recorded at positions or wavelengths enabling each data page to be subsequently reconstructed with servo patterns which provide position feedback information. The method of recording data pages and servo blocks is consistent with conventional practices. In addition, the recording system also includes components (e.g. voice coil motor) which respond to position feedback information and adjust the angular position of the reference angle of a reference beam to maximize SNR by reducing crosstalk, thereby improving storage capacity.

Counterrotating prop-fan simulations which feature a relative-motion multiblock grid decomposition enabling arbitrary time-steps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janus, J. Mark; Whitfield, David L.

1990-01-01

Improvements are presented of a computer algorithm developed for the time-accurate flow analysis of rotating machines. The flow model is a finite volume method utilizing a high-resolution approximate Riemann solver for interface flux definitions. The numerical scheme is a block LU implicit iterative-refinement method which possesses apparent unconditional stability. Multiblock composite gridding is used to orderly partition the field into a specified arrangement of blocks exhibiting varying degrees of similarity. Block-block relative motion is achieved using local grid distortion to reduce grid skewness and accommodate arbitrary time step selection. A general high-order numerical scheme is applied to satisfy the geometric conservation law. An even-blade-count counterrotating unducted fan configuration is chosen for a computational study comparing solutions resulting from altering parameters such as time step size and iteration count. The solutions are compared with measured data.

Detector Position Estimation for PET Scanners.

PubMed

Pierce, Larry; Miyaoka, Robert; Lewellen, Tom; Alessio, Adam; Kinahan, Paul

2012-06-11

Physical positioning of scintillation crystal detector blocks in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners is not always exact. We test a proof of concept methodology for the determination of the six degrees of freedom for detector block positioning errors by utilizing a rotating point source over stepped axial intervals. To test our method, we created computer simulations of seven Micro Crystal Element Scanner (MiCES) PET systems with randomized positioning errors. The computer simulations show that our positioning algorithm can estimate the positions of the block detectors to an average of one-seventh of the crystal pitch tangentially, and one-third of the crystal pitch axially. Virtual acquisitions of a point source grid and a distributed phantom show that our algorithm improves both the quantitative and qualitative accuracy of the reconstructed objects. We believe this estimation algorithm is a practical and accurate method for determining the spatial positions of scintillation detector blocks.

Interfacial fluctuations of block copolymers: a coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulation study.

PubMed

Srinivas, Goundla; Swope, William C; Pitera, Jed W

2007-12-13

The lamellar and cylindrical phases of block copolymers have a number of technological applications, particularly when they occur in supported thin films. One such application is block copolymer lithography, the use of these materials to subdivide or enhance submicrometer patterns defined by optical or electron beam methods. A key parameter of all lithographic methods is the line edge roughness (LER), because the electronic or optical activities of interest are sensitive to small pattern variations. While mean-field models provide a partial picture of the LER and interfacial width expected for the block interface in a diblock copolymer, these models lack chemical detail. To complement mean-field approaches, we have carried out coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations on model poly(ethyleneoxide)-poly(ethylethylene) (PEO-PEE) lamellae, exploring the influence of chain length and hypothetical chemical modifications on the observed line edge roughness. As expected, our simulations show that increasing chi (the Flory-Huggins parameter) is the most direct route to decreased roughness, although the addition of strong specific interactions at the block interface can also produce smoother patterns.

[Ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block for upper abdominal surgery].

PubMed

Osaka, Yoshimune; Kashiwagi, Masanori; Nagatsuka, Yukio; Oosaku, Masayoshi; Hirose, Chikako

2010-08-01

Upper abdominal surgery leads to severe postoperative pain. Insufficient postoperative analgesia accompanies a high incidence of complications. Therefore, postoperative analgesia is very important. The epidural analgesia has many advantages. However it has a high risk of epidural hematoma in anticoagulated patients. Rectus sheath block provided safer and more reliable analgesia in recent years, by the development of ultrasound tools. We experienced two cases of the rectus sheath block in upper abdominal surgery under ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound guided rectus sheath block can reduce the risk of peritoneal puncture, bleeding, and other complications. Rectus sheath block is very effective to reduce postoperative pain in upper abdominal surgery as an alternative method to epidural anesthesia in anticoagulated patients.

High frequency ultrasound imaging in pupillary block glaucoma.

PubMed Central

Aslanides, I M; Libre, P E; Silverman, R H; Reinstein, D Z; Lazzaro, D R; Rondeau, M J; Harmon, G K; Coleman, D J

1995-01-01

BACKGROUND--The diagnosis of pupillary block glaucoma requires sufficient clarity of the ocular media. This is particularly important for assessment of both the presence and patency of an iridotomy, and the determination of central anterior chamber depth. METHODS--High frequency ultrasonography was used in three patients with suspected pupillary block to determine iris configuration, posterior chamber volume, and ciliary body conformation. RESULTS--All patients demonstrated high frequency ultrasonographic findings consistent with pupillary block: iris bombé, a formed posterior chamber, and a lack of anterior rotation of the ciliary processes. CONCLUSION--High frequency ultrasound imaging appears to be a valuable adjunct in making or corroborating the diagnosis of pupillary block glaucoma. Images PMID:8534666

Nanopatterned articles produced using surface-reconstructed block copolymer films

DOEpatents

Russell, Thomas P.; Park, Soojin; Wang, Jia-Yu; Kim, Bokyung

2016-06-07

Nanopatterned surfaces are prepared by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate, annealing and surface reconstructing the block copolymer film to create an array of cylindrical voids, depositing a metal on the surface-reconstructed block copolymer film, and heating the metal-coated block copolymer film to redistribute at least some of the metal into the cylindrical voids. When very thin metal layers and low heating temperatures are used, metal nanodots can be formed. When thicker metal layers and higher heating temperatures are used, the resulting metal structure includes nanoring-shaped voids. The nanopatterned surfaces can be transferred to the underlying substrates via etching, or used to prepare nanodot- or nanoring-decorated substrate surfaces.

An Optimal Mean Based Block Robust Feature Extraction Method to Identify Colorectal Cancer Genes with Integrated Data.

PubMed

Liu, Jian; Cheng, Yuhu; Wang, Xuesong; Zhang, Lin; Liu, Hui

2017-08-17

It is urgent to diagnose colorectal cancer in the early stage. Some feature genes which are important to colorectal cancer development have been identified. However, for the early stage of colorectal cancer, less is known about the identity of specific cancer genes that are associated with advanced clinical stage. In this paper, we conducted a feature extraction method named Optimal Mean based Block Robust Feature Extraction method (OMBRFE) to identify feature genes associated with advanced colorectal cancer in clinical stage by using the integrated colorectal cancer data. Firstly, based on the optimal mean and L 2,1 -norm, a novel feature extraction method called Optimal Mean based Robust Feature Extraction method (OMRFE) is proposed to identify feature genes. Then the OMBRFE method which introduces the block ideology into OMRFE method is put forward to process the colorectal cancer integrated data which includes multiple genomic data: copy number alterations, somatic mutations, methylation expression alteration, as well as gene expression changes. Experimental results demonstrate that the OMBRFE is more effective than previous methods in identifying the feature genes. Moreover, genes identified by OMBRFE are verified to be closely associated with advanced colorectal cancer in clinical stage.

Global rotational motion and displacement estimation of digital image stabilization based on the oblique vectors matching algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Fei; Hui, Mei; Zhao, Yue-jin

2009-08-01

The image block matching algorithm based on motion vectors of correlative pixels in oblique direction is presented for digital image stabilization. The digital image stabilization is a new generation of image stabilization technique which can obtains the information of relative motion among frames of dynamic image sequences by the method of digital image processing. In this method the matching parameters are calculated from the vectors projected in the oblique direction. The matching parameters based on the vectors contain the information of vectors in transverse and vertical direction in the image blocks at the same time. So the better matching information can be obtained after making correlative operation in the oblique direction. And an iterative weighted least square method is used to eliminate the error of block matching. The weights are related with the pixels' rotational angle. The center of rotation and the global emotion estimation of the shaking image can be obtained by the weighted least square from the estimation of each block chosen evenly from the image. Then, the shaking image can be stabilized with the center of rotation and the global emotion estimation. Also, the algorithm can run at real time by the method of simulated annealing in searching method of block matching. An image processing system based on DSP was used to exam this algorithm. The core processor in the DSP system is TMS320C6416 of TI, and the CCD camera with definition of 720×576 pixels was chosen as the input video signal. Experimental results show that the algorithm can be performed at the real time processing system and have an accurate matching precision.

The Incidence of Intravascular Needle Entrance during Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Injection

PubMed Central

Taghavi Zenouz, Ali; Ebrahimi, Hooman; Mahdipour, Masoumeh; Pourshahidi, Sara; Amini, Parisa; Vatankhah, Mahdi

2008-01-01

Background and aims Dentists administer thousands of local anesthetic injections every day. Injection to a highly vascular area such as pterygomandibular space during an inferior alveolar nerve block has a high risk of intravascular needle entrance. Accidental intravascular injection of local anesthetic agent with vasoconstrictor may result in cardiovascular and central nervous system toxicity, as well as tachycardia and hypertension. There are reports that indicate aspiration is not performed in every injection. The aim of the present study was to assess the incidence of intravascular needle entrance in inferior alveolar nerve block injections. Materials and methods Three experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons performed 359 inferior alveolar nerve block injections using direct or indirect techniques, and reported the results of aspiration. Aspirable syringes and 27 gauge long needles were used, and the method of aspiration was similar in all cases. Data were analyzed using t-test. Results 15.3% of inferior alveolar nerve block injections were aspiration positive. Intravascular needle entrance was seen in 14.2% of cases using direct and 23.3% of cases using indirect block injection techniques. Of all injections, 15.8% were intravascular on the right side and 14.8% were intravascular on the left. There were no statistically significant differences between direct or indirect block injection techniques (P = 0.127) and between right and left injection sites (P = 0.778). Conclusion According to our findings, the incidence of intravascular needle entrance during inferior alveolar nerve block injection was relatively high. It seems that technique and maneuver of injection have no considerable effect in incidence of intravascular needle entrance. PMID:23285329

Peripheral Nerve Block as a Supplement to Light or Deep General Anesthesia in Elderly Patients Receiving Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Study.

PubMed

Mei, Bin; Zha, Hanning; Lu, Xiaolong; Cheng, Xinqi; Chen, Shishou; Liu, Xuesheng; Li, Yuanhai; Gu, Erwei

2017-12-01

Peripheral nerve block combined with general anesthesia is a preferable anesthesia method for elderly patients receiving hip arthroplasty. The depth of sedation may influence patient recovery. Therefore, we investigated the influence of peripheral nerve blockade and different intraoperative sedation levels on the short-term recovery of elderly patients receiving total hip arthroplasty. Patients aged 65 years and older undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized into 3 groups: a general anesthesia without lumbosacral plexus block group, and 2 general anesthesia plus lumbosacral plexus block groups, each with a different level of sedation (light or deep). The extubation time and intraoperative consumption of propofol, sufentanil, and vasoactive agent were recorded. Postoperative delirium and early postoperative cognitive dysfunction were assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method and Mini-Mental State Examination, respectively. Postoperative analgesia was assessed by the consumption of patient-controlled analgesics and visual analog scale scores. Discharge time and complications over a 30-day period were also recorded. Lumbosacral plexus block reduced opioid intake. With lumbosacral plexus block, intraoperative deep sedation was associated with greater intake of propofol and vasoactive agent. In contrast, patients with lumbosacral plexus block and intraoperative light sedation had lower incidences of postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive decline, and earlier discharge readiness times. The 3 groups showed no difference in complications within 30 days of surgery. Lumbosacral plexus block reduced the need for opioids and offered satisfactory postoperative analgesia. It led to better postoperative outcomes in combination with intraoperative light sedation (high bispectral index).

Agar Block Smear Preparation: a Novel Method of Slide Preparation for Preservation of Native Fungal Structures for Microscopic Examination and Long-Term Storage▿

PubMed Central

Woo, Patrick C. Y.; Ngan, Antonio H. Y.; Chui, Hon-Kit; Lau, Susanna K. P.; Yuen, Kwok-Yung

2010-01-01

We describe a novel method of fungal slide preparation named “agar block smear preparation.” A total of 510 agar block smears of 25 fungal strains obtained from culture collections, 90 QC fungal strains, and 82 clinical fungal strains from our clinical microbiology laboratory, which included a total of 137 species of yeasts, molds, and thermal dimorphic fungi, were prepared and examined. In contrast to adhesive tape preparation, agar block smears preserved the native fungal structures, such as intact conidiophores of Aspergillus species and arrangements of conidia in Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. Furthermore, agar block smears allowed examination of fungal structures embedded in the agar, such as the ascomata with ascomal hairs in Chaetomium funicola; pycnidium of Phoma glomerata; the intercalary ovoidal chlamydospores arranged in chains of Fusarium dimerum; and the lateral, spherical chlamydospores arranged in pairs of Fusarium solani. After 1 year of storage, morphological integrity was found to have been maintained in 459 (90%) of the 510 agar block smears. After 3 years of storage, morphological integrity was found to have been maintained in 72 (71%) of the 102 smears prepared in 2006. Agar block smear preparation preserves the native fungal structures and allows long-term storage and examination of fungal structures embedded in the agar, hence overcoming the major drawbacks of adhesive tape preparation. The major roles of agar block smear should be diagnosis for difficult cases, accurate identification of fungal species for clinical management of patients and epidemiological studies, and long-term storage for transportation of slides and education purposes. PMID:20660221

Agar block smear preparation: a novel method of slide preparation for preservation of native fungal structures for microscopic examination and long-term storage.

PubMed

Woo, Patrick C Y; Ngan, Antonio H Y; Chui, Hon-Kit; Lau, Susanna K P; Yuen, Kwok-Yung

2010-09-01

We describe a novel method of fungal slide preparation named "agar block smear preparation." A total of 510 agar block smears of 25 fungal strains obtained from culture collections, 90 QC fungal strains, and 82 clinical fungal strains from our clinical microbiology laboratory, which included a total of 137 species of yeasts, molds, and thermal dimorphic fungi, were prepared and examined. In contrast to adhesive tape preparation, agar block smears preserved the native fungal structures, such as intact conidiophores of Aspergillus species and arrangements of conidia in Scopulariopsis brevicaulis. Furthermore, agar block smears allowed examination of fungal structures embedded in the agar, such as the ascomata with ascomal hairs in Chaetomium funicola; pycnidium of Phoma glomerata; the intercalary ovoidal chlamydospores arranged in chains of Fusarium dimerum; and the lateral, spherical chlamydospores arranged in pairs of Fusarium solani. After 1 year of storage, morphological integrity was found to have been maintained in 459 (90%) of the 510 agar block smears. After 3 years of storage, morphological integrity was found to have been maintained in 72 (71%) of the 102 smears prepared in 2006. Agar block smear preparation preserves the native fungal structures and allows long-term storage and examination of fungal structures embedded in the agar, hence overcoming the major drawbacks of adhesive tape preparation. The major roles of agar block smear should be diagnosis for difficult cases, accurate identification of fungal species for clinical management of patients and epidemiological studies, and long-term storage for transportation of slides and education purposes.

Paravertebral Block: An Improved Method of Pain Control in Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage

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

Culp, William C., E-mail: culpwilliamc@uams.edu; McCowan, Timothy C.; DeValdenebro, Miguel

Background and Purpose. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage remains a painful procedure in many cases despite the routine use of large amounts of intravenous sedation. We present a feasibility study of thoracic paravertebral blocks in an effort to reduce pain during and following the procedure and reduce requirements for intravenous sedation. Methods. Ten consecutive patients undergoing biliary drainage procedures received fluoroscopically guided paravertebral blocks and then had supplemental intravenous sedation as required to maintain patient comfort. Levels T8-T9 and T9-T10 on the right were targeted with 10-20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine. Sedation requirements and pain levels were recorded. Results. Ten biliarymore » drainage procedures in 8 patients were performed for malignancy in 8 cases and for stones in 2. The mean midazolam use was 1.13 mg IV, and the mean fentanyl requirement was 60.0 {mu}g IV in the block patients. Two episodes of hypotension, which responded promptly to volume replacement, may have been related to the block. No serious complications were encountered. The mean pain score when traversing the chest wall, liver capsule, and upon entering the bile ducts was 0.1 on a scale of 0 to 10, with 1 patient reporting a pain level of 1 and 9 reporting 0. The mean peak pain score, encountered when manipulating at the common bile duct level or when addressing stones there, was 5.4 and ranged from 0 to 10. Conclusions. Thoracic paravertebral block with intravenous sedation supplementation appears to be a feasible method of pain control during biliary interventions.« less

Use of the cumulative sum method (CUSUM) to assess the learning curves of ultrasound-guided continuous femoral nerve block.

PubMed

Kollmann-Camaiora, A; Brogly, N; Alsina, E; Gilsanz, F

2017-10-01

Although ultrasound is a basic competence for anaesthesia residents (AR) there is few data available on the learning process. This prospective observational study aims to assess the learning process of ultrasound-guided continuous femoral nerve block and to determine the number of procedures that a resident would need to perform in order to reach proficiency using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method. We recruited 19 AR without previous experience. Learning curves were constructed using the CUSUM method for ultrasound-guided continuous femoral nerve block considering 2 success criteria: a decrease of pain score>2 in a [0-10] scale after 15minutes, and time required to perform it. We analyse data from 17 AR for a total of 237 ultrasound-guided continuous femoral nerve blocks. 8/17 AR became proficient for pain relief, however all the AR who did more than 12 blocks (8/8) became proficient. As for time of performance 5/17 of AR achieved the objective of 12minutes, however all the AR who did more than 20 blocks (4/4) achieved it. The number of procedures needed to achieve proficiency seems to be 12, however it takes more procedures to reduce performance time. The CUSUM methodology could be useful in training programs to allow early interventions in case of repeated failures, and develop competence-based curriculum. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Advantages of caudal block over intrarectal local anesthesia plus periprostatic nerve block for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

PubMed Central

Wang, Na; Fu, Yaowen; Ma, Haichun; Wang, Jinguo; Gao, Yang

2016-01-01

Objective: To compare caudal block with intrarectal local anesthesia plus periprostatic nerve block for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. Methods: One hundred and ninety patients scheduled for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy were randomized equally into Group-A who received caudal block (20 ml 1.2% lidocaine) and Group-B who received intrarectal local anesthesia (0.3% oxybuprocaine cream) plus periprostatic nerve block (10 ml 1% lidocaine plus 0.5% ropivacaine) before biopsy. During and after the procedure, the patients rated the level of pain/discomfort at various time points. Complications during the whole study period and the patient overall satisfaction were also evaluated. Results: More pain and discomfort was detected during periprostatic nerve block than during caudal block. Pain and discomfort was significantly lower during prostate biopsy and during the manipulation of the probe in the rectum in Group-A than in Group-B. No significant differences were detected in the pain intensity after biopsy and side effects between the two groups. Conclusions: Caudal block provides better anesthesia than periprostatic nerve block plus intrarectal local anesthesia for TRUS guided prostate biopsy without an increase of side effects. PMID:27648052

A change detection method for remote sensing image based on LBP and SURF feature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Lei; Yang, Hao; Li, Jin; Zhang, Yun

2018-04-01

Finding the change in multi-temporal remote sensing image is important in many the image application. Because of the infection of climate and illumination, the texture of the ground object is more stable relative to the gray in high-resolution remote sensing image. And the texture features of Local Binary Patterns (LBP) and Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) are outstanding in extracting speed and illumination invariance. A method of change detection for matched remote sensing image pair is present, which compares the similarity by LBP and SURF to detect the change and unchanged of the block after blocking the image. And region growing is adopted to process the block edge zone. The experiment results show that the method can endure some illumination change and slight texture change of the ground object.

A block-based algorithm for the solution of compressible flows in rotor-stator combinations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Akay, H. U.; Ecer, A.; Beskok, A.

1990-01-01

A block-based solution algorithm is developed for the solution of compressible flows in rotor-stator combinations. The method allows concurrent solution of multiple solution blocks in parallel machines. It also allows a time averaged interaction at the stator-rotor interfaces. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the performance of the algorithm. The effect of the interaction between the stator and rotor is evaluated.

Multi-level bandwidth efficient block modulation codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, Shu

1989-01-01

The multilevel technique is investigated for combining block coding and modulation. There are four parts. In the first part, a formulation is presented for signal sets on which modulation codes are to be constructed. Distance measures on a signal set are defined and their properties are developed. In the second part, a general formulation is presented for multilevel modulation codes in terms of component codes with appropriate Euclidean distances. The distance properties, Euclidean weight distribution and linear structure of multilevel modulation codes are investigated. In the third part, several specific methods for constructing multilevel block modulation codes with interdependency among component codes are proposed. Given a multilevel block modulation code C with no interdependency among the binary component codes, the proposed methods give a multilevel block modulation code C which has the same rate as C, a minimum squared Euclidean distance not less than that of code C, a trellis diagram with the same number of states as that of C and a smaller number of nearest neighbor codewords than that of C. In the last part, error performance of block modulation codes is analyzed for an AWGN channel based on soft-decision maximum likelihood decoding. Error probabilities of some specific codes are evaluated based on their Euclidean weight distributions and simulation results.

Simulation Study to Improve Focalization of a Figure Eight Coil by Using a Conductive Shield Plate and a Ferromagnetic Block.

PubMed

Zhao, Chen; Zhang, Shunqi; Liu, Zhipeng; Yin, Tao

2015-07-01

A new method to improve the focalization and efficiency of the Figure of Eight (FOE) coil in rTMS is discussed in this paper. In order to decrease the half width of the distribution curve (HWDC), as well to increase the ratio of positive peak value to negative peak value (RPN) of the induced electric field, a shield plate with a window and a ferromagnetic block are assumed to enhance the positive peak value of the induced electrical field. The shield is made of highly conductive copper, and the block is made of highly permeable soft magnetic ferrite. A computer simulation is conducted on ANSYS® software to conduct the finite element analysis (FEA). Two comparing coefficients were set up to optimize the sizes of the shield window and the block. Simulation results show that a shield with a 60 mm × 30 mm sized window, together with a block 40 mm thick, can decrease the focal area of a FOE coil by 46.7%, while increasing the RPN by 135.9%. The block enhances the peak value of the electrical field induced by a shield-FOE by 8.4%. A real human head model was occupied in this paper to further verify our method.

Right Ventricular Pacing for Assessment of Cavo-Tricuspid Isthmus Block.

PubMed

Venkataraman, Ganesh; Wish, Marc; Friehling, Ted; Strickberger, S Adam

2016-01-01

Background: Cavo-tricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent atrial flutter is typically treated with cardiac ablation. Standard techniques to assess CTI block after ablation can be technically challenging. Right ventricular (RV) pacing may allow for another technique to assess CTI block after ablation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate RV pacing as a method to assess CTI block after ablation of CTI dependent atrial flutter, and define endpoints of ablation using this technique. Methods: 28 patients undergoing ablation of CTI dependent atrial flutter with intact ventriculoatrial (VA) conduction were prospectively enrolled in this study and underwent the RV pacing protocol, as well as standard coronary sinus (CS) pacing techniques to assess CTI block. Results: The mean trans-isthmus conduction interval during CS pacing (TICI CS ) at 600 and 400ms after CTI ablation was 168 +/- 9ms and 175 +/- 18ms, respectively. The mean trans-isthmus conduction interval during RV pacing (TICI RV ) at 600ms and 400ms after CTI ablation was 109 +/- 5ms and 111 +/- 5ms, respectively. A TICI RV >100ms was associated with a successful outcome after CTI ablation. Conclusions: RV pacing may add incremental value in the assessment of CTI block in patients undergoing ablation of CTI dependent atrial flutter.

Detection of white spot lesions by segmenting laser speckle images using computer vision methods.

PubMed

Gavinho, Luciano G; Araujo, Sidnei A; Bussadori, Sandra K; Silva, João V P; Deana, Alessandro M

2018-05-05

This paper aims to develop a method for laser speckle image segmentation of tooth surfaces for diagnosis of early stages caries. The method, applied directly to a raw image obtained by digital photography, is based on the difference between the speckle pattern of a carious lesion tooth surface area and that of a sound area. Each image is divided into blocks which are identified in a working matrix by their χ 2 distance between block histograms of the analyzed image and the reference histograms previously obtained by K-means from healthy (h_Sound) and lesioned (h_Decay) areas, separately. If the χ 2 distance between a block histogram and h_Sound is greater than the distance to h_Decay, this block is marked as decayed. The experiments showed that the method can provide effective segmentation for initial lesions. We used 64 images to test the algorithm and we achieved 100% accuracy in segmentation. Differences between the speckle pattern of a sound tooth surface region and a carious region, even in the early stage, can be evidenced by the χ 2 distance between histograms. This method proves to be more effective for segmenting the laser speckle image, which enhances the contrast between sound and lesioned tissues. The results were obtained with low computational cost. The method has the potential for early diagnosis in a clinical environment, through the development of low-cost portable equipment.

Liposomal bupivacaine versus interscalene nerve block for pain control after shoulder arthroplasty

PubMed Central

Yan, Zeng; Chen, Zong; Ma, Chuangen

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: Postoperative pain control after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can be challenging. Liposomal bupivacaine and interscalene nerve block are 2 common pain control protocol for TSA patients. However, whether liposomal bupivacaine was superior than interscalene nerve block was unknown. This meta-analysis aimed to illustrate the efficacy liposomal bupivacaine versus interscalene nerve block for pain control in patients undergoing TSA. Methods: In May 2017, a systematic computer-based search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google database. Data on patients prepared for TSA in studies that compared liposomal bupivacaine versus interscalene nerve block were retrieved. The endpoints were the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, and 2 weeks, total morphine consumption at 24 hours, and the length of hospital stay. Software of Stata 12.0 was used for pooling the final outcomes. Results: Five clinical studies with 573 patients (liposomal bupivacaine group = 239, interscalene nerve block group = 334) were ultimately included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the VAS at 4 hours, 8 hours, and 2 weeks between liposomal bupivacaine group and interscalene nerve block group (P > .05). Compared with interscalene nerve block group, liposomal bupivacaine was associated with a reduction of VAS score at 12 hours, 24 hours by appropriately 3.31 points and 6.42 points respectively on a 100-point VAS. Furthermore, liposomal bupivacaine was associated with a significantly reduction of the length of hospital stay by appropriately by 0.16 days compared with interscalene nerve block group. Conclusion: Current meta-analysis indicates that compared with interscalene nerve block, liposomal bupivacaine had comparative effectiveness on reducing both pain scores and the length of hospital stay. However, studies with more patients and better-designed methods are needed to establish the optimal regimen and the safety of liposomal bupivacaine in TSA patients. PMID:28682872

SLAMMER: Seismic LAndslide Movement Modeled using Earthquake Records

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jibson, Randall W.; Rathje, Ellen M.; Jibson, Matthew W.; Lee, Yong W.

2013-01-01

This program is designed to facilitate conducting sliding-block analysis (also called permanent-deformation analysis) of slopes in order to estimate slope behavior during earthquakes. The program allows selection from among more than 2,100 strong-motion records from 28 earthquakes and allows users to add their own records to the collection. Any number of earthquake records can be selected using a search interface that selects records based on desired properties. Sliding-block analyses, using any combination of rigid-block (Newmark), decoupled, and fully coupled methods, are then conducted on the selected group of records, and results are compiled in both graphical and tabular form. Simplified methods for conducting each type of analysis are also included.

Estimation of geopotential from satellite-to-satellite range rate data: Numerical results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thobe, Glenn E.; Bose, Sam C.

1987-01-01

A technique for high-resolution geopotential field estimation by recovering the harmonic coefficients from satellite-to-satellite range rate data is presented and tested against both a controlled analytical simulation of a one-day satellite mission (maximum degree and order 8) and then against a Cowell method simulation of a 32-day mission (maximum degree and order 180). Innovations include: (1) a new frequency-domain observation equation based on kinetic energy perturbations which avoids much of the complication of the usual Keplerian element perturbation approaches; (2) a new method for computing the normalized inclination functions which unlike previous methods is both efficient and numerically stable even for large harmonic degrees and orders; (3) the application of a mass storage FFT to the entire mission range rate history; (4) the exploitation of newly discovered symmetries in the block diagonal observation matrix which reduce each block to the product of (a) a real diagonal matrix factor, (b) a real trapezoidal factor with half the number of rows as before, and (c) a complex diagonal factor; (5) a block-by-block least-squares solution of the observation equation by means of a custom-designed Givens orthogonal rotation method which is both numerically stable and tailored to the trapezoidal matrix structure for fast execution.

A novel fractal image compression scheme with block classification and sorting based on Pearson's correlation coefficient.

PubMed

Wang, Jianji; Zheng, Nanning

2013-09-01

Fractal image compression (FIC) is an image coding technology based on the local similarity of image structure. It is widely used in many fields such as image retrieval, image denoising, image authentication, and encryption. FIC, however, suffers from the high computational complexity in encoding. Although many schemes are published to speed up encoding, they do not easily satisfy the encoding time or the reconstructed image quality requirements. In this paper, a new FIC scheme is proposed based on the fact that the affine similarity between two blocks in FIC is equivalent to the absolute value of Pearson's correlation coefficient (APCC) between them. First, all blocks in the range and domain pools are chosen and classified using an APCC-based block classification method to increase the matching probability. Second, by sorting the domain blocks with respect to APCCs between these domain blocks and a preset block in each class, the matching domain block for a range block can be searched in the selected domain set in which these APCCs are closer to APCC between the range block and the preset block. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme can significantly speed up the encoding process in FIC while preserving the reconstructed image quality well.

An interprojection sensor fusion approach to estimate blocked projection signal in synchronized moving grid-based CBCT system

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

Zhang, Hong; Kong, Vic; Ren, Lei

2016-01-15

Purpose: A preobject grid can reduce and correct scatter in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). However, half of the signal in each projection is blocked by the grid. A synchronized moving grid (SMOG) has been proposed to acquire two complimentary projections at each gantry position and merge them into one complete projection. That approach, however, suffers from increased scanning time and the technical difficulty of accurately merging the two projections per gantry angle. Herein, the authors present a new SMOG approach which acquires a single projection per gantry angle, with complimentary grid patterns for any two adjacent projections, and usemore » an interprojection sensor fusion (IPSF) technique to estimate the blocked signal in each projection. The method may have the additional benefit of reduced imaging dose due to the grid blocking half of the incident radiation. Methods: The IPSF considers multiple paired observations from two adjacent gantry angles as approximations of the blocked signal and uses a weighted least square regression of these observations to finally determine the blocked signal. The method was first tested with a simulated SMOG on a head phantom. The signal to noise ratio (SNR), which represents the difference of the recovered CBCT image to the original image without the SMOG, was used to evaluate the ability of the IPSF in recovering the missing signal. The IPSF approach was then tested using a Catphan phantom on a prototype SMOG assembly installed in a bench top CBCT system. Results: In the simulated SMOG experiment, the SNRs were increased from 15.1 and 12.7 dB to 35.6 and 28.9 dB comparing with a conventional interpolation method (inpainting method) for a projection and the reconstructed 3D image, respectively, suggesting that IPSF successfully recovered most of blocked signal. In the prototype SMOG experiment, the authors have successfully reconstructed a CBCT image using the IPSF-SMOG approach. The detailed geometric features in the Catphan phantom were mostly recovered according to visual evaluation. The scatter related artifacts, such as cupping artifacts, were almost completely removed. Conclusions: The IPSF-SMOG is promising in reducing scatter artifacts and improving image quality while reducing radiation dose.« less

Expediting analog design retargeting by design knowledge re-use and circuit synthesis: a practical example on a Delta-Sigma modulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Webb, Matthew; Tang, Hua

2016-08-01

In the past decade or two, due to constant and rapid technology changes, analog design re-use or design retargeting to newer technologies has been brought to the table in order to expedite the design process and improve time-to-market. If properly conducted, analog design retargeting could significantly cut down design cycle compared to designs starting from the scratch. In this article, we present an empirical and general method for efficient analog design retargeting by design knowledge re-use and circuit synthesis (CS). The method first identifies circuit blocks that compose the source system and extracts the performance parameter specifications of each circuit block. Then, for each circuit block, it scales the values of design variables (DV) from the source design to derive an initial design in the target technology. Depending on the performance of this initial target design, a design space is defined for synthesis. Subsequently, each circuit block is automatically synthesised using state-of-art analog synthesis tools based on a combination of global and local optimisation techniques to achieve comparable performance specifications to those extracted from the source system. Finally, the overall system is composed of those synthesised circuit blocks in the target technology. We illustrate the method using a practical example of a complex Delta-Sigma modulator (DSM) circuit.

An interprojection sensor fusion approach to estimate blocked projection signal in synchronized moving grid-based CBCT system.

PubMed

Zhang, Hong; Ren, Lei; Kong, Vic; Giles, William; Zhang, You; Jin, Jian-Yue

2016-01-01

A preobject grid can reduce and correct scatter in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). However, half of the signal in each projection is blocked by the grid. A synchronized moving grid (SMOG) has been proposed to acquire two complimentary projections at each gantry position and merge them into one complete projection. That approach, however, suffers from increased scanning time and the technical difficulty of accurately merging the two projections per gantry angle. Herein, the authors present a new SMOG approach which acquires a single projection per gantry angle, with complimentary grid patterns for any two adjacent projections, and use an interprojection sensor fusion (IPSF) technique to estimate the blocked signal in each projection. The method may have the additional benefit of reduced imaging dose due to the grid blocking half of the incident radiation. The IPSF considers multiple paired observations from two adjacent gantry angles as approximations of the blocked signal and uses a weighted least square regression of these observations to finally determine the blocked signal. The method was first tested with a simulated SMOG on a head phantom. The signal to noise ratio (SNR), which represents the difference of the recovered CBCT image to the original image without the SMOG, was used to evaluate the ability of the IPSF in recovering the missing signal. The IPSF approach was then tested using a Catphan phantom on a prototype SMOG assembly installed in a bench top CBCT system. In the simulated SMOG experiment, the SNRs were increased from 15.1 and 12.7 dB to 35.6 and 28.9 dB comparing with a conventional interpolation method (inpainting method) for a projection and the reconstructed 3D image, respectively, suggesting that IPSF successfully recovered most of blocked signal. In the prototype SMOG experiment, the authors have successfully reconstructed a CBCT image using the IPSF-SMOG approach. The detailed geometric features in the Catphan phantom were mostly recovered according to visual evaluation. The scatter related artifacts, such as cupping artifacts, were almost completely removed. The IPSF-SMOG is promising in reducing scatter artifacts and improving image quality while reducing radiation dose.

Periodontal ligament and intraosseous anesthetic injection techniques: alternatives to mandibular nerve blocks.

PubMed

Moore, Paul A; Cuddy, Michael A; Cooke, Matthew R; Sokolowski, Chester J

2011-09-01

and Overview. The provision of mandibular anesthesia traditionally has relied on nerve block anesthetic techniques such as the Halsted, the Gow-Gates and the Akinosi-Vazirani methods. The authors present two alternative techniques to provide local anesthesia in mandibular teeth: the periodontal ligament (PDL) injection and the intraosseous (IO) injection. The authors also present indications for and complications associated with these techniques. The PDL injection and the IO injection are effective anesthetic techniques for managing nerve block failures and for providing localized anesthesia in the mandible. Dentists may find these techniques to be useful alternatives to nerve block anesthesia.

Ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks combined with sedoanalgesia versus spinal anesthesia in total knee arthroplasty

PubMed Central

Tekelioglu, Umit Yasar; Demirhan, Abdullah; Ozturan, Kutay Engin; Bayir, Hakan; Kocoglu, Hasan; Bilgi, Murat

2014-01-01

Background Although regional anesthesia is the first choice for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it may not be effective and the risk of complications is greater in patients who are obese or who have spinal deformities. We compared the success of ultrasound-guided femoral and sciatic nerve blocks with sedoanalgesia versus spinal anesthesia in unilateral TKA patients in whom spinal anesthesia was difficult. Methods We enrolled 30 patients; 15 for whom spinal anesthesia was expected to be difficult were classified as the block group, and 15 received spinal anesthesia. Regional anesthesia was achieved with bupivacaine 62.5 mg and prilocaine 250 mg to the sciatic nerve, and bupivacaine 37.5 mg and prilocaine 150 mg to the femoral nerve. Bupivacaine 20 mg was administered to induce spinal anesthesia. Hemodynamic parameters, pain and sedation scores, and surgical and patient satisfaction were compared. Results A sufficient block could not be obtained in three patients in the block group. The arterial pressure was significantly lower in the spinal group (P < 0.001), and the incidence of nausea was higher (P = 0.017) in this group. Saturation and patient satisfaction were lower in the block group (P < 0.028), while the numerical pain score (P < 0.046) and the Ramsay sedation score were higher (P = 0.007). Conclusions Ultrasound-guided sciatic and femoral nerve blocks combined with sedoanalgesia were an alternative anesthesia method in selected TKA patients. PMID:25237444

Field-theoretic simulations of block copolymer nanocomposites in a constant interfacial tension ensemble.

PubMed

Koski, Jason P; Riggleman, Robert A

2017-04-28

Block copolymers, due to their ability to self-assemble into periodic structures with long range order, are appealing candidates to control the ordering of functionalized nanoparticles where it is well-accepted that the spatial distribution of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix dictates the resulting material properties. The large parameter space associated with block copolymer nanocomposites makes theory and simulation tools appealing to guide experiments and effectively isolate parameters of interest. We demonstrate a method for performing field-theoretic simulations in a constant volume-constant interfacial tension ensemble (nVγT) that enables the determination of the equilibrium properties of block copolymer nanocomposites, including when the composites are placed under tensile or compressive loads. Our approach is compatible with the complex Langevin simulation framework, which allows us to go beyond the mean-field approximation. We validate our approach by comparing our nVγT approach with free energy calculations to determine the ideal domain spacing and modulus of a symmetric block copolymer melt. We analyze the effect of numerical and thermodynamic parameters on the efficiency of the nVγT ensemble and subsequently use our method to investigate the ideal domain spacing, modulus, and nanoparticle distribution of a lamellar forming block copolymer nanocomposite. We find that the nanoparticle distribution is directly linked to the resultant domain spacing and is dependent on polymer chain density, nanoparticle size, and nanoparticle chemistry. Furthermore, placing the system under tension or compression can qualitatively alter the nanoparticle distribution within the block copolymer.

SU-E-I-08: Investigation of Deconvolution Methods for Blocker-Based CBCT Scatter Estimation

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

Zhao, C; Jin, M; Ouyang, L

2015-06-15

Purpose: To investigate whether deconvolution methods can improve the scatter estimation under different blurring and noise conditions for blocker-based scatter correction methods for cone-beam X-ray computed tomography (CBCT). Methods: An “ideal” projection image with scatter was first simulated for blocker-based CBCT data acquisition by assuming no blurring effect and no noise. The ideal image was then convolved with long-tail point spread functions (PSF) with different widths to mimic the blurring effect from the finite focal spot and detector response. Different levels of noise were also added. Three deconvolution Methods: 1) inverse filtering; 2) Wiener; and 3) Richardson-Lucy, were used tomore » recover the scatter signal in the blocked region. The root mean square error (RMSE) of estimated scatter serves as a quantitative measure for the performance of different methods under different blurring and noise conditions. Results: Due to the blurring effect, the scatter signal in the blocked region is contaminated by the primary signal in the unblocked region. The direct use of the signal in the blocked region to estimate scatter (“direct method”) leads to large RMSE values, which increase with the increased width of PSF and increased noise. The inverse filtering is very sensitive to noise and practically useless. The Wiener and Richardson-Lucy deconvolution methods significantly improve scatter estimation compared to the direct method. For a typical medium PSF and medium noise condition, both methods (∼20 RMSE) can achieve 4-fold improvement over the direct method (∼80 RMSE). The Wiener method deals better with large noise and Richardson-Lucy works better on wide PSF. Conclusion: We investigated several deconvolution methods to recover the scatter signal in the blocked region for blocker-based scatter correction for CBCT. Our simulation results demonstrate that Wiener and Richardson-Lucy deconvolution can significantly improve the scatter estimation compared to the direct method.« less

Can We Perform Distal Nerve Block Instead of Brachial Plexus Nerve Block Under Ultrasound Guidance for Hand Surgery?

PubMed Central

Ince, Ilker; Aksoy, Mehmet; Celik, Mine

2016-01-01

Objective: Distal nerve blocks are used in the event of unsuccessful blocks as rescue techniques. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the sufficiency for anesthesia of distal nerve block without the need for deep sedation or general anesthesia. The secondary purpose was to compare block performance times, block onset times, and patient and surgeon satisfaction. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent hand surgery associated with the innervation area of the radial and median nerves were included in the study. Thirty-four patients who were 18–65 years old and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I–III and who were scheduled for elective hand surgery under conscious nerve block anesthesia were randomly included in an infraclavicular block group (Group I, n=17) or a radial plus median block group (Group RM, n=17). The block performance time, block onset time, satisfaction of the patient and surgeon, and number of fentanyl administrations were recorded. Results: The numbers of patients who needed fentanyl administration and conversion to general anesthesia were the same in Group I and Group RM and there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05). The demographics, surgery times, tourniquet times, block perfomance times, and patient and surgeon satisfaction of the groups were similar and there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in block onset times between the groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: Conscious hand surgery can be performed under distal nerve block anesthesia safely and successfully. PMID:28149139

Dynamically reassigning a connected node to a block of compute nodes for re-launching a failed job

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

Budnik, Thomas A; Knudson, Brant L; Megerian, Mark G

Methods, systems, and products for dynamically reassigning a connected node to a block of compute nodes for re-launching a failed job that include: identifying that a job failed to execute on the block of compute nodes because connectivity failed between a compute node assigned as at least one of the connected nodes for the block of compute nodes and its supporting I/O node; and re-launching the job, including selecting an alternative connected node that is actively coupled for data communications with an active I/O node; and assigning the alternative connected node as the connected node for the block of computemore » nodes running the re-launched job.« less

Nanopatterned articles produced using reconstructed block copolymer films

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

Russell, Thomas P.; Park, Soojin; Wang;, Jia-Yu

Nanopatterned surfaces are prepared by a method that includes forming a block copolymer film on a substrate, annealing and surface reconstructing the block copolymer film to create an array of cylindrical voids, depositing a metal on the surface-reconstructed block copolymer film, and heating the metal-coated block copolymer film to redistribute at least some of the metal into the cylindrical voids. When very thin metal layers and low heating temperatures are used, metal nanodots can be formed. When thicker metal layers and higher heating temperatures are used, the resulting metal structure includes nanoring-shaped voids. The nanopatterned surfaces can be transferred tomore » the underlying substrates via etching, or used to prepare nanodot- or nanoring-decorated substrate surfaces.« less

Wavelength-scale photonic-crystal laser formed by electron-beam-induced nano-block deposition.

PubMed

Seo, Min-Kyo; Kang, Ju-Hyung; Kim, Myung-Ki; Ahn, Byeong-Hyeon; Kim, Ju-Young; Jeong, Kwang-Yong; Park, Hong-Gyu; Lee, Yong-Hee

2009-04-13

A wavelength-scale cavity is generated by printing a carbonaceous nano-block on a photonic-crystal waveguide. The nanometer-size carbonaceous block is grown at a pre-determined region by the electron-beam-induced deposition method. The wavelength-scale photonic-crystal cavity operates as a single mode laser, near 1550 nm with threshold of approximately 100 microW at room temperature. Finite-difference time-domain computations show that a high-quality-factor cavity mode is defined around the nano-block with resonant wavelength slightly longer than the dispersion-edge of the photonic-crystal waveguide. Measured near-field images exhibit photon distribution well-localized in the proximity of the printed nano-block. Linearly-polarized emission along the vertical direction is also observed.

Analysis of backward error recovery for concurrent processes with recovery blocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shin, K. G.; Lee, Y. H.

1982-01-01

Three different methods of implementing recovery blocks (RB's). These are the asynchronous, synchronous, and the pseudo recovery point implementations. Pseudo recovery points so that unbounded rollback may be avoided while maintaining process autonomy are proposed. Probabilistic models for analyzing these three methods under standard assumptions in computer performance analysis, i.e., exponential distributions for related random variables were developed. The interval between two successive recovery lines for asynchronous RB's mean loss in computation power for the synchronized method, and additional overhead and rollback distance in case PRP's are used were estimated.

Parallel SOR methods with a parabolic-diffusion acceleration technique for solving an unstructured-grid Poisson equation on 3D arbitrary geometries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zapata, M. A. Uh; Van Bang, D. Pham; Nguyen, K. D.

2016-05-01

This paper presents a parallel algorithm for the finite-volume discretisation of the Poisson equation on three-dimensional arbitrary geometries. The proposed method is formulated by using a 2D horizontal block domain decomposition and interprocessor data communication techniques with message passing interface. The horizontal unstructured-grid cells are reordered according to the neighbouring relations and decomposed into blocks using a load-balanced distribution to give all processors an equal amount of elements. In this algorithm, two parallel successive over-relaxation methods are presented: a multi-colour ordering technique for unstructured grids based on distributed memory and a block method using reordering index following similar ideas of the partitioning for structured grids. In all cases, the parallel algorithms are implemented with a combination of an acceleration iterative solver. This solver is based on a parabolic-diffusion equation introduced to obtain faster solutions of the linear systems arising from the discretisation. Numerical results are given to evaluate the performances of the methods showing speedups better than linear.

Push Force Analysis of Anchor Block of the Oil and Gas Pipeline in a Single-Slope Tunnel Based on the Energy Balance Method

PubMed Central

Yan, Yifei; Zhang, Lisong; Yan, Xiangzhen

2016-01-01

In this paper, a single-slope tunnel pipeline was analysed considering the effects of vertical earth pressure, horizontal soil pressure, inner pressure, thermal expansion force and pipeline—soil friction. The concept of stagnation point for the pipeline was proposed. Considering the deformation compatibility condition of the pipeline elbow, the push force of anchor blocks of a single-slope tunnel pipeline was derived based on an energy method. Then, the theoretical formula for this force is thus generated. Using the analytical equation, the push force of the anchor block of an X80 large-diameter pipeline from the West—East Gas Transmission Project was determined. Meanwhile, to verify the results of the analytical method, and the finite element method, four categories of finite element codes were introduced to calculate the push force, including CAESARII, ANSYS, AutoPIPE and ALGOR. The results show that the analytical results agree well with the numerical results, and the maximum relative error is only 4.1%. Therefore, the results obtained with the analytical method can satisfy engineering requirements. PMID:26963097

Block Distribution Analysis of Impact Craters in the Tharsis and Elysium Planitia Regions on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Button, N.; Karunatillake, S.; Diaz, C.; Zadei, S.; Rajora, V.; Barbato, A.; Piorkowski, M.

2017-12-01

The block distribution pattern of ejecta surrounding impact craters reveals clues about their formation. Using images from High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) image onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), we indentified two rayed impact craters on Mars with measurable ejecta fields to quantitatively investigate in this study. Impact Crater 1 (HiRISE image PSP_008011_1975) is located in the Tharsis region at 17.41°N, 248.75°E and is 175 m in diameter. Impact Crater 2 (HiRISE image ESP_018352_1805) is located in Elysium Planitia at 0.51°N, 163.14°E and is 320 m in diameter. Our block measurements, used to determine the area, were conducted using HiView. Employing methods similar to Krishna and Kumar (2016), we compared block size and axis ratio to block distance from the center of the crater, impact angle, and direction. Preliminary analysis of sixteen radial sectors around Impact Crater 1 revealed that in sectors containing mostly small blocks (less than 10 m2), the small blocks were ejected up to three times the diameter of the crater from the center of the crater. These small block-dominated sectors lacked blocks larger than 10 m2. Contrastingly, in large block-dominated sectors (larger than 30 m2) blocks rarely traveled farther than 200 m from the center of the crater. We also seek to determine the impact angle and direction. Krishna and Kumar (2016) calculate the b-value (N(a) = Ca-b; "N(a) equals the number of fragments or craters with a size greater than a, C is a constant, and -b is a power index") as a method to determine the impact direction. Our preliminary results for Impact Crater 1 did not clearly indicate the impact angle. With improved measurements and the assessment of Impact Crater 2, we will compare Impact Crater 1 to Impact Crater 2 as well as assess the impact angle and direction in order to determine if the craters are secondary craters. Hood, D. and Karunatillake, S. (2017), LPSC, Abstract #2640 Krishna, N., and P. S. Kumar (2016), Icarus, 264, 274-299

Random Versus Blocked Practice to Enhance Mental Representation in Golf Putting.

PubMed

Fazeli, Davoud; Taheri, HamidReza; Saberi Kakhki, Alireza

2017-06-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in mental representation from either random or blocked practice when engaged in golf putting. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to random practice, blocked practice, and no-practice groups. First, we measured novice golfers' initial mental representation levels and required them to perform 18 putting trials as a pre-test. We then asked random and blocked groups to practice in accordance with their group assignment for six consecutive days (10 blocks each day, 18 trials each). A week after the last practice session, we re-measured all participants' final mental representation levels and required them to perform 18 putting trials to evaluate learning retention through practice. While those engaged in the random practice method putted more poorly during acquisition (i.e., practice) than those in blocked practice, the random practice group experienced more accurate retention during the final putting trials, and they showed a more structured mental representation than those in blocked practice, one that was more similar to that of skilled golfers. These results support the acquisition of a rich mental representation through random versus blocked practice.

Preparation and development of block copolypeptide vesicles and hydrogels for biological and medical applications.

PubMed

Deming, Timothy J

2014-01-01

There have been many recent advances in the controlled polymerization of α-amino acid-N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomers into well-defined block copolypeptides. Transition metal initiating systems allow block copolypeptide synthesis with excellent control over number and lengths of block segments, chain length distribution, and chain-end functionality. Using this and other methods, block copolypeptides of controlled dimensions have been prepared and their self-assembly into organized structures studied by many research groups. The ability of well-defined block copolypeptides to assemble into supramolecular copolypeptide vesicles and hydrogels has led to the development of these materials for use in biological and medical applications. These assemblies have been found to possess unique properties that are derived from the amino acid building blocks and ordered conformations of the polypeptide segments. Recent work on the incorporation of active and stimulus-responsive functionality in these materials has tremendously increased their potential for use in biological and medical studies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Block-Based Connected-Component Labeling Algorithm Using Binary Decision Trees

PubMed Central

Chang, Wan-Yu; Chiu, Chung-Cheng; Yang, Jia-Horng

2015-01-01

In this paper, we propose a fast labeling algorithm based on block-based concepts. Because the number of memory access points directly affects the time consumption of the labeling algorithms, the aim of the proposed algorithm is to minimize neighborhood operations. Our algorithm utilizes a block-based view and correlates a raster scan to select the necessary pixels generated by a block-based scan mask. We analyze the advantages of a sequential raster scan for the block-based scan mask, and integrate the block-connected relationships using two different procedures with binary decision trees to reduce unnecessary memory access. This greatly simplifies the pixel locations of the block-based scan mask. Furthermore, our algorithm significantly reduces the number of leaf nodes and depth levels required in the binary decision tree. We analyze the labeling performance of the proposed algorithm alongside that of other labeling algorithms using high-resolution images and foreground images. The experimental results from synthetic and real image datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is faster than other methods. PMID:26393597

Evaluation of power block arrangements for 100MW scale concentrated solar thermal power generation using top-down design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Post, Alexander; Beath, Andrew; Sauret, Emilie; Persky, Rodney

2017-06-01

Concentrated solar thermal power generation poses a unique situation for power block selection, in which a capital intensive heat source is subject to daily and seasonal fluctuations in intensity. In this study, a method is developed to easily evaluate the favourability of different power blocks for converting the heat supplied by a concentrated solar thermal plant into power at the 100MWe scale based on several key parameters. The method is then applied to a range of commercially available power cycles that operate over different temperatures and efficiencies, and with differing capital costs, each with performance and economic parameters selected to be typical of their technology type, as reported in literature. Using this method, the power cycle is identified among those examined that is most likely to result in a minimum levelised cost of energy of a solar thermal plant.

Clinic expert information extraction based on domain model and block importance model.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuanpeng; Wang, Li; Qian, Danmin; Geng, Xingyun; Yao, Dengfu; Dong, Jiancheng

2015-11-01

To extract expert clinic information from the Deep Web, there are two challenges to face. The first one is to make a judgment on forms. A novel method based on a domain model, which is a tree structure constructed by the attributes of query interfaces is proposed. With this model, query interfaces can be classified to a domain and filled in with domain keywords. Another challenge is to extract information from response Web pages indexed by query interfaces. To filter the noisy information on a Web page, a block importance model is proposed, both content and spatial features are taken into account in this model. The experimental results indicate that the domain model yields a precision 4.89% higher than that of the rule-based method, whereas the block importance model yields an F1 measure 10.5% higher than that of the XPath method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Compressive Video Recovery Using Block Match Multi-Frame Motion Estimation Based on Single Pixel Cameras

PubMed Central

Bi, Sheng; Zeng, Xiao; Tang, Xin; Qin, Shujia; Lai, King Wai Chiu

2016-01-01

Compressive sensing (CS) theory has opened up new paths for the development of signal processing applications. Based on this theory, a novel single pixel camera architecture has been introduced to overcome the current limitations and challenges of traditional focal plane arrays. However, video quality based on this method is limited by existing acquisition and recovery methods, and the method also suffers from being time-consuming. In this paper, a multi-frame motion estimation algorithm is proposed in CS video to enhance the video quality. The proposed algorithm uses multiple frames to implement motion estimation. Experimental results show that using multi-frame motion estimation can improve the quality of recovered videos. To further reduce the motion estimation time, a block match algorithm is used to process motion estimation. Experiments demonstrate that using the block match algorithm can reduce motion estimation time by 30%. PMID:26950127

In Vitro Model for Predicting the Protective Effect of Ultraviolet-Blocking Contact Lens in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells.

PubMed

Abengózar-Vela, Antonio; Arroyo, Cristina; Reinoso, Roberto; Enríquez-de-Salamanca, Amalia; Corell, Alfredo; González-García, María Jesús

2015-01-01

To develop an in vitro method to determine the protective effect of UV-blocking contact lenses (CLs) in human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells exposed to UV-B radiation. SV-40-transformed HCE cells were covered with non-UV-blocking CL, UV-blocking CL or not covered, and exposed to UV-B radiation. As control, HCE cells were covered with both types of CLs or not covered, but not exposed to UV-B radiation. Cell viability at 24, 48 and 72 h, after UV-B exposure and removing CLs, was determined by alamarBlue(®) assay. Percentage of live, dead and apoptotic cells was also assessed by flow cytometry after 24 h of UV-B exposure. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production after 1 h of exposure was assessed using the dye H(2)DCF-DA. Cell viability significantly decreased, apoptotic cells and intracellular ROS production significantly increased when UVB-exposed cells were covered with non-UV-blocking CL or not covered compared to non-irradiated cells. When cells were covered with UV-blocking CL, cell viability significantly increased and apoptotic cells and intracellular ROS production did not increase compared to exposed cells. UV-B radiation induces cell death by apoptosis, increases ROS production and decreases viable cells. UV-blocking CL is able to avoid these effects increasing cell viability and protecting HCE cells from apoptosis and ROS production induced by UV-B radiation. This in vitro model is an alternative to in vivo methods to determine the protective effect of UV-blocking ophthalmic biomaterials because it is a quicker, cheaper and reliable model that avoids the use of animals.

Teaching alternatives to the standard inferior alveolar nerve block in dental education: outcomes in clinical practice.

PubMed

Johnson, Thomas M; Badovinac, Rachel; Shaefer, Jeffry

2007-09-01

Surveys were sent to Harvard School of Dental Medicine students and graduates from the classes of 2000 through 2006 to determine their current primary means of achieving mandibular anesthesia. Orthodontists and orthodontic residents were excluded. All subjects received clinical training in the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block and two alternative techniques (the Akinosi mandibular block and the Gow-Gates mandibular block) during their predoctoral dental education. This study tests the hypothesis that students and graduates who received training in the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block, the Akinosi mandibular block, and the Gow-Gates mandibular block will report more frequent current utilization of alternatives to the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block than clinicians trained in the conventional technique only. At the 95 percent confidence level, we estimated that between 3.7 percent and 16.1 percent (mean=8.5 percent) of clinicians trained in using the Gow-Gates technique use this injection technique primarily, and between 35.4 percent and 56.3 percent (mean=47.5 percent) of those trained in the Gow-Gates method never use this technique. At the same confidence level, between 0.0 percent and 3.8 percent (mean=0.0 percent) of clinicians trained in using the Akinosi technique use this injection clinical technique primarily, and between 62.2 percent and 81.1 percent (mean=72.3 percent) of those trained in the Akinosi method never use this technique. No control group that was completely untrained in the Gow-Gates or Akinosi techniques was available for comparison. However, we presume that zero percent of clinicians who have not been trained in a given technique will use the technique in clinical practice. The confidence interval for the Gow-Gates method excludes this value, while the confidence interval for the Akinosi technique includes zero percent. We conclude that, in the study population, formal clinical training in the Gow-Gates and Akinosi injection techniques lead to a small but significant increase in current primary utilization of the Gow-Gates technique. No significant increase in current primary utilization of the Akinosi technique was found.

Utilizing the virus-induced blocking of apoptosis in an easy baculovirus titration method

PubMed Central

Niarchos, Athanasios; Lagoumintzis, George; Poulas, Konstantinos

2015-01-01

Baculovirus-mediated protein expression is a robust experimental technique for producing recombinant higher-eukaryotic proteins because it combines high yields with considerable post-translational modification capabilities. In this expression system, the determination of the titer of recombinant baculovirus stocks is important to achieve the correct multiplicity of infection for effective amplification of the virus and high expression of the target protein. To overcome the drawbacks of existing titration methods (e.g., plaque assay, real-time PCR), we present a simple and reliable assay that uses the ability of baculoviruses to block apoptosis in their host cells to accurately titrate virus samples. Briefly, after incubation with serial dilutions of baculovirus samples, Sf9 cells were UV irradiated and, after apoptosis induction, they were viewed via microscopy; the presence of cluster(s) of infected cells as islets indicated blocked apoptosis. Subsequently, baculovirus titers were calculated through the determination of the 50% endpoint dilution. The method is simple, inexpensive, and does not require unique laboratory equipment, consumables or expertise; moreover, it is versatile enough to be adapted for the titration of every virus species that can block apoptosis in any culturable host cells which undergo apoptosis under specific conditions. PMID:26490731

Proteins detection by polymer optical fibers sensitised with overlayers of block and random copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Sachat, Alexandros; Meristoudi, Anastasia; Markos, Christos; Pispas, Stergios; Riziotis, Christos

2014-03-01

A low cost and low complexity optical detection method of proteins is presented by employing a detection scheme based on electrostatic interactions, and implemented by sensitization of a polymer optical fibers' (POF) surface by thin overlayers of properly designed sensitive copolymer materials with predesigned charges. This method enables the fast detection of proteins having opposite charge to the overlayer, and also the effective discrimination of differently charged proteins like lysozyme (LYS) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). As sensitive materials the block and the random copolymers of the same monomers were employed, namely the block copolymer poly(styrene-b-2vinylpyridine) (PS-b- P2VP) and the corresponding random copolymer poly(styrene-r-2vinylpyridine) (PS-r-P2VP), of similar composition and molecular weights. Results show systematically different response between the block and the random copolymers, although of the same order of magnitude, drawing thus important conclusions on their applications' techno-economic aspects given that they have significantly different associated manufacturing method and costs. The use of the POF platform, in combination with those adaptable copolymer sensing materials could lead to efficient low cost bio-detection schemes.

Adaptive bit plane quadtree-based block truncation coding for image compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shenda; Wang, Jin; Zhu, Qing

2018-04-01

Block truncation coding (BTC) is a fast image compression technique applied in spatial domain. Traditional BTC and its variants mainly focus on reducing computational complexity for low bit rate compression, at the cost of lower quality of decoded images, especially for images with rich texture. To solve this problem, in this paper, a quadtree-based block truncation coding algorithm combined with adaptive bit plane transmission is proposed. First, the direction of edge in each block is detected using Sobel operator. For the block with minimal size, adaptive bit plane is utilized to optimize the BTC, which depends on its MSE loss encoded by absolute moment block truncation coding (AMBTC). Extensive experimental results show that our method gains 0.85 dB PSNR on average compare to some other state-of-the-art BTC variants. So it is desirable for real time image compression applications.

Compact conscious animal positron emission tomography scanner

DOEpatents

Schyler, David J.; O'Connor, Paul; Woody, Craig; Junnarkar, Sachin Shrirang; Radeka, Veljko; Vaska, Paul; Pratte, Jean-Francois; Volkow, Nora

2006-10-24

A method of serially transferring annihilation information in a compact positron emission tomography (PET) scanner includes generating a time signal for an event, generating an address signal representing a detecting channel, generating a detector channel signal including the time and address signals, and generating a composite signal including the channel signal and similarly generated signals. The composite signal includes events from detectors in a block and is serially output. An apparatus that serially transfers annihilation information from a block includes time signal generators for detectors in a block and an address and channel signal generator. The PET scanner includes a ring tomograph that mounts onto a portion of an animal, which includes opposing block pairs. Each of the blocks in a block pair includes a scintillator layer, detection array, front-end array, and a serial encoder. The serial encoder includes time signal generators and an address signal and channel signal generator.

Poly(cyclohexylethylene)- block-poly(ethylene oxide) block polymers for metal oxide templating

DOE PAGES

Schulze, Morgan W.; Sinturel, Christophe; Hillmyer, Marc A.

2015-09-01

A series of poly(cyclohexylethylene)- block-poly(ethylene oxide) (CEO) diblock copolymers were synthesized through tandem anionic polymerizations and heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation. Solvent-annealed CEO diblock films were used to template dense arrays of inorganic oxide nanodots via simple spin coating of an inorganic precursor solution atop the ordered film. The substantial chemical dissimilarity of the two blocks enables (i) selective inclusion of the inorganic precursor within the PEO domain and (ii) the formation of exceptionally small feature sizes due to a relatively large interaction parameter estimated from mean-field analysis of the order–disorder transition temperatures of compositionally symmetric samples. UV/ozone treatment following incorporation producesmore » an ordered arrangement of oxide nanodots and simultaneously removes the block polymer template. However, we report the smallest particles (6 ± 1 nm) templated from a selective precursor insertion method to date using a block polymer scaffold.« less

Twofold processing for denoising ultrasound medical images.

PubMed

Kishore, P V V; Kumar, K V V; Kumar, D Anil; Prasad, M V D; Goutham, E N D; Rahul, R; Krishna, C B S Vamsi; Sandeep, Y

2015-01-01

Ultrasound medical (US) imaging non-invasively pictures inside of a human body for disease diagnostics. Speckle noise attacks ultrasound images degrading their visual quality. A twofold processing algorithm is proposed in this work to reduce this multiplicative speckle noise. First fold used block based thresholding, both hard (BHT) and soft (BST), on pixels in wavelet domain with 8, 16, 32 and 64 non-overlapping block sizes. This first fold process is a better denoising method for reducing speckle and also inducing object of interest blurring. The second fold process initiates to restore object boundaries and texture with adaptive wavelet fusion. The degraded object restoration in block thresholded US image is carried through wavelet coefficient fusion of object in original US mage and block thresholded US image. Fusion rules and wavelet decomposition levels are made adaptive for each block using gradient histograms with normalized differential mean (NDF) to introduce highest level of contrast between the denoised pixels and the object pixels in the resultant image. Thus the proposed twofold methods are named as adaptive NDF block fusion with hard and soft thresholding (ANBF-HT and ANBF-ST). The results indicate visual quality improvement to an interesting level with the proposed twofold processing, where the first fold removes noise and second fold restores object properties. Peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR), normalized cross correlation coefficient (NCC), edge strength (ES), image quality Index (IQI) and structural similarity index (SSIM), measure the quantitative quality of the twofold processing technique. Validation of the proposed method is done by comparing with anisotropic diffusion (AD), total variational filtering (TVF) and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) for enhancement of US images. The US images are provided by AMMA hospital radiology labs at Vijayawada, India.

A New Cell Block Method for Multiple Immunohistochemical Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients with Liver Cancer.

PubMed

Nam, Soo Jeong; Yeo, Hyun Yang; Chang, Hee Jin; Kim, Bo Hyun; Hong, Eun Kyung; Park, Joong-Won

2016-10-01

We developed a new method of detecting circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in liver cancer patients by constructing cell blocks from peripheral blood cells, including CTCs, followed by multiple immunohistochemical analysis. Cell blockswere constructed from the nucleated cell pellets of peripheral blood afterremoval of red blood cells. The blood cell blocks were obtained from 29 patients with liver cancer, and from healthy donor blood spikedwith seven cell lines. The cell blocks and corresponding tumor tissues were immunostained with antibodies to seven markers: cytokeratin (CK), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CK18, α-fetoprotein (AFP), Glypican 3, and HepPar1. The average recovery rate of spiked SW620 cells from blood cell blocks was 91%. CTCs were detected in 14 out of 29 patients (48.3%); 11/23 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), 1/2 cholangiocarcinomas (CC), 1/1 combined HCC-CC, and 1/3 metastatic cancers. CTCs from 14 patients were positive for EpCAM (57.1%), EMA (42.9%), AFP (21.4%), CK18 (14.3%), Gypican3 and CK (7.1%, each), and HepPar1 (0%). Patients with HCC expressed EpCAM, EMA, CK18, and AFP in tissue and/or CTCs, whereas CK, HepPar1, and Glypican3 were expressed only in tissue. Only EMA was significantly associated with the expressions in CTC and tissue. CTC detection was associated with higher T stage and portal vein invasion in HCC patients. This cell block method allows cytologic detection and multiple immunohistochemical analysis of CTCs. Our results show that tissue biomarkers of HCC may not be useful for the detection of CTC. EpCAM could be a candidate marker for CTCs in patients with HCC.

Improving atlas methodology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Robbins, C.S.; Dowell, B.A.; O'Brien, J.

1987-01-01

We are studying a sample of Maryland (2 %) and New Hampshire (4 %) Atlas blocks and a small sample in Maine. These three States used different sampling methods and block sizes. We compare sampling techniques, roadside with off-road coverage, our coverage with that of the volunteers, and different methods of quantifying Atlas results. The 7 1/2' (12-km) blocks used in the Maine Atlas are satisfactory for coarse mapping, but are too large to enable changes to be detected in the future. Most states are subdividing the standard 7 1/2' maps into six 5-km blocks. The random 1/6 sample of 5-km blocks used in New Hampshire, Vermont (published 1985), and many other states has the advantage of permitting detection of some changes in the future, but the disadvantage of leaving important habitats unsampled. The Maryland system of atlasing all 1,200 5-km blocks and covering one out of each six by quarterblocks (2 1/2-km) is far superior if enough observers can be found. A good compromise, not yet attempted, would be to Atlas a 1/6 random sample of 5-km blocks and also one other carefully selected (non-random) block on the same 7 1/2' map--the block that would include the best sample of habitats or elevations not in the random block. In our sample the second block raised the percentage of birds found from 86% of the birds recorded in the 7 1/2' quadrangle to 93%. It was helpful to list the expected species in each block and to revise this list annually. We estimate that 90-100 species could be found with intensive effort in most Maryland blocks; perhaps 95-105 in New Hampshire. It was also helpful to know which species were under-sampled so we could make a special effort to search for these. A total of 75 species per block (or 75% of the expected species in blocks with very restricted habitat diversity) is considered a practical and adequate goal in these States. When fewer than 60 species are found per block, a high proportion of the rarer species are missed, as well as some of the common ones. Similarity indices based on fewer than 60 species per block reflect coverage rather than habitat affinities. Atlas blocks that are ecologically similar should have similarity indices (S) of at least 0.80 to be considered adequately covered. S = 2C/(A + B), where C is the number of species in common and A and B are species totals for each of the two blocks being compared. A series of 15 13-minutes roadside stops yielded more species than 15 off-road stops, but off-road stops always had some species not detected at the roadside stops. A series of timed stops is an excellent way to map relative abundance if the stops are standardized with respect to time of day and weather, and the counts are made by observers of comparable ability. Efforts to estimate Atlas block populations in powers of 10 (as in the French Atlas) have not gained acceptance in U.S.A. Most observers feel unqualified to make estimates. An efficient way to Atlas a block is to make at least 3 early morning visits to 15 or more specific stops. Arrive in the block early enough to check for nocturnal species on at least two days; and after completing the specific stops, search the block for other species and for confirmations.

Unsupervised motion-based object segmentation refined by color

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piek, Matthijs C.; Braspenning, Ralph; Varekamp, Chris

2003-06-01

For various applications, such as data compression, structure from motion, medical imaging and video enhancement, there is a need for an algorithm that divides video sequences into independently moving objects. Because our focus is on video enhancement and structure from motion for consumer electronics, we strive for a low complexity solution. For still images, several approaches exist based on colour, but these lack in both speed and segmentation quality. For instance, colour-based watershed algorithms produce a so-called oversegmentation with many segments covering each single physical object. Other colour segmentation approaches exist which somehow limit the number of segments to reduce this oversegmentation problem. However, this often results in inaccurate edges or even missed objects. Most likely, colour is an inherently insufficient cue for real world object segmentation, because real world objects can display complex combinations of colours. For video sequences, however, an additional cue is available, namely the motion of objects. When different objects in a scene have different motion, the motion cue alone is often enough to reliably distinguish objects from one another and the background. However, because of the lack of sufficient resolution of efficient motion estimators, like the 3DRS block matcher, the resulting segmentation is not at pixel resolution, but at block resolution. Existing pixel resolution motion estimators are more sensitive to noise, suffer more from aperture problems or have less correspondence to the true motion of objects when compared to block-based approaches or are too computationally expensive. From its tendency to oversegmentation it is apparent that colour segmentation is particularly effective near edges of homogeneously coloured areas. On the other hand, block-based true motion estimation is particularly effective in heterogeneous areas, because heterogeneous areas improve the chance a block is unique and thus decrease the chance of the wrong position producing a good match. Consequently, a number of methods exist which combine motion and colour segmentation. These methods use colour segmentation as a base for the motion segmentation and estimation or perform an independent colour segmentation in parallel which is in some way combined with the motion segmentation. The presented method uses both techniques to complement each other by first segmenting on motion cues and then refining the segmentation with colour. To our knowledge few methods exist which adopt this approach. One example is te{meshrefine}. This method uses an irregular mesh, which hinders its efficient implementation in consumer electronics devices. Furthermore, the method produces a foreground/background segmentation, while our applications call for the segmentation of multiple objects. NEW METHOD As mentioned above we start with motion segmentation and refine the edges of this segmentation with a pixel resolution colour segmentation method afterwards. There are several reasons for this approach: + Motion segmentation does not produce the oversegmentation which colour segmentation methods normally produce, because objects are more likely to have colour discontinuities than motion discontinuities. In this way, the colour segmentation only has to be done at the edges of segments, confining the colour segmentation to a smaller part of the image. In such a part, it is more likely that the colour of an object is homogeneous. + This approach restricts the computationally expensive pixel resolution colour segmentation to a subset of the image. Together with the very efficient 3DRS motion estimation algorithm, this helps to reduce the computational complexity. + The motion cue alone is often enough to reliably distinguish objects from one another and the background. To obtain the motion vector fields, a variant of the 3DRS block-based motion estimator which analyses three frames of input was used. The 3DRS motion estimator is known for its ability to estimate motion vectors which closely resemble the true motion. BLOCK-BASED MOTION SEGMENTATION As mentioned above we start with a block-resolution segmentation based on motion vectors. The presented method is inspired by the well-known K-means segmentation method te{K-means}. Several other methods (e.g. te{kmeansc}) adapt K-means for connectedness by adding a weighted shape-error. This adds the additional difficulty of finding the correct weights for the shape-parameters. Also, these methods often bias one particular pre-defined shape. The presented method, which we call K-regions, encourages connectedness because only blocks at the edges of segments may be assigned to another segment. This constrains the segmentation method to such a degree that it allows the method to use least squares for the robust fitting of affine motion models for each segment. Contrary to te{parmkm}, the segmentation step still operates on vectors instead of model parameters. To make sure the segmentation is temporally consistent, the segmentation of the previous frame will be used as initialisation for every new frame. We also present a scheme which makes the algorithm independent of the initially chosen amount of segments. COLOUR-BASED INTRA-BLOCK SEGMENTATION The block resolution motion-based segmentation forms the starting point for the pixel resolution segmentation. The pixel resolution segmentation is obtained from the block resolution segmentation by reclassifying pixels only at the edges of clusters. We assume that an edge between two objects can be found in either one of two neighbouring blocks that belong to different clusters. This assumption allows us to do the pixel resolution segmentation on each pair of such neighbouring blocks separately. Because of the local nature of the segmentation, it largely avoids problems with heterogeneously coloured areas. Because no new segments are introduced in this step, it also does not suffer from oversegmentation problems. The presented method has no problems with bifurcations. For the pixel resolution segmentation itself we reclassify pixels such that we optimize an error norm which favour similarly coloured regions and straight edges. SEGMENTATION MEASURE To assist in the evaluation of the proposed algorithm we developed a quality metric. Because the problem does not have an exact specification, we decided to define a ground truth output which we find desirable for a given input. We define the measure for the segmentation quality as being how different the segmentation is from the ground truth. Our measure enables us to evaluate oversegmentation and undersegmentation seperately. Also, it allows us to evaluate which parts of a frame suffer from oversegmentation or undersegmentation. The proposed algorithm has been tested on several typical sequences. CONCLUSIONS In this abstract we presented a new video segmentation method which performs well in the segmentation of multiple independently moving foreground objects from each other and the background. It combines the strong points of both colour and motion segmentation in the way we expected. One of the weak points is that the segmentation method suffers from undersegmentation when adjacent objects display similar motion. In sequences with detailed backgrounds the segmentation will sometimes display noisy edges. Apart from these results, we think that some of the techniques, and in particular the K-regions technique, may be useful for other two-dimensional data segmentation problems.

A novel image watermarking method based on singular value decomposition and digital holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Zhishan

2016-10-01

According to the information optics theory, a novel watermarking method based on Fourier-transformed digital holography and singular value decomposition (SVD) is proposed in this paper. First of all, a watermark image is converted to a digital hologram using the Fourier transform. After that, the original image is divided into many non-overlapping blocks. All the blocks and the hologram are decomposed using SVD. The singular value components of the hologram are then embedded into the singular value components of each block using an addition principle. Finally, SVD inverse transformation is carried out on the blocks and hologram to generate the watermarked image. The watermark information embedded in each block is extracted at first when the watermark is extracted. After that, an averaging operation is carried out on the extracted information to generate the final watermark information. Finally, the algorithm is simulated. Furthermore, to test the encrypted image's resistance performance against attacks, various attack tests are carried out. The results show that the proposed algorithm has very good robustness against noise interference, image cut, compression, brightness stretching, etc. In particular, when the image is rotated by a large angle, the watermark information can still be extracted correctly.

Automatic extraction of tree crowns from aerial imagery in urban environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiahang; Li, Deren; Qin, Xunwen; Yang, Jianfeng

2006-10-01

Traditionally, field-based investigation is the main method to investigate greenbelt in urban environment, which is costly and low updating frequency. In higher resolution image, the imagery structure and texture of tree canopy has great similarity in statistics despite the great difference in configurations of tree canopy, and their surface structures and textures of tree crown are very different from the other types. In this paper, we present an automatic method to detect tree crowns using high resolution image in urban environment without any apriori knowledge. Our method catches unique structure and texture of tree crown surface, use variance and mathematical expectation of defined image window to position the candidate canopy blocks coarsely, then analysis their inner structure and texture to refine these candidate blocks. The possible spans of all the feature parameters used in our method automatically generate from the small number of samples, and HOLE and its distribution as an important characteristics are introduced into refining processing. Also the isotropy of candidate image block and holes' distribution is integrated in our method. After introduction the theory of our method, aerial imageries were used ( with a resolution about 0.3m ) to test our method, and the results indicate that our method is an effective approach to automatically detect tree crown in urban environment.

Method and apparatus for storing hydrogen isotopes. [stored as uranium hydride in a block of copper

DOEpatents

McMullen, J.W.; Wheeler, M.G.; Cullingford, H.S.; Sherman, R.H.

1982-08-10

An improved method and apparatus for storing isotopes of hydrogen (especially tritium) are provided. The hydrogen gas is stored as hydrides of material (for example uranium) within boreholes in a block of copper. The mass of the block is critically important to the operation, as is the selection of copper, because no cooling pipes are used. Because no cooling pipes are used, there can be no failure due to cooling pipes. And because copper is used instead of stainless steel, a significantly higher temperature can be reached before the eutectic formation of uranium with copper occurs, (the eutectic of uranium with the iron in stainless steel forms at a significantly lower temperature).

Fast ITTBC using pattern code on subband segmentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koh, Sung S.; Kim, Hanchil; Lee, Kooyoung; Kim, Hongbin; Jeong, Hun; Cho, Gangseok; Kim, Chunghwa

2000-06-01

Iterated Transformation Theory-Based Coding suffers from very high computational complexity in encoding phase. This is due to its exhaustive search. In this paper, our proposed image coding algorithm preprocess an original image to subband segmentation image by wavelet transform before image coding to reduce encoding complexity. A similar block is searched by using the 24 block pattern codes which are coded by the edge information in the image block on the domain pool of the subband segmentation. As a result, numerical data shows that the encoding time of the proposed coding method can be reduced to 98.82% of that of Joaquin's method, while the loss in quality relative to the Jacquin's is about 0.28 dB in PSNR, which is visually negligible.

Calibration and temperature correction of a V-block refractometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Menn, Marc

2018-03-01

V-block refractometers have been used since the 1940s to retrieve the refractive index values of substances or optical glasses. When used outside laboratories, they are submitted to temperature variations which degrade their accuracy by varying the refractive index of the glasses and the length of the prisms. This paper proposes a method to calibrate a double-prism V-block refractometer by retrieving the values of two coefficients at a constant temperature and by applying corrections to these coefficients when the instrument is used at different temperatures. This method is applied to calibrate in salinity a NOSS instrument which can be used at sea on drifting floats, and the results show that measurement errors can be reduced by a factor of 5.8.

Fully convolutional networks (FCNs)-based segmentation method for colorectal tumors on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images.

PubMed

Jian, Junming; Xiong, Fei; Xia, Wei; Zhang, Rui; Gu, Jinhui; Wu, Xiaodong; Meng, Xiaochun; Gao, Xin

2018-06-01

Segmentation of colorectal tumors is the basis of preoperative prediction, staging, and therapeutic response evaluation. Due to the blurred boundary between lesions and normal colorectal tissue, it is hard to realize accurate segmentation. Routinely manual or semi-manual segmentation methods are extremely tedious, time-consuming, and highly operator-dependent. In the framework of FCNs, a segmentation method for colorectal tumor was presented. Normalization was applied to reduce the differences among images. Borrowing from transfer learning, VGG-16 was employed to extract features from normalized images. We conducted five side-output blocks from the last convolutional layer of each block of VGG-16 along the network, these side-output blocks can deep dive multiscale features, and produced corresponding predictions. Finally, all of the predictions from side-output blocks were fused to determine the final boundaries of the tumors. A quantitative comparison of 2772 colorectal tumor manual segmentation results from T2-weighted magnetic resonance images shows that the average Dice similarity coefficient, positive predictive value, specificity, sensitivity, Hammoude distance, and Hausdorff distance were 83.56, 82.67, 96.75, 87.85%, 0.2694, and 8.20, respectively. The proposed method is superior to U-net in colorectal tumor segmentation (P < 0.05). There is no difference between cross-entropy loss and Dice-based loss in colorectal tumor segmentation (P > 0.05). The results indicate that the introduction of FCNs contributed to accurate segmentation of colorectal tumors. This method has the potential to replace the present time-consuming and nonreproducible manual segmentation method.

Java Programs for Using Newmark's Method and Simplified Decoupled Analysis to Model Slope Performance During Earthquakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jibson, Randall W.; Jibson, Matthew W.

2003-01-01

Landslides typically cause a large proportion of earthquake damage, and the ability to predict slope performance during earthquakes is important for many types of seismic-hazard analysis and for the design of engineered slopes. Newmark's method for modeling a landslide as a rigid-plastic block sliding on an inclined plane provides a useful method for predicting approximate landslide displacements. Newmark's method estimates the displacement of a potential landslide block as it is subjected to earthquake shaking from a specific strong-motion record (earthquake acceleration-time history). A modification of Newmark's method, decoupled analysis, allows modeling landslides that are not assumed to be rigid blocks. This open-file report is available on CD-ROM and contains Java programs intended to facilitate performing both rigorous and simplified Newmark sliding-block analysis and a simplified model of decoupled analysis. For rigorous analysis, 2160 strong-motion records from 29 earthquakes are included along with a search interface for selecting records based on a wide variety of record properties. Utilities are available that allow users to add their own records to the program and use them for conducting Newmark analyses. Also included is a document containing detailed information about how to use Newmark's method to model dynamic slope performance. This program will run on any platform that supports the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) version 1.3, including Windows, Mac OSX, Linux, Solaris, etc. A minimum of 64 MB of available RAM is needed, and the fully installed program requires 400 MB of disk space.

Comparison of the calculation QRS angle for bundle branch block detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goeirmanto, L.; Mengko, R.; Rajab, T. L.

2016-04-01

QRS angle represent condition of blood circulation in the heart. Normally QRS angle is between -30 until 90 degree. Left Axis Defiation (LAD) and Right Axis Defiation (RAD) are abnormality conditions that lead to Bundle Branch Block. QRS angle is calculated using common method from physicians and compared to mathematical method using difference amplitudos and difference areas. We analyzed the standard 12 lead electrocardiogram data from MITBIH physiobank database. All methods using lead I and lead avF produce similar QRS angle and right QRS axis quadrant. QRS angle from mathematical method using difference areas is close to common method from physician. Mathematical method using difference areas can be used as a trigger for detecting heart condition.

Method and apparatus for biological sequence comparison

DOEpatents

Marr, T.G.; Chang, W.I.

1997-12-23

A method and apparatus are disclosed for comparing biological sequences from a known source of sequences, with a subject (query) sequence. The apparatus takes as input a set of target similarity levels (such as evolutionary distances in units of PAM), and finds all fragments of known sequences that are similar to the subject sequence at each target similarity level, and are long enough to be statistically significant. The invention device filters out fragments from the known sequences that are too short, or have a lower average similarity to the subject sequence than is required by each target similarity level. The subject sequence is then compared only to the remaining known sequences to find the best matches. The filtering member divides the subject sequence into overlapping blocks, each block being sufficiently large to contain a minimum-length alignment from a known sequence. For each block, the filter member compares the block with every possible short fragment in the known sequences and determines a best match for each comparison. The determined set of short fragment best matches for the block provide an upper threshold on alignment values. Regions of a certain length from the known sequences that have a mean alignment value upper threshold greater than a target unit score are concatenated to form a union. The current block is compared to the union and provides an indication of best local alignment with the subject sequence. 5 figs.

Method and apparatus for biological sequence comparison

DOEpatents

Marr, Thomas G.; Chang, William I-Wei

1997-01-01

A method and apparatus for comparing biological sequences from a known source of sequences, with a subject (query) sequence. The apparatus takes as input a set of target similarity levels (such as evolutionary distances in units of PAM), and finds all fragments of known sequences that are similar to the subject sequence at each target similarity level, and are long enough to be statistically significant. The invention device filters out fragments from the known sequences that are too short, or have a lower average similarity to the subject sequence than is required by each target similarity level. The subject sequence is then compared only to the remaining known sequences to find the best matches. The filtering member divides the subject sequence into overlapping blocks, each block being sufficiently large to contain a minimum-length alignment from a known sequence. For each block, the filter member compares the block with every possible short fragment in the known sequences and determines a best match for each comparison. The determined set of short fragment best matches for the block provide an upper threshold on alignment values. Regions of a certain length from the known sequences that have a mean alignment value upper threshold greater than a target unit score are concatenated to form a union. The current block is compared to the union and provides an indication of best local alignment with the subject sequence.

Ultrasound-guided bilateral greater occipital nerve block for the treatment of post-dural puncture headache

PubMed Central

Akyol, Fethi; Binici, Orhan; Kuyrukluyildiz, Ufuk; Karabakan, Guldane

2015-01-01

Background and Objective: Post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) is one of the complications frequently observed after spinal or epidural anesthesia with dural penetration. For PDPH patients who do not respond to conservative medical treatment, alternative treatments such as bilateral occipital nerve block should be considered.In this study the efficacy of bilateral occipital nerve block was retrospectively evaluated in patients with post-dural puncture headache. Methods: Ultrasound-guided bilateral occipital nerve block was administrated in 21 patients who developed PDPH after spinal anesthesia, but did not respond to conservative medical treatment within 48 hours between January 2012 and February 2014. The study was conducted at Erzincan University Faculty of Medicine Gazi Mengucek Education and Research Hospital Results: Mean Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores at 10 minutes and 6, 10, 15 and 24 hours after the block were significantly improved compared to the patients with a pre-block VAS score between 4 and 6 as well as patients with a pre-block VAS score between 7 and 9 (p<0.01). After 24 hours of the block applied, VAS pain score dropped to 1 for all 12 patients who had a pre-block VAS score between 4 and 6. Whereas, VAS score decreased to 2 at 24 hours after the block in only one of the patients with a pre-block VAS between 7 and 9. For the patients with a pre-block VAS score between 7 and 9, there was no significant improvement in the mean VAS score 24 hours after the block. Conclusions: For patients with PDPH and a pre-block VAS score between 4 and 6 who do not respond to conservative medical treatment, an ultrasound-guided bilateral occipital nerve block may be effective. PMID:25878625

30 CFR 75.333 - Ventilation controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... Radiant Heat Energy Source.” This publication is incorporated by reference and may be inspected at any... partitions, permanent stoppings, and regulators include concrete, concrete block, brick, cinder block, tile..., “Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using A Radiant Heat Energy Source.” This...

30 CFR 75.333 - Ventilation controls.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Radiant Heat Energy Source.” This publication is incorporated by reference and may be inspected at any... partitions, permanent stoppings, and regulators include concrete, concrete block, brick, cinder block, tile..., “Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using A Radiant Heat Energy Source.” This...

Gas block mechanism for water removal in fuel cells

DOEpatents

Issacci, Farrokh; Rehg, Timothy J.

2004-02-03

The present invention is directed to apparatus and method for cathode-side disposal of water in an electrochemical fuel cell. There is a cathode plate. Within a surface of the plate is a flow field comprised of interdigitated channels. During operation of the fuel cell, cathode gas flows by convection through a gas diffusion layer above the flow field. Positioned at points adjacent to the flow field are one or more porous gas block mediums that have pores sized such that water is sipped off to the outside of the flow field by capillary flow and cathode gas is blocked from flowing through the medium. On the other surface of the plate is a channel in fluid communication with each porous gas block mediums. The method for water disposal in a fuel cell comprises installing the cathode plate assemblies at the cathode sides of the stack of fuel cells and manifolding the single water channel of each of the cathode plate assemblies to the coolant flow that feeds coolant plates in the stack.

Optical design of cipher block chaining (CBC) encryption mode by using digital holography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gil, Sang Keun; Jeon, Seok Hee; Jung, Jong Rae; Kim, Nam

2016-03-01

We propose an optical design of cipher block chaining (CBC) encryption by using digital holographic technique, which has higher security than the conventional electronic method because of the analog-type randomized cipher text with 2-D array. In this paper, an optical design of CBC encryption mode is implemented by 2-step quadrature phase-shifting digital holographic encryption technique using orthogonal polarization. A block of plain text is encrypted with the encryption key by applying 2-step phase-shifting digital holography, and it is changed into cipher text blocks which are digital holograms. These ciphered digital holograms with the encrypted information are Fourier transform holograms and are recorded on CCDs with 256 gray levels quantized intensities. The decryption is computed by these encrypted digital holograms of cipher texts, the same encryption key and the previous cipher text. Results of computer simulations are presented to verify that the proposed method shows the feasibility in the high secure CBC encryption system.

Blind image quality assessment via probabilistic latent semantic analysis.

PubMed

Yang, Xichen; Sun, Quansen; Wang, Tianshu

2016-01-01

We propose a blind image quality assessment that is highly unsupervised and training free. The new method is based on the hypothesis that the effect caused by distortion can be expressed by certain latent characteristics. Combined with probabilistic latent semantic analysis, the latent characteristics can be discovered by applying a topic model over a visual word dictionary. Four distortion-affected features are extracted to form the visual words in the dictionary: (1) the block-based local histogram; (2) the block-based local mean value; (3) the mean value of contrast within a block; (4) the variance of contrast within a block. Based on the dictionary, the latent topics in the images can be discovered. The discrepancy between the frequency of the topics in an unfamiliar image and a large number of pristine images is applied to measure the image quality. Experimental results for four open databases show that the newly proposed method correlates well with human subjective judgments of diversely distorted images.

Discrimination of high-Z materials in concrete-filled containers using muon scattering tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frazão, L.; Velthuis, J.; Thomay, C.; Steer, C.

2016-07-01

An analysis method of identifying materials using muon scattering tomography is presented, which uses previous knowledge of the position of high-Z objects inside a container and distinguishes them from similar materials. In particular, simulations were performed in order to distinguish a block of Uranium from blocks of Lead and Tungsten of the same size, inside a concrete-filled drum. The results show that, knowing the shape and position from previous analysis, it is possible to distinguish 5 × 5 × 5 cm3 blocks of these materials with about 4h of muon exposure, down to 2 × 2 × 2 cm3 blocks with 70h of data using multivariate analysis (MVA). MVA uses several variables, but it does not benefit the discrimination over a simpler method using only the scatter angles. This indicates that the majority of discrimination is provided by the angular information. Momentum information is shown to provide no benefits in material discrimination.

Wavelength assignment algorithm considering the state of neighborhood links for OBS networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Yu; Hirota, Yusuke; Tode, Hideki; Murakami, Koso

2005-10-01

Recently, Optical WDM technology is introduced into backbone networks. On the other hand, as the future optical switching scheme, Optical Burst Switching (OBS) systems become a realistic solution. OBS systems do not consider buffering in intermediate nodes. Thus, it is an important issue to avoid overlapping wavelength reservation between partially interfered paths. To solve this problem, so far, the wavelength assignment scheme which has priority management tables has been proposed. This method achieves the reduction of burst blocking probability. However, this priority management table requires huge memory space. In this paper, we propose a wavelength assignment algorithm that reduces both the number of priority management tables and burst blocking probability. To reduce priority management tables, we allocate and manage them for each link. To reduce burst blocking probability, our method announces information about the change of their priorities to intermediate nodes. We evaluate its performance in terms of the burst blocking probability and the reduction rate of priority management tables.

Phénomènes aux parois dans un mélange binaire critique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fisher, Michael E.; de Gennes, Pierre-Gilles

Au contact d'un mélange binaire critique, une plaque solide perturbe les concentrations sur une épaisseur de corrélation ξ(T). Aux distances z < ξ, la perturbation décroit comme z-β/ν, ou β et ν sont deux exposants critiques (β/ν 1/2). Deux plaques identiques immergées dans le mélange, séparées par une épaisseur D < ξ, doivent s'attirer avec une énergie par centimètre carrè proportionnelle à 1/D2. Cette attraction s'ajoute à celle de van der Waals, et pourrait jouer un rôle dans la stabilité de certains colloïdes. In a near critical binary liquid mixture, the concentrations near a wall are perturbed over a distance of the order of the correlation length (ξ(T). At distances z smaller than ξ, the perturbation decreases, like z-β/ν. where β and ν are critical exponents (β/ν 1/2). Two identical plates in a mixture, separated by a thickness D < ξ, Should attract each other, the interaction decreasing as in 1/D2. This attraction is superimposed on the van der Waals forces, and may play a role in the stability of certain colloids.

Werner-Syndrom. Eine prototypische Form der segmentalen Progerie

PubMed Central

Lessel, D.; Oshima, J.; Kubisch, C.

2013-01-01

Das Werner-Syndrom ist eine segmental progeroide Erkrankung mit Beginn in der Adoleszenz oder im frühen Erwachsenenalter. Typische Symptome, die zum vorgealterten Phänotyp beitragen, sind ein post-pubertär auftretender Kleinwuchs, Katarakte, eine vorzeitige Ergrauung/Ausdünnung des Haupthaars, sklerodermieähnliche Hautveränderungen und eine regionale Atrophie des subkutanen Fettgewebes. Darüber hinaus kommt es früh und gehäuft zu „Alterserkrankungen“ wie z. B. einem Diabetes mellitus Typ 2, einer Osteoporose, einer Atherosklerose sowie verschiedenen malignen Tumoren. Das Werner-Syndrom wird autosomal- rezessiv vererbt und ist durch Mutationen im Werner-Gen (WRN) bedingt. Es wurden bis heute mehr als 70 über das gesamte Gen verteilte Mutationen identifiziert, die typischerweise zu einem Verlust der Genfunktion führen. WRN kodiert für eine RecQ-Typ- Helikase, die u. a. an der DNA-Reparatur und der Aufrechterhaltung der DNA-Integrität beteiligt ist, was sich in einer erhöhten genetischen Instabilität in Patientenzellen wider-spiegelt. Trotz der relativen Seltenheit ist die Analyse des Werner-Syndroms von allgemeiner Bedeutung, um die Rolle der DNA-Stabilität und Integrität für das Altern sowie die Entwicklung altersassoziierter Erkrankungen besser zu verstehen. PMID:25309043

EsPRit: ethics committee proposals for Long Term Medical Data Registries in rapidly evolving research fields - a future-proof best practice approach.

PubMed

Oberbichler, S; Hackl, W O; Hörbst, A

2017-10-18

Long-term data collection is a challenging task in the domain of medical research. Many effects in medicine require long periods of time to become traceable e.g. the development of secondary malignancies based on a given radiotherapeutic treatment of the primary disease. Nevertheless, long-term studies often suffer from an initial lack of available information, thus disallowing a standardized approach for their approval by the ethics committee. This is due to several factors, such as the lack of existing case report forms or an explorative research approach in which data elements may change over time. In connection with current medical research and the ongoing digitalization in medicine, Long Term Medical Data Registries (MDR-LT) have become an important means of collecting and analyzing study data. As with any clinical study, ethical aspects must be taken into account when setting up such registries. This work addresses the problem of creating a valid, high-quality ethics committee proposal for medical registries by suggesting groups of tasks (building blocks), information sources and appropriate methods for collecting and analyzing the information, as well as a process model to compile an ethics committee proposal (EsPRit). To derive the building blocks and associated methods software and requirements engineering approaches were utilized. Furthermore, a process-oriented approach was chosen, as information required in the creating process of ethics committee proposals remain unknown in the beginning of planning an MDR-LT. Here, we derived the needed steps from medical product certification. This was done as the medical product certification itself also communicates a process-oriented approach rather than merely focusing on content. A proposal was created for validation and inspection of applicability by using the proposed building blocks. The proposed best practice was tested and refined within SEMPER (Secondary Malignoma - Prospective Evaluation of the Radiotherapeutics dose distribution as the cause for induction) as a case study. The proposed building blocks cover the topics of "Context Analysis", "Requirements Analysis", "Requirements Validation", "Electronic Case Report (eCRF) Design" and "Overall Concept Creation". Additional methods are attached with regards to each topic. The goals of each block can be met by applying those methods. The proposed methods are proven methods as applied in e.g. existing Medical Data Registry projects, as well as in software or requirements engineering. Several building blocks and attached methods could be identified in the creation of a generic ethics committee proposal. Hence, an Ethics Committee can make informed decisions on the suggested study via said blocks, using the suggested methods such as "Defining Clinical Questions" within the Context Analysis. The study creators have to confirm that they adhere to the proposed procedure within the ethic proposal statement. Additional existing Medical Data Registry projects can be compared to EsPRit for conformity to the proposed procedure. This allows for the identification of gaps, which can lead to amendments requested by the ethics committee.

SU-F-T-75: Dosimetry Considerations in the Use of Hanging-Eye Block for Lesions of the Conjunctiva

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

Grelewicz, Z; Lee, B; Cutright, D

Purpose: Superficial lesions in the conjunctiva are frequently treated with en face electrons, using a hanging block to spare dose to the lens of the eye. Dose to the tumor and lens depend on the design and setup of the block and supporting apparatus. We performed in phantom measurements in order to characterize the dose sparing effects of the block as well as the under-dosing effect under the supporting apparatus for 6 MeV treatment. Methods: The commercial hanging block studied uses a 1.2 cm diameter tungsten cylinder supported by a 3 mm diameter acrylic rod. Point dose measurements under themore » hanging block, under an unblocked part of the field, and under the acrylic rod were performed using MOSFET detectors. In addition, EBT3 film was used for both PDD and profile measurements at a depth in phantom of 3 mm for both 105 and 103 cm SSD. Results: MOSFET measurements reported a dose reduction of 95% under the tungsten block when using an SSD of 103 cm, and 86% when using an SSD of 105 cm at a depth in phantom of 3 mm. Film measurements showed that the area under the acrylic rod may be under-dosed by as much as 30% when using 103 SSD. MOSFET measurements confirmed that when using an SSD of 103 cm, the area under the acrylic rod is under-dosed by up to 30% at 3mm depth, compared to the unblocked part of the field. Conclusion: The effectiveness of the commercial hanging block apparatus depends on setup, with 95% lens sparing possible with an SSD of 103 cm. This short SSD is necessary for sharp penumbra. At this SSD, substantial under-dosing under the acrylic support rod is possible. This must be mitigated with either feathering, or using an alternative method of support for the tungsten block.« less

Convolutional auto-encoder for image denoising of ultra-low-dose CT.

PubMed

Nishio, Mizuho; Nagashima, Chihiro; Hirabayashi, Saori; Ohnishi, Akinori; Sasaki, Kaori; Sagawa, Tomoyuki; Hamada, Masayuki; Yamashita, Tatsuo

2017-08-01

The purpose of this study was to validate a patch-based image denoising method for ultra-low-dose CT images. Neural network with convolutional auto-encoder and pairs of standard-dose CT and ultra-low-dose CT image patches were used for image denoising. The performance of the proposed method was measured by using a chest phantom. Standard-dose and ultra-low-dose CT images of the chest phantom were acquired. The tube currents for standard-dose and ultra-low-dose CT were 300 and 10 mA, respectively. Ultra-low-dose CT images were denoised with our proposed method using neural network, large-scale nonlocal mean, and block-matching and 3D filtering. Five radiologists and three technologists assessed the denoised ultra-low-dose CT images visually and recorded their subjective impressions of streak artifacts, noise other than streak artifacts, visualization of pulmonary vessels, and overall image quality. For the streak artifacts, noise other than streak artifacts, and visualization of pulmonary vessels, the results of our proposed method were statistically better than those of block-matching and 3D filtering (p-values < 0.05). On the other hand, the difference in the overall image quality between our proposed method and block-matching and 3D filtering was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.07272). The p-values obtained between our proposed method and large-scale nonlocal mean were all less than 0.05. Neural network with convolutional auto-encoder could be trained using pairs of standard-dose and ultra-low-dose CT image patches. According to the visual assessment by radiologists and technologists, the performance of our proposed method was superior to that of large-scale nonlocal mean and block-matching and 3D filtering.

Inferior vena cava segmentation with parameter propagation and graph cut.

PubMed

Yan, Zixu; Chen, Feng; Wu, Fa; Kong, Dexing

2017-09-01

The inferior vena cava (IVC) is one of the vital veins inside the human body. Accurate segmentation of the IVC from contrast-enhanced CT images is of great importance. This extraction not only helps the physician understand its quantitative features such as blood flow and volume, but also it is helpful during the hepatic preoperative planning. However, manual delineation of the IVC is time-consuming and poorly reproducible. In this paper, we propose a novel method to segment the IVC with minimal user interaction. The proposed method performs the segmentation block by block between user-specified beginning and end masks. At each stage, the proposed method builds the segmentation model based on information from image regional appearances, image boundaries, and a prior shape. The intensity range and the prior shape for this segmentation model are estimated based on the segmentation result from the last block, or from user- specified beginning mask if at first stage. Then, the proposed method minimizes the energy function and generates the segmentation result for current block using graph cut. Finally, a backward tracking step from the end of the IVC is performed if necessary. We have tested our method on 20 clinical datasets and compared our method to three other vessel extraction approaches. The evaluation was performed using three quantitative metrics: the Dice coefficient (Dice), the mean symmetric distance (MSD), and the Hausdorff distance (MaxD). The proposed method has achieved a Dice of [Formula: see text], an MSD of [Formula: see text] mm, and a MaxD of [Formula: see text] mm, respectively, in our experiments. The proposed approach can achieve a sound performance with a relatively low computational cost and a minimal user interaction. The proposed algorithm has high potential to be applied for the clinical applications in the future.

Validation of a standardized extraction method for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples.

PubMed

Lagheden, Camilla; Eklund, Carina; Kleppe, Sara Nordqvist; Unger, Elizabeth R; Dillner, Joakim; Sundström, Karin

2016-07-01

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples can be DNA-extracted and used for human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping. The xylene-based gold standard for extracting FFPE samples is laborious, suboptimal and involves health hazards for the personnel involved. To compare extraction with the standard xylene method to a xylene-free method used in an HPV LabNet Global Reference Laboratory at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); based on a commercial method with an extra heating step. Fifty FFPE samples were randomly selected from a national audit of all cervical cancer cases diagnosed in Sweden during 10 years. For each case-block, a blank-block was sectioned, as a control for contamination. For xylene extraction, the standard WHO Laboratory Manual protocol was used. For the CDC method, the manufacturers' protocol was followed except for an extra heating step, 120°C for 20min. Samples were extracted and tested in parallel with β-globin real-time PCR, HPV16 real-time PCR and HPV typing using modified general primers (MGP)-PCR and Luminex assays. For a valid result the blank-block had to be betaglobin-negative in all tests and the case-block positive for beta-globin. Overall, detection was improved with the heating method and the amount of HPV-positive samples increased from 70% to 86% (p=0.039). For all samples where HPV type concordance could be evaluated, there was 100% type concordance. A xylene-free and robust extraction method for HPV-DNA typing in FFPE material is currently in great demand. Our proposed standardized protocol appears to be generally useful. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Diagnostic utility of the cell block method versus the conventional smear study in pleural fluid cytology.

PubMed

Shivakumarswamy, Udasimath; Arakeri, Surekha U; Karigowdar, Mahesh H; Yelikar, Br

2012-01-01

The cytological examinations of serous effusions have been well-accepted, and a positive diagnosis is often considered as a definitive diagnosis. It helps in staging, prognosis and management of the patients in malignancies and also gives information about various inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Diagnostic problems arise in everyday practice to differentiate reactive atypical mesothelial cells and malignant cells by the routine conventional smear (CS) method. To compare the morphological features of the CS method with those of the cell block (CB) method and also to assess the utility and sensitivity of the CB method in the cytodiagnosis of pleural effusions. The study was conducted in the cytology section of the Department of Pathology. Sixty pleural fluid samples were subjected to diagnostic evaluation for over a period of 20 months. Along with the conventional smears, cell blocks were prepared by using 10% alcohol-formalin as a fixative agent. Statistical analysis with the 'z test' was performed to identify the cellularity, using the CS and CB methods. Mc. Naemer's χ(2)test was used to identify the additional yield for malignancy by the CB method. Cellularity and additional yield for malignancy was 15% more by the CB method. The CB method provides high cellularity, better architectural patterns, morphological features and an additional yield of malignant cells, and thereby, increases the sensitivity of the cytodiagnosis when compared with the CS method.

Sarma-based key-group method for rock slope reliability analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yarahmadi Bafghi, A. R.; Verdel, T.

2005-08-01

The methods used in conducting static stability analyses have remained pertinent to this day for reasons of both simplicity and speed of execution. The most well-known of these methods for purposes of stability analysis of fractured rock masses is the key-block method (KBM).This paper proposes an extension to the KBM, called the key-group method (KGM), which combines not only individual key-blocks but also groups of collapsable blocks into an iterative and progressive analysis of the stability of discontinuous rock slopes. To take intra-group forces into account, the Sarma method has been implemented within the KGM in order to generate a Sarma-based KGM, abbreviated SKGM. We will discuss herein the hypothesis behind this new method, details regarding its implementation, and validation through comparison with results obtained from the distinct element method.Furthermore, as an alternative to deterministic methods, reliability analyses or probabilistic analyses have been proposed to take account of the uncertainty in analytical parameters and models. The FOSM and ASM probabilistic methods could be implemented within the KGM and SKGM framework in order to take account of the uncertainty due to physical and mechanical data (density, cohesion and angle of friction). We will then show how such reliability analyses can be introduced into SKGM to give rise to the probabilistic SKGM (PSKGM) and how it can be used for rock slope reliability analyses. Copyright

CHOBS: Color Histogram of Block Statistics for Automatic Bleeding Detection in Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Video.

PubMed

Ghosh, Tonmoy; Fattah, Shaikh Anowarul; Wahid, Khan A

2018-01-01

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is the most advanced technology to visualize whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract in a non-invasive way. But the major disadvantage here, it takes long reviewing time, which is very laborious as continuous manual intervention is necessary. In order to reduce the burden of the clinician, in this paper, an automatic bleeding detection method for WCE video is proposed based on the color histogram of block statistics, namely CHOBS. A single pixel in WCE image may be distorted due to the capsule motion in the GI tract. Instead of considering individual pixel values, a block surrounding to that individual pixel is chosen for extracting local statistical features. By combining local block features of three different color planes of RGB color space, an index value is defined. A color histogram, which is extracted from those index values, provides distinguishable color texture feature. A feature reduction technique utilizing color histogram pattern and principal component analysis is proposed, which can drastically reduce the feature dimension. For bleeding zone detection, blocks are classified using extracted local features that do not incorporate any computational burden for feature extraction. From extensive experimentation on several WCE videos and 2300 images, which are collected from a publicly available database, a very satisfactory bleeding frame and zone detection performance is achieved in comparison to that obtained by some of the existing methods. In the case of bleeding frame detection, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity obtained from proposed method are 97.85%, 99.47%, and 99.15%, respectively, and in the case of bleeding zone detection, 95.75% of precision is achieved. The proposed method offers not only low feature dimension but also highly satisfactory bleeding detection performance, which even can effectively detect bleeding frame and zone in a continuous WCE video data.

Permutation testing of orthogonal factorial effects in a language-processing experiment using fMRI.

PubMed

Suckling, John; Davis, Matthew H; Ooi, Cinly; Wink, Alle Meije; Fadili, Jalal; Salvador, Raymond; Welchew, David; Sendur, Levent; Maxim, Vochita; Bullmore, Edward T

2006-05-01

The block-paradigm of the Functional Image Analysis Contest (FIAC) dataset was analysed with the Brain Activation and Morphological Mapping software. Permutation methods in the wavelet domain were used for inference on cluster-based test statistics of orthogonal contrasts relevant to the factorial design of the study, namely: the average response across all active blocks, the main effect of speaker, the main effect of sentence, and the interaction between sentence and speaker. Extensive activation was seen with all these contrasts. In particular, different vs. same-speaker blocks produced elevated activation in bilateral regions of the superior temporal lobe and repetition suppression for linguistic materials (same vs. different-sentence blocks) in left inferior frontal regions. These are regions previously reported in the literature. Additional regions were detected in this study, perhaps due to the enhanced sensitivity of the methodology. Within-block sentence suppression was tested post-hoc by regression of an exponential decay model onto the extracted time series from the left inferior frontal gyrus, but no strong evidence of such an effect was found. The significance levels set for the activation maps are P-values at which we expect <1 false-positive cluster per image. Nominal type I error control was verified by empirical testing of a test statistic corresponding to a randomly ordered design matrix. The small size of the BOLD effect necessitates sensitive methods of detection of brain activation. Permutation methods permit the necessary flexibility to develop novel test statistics to meet this challenge.

The use of non-invasive fetal electrocardiography in diagnosing second-degree fetal atrioventricular block.

PubMed

Lakhno, Igor; Behar, Joachim A; Oster, Julien; Shulgin, Vyacheslav; Ostras, Oleksii; Andreotti, Fernando

2017-01-01

Complete atrioventricular block in fetuses is known to be mostly associated with autoimmune disease and can be irreversible if no steroids treatment is provided. Conventional methods used in clinical practice for diagnosing fetal arrhythmia are limited since they do not reflect the primary electrophysiological conduction processes that take place in the myocardium. The non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram has the potential to better support fetal arrhythmias diagnosis through the continuous analysis of the beat to beat variation of the fetal heart rate and morphological analysis of the PQRST complex. We present two retrospective case reports on which atrioventricular block diagnosis could have been supported by the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram. The two cases comprised a 22-year-old pregnant woman with the gestational age of 31 weeks and a 25-year-old pregnant woman with the gestational age of 41 weeks. Both women were admitted to the Department of Maternal and Fetal Medicine at the Kyiv and Kharkiv municipal perinatal clinics. Patients were observed using standard fetal monitoring methods as well as the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram. The non-invasive fetal electrocardiographic recordings were analyzed retrospectively, where it is possible to identify the presence of the atrioventricular block. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the feasibility of the non-invasive fetal electrocardiogram as a supplementary method to diagnose of the fetal atrioventricular block. Combined with current fetal monitoring techniques, non-invasive fetal electrocardiography could support clinical decisions.

Joint Chroma Subsampling and Distortion-Minimization-Based Luma Modification for RGB Color Images With Application.

PubMed

Chung, Kuo-Liang; Hsu, Tsu-Chun; Huang, Chi-Chao

2017-10-01

In this paper, we propose a novel and effective hybrid method, which joins the conventional chroma subsampling and the distortion-minimization-based luma modification together, to improve the quality of the reconstructed RGB full-color image. Assume the input RGB full-color image has been transformed to a YUV image, prior to compression. For each 2×2 UV block, one 4:2:0 subsampling is applied to determine the one subsampled U and V components, U s and V s . Based on U s , V s , and the corresponding 2×2 original RGB block, a main theorem is provided to determine the ideally modified 2×2 luma block in constant time such that the color peak signal-to-noise ratio (CPSNR) quality distortion between the original 2×2 RGB block and the reconstructed 2×2 RGB block can be minimized in a globally optimal sense. Furthermore, the proposed hybrid method and the delivered theorem are adjusted to tackle the digital time delay integration images and the Bayer mosaic images whose Bayer CFA structure has been widely used in modern commercial digital cameras. Based on the IMAX, Kodak, and screen content test image sets, the experimental results demonstrate that in high efficiency video coding, the proposed hybrid method has substantial quality improvement, in terms of the CPSNR quality, visual effect, CPSNR-bitrate trade-off, and Bjøntegaard delta PSNR performance, of the reconstructed RGB images when compared with existing chroma subsampling schemes.

An Efficient Crankshaft Dynamic Analysis Using Substructuring with Ritz Vectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

MOURELATOS, Z. P.

2000-11-01

A structural analysis using dynamic substructuring with Ritz vectors is presented for predicting the dynamic response of an engine crankshaft, based on the finite-element method. A two-level dynamic substructuring is performed using a set of load-dependent Ritz vectors. The rotating crankshaft is properly coupled with the non-rotating, compliant engine block. The block compliance is represented by a distributed linear elastic foundation at each main bearing location. The stiffness of the elastic foundation can be different in the vertical and horizontal planes, thereby considering the anisotropy of the engine block compliance with respect to the crankshaft rotation. The analysis accounts for the kinematic non-linearity resulting from the crankangle-dependent circumferential contact location between each journal and the corresponding bore of the engine block. Crankshaft “bent” and block “misboring” effects due to manufacturing imperfections are considered in the analysis. The superior accuracy and reduced computational effort of the present method as compared with the equivalent superelement analysis in MSC/NASTRAN, are demonstrated using the free and forced vibrations of a slender cylindrical beam and free vibrations of a four-cylinder engine crankshaft. Subsequently, the accuracy of the present method in calculating the dynamic response of engine crankshafts is shown through comparisons between the analytical predictions and experimental results for the torsional vibrations of an in-line five cylinder engine and the bending vibrations of the crankshaft-flywheel assembly of a V6 engine.

Implicit Block ACK Scheme for IEEE 802.11 WLANs

PubMed Central

Sthapit, Pranesh; Pyun, Jae-Young

2016-01-01

The throughput of IEEE 802.11 standard is significantly bounded by the associated Medium Access Control (MAC) overhead. Because of the overhead, an upper limit exists for throughput, which is bounded, including situations where data rates are extremely high. Therefore, an overhead reduction is necessary to achieve higher throughput. The IEEE 802.11e amendment introduced the block ACK mechanism, to reduce the number of control messages in MAC. Although the block ACK scheme greatly reduces overhead, further improvements are possible. In this letter, we propose an implicit block ACK method that further reduces the overhead associated with IEEE 802.11e’s block ACK scheme. The mathematical analysis results are presented for both the original protocol and the proposed scheme. A performance improvement of greater than 10% was achieved with the proposed implementation.

Improved 3-D turbomachinery CFD algorithm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janus, J. Mark; Whitfield, David L.

1988-01-01

The building blocks of a computer algorithm developed for the time-accurate flow analysis of rotating machines are described. The flow model is a finite volume method utilizing a high resolution approximate Riemann solver for interface flux definitions. This block LU implicit numerical scheme possesses apparent unconditional stability. Multi-block composite gridding is used to orderly partition the field into a specified arrangement. Block interfaces, including dynamic interfaces, are treated such as to mimic interior block communication. Special attention is given to the reduction of in-core memory requirements by placing the burden on secondary storage media. Broad applicability is implied, although the results presented are restricted to that of an even blade count configuration. Several other configurations are presently under investigation, the results of which will appear in subsequent publications.

The Tsaoling 1941 Landslide, New Insight of Numerical Simulation of Discrete Element Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, C.-L.; Hu, J.-C.; Lin, M.-L.

2009-04-01

Large earthquakes in the southeastern Taiwan are not rare in the historical catalogue. Tsaoling, located southeast of Taiwan, last five large landslides occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries. According to the literature about the Tsaoling landslide, we concluded four characteristics of the Tsaoling landslide, (1) repeated (2) multi-landslide surface, (3) huge landslide block, and (4) some people survived after sliding a long distance (>2 km). This is the reason why we want to understand the causes of the repeated landslides in Tsaoling and its mechanisms. However, there is not any record about the landslide in 1862 and the most of the landslide evidence disappeared. Hence, we aim at the landslide dynamics of the 1941 landslide in this study. Tsaoling area is located in a large dipping towards the south-southwest monocline. The dip of strata toward the SSW is similar to the both sides of the Chinshui River valley. The bedrock of the Tsaoling area is Pliocene in age and belongs to the upper Chinshui Shale and the lower Cholan Formation. The plane failure analysis and Newmark displacement method are common for slope stability in recent years. However, the plane failure analysis can only provide a safety factor. When the safe factor (FS) is less than 1, it can only indicate that the slope is unstable. The result of Newmark displacement method is a value of displacement length. Both assumptions of the analysis are based on a rigid body. For the large landslide, like the Tsaoling landslide, the volume of landslide masses are over 108 m3, and the landslide block cannot be considered a rigid body. We considered the block as a quasi-rigid body, because the blocks are deformable and jointed. The original version of Distinct Element Method (DEM) was devoted to the modeling of rock-block systems and it was lately applied to the modeling of granular material. The calculation cycle in PFC2D is a time-stepping algorithm that consists of the repeated application of the law of motion to each particle, a force-displacement law to each contact, and a constant updating of wall positions. The physical properties of the particles in the model can be traced in time dominant (i.e. velocity, displacement, force, and stress). During the simulating, we can get the variation of physical properties, so the inter-block change of displacement, force, and stress could be monitored. After the seismic shaking, the result of the PFC model can be divided into three portions, upper (thick), middle (transitional) and lower (thin). The shear displacements of the three parts on the sliding plane are not agreement. The displacement of the lower part block is large than the upper and middle part of the blocks. The shear displacement of middle part is between upper and lower part. During the shaking of the earthquake, the different parts in the block collide with each other, and the upper part of the block was hit back and stayed in origin position or slid a short distance, but the lower part of the block was hit down by the upper block. The collision pushed down a certain length to the lower part of the block. The shear length just lost the strength of the sliding plane and induced the landslide during the 1941 earthquake. The upper part of the block stayed on the slope but revealed unstable. Eight months later, the upper part of the block slid down was induced by a 700 mm downpour in three days.

A communication-avoiding, hybrid-parallel, rank-revealing orthogonalization method.

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

Hoemmen, Mark

2010-11-01

Orthogonalization consumes much of the run time of many iterative methods for solving sparse linear systems and eigenvalue problems. Commonly used algorithms, such as variants of Gram-Schmidt or Householder QR, have performance dominated by communication. Here, 'communication' includes both data movement between the CPU and memory, and messages between processors in parallel. Our Tall Skinny QR (TSQR) family of algorithms requires asymptotically fewer messages between processors and data movement between CPU and memory than typical orthogonalization methods, yet achieves the same accuracy as Householder QR factorization. Furthermore, in block orthogonalizations, TSQR is faster and more accurate than existing approaches formore » orthogonalizing the vectors within each block ('normalization'). TSQR's rank-revealing capability also makes it useful for detecting deflation in block iterative methods, for which existing approaches sacrifice performance, accuracy, or both. We have implemented a version of TSQR that exploits both distributed-memory and shared-memory parallelism, and supports real and complex arithmetic. Our implementation is optimized for the case of orthogonalizing a small number (5-20) of very long vectors. The shared-memory parallel component uses Intel's Threading Building Blocks, though its modular design supports other shared-memory programming models as well, including computation on the GPU. Our implementation achieves speedups of 2 times or more over competing orthogonalizations. It is available now in the development branch of the Trilinos software package, and will be included in the 10.8 release.« less

Pattern-based IP block detection, verification, and variability analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad Ibrahim, Muhamad Asraf Bin; Muhsain, Mohamad Fahmi Bin; Kamal Baharin, Ezni Aznida Binti; Sweis, Jason; Lai, Ya-Chieh; Hurat, Philippe

2018-03-01

The goal of a foundry partner is to deliver high quality silicon product to its customers on time. There is an assumed trust that the silicon will yield, function and perform as expected when the design fits all the sign-off criteria. The use of Intellectual Property (IP) blocks is very common today and provides the customer with pre-qualified and optimized functions for their design thus shortening the design cycle. There are many methods by which an IP Block can be generated and placed within layout. Even with the most careful methods and following of guidelines comes the responsibility of sign-off checking. A foundry needs to detect where these IP Blocks have been placed and look for any violations. This includes DRC clean modifications to the IP Block which may or may not be intentional. Using a pattern-based approach to detect all IP Blocks used provides the foundry advanced capabilities to analyze them further for any kind of changes which could void the OPC and process window optimizations. Having any changes in an IP Block could cause functionality changes or even failures. This also opens the foundry to legal and cost issues while at the same time forcing re-spins of the design. In this publication, we discuss the methodology we have employed to avoid process issues and tape-out errors while at the same time reduce our manual work and improve the turnaround time. We are also able to use our pattern analysis to improve our OPC optimizations when modifications are encountered which have not been seen before.

The block adaptive multigrid method applied to the solution of the Euler equations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pantelelis, Nikos

1993-01-01

In the present study, a scheme capable of solving very fast and robust complex nonlinear systems of equations is presented. The Block Adaptive Multigrid (BAM) solution method offers multigrid acceleration and adaptive grid refinement based on the prediction of the solution error. The proposed solution method was used with an implicit upwind Euler solver for the solution of complex transonic flows around airfoils. Very fast results were obtained (18-fold acceleration of the solution) using one fourth of the volumes of a global grid with the same solution accuracy for two test cases.

[Treatment of metaphyseal fractures of shin bones by the method of blocking osteosynthesis].

PubMed

Neverov, V A; Khromov, A A; Cherniaev, S N; Egorov, K S; Shebarshov, A L

2008-01-01

The proposed method of reposition and polyaxial stabilization of fragments for intramedullary meallosynthesis of fractures of long tubular bones allows blocking osteosynthesis to be successfully used in treatment of complex metaphyseal fractures of shin bones. It results in strong fixation of the fragments, makes it possible to successfully eliminate residual deformities after introduction of the nail and to avoid the development of them in future under the influence of loading. The method provides early functioning of the interfacing joints, early axial loading, shorter period of disability, the absence of external immobilization.

The Improvement of Foam Concrete Geoecoprotective Properties in Transport Construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Svatovskaya, Larisa; Kabanov, Alexander; Sychov, Maxim

2017-10-01

The article analyses 2 kinds of properties of silica sol foam concrete: technical and geoecoprotective ones. Foam concrete stabilized with silica sol foam has lower heat conductivity resulting in fuel saving. Foam concrete obtained according to sol absorption technology has lower water absorption and is good enough for blocking to prevent the environment pollution. Pollution blocking can be achieved by two methods. The first method is saturation of an article affected by oil products with silica sol. The second method is to create a special preventive protection using silica sol screen. The article shows geoecoprotective properties of protein foam soil systems.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Effect of the Addition of the Mandibular Block to Cervical Plexus Block for Carotid Endarterectomy.

PubMed

Kavrut Ozturk, Nilgun; Kavakli, Ali Sait; Sagdic, Kadir; Inanoglu, Kerem; Umot Ayoglu, Raif

2018-04-01

Although the cervical plexus block generally provides adequate analgesia for carotid endarterectomy, pain caused by metal retractors on the inferior surface of the mandible is not prevented by the cervical block. Different pain relief methods can be performed for patients who experience discomfort in these areas. In this study, the authors evaluated the effect of mandibular block in addition to cervical plexus block on pain scores in carotid endarterectomy. A prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Training and research hospital. Patients who underwent a carotid endarterectomy. Patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy under cervical plexus block were randomized into 2 groups: group 1 (those who did not receive a mandibular block) and group 2 (those who received a mandibular block). The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the mandibular block in addition to cervical plexus block in terms of intraoperative pain scores. Intraoperative visual analog scale scores were significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.001). The amounts of supplemental 1% lidocaine and intraoperative intravenous analgesic used were significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.035, respectively). Patient satisfaction scores were significantly lower in group 1 (p = 0.044). The amount of postoperative analgesic used, time to first analgesic requirement, postoperative visual analog scale scores, and surgeon satisfaction scores were similar in both groups. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to complications. No major neurologic deficits or perioperative mortality were observed. Mandibular block in addition to cervical plexus block provides better intraoperative pain control and greater patient satisfaction than cervical plexus block alone. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Predicting successful supraclavicular brachial plexus block using pulse oximeter perfusion index.

PubMed

Abdelnasser, A; Abdelhamid, B; Elsonbaty, A; Hasanin, A; Rady, A

2017-08-01

Supraclavicular nerve block is a popular approach for anaesthesia for upper limb surgeries. Conventional methods for evaluation of block success are time consuming and need patient cooperation. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the perfusion index (PI) can be used to predict and provide a cut-off value for ultrasound-guided supraclavicular nerve block success. The study included 77 patients undergoing elective orthopaedic procedures under ultrasound-guided supraclavicular nerve block. After local anaesthetic injection, sensory block success was assessed every 3 min by pinprick, and motor block success was assessed every 5 min by the ability to flex the elbow and the hand against resistance. The PI was recorded at baseline and at 10, 20, and 30 min after anaesthetic injection in both blocked and non-blocked limbs. The PI ratio was calculated as the PI after 10 min divided by the PI at the baseline. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed for the accuracy of the PI in detection of block success. The PI was higher in the blocked limb at all time points, and this was paralleled by a higher PI ratio compared with the unblocked limb. Both the PI and the PI ratio at 10 min after injection showed a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for block success at cut-off values of 3.3 and 1.4, respectively. The PI is a useful tool for evaluation of successful supraclavicular nerve block. A PI ratio of > 1.4 is a good predictor for block success. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Euclidean scalar field theory in the bilocal approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagy, S.; Polonyi, J.; Steib, I.

2018-04-01

The blocking step of the renormalization group method is usually carried out by restricting it to fluctuations and to local blocked action. The tree-level, bilocal saddle point contribution to the blocking, defined by the infinitesimal decrease of the sharp cutoff in momentum space, is followed within the three dimensional Euclidean ϕ6 model in this work. The phase structure is changed, new phases and relevant operators are found, and certain universality classes are restricted by the bilocal saddle point.

Generalizations of the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers for Large-Scale and Distributed Optimization

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-05-01

exact one is solved later — as- signed as step 5 of Algorithm 2 — because at each iteration , the ADMM updates the variables in the Gauss - Seidel ...Jacobi ADMM (see Algo- rithm 5 below). Unlike the Gauss - Seidel ADMM, the Jacobi ADMM updates all the 70 blocks in parallel at every iteration : xk+1i...that extending ADMM straightforwardly from the classic Gauss - Seidel setting to the Jacobi setting, from two blocks to multiple blocks, will preserve

A deblocking algorithm based on color psychology for display quality enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeh, Chia-Hung; Tseng, Wen-Yu; Huang, Kai-Lin

2012-12-01

This article proposes a post-processing deblocking filter to reduce blocking effects. The proposed algorithm detects blocking effects by fusing the results of Sobel edge detector and wavelet-based edge detector. The filtering stage provides four filter modes to eliminate blocking effects at different color regions according to human color vision and color psychology analysis. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has better subjective and objective qualities for H.264/AVC reconstructed videos when compared to several existing methods.

Highly ordered gold nanotubes using thiols at a cleavable block copolymer interface.

PubMed

Ryu, Ja-Hyoung; Park, Soojin; Kim, Bokyung; Klaikherd, Akamol; Russell, Thomas P; Thayumanavan, S

2009-07-29

We have prepared functionalized nanoporous thin films from a polystyrene-block-polyethylene oxide block copolymer, which was made cleavable due to the intervening disulfide bond. The cleavage reaction of the disulfide bond leaves behind free thiol groups inside the nanopores of polystyrene thin film. This nanoporous thin film can be used as a template for generating gold nanoring structures. This strategy can provide a facile method to form a highly ordered array of biopolymer or metal-polymer composite structures.

The efficacy of oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block in laparoscopic cholecystectomy – a prospective, placebo controlled study

PubMed Central

Breazu, Caius Mihai; Ciobanu, Lidia; Hadade, Adina; Bartos, Adrian; Mitre, Călin; Mircea, Petru Adrian; Ionescu, Daniela

2016-01-01

Introduction Pain control after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy can represent a challenge, considering the side effects due to standard analgesia methods. Recently the transversus abdominis plane block (TAP Block) has been used as a part of multimodal analgesia with promising results. The subcostal approach (OSTAP Block), a variant on the TAP block, produces reliable unilateral supraumbilical analgesia. This study evaluated the efficacy of the OSTAP block with bupivacaine in laparoscopic cholecystectomy compared with the placebo OSTAP block. Material and Methods Sixty ASA I/II adult patients listed for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated in one of two groups: Group A (OSTAP placebo) received preoperatively bilateral OSTAP block with sterile normal saline and Group B (OSTAP bupivacaine) received bilateral preoperatively OSTAP block with the same volumes of 0.25% bupivacaine. Twenty-four hours postoperative opioid consumption, the dose of opioid required during surgery, opioid dose in the recovery unit (PACU) and PACU length of stay were evaluated. The quality of analgesia was assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at specific interval hours during 24 h, at rest and with movement. Results The mean intraoperative opioid consumption showed a significant difference between the two groups, (385 ± 72.52 mg in group A vs 173.67 ± 48.60 mg in group B, p < 0.001). The mean 24 h opioid consumption showed a statistically significant difference between groups (32 ± 26.05 mg vs 79 ± 16.68 mg, p < 0.001). PACU length of stay was significantly lower for group B patients compared with group A patients (20.67 ± 11.27 min vs 41.67 ± 12.41 min, p < 0.001). The OSTAP bupivacaine group had a statistically significant lower pain score than the OSTAP placebo group at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 24 h, both at rest and with movement. No signs or symptoms of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity or other complications were detected. Conclusion OSTAP block with bupivacaine 0.25% can provide effective analgesia up to 24 hours after laparoscopic cholecystectomy when combined with conventional multimodal analgesia regimen. PMID:28913472

Periodontal tissue reaction to customized nano-hydroxyapatite block scaffold in one-wall intrabony defect: a histologic study in dogs

PubMed Central

Lee, Jung-Seok; Park, Weon-Yeong; Cha, Jae-Kook; Jung, Ui-Won; Kim, Chang-Sung; Lee, Yong-Keun

2012-01-01

Purpose This study evaluated histologically the tissue responses to and the effects of a customized nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) block bone graft on periodontal regeneration in a one-wall periodontal-defect model. Methods A customized block bone for filling in the standardized periodontal defect was fabricated from prefabricated n-HA powders and a polymeric sponge. Bilateral 4×4×5 mm (buccolingual width×mesiodistal width×depth), one-wall, critical-size intrabony periodontal defects were surgically created at the mandibular second and fourth premolars of five Beagle dogs. In each dog, one defect was filled with block-type HA and the other served as a sham-surgery control. The animals were sacrificed following an 8-week healing interval for clinical and histological evaluations. Results Although the sites that received an n-HA block showed minimal bone formation, the n-HA block was maintained within the defect with its original hexahedral shape. In addition, only a limited inflammatory reaction was observed at sites that received an n-HA block, which might have been due to the high stability of the customized block bone. Conclusions In the limitation of this study, customized n-HA block could provide a space for periodontal tissue engineering, with minimal inflammation. PMID:22586523

Bone remodeling in onlay beta-tricalcium phosphate and coral grafts to rat calvaria: microcomputerized tomography analysis.

PubMed

Anavi, Yakir; Avishai, Gal; Calderon, Shlomo; Allon, Dror M

2011-08-01

This study was conducted to establish the efficiency of microcomputerized tomography (micro-CT) in detection of trabecular bone remodeling of onlay grafts in a rodent calvaria model, and to compare bone remodeling after onlay grafts with beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) or coral calcium carbonate. Ten rats received calvarial onlay blocks-5 with TCP and 5 with coral calcium carbonate. The grafts were fixed with a titanium miniplate screw and were covered with a collagen resorbable membrane. Three months after surgery, the calvaria were segmented, and a serial 3-dimensional micro-CT scan of the calvarium and grafted bone block at 16-micrometer resolution was performed. Image analysis software was used to calculate the percentage of newly formed bone from the total block size. Newly formed bone was present adjacent to the calvarium and screw in all specimens. The mean area of newly formed bone of the total block size ranged from 34.67%-38.34% in the TCP blocks, and from 32.41%-34.72% in the coral blocks. In the TCP blocks, bone remodeling was found to be slightly higher than in the coral blocks. Micro-CT appears to be a precise, reproducible, specimen-nondestructive method of analysis of bone formation in onlay block grafts to rat calvaria.

Bayesian block-diagonal variable selection and model averaging

PubMed Central

Papaspiliopoulos, O.; Rossell, D.

2018-01-01

Summary We propose a scalable algorithmic framework for exact Bayesian variable selection and model averaging in linear models under the assumption that the Gram matrix is block-diagonal, and as a heuristic for exploring the model space for general designs. In block-diagonal designs our approach returns the most probable model of any given size without resorting to numerical integration. The algorithm also provides a novel and efficient solution to the frequentist best subset selection problem for block-diagonal designs. Posterior probabilities for any number of models are obtained by evaluating a single one-dimensional integral, and other quantities of interest such as variable inclusion probabilities and model-averaged regression estimates are obtained by an adaptive, deterministic one-dimensional numerical integration. The overall computational cost scales linearly with the number of blocks, which can be processed in parallel, and exponentially with the block size, rendering it most adequate in situations where predictors are organized in many moderately-sized blocks. For general designs, we approximate the Gram matrix by a block-diagonal matrix using spectral clustering and propose an iterative algorithm that capitalizes on the block-diagonal algorithms to explore efficiently the model space. All methods proposed in this paper are implemented in the R library mombf. PMID:29861501

Radiometric Block Adjusment and Digital Radiometric Model Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pros, A.; Colomina, I.; Navarro, J. A.; Antequera, R.; Andrinal, P.

2013-05-01

In this paper we present a radiometric block adjustment method that is related to geometric block adjustment and to the concept of a terrain Digital Radiometric Model (DRM) as a complement to the terrain digital elevation and surface models. A DRM, in our concept, is a function that for each ground point returns a reflectance value and a Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF). In a similar way to the terrain geometric reconstruction procedure, given an image block of some terrain area, we split the DRM generation in two phases: radiometric block adjustment and DRM generation. In the paper we concentrate on the radiometric block adjustment step, but we also describe a preliminary DRM generator. In the block adjustment step, after a radiometric pre-calibraton step, local atmosphere radiative transfer parameters, and ground reflectances and BRDFs at the radiometric tie points are estimated. This radiometric block adjustment is based on atmospheric radiative transfer (ART) models, pre-selected BRDF models and radiometric ground control points. The proposed concept is implemented and applied in an experimental campaign, and the obtained results are presented. The DRM and orthophoto mosaics are generated showing no radiometric differences at the seam lines.

Heat Capacity of Spider Silk-like Block Copolymers

PubMed Central

Huang, Wenwen; Krishnaji, Sreevidhya; Hu, Xiao; Kaplan, David; Cebe, Peggy

2012-01-01

We synthesized and characterized a new family of di-block copolymers based on the amino acid sequences of Nephila clavipes major ampulate dragline spider silk, having the form HABn and HBAn (n=1–3), comprising an alanine-rich hydrophobic block, A, a glycine-rich hydrophilic block, B, and a histidine tag, H. The reversing heat capacities, Cp(T), for temperatures below and above the glass transition, Tg, were measured by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry. For the solid state, we then calculated the heat capacities of our novel block copolymers based on the vibrational motions of the constituent poly(amino acid)s, whose heat capacities are known or can be estimated from the ATHAS Data Bank. For the liquid state, the heat capacity was estimated by using the rotational and translational motions in the polymer chain. Excellent agreement was found between the measured and calculated values of the heat capacity, showing that this method can serve as a standard by which to assess the Cp for other biologically inspired block copolymers. The fraction of beta sheet crystallinity of spider silk block copolymers was also determined by using the predicted Cp, and was verified by wide angle X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The glass transition temperatures of spider silk block copolymer were fitted by Kwei’s equation and the results indicate that attractive interaction exists between the A-block and B-block. PMID:23869111

Upscaling of Hydraulic Conductivity using the Double Constraint Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Rawy, Mustafa; Zijl, Wouter; Batelaan, Okke

2013-04-01

The mathematics and modeling of flow through porous media is playing an increasingly important role for the groundwater supply, subsurface contaminant remediation and petroleum reservoir engineering. In hydrogeology hydraulic conductivity data are often collected at a scale that is smaller than the grid block dimensions of a groundwater model (e.g. MODFLOW). For instance, hydraulic conductivities determined from the field using slug and packer tests are measured in the order of centimeters to meters, whereas numerical groundwater models require conductivities representative of tens to hundreds of meters of grid cell length. Therefore, there is a need for upscaling to decrease the number of grid blocks in a groundwater flow model. Moreover, models with relatively few grid blocks are simpler to apply, especially when the model has to run many times, as is the case when it is used to assimilate time-dependent data. Since the 1960s different methods have been used to transform a detailed description of the spatial variability of hydraulic conductivity to a coarser description. In this work we will investigate a relatively simple, but instructive approach: the Double Constraint Method (DCM) to identify the coarse-scale conductivities to decrease the number of grid blocks. Its main advantages are robustness and easy implementation, enabling to base computations on any standard flow code with some post processing added. The inversion step of the double constraint method is based on a first forward run with all known fluxes on the boundary and in the wells, followed by a second forward run based on the heads measured on the phreatic surface (i.e. measured in shallow observation wells) and in deeper observation wells. Upscaling, in turn is inverse modeling (DCM) to determine conductivities in coarse-scale grid blocks from conductivities in fine-scale grid blocks. In such a way that the head and flux boundary conditions applied to the fine-scale model are also honored at the coarse-scale. Exemplification will be presented for the Kleine Nete catchment, Belgium. As a result we identified coarse-scale conductivities while decreasing the number of grid blocks with the advantage that a model run costs less computation time and requires less memory space. In addition, ranking of models was investigated.

Application of augmented reality for inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia: A technical note

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Efforts to apply augmented reality (AR) technology in the medical field include the introduction of AR techniques into dental practice. The present report introduces a simple method of applying AR during an inferior alveolar nerve block, a procedure commonly performed in dental clinics. PMID:28879340

Application of augmented reality for inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia: A technical note.

PubMed

Won, Yu-Jin; Kang, Sang-Hoon

2017-06-01

Efforts to apply augmented reality (AR) technology in the medical field include the introduction of AR techniques into dental practice. The present report introduces a simple method of applying AR during an inferior alveolar nerve block, a procedure commonly performed in dental clinics.

Beyond native block copolymer morphologies

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

Doerk, Gregory S.; Yager, Kevin G.

Block copolymers self-assemble into a range of canonical morphologies. Here, we review a broad range of techniques for inducing these materials to form structures beyond the ‘native’ morphologies seen in the bulk equilibrium phase diagram. Methods that exploit intrinsic encoding (molecular design) and external enforcement (directed assembly) are compared.

Beyond native block copolymer morphologies

DOE PAGES

Doerk, Gregory S.; Yager, Kevin G.

2017-09-20

Block copolymers self-assemble into a range of canonical morphologies. Here, we review a broad range of techniques for inducing these materials to form structures beyond the ‘native’ morphologies seen in the bulk equilibrium phase diagram. Methods that exploit intrinsic encoding (molecular design) and external enforcement (directed assembly) are compared.

Allegheny hardwood regeneration response to even-age harvesting methods

Treesearch

John C. Bjorkbom; Russell S. Walters; Russell S. Walters

1986-01-01

Allegheny hardwood regeneration response to block clearcutting, alternate strip clearcutting, and two-cut shelterwood, and in an uncut control was compared. Stand regeneration success was evaluated 5 years after harvest. Clearcutting resulted in high mortality of advance regeneration. Thus, regeneration by block clearcutting was not successful, though both alternate...

Testing strong-segregation theory against self-consistent-field theory for block copolymer melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matsen, M. W.

2001-06-01

We introduce a highly efficient self-consistent-field theory (SCFT) method for examining the cylindrical and spherical block copolymer morphologies using a standard unit cell approximation (UCA). The method is used to calculate the classical diblock copolymer phase boundaries deep into the strong-segregation regime, where they can be compared with recent improvements to strong-segregation theory (SST). The comparison suggests a significant discrepancy between the two theories indicating that our understanding of strongly stretched polymer brushes is still incomplete.

Dual-Hierarchy Graph Method for Object Indexing and Recognition

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-01

from examples would be too late for the prey. Mythical monsters in movies or cartoons can look quite scary even though we have never seen their...uniform, at 25 blocks per parent, but depends on the number of SIFT features in the parent blocks. If we have more features we create more children for...method mentioned above to these descriptors to derive the 3D structure and pose of the object. In effect , we replace the previous “spatial verification

Method of fabricating high-density hermetic electrical feedthroughs using insulated wire bundles

DOEpatents

Shah, Kedar G.; Benett, William J.; Pannu, Satinderpall S.

2016-05-10

A method of fabricating electrical feedthroughs coats of a plurality of electrically conductive wires with an electrically insulating material and bundles the coated wires together in a substantially parallel arrangement. The bundled coated wires are secured to each other by joining the electrically insulating material of adjacent wires together to form a monolithic block which is then cut transverse to the wires to produce a block section having opposing first and second sides with a plurality of electrically conductive feedthroughs extending between them.

Enantioselective Copper-Catalyzed Oxy-Alkynylation of Diazo Compounds.

PubMed

Hari, Durga Prasad; Waser, Jerome

2017-06-28

Enantioselective catalytic methods allowing the addition of both a nucleophile and an electrophile onto diazo compounds give a fast access into important building blocks. Herein, we report the highly enantioselective oxyalkynylation of diazo compounds using ethynylbenziodoxol-(on)e reagents and a simple copper bisoxazoline catalyst. The obtained α-benzoyloxy propargylic esters are useful building blocks, which are difficult to synthesize in enantiopure form using other methods. The obtained products could be efficiently transformed into vicinal diols and α-hydroxy propargylic esters without loss in enantiopurity.

Microplate model for the present-day deformation of Tibet

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thatcher, W.

2007-01-01

Site velocities from 349 Global Positioning System (GPS) stations are used to construct an 11-element quasi-rigid block model of the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings. Rigid rotations of five major blocks are well determined, and average translation velocities of six smaller blocks can be constrained. Where data are well distributed the velocity field can be explained well by rigid block motion and fault slip across block boundaries. Residual misfits average 1.6 mm/yr compared to typical one standard deviation velocity uncertainties of 1.3 mm/yr. Any residual internal straining of the blocks is small and heterogeneous. However, residual substructure might well represent currently unresolved motions of smaller blocks. Although any smaller blocks must move at nearly the same rate as the larger blocks within which they lie, undetected relative motions between them could be significant, particularly where there are gaps in GPS coverage. Predicted relative motions between major blocks agree with the observed sense of slip and along-strike partitioning of motion across major faults. However, predicted slip rates across Tibet's major strike-slip faults are low, only 5-12 mm/yr, a factor of 2-3 smaller than most rates estimated from fault offset features dated by radiometric methods as ???2000 to ???100,000 year old. Previous work has suggested that both GPS data and low fault slip rates are incompatible with rigid block motions of Tibet. The results reported here overcome these objections.

Utility of Cytospin and Cell block Technology in Evaluation of Body Fluids and Urine Samples: A Comparative Study.

PubMed

Qamar, Irmeen; Rehman, Suhailur; Mehdi, Ghazala; Maheshwari, Veena; Ansari, Hena A; Chauhan, Sunanda

2018-01-01

Cytologic examination of body fluids commonly involves the use of direct or sediment smears, cytocentrifuge preparations, membrane filter preparations, or cell block sections. Cytospin and cell block techniques are extremely useful in improving cell yield of thin serous effusions and urine samples, and ensure high diagnostic efficacy. We studied cytospin preparations and cell block sections prepared from 180 samples of body fluids and urine samples to compare the relative efficiency of cell retrieval, preservation of cell morphology, ease of application of special stains, and diagnostic efficacy. Samples were collected and processed to prepare cytospin smears and cell block sections. We observed that overall, cell yield and preservation of individual cell morphology were better in cytospin preparations as compared to cell blocks, while preservation of architectural pattern was better in cell block sections. The number of suspicious cases also decreased on cell block sections, with increased detection of malignancy. It was difficult to prepare cell blocks from urine samples due to low cellularity. Cytospin technology is a quick, efficient, and cost-effective method of increasing cell yield in hypocellular samples, with better preservation of cell morphology. Cell blocks are better prepared from high cellularity fluids; however, tissue architecture is better studied, with improved rate of diagnosis and decrease in ambiguous results. Numerous sections can be prepared from a small amount of material. Special stains and immunochemical stains can be easily applied to cell blocks. It also provides a source of archival material.

A seismic fault recognition method based on ant colony optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lei; Xiao, Chuangbai; Li, Xueliang; Wang, Zhenli; Huo, Shoudong

2018-05-01

Fault recognition is an important section in seismic interpretation and there are many methods for this technology, but no one can recognize fault exactly enough. For this problem, we proposed a new fault recognition method based on ant colony optimization which can locate fault precisely and extract fault from the seismic section. Firstly, seismic horizons are extracted by the connected component labeling algorithm; secondly, the fault location are decided according to the horizontal endpoints of each horizon; thirdly, the whole seismic section is divided into several rectangular blocks and the top and bottom endpoints of each rectangular block are considered as the nest and food respectively for the ant colony optimization algorithm. Besides that, the positive section is taken as an actual three dimensional terrain by using the seismic amplitude as a height. After that, the optimal route from nest to food calculated by the ant colony in each block is judged as a fault. Finally, extensive comparative tests were performed on the real seismic data. Availability and advancement of the proposed method were validated by the experimental results.

Computational Design of Self-Assembling Protein Nanomaterials with Atomic Level Accuracy

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

King, Neil P.; Sheffler, William; Sawaya, Michael R.

2015-09-17

We describe a general computational method for designing proteins that self-assemble to a desired symmetric architecture. Protein building blocks are docked together symmetrically to identify complementary packing arrangements, and low-energy protein-protein interfaces are then designed between the building blocks in order to drive self-assembly. We used trimeric protein building blocks to design a 24-subunit, 13-nm diameter complex with octahedral symmetry and a 12-subunit, 11-nm diameter complex with tetrahedral symmetry. The designed proteins assembled to the desired oligomeric states in solution, and the crystal structures of the complexes revealed that the resulting materials closely match the design models. The method canmore » be used to design a wide variety of self-assembling protein nanomaterials.« less

Polyacrylonitrile block copolymers for the preparation of a thin carbon coating around TiO2 nanorods for advanced lithium-ion batteries.

PubMed

Oschmann, Bernd; Bresser, Dominic; Tahir, Muhammad Nawaz; Fischer, Karl; Tremel, Wolfgang; Passerini, Stefano; Zentel, Rudolf

2013-11-01

Herein, a new method for the realization of a thin and homogenous carbonaceous particle coating, made by carbonizing RAFT polymerization derived block copolymers anchored on anatase TiO2 nanorods, is presented. These block copolymers consist of a short anchor block (based on dopamine) and a long, easily graphitizable block of polyacrylonitrile. The grafting of such block copolymers to TiO2 nanorods creates a polymer shell, which can be visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Thermal treatment at 700 °C converts the polyacrylonitrile block to partially graphitic structures (as determined by Raman spectroscopy), establishing a thin carbon coating (as determined by transmission electron microscopy, TEM, analysis). The carbon-coated TiO2 nanorods show improved electrochemical performance in terms of achievable specific capacity and, particularly, long-term cycling stability by reducing the average capacity fading per cycle from 0.252 mAh g(-1) to only 0.075 mAh g(-1) . © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The influence of ozone forcing on blocking in the Southern Hemisphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dennison, Fraser W.; McDonald, Adrian; Morgenstern, Olaf

2016-12-01

We investigate the influence of ozone depletion and recovery on tropospheric blocking in the Southern Hemisphere. Blocking events are identified using a persistent positive anomaly method applied to 500 hPa geopotential height. Using the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research-United Kingdom Chemistry and Aerosols chemistry-climate model, we compare reference runs that include forcing due to greenhouse gases (GHGs) and ozone-depleting substances to sensitivity simulations in which ozone-depleting substances are fixed at their 1960 abundances and other sensitivity simulations with GHGs fixed at their 1960 abundances. Blocking events in the South Atlantic are shown to follow stratospheric positive anomalies in the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) index; this is not the case for South Pacific blocking events. This relationship means that summer ozone depletion, and corresponding positive SAM anomalies, leads to an increased frequency of blocking in the South Atlantic while having little effect in the South Pacific. Similarly, ozone recovery, having the opposite effect on the SAM, leads to a decline in blocking frequency in the South Atlantic, although this may be somewhat counteracted by the effect of increasing GHGs.

A Cephalometric Comparison of Twin Block and Bionator Appliances in Treatment of Class II Malocclusion

PubMed Central

Ahmadian-Babaki, Fatemeh; Araghbidi-Kashani, S. Mehdi

2017-01-01

Background Class II malocclusion is one of the most common orthodontic problems. In cases of class II malocclusion with mandibular deficiency, functional appliances often are used with the intent of stimulating mandibular growth. Bionator and twin block are two of the more popular functional appliances. The aim of this study was to compare the treatment outcomes of these two appliances using cephalometric radiographs. Material and Methods Cephalometric radiographs of 33 patients who had class II division I malocclusion, before and after treatment were digitalized. The mean changes in twin block and bionator groups were compared using independent t test. Results Twin block and bionator showed no statistically significant differences in cephalometric parameters except for ANB, NA-Pog, Basal and Ar-Go-Me angles. Conclusions There were no statistically significant differences in dentoalveolar and mandibular position between twin block and bionator (p>0.1). Twin block was more efficient in inhibition of forward movement of maxilla (p<0.1). Key words:Functional, Class II malocclusion, Cephalometrics, Twin block, Bionator, Treatment. PMID:28149473

Present-day crustal deformation and strain transfer in northeastern Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yuhang; Liu, Mian; Wang, Qingliang; Cui, Duxin

2018-04-01

The three-dimensional present-day crustal deformation and strain partitioning in northeastern Tibetan Plateau are analyzed using available GPS and precise leveling data. We used the multi-scale wavelet method to analyze strain rates, and the elastic block model to estimate slip rates on the major faults and internal strain within each block. Our results show that shear strain is strongly localized along major strike-slip faults, as expected in the tectonic extrusion model. However, extrusion ends and transfers to crustal contraction near the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The strain transfer is abrupt along the Haiyuan Fault and diffusive along the East Kunlun Fault. Crustal contraction is spatially correlated with active uplifting. The present-day strain is concentrated along major fault zones; however, within many terranes bounded by these faults, intra-block strain is detectable. Terranes having high intra-block strain rates also show strong seismicity. On average the Ordos and Sichuan blocks show no intra-block strain, but localized strain on the southwestern corner of the Ordos block indicates tectonic encroachment.

Sparse matrix multiplications for linear scaling electronic structure calculations in an atom-centered basis set using multiatom blocks.

PubMed

Saravanan, Chandra; Shao, Yihan; Baer, Roi; Ross, Philip N; Head-Gordon, Martin

2003-04-15

A sparse matrix multiplication scheme with multiatom blocks is reported, a tool that can be very useful for developing linear-scaling methods with atom-centered basis functions. Compared to conventional element-by-element sparse matrix multiplication schemes, efficiency is gained by the use of the highly optimized basic linear algebra subroutines (BLAS). However, some sparsity is lost in the multiatom blocking scheme because these matrix blocks will in general contain negligible elements. As a result, an optimal block size that minimizes the CPU time by balancing these two effects is recovered. In calculations on linear alkanes, polyglycines, estane polymers, and water clusters the optimal block size is found to be between 40 and 100 basis functions, where about 55-75% of the machine peak performance was achieved on an IBM RS6000 workstation. In these calculations, the blocked sparse matrix multiplications can be 10 times faster than a standard element-by-element sparse matrix package. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 24: 618-622, 2003

A modified JPEG-LS lossless compression method for remote sensing images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Lihua; Huang, Zhenghua

2015-12-01

As many variable length source coders, JPEG-LS is highly vulnerable to channel errors which occur in the transmission of remote sensing images. The error diffusion is one of the important factors which infect its robustness. The common method of improving the error resilience of JPEG-LS is dividing the image into many strips or blocks, and then coding each of them independently, but this method reduces the coding efficiency. In this paper, a block based JPEP-LS lossless compression method with an adaptive parameter is proposed. In the modified scheme, the threshold parameter RESET is adapted to an image and the compression efficiency is close to that of the conventional JPEG-LS.

Medical Image Compression Based on Vector Quantization with Variable Block Sizes in Wavelet Domain

PubMed Central

Jiang, Huiyan; Ma, Zhiyuan; Hu, Yang; Yang, Benqiang; Zhang, Libo

2012-01-01

An optimized medical image compression algorithm based on wavelet transform and improved vector quantization is introduced. The goal of the proposed method is to maintain the diagnostic-related information of the medical image at a high compression ratio. Wavelet transformation was first applied to the image. For the lowest-frequency subband of wavelet coefficients, a lossless compression method was exploited; for each of the high-frequency subbands, an optimized vector quantization with variable block size was implemented. In the novel vector quantization method, local fractal dimension (LFD) was used to analyze the local complexity of each wavelet coefficients, subband. Then an optimal quadtree method was employed to partition each wavelet coefficients, subband into several sizes of subblocks. After that, a modified K-means approach which is based on energy function was used in the codebook training phase. At last, vector quantization coding was implemented in different types of sub-blocks. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, JPEG, JPEG2000, and fractal coding approach were chosen as contrast algorithms. Experimental results show that the proposed method can improve the compression performance and can achieve a balance between the compression ratio and the image visual quality. PMID:23049544

Medical image compression based on vector quantization with variable block sizes in wavelet domain.

PubMed

Jiang, Huiyan; Ma, Zhiyuan; Hu, Yang; Yang, Benqiang; Zhang, Libo

2012-01-01

An optimized medical image compression algorithm based on wavelet transform and improved vector quantization is introduced. The goal of the proposed method is to maintain the diagnostic-related information of the medical image at a high compression ratio. Wavelet transformation was first applied to the image. For the lowest-frequency subband of wavelet coefficients, a lossless compression method was exploited; for each of the high-frequency subbands, an optimized vector quantization with variable block size was implemented. In the novel vector quantization method, local fractal dimension (LFD) was used to analyze the local complexity of each wavelet coefficients, subband. Then an optimal quadtree method was employed to partition each wavelet coefficients, subband into several sizes of subblocks. After that, a modified K-means approach which is based on energy function was used in the codebook training phase. At last, vector quantization coding was implemented in different types of sub-blocks. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, JPEG, JPEG2000, and fractal coding approach were chosen as contrast algorithms. Experimental results show that the proposed method can improve the compression performance and can achieve a balance between the compression ratio and the image visual quality.

Diagnostic utility of the cell block method versus the conventional smear study in pleural fluid cytology

PubMed Central

Shivakumarswamy, Udasimath; Arakeri, Surekha U; Karigowdar, Mahesh H; Yelikar, BR

2012-01-01

Background: The cytological examinations of serous effusions have been well-accepted, and a positive diagnosis is often considered as a definitive diagnosis. It helps in staging, prognosis and management of the patients in malignancies and also gives information about various inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Diagnostic problems arise in everyday practice to differentiate reactive atypical mesothelial cells and malignant cells by the routine conventional smear (CS) method. Aims: To compare the morphological features of the CS method with those of the cell block (CB) method and also to assess the utility and sensitivity of the CB method in the cytodiagnosis of pleural effusions. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the cytology section of the Department of Pathology. Sixty pleural fluid samples were subjected to diagnostic evaluation for over a period of 20 months. Along with the conventional smears, cell blocks were prepared by using 10% alcohol–formalin as a fixative agent. Statistical analysis with the ‘z test’ was performed to identify the cellularity, using the CS and CB methods. Mc. Naemer's χ2test was used to identify the additional yield for malignancy by the CB method. Results: Cellularity and additional yield for malignancy was 15% more by the CB method. Conclusions: The CB method provides high cellularity, better architectural patterns, morphological features and an additional yield of malignant cells, and thereby, increases the sensitivity of the cytodiagnosis when compared with the CS method. PMID:22438610

[Anesthetic infiltration of the spermatic cord in surgery for voluminous hydrocele].

PubMed

Reale, C; Corinti, R; Galullo, B; Borgonuovo, P; Borgonuovo, P

1998-06-01

The use of a new technique in spermatic cord block in surgical treatment of large hydroceles is reported. Identification of the cord in these cases is often difficult due to the presence of the hydrocele. The reported technique consists in the percutaneous drainage of the hydrocele prior to the block, in order to allow an easier identification of the cord. The block is then performed by the usual method. 108 patients with large hydroceles (above 250 mls) underwent surgical repair employing this approach. In only one case the cord was not identified even after drainage due to the effects of a previous hernioplasty. In the remaining 107 patients the cord was easily identified and blocked. The excellent results obtained with this approach, show that cord block is possible in all patients, even when a large hydrocele is present.

Improvements in Block-Krylov Ritz Vectors and the Boundary Flexibility Method of Component Synthesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carney, Kelly Scott

1997-01-01

A method of dynamic substructuring is presented which utilizes a set of static Ritz vectors as a replacement for normal eigenvectors in component mode synthesis. This set of Ritz vectors is generated in a recurrence relationship, proposed by Wilson, which has the form of a block-Krylov subspace. The initial seed to the recurrence algorithm is based upon the boundary flexibility vectors of the component. Improvements have been made in the formulation of the initial seed to the Krylov sequence, through the use of block-filtering. A method to shift the Krylov sequence to create Ritz vectors that will represent the dynamic behavior of the component at target frequencies, the target frequency being determined by the applied forcing functions, has been developed. A method to terminate the Krylov sequence has also been developed. Various orthonormalization schemes have been developed and evaluated, including the Cholesky/QR method. Several auxiliary theorems and proofs which illustrate issues in component mode synthesis and loss of orthogonality in the Krylov sequence have also been presented. The resulting methodology is applicable to both fixed and free- interface boundary components, and results in a general component model appropriate for any type of dynamic analysis. The accuracy is found to be comparable to that of component synthesis based upon normal modes, using fewer generalized coordinates. In addition, the block-Krylov recurrence algorithm is a series of static solutions and so requires significantly less computation than solving the normal eigenspace problem. The requirement for less vectors to form the component, coupled with the lower computational expense of calculating these Ritz vectors, combine to create a method more efficient than traditional component mode synthesis.

A new method for fabrication of diamond-dust blocking filters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collard, H. R.; Hogan, R. C.

1986-01-01

Thermal embedding of diamond dust onto a polyethylene-coated Al plate has been used to make a blocking filter for FIR applications. The Al plate is sandwiched between two Mylar 'blankets' and the air between the layers is removed by means of a small vacuum pump. After the polyethylene is heated and softened, the diamond dust is applied to the polyethylene coating using a brush. The optimum diamond dust grain sizes corresponding to polyethylene layer thicknesses of 9-12 microns are given in a table, and the application of the blocking filter to spectrometric measurements in the FIR is described. An exploded view diagram of the layered structure of the blocking filter is provided.

Witten diagrams revisited: the AdS geometry of conformal blocks

DOE PAGES

Hijano, Eliot; Kraus, Per; Perlmutter, Eric; ...

2016-01-25

Here, we develop a new method for decomposing blocks. The steps involved are elementary, requiring no explicit integration, and operate directly in position space. Central to this construction is an appealingly simple answer to the question: what object in AdS computes a conformal block? The answer is a "geodesic Witten diagram", which is essentially an ordinary exchange Witten diagram, except that the cubic vertices are not integrated over all of AdS, but only over bulk geodesics connecting the boundary operators. In particular, we also consider the case of four-point functions of scalar operators, and show how to easily reproduce existingmore » results for the relevant conformal blocks in arbitrary dimension.« less

On the origin of the electron blocking effect by an n-type AlGaN electron blocking layer

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

Zhang, Zi-Hui; Ji, Yun; Liu, Wei

2014-02-17

In this work, the origin of electron blocking effect of n-type Al{sub 0.25}Ga{sub 0.75}N electron blocking layer (EBL) for c+ InGaN/GaN light-emitting diodes has been investigated through dual-wavelength emission method. It is found that the strong polarization induced electric field within the n-EBL reduces the thermal velocity and correspondingly the mean free path of the hot electrons. As a result, the electron capture efficiency of the multiple quantum wells is enhanced, which significantly reduces the electron overflow from the active region and increases the radiative recombination rate with holes.

A new serial pooling method of shifted tree ring blocks to construct millennia long tree ring isotope chronologies with annual resolution.

PubMed

Boettger, Tatjana; Friedrich, Michael

2009-03-01

The study presents a new serial pooling method of shifted tree ring blocks for the building of isotope chronologies. This method combines the advantages of traditional 'serial' and 'intertree' pooling, and can be recommended for the construction of sub-regional long isotope chronologies with sufficient replication, and on annual resolution, especially for the case of extremely narrow tree rings. For Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L., Khibiny Low Mountains, NW Russia) and Silver firs (Abies alba Mill., Franconia, Southern Germany), serial pooling of five consecutive tree rings seems appropriate because the species- and site-specific particularities lead to blurs of climate linkages in their tree rings for the period up to ca. five years back. An equivalent to a five-year running means that curve gained on the base annual data sets of single trees can be derived from the analysis of yearly shifted five-year blocks of consecutive tree rings, and therefore, with approximately 20% of the expense. Good coherence of delta(13)C- and delta(18)O-values between calculated means of annual total rings or late wood data and means of five-year blocks of consecutive total tree rings analysed experimentally on most similar material confirms this assumption.

Novel strategies to mine alcoholism-related haplotypes and genes by combining existing knowledge framework.

PubMed

Zhang, RuiJie; Li, Xia; Jiang, YongShuai; Liu, GuiYou; Li, ChuanXing; Zhang, Fan; Xiao, Yun; Gong, BinSheng

2009-02-01

High-throughout single nucleotide polymorphism detection technology and the existing knowledge provide strong support for mining the disease-related haplotypes and genes. In this study, first, we apply four kinds of haplotype identification methods (Confidence Intervals, Four Gamete Tests, Solid Spine of LD and fusing method of haplotype block) into high-throughout SNP genotype data to identify blocks, then use cluster analysis to verify the effectiveness of the four methods, and select the alcoholism-related SNP haplotypes through risk analysis. Second, we establish a mapping from haplotypes to alcoholism-related genes. Third, we inquire NCBI SNP and gene databases to locate the blocks and identify the candidate genes. In the end, we make gene function annotation by KEGG, Biocarta, and GO database. We find 159 haplotype blocks, which relate to the alcoholism most possibly on chromosome 1 approximately 22, including 227 haplotypes, of which 102 SNP haplotypes may increase the risk of alcoholism. We get 121 alcoholism-related genes and verify their reliability by the functional annotation of biology. In a word, we not only can handle the SNP data easily, but also can locate the disease-related genes precisely by combining our novel strategies of mining alcoholism-related haplotypes and genes with existing knowledge framework.

Application of RNAMlet to surface defect identification of steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Ke; Xu, Yang; Zhou, Peng; Wang, Lei

2018-06-01

As three main production lines of steels, continuous casting slabs, hot rolled steel plates and cold rolled steel strips have different surface appearances and are produced at different speeds of their production lines. Therefore, the algorithms for the surface defect identifications of the three steel products have different requirements for real-time and anti-interference. The existing algorithms cannot be adaptively applied to surface defect identification of the three steel products. A new method of adaptive multi-scale geometric analysis named RNAMlet was proposed. The idea of RNAMlet came from the non-symmetry anti-packing pattern representation model (NAM). The image is decomposed into a set of rectangular blocks asymmetrically according to gray value changes of image pixels. Then two-dimensional Haar wavelet transform is applied to all blocks. If the image background is complex, the number of blocks is large, and more details of the image are utilized. If the image background is simple, the number of blocks is small, and less computation time is needed. RNAMlet was tested with image samples of the three steel products, and compared with three classical methods of multi-scale geometric analysis, including Contourlet, Shearlet and Tetrolet. For the image samples with complicated backgrounds, such as continuous casting slabs and hot rolled steel plates, the defect identification rate obtained by RNAMlet was 1% higher than other three methods. For the image samples with simple backgrounds, such as cold rolled steel strips, the computation time of RNAMlet was one-tenth of the other three MGA methods, while the defect identification rates obtained by RNAMlet were higher than the other three methods.

Improving the detection of pathways in genome-wide association studies by combined effects of SNPs from Linkage Disequilibrium blocks.

PubMed

Zhao, Huiying; Nyholt, Dale R; Yang, Yuanhao; Wang, Jihua; Yang, Yuedong

2017-06-14

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified single variants associated with diseases. To increase the power of GWAS, gene-based and pathway-based tests are commonly employed to detect more risk factors. However, the gene- and pathway-based association tests may be biased towards genes or pathways containing a large number of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with small P-values caused by high linkage disequilibrium (LD) correlations. To address such bias, numerous pathway-based methods have been developed. Here we propose a novel method, DGAT-path, to divide all SNPs assigned to genes in each pathway into LD blocks, and to sum the chi-square statistics of LD blocks for assessing the significance of the pathway by permutation tests. The method was proven robust with the type I error rate >1.6 times lower than other methods. Meanwhile, the method displays a higher power and is not biased by the pathway size. The applications to the GWAS summary statistics for schizophrenia and breast cancer indicate that the detected top pathways contain more genes close to associated SNPs than other methods. As a result, the method identified 17 and 12 significant pathways containing 20 and 21 novel associated genes, respectively for two diseases. The method is available online by http://sparks-lab.org/server/DGAT-path .

Multi-color incomplete Cholesky conjugate gradient methods for vector computers. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poole, E. L.

1986-01-01

In this research, we are concerned with the solution on vector computers of linear systems of equations, Ax = b, where A is a larger, sparse symmetric positive definite matrix. We solve the system using an iterative method, the incomplete Cholesky conjugate gradient method (ICCG). We apply a multi-color strategy to obtain p-color matrices for which a block-oriented ICCG method is implemented on the CYBER 205. (A p-colored matrix is a matrix which can be partitioned into a pXp block matrix where the diagonal blocks are diagonal matrices). This algorithm, which is based on a no-fill strategy, achieves O(N/p) length vector operations in both the decomposition of A and in the forward and back solves necessary at each iteration of the method. We discuss the natural ordering of the unknowns as an ordering that minimizes the number of diagonals in the matrix and define multi-color orderings in terms of disjoint sets of the unknowns. We give necessary and sufficient conditions to determine which multi-color orderings of the unknowns correpond to p-color matrices. A performance model is given which is used both to predict execution time for ICCG methods and also to compare an ICCG method to conjugate gradient without preconditioning or another ICCG method. Results are given from runs on the CYBER 205 at NASA's Langley Research Center for four model problems.

Feasibility of blocking detection in observations from radio occultation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunner, Lukas; Steiner, Andrea Karin; Scherllin-Pirscher, Barbara; Jury, Martin

2015-04-01

Blocking describes an atmospheric situation in which the climatological westerly flow at mid latitudes is weakened or reversed. This is caused by a persistent high pressure system which can be stationary for several days to weeks. In the Northern Hemisphere blocking preferably occurs over the Atlantic/European and the Pacific regions. In recent years blocking has been under close scientific investigation due to its effect on weather extremes, triggering heat waves in summer and cold spells in winter. So far, scientific literature mainly focused on the investigation of blocking in reanalysis and global climate model data sets. However, blocking is underestimated in most climate models due to small-scale processes involved in its evolution. For a detection of blocking, most commonly applied methods are based on the computation of meridional geopotential height gradients at the 500 hPa level. Therefore measurements with adequate vertical, horizontal, and temporal resolution and coverage are required. We use an observational data set based on Global Positioning System (GPS) Radio Occultation (RO) measurements fulfilling these requirements. RO is a relatively new, satellite based remote sensing technique, delivering profiles of atmospheric parameters such as geopotential height, pressure, and temperature. It is characterized by favorable properties like long-term stability, global coverage, and high vertical resolution. Our data set is based on the most recent WEGC RO retrieval. Here we report on a feasibility study for blocking detection and analysis in RO data for two exemplary blocking events: the blocking over Russia in summer 2010 and the blocking over Greenland in late winter 2013. For these two events about 700 RO measurements per day are available in the Northern Hemisphere. We will show that the measurement density and quality of RO observations are favorable for blocking analysis and can therefore contribute to blocking research.

Testing block subdivision algorithms on block designs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiseman, Natalie; Patterson, Zachary

2016-01-01

Integrated land use-transportation models predict future transportation demand taking into account how households and firms arrange themselves partly as a function of the transportation system. Recent integrated models require parcels as inputs and produce household and employment predictions at the parcel scale. Block subdivision algorithms automatically generate parcel patterns within blocks. Evaluating block subdivision algorithms is done by way of generating parcels and comparing them to those in a parcel database. Three block subdivision algorithms are evaluated on how closely they reproduce parcels of different block types found in a parcel database from Montreal, Canada. While the authors who developed each of the algorithms have evaluated them, they have used their own metrics and block types to evaluate their own algorithms. This makes it difficult to compare their strengths and weaknesses. The contribution of this paper is in resolving this difficulty with the aim of finding a better algorithm suited to subdividing each block type. The proposed hypothesis is that given the different approaches that block subdivision algorithms take, it's likely that different algorithms are better adapted to subdividing different block types. To test this, a standardized block type classification is used that consists of mutually exclusive and comprehensive categories. A statistical method is used for finding a better algorithm and the probability it will perform well for a given block type. Results suggest the oriented bounding box algorithm performs better for warped non-uniform sites, as well as gridiron and fragmented uniform sites. It also produces more similar parcel areas and widths. The Generalized Parcel Divider 1 algorithm performs better for gridiron non-uniform sites. The Straight Skeleton algorithm performs better for loop and lollipop networks as well as fragmented non-uniform and warped uniform sites. It also produces more similar parcel shapes and patterns.

Inspection of a large concrete block containing embedded defects using ground penetrating radar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eisenmann, David; Margetan, Frank J.; Koester, Lucas; Clayton, Dwight

2016-02-01

Ground penetrating radar (GPR), also known as impulse response radar, was used to examine a thick concrete block containing reinforcing steel bars (rebar) and embedded defects. The block was located at the University of Minnesota, measured approximately 7 feet tall by 7 feet wide by 40 inches deep, and was intended to simulate certain aspects of a concrete containment wall at a nuclear power plant. This paper describes the measurements that were made and various analyses of the data. We begin with a description of the block itself and the GPR equipment and methods used in our inspections. The methods include the application of synthetic aperture focusing techniques (SAFT). We then present and discuss GPR images of the block's interior made using 1600-MHz, 900-MHz, and 400-MHz antennas operating in pulse/echo mode. A number of the embedded defects can be seen, and we discuss how their relative detectability can be quantified by comparison to the response from nearby rebar. We next discuss through-transmission measurements made using pairs of 1600-MHz and 900-MHz antennas, and the analysis of that data to deduce the average electromagnetic (EM) wave speed and attenuation of the concrete. Through the 40-inch thickness, attenuation rises approximately linearly with frequency at a rate near 0.7 dB/inch/GHz. However, there is evidence that EM properties vary with depth in the block. We conclude with a brief summary and a discussion of possible future work.

Preparation of non-aggregated fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) by non-covalent coating with a block copolymer and proteins for enhancement of intracellular uptake.

PubMed

Lee, Jong Woo; Lee, Seonju; Jang, Sangmok; Han, Kyu Young; Kim, Younggyu; Hyun, Jaekyung; Kim, Seong Keun; Lee, Yan

2013-05-01

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are very promising fluorophores for use in biosystems due to their high biocompatibility and photostability. To overcome their tendency to aggregate in physiological solutions, which severely limits the biological applications of FNDs, we developed a new non-covalent coating method using a block copolymer, PEG-b-P(DMAEMA-co-BMA), or proteins such as BSA and HSA. By simple mixing of the block copolymer with FNDs, the cationic DMAEMA and hydrophobic BMA moieties can strongly interact with the anionic and hydrophobic moieties on the FND surface, while the PEG block can form a shell to prevent the direct contact between FNDs. The polymer-coated FNDs, along with BSA- and HSA-coated FNDs, showed non-aggregation characteristics and maintained their size at the physiological salt concentration. The well-dispersed, polymer- or protein-coated FNDs in physiological solutions showed enhanced intracellular uptake, which was confirmed by CLSM. In addition, the biocompatibility of the coated FNDs was expressly supported by a cytotoxicity assay. Our simple non-covalent coating with the block copolymer, which can be easily modified by various chemical methods, projects a very promising outlook for future biomedical applications, especially in comparison with covalent coating or protein-based coating.

Plastic Fibre Reinforced Soil Blocks as a Sustainable Building Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, C. K. Subramania; Nambiar, E. K. Kunhanandan; Abraham, Benny Mathews

2012-10-01

Solid waste management, especially the huge quantity of waste plastics, is one of the major environmental concerns nowadays. Their employability in block making in the form of fibres, as one of the methods of waste management, can be investigated through a fundamental research. This paper highlights the salient observations from a systematic investigation on the effect of embedded fibre from plastic waste on the performance of stabilised mud blocks. Stabilisation of the soil was done by adding cement, lime and their combination. Plastic fibre in chopped form from carry bags and mineral water bottles were added (0.1% & 0.2% by weight of soil) as reinforcement. The blocks were tested for density, and compressive strength, and observed failure patterns were analysed. Blocks with 0.1% of plastic fibres showed an increase in strength of about 3 to 10%. From the observations of failure pattern it can be concluded that benefits of fibre reinforcement includes both improved ductility in comparison with raw blocks and inhibition of crack propogation after its initial formation.

Highly Ordered Block Copolymer Templates for the Generation of Nanostructured Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhoje Gowd, E.; Nandan, Bhanu; Bigall, Nadja C.; Eychmuller, Alexander; Stamm, Manfred

2009-03-01

Among many different types of self-assembled materials, block copolymers have attracted immense interest for applications in nanotechnology. Block copolymer thin film can be used as a template for patterning of hard inorganic materials such as metal nanoparticles. In the present work, we demonstrate a new approach to fabricate highly ordered arrays of nanoscopic inorganic dots and wires using switchable block copolymer thin films. Various inorganic nanoparticles from a simple aqueous solution were directly deposited on the surface reconstructed block copolymer templates. The preferential interaction of the nanoparticles with one of the blocks is mainly responsible for the lateral distribution of the nanoparticles in addition to the capillary forces. Subsequent stabilization by UV-irradiation followed by pyrolysis in air at 450 ^oC removes the polymer to produce highly ordered metallic nanostructures. This method is highly versatile as the procedure used here is simple, eco-friendly and provides a facile approach to fabricate a broad range of nanoscaled architectures with tunable lateral spacing.

Blind technique using blocking artifacts and entropy of histograms for image tampering detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manu, V. T.; Mehtre, B. M.

2017-06-01

The tremendous technological advancements in recent times has enabled people to create, edit and circulate images easily than ever before. As a result of this, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of the images has become challenging. Malicious editing of images to deceive the viewer is referred to as image tampering. A widely used image tampering technique is image splicing or compositing, in which regions from different images are copied and pasted. In this paper, we propose a tamper detection method utilizing the blocking and blur artifacts which are the footprints of splicing. The classification of images as tampered or not, is done based on the standard deviations of the entropy histograms and block discrete cosine transformations. We can detect the exact boundaries of the tampered area in the image, if the image is classified as tampered. Experimental results on publicly available image tampering datasets show that the proposed method outperforms the existing methods in terms of accuracy.

Multilevel algorithms for nonlinear optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexandrov, Natalia; Dennis, J. E., Jr.

1994-01-01

Multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) gives rise to nonlinear optimization problems characterized by a large number of constraints that naturally occur in blocks. We propose a class of multilevel optimization methods motivated by the structure and number of constraints and by the expense of the derivative computations for MDO. The algorithms are an extension to the nonlinear programming problem of the successful class of local Brown-Brent algorithms for nonlinear equations. Our extensions allow the user to partition constraints into arbitrary blocks to fit the application, and they separately process each block and the objective function, restricted to certain subspaces. The methods use trust regions as a globalization strategy, and they have been shown to be globally convergent under reasonable assumptions. The multilevel algorithms can be applied to all classes of MDO formulations. Multilevel algorithms for solving nonlinear systems of equations are a special case of the multilevel optimization methods. In this case, they can be viewed as a trust-region globalization of the Brown-Brent class.

A motion compensation technique using sliced blocks and its application to hybrid video coding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kondo, Satoshi; Sasai, Hisao

2005-07-01

This paper proposes a new motion compensation method using "sliced blocks" in DCT-based hybrid video coding. In H.264 ? MPEG-4 Advance Video Coding, a brand-new international video coding standard, motion compensation can be performed by splitting macroblocks into multiple square or rectangular regions. In the proposed method, on the other hand, macroblocks or sub-macroblocks are divided into two regions (sliced blocks) by an arbitrary line segment. The result is that the shapes of the segmented regions are not limited to squares or rectangles, allowing the shapes of the segmented regions to better match the boundaries between moving objects. Thus, the proposed method can improve the performance of the motion compensation. In addition, adaptive prediction of the shape according to the region shape of the surrounding macroblocks can reduce overheads to describe shape information in the bitstream. The proposed method also has the advantage that conventional coding techniques such as mode decision using rate-distortion optimization can be utilized, since coding processes such as frequency transform and quantization are performed on a macroblock basis, similar to the conventional coding methods. The proposed method is implemented in an H.264-based P-picture codec and an improvement in bit rate of 5% is confirmed in comparison with H.264.

Comparing the Effect of Topical Anesthesia and Retrobulbar Block With Intravenous Sedation on Hemodynamic Changes and Satisfaction in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery (Phaco Method)

PubMed Central

Haddadi, Soudabeh; Marzban, Shideh; Fazeli, Baharak; Heidarzadeh, Abtin; Parvizi, Arman; Naderinabi, Bahram; Panjtan Panah, Mohamad Reza

2015-01-01

Background: Cataract is one of the most common surgical procedures in the elderly. In most cases, the elderly have cardiac ischemia or chronic coronary diseases, which would lead to more ischemic events during general anesthesia. Therefore, surgeons and anesthetists prefer regional aesthesia to the general one owing to its more advantages and less complications. Objectives: Therefore, this study aimed to compare topical method and retrobulbar block for pain intensity, patient’s satisfaction, hemodynamic changes and intra and postoperative complications. Patients and Methods: In a single-blinded clinical trial, 114 patients scheduled for cataract surgery, aged 50 to 90 years with ASA physical status of I-III, were randomly assigned to two groups under monitored anesthesia care as topical anesthesia and retrobulbar block. After the injection of intravenous sedation, which was the combination of midazolam 0.5-1 mg with fentanyl 0.5-1 µ/kg, patients received retro bulbar block or topical anesthesia. During the operation, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure and arterial saturation of O2were measured every five minutes. In addition, pain (VAS) and satisfaction (ISAS) scores were recorded every 15 minutes, then at recovery and one hour after the ending of operation in the ward. Findings were statistically analyzed using SPSS 16. Results: In this study, no significant association was found between age, gender, education and physical condition of patients in both topical and retro bulbar block groups. Comparison of pain based on VAS, satisfaction based on ISAS score and MAP in the studied periods had no significant differences between the two groups of patients undergoing cataract surgery. However, significant differences were found between the two groups (P = 0.045, 0.02, 0.042 and P < 0.05) regarding heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and arterial oxygen saturation percentage after 20-30 minutes of the operation. Conclusions: Both methods, topical and retro bulbar block had similar impression in cataract surgery regarding analgesia and patient satisfaction. However, in non-complicated cataract surgeries with short duration, topical anesthesia may be the preferable method, because of non-invasiveness, appropriate analgesia, patient satisfaction and hemodynamic stability. PMID:25918686

Multi-color incomplete Cholesky conjugate gradient methods for vector computers

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

Poole, E.L.

1986-01-01

This research is concerned with the solution on vector computers of linear systems of equations. Ax = b, where A is a large, sparse symmetric positive definite matrix with non-zero elements lying only along a few diagonals of the matrix. The system is solved using the incomplete Cholesky conjugate gradient method (ICCG). Multi-color orderings are used of the unknowns in the linear system to obtain p-color matrices for which a no-fill block ICCG method is implemented on the CYBER 205 with O(N/p) length vector operations in both the decomposition of A and, more importantly, in the forward and back solvesmore » necessary at each iteration of the method. (N is the number of unknowns and p is a small constant). A p-colored matrix is a matrix that can be partitioned into a p x p block matrix where the diagonal blocks are diagonal matrices. The matrix is stored by diagonals and matrix multiplication by diagonals is used to carry out the decomposition of A and the forward and back solves. Additionally, if the vectors across adjacent blocks line up, then some of the overhead associated with vector startups can be eliminated in the matrix vector multiplication necessary at each conjugate gradient iteration. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given to determine which multi-color orderings of the unknowns correspond to p-color matrices, and a process is indicated for choosing multi-color orderings.« less

Biclustering as a method for RNA local multiple sequence alignment.

PubMed

Wang, Shu; Gutell, Robin R; Miranker, Daniel P

2007-12-15

Biclustering is a clustering method that simultaneously clusters both the domain and range of a relation. A challenge in multiple sequence alignment (MSA) is that the alignment of sequences is often intended to reveal groups of conserved functional subsequences. Simultaneously, the grouping of the sequences can impact the alignment; precisely the kind of dual situation biclustering is intended to address. We define a representation of the MSA problem enabling the application of biclustering algorithms. We develop a computer program for local MSA, BlockMSA, that combines biclustering with divide-and-conquer. BlockMSA simultaneously finds groups of similar sequences and locally aligns subsequences within them. Further alignment is accomplished by dividing both the set of sequences and their contents. The net result is both a multiple sequence alignment and a hierarchical clustering of the sequences. BlockMSA was tested on the subsets of the BRAliBase 2.1 benchmark suite that display high variability and on an extension to that suite to larger problem sizes. Also, alignments were evaluated of two large datasets of current biological interest, T box sequences and Group IC1 Introns. The results were compared with alignments computed by ClustalW, MAFFT, MUCLE and PROBCONS alignment programs using Sum of Pairs (SPS) and Consensus Count. Results for the benchmark suite are sensitive to problem size. On problems of 15 or greater sequences, BlockMSA is consistently the best. On none of the problems in the test suite are there appreciable differences in scores among BlockMSA, MAFFT and PROBCONS. On the T box sequences, BlockMSA does the most faithful job of reproducing known annotations. MAFFT and PROBCONS do not. On the Intron sequences, BlockMSA, MAFFT and MUSCLE are comparable at identifying conserved regions. BlockMSA is implemented in Java. Source code and supplementary datasets are available at http://aug.csres.utexas.edu/msa/

Creating a Quality Improvement Course for Undergraduate Medical Education: Practice What You Teach.

PubMed

Bradham, Tamala S; Sponsler, Kelly C; Watkins, Scott C; Ehrenfeld, Jesse M

2018-05-02

More than half of U.S. medical schools have implemented curricula addressing quality improvement (QI); however, the evidence on which pedagogical methods are most effective is limited. As of January 2015, students at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine are required to take a QI course consisting of three 1-month-long (4 hours per week) blocks during their third or fourth year, in which student-identified faculty sponsors are paired with highly trained QI professionals from Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The three blocks of the QI course include didactic instruction using Institute for Healthcare Improvement Open School modules, readings, weekly assignments, and experiential learning activities (i.e., students develop and implement a QI project with two Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles using a systematic approach that employs the principles of improvement science, which they present as a poster on the last day of the third block). From January 2015 to January 2017, 132 students completed all three blocks, resulting in 110 completed QI projects. On evaluations (distributed after each completed block), a majority of students rated the clinical relevance of the blocks highly (191/273, 70%), agreed the blocks contributed to their development as a physician (192/273, 70%), and reported the blocks motivated them to continue to learn more about QI (168/273, 62%). The authors have applied QI tools and methods to improve the QI course and will aim to measure and assess the sustainability of the course by tracking clinical outcomes related to the projects and students' ongoing involvement in QI after graduation.Written work prepared by employees of the Federal Government as part of their official duties is, under the U.S. Copyright Act, a "work of the United States Government" for which copyright protection under Title 17 of the United States Code is not available. As such, copyright does not extend to the contributions of employees of the Federal Government.

Power Block Geometry Applied to the Building of Power Electronics Converters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

dos Santos, E. C., Jr.; da Silva, E. R. C.

2013-01-01

This paper proposes a new methodology, Power Block Geometry (PBG), for the presentation of power electronics topologies that process ac voltage. PBG's strategy uses formal methods based on a geometrical representation with particular rules and defines a universe with axioms and conjectures to establish a formation law. It allows power…

Epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of antibodies to Ross River virus in vertebrate sera.

PubMed

Oliveira, Nidia M M; Broom, Annette K; Mackenzie, John S; Smith, David W; Lindsay, Michael D A; Kay, Brian H; Hall, Roy A

2006-07-01

We describe the development of an epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the sensitive and rapid detection of antibodies to Ross River virus (RRV) in human sera and known vertebrate host species. This ELISA provides an alternative method for the serodiagnosis of RRV infections.

Analysis of KC-46 Live-Fire Risk Mitigation Program Testing

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

the use of real hardware such as electrohydraulic actuators , electrical units, and converter regulators (Andrus, 2010). The only feasible method for...worked with the MQ-9 as a test engineer and analyst for the programs IOT &E, RQ-4 as lead engineer and program lead for the block 3 and the block 4

Assessing housing growth when census boundaries change

Treesearch

Alexandra D. Syphard; Susan I. Stewart; Jason McKeefry; Roger B. Hammer; Jeremy S. Fried; Sherry Holcomb; Volker C. Radeloff

2009-01-01

The US Census provides the primary source of spatially explicit social data, but changing block boundaries complicate analyses of housing growth over time. We compared procedures for reconciling housing density data between 1990 and 2000 census block boundaries in order to assess the sensitivity of analytical methods to estimates of housing growth in Oregon. Estimates...

METHOD OF FABRICATING A GRAPHITE MODERATED REACTOR

DOEpatents

Kratz, H.R.

1963-05-01

S>A nuclear reactor formed of spaced bodies of uranium and graphite blocks is improved by diffusing helium through the graphite blocks in order to replace the air in the pores of the graphite with helium. The helium-impregnated graphite conducts heat better, and absorbs neutrons less, than the original air- impregnated graphite. (AEC)

Block matrix based LU decomposition to analyze kinetic damping in active plasma resonance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roehl, Jan Hendrik; Oberrath, Jens

2016-09-01

``Active plasma resonance spectroscopy'' (APRS) is a widely used diagnostic method to measure plasma parameter like electron density. Measurements with APRS probes in plasmas of a few Pa typically show a broadening of the spectrum due to kinetic effects. To analyze the broadening a general kinetic model in electrostatic approximation based on functional analytic methods has been presented [ 1 ] . One of the main results is, that the system response function Y(ω) is given in terms of the matrix elements of the resolvent of the dynamic operator evaluated for values on the imaginary axis. To determine the response function of a specific probe the resolvent has to be approximated by a huge matrix which is given by a banded block structure. Due to this structure a block based LU decomposition can be implemented. It leads to a solution of Y(ω) which is given only by products of matrices of the inner block size. This LU decomposition allows to analyze the influence of kinetic effects on the broadening and saves memory and calculation time. Gratitude is expressed to the internal funding of Leuphana University.

Efficient low-bit-rate adaptive mesh-based motion compensation technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahmoud, Hanan A.; Bayoumi, Magdy A.

2001-08-01

This paper proposes a two-stage global motion estimation method using a novel quadtree block-based motion estimation technique and an active mesh model. In the first stage, motion parameters are estimated by fitting block-based motion vectors computed using a new efficient quadtree technique, that divides a frame into equilateral triangle blocks using the quad-tree structure. Arbitrary partition shapes are achieved by allowing 4-to-1, 3-to-1 and 2-1 merge/combine of sibling blocks having the same motion vector . In the second stage, the mesh is constructed using an adaptive triangulation procedure that places more triangles over areas with high motion content, these areas are estimated during the first stage. finally the motion compensation is achieved by using a novel algorithm that is carried by both the encoder and the decoder to determine the optimal triangulation of the resultant partitions followed by affine mapping at the encoder. Computer simulation results show that the proposed method gives better performance that the conventional ones in terms of the peak signal-to-noise ration (PSNR) and the compression ratio (CR).

Real-Time Evaluation of Breast Self-Examination Using Computer Vision

PubMed Central

Mohammadi, Eman; Dadios, Elmer P.; Gan Lim, Laurence A.; Cabatuan, Melvin K.; Naguib, Raouf N. G.; Avila, Jose Maria C.; Oikonomou, Andreas

2014-01-01

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and breast self-examination (BSE) is considered as the most cost-effective approach for early breast cancer detection. The general objective of this paper is to design and develop a computer vision algorithm to evaluate the BSE performance in real-time. The first stage of the algorithm presents a method for detecting and tracking the nipples in frames while a woman performs BSE; the second stage presents a method for localizing the breast region and blocks of pixels related to palpation of the breast, and the third stage focuses on detecting the palpated blocks in the breast region. The palpated blocks are highlighted at the time of BSE performance. In a correct BSE performance, all blocks must be palpated, checked, and highlighted, respectively. If any abnormality, such as masses, is detected, then this must be reported to a doctor to confirm the presence of this abnormality and proceed to perform other confirmatory tests. The experimental results have shown that the BSE evaluation algorithm presented in this paper provides robust performance. PMID:25435860

Real-time evaluation of breast self-examination using computer vision.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Eman; Dadios, Elmer P; Gan Lim, Laurence A; Cabatuan, Melvin K; Naguib, Raouf N G; Avila, Jose Maria C; Oikonomou, Andreas

2014-01-01

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and breast self-examination (BSE) is considered as the most cost-effective approach for early breast cancer detection. The general objective of this paper is to design and develop a computer vision algorithm to evaluate the BSE performance in real-time. The first stage of the algorithm presents a method for detecting and tracking the nipples in frames while a woman performs BSE; the second stage presents a method for localizing the breast region and blocks of pixels related to palpation of the breast, and the third stage focuses on detecting the palpated blocks in the breast region. The palpated blocks are highlighted at the time of BSE performance. In a correct BSE performance, all blocks must be palpated, checked, and highlighted, respectively. If any abnormality, such as masses, is detected, then this must be reported to a doctor to confirm the presence of this abnormality and proceed to perform other confirmatory tests. The experimental results have shown that the BSE evaluation algorithm presented in this paper provides robust performance.

Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Linear Block Copolymers: Rapid Access by Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerization and Self- Assembly into Large Domain Nanostructures

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

Mapas, Jose Kenneth D.; Thomay, Tim; Cartwright, Alexander N.

2016-05-05

Block copolymer (BCP) derived periodic nanostructures with domain sizes larger than 150 nm present a versatile platform for the fabrication of photonic materials. So far, the access to such materials has been limited to highly synthetically involved protocols. Herein, we report a simple, “user-friendly” method for the preparation of ultrahigh molecular weight linear poly(solketal methacrylate-b-styrene) block copolymers by a combination of Cu-wire-mediated ATRP and RAFT polymerizations. The synthesized copolymers with molecular weights up to 1.6 million g/mol and moderate dispersities readily assemble into highly ordered cylindrical or lamella microstructures with domain sizes as large as 292 nm, as determined bymore » ultra-small-angle x-ray scattering and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Solvent cast films of the synthesized block copolymers exhibit stop bands in the visible spectrum correlated to their domain spacings. The described method opens new avenues for facilitated fabrication and the advancement of fundamental understanding of BCP-derived photonic nanomaterials for a variety of applications.« less

A detail-preserved and luminance-consistent multi-exposure image fusion algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Guanquan; Zhou, Yue

2018-04-01

When irradiance across a scene varies greatly, we can hardly get an image of the scene without over- or underexposure area, because of the constraints of cameras. Multi-exposure image fusion (MEF) is an effective method to deal with this problem by fusing multi-exposure images of a static scene. A novel MEF method is described in this paper. In the proposed algorithm, coarser-scale luminance consistency is preserved by contribution adjustment using the luminance information between blocks; detail-preserved smoothing filter can stitch blocks smoothly without losing details. Experiment results show that the proposed method performs well in preserving luminance consistency and details.

Some fast elliptic solvers on parallel architectures and their complexities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallopoulos, E.; Saad, Y.

1989-01-01

The discretization of separable elliptic partial differential equations leads to linear systems with special block tridiagonal matrices. Several methods are known to solve these systems, the most general of which is the Block Cyclic Reduction (BCR) algorithm which handles equations with nonconstant coefficients. A method was recently proposed to parallelize and vectorize BCR. In this paper, the mapping of BCR on distributed memory architectures is discussed, and its complexity is compared with that of other approaches including the Alternating-Direction method. A fast parallel solver is also described, based on an explicit formula for the solution, which has parallel computational compelxity lower than that of parallel BCR.

Some fast elliptic solvers on parallel architectures and their complexities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gallopoulos, E.; Saad, Youcef

1989-01-01

The discretization of separable elliptic partial differential equations leads to linear systems with special block triangular matrices. Several methods are known to solve these systems, the most general of which is the Block Cyclic Reduction (BCR) algorithm which handles equations with nonconsistant coefficients. A method was recently proposed to parallelize and vectorize BCR. Here, the mapping of BCR on distributed memory architectures is discussed, and its complexity is compared with that of other approaches, including the Alternating-Direction method. A fast parallel solver is also described, based on an explicit formula for the solution, which has parallel computational complexity lower than that of parallel BCR.

Electrically conductive doped block copolymer of polyacetylene and polyisoprene

DOEpatents

Aldissi, Mahmoud

1985-01-01

An electrically conductive block copolymer of polyisoprene and polyacetyl and a method of making the same are disclosed. The polymer is prepared by first polymerizing isoprene with n-butyllithium in a toluene solution to form an active isoprenyllithium polymer. The active polymer is reacted with an equimolar amount of titanium butoxide and subsequently exposed to gaseous acetylene. A block copolymer of polyisoprene and polyacetylene is formed. The copolymer is soluble in common solvents and may be doped with I.sub.2 to give it an electrical conductivity in the metallic regime.

Determination of mean gravity anomalies in the Taiwan Island

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chang, Ruey-Gang

1989-01-01

The fitting and proper regression coefficients were made of one hundred seventeen 10 x 10' blocks with observed gravity data and corresponding elevation in the Taiwan Island. To compare five different predicted models, and the proper one for the mean gravity anomalies were determined. The predicted gravity anomalies of the non-observed gravity blocks were decided when the coefficients obtained through the model with the weighted mean method. It was suggested that the mean gravity anomalies of 10 x 10' blocks should be made when comprehensive the observed and predicted data.

Monolithic LTCC seal frame and lid

DOEpatents

Krueger, Daniel S.; Peterson, Kenneth A.; Stockdale, Dave; Duncan, James Brent; Riggs, Bristen

2016-06-21

A method for forming a monolithic seal frame and lid for use with a substrate and electronic circuitry comprises the steps of forming a mandrel from a ceramic and glass based material, forming a seal frame and lid block from a ceramic and glass based material, creating a seal frame and lid by forming a compartment and a plurality of sidewalls in the seal frame and lid block, placing the seal frame and lid on the mandrel such that the mandrel fits within the compartment, and cofiring the seal frame and lid block.

Quadratus Lumborum Block Versus Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Pain After Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Blanco, Rafael; Ansari, Tarek; Riad, Waleed; Shetty, Nanda

Effective postoperative analgesia after cesarean delivery enhances early recovery, ambulation, and breastfeeding. In a previous study, we established the effectiveness of the quadratus lumborum block in providing pain relief after cesarean delivery compared with patient-controlled analgesia (morphine). In the current study, we hypothesized that this method would be equal to or better than the transversus abdominis plane block with regard to pain relief and its duration of action after cesarean delivery. Between April 2015 and August 2015, we randomized 76 patients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia to receive the quadratus lumborum block or the transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative pain relief. This trial was registered prospectively (NCT 02489851) [corrected]. Patients in the quadratus lumborum block group used significantly less morphine than the transversus abdominis plane block group (P < 0.05) at 12, 24, and 48 hours but not at 4 and 6 hours after cesarean delivery. This group also had significantly fewer morphine demands than the control group (P < 0.05) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after cesarean delivery. No significant differences in visual analog scale results were shown between the 2 groups at rest or with movement. Calculated total pain relief at rest and with movement were similar (P < 0.001) in both groups. The quadratus lumborum block was more effective in reducing morphine consumption and demands than transversus abdominis plane blocks after cesarean section. This effect was observed up to 48 hours postoperatively.

Optimized optical clearing method for imaging central nervous system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Tingting; Qi, Yisong; Gong, Hui; Luo, Qingming; Zhu, Dan

2015-03-01

The development of various optical clearing methods provides a great potential for imaging entire central nervous system by combining with multiple-labelling and microscopic imaging techniques. These methods had made certain clearing contributions with respective weaknesses, including tissue deformation, fluorescence quenching, execution complexity and antibody penetration limitation that makes immunostaining of tissue blocks difficult. The passive clarity technique (PACT) bypasses those problems and clears the samples with simple implementation, excellent transparency with fine fluorescence retention, but the passive tissue clearing method needs too long time. In this study, we not only accelerate the clearing speed of brain blocks but also preserve GFP fluorescence well by screening an optimal clearing temperature. The selection of proper temperature will make PACT more applicable, which evidently broaden the application range of this method.

A Method of Calculating Motion Error in a Linear Motion Bearing Stage

PubMed Central

Khim, Gyungho; Park, Chun Hong; Oh, Jeong Seok

2015-01-01

We report a method of calculating the motion error of a linear motion bearing stage. The transfer function method, which exploits reaction forces of individual bearings, is effective for estimating motion errors; however, it requires the rail-form errors. This is not suitable for a linear motion bearing stage because obtaining the rail-form errors is not straightforward. In the method described here, we use the straightness errors of a bearing block to calculate the reaction forces on the bearing block. The reaction forces were compared with those of the transfer function method. Parallelism errors between two rails were considered, and the motion errors of the linear motion bearing stage were measured and compared with the results of the calculations, revealing good agreement. PMID:25705715

Widely Tunable Morphologies in Block Copolymer Thin Films Through Solvent Vapor Annealing Using Mixtures of Selective Solvents

PubMed Central

Chavis, Michelle A.; Smilgies, Detlef-M.; Wiesner, Ulrich B.; Ober, Christopher K.

2015-01-01

Thin films of block copolymers are extremely attractive for nanofabrication because of their ability to form uniform and periodic nanoscale structures by microphase separation. One shortcoming of this approach is that to date the design of a desired equilibrium structure requires synthesis of a block copolymer de novo within the corresponding volume ratio of the blocks. In this work, we investigated solvent vapor annealing in supported thin films of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) [PHEMA-b-PMMA] by means of grazing incidence small angle X–ray scattering (GISAXS). A spin-coated thin film of lamellar block copolymer was solvent vapor annealed to induce microphase separation and improve the long-range order of the self-assembled pattern. Annealing in a mixture of solvent vapors using a controlled volume ratio of solvents (methanol, MeOH, and tetrahydrofuran, THF), which are chosen to be preferential for each block, enabled selective formation of ordered lamellae, gyroid, hexagonal or spherical morphologies from a single block copolymer with a fixed volume fraction. The selected microstructure was then kinetically trapped in the dry film by rapid drying. To our knowledge, this paper describes the first reported case where in-situ methods are used to study the transition of block copolymer films from one initial disordered morphology to four different ordered morphologies, covering much of the theoretical diblock copolymer phase diagram. PMID:26819574

Characterization of Bovine Serum Albumin Blocking Efficiency on Epoxy-Functionalized Substrates for Microarray Applications.

PubMed

Sun, Yung-Shin; Zhu, Xiangdong

2016-10-01

Microarrays provide a platform for high-throughput characterization of biomolecular interactions. To increase the sensitivity and specificity of microarrays, surface blocking is required to minimize the nonspecific interactions between analytes and unprinted yet functionalized surfaces. To block amine- or epoxy-functionalized substrates, bovine serum albumin (BSA) is one of the most commonly used blocking reagents because it is cheap and easy to use. Based on standard protocols from microarray manufactories, a BSA concentration of 1% (10 mg/mL or 200 μM) and reaction time of at least 30 min are required to efficiently block epoxy-coated slides. In this paper, we used both fluorescent and label-free methods to characterize the BSA blocking efficiency on epoxy-functionalized substrates. The blocking efficiency of BSA was characterized using a fluorescent scanner and a label-free oblique-incidence reflectivity difference (OI-RD) microscope. We found that (1) a BSA concentration of 0.05% (0.5 mg/mL or 10 μM) could give a blocking efficiency of 98%, and (2) the BSA blocking step took only about 5 min to be complete. Also, from real-time and in situ measurements, we were able to calculate the conformational properties (thickness, mass density, and number density) of BSA molecules deposited on the epoxy surface. © 2015 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening.

Highly Efficient One-Pot Synthesis of COS-Based Block Copolymers by Using Organic Lewis Pairs.

PubMed

Yang, Jia-Liang; Cao, Xiao-Han; Zhang, Cheng-Jian; Wu, Hai-Lin; Zhang, Xing-Hong

2018-01-31

A one-pot synthesis of block copolymer with regioregular poly(monothiocarbonate) block is described via metal-free catalysis. Lewis bases such as guanidine, quaternary onium salts, and Lewis acid triethyl borane (TEB) were equivalently combined and used as the catalysts. By using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the macromolecular chain transfer agent (CTA), narrow polydispersity block copolymers were obtained from the copolymerization of carbonyl sulfide (COS) and propylene oxide (PO). The block copolymers had a poly(monothiocarbonate) block with perfect alternating degree and regioregularity. Unexpectedly, the addition of CTA to COS/PO copolymerization system could dramatically improve the turnover frequency (TOF) of PO (up to 240 h -1 ), higher than that of the copolymerization without CTA. In addition, the conversion of CTA could be up to 100% in most cases, as revealed by ¹H NMR spectra. Of consequence, the number-average molecular weights ( M n s) of the resultant block copolymers could be regulated by varying the feed ratio of CTA to PO. Oxygen-sulfur exchange reaction (O/S ER), which can generate randomly distributed thiocarbonate and carbonate units, was effectively suppressed in all of the cases in the presence of CTA, even at 80 °C. This work presents a versatile method for synthesizing sulfur-containing block copolymers through a metal-free route, providing an array of new block copolymers.

Using cluster analysis to organize and explore regional GPS velocities

USGS Publications Warehouse

Simpson, Robert W.; Thatcher, Wayne; Savage, James C.

2012-01-01

Cluster analysis offers a simple visual exploratory tool for the initial investigation of regional Global Positioning System (GPS) velocity observations, which are providing increasingly precise mappings of actively deforming continental lithosphere. The deformation fields from dense regional GPS networks can often be concisely described in terms of relatively coherent blocks bounded by active faults, although the choice of blocks, their number and size, can be subjective and is often guided by the distribution of known faults. To illustrate our method, we apply cluster analysis to GPS velocities from the San Francisco Bay Region, California, to search for spatially coherent patterns of deformation, including evidence of block-like behavior. The clustering process identifies four robust groupings of velocities that we identify with four crustal blocks. Although the analysis uses no prior geologic information other than the GPS velocities, the cluster/block boundaries track three major faults, both locked and creeping.

Efficient Imaging and Real-Time Display of Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy Based on Block Compressive Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Gongxin; Li, Peng; Wang, Yuechao; Wang, Wenxue; Xi, Ning; Liu, Lianqing

2014-07-01

Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) is one kind of Scanning Probe Microscopies (SPMs), and it is widely used in imaging soft samples for many distinctive advantages. However, the scanning speed of SICM is much slower than other SPMs. Compressive sensing (CS) could improve scanning speed tremendously by breaking through the Shannon sampling theorem, but it still requires too much time in image reconstruction. Block compressive sensing can be applied to SICM imaging to further reduce the reconstruction time of sparse signals, and it has another unique application that it can achieve the function of image real-time display in SICM imaging. In this article, a new method of dividing blocks and a new matrix arithmetic operation were proposed to build the block compressive sensing model, and several experiments were carried out to verify the superiority of block compressive sensing in reducing imaging time and real-time display in SICM imaging.

Assessment of Thematic Mapper band-to-band registration by the block correlation method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Card, D. H.; Wrigley, R. C.; Mertz, F. C.; Hall, J. R.

1983-01-01

Rectangular blocks of pixels from one band image were statistically correlated against blocks centered on identical pixels from a second band image. The block pairs were shifted in pixel increments both vertically and horizontally with respect to each other and the correlation coefficient to the maximum correlation was taken as the best estimate of registration error for each block pair. For the band combinations of the Arkansas scene studied, the misregistration of TM spectral bands within the noncooled focal plane lie well within the 0.2 pixel target specification. Misregistration between the middle IR bands is well within this specification also. The thermal IR band has an apparent misregistration with TM band 7 of approximately 3 pixels in each direction. The TM band 3 has a misregistration of approximately 0.2 pixel in the across-scan direction and 0.5 pixel in the along-scan direction, with both TM bands 5 and 7.

Synthesis and morphology of hydroxyapatite/polyethylene oxide nanocomposites with block copolymer compatibilized interfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ji Hoon; Shofner, Meisha

2012-02-01

In order to exploit the promise of polymer nanocomposites, special consideration should be given to component interfaces during synthesis and processing. Previous results from this group have shown that nanoparticles clustered into larger structures consistent with their native shape when the polymer matrix crystallinity was high. Therefore in this research, the nanoparticles are disguised from a highly-crystalline polymer matrix by cloaking them with a matrix-compatible block copolymer. Specifically, spherical and needle-shaped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles were synthesized using a block copolymer templating method. The block copolymer used, polyethylene oxide-b-polymethacrylic acid, remained on the nanoparticle surface following synthesis with the polyethylene oxide block exposed. These nanoparticles were subsequently added to a polyethylene oxide matrix using solution processing. Characterization of the nanocomposites indicated that the copolymer coating prevented the nanoparticles from assembling into ordered clusters and that the matrix crystallinity was decreased at a nanoparticle spacing of approximately 100 nm.

Optimization of block-floating-point realizations for digital controllers with finite-word-length considerations.

PubMed

Wu, Jun; Hu, Xie-he; Chen, Sheng; Chu, Jian

2003-01-01

The closed-loop stability issue of finite-precision realizations was investigated for digital controllers implemented in block-floating-point format. The controller coefficient perturbation was analyzed resulting from using finite word length (FWL) block-floating-point representation scheme. A block-floating-point FWL closed-loop stability measure was derived which considers both the dynamic range and precision. To facilitate the design of optimal finite-precision controller realizations, a computationally tractable block-floating-point FWL closed-loop stability measure was then introduced and the method of computing the value of this measure for a given controller realization was developed. The optimal controller realization is defined as the solution that maximizes the corresponding measure, and a numerical optimization approach was adopted to solve the resulting optimal realization problem. A numerical example was used to illustrate the design procedure and to compare the optimal controller realization with the initial realization.

Assessment of Thematic Mapper Band-to-band Registration by the Block Correlation Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Card, D. H.; Wrigley, R. C.; Mertz, F. C.; Hall, J. R.

1985-01-01

Rectangular blocks of pixels from one band image were statistically correlated against blocks centered on identical pixels from a second band image. The block pairs were shifted in pixel increments both vertically and horizontally with respect to each other and the correlation coefficient to the maximum correlation was taken as the best estimate of registration error for each block pair. For the band combinations of the Arkansas scene studied, the misregistration of TM spectral bands within the noncooled focal plane lie well within the 0.2 pixel target specification. Misregistration between the middle IR bands is well within this specification also. The thermal IR band has an apparent misregistration with TM band 7 of approximately 3 pixels in each direction. The TM band 3 has a misregistration of approximately 0.2 pixel in the across-scan direction and 0.5 pixel in the along-scan direction, with both TM bands 5 and 7.

Hydrogen Bond Induces Hierarchical Self-Assembly in Liquid-Crystalline Block Copolymers.

PubMed

Huang, Shuai; Pang, Linlin; Chen, Yuxuan; Zhou, Liming; Fang, Shaoming; Yu, Haifeng

2018-03-01

Microphase-separated structures of block copolymers (BCs) with a size of sub-10 nm are usually obtained by hydrogen-bond-induced self-assembly of BCs through doping with small molecules as functional additives. Here, fabrication of hierarchically self-assembled sub-10 nm structures upon microphase separation of amphiphilic liquid-crystalline BCs (LCBCs) at the existence of hydrogen bonds but without any dopants is reported. The newly introduced urethane groups in the side chain of the hydrophobic block of LCBCs interact with the ether groups of the hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block, leading to imperfect crystallization of the PEO blocks. Both crystalline and amorphous domains coexist in the separated PEO phase, enabling a lamellar structure to appear inside the PEO nanocylinders. This provides an elegant method to fabricate controllable sub-10 nm microstructures in well-defined polymer systems without the introduction of any dopants. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An electrostatic Particle-In-Cell code on multi-block structured meshes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meierbachtol, Collin S.; Svyatskiy, Daniil; Delzanno, Gian Luca; Vernon, Louis J.; Moulton, J. David

2017-12-01

We present an electrostatic Particle-In-Cell (PIC) code on multi-block, locally structured, curvilinear meshes called Curvilinear PIC (CPIC). Multi-block meshes are essential to capture complex geometries accurately and with good mesh quality, something that would not be possible with single-block structured meshes that are often used in PIC and for which CPIC was initially developed. Despite the structured nature of the individual blocks, multi-block meshes resemble unstructured meshes in a global sense and introduce several new challenges, such as the presence of discontinuities in the mesh properties and coordinate orientation changes across adjacent blocks, and polyjunction points where an arbitrary number of blocks meet. In CPIC, these challenges have been met by an approach that features: (1) a curvilinear formulation of the PIC method: each mesh block is mapped from the physical space, where the mesh is curvilinear and arbitrarily distorted, to the logical space, where the mesh is uniform and Cartesian on the unit cube; (2) a mimetic discretization of Poisson's equation suitable for multi-block meshes; and (3) a hybrid (logical-space position/physical-space velocity), asynchronous particle mover that mitigates the performance degradation created by the necessity to track particles as they move across blocks. The numerical accuracy of CPIC was verified using two standard plasma-material interaction tests, which demonstrate good agreement with the corresponding analytic solutions. Compared to PIC codes on unstructured meshes, which have also been used for their flexibility in handling complex geometries but whose performance suffers from issues associated with data locality and indirect data access patterns, PIC codes on multi-block structured meshes may offer the best compromise for capturing complex geometries while also maintaining solution accuracy and computational efficiency.

A comparison between caudal block versus splash block for postoperative analgesia following inguinal herniorrhaphy in children.

PubMed

Cheon, Jun Kong; Park, Cheon Hee; Hwang, Kan Taeck; Choi, Bo Yoon

2011-04-01

We wanted to determine the postoperative analgesic efficacy of preincisional caudal epidural block versus instillation (splash block) following inguinal herniorrhaphy in children. THIRTY CHILDREN (AGE RANGE: 1-7 years) who were scheduled to undergo inguinal herniorrhaphy were divided into 2 groups: the caudal block group and the splash block group with 15 children in each group. Tracheal intubation was performed. Fifteen children received caudal block with 1.0 ml/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine (Group 1). Caudal block was performed using the loss of resistance method via the sacral hiatus. Fifteen children in Group 2 received local instillation (splash block) in the surgical site with up to 0.4 ml/kg of 0.25% ropivacaine. The patients were observed for 90 minutes in the postanesthesia care unit and then they were transferred to the ward. The pain scores were taken 4 times. We assessed pain using the Faces pain scores. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the pain scores at 10, 30 and 60 minutes upon entering the postanesthesia care unit. The pain scores of Group 1 were slightly lower at the last evaluation point when compared to that of Group 2. One patient in Group 1 required supplemental postoperative intravenous (IV) tramadol, while all the other patients in both groups did not require supplemental IV tramadol. The intraoperative requirement for sevoflurane was decreased in Group 1 as compared to that of Group 2. There were no major complications related to either type of block. We conclude that a splash block can have a similar analgesic effect as that of a caudal block for the postoperative herniorrhaphy pain of children.

Thermoablation of Liver Metastases: Efficacy of Temporary Celiac Plexus Block

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

Beck, A.N., E-mail: alexander.beck@charite.de; Schaefer, M.; Werk, M.

Purpose. To determine the efficacy of celiac plexus block during thermoablation of liver metastases. Methods. Fifty-five consecutive patients underwent thermoablation therapy of liver tumors by laser-induced thermotherapy. Twenty-nine patients received a temporary celiac plexus block, 26 patients acted as control group. In both groups fentanyl and midazolam were administered intravenously upon request of the patient. The duration of the intervention, consumption of opiates, and individual pain sensations were documented. Results. No complications resulting from the celiac plexus block were recorded. Celiac plexus block significantly reduced the amount of pain medication used during thermoablation therapy of liver tumors (with block, 2.45more » {mu}g fentanyl per kg body weight; without block, 3.58 {mu}g fentanyl per kg body weight, p < 0.05; midazolam consumption was not reduced) in patients with metastases {<=}5 mm from the liver capsule. For metastases farther away from the capsule no significant differences in opiate consumption were seen. Celiac plexus block reduced the time for thermoablation significantly (178 min versus 147 min, p < 0.05) no matter how far the metastases were from the liver capsule. Average time needed to set the block was 12 min (range 9-15 min); additional costs for the block were marginal. As expected (as pain medications were given according to individual patients' needs) pain indices did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion. In patients with liver metastases {<=}5 mm from the liver capsule, celiac plexus block reduces the amount of opiates necessary, simplifying patient monitoring. In addition celiac plexus block reduces intervention time, with positive effects on overall workflow for all patients.« less

An electrostatic Particle-In-Cell code on multi-block structured meshes

DOE PAGES

Meierbachtol, Collin S.; Svyatskiy, Daniil; Delzanno, Gian Luca; ...

2017-09-14

We present an electrostatic Particle-In-Cell (PIC) code on multi-block, locally structured, curvilinear meshes called Curvilinear PIC (CPIC). Multi-block meshes are essential to capture complex geometries accurately and with good mesh quality, something that would not be possible with single-block structured meshes that are often used in PIC and for which CPIC was initially developed. In spite of the structured nature of the individual blocks, multi-block meshes resemble unstructured meshes in a global sense and introduce several new challenges, such as the presence of discontinuities in the mesh properties and coordinate orientation changes across adjacent blocks, and polyjunction points where anmore » arbitrary number of blocks meet. In CPIC, these challenges have been met by an approach that features: (1) a curvilinear formulation of the PIC method: each mesh block is mapped from the physical space, where the mesh is curvilinear and arbitrarily distorted, to the logical space, where the mesh is uniform and Cartesian on the unit cube; (2) a mimetic discretization of Poisson's equation suitable for multi-block meshes; and (3) a hybrid (logical-space position/physical-space velocity), asynchronous particle mover that mitigates the performance degradation created by the necessity to track particles as they move across blocks. The numerical accuracy of CPIC was verified using two standard plasma–material interaction tests, which demonstrate good agreement with the corresponding analytic solutions. And compared to PIC codes on unstructured meshes, which have also been used for their flexibility in handling complex geometries but whose performance suffers from issues associated with data locality and indirect data access patterns, PIC codes on multi-block structured meshes may offer the best compromise for capturing complex geometries while also maintaining solution accuracy and computational efficiency.« less

Effect of course coordinator behavior and motivation on students’ achievement: Results from five curriculum blocks of two undergraduate student cohorts at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences

PubMed Central

Al-Alwan, Ibrahim; Baig, Lubna Ansari; Badri, Motasim; Magzoub, Mohi Eldin; Alyousif, Sarah

2015-01-01

Objective: The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between students’ perception of course/block coordinators performance and attributes with students’ assessment scores in respective courses. Methods: This retrospective data based study was conducted at the College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University of Health Sciences (KSAU-HS). It was started in March 2013 and completed in June 2013 after the graduation of the fourth cohort. Exam score of 3rd and 4th cohort of students from the courses taught in the last two years of medical school were correlated with faculty and block evaluation done by the students. Scores from mid-block MCQs, portfolio scores, OSCEs and end-of-block MCQs were obtained. Results: The Mean scores of all the assessments for all five blocks were not significantly different for both batches. There was significant difference between block coordinators for students’ score on portfolio, midterm exam and the final written exam. The students’ Score in OSCE had significantly strong correlation with quality of station monitors, coverage of content and flow between stations. Student’s perception of the commitment and motivation of the coordinator was strongly correlated with block organization, availability of clinical cases, performance of block coordinator, cooperation with students, and organization of clinical activities. Conclusions: Block coordinator’s motivation and commitment affects quality of block organization and student`s success. Faculty training programs should include block management competencies and components identified through self-determination theory for improving the intrinsic motivation for students success. PMID:26101511

An electrostatic Particle-In-Cell code on multi-block structured meshes

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

Meierbachtol, Collin S.; Svyatskiy, Daniil; Delzanno, Gian Luca

We present an electrostatic Particle-In-Cell (PIC) code on multi-block, locally structured, curvilinear meshes called Curvilinear PIC (CPIC). Multi-block meshes are essential to capture complex geometries accurately and with good mesh quality, something that would not be possible with single-block structured meshes that are often used in PIC and for which CPIC was initially developed. In spite of the structured nature of the individual blocks, multi-block meshes resemble unstructured meshes in a global sense and introduce several new challenges, such as the presence of discontinuities in the mesh properties and coordinate orientation changes across adjacent blocks, and polyjunction points where anmore » arbitrary number of blocks meet. In CPIC, these challenges have been met by an approach that features: (1) a curvilinear formulation of the PIC method: each mesh block is mapped from the physical space, where the mesh is curvilinear and arbitrarily distorted, to the logical space, where the mesh is uniform and Cartesian on the unit cube; (2) a mimetic discretization of Poisson's equation suitable for multi-block meshes; and (3) a hybrid (logical-space position/physical-space velocity), asynchronous particle mover that mitigates the performance degradation created by the necessity to track particles as they move across blocks. The numerical accuracy of CPIC was verified using two standard plasma–material interaction tests, which demonstrate good agreement with the corresponding analytic solutions. And compared to PIC codes on unstructured meshes, which have also been used for their flexibility in handling complex geometries but whose performance suffers from issues associated with data locality and indirect data access patterns, PIC codes on multi-block structured meshes may offer the best compromise for capturing complex geometries while also maintaining solution accuracy and computational efficiency.« less

Effects of antibacterial primers with quaternary ammonium and nano-silver on S. mutans impregnated in human dentin blocks

PubMed Central

Cheng, Lei; Zhang, Ke; Weir, Michael D.; Liu, Huaibing; Zhou, Xuedong; Xu, Hockin H. K.

2013-01-01

Objectives Recent studies developed antibacterial bonding agents and composites containing a quaternary ammonium dimethacrylate (QADM) and nanoparticles of silver (NAg). The objectives of this study were to investigate: (1) the effect of antibacterial primers containing QADM and NAg on the inhibition of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) impregnated into dentin blocks for the first time, and (2) the effect of QADM or NAg alone or in combination, and the effect of NAg mass fraction, on S. mutans viability in dentin. Methods Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SBMP) bonding agent was used. QADM and NAg were incorporated into SBMP primer. Six primers were tested: SBMP primer control, control + 10% QADM (mass %), control + 0.05% NAg, control + 10% QADM + 0.05% NAg, control + 0.1% NAg, and control + 10% QADM + 0.1% NAg. S. mutans were impregnated into dentin blocks, then a primer was applied. The viable colony-forming units (CFU) were then measured by harvesting the bacteria in dentin using a sonication method. Results Control + 10% QADM + 0.1% NAg had bacteria inhibition zone 8-fold that of control (p < 0.05). The sonication method successfully harvested bacteria from dentin blocks. Control + 10% QADM + 0.1% NAg inhibited S. mutans in dentin blocks, reducing the viable CFU in dentin by three orders of magnitude, compared to control dentin without primer. Using QADM+NAg was more effective than QADM alone. Higher NAg content increased the potency. Dentin shear bond strength was similar for all groups (p > 0.1). Significance Antibacterial primer with QADM and NAg were shown to inhibit the S. mutans impregnated into dentin blocks for the first time. Bonding agent containing QADM and NAg is promising to eradicate bacteria in tooth cavity and inhibit caries. The QADM and NAg may have applicability to other adhesives, cements, sealants and composites. PMID:23422420

Diaphragmatic thickness ratio (inspiratory/expiratory) as a diagnostic method of diaphragmatic palsy associated with interescalene block.

PubMed

López Escárraga, V M; Dubos España, K; Castillo Bustos, R H; Peidró, L; Sastre, S; Sala-Blanch, X

2018-02-01

Diaphragmatic paralysis is a side-effect associated with interscalene block. Thickness index of the diaphragm muscle (inspiratory thickness/expiratory thickness) obtained by ultrasound has recently been introduced in clinical practice for diagnosis of diaphragm muscle atrophy. Our objective was to evaluate this index for the diagnosis of acute phrenic paresis associated with interscalene block. We designed an observational study in 22 patients scheduled for shoulder arthroscopy. Spirometry was performed (criteria of phrenic paresis was a decrease in FVC and FEV1 ≥20%). Ultrasound apposition zone was assessed in anterior axillary line and diaphragmatic displacement was evaluated on inspiration and expiration (number of intercostal spaces; phrenic paresis considered a reduction ≥25%) and thickness of the diaphragm muscle (a phrenic paresis was considered an index <1.2). These determinations were performed before and at 20min after interscalene block at C5-C6 with 20ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. Twenty-one patients (95%) presented phrenic nerve block according to one or more of the methods used. One patient did not show any symptoms or signs suggestive of phrenic paralysis and was excluded. All the patients presented phrenic paresis based on the diaphragmatic thickness index, with the pre-block index being 1.8±0.5 and post-block of 1.05±0.06 (P<0.001). Ninety percent of the patients (19) presented phrenic paresis according to spirometry and all the patients had a reduction in diaphragmatic movement after the block (from 1.9±0.5 intercostal spaces to 0.5±0.3; P<0.001). The index of inspiratory / expiratory diaphragmatic thickness at cut-off <1.2 seems to be useful in the diagnosis of phrenic paresis associated with interscalene block. This index does not require a baseline pre-assessment. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

[Intervention among patients with right bundle branch block and left anterior hemiblock. Operatory risk (author's transl)].

PubMed

Coriat, P; Harari, A; Tarot, J P; Ducardonnet, A; Viars, P

1981-01-01

In order to assess the risk of advanced heart block during anesthesia in patients with right bundle branch block and left anterior hemiblock, 35 consecutive patients were monitored throughout the pre-, intra- and postoperative period. As conventional ECG monitoring may only detect advanced atrioventricular block, patients were monitored according to the Holter method which can easily detect even minor changes of atrioventricular conduction namely slight increased PR interval or dropped P wave. All patients were asymptomatic, in normal sinus rhythm without second degree AV block. Surgical procedures were performed under general anesthesia (n = 15) and epidural anesthesia using lidocaine (n = 20). No episode of second or third degree atrioventricular block occurred. The only modifications observed were rare and transient increase of PR, occurring during surgical procedures in 5 patients, always associated with a sinus bradycardia. They immediately regressed at the termination of the sinus bradycardia either spontaneously or following atropine injection, strongly suggesting the responsability of increased vagal tone. Thus general or epidural anesthesia did not compromise infranodal conduction in any of the observed patients. These data indicate that anesthesia can be safely used without prophylactic preoperative insertion of pacemakers in patients with asymptomatic chronic right bundle branch block and left anterior hemi-block.

Comparison of saddle, lumbar epidural and caudal blocks on anal sphincter tone: A prospective, randomized study.

PubMed

Shon, Yoon-Jung; Huh, Jin; Kang, Sung-Sik; Bae, Seung-Kil; Kang, Ryeong-Ah; Kim, Duk-Kyung

2016-10-01

Objective To compare the effects of saddle, lumbar epidural and caudal blocks on anal sphincter tone using anorectal manometry. Methods Patients undergoing elective anorectal surgery with regional anaesthesia were divided randomly into three groups and received a saddle (SD), lumbar epidural (LE), or caudal (CD) block. Anorectal manometry was performed before and 30 min after each regional block. The degree of motor blockade of the anal sphincter was compared using the maximal resting pressure (MRP) and the maximal squeezing pressure (MSP). Results The study analysis population consisted of 49 patients (SD group, n = 18; LE group, n = 16; CD group, n = 15). No significant differences were observed in the percentage inhibition of the MRP among the three regional anaesthetic groups. However, percentage inhibition of the MSP was significantly greater in the SD group (83.6 ± 13.7%) compared with the LE group (58.4 ± 19.8%) and the CD group (47.8 ± 16.9%). In all groups, MSP was reduced significantly more than MRP after each regional block. Conclusions Saddle block was more effective than lumbar epidural or caudal block for depressing anal sphincter tone. No differences were detected between lumbar epidural and caudal blocks.

Truck circuits diagnosis for railway lines equipped with an automatic block signalling system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spunei, E.; Piroi, I.; Muscai, C.; Răduca, E.; Piroi, F.

2018-01-01

This work presents a diagnosis method for detecting track circuits failures on a railway traffic line equipped with an Automatic Block Signalling installation. The diagnosis method uses the installation’s electrical schemas, based on which a series of diagnosis charts have been created. Further, the diagnosis charts were used to develop a software package, CDCBla, which substantially contributes to reducing the diagnosis time and human error during failure remedies. The proposed method can also be used as a training package for the maintenance staff. Since the diagnosis method here does not need signal or measurement inputs, using it does not necessitate additional IT knowledge and can be deployed on a mobile computing device (tablet, smart phone).

Performance Bounds on Two Concatenated, Interleaved Codes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moision, Bruce; Dolinar, Samuel

2010-01-01

A method has been developed of computing bounds on the performance of a code comprised of two linear binary codes generated by two encoders serially concatenated through an interleaver. Originally intended for use in evaluating the performances of some codes proposed for deep-space communication links, the method can also be used in evaluating the performances of short-block-length codes in other applications. The method applies, more specifically, to a communication system in which following processes take place: At the transmitter, the original binary information that one seeks to transmit is first processed by an encoder into an outer code (Co) characterized by, among other things, a pair of numbers (n,k), where n (n > k)is the total number of code bits associated with k information bits and n k bits are used for correcting or at least detecting errors. Next, the outer code is processed through either a block or a convolutional interleaver. In the block interleaver, the words of the outer code are processed in blocks of I words. In the convolutional interleaver, the interleaving operation is performed bit-wise in N rows with delays that are multiples of B bits. The output of the interleaver is processed through a second encoder to obtain an inner code (Ci) characterized by (ni,ki). The output of the inner code is transmitted over an additive-white-Gaussian- noise channel characterized by a symbol signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) Es/No and a bit SNR Eb/No. At the receiver, an inner decoder generates estimates of bits. Depending on whether a block or a convolutional interleaver is used at the transmitter, the sequence of estimated bits is processed through a block or a convolutional de-interleaver, respectively, to obtain estimates of code words. Then the estimates of the code words are processed through an outer decoder, which generates estimates of the original information along with flags indicating which estimates are presumed to be correct and which are found to be erroneous. From the perspective of the present method, the topic of major interest is the performance of the communication system as quantified in the word-error rate and the undetected-error rate as functions of the SNRs and the total latency of the interleaver and inner code. The method is embodied in equations that describe bounds on these functions. Throughout the derivation of the equations that embody the method, it is assumed that the decoder for the outer code corrects any error pattern of t or fewer errors, detects any error pattern of s or fewer errors, may detect some error patterns of more than s errors, and does not correct any patterns of more than t errors. Because a mathematically complete description of the equations that embody the method and of the derivation of the equations would greatly exceed the space available for this article, it must suffice to summarize by reporting that the derivation includes consideration of several complex issues, including relationships between latency and memory requirements for block and convolutional codes, burst error statistics, enumeration of error-event intersections, and effects of different interleaving depths. In a demonstration, the method was used to calculate bounds on the performances of several communication systems, each based on serial concatenation of a (63,56) expurgated Hamming code with a convolutional inner code through a convolutional interleaver. The bounds calculated by use of the method were compared with results of numerical simulations of performances of the systems to show the regions where the bounds are tight (see figure).

Reducing power consumption while synchronizing a plurality of compute nodes during execution of a parallel application

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles J [Rochester, MN; Blocksome, Michael A [Rochester, MN; Peters, Amanda A [Rochester, MN; Ratterman, Joseph D [Rochester, MN; Smith, Brian E [Rochester, MN

2012-01-10

Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for reducing power consumption while synchronizing a plurality of compute nodes during execution of a parallel application that include: beginning, by each compute node, performance of a blocking operation specified by the parallel application, each compute node beginning the blocking operation asynchronously with respect to the other compute nodes; reducing, for each compute node, power to one or more hardware components of that compute node in response to that compute node beginning the performance of the blocking operation; and restoring, for each compute node, the power to the hardware components having power reduced in response to all of the compute nodes beginning the performance of the blocking operation.

Reducing power consumption while synchronizing a plurality of compute nodes during execution of a parallel application

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles J [Rochester, MN; Blocksome, Michael A [Rochester, MN; Peters, Amanda E [Cambridge, MA; Ratterman, Joseph D [Rochester, MN; Smith, Brian E [Rochester, MN

2012-04-17

Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for reducing power consumption while synchronizing a plurality of compute nodes during execution of a parallel application that include: beginning, by each compute node, performance of a blocking operation specified by the parallel application, each compute node beginning the blocking operation asynchronously with respect to the other compute nodes; reducing, for each compute node, power to one or more hardware components of that compute node in response to that compute node beginning the performance of the blocking operation; and restoring, for each compute node, the power to the hardware components having power reduced in response to all of the compute nodes beginning the performance of the blocking operation.

Rapid ordering of block copolymer thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majewski, Pawel W.; Yager, Kevin G.

2016-10-01

Block-copolymers self-assemble into diverse morphologies, where nanoscale order can be finely tuned via block architecture and processing conditions. However, the ultimate usage of these materials in real-world applications may be hampered by the extremely long thermal annealing times—hours or days—required to achieve good order. Here, we provide an overview of the fundamentals of block-copolymer self-assembly kinetics, and review the techniques that have been demonstrated to influence, and enhance, these ordering kinetics. We discuss the inherent tradeoffs between oven annealing, solvent annealing, microwave annealing, zone annealing, and other directed self-assembly methods; including an assessment of spatial and temporal characteristics. We also review both real-space and reciprocal-space analysis techniques for quantifying order in these systems.

Crack image segmentation based on improved DBC method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Ting; Yang, Nan; Wang, Fengping; Gao, Ting; Wang, Weixing

2017-11-01

With the development of computer vision technology, crack detection based on digital image segmentation method arouses global attentions among researchers and transportation ministries. Since the crack always exhibits the random shape and complex texture, it is still a challenge to accomplish reliable crack detection results. Therefore, a novel crack image segmentation method based on fractal DBC (differential box counting) is introduced in this paper. The proposed method can estimate every pixel fractal feature based on neighborhood information which can consider the contribution from all possible direction in the related block. The block moves just one pixel every time so that it could cover all the pixels in the crack image. Unlike the classic DBC method which only describes fractal feature for the related region, this novel method can effectively achieve crack image segmentation according to the fractal feature of every pixel. The experiment proves the proposed method can achieve satisfactory results in crack detection.

On the representation of atmospheric blocking in EURO-CORDEX control runs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jury, Martin W.; García, Sixto; Gutiérrez, José M.

2017-04-01

While regional climate models (RCMs) have been shown to yield improved projections, due to better representations of orography and higher resolved scales, impacts on mesoscale phenomena like atmospheric blocking have been hardly addressed. In this study we clarify if the EURO-CORDEX domain is large enough to allow the RCMs to significantly amplify the blocking representation in reference to the underlying driving data. Therefore, we analyzed blocking accompanying anomalies in temperature near the surface (TAS) and precipitation rate (PR) for a set of RCMs. 5 RCMs stem from the ensemble of EURO-CORDEX control runs, while 3 RCMs are WRF models with different nudging realizations, all of them are driven by ERA-Interim. The used blocking detection method detects blockings by localizing high pressure systems between 55°N and 65°N with the use of geopotential height gradients on the 500 hPa level (Z500), and was applied to ERA-Interim and the mentioned RCM data between 1981 and 2010. Detected blockings centers were spatially attributed to three sectors, which have been shown to display distinctive impacts on TAS and PR during blocking episodes. As a reference for TAS and PR we used 86 weather stations across Europe from the ECA&D dataset. Our results indicate, that little improvement can be expected in the representation of Z500 fields by the RCMs. Most of them show less blocking than the driving data, while blocking representation was most in agreement with the driving data for RCMs that have been strongly conditioned to the driving data. Further, in our idealized setting the RCMs were not able to reproduce the anomalies for TAS connected to blocking. Moreover, using the blocking index of the driving data could be considered correct, because the representation of TAS and PR for falsely detected blocking and non-blocking days in the RCMs did not deviate strongly.

Solution of the nonlinear mixed Volterra-Fredholm integral equations by hybrid of block-pulse functions and Bernoulli polynomials.

PubMed

Mashayekhi, S; Razzaghi, M; Tripak, O

2014-01-01

A new numerical method for solving the nonlinear mixed Volterra-Fredholm integral equations is presented. This method is based upon hybrid functions approximation. The properties of hybrid functions consisting of block-pulse functions and Bernoulli polynomials are presented. The operational matrices of integration and product are given. These matrices are then utilized to reduce the nonlinear mixed Volterra-Fredholm integral equations to the solution of algebraic equations. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique.

Solution of the Nonlinear Mixed Volterra-Fredholm Integral Equations by Hybrid of Block-Pulse Functions and Bernoulli Polynomials

PubMed Central

Mashayekhi, S.; Razzaghi, M.; Tripak, O.

2014-01-01

A new numerical method for solving the nonlinear mixed Volterra-Fredholm integral equations is presented. This method is based upon hybrid functions approximation. The properties of hybrid functions consisting of block-pulse functions and Bernoulli polynomials are presented. The operational matrices of integration and product are given. These matrices are then utilized to reduce the nonlinear mixed Volterra-Fredholm integral equations to the solution of algebraic equations. Illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the validity and applicability of the technique. PMID:24523638

Structural Genomics: Correlation Blocks, Population Structure, and Genome Architecture

PubMed Central

Hu, Xin-Sheng; Yeh, Francis C.; Wang, Zhiquan

2011-01-01

An integration of the pattern of genome-wide inter-site associations with evolutionary forces is important for gaining insights into the genomic evolution in natural or artificial populations. Here, we assess the inter-site correlation blocks and their distributions along chromosomes. A correlation block is broadly termed as the DNA segment within which strong correlations exist between genetic diversities at any two sites. We bring together the population genetic structure and the genomic diversity structure that have been independently built on different scales and synthesize the existing theories and methods for characterizing genomic structure at the population level. We discuss how population structure could shape correlation blocks and their patterns within and between populations. Effects of evolutionary forces (selection, migration, genetic drift, and mutation) on the pattern of genome-wide correlation blocks are discussed. In eukaryote organisms, we briefly discuss the associations between the pattern of correlation blocks and genome assembly features in eukaryote organisms, including the impacts of multigene family, the perturbation of transposable elements, and the repetitive nongenic sequences and GC-rich isochores. Our reviews suggest that the observable pattern of correlation blocks can refine our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying the genomic evolution at the population level. PMID:21886455

Maximum volume cuboids for arbitrarily shaped in-situ rock blocks as determined by discontinuity analysis—A genetic algorithm approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ülker, Erkan; Turanboy, Alparslan

2009-07-01

The block stone industry is one of the main commercial use of rock. The economic potential of any block quarry depends on the recovery rate, which is defined as the total volume of useful rough blocks extractable from a fixed rock volume in relation to the total volume of moved material. The natural fracture system, the rock type(s) and the extraction method used directly influence the recovery rate. The major aims of this study are to establish a theoretical framework for optimising the extraction process in marble quarries for a given fracture system, and for predicting the recovery rate of the excavated blocks. We have developed a new approach by taking into consideration only the fracture structure for maximum block recovery in block quarries. The complete model uses a linear approach based on basic geometric features of discontinuities for 3D models, a tree structure (TS) for individual investigation and finally a genetic algorithm (GA) for the obtained cuboid volume(s). We tested our new model in a selected marble quarry in the town of İscehisar (AFYONKARAHİSAR—TURKEY).

Estimating the intensity of ward admission and its effect on emergency department access block.

PubMed

Luo, Wei; Cao, Jiguo; Gallagher, Marcus; Wiles, Janet

2013-07-10

Emergency department access block is an urgent problem faced by many public hospitals today. When access block occurs, patients in need of acute care cannot access inpatient wards within an optimal time frame. A widely held belief is that access block is the end product of a long causal chain, which involves poor discharge planning, insufficient bed capacity, and inadequate admission intensity to the wards. This paper studies the last link of the causal chain-the effect of admission intensity on access block, using data from a metropolitan hospital in Australia. We applied several modern statistical methods to analyze the data. First, we modeled the admission events as a nonhomogeneous Poisson process and estimated time-varying admission intensity with penalized regression splines. Next, we established a functional linear model to investigate the effect of the time-varying admission intensity on emergency department access block. Finally, we used functional principal component analysis to explore the variation in the daily time-varying admission intensities. The analyses suggest that improving admission practice during off-peak hours may have most impact on reducing the number of ED access blocks. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Casting of 3-dimensional footwear prints in snow with foam blocks.

PubMed

Petraco, Nicholas; Sherman, Hal; Dumitra, Aurora; Roberts, Marcel

2016-06-01

Commercially available foam blocks are presented as an alternative material for the casting and preservation of 3-dimensional footwear impressions located in snow. The method generates highly detailed foam casts of questioned footwear impressions. These casts can be compared to the known outsole standards made from the suspects' footwear. Modification of the commercially available foam casting blocks is simple and fast. The foam block is removed and a piece of cardboard is secured to one side of the block with painter's masking tape. The prepared foam block is then placed back into its original box, marked appropriately, closed and stored until needed. When required the foam block is carefully removed from its storage box and gently placed, foam side down, over the questioned footwear impression. Next, the crime scene technician's hands are placed on top of the cardboard and pressure is gently applied by firmly pressing down onto the impression. The foam cast is removed, dried and placed back into its original container and sealed. The resulting 3D impressions can be directly compared to the outsole of known suspected item(s) of footwear. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Three-dimensional Reconstruction of Block Shape Irregularity and its Effects on Block Impacts Using an Energy-Based Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yulong; Liu, Zaobao; Shi, Chong; Shao, Jianfu

2018-04-01

This study is devoted to three-dimensional modeling of small falling rocks in block impact analysis in energy view using the particle flow method. The restitution coefficient of rockfall collision is introduced from the energy consumption mechanism to describe rockfall-impacting properties. Three-dimensional reconstruction of falling block is conducted with the help of spherical harmonic functions that have satisfactory mathematical properties such as orthogonality and rotation invariance. Numerical modeling of the block impact to the bedrock is analyzed with both the sphere-simplified model and the 3D reconstructed model. Comparisons of the obtained results suggest that the 3D reconstructed model is advantageous in considering the combination effects of rockfall velocity and rotations during colliding process. Verification of the modeling is carried out with the results obtained from other experiments. In addition, the effects of rockfall morphology, surface characteristics, velocity, and volume, colliding damping and relative angle are investigated. A three-dimensional reconstruction modulus of falling blocks is to be developed and incorporated into the rockfall simulation tools in order to extend the modeling results at block scale to slope scale.

Crustal block motion model and interplate coupling along Ecuador-Colombia trench based on GNSS observation network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, T.; Mora-Páez, H.; Peláez-Gaviria, J. R.; Kimura, H.; Sagiya, T.

2017-12-01

IntroductionEcuador-Colombia trench is located at the boundary between South-America plate, Nazca Plate and Caribrian plate. This region is very complexes such as subducting Caribrian plate and Nazca plate, and collision between Panama and northern part of the Andes mountains. The previous large earthquakes occurred along the subducting boundary of Nazca plate, such as 1906 (M8.8) and 1979 (M8.2). And also, earthquakes occurred inland, too. So, it is important to evaluate earthquake potentials for preparing huge damage due to large earthquake in near future. GNSS observation In the last decade, the GNSS observation was established in Columbia. The GNSS observation is called by GEORED, which is operated by servicing Geologico Colomiano. The purpose of GEORED is research of crustal deformation. The number of GNSS site of GEORED is consist of 60 continuous GNSS observation site at 2017 (Mora et al., 2017). The sampling interval of almost GNSS site is 30 seconds. These GNSS data were processed by PPP processing using GIPSY-OASYS II software. GEORED can obtain the detailed crustal deformation map in whole Colombia. In addition, we use 100 GNSS data at Ecuador-Peru region (Nocquet et al. 2014). Method We developed a crustal block movements model based on crustal deformation derived from GNSS observation. Our model considers to the block motion with pole location and angular velocity and the interplate coupling between each block boundaries, including subduction between the South-American plate and the Nazca plate. And also, our approach of estimation of crustal block motion and coefficient of interplate coupling are based on MCMC method. The estimated each parameter is obtained probably density function (PDF). Result We tested 11 crustal block models based on geological data, such as active fault trace at surface. The optimal number of crustal blocks is 11 for based on geological and geodetic data using AIC. We use optimal block motion model. And also, we estimate interplate coupling along the plate interface and rigid block motion. We can evaluate to contribution of elastic deformation and rigid motion. In result, weak plate coupling was found northern part of 3 degree in latitude. Almost crustal deformation are explained by rigid block motion.

Sampling methods in archaeomagnetic dating: A comparison using case studies from Wörterberg, Eisenerz and Gams Valley (Austria)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trapanese, A.; Batt, C. M.; Schnepp, E.

The aim of this research was to review the relative merits of different methods of taking samples for archaeomagnetic dating. To allow different methods to be investigated, two archaeological structures and one modern fireplace were sampled in Austria. On each structure a variety of sampling methods were used: the tube and disc techniques of Clark et al. (Clark, A.J., Tarling, D.H., Noel, M., 1988. Developments in archaeomagnetic dating in Great Britain. Journal of Archaeological Science 15, 645-667), the drill core technique, the mould plastered hand block method of Thellier, and a modification of it. All samples were oriented with a magnetic compass and sun compass, where weather conditions allowed. Approximately 12 discs, tubes, drill cores or plaster hand blocks were collected from each structure, with one mould plaster hand block being collected and cut into specimens. The natural remanent magnetisation (NRM) of the samples was measured and stepwise alternating field (AF) or thermal demagnetisation was applied. Samples were measured either in the UK or in Austria, which allowed the comparison of results between magnetometers with different sensitivity. The tubes and plastered hand block specimens showed good agreement in directional results, and the samples obtained showed good stability. The discs proved to be unreliable as both NRM and the characteristic remanent magnetisation (ChRM) distribution were very scattered. The failure of some methods may be related to the suitability of the material sampled, for example if it was disturbed before sampling, had been insufficiently heated or did not contain appropriate magnetic minerals to retain a remanent magnetisation. Caution is also recommended for laboratory procedures as the cutting of poorly consolidated specimens may disturb the material and therefore the remanent magnetisation. Criteria and guidelines were established to aid researchers in selecting the most appropriate method for a particular archaeological structure.

Observational studies of patients in the emergency department: a comparison of 4 sampling methods.

PubMed

Valley, Morgan A; Heard, Kennon J; Ginde, Adit A; Lezotte, Dennis C; Lowenstein, Steven R

2012-08-01

We evaluate the ability of 4 sampling methods to generate representative samples of the emergency department (ED) population. We analyzed the electronic records of 21,662 consecutive patient visits at an urban, academic ED. From this population, we simulated different models of study recruitment in the ED by using 2 sample sizes (n=200 and n=400) and 4 sampling methods: true random, random 4-hour time blocks by exact sample size, random 4-hour time blocks by a predetermined number of blocks, and convenience or "business hours." For each method and sample size, we obtained 1,000 samples from the population. Using χ(2) tests, we measured the number of statistically significant differences between the sample and the population for 8 variables (age, sex, race/ethnicity, language, triage acuity, arrival mode, disposition, and payer source). Then, for each variable, method, and sample size, we compared the proportion of the 1,000 samples that differed from the overall ED population to the expected proportion (5%). Only the true random samples represented the population with respect to sex, race/ethnicity, triage acuity, mode of arrival, language, and payer source in at least 95% of the samples. Patient samples obtained using random 4-hour time blocks and business hours sampling systematically differed from the overall ED patient population for several important demographic and clinical variables. However, the magnitude of these differences was not large. Common sampling strategies selected for ED-based studies may affect parameter estimates for several representative population variables. However, the potential for bias for these variables appears small. Copyright © 2012. Published by Mosby, Inc.

Fabrication of Single Crystal MgO Capsules

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Danielson, Lisa

2012-01-01

A method has been developed for machining MgO crystal blocks into forms for containing metallic and silicate liquids at temperatures up to 2,400 C, and pressures up to at least 320 kilobars. Possible custom shapes include tubes, rods, insulators, capsules, and guides. Key differences in this innovative method include drilling along the crystallographic zone axes, use of a vibration minimizing material to secure the workpiece, and constant flushing of material swarf with a cooling medium/lubricant (water). A single crystal MgO block is cut into a section .5 mm thick, 1 cm on a side, using a low-speed saw with a 0.004 blade. The cut is made parallel to the direction of cleavage. The block may be cut to any thickness to achieve the desired length of the piece. To minimize drilling vibrations, the MgO block is mounted on a piece of adhesive putty in a vise. The putty wad cradles the bottom half of the entire block. Diamond coring tools are used to drill the MgO to the desired custom shape, with water used to wet and wash the surface of swarf. Compressed air may also be used to remove swarf during breaks in drilling. The MgO workpiece must be kept cool at all times with water. After all the swarf is rinsed off, the piece is left to dry overnight. If the workpiece is still attached to the base of the MgO block after drilling, it may be cut off by using a diamond cutoff wheel on a rotary hand tool or by using a low-speed saw.

CHOBS: Color Histogram of Block Statistics for Automatic Bleeding Detection in Wireless Capsule Endoscopy Video

PubMed Central

Ghosh, Tonmoy; Wahid, Khan A.

2018-01-01

Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is the most advanced technology to visualize whole gastrointestinal (GI) tract in a non-invasive way. But the major disadvantage here, it takes long reviewing time, which is very laborious as continuous manual intervention is necessary. In order to reduce the burden of the clinician, in this paper, an automatic bleeding detection method for WCE video is proposed based on the color histogram of block statistics, namely CHOBS. A single pixel in WCE image may be distorted due to the capsule motion in the GI tract. Instead of considering individual pixel values, a block surrounding to that individual pixel is chosen for extracting local statistical features. By combining local block features of three different color planes of RGB color space, an index value is defined. A color histogram, which is extracted from those index values, provides distinguishable color texture feature. A feature reduction technique utilizing color histogram pattern and principal component analysis is proposed, which can drastically reduce the feature dimension. For bleeding zone detection, blocks are classified using extracted local features that do not incorporate any computational burden for feature extraction. From extensive experimentation on several WCE videos and 2300 images, which are collected from a publicly available database, a very satisfactory bleeding frame and zone detection performance is achieved in comparison to that obtained by some of the existing methods. In the case of bleeding frame detection, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity obtained from proposed method are 97.85%, 99.47%, and 99.15%, respectively, and in the case of bleeding zone detection, 95.75% of precision is achieved. The proposed method offers not only low feature dimension but also highly satisfactory bleeding detection performance, which even can effectively detect bleeding frame and zone in a continuous WCE video data. PMID:29468094

Spontaneously Combustible Solids -- A Literature Search

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-05-01

Wasahizeon, D.* C. It. K(EY WORDS (Continue on reviers side It necesary and Identify by block number) Pyrophoric Materials Hazardous Materials...and Identify by block number) Existing information on spontaneously combustible solids including pyrophoric - air hazardous materials and water... pyrophoric -air hazardous and water reactive materials. All available hazard classification systems and test methods releting to spontaneous combustion have

Making Carbon-Nanotube Arrays Using Block Copolymers: Part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bronikowski, Michael

2004-01-01

Some changes have been incorporated into a proposed method of manufacturing regular arrays of precisely sized, shaped, positioned, and oriented carbon nanotubes. Such arrays could be useful as mechanical resonators for signal filters and oscillators, and as electrophoretic filters for use in biochemical assays. A prior version of the method was described in Block Copolymers as Templates for Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes, (NPO-30240), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 27, No. 4 (April 2003), page 56. To recapitulate from that article: As in other previously reported methods, carbon nanotubes would be formed by decomposition of carbon-containing gases over nanometer-sized catalytic metal particles that had been deposited on suitable substrates. Unlike in other previously reported methods, the catalytic metal particles would not be so randomly and densely distributed as to give rise to thick, irregular mats of nanotubes with a variety of lengths, diameters, and orientations. Instead, in order to obtain regular arrays of spaced-apart carbon nanotubes as nearly identical as possible, the catalytic metal particles would be formed in predetermined regular patterns with precise spacings. The regularity of the arrays would be ensured by the use of nanostructured templates made of block copolymers.

Energy Blocks — A Physical Model for Teaching Energy Concepts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hertting, Scott

2016-01-01

Most physics educators would agree that energy is a very useful, albeit abstract topic. It is therefore important to use various methods to help the student internalize the concept of energy itself and its related ideas. These methods include using representations such as energy bar graphs, energy pie charts, or energy tracking diagrams. Activities and analogies like Energy Theater and Richard Feynman's blocks, as well as the popular money (or wealth) analogy, can also be very effective. The goal of this paper is to describe a physical model of Feynman's blocks that can be employed by instructors to help students learn the following energy-related concepts: 1. The factors affecting each individual mechanical energy storage mode (this refers to what has been traditionally called a form of energy, and while the Modeling Method of instruction is not the focus of this paper, much of the energy related language used is specific to the Modeling Method). For example, how mass or height affects gravitational energy; 2. Energy conservation; and 3. The graphical relationships between the energy storage mode and a factor affecting it. For example, the graphical relationship between elastic energy and the change in length of a spring.

Methods for assessing the stability of slopes during earthquakes-A retrospective

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jibson, R.W.

2011-01-01

During the twentieth century, several methods to assess the stability of slopes during earthquakes were developed. Pseudostatic analysis was the earliest method; it involved simply adding a permanent body force representing the earthquake shaking to a static limit-equilibrium analysis. Stress-deformation analysis, a later development, involved much more complex modeling of slopes using a mesh in which the internal stresses and strains within elements are computed based on the applied external loads, including gravity and seismic loads. Stress-deformation analysis provided the most realistic model of slope behavior, but it is very complex and requires a high density of high-quality soil-property data as well as an accurate model of soil behavior. In 1965, Newmark developed a method that effectively bridges the gap between these two types of analysis. His sliding-block model is easy to apply and provides a useful index of co-seismic slope performance. Subsequent modifications to sliding-block analysis have made it applicable to a wider range of landslide types. Sliding-block analysis provides perhaps the greatest utility of all the types of analysis. It is far easier to apply than stress-deformation analysis, and it yields much more useful information than does pseudostatic analysis. ?? 2010.

Direction of Arrival Estimation for MIMO Radar via Unitary Nuclear Norm Minimization

PubMed Central

Wang, Xianpeng; Huang, Mengxing; Wu, Xiaoqin; Bi, Guoan

2017-01-01

In this paper, we consider the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation issue of noncircular (NC) source in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar and propose a novel unitary nuclear norm minimization (UNNM) algorithm. In the proposed method, the noncircular properties of signals are used to double the virtual array aperture, and the real-valued data are obtained by utilizing unitary transformation. Then a real-valued block sparse model is established based on a novel over-complete dictionary, and a UNNM algorithm is formulated for recovering the block-sparse matrix. In addition, the real-valued NC-MUSIC spectrum is used to design a weight matrix for reweighting the nuclear norm minimization to achieve the enhanced sparsity of solutions. Finally, the DOA is estimated by searching the non-zero blocks of the recovered matrix. Because of using the noncircular properties of signals to extend the virtual array aperture and an additional real structure to suppress the noise, the proposed method provides better performance compared with the conventional sparse recovery based algorithms. Furthermore, the proposed method can handle the case of underdetermined DOA estimation. Simulation results show the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method. PMID:28441770

Observation of nanometer-sized electro-active defects in insulating layers by fluorescence microscopy and electrochemistry.

PubMed

Renault, Christophe; Marchuk, Kyle; Ahn, Hyun S; Titus, Eric J; Kim, Jiyeon; Willets, Katherine A; Bard, Allen J

2015-06-02

We report a method to study electro-active defects in passivated electrodes. This method couples fluorescence microscopy and electrochemistry to localize and size electro-active defects. The method was validated by comparison with a scanning probe technique, scanning electrochemical microscopy. We used our method for studying electro-active defects in thin TiO2 layers electrodeposited on 25 μm diameter Pt ultramicroelectrodes (UMEs). The permeability of the TiO2 layer was estimated by measuring the oxidation of ferrocenemethanol at the UME. Blocking of current ranging from 91.4 to 99.8% was achieved. Electro-active defects with an average radius ranging between 9 and 90 nm were observed in these TiO2 blocking layers. The distribution of electro-active defects over the TiO2 layer is highly inhomogeneous and the number of electro-active defect increases for lower degree of current blocking. The interest of the proposed technique is the possibility to quickly (less than 15 min) image samples as large as several hundreds of μm(2) while being able to detect electro-active defects of only a few tens of nm in radius.

Motion compensation in digital subtraction angiography using graphics hardware.

PubMed

Deuerling-Zheng, Yu; Lell, Michael; Galant, Adam; Hornegger, Joachim

2006-07-01

An inherent disadvantage of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is its sensitivity to patient motion which causes artifacts in the subtraction images. These artifacts could often reduce the diagnostic value of this technique. Automated, fast and accurate motion compensation is therefore required. To cope with this requirement, we first examine a method explicitly designed to detect local motions in DSA. Then, we implement a motion compensation algorithm by means of block matching on modern graphics hardware. Both methods search for maximal local similarity by evaluating a histogram-based measure. In this context, we are the first who have mapped an optimizing search strategy on graphics hardware while paralleling block matching. Moreover, we provide an innovative method for creating histograms on graphics hardware with vertex texturing and frame buffer blending. It turns out that both methods can effectively correct the artifacts in most case, as the hardware implementation of block matching performs much faster: the displacements of two 1024 x 1024 images can be calculated at 3 frames/s with integer precision or 2 frames/s with sub-pixel precision. Preliminary clinical evaluation indicates that the computation with integer precision could already be sufficient.