Mechanochemical Modeling of Dynamic Microtubule Growth Involving Sheet-to-Tube Transition

PubMed Central

Ji, Xiang-Ying; Feng, Xi-Qiao

2011-01-01

Microtubule dynamics is largely influenced by nucleotide hydrolysis and the resultant tubulin configuration changes. The GTP cap model has been proposed to interpret the stabilizing mechanisms of microtubule growth from the view of hydrolysis effects. Besides, the growth of a microtubule involves the closure of a curved sheet at its growing end. The curvature conversion from the longitudinal direction to the circumferential direction also helps to stabilize the successive growth, and the curved sheet is referred to as the conformational cap. However, there still lacks theoretical investigation on the mechanical–chemical coupling growth process of microtubules. In this paper, we study the growth mechanisms of microtubules by using a coarse-grained molecular method. First, the closure process involving a sheet-to-tube transition is simulated. The results verify the stabilizing effect of the sheet structure and predict that the minimum conformational cap length that can stabilize the growth is two dimers. Then, we show that the conformational cap and the GTP cap can function independently and harmoniously, signifying the pivotal role of mechanical factors. Furthermore, based on our theoretical results, we describe a Tetris-like growth style of microtubules: the stochastic tubulin assembly is regulated by energy and harmonized with the seam zipping such that the sheet keeps a practically constant length during growth. PMID:22205994

Harmonic regression of Landsat time series for modeling attributes from national forest inventory data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Barry T.; Knight, Joseph F.; McRoberts, Ronald E.

2018-03-01

Imagery from the Landsat Program has been used frequently as a source of auxiliary data for modeling land cover, as well as a variety of attributes associated with tree cover. With ready access to all scenes in the archive since 2008 due to the USGS Landsat Data Policy, new approaches to deriving such auxiliary data from dense Landsat time series are required. Several methods have previously been developed for use with finer temporal resolution imagery (e.g. AVHRR and MODIS), including image compositing and harmonic regression using Fourier series. The manuscript presents a study, using Minnesota, USA during the years 2009-2013 as the study area and timeframe. The study examined the relative predictive power of land cover models, in particular those related to tree cover, using predictor variables based solely on composite imagery versus those using estimated harmonic regression coefficients. The study used two common non-parametric modeling approaches (i.e. k-nearest neighbors and random forests) for fitting classification and regression models of multiple attributes measured on USFS Forest Inventory and Analysis plots using all available Landsat imagery for the study area and timeframe. The estimated Fourier coefficients developed by harmonic regression of tasseled cap transformation time series data were shown to be correlated with land cover, including tree cover. Regression models using estimated Fourier coefficients as predictor variables showed a two- to threefold increase in explained variance for a small set of continuous response variables, relative to comparable models using monthly image composites. Similarly, the overall accuracies of classification models using the estimated Fourier coefficients were approximately 10-20 percentage points higher than the models using the image composites, with corresponding individual class accuracies between six and 45 percentage points higher.

CAP—advancing the evaluation of preclinical Alzheimer disease treatments

PubMed Central

Reiman, Eric M.; Langbaum, Jessica B.; Tariot, Pierre N.; Lopera, Francisco; Bateman, Randall J.; Morris, John C.; Sperling, Reisa A.; Aisen, Paul S.; Roses, Allen D.; Welsh-Bohmer, Kathleen A.; Carrillo, Maria C.; Weninger, Stacie

2016-01-01

If we are to find treatments to postpone, reduce the risk of, or completely prevent the clinical onset of Alzheimer disease (AD), we need faster methods to evaluate promising preclinical AD treatments, new ways to work together in support of common goals, and a determination to expedite the initiation and performance of preclinical AD trials. In this article, we note some of the current challenges, opportunities and emerging strategies in preclinical AD treatment. We describe the Collaboration for Alzheimer’s Prevention (CAP)—a convening, harmonizing and consensus-building initiative to help stakeholders advance AD prevention research with rigour, care and maximal impact—and we demonstrate the impact of CAP on the goals and design of new preclinical AD trials. PMID:26416539

Global maps of the magnetic thickness and magnetization of the Earth's lithosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vervelidou, Foteini; Thébault, Erwan

2015-10-01

We have constructed global maps of the large-scale magnetic thickness and magnetization of Earth's lithosphere. Deriving such large-scale maps based on lithospheric magnetic field measurements faces the challenge of the masking effect of the core field. In this study, the maps were obtained through analyses in the spectral domain by means of a new regional spatial power spectrum based on the Revised Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis (R-SCHA) formalism. A series of regional spectral analyses were conducted covering the entire Earth. The R-SCHA surface power spectrum for each region was estimated using the NGDC-720 spherical harmonic (SH) model of the lithospheric magnetic field, which is based on satellite, aeromagnetic, and marine measurements. These observational regional spectra were fitted to a recently proposed statistical expression of the power spectrum of Earth's lithospheric magnetic field, whose free parameters include the thickness and magnetization of the magnetic sources. The resulting global magnetic thickness map is compared to other crustal and magnetic thickness maps based upon different geophysical data. We conclude that the large-scale magnetic thickness of the lithosphere is on average confined to a layer that does not exceed the Moho.

High-resolution local gravity model of the south pole of the Moon from GRAIL extended mission data.

PubMed

Goossens, Sander; Sabaka, Terence J; Nicholas, Joseph B; Lemoine, Frank G; Rowlands, David D; Mazarico, Erwan; Neumann, Gregory A; Smith, David E; Zuber, Maria T

2014-05-28

We estimated a high-resolution local gravity field model over the south pole of the Moon using data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory's extended mission. Our solution consists of adjustments with respect to a global model expressed in spherical harmonics. The adjustments are expressed as gridded gravity anomalies with a resolution of 1/6° by 1/6° (equivalent to that of a degree and order 1080 model in spherical harmonics), covering a cap over the south pole with a radius of 40°. The gravity anomalies have been estimated from a short-arc analysis using only Ka-band range-rate (KBRR) data over the area of interest. We apply a neighbor-smoothing constraint to our solution. Our local model removes striping present in the global model; it reduces the misfit to the KBRR data and improves correlations with topography to higher degrees than current global models. We present a high-resolution gravity model of the south pole of the Moon Improved correlations with topography to higher degrees than global models Improved fits to the data and reduced striping that is present in global models.

High-resolution local gravity model of the south pole of the Moon from GRAIL extended mission data

PubMed Central

Goossens, Sander; Sabaka, Terence J; Nicholas, Joseph B; Lemoine, Frank G; Rowlands, David D; Mazarico, Erwan; Neumann, Gregory A; Smith, David E; Zuber, Maria T

2014-01-01

We estimated a high-resolution local gravity field model over the south pole of the Moon using data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory's extended mission. Our solution consists of adjustments with respect to a global model expressed in spherical harmonics. The adjustments are expressed as gridded gravity anomalies with a resolution of 1/6° by 1/6° (equivalent to that of a degree and order 1080 model in spherical harmonics), covering a cap over the south pole with a radius of 40°. The gravity anomalies have been estimated from a short-arc analysis using only Ka-band range-rate (KBRR) data over the area of interest. We apply a neighbor-smoothing constraint to our solution. Our local model removes striping present in the global model; it reduces the misfit to the KBRR data and improves correlations with topography to higher degrees than current global models. Key Points We present a high-resolution gravity model of the south pole of the Moon Improved correlations with topography to higher degrees than global models Improved fits to the data and reduced striping that is present in global models PMID:26074637

Nonsurgical Brain Activity Recovery From a Cap Containing Multiple Electroencephalogram Recording Sites

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-09-01

Astin, Director (December, 1965) [2] Agranovich, Y. Ya. “The theory of operators with dominant main diagonal. I.” Positiv - ity, Volume 2 (1998) pages 153...A Spherical Harmonics Solu- tion for Radiative Transfer Problems with Reflecting Boundaries and Internal Sources” Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy...F. Huxley. “A Quantitative Description of Membrane Current and its Application to Conduction and Excitation in Nerve” Journal of Physiology (1952

Seasonal and Static Gravity Field of Mars from MGS, Mars Odyssey and MRO Radio Science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Genova, Antonio; Goossens, Sander; Lemoine, Frank G.; Mazarico, Erwan; Neumann, Gregory A.; Smith, David E.; Zuber, Maria T.

2016-01-01

We present a spherical harmonic solution of the static gravity field of Mars to degree and order 120, GMM-3, that has been calculated using the Deep Space Network tracking data of the NASA Mars missions, Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Odyssey (ODY), and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). We have also jointly determined spherical harmonic solutions for the static and time-variable gravity field of Mars, and the Mars k 2 Love numbers, exclusive of the gravity contribution of the atmosphere. Consequently, the retrieved time-varying gravity coefficients and the Love number k 2 solely yield seasonal variations in the mass of the polar caps and the solid tides of Mars, respectively. We obtain a Mars Love number k 2 of 0.1697 +/-0.0027 (3- sigma). The inclusion of MRO tracking data results in improved seasonal gravity field coefficients C 30 and, for the first time, C 50 . Refinements of the atmospheric model in our orbit determination program have allowed us to monitor the odd zonal harmonic C 30 for approx.1.5 solar cycles (16 years). This gravity model shows improved correlations with MOLA topography up to 15% larger at higher harmonics ( l = 60–80) than previous solutions.

Seasonal and static Gravity Field of Mars from MGS, Mars Odyssey and MRO Radio Science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Genova, Antonio; Goossens, Sander; Lemoine, Frank G.; Mazarico, Erwan; Neumann, Gregory A.; Smith, David E.; Zuber, Maria T.

2016-01-01

We present a spherical harmonic solution of the static gravity field of Mars to degree and order 120, GMM-3, that has been calculated using the Deep Space Network tracking data of the NASA Mars missions, Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Odyssey (ODY), and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). We have also jointly determined spherical harmonic solutions for the static and time-variable gravity field of Mars, and the Mars k(sub 2) Love numbers, exclusive of the gravity contribution of the atmosphere. Consequently, the retrieved time-varying gravity coefficients and the Love number k(sub 2) solely yield seasonal variations in the mass of the polar caps and the solid tides of Mars, respectively. We obtain a Mars Love number k(sub 2) of 0.1697 +/- 0.0027 (3- sigma). The inclusion of MRO tracking data results in improved seasonal gravity field coefficients C(sub 30) and, for the first time, C 50. Refinements of the atmospheric model in our orbit determination program have allowed us to monitor the odd zonal harmonic C(sub 30) for approximately 1.5 solar cycles (16 years). This gravity model shows improved correlations with MOLA topography up to 15% larger at higher harmonics ( l = 60-80) than previous solutions.

Recommended reference figures for geophysics and geodesy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, M. A.; Okeefe, J. A.

1973-01-01

Specific reference figures are recommended for consistent use in geophysics and geodesy. The selection of appropriate reference figure for geophysical studies suggests a relationship between the Antarctic negative gravity anomaly and the great shrinkage of the Antarctic ice cap about 4-5 million years ago. The depression of the south polar regions relative to the north polar regions makes the Southern Hemisphere flatter than the Northern Hemisphere, thus producing the third harmonic (pear-shaped) contribution to the earth's figure.

Laser And Nonlinear Optical Materials For Laser Remote Sensing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, Norman P.

2005-01-01

NASA remote sensing missions involving laser systems and their economic impact are outlined. Potential remote sensing missions include: green house gasses, tropospheric winds, ozone, water vapor, and ice cap thickness. Systems to perform these measurements use lanthanide series lasers and nonlinear devices including second harmonic generators and parametric oscillators. Demands these missions place on the laser and nonlinear optical materials are discussed from a materials point of view. Methods of designing new laser and nonlinear optical materials to meet these demands are presented.

A novel power harmonic analysis method based on Nuttall-Kaiser combination window double spectrum interpolated FFT algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Tao; Chen, Yiyang; Flesch, Rodolfo C. C.

2017-11-01

Harmonics pose a great threat to safe and economical operation of power grids. Therefore, it is critical to detect harmonic parameters accurately to design harmonic compensation equipment. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) is widely used for electrical popular power harmonics analysis. However, the barrier effect produced by the algorithm itself and spectrum leakage caused by asynchronous sampling often affects the harmonic analysis accuracy. This paper examines a new approach for harmonic analysis based on deducing the modifier formulas of frequency, phase angle, and amplitude, utilizing the Nuttall-Kaiser window double spectrum line interpolation method, which overcomes the shortcomings in traditional FFT harmonic calculations. The proposed approach is verified numerically and experimentally to be accurate and reliable.

[Cross-cultural adaptation of the community-acquired pneumonia score questionnaire in patients with mild-to-moderate pneumonia in Colombia].

PubMed

Bernal-Vargas, Mónica Alejandra; Cortés, Jorge Alberto; Sánchez, Ricardo

2017-01-24

One of the strategies for the rational use of antibiotics is the use of the score for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP Score). This instrument clinically evaluates patients with community-acquired pneumonia, thereby facilitating decision making regarding the early and safe withdrawal of antibiotics. To generate a translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Score questionnaire in Spanish. Authorization for cross-cultural adaptation of the Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Score questionnaire was obtained; the recommendations of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) were carried out through the following stages: forward translation, reconciliation, backward translation, harmonization, obtaining a provisional questionnaire, and applying the questionnaire in a pilot test. The pilot test was conducted at a second-level public hospital in Bogotá after the study was approved by the ethics and research institutional boards. The changes suggested by the forward translators were applied. There were no discrepancies between the backward and forward translations, consequently, no revisions were necessary. Five items had modifications based on suggestions made by eleven patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia during the pilot test. A Spanish version of the Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Score was crossculturally adapted and is now available.

Convexity of level lines of Martin functions and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallagher, A.-K.; Lebl, J.; Ramachandran, K.

2018-01-01

Let Ω be an unbounded domain in R× Rd. A positive harmonic function u on Ω that vanishes on the boundary of Ω is called a Martin function. In this note, we show that, when Ω is convex, the superlevel sets of a Martin function are also convex. As a consequence we obtain that if in addition Ω has certain symmetry with respect to the t-axis, and partial Ω is sufficiently flat, then the maximum of any Martin function along a slice Ω \\cap ({t}× R^d) is attained at (t, 0).

Strategy for Improved Representation of Magnetospheric Electric Potential Structure on a Polar-Capped Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulz, M.

2016-12-01

In some simple models of magnetospheric electrodynamics [e.g., Volland, Ann. Géophys., 31, 159-173, 1975], the normal component of the convection electric field is discontinuous across the boundary between closed and open magnetic field lines, and this discontinuity facilitates the formation of auroral arcs there. The requisite discontinuity in E is achieved by making the scalar potential proportional to a positive power (typically 1 or 2) of L on closed field lines and to a negative power (typically -1/2) of L on open (i.e., polar-cap) field lines. This suggests that it may be advantageous to construct more realistic (and thus more complicated) empirical magnetospheric and ionospheric electric-field models from superpositions of mutually orthogonal (or not) vector basis functions having this same analytical property (i.e., discontinuity at L = L*, the boundary surface between closed and open magnetic field lines). The present work offers a few examples of such constructions. A major challenge in this project has been to devise a coordinate system that simplifies the required analytical expansions of electric scalar potentials and accommodates the anti-sunward offset of each polar-cap boundary's centroid with respect to the corresponding magnetic pole. For circular northern and southern polar caps containing equal amounts of magnetic flux, one can imagine a geometrical construction of nested circular (but non-concentric) contours of constant quasi-latitude whose centers converge toward the magnetic poles as the contours themselves approach the magnetic equator. For more general polar-cap shapes and (in any case) to assure mutual orthogonality of respective coordinate surfaces on a spherical ionosphere, a formulation based on harmonic coordinates (expanded from eigen-solutions of the two-dimensional Laplace equation) may be preferable.

Experience affects immediate early gene expression in response to conspecific call notes in black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus).

PubMed

Hahn, Allison H; Guillette, Lauren M; Lee, Daniel; McMillan, Neil; Hoang, John; Sturdy, Christopher B

2015-01-01

Black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) produce numerous vocalizations, including the acoustically complex chick-a-dee call that is composed of A, B, C, and D notes. D notes are longer in duration and lower in frequency than the other note types and contain information regarding flock and species identification. Adult wild-caught black-capped chickadees have been shown to have similar amounts of immediate early gene (IEG) expression following playback of vocalizations with harmonic-like acoustic structure, similar to D notes. Here we examined how different environmental experiences affect IEG response to conspecific D notes. We hand-reared black-capped chickadees under three conditions: (1) with adult conspecifics, (2) with adult heterospecific mountain chickadees, and (3) without adults. We presented all hand-reared birds and a control group of field-reared black-capped chickadees, with conspecific D notes and quantified IEG expression in the caudomedial mesopallium (CMM) and caudomedial nidopallium (NCM). We found that field-reared birds that heard normal D notes had a similar neural response as a group of field-reared birds that heard playback of reversed D notes. Field-reared birds that heard normal D notes also had a similar neural response as birds reared with adult conspecifics. Birds reared without adults had a significantly reduced IEG response, whereas the IEG expression in birds reared with heterospecifics was at intermediate levels between birds reared with conspecifics and birds reared without adults. Although acoustic characteristics have been shown to drive IEG expression, our results demonstrate that experience with adults or normal adult vocalizations is also an important factor. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Incorporating spatial constraint in co-activation pattern analysis to explore the dynamics of resting-state networks: An application to Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Zhuang, Xiaowei; Walsh, Ryan R; Sreenivasan, Karthik; Yang, Zhengshi; Mishra, Virendra; Cordes, Dietmar

2018-05-15

The dynamics of the brain's intrinsic networks have been recently studied using co-activation pattern (CAP) analysis. The CAP method relies on few model assumptions and CAP-based measurements provide quantitative information of network temporal dynamics. One limitation of existing CAP-related methods is that the computed CAPs share considerable spatial overlap that may or may not be functionally distinct relative to specific network dynamics. To more accurately describe network dynamics with spatially distinct CAPs, and to compare network dynamics between different populations, a novel data-driven CAP group analysis method is proposed in this study. In the proposed method, a dominant-CAP (d-CAP) set is synthesized across CAPs from multiple clustering runs for each group with the constraint of low spatial similarities among d-CAPs. Alternating d-CAPs with less overlapping spatial patterns can better capture overall network dynamics. The number of d-CAPs, the temporal fraction and spatial consistency of each d-CAP, and the subject-specific switching probability among all d-CAPs are then calculated for each group and used to compare network dynamics between groups. The spatial dissimilarities among d-CAPs computed with the proposed method were first demonstrated using simulated data. High consistency between simulated ground-truth and computed d-CAPs was achieved, and detailed comparisons between the proposed method and existing CAP-based methods were conducted using simulated data. In an effort to physiologically validate the proposed technique and investigate network dynamics in a relevant brain network disorder, the proposed method was then applied to data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) database to compare the network dynamics in Parkinson's disease (PD) and normal control (NC) groups. Fewer d-CAPs, skewed distribution of temporal fractions of d-CAPs, and reduced switching probabilities among final d-CAPs were found in most networks in the PD group, as compared to the NC group. Furthermore, an overall negative association between switching probability among d-CAPs and disease severity was observed in most networks in the PD group as well. These results expand upon previous findings from in vivo electrophysiological recording studies in PD. Importantly, this novel analysis also demonstrates that changes in network dynamics can be measured using resting-state fMRI data from subjects with early stage PD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Searching for pulsars using image pattern recognition

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

Zhu, W. W.; Berndsen, A.; Madsen, E. C.

In the modern era of big data, many fields of astronomy are generating huge volumes of data, the analysis of which can sometimes be the limiting factor in research. Fortunately, computer scientists have developed powerful data-mining techniques that can be applied to various fields. In this paper, we present a novel artificial intelligence (AI) program that identifies pulsars from recent surveys by using image pattern recognition with deep neural nets—the PICS (Pulsar Image-based Classification System) AI. The AI mimics human experts and distinguishes pulsars from noise and interference by looking for patterns from candidate plots. Different from other pulsar selectionmore » programs that search for expected patterns, the PICS AI is taught the salient features of different pulsars from a set of human-labeled candidates through machine learning. The training candidates are collected from the Pulsar Arecibo L-band Feed Array (PALFA) survey. The information from each pulsar candidate is synthesized in four diagnostic plots, which consist of image data with up to thousands of pixels. The AI takes these data from each candidate as its input and uses thousands of such candidates to train its ∼9000 neurons. The deep neural networks in this AI system grant it superior ability to recognize various types of pulsars as well as their harmonic signals. The trained AI's performance has been validated with a large set of candidates from a different pulsar survey, the Green Bank North Celestial Cap survey. In this completely independent test, the PICS ranked 264 out of 277 pulsar-related candidates, including all 56 previously known pulsars and 208 of their harmonics, in the top 961 (1%) of 90,008 test candidates, missing only 13 harmonics. The first non-pulsar candidate appears at rank 187, following 45 pulsars and 141 harmonics. In other words, 100% of the pulsars were ranked in the top 1% of all candidates, while 80% were ranked higher than any noise or interference. The performance of this system can be improved over time as more training data are accumulated. This AI system has been integrated into the PALFA survey pipeline and has discovered six new pulsars to date.« less

Searching for Pulsars Using Image Pattern Recognition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, W. W.; Berndsen, A.; Madsen, E. C.; Tan, M.; Stairs, I. H.; Brazier, A.; Lazarus, P.; Lynch, R.; Scholz, P.; Stovall, K.; Ransom, S. M.; Banaszak, S.; Biwer, C. M.; Cohen, S.; Dartez, L. P.; Flanigan, J.; Lunsford, G.; Martinez, J. G.; Mata, A.; Rohr, M.; Walker, A.; Allen, B.; Bhat, N. D. R.; Bogdanov, S.; Camilo, F.; Chatterjee, S.; Cordes, J. M.; Crawford, F.; Deneva, J. S.; Desvignes, G.; Ferdman, R. D.; Freire, P. C. C.; Hessels, J. W. T.; Jenet, F. A.; Kaplan, D. L.; Kaspi, V. M.; Knispel, B.; Lee, K. J.; van Leeuwen, J.; Lyne, A. G.; McLaughlin, M. A.; Siemens, X.; Spitler, L. G.; Venkataraman, A.

2014-02-01

In the modern era of big data, many fields of astronomy are generating huge volumes of data, the analysis of which can sometimes be the limiting factor in research. Fortunately, computer scientists have developed powerful data-mining techniques that can be applied to various fields. In this paper, we present a novel artificial intelligence (AI) program that identifies pulsars from recent surveys by using image pattern recognition with deep neural nets—the PICS (Pulsar Image-based Classification System) AI. The AI mimics human experts and distinguishes pulsars from noise and interference by looking for patterns from candidate plots. Different from other pulsar selection programs that search for expected patterns, the PICS AI is taught the salient features of different pulsars from a set of human-labeled candidates through machine learning. The training candidates are collected from the Pulsar Arecibo L-band Feed Array (PALFA) survey. The information from each pulsar candidate is synthesized in four diagnostic plots, which consist of image data with up to thousands of pixels. The AI takes these data from each candidate as its input and uses thousands of such candidates to train its ~9000 neurons. The deep neural networks in this AI system grant it superior ability to recognize various types of pulsars as well as their harmonic signals. The trained AI's performance has been validated with a large set of candidates from a different pulsar survey, the Green Bank North Celestial Cap survey. In this completely independent test, the PICS ranked 264 out of 277 pulsar-related candidates, including all 56 previously known pulsars and 208 of their harmonics, in the top 961 (1%) of 90,008 test candidates, missing only 13 harmonics. The first non-pulsar candidate appears at rank 187, following 45 pulsars and 141 harmonics. In other words, 100% of the pulsars were ranked in the top 1% of all candidates, while 80% were ranked higher than any noise or interference. The performance of this system can be improved over time as more training data are accumulated. This AI system has been integrated into the PALFA survey pipeline and has discovered six new pulsars to date.

Millimeter-wave monolithic diode-grid frequency multiplier

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maserjian, Joseph (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A semiconductor diode structure useful for harmonic generation of millimeter or submillimeter wave radiation from a fundamental input wave is fabricated on a GaAs substrate. A heavily doped layer of n(sup ++) GaAs is produced on the substrate and then a layer of intrinsic GaAs on said heavily doped layer on top of which a sheet of heavy doping (++) is produced. A thin layer of intrinsic GaAs grown over the sheet is capped with two metal contacts separated by a gap to produce two diodes connected back to back through the n(sup ++) layer for multiplication of frequency by an odd multiple. If only one metal contact caps the thin layer of intrinsic GaAs, the second diode contact is produced to connect to the n(sup ++) layer for multiplication of frequency by an even number. The odd or even frequency multiple is selected by a filter. A phased array of diodes in a grid will increase the power of the higher frequency generated.

Composite laminate free-edge reinforcement with U-shaped caps. I - Stress analysis. II - Theoretical-experimental correlation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, W. E.; Gossard, Terry, Jr.; Jones, Robert M.

1989-01-01

The present generalized plane-strain FEM analysis for the prediction of interlaminar normal stress reduction when a U-shaped cap is bonded to the edge of a composite laminate gives attention to the highly variable transverse stresses near the free edge, cap length and thickness, and a gap under the cap due to the manufacturing process. The load-transfer mechanism between cap and laminate is found to be strain-compatibility, rather than shear lag. In the second part of this work, the three-dimensional composite material failure criteria are used in a progressive laminate failure analysis to predict failure loads of laminates with different edge-cap designs; symmetric 11-layer graphite-epoxy laminates with a one-layer cap of kevlar-epoxy are shown to carry 130-140 percent greater loading than uncapped laminates, under static tensile and tension-tension fatigue loading.

Analysis of Even Harmonics Generation in an Isolated Electric Power System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanao, Norikazu; Hayashi, Yasuhiro; Matsuki, Junya

Harmonics bred from loads are mainly odd order because the current waveform has half-wave symmetry. Since the even harmonics are negligibly small, those are not generally measured in electric power systems. However, even harmonics were measured at a 500/275/154kV substation in Hokuriku Electric Power Company after removal of a transmission line fault. The even harmonics caused malfunctions of protective digital relays because the relays used 4th harmonics at the input filter as automatic supervisory signal. This paper describes the mechanism of generation of the even harmonics by comparing measured waveforms with ATP-EMTP simulation results. As a result of analysis, it is cleared that even harmonics are generated by three causes. The first cause is a magnetizing current of transformers due to flux deviation by DC component of a fault current. The second one is due to harmonic conversion of a synchronous machine which generates even harmonics when direct current component or even harmonic current flow into the machine. The third one is that increase of harmonic impedance due to an isolated power system produces harmonic voltages. The design of the input filter of protective digital relays should consider even harmonics generation in an isolated power system.

Component analysis and free radicals scavenging activity of Cicer arietinum L. husk pectin.

PubMed

Urias-Orona, Vania; Huerta-Oros, Joselina; Carvajal-Millán, Elizabeth; Lizardi-Mendoza, Jaime; Rascón-Chu, Agustin; Gardea, Alfonso A

2010-10-11

A pectin (CAP) was extracted from the husk of Cicer arietinum L. Monosaccharide analysis of CAP revealed the dominance of galacturonic acid and smaller amounts of galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, glucose, xylose and mannose. Viscosimetric analysis showed that the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and the molecular weight (MW) of CAP were 296 mL/g and 105 kDa, respectively. The degree of esterification (DE = 10%) was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. CAP exhibited a dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity, as shown by its DPPH radical inhibition. At 1.0 mg/mL CAP exhibited a scavenging rate of 29% on DPPH radicals. The evaluation of antioxidant activity suggested that CAP had good potential for DPPH radical scavenging activity and should be explored as a novel potential antioxidant.

Rapid surface enhanced Raman scattering detection method for chloramphenicol residues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Wei; Yao, Weirong

2015-06-01

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a widely used amide alcohol antibiotics, which has been banned from using in food producing animals in many countries. In this study, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) coupled with gold colloidal nanoparticles was used for the rapid analysis of CAP. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted with Gaussian 03 at the B3LYP level using the 3-21G(d) and 6-31G(d) basis sets to analyze the assignment of vibrations. Affirmatively, the theoretical Raman spectrum of CAP was in complete agreement with the experimental spectrum. They both exhibited three strong peaks characteristic of CAP at 1104 cm-1, 1344 cm-1, 1596 cm-1, which were used for rapid qualitative analysis of CAP residues in food samples. The use of SERS as a method for the measurements of CAP was explored by comparing use of different solvents, gold colloidal nanoparticles concentration and absorption time. The method of the detection limit was determined as 0.1 μg/mL using optimum conditions. The Raman peak at 1344 cm-1 was used as the index for quantitative analysis of CAP in food samples, with a linear correlation of R2 = 0.9802. Quantitative analysis of CAP residues in foods revealed that the SERS technique with gold colloidal nanoparticles was sensitive and of a good stability and linear correlation, and suited for rapid analysis of CAP residue in a variety of food samples.

Rapid surface enhanced Raman scattering detection method for chloramphenicol residues.

PubMed

Ji, Wei; Yao, Weirong

2015-06-05

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a widely used amide alcohol antibiotics, which has been banned from using in food producing animals in many countries. In this study, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) coupled with gold colloidal nanoparticles was used for the rapid analysis of CAP. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted with Gaussian 03 at the B3LYP level using the 3-21G(d) and 6-31G(d) basis sets to analyze the assignment of vibrations. Affirmatively, the theoretical Raman spectrum of CAP was in complete agreement with the experimental spectrum. They both exhibited three strong peaks characteristic of CAP at 1104 cm(-1), 1344 cm(-1), 1596 cm(-1), which were used for rapid qualitative analysis of CAP residues in food samples. The use of SERS as a method for the measurements of CAP was explored by comparing use of different solvents, gold colloidal nanoparticles concentration and absorption time. The method of the detection limit was determined as 0.1 μg/mL using optimum conditions. The Raman peak at 1344 cm(-1) was used as the index for quantitative analysis of CAP in food samples, with a linear correlation of R(2)=0.9802. Quantitative analysis of CAP residues in foods revealed that the SERS technique with gold colloidal nanoparticles was sensitive and of a good stability and linear correlation, and suited for rapid analysis of CAP residue in a variety of food samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Geopotential Field Anomaly Continuation with Multi-Altitude Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jeong Woo; Kim, Hyung Rae; von Frese, Ralph; Taylor, Patrick; Rangelova, Elena

2012-01-01

Conventional gravity and magnetic anomaly continuation invokes the standard Poisson boundary condition of a zero anomaly at an infinite vertical distance from the observation surface. This simple continuation is limited, however, where multiple altitude slices of the anomaly field have been observed. Increasingly, areas are becoming available constrained by multiple boundary conditions from surface, airborne, and satellite surveys. This paper describes the implementation of continuation with multi-altitude boundary conditions in Cartesian and spherical coordinates and investigates the advantages and limitations of these applications. Continuations by EPS (Equivalent Point Source) inversion and the FT (Fourier Transform), as well as by SCHA (Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis) are considered. These methods were selected because they are especially well suited for analyzing multi-altitude data over finite patches of the earth such as covered by the ADMAP database. In general, continuations constrained by multi-altitude data surfaces are invariably superior to those constrained by a single altitude data surface due to anomaly measurement errors and the non-uniqueness of continuation.

Geopotential Field Anomaly Continuation with Multi-Altitude Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jeong Woo; Kim, Hyung Rae; vonFrese, Ralph; Taylor, Patrick; Rangelova, Elena

2011-01-01

Conventional gravity and magnetic anomaly continuation invokes the standard Poisson boundary condition of a zero anomaly at an infinite vertical distance from the observation surface. This simple continuation is limited, however, where multiple altitude slices of the anomaly field have been observed. Increasingly, areas are becoming available constrained by multiple boundary conditions from surface, airborne, and satellite surveys. This paper describes the implementation of continuation with multi-altitude boundary conditions in Cartesian and spherical coordinates and investigates the advantages and limitations of these applications. Continuations by EPS (Equivalent Point Source) inversion and the FT (Fourier Transform), as well as by SCHA (Spherical Cap Harmonic Analysis) are considered. These methods were selected because they are especially well suited for analyzing multi-altitude data over finite patches of the earth such as covered by the ADMAP database. In general, continuations constrained by multi-altitude data surfaces are invariably superior to those constrained by a single altitude data surface due to anomaly measurement errors and the non-uniqueness of continuation.

Spherical Harmonic Analysis of Particle Velocity Distribution Function: Comparison of Moments and Anisotropies using Cluster Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gurgiolo, Chris; Vinas, Adolfo F.

2009-01-01

This paper presents a spherical harmonic analysis of the plasma velocity distribution function using high-angular, energy, and time resolution Cluster data obtained from the PEACE spectrometer instrument to demonstrate how this analysis models the particle distribution function and its moments and anisotropies. The results show that spherical harmonic analysis produced a robust physical representation model of the velocity distribution function, resolving the main features of the measured distributions. From the spherical harmonic analysis, a minimum set of nine spectral coefficients was obtained from which the moment (up to the heat flux), anisotropy, and asymmetry calculations of the velocity distribution function were obtained. The spherical harmonic method provides a potentially effective "compression" technique that can be easily carried out onboard a spacecraft to determine the moments and anisotropies of the particle velocity distribution function for any species. These calculations were implemented using three different approaches, namely, the standard traditional integration, the spherical harmonic (SPH) spectral coefficients integration, and the singular value decomposition (SVD) on the spherical harmonic methods. A comparison among the various methods shows that both SPH and SVD approaches provide remarkable agreement with the standard moment integration method.

Harmonic voltage excess problem test and analysis in UHV and EHV grid particular operation mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lv, Zhenhua; Shi, Mingming; Fei, Juntao

2018-02-01

The test and analysis of the power quality of some 1000kV UHV transmission lines and 500kV EHV transmission lines is carried out. It is found that there is harmonic voltage excess problems when the power supply of the UHV and EHV voltage line is single-ended or single-loop, the problem basically disappeared after the operation mode change, different operating conditions, the harmonic current has not been greatly affected, indicating that the harmonic voltage changes mainly caused by the system harmonic impedance. With the analysis of MATLAB Simulink system model, it can be seen that there are specific harmonic voltage excess in the system under the specific operating mode, which results in serious distortion of the specific harmonic voltage. Since such phenomena are found in 500kV and 1000kV systems, it is suggested that the test evaluation work should be done under the typical mode of operation in 500kV, 1000kV Planning and construction process to prevent the occurrence of serious distortion and the regional harmonic current monitoring and suppression work should be done.

Wavelength modulation spectroscopy--digital detection of gas absorption harmonics based on Fourier analysis.

PubMed

Mei, Liang; Svanberg, Sune

2015-03-20

This work presents a detailed study of the theoretical aspects of the Fourier analysis method, which has been utilized for gas absorption harmonic detection in wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS). The lock-in detection of the harmonic signal is accomplished by studying the phase term of the inverse Fourier transform of the Fourier spectrum that corresponds to the harmonic signal. The mathematics and the corresponding simulation results are given for each procedure when applying the Fourier analysis method. The present work provides a detailed view of the WMS technique when applying the Fourier analysis method.

3D spherical-cap fitting procedure for (truncated) sessile nano- and micro-droplets & -bubbles.

PubMed

Tan, Huanshu; Peng, Shuhua; Sun, Chao; Zhang, Xuehua; Lohse, Detlef

2016-11-01

In the study of nanobubbles, nanodroplets or nanolenses immobilised on a substrate, a cross-section of a spherical cap is widely applied to extract geometrical information from atomic force microscopy (AFM) topographic images. In this paper, we have developed a comprehensive 3D spherical-cap fitting procedure (3D-SCFP) to extract morphologic characteristics of complete or truncated spherical caps from AFM images. Our procedure integrates several advanced digital image analysis techniques to construct a 3D spherical-cap model, from which the geometrical parameters of the nanostructures are extracted automatically by a simple algorithm. The procedure takes into account all valid data points in the construction of the 3D spherical-cap model to achieve high fidelity in morphology analysis. We compare our 3D fitting procedure with the commonly used 2D cross-sectional profile fitting method to determine the contact angle of a complete spherical cap and a truncated spherical cap. The results from 3D-SCFP are consistent and accurate, while 2D fitting is unavoidably arbitrary in the selection of the cross-section and has a much lower number of data points on which the fitting can be based, which in addition is biased to the top of the spherical cap. We expect that the developed 3D spherical-cap fitting procedure will find many applications in imaging analysis.

Economic analysis of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of urinary tract infections in infants with high-grade hydronephrosis.

PubMed

Tu, H Y V; Pemberton, J; Lorenzo, A J; Braga, L H

2015-10-01

For infants with hydronephrosis, continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) may reduce urinary tract infections (UTIs); however, its value remains controversial. Recent studies have suggested that neonates with severe obstructive hydronephrosis are at an increased risk of UTIs, and support the use of CAP. Other studies have demonstrated the negligible risk for UTIs in the setting of suspected ureteropelvic junction obstruction and have highlighted the limited role of CAP in hydronephrosis. Furthermore, economic studies in this patient population have been sparse. This study aimed to evaluate whether the use of CAP is an efficient expenditure for preventing UTIs in children with high-grade hydronephrosis within the first 2 years of life. A decision model was used to estimate expected costs, clinical outcomes and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of CAP versus no CAP (Fig. 1). Cost data were collected from provincial databases and converted to 2013 Canadian dollars (CAD). Estimates of risks and health utility values were extracted from published literature. The analysis was performed over a time horizon of 2 years. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were carried out to assess uncertainty and robustness. Overall, CAP use was less costly and provided a minimal increase in health utility when compared to no CAP (Table). The mean cost over two years for CAP and no CAP was CAD$1571.19 and CAD$1956.44, respectively. The use of CAP reduced outpatient-managed UTIs by 0.21 infections and UTIs requiring hospitalization by 0.04 infections over 2 years. Cost-utility analysis revealed an increase of 0.0001 QALYs/year when using CAP. The CAP arm exhibited strong dominance over no CAP in all sensitivity analyses and across all willingness-to-pay thresholds. The use of CAP exhibited strong dominance in the economic evaluation, despite a small gain of 0.0001 QALYs/year. Whether this slight gain is clinically significant remains to be determined. However, small QALY gains have been reported in other pediatric economic evaluations. Strengths of this study included the use of data from a recent systematic review and meta-analysis, in addition to a comprehensive probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Limitations of this study included the use of estimates for UTI probabilities in the second year of life and health utility values, given that they were lacking in the literature. Spontaneous resolution of hydronephrosis and surgical management were also not implemented in this model. To prevent UTIs within the first 2 years of life in infants with high-grade hydronephrosis, this probabilistic model has shown that CAP use is a prudent expenditure of healthcare resources when compared to no CAP. Copyright © 2015 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Cost and Performance System (CAPS) in a Federal agency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Huseonia, W. F.; Penton, P. G.

1994-01-01

Cost and Performance System (CAPS) is an automated system used from the planning phase through implementation to analysis and documentation. Data is retrievable or available for analysis of cost versus performance anomalies. CAPS provides a uniform system across intra- and international elements. A common system is recommended throughout an entire cost or profit center. Data can be easily accumulated and aggregated into higher levels of tracking and reporting of cost and performance.The level and quality of performance or productivity is indicated in the CAPS model and its process. The CAPS model provides the necessary decision information and insight to the principal investigator/project engineer for a successful project management experience. CAPS provides all levels of management with the appropriate detailed level of data.

Local Lunar Gravity Field Analysis over the South Pole-aitken Basin from SELENE Farside Tracking Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goossens, Sander Johannes; Ishihara, Yoshiaki; Matsumoto, Koji; Sasaki, Sho

2012-01-01

We present a method with which we determined the local lunar gravity field model over the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin on the farside of the Moon by estimating adjustments to a global lunar gravity field model using SELENE tracking data. Our adjustments are expressed in localized functions concentrated over the SPA region in a spherical cap with a radius of 45deg centered at (191.1 deg E, 53.2 deg S), and the resolution is equivalent to a 150th degree and order spherical harmonics expansion. The new solution over SPA was used in several applications of geophysical analysis. It shows an increased correlation with high-resolution lunar topography in the frequency band l = 40-70, and admittance values are slightly different and more leveled when compared to other, global gravity field models using the same data. The adjustments expressed in free-air anomalies and differences in Bouguer anomalies between the local solution and the a priori global solution correlate with topographic surface features. The Moho structure beneath the SPA basin is slightly modified in our solution, most notably at the southern rim of the Apollo basin and around the Zeeman crater

Multivariate and multiorgan analysis of cardiorespiratory variability signals: the CAP sleep case.

PubMed

Bianchi, Anna M; Ferini-Strambi, Luigi; Castronovo, Vincenza; Cerutti, Sergio

2006-10-01

Signals from different systems are analyzed during sleep on a beat-to-beat basis to provide a quantitative measure of synchronization with the heart rate variability (HRV) signal, oscillations of which reflect the action of the autonomic nervous system. Beat-to-beat variability signals synchronized to QRS occurrence on ECG signals were extracted from respiration, electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) traces. The analysis was restricted to sleep stage 2. Cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) periods were detected from EEG signals and the following conditions were identified: stage 2 non-CAP (2 NCAP), stage 2 CAP (2 CAP) and stage 2 CAP with myoclonus (2 CAP MC). The coupling relationships between pairs of variability signals were studied in both the time and frequency domains. Passing from 2 NCAP to 2 CAP, sympathetic activation is indicated by tachycardia and reduced respiratory arrhythmia in the heart rate signal. At the same time, we observed a marked link between EEG and HRV at the CAP frequency. During 2 CAP MC, the increased synchronization involved myoclonus and respiration. The underlying mechanism seems to be related to a global control system at the central level that involves the different systems.

Harmonic analysis and suppression in hybrid wind & PV solar system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Tripti; Namekar, Swapnil

2018-04-01

The growing demand of electricity has led to produce power through non-conventional source of energy such as solar energy, wind energy, hydro power, energy through biogas and biomass etc. Hybrid system is taken to complement the shortcoming of either sources of energy. The proposed system is grid connected hybrid wind and solar system. A 2.1 MW Doubly fed Induction Generator (DFIG) has been taken for analysis of wind farm whose rotor part is connected to two back-to-back converters. A 250 KW Photovoltaic (PV) array taken to analyze solar farm where inverter is required to convert power from DC to AC since electricity generated through solar PV is in the form of DC. Stability and reliability of the system is very important when the system is grid connected. Harmonics is the major Power quality issue which degrades the quality of power at load side. Harmonics in hybrid system arise through the use of power conversion unit. The other causes of harmonics are fluctuation in wind speed and solar irradiance. The power delivered to grid must be free from harmonics and within the limits specified by Indian grid codes. In proposed work, harmonic analysis of the hybrid system is performed in Electrical Transient Analysis program (ETAP) and single tuned harmonic filter is designed to maintain the utility grid harmonics within limits.

Characterization of Deficiencies in the Frequency Domain Forced Response Analysis Technique for Turbine Bladed Disks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Andrew M.; Schmauch, Preston

2012-01-01

Turbine blades in rocket and jet engine turbomachinery experience enormous harmonic loading conditions. These loads result from the integer number of upstream and downstream stator vanes as well as the other turbine stages. The standard technique for forced response analysis to assess structural integrity is to decompose a CFD generated flow field into its harmonic components, and to then perform a frequency response analysis at the problematic natural frequencies. Recent CFD analysis and water-flow testing at NASA/MSFC, though, indicates that this technique may miss substantial harmonic and non-harmonic excitation sources that become present in complex flows. These complications suggest the question of whether frequency domain analysis is capable of capturing the excitation content sufficiently. Two studies comparing frequency response analysis with transient response analysis, therefore, have been performed. The first is of a bladed disk with each blade modeled by simple beam elements. It was hypothesized that the randomness and other variation from the standard harmonic excitation would reduce the blade structural response, but the results showed little reduction. The second study was of a realistic model of a bladed-disk excited by the same CFD used in the J2X engine program. The results showed that the transient analysis results were up to 10% higher for "clean" nodal diameter excitations and six times larger for "messy" excitations, where substantial Fourier content around the main harmonic exists.

Bioimpedance harmonic analysis as a tool to simultaneously assess circulation and nervous control.

PubMed

Mudraya, I S; Revenko, S V; Nesterov, A V; Gavrilov, I Yu; Kirpatovsky, V I

2011-07-01

Multicycle harmonic (Fourier) analysis of bioimpedance was employed to simultaneously assess circulation and neural activity in visceral (rat urinary bladder) and somatic (human finger) organs. The informative value of the first cardiac harmonic of the bladder impedance as an index of bladder circulation is demonstrated. The individual reactions of normal and obstructive bladders in response to infusion cystometry were recorded. The potency of multicycle harmonic analysis of bioimpedance to assess sympathetic and parasympathetic neural control in urinary bladder is discussed. In the human finger, bioimpedance harmonic analysis revealed three periodic components at the rate of the heart beat, respiration and Mayer wave (0.1 Hz), which were observed under normal conditions and during blood flow arrest in the hand. The revealed spectrum peaks were explained by the changes in systemic blood pressure and in regional vascular tone resulting from neural vasomotor control. During normal respiration and circulation, two side cardiac peaks were revealed in a bioimpedance amplitude spectrum, whose amplitude reflected the depth of amplitude respiratory modulation of the cardiac output. During normal breathing, the peaks corresponding to the second and third cardiac harmonics were split, reflecting frequency respiratory modulation of the heart rate. Multicycle harmonic analysis of bioimpedance is a novel potent tool to examine the interaction between the respiratory and cardiovascular system and to simultaneously assess regional circulation and neural influences in visceral and somatic organs.

Development of a prototype commonality analysis tool for use in space programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yeager, Dorian P.

1988-01-01

A software tool to aid in performing commonality analyses, called Commonality Analysis Problem Solver (CAPS), was designed, and a prototype version (CAPS 1.0) was implemented and tested. The CAPS 1.0 runs in an MS-DOS or IBM PC-DOS environment. The CAPS is designed around a simple input language which provides a natural syntax for the description of feasibility constraints. It provides its users with the ability to load a database representing a set of design items, describe the feasibility constraints on items in that database, and do a comprehensive cost analysis to find the most economical substitution pattern.

Data-Aware Retrodiction for Asynchronous Harmonic Measurement in a Cyber-Physical Energy System.

PubMed

Liu, Youda; Wang, Xue; Liu, Yanchi; Cui, Sujin

2016-08-18

Cyber-physical energy systems provide a networked solution for safety, reliability and efficiency problems in smart grids. On the demand side, the secure and trustworthy energy supply requires real-time supervising and online power quality assessing. Harmonics measurement is necessary in power quality evaluation. However, under the large-scale distributed metering architecture, harmonic measurement faces the out-of-sequence measurement (OOSM) problem, which is the result of latencies in sensing or the communication process and brings deviations in data fusion. This paper depicts a distributed measurement network for large-scale asynchronous harmonic analysis and exploits a nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous inputs (NARX) network to reorder the out-of-sequence measuring data. The NARX network gets the characteristics of the electrical harmonics from practical data rather than the kinematic equations. Thus, the data-aware network approximates the behavior of the practical electrical parameter with real-time data and improves the retrodiction accuracy. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the data-aware method maintains a reasonable consumption of computing resources. Experiments on a practical testbed of a cyber-physical system are implemented, and harmonic measurement and analysis accuracy are adopted to evaluate the measuring mechanism under a distributed metering network. Results demonstrate an improvement of the harmonics analysis precision and validate the asynchronous measuring method in cyber-physical energy systems.

Regulation of Seed Germination in the Close Arabidopsis Relative Lepidium sativum: A Global Tissue-Specific Transcript Analysis1[C][W][OA

PubMed Central

Morris, Karl; Linkies, Ada; Müller, Kerstin; Oracz, Krystyna; Wang, Xiaofeng; Lynn, James R.; Leubner-Metzger, Gerhard; Finch-Savage, William E.

2011-01-01

The completion of germination in Lepidium sativum and other endospermic seeds (e.g. Arabidopsis [Arabidopsis thaliana]) is regulated by two opposing forces, the growth potential of the radicle (RAD) and the resistance to this growth from the micropylar endosperm cap (CAP) surrounding it. We show by puncture force measurement that the CAP progressively weakens during germination, and we have conducted a time-course transcript analysis of RAD and CAP tissues throughout this process. We have also used specific inhibitors to investigate the importance of transcription, translation, and posttranslation levels of regulation of endosperm weakening in isolated CAPs. Although the impact of inhibiting translation is greater, both transcription and translation are required for the completion of endosperm weakening in the whole seed population. The majority of genes expressed during this process occur in both tissues, but where they are uniquely expressed, or significantly differentially expressed between tissues, this relates to the functions of the RAD as growing tissue and the CAP as a regulator of germination through weakening. More detailed analysis showed that putative orthologs of cell wall-remodeling genes are expressed in a complex manner during CAP weakening, suggesting distinct roles in the RAD and CAP. Expression patterns are also consistent with the CAP being a receptor for environmental signals influencing germination. Inhibitors of the aspartic, serine, and cysteine proteases reduced the number of isolated CAPs in which weakening developed, and inhibition of the 26S proteasome resulted in its complete cessation. This indicates that targeted protein degradation is a major control point for endosperm weakening. PMID:21321254

Comparative study of the clinical presentation of Legionella pneumonia and other community-acquired pneumonias.

PubMed

Sopena, N; Sabrià-Leal, M; Pedro-Botet, M L; Padilla, E; Dominguez, J; Morera, J; Tudela, P

1998-05-01

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, biological, and radiologic features of presentation in the emergency ward of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) by Legionella pneumophila (LP) and other community-acquired bacterial pneumonias to help in early diagnosis of CAP by LP. Three hundred ninety-two patients with CAP were studied prospectively in the emergency department of a 600-bed university hospital. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare epidemiologic and demographic data and clinical, analytical, and radiologic features of presentation in 48 patients with CAP by LP and 125 patients with CAP by other bacterial etiology (68 by Streptococcus pneumoniae, 41 by Chlamydia pneumoniae, 5 by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 4 by Coxiella burnetii, 3 by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 2 by Haemophilus influenzae, and 2 by Nocardia species. Univariate analysis showed that CAP by LP was more frequent in middle-aged, male healthy (but alcohol drinking) patients than CAP by other etiology. Moreover, the lack of response to previous beta-lactamic drugs, headache, diarrhea, severe hyponatremia, and elevation in serum creatine kinase (CK) levels on presentation were more frequent in CAP by LP, while cough, expectoration, and thoracic pain were more frequent in CAP by other bacterial etiology. However, multivariate analysis only confirmed these differences with respect to lack of underlying disease, diarrhea, and elevation in the CK level. We conclude that detailed analysis of features of presentation of CAP allows suspicion of Legionnaire's disease in the emergency department. The initiation of antibiotic treatment, including a macrolide, and the performance of rapid diagnostic techniques are mandatory in these cases.

Diabetes hinders community-acquired pneumonia outcomes in hospitalized patients.

PubMed

Martins, M; Boavida, J M; Raposo, J F; Froes, F; Nunes, B; Ribeiro, R T; Macedo, M P; Penha-Gonçalves, C

2016-01-01

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and its impact on hospital length of stay and in-hospital mortality. We carried out a retrospective, nationwide register analysis of CAP in adult patients admitted to Portuguese hospitals between 2009 and 2012. Anonymous data from 157 291 adult patients with CAP were extracted from the National Hospital Discharge Database and we performed a DM-conditioned analysis stratified by age, sex and year of hospitalization. The 74 175 CAP episodes that matched the inclusion criteria showed a high burden of DM that tended to increase over time, from 23.7% in 2009 to 28.1% in 2012. Interestingly, patients with CAP had high DM prevalence in the context of the national DM prevalence. Episodes of CAP in patients with DM had on average 0.8 days longer hospital stay as compared to patients without DM (p<0.0001), totaling a surplus of 15 370 days of stay attributable to DM in 19 212 admissions. In-hospital mortality was also significantly higher in patients with CAP who have DM (15.2%) versus those who have DM (13.5%) (p=0.002). Our analysis revealed that DM prevalence was significantly increased within CAP hospital admissions, reinforcing other studies' findings that suggest that DM is a risk factor for CAP. Since patients with CAP who have DM have longer hospitalization time and higher mortality rates, these results hold informative value for patient guidance and healthcare strategies.

Limitations in Using Multiple Imputation to Harmonize Individual Participant Data for Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Siddique, Juned; de Chavez, Peter J; Howe, George; Cruden, Gracelyn; Brown, C Hendricks

2018-02-01

Individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis is a meta-analysis in which the individual-level data for each study are obtained and used for synthesis. A common challenge in IPD meta-analysis is when variables of interest are measured differently in different studies. The term harmonization has been coined to describe the procedure of placing variables on the same scale in order to permit pooling of data from a large number of studies. Using data from an IPD meta-analysis of 19 adolescent depression trials, we describe a multiple imputation approach for harmonizing 10 depression measures across the 19 trials by treating those depression measures that were not used in a study as missing data. We then apply diagnostics to address the fit of our imputation model. Even after reducing the scale of our application, we were still unable to produce accurate imputations of the missing values. We describe those features of the data that made it difficult to harmonize the depression measures and provide some guidelines for using multiple imputation for harmonization in IPD meta-analysis.

CapZyme-Seq Comprehensively Defines Promoter-Sequence Determinants for RNA 5' Capping with NAD.

PubMed

Vvedenskaya, Irina O; Bird, Jeremy G; Zhang, Yuanchao; Zhang, Yu; Jiao, Xinfu; Barvík, Ivan; Krásný, Libor; Kiledjian, Megerditch; Taylor, Deanne M; Ebright, Richard H; Nickels, Bryce E

2018-05-03

Nucleoside-containing metabolites such as NAD + can be incorporated as 5' caps on RNA by serving as non-canonical initiating nucleotides (NCINs) for transcription initiation by RNA polymerase (RNAP). Here, we report CapZyme-seq, a high-throughput-sequencing method that employs NCIN-decapping enzymes NudC and Rai1 to detect and quantify NCIN-capped RNA. By combining CapZyme-seq with multiplexed transcriptomics, we determine efficiencies of NAD + capping by Escherichia coli RNAP for ∼16,000 promoter sequences. The results define preferred transcription start site (TSS) positions for NAD + capping and define a consensus promoter sequence for NAD + capping: HRRASWW (TSS underlined). By applying CapZyme-seq to E. coli total cellular RNA, we establish that sequence determinants for NCIN capping in vivo match the NAD + -capping consensus defined in vitro, and we identify and quantify NCIN-capped small RNAs (sRNAs). Our findings define the promoter-sequence determinants for NCIN capping with NAD + and provide a general method for analysis of NCIN capping in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

An onboard data analysis method to track the seasonal polar caps on Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wagstaff, K.L.; Castano, R.; Chien, S.; Ivanov, A.B.; Pounders, E.; Titus, T.N.; ,

2005-01-01

The Martian seasonal CO2 ice caps advance and retreat each year. They are currently studied using instruments such as the THermal EMission Imaging System (THEMIS), a visible and infra-red camera on the Mars Odyssey spacecraft [1]. However, each image must be downlinked to Earth prior to analysis. In contrast, we have developed the Bimodal Image Temperature (BIT) histogram analysis method for onboard detection of the cap edge, before transmission. In downlink-limited scenarios when the entire image cannot be transmitted, the location of the cap edge can still be identified and sent to Earth. In this paper, we evaluate our method on uncalibrated THEMIS data and find 1) agreement with manual cap edge identifications to within 28.2 km, and 2) high accuracy even with a smaller analysis window, yielding large reductions in memory requirements. This algorithm is currently being considered as a capability enhancement for the Odyssey second extended mission, beginning in fall 2006.

High order harmonics anomaly of jet screech

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhe; Wu, Jiu Hui; Ren, A.-Dan; Chen, Xin

2018-05-01

Imperfectly expanded supersonic jets under strong screech could generate both fundamental screech tones and multiple tones at the harmonics of the fundamental frequency. The paper compares the fundamental frequency of jets from both AR = 3 (Aspect Ratio) and AR = 4 rectangular nozzles, and conducts analysis of harmonics on Sound Pressure Level (SPL) spectrums of jet noise. The research suggests that the fundamental frequency of the first two- or three-order harmonics increases when the Nozzle Pressure Ratio (NPR) decreases, whereas the highest order harmonic decreases when the NPR decreases. Besides, the paper also observes the differences between the highest order harmonics and other harmonics that have never been reported before. Further analysis on flow field schlieren of AR = 3 nozzle indicates that the highest order harmonic is the outcome of interaction between second shock-cell and nonlinear instable wave. The revolution of these high order harmonics can provide guidance for the prevention of small-scale structure fatigue damage. Moreover, the distribution test of the noises is also carried out to verify the high order harmonics anomaly, and indicate that the jet noise spreads mainly towards downstream while screech towards upstream. In addition, the broadband shock-associated noise spreads vertical to the jet flow and exhibits the feature of directivity.

Internal and external potential-field estimation from regional vector data at varying satellite altitude

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plattner, Alain; Simons, Frederik J.

2017-10-01

When modelling satellite data to recover a global planetary magnetic or gravitational potential field, the method of choice remains their analysis in terms of spherical harmonics. When only regional data are available, or when data quality varies strongly with geographic location, the inversion problem becomes severely ill-posed. In those cases, adopting explicitly local methods is to be preferred over adapting global ones (e.g. by regularization). Here, we develop the theory behind a procedure to invert for planetary potential fields from vector observations collected within a spatially bounded region at varying satellite altitude. Our method relies on the construction of spatiospectrally localized bases of functions that mitigate the noise amplification caused by downward continuation (from the satellite altitude to the source) while balancing the conflicting demands for spatial concentration and spectral limitation. The `altitude-cognizant' gradient vector Slepian functions (AC-GVSF) enjoy a noise tolerance under downward continuation that is much improved relative to the `classical' gradient vector Slepian functions (CL-GVSF), which do not factor satellite altitude into their construction. Furthermore, venturing beyond the realm of their first application, published in a preceding paper, in the present article we extend the theory to being able to handle both internal and external potential-field estimation. Solving simultaneously for internal and external fields under the limitation of regional data availability reduces internal-field artefacts introduced by downward-continuing unmodelled external fields, as we show with numerical examples. We explain our solution strategies on the basis of analytic expressions for the behaviour of the estimation bias and variance of models for which signal and noise are uncorrelated, (essentially) space- and band-limited, and spectrally (almost) white. The AC-GVSF are optimal linear combinations of vector spherical harmonics. Their construction is not altogether very computationally demanding when the concentration domains (the regions of spatial concentration) have circular symmetry, for example, on spherical caps or rings—even when the spherical-harmonic bandwidth is large. Data inversion proceeds by solving for the expansion coefficients of truncated function sequences, by least-squares analysis in a reduced-dimensional space. Hence, our method brings high-resolution regional potential-field modelling from incomplete and noisy vector-valued satellite data within reach of contemporary desktop machines.

On the forecast of runoff based on the harmonic analysis of time series of precipitation in the catchment area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cherednichenko, A. V.; Cherednichenko, A. V.; Cherednichenko, V. S.

2018-01-01

It is shown that a significant connection exists between the most important harmonics, extracted in the process of harmonic analysis of time series of precipitation in the catchment area of rivers and the amount of runoff. This allowed us to predict the size of the flow for a period of up to 20 years, assuming that the main parameters of the harmonics are preserved at the predicted time interval. The results of such a forecast for three river basins of Kazakhstan are presented.

FTIR, magnetic, 1H NMR spectral and thermal studies of some chelates of caproic acid: inhibitory effect on different kinds of bacteria.

PubMed

Refat, Moamen S; El-Korashy, Sabry A; Kumar, Deo Nandan; Ahmed, Ahmed S

2008-06-01

A convenient method for the preparation of complexes of the Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, ZrO2+, UO2(2+), Zr4+ and Th4+ ions with caproic acid (Hcap) is reported and this has enabled 10 complexes of caproate anion to be formulated: [Cr(cap)3].5H2O, [Mn(cap)2(H2O)2], [Fe(cap)3].12H2O, [Co(cap)2(H2O)2].4H2O, [Ni(cap)2(H2O)2].3H2O, [Zn(cap)2], [ZrO(cap)2].3H2O, [UO2(cap)(NO3)], [Zr(cap)2(Cl)2] and [Th(cap)4]. These new complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, magnetic measurements, spectral methods (mid infrared, 1H NMR and UV-vis spectra) and simultaneous thermal analysis (TG and DTG) techniques. It has been found from the elemental analysis as well as thermal studies that the caproate ligand behaves as bidentate ligand and forming chelates with 1:1 (metal:ligand) stoichiometry for UO2(2+), 1:2 for (Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, ZrO2+ and Zr4+), 1:3 stoichiometry for (Cr3+ and Fe3+) and 1:4 for Th4+ caproate complexes, respectively, as bidentate chelating. The molar conductance measurements proved that the caproate complexes are non-electrolytes. The kinetic thermodynamic parameters such as: E*, DeltaH*, DeltaS* and DeltaG* are estimated from the DTG curves. The antibacterial activity of the caproic acid and their complexes was evaluated against some gram positive/negative bacteria.

Data-Aware Retrodiction for Asynchronous Harmonic Measurement in a Cyber-Physical Energy System

PubMed Central

Liu, Youda; Wang, Xue; Liu, Yanchi; Cui, Sujin

2016-01-01

Cyber-physical energy systems provide a networked solution for safety, reliability and efficiency problems in smart grids. On the demand side, the secure and trustworthy energy supply requires real-time supervising and online power quality assessing. Harmonics measurement is necessary in power quality evaluation. However, under the large-scale distributed metering architecture, harmonic measurement faces the out-of-sequence measurement (OOSM) problem, which is the result of latencies in sensing or the communication process and brings deviations in data fusion. This paper depicts a distributed measurement network for large-scale asynchronous harmonic analysis and exploits a nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous inputs (NARX) network to reorder the out-of-sequence measuring data. The NARX network gets the characteristics of the electrical harmonics from practical data rather than the kinematic equations. Thus, the data-aware network approximates the behavior of the practical electrical parameter with real-time data and improves the retrodiction accuracy. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the data-aware method maintains a reasonable consumption of computing resources. Experiments on a practical testbed of a cyber-physical system are implemented, and harmonic measurement and analysis accuracy are adopted to evaluate the measuring mechanism under a distributed metering network. Results demonstrate an improvement of the harmonics analysis precision and validate the asynchronous measuring method in cyber-physical energy systems. PMID:27548171

Propeller modelling effects on interior noise in cylindrical cavities with application to active control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silcox, R. J.; Lester, H. C.

1989-01-01

The coupling of a vibrating finite elastic cylinder and its interior cavity, closed with rigid end caps, is examined. Results are presented for several types of excitation including a point force, a single external acoustic monopole, and an array of external monopoles. Modal spectra are examined for a frequency range typical of the harmonic noise produced by advanced turbo-props. The effect of frequency and source distribution on modal content is presented. Significant interface modal filtering, which would have a beneficial impact on an active system for reducing interior noise, was found to occur for all cases. Some preliminary experimental data for a stiffened, composite cylinder are presented and discussed.

The Mystery of the Mars North Polar Gravity-Topography Correlation(Or Lack Thereof)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Phillips, R. J.; Sjogren, W. L.; Johnson, C. L.

1999-01-01

Maps of moderately high resolution gravity data obtained from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) gravity calibration orbit campaign and high precision topography obtained from the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) experiment reveal relationships between gravity and topography in high northern latitudes of Mars. Figure 1 shows the results of a JPL spherical harmonic gravity model bandpass filtered between degrees 6 and 50 contoured over a MOLA topographic image. A positive gravity anomaly exists over the main North Polar cap, but there are at least six additional positive gravity anomalies, as well as a number of smaller negative anomalies, with no obvious correlation to topography. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

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

Popp, R.A.; Lalley, P.A.; Whitney, J.B.

A genetic polymorphism for a Bgl I endonuclease site near the ..cap alpha..-globin-like pseudogene ..cap alpha..-4 of C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice was used to show that ..cap alpha..-4 was not affected by three independent mutations in which the adult globin genes ..cap alpha..-1 and ..cap alpha..-2 were deleted. These results indicated that ..cap alpha..-4 might not be located adjacent to the adult ..cap alpha..-globin genes on chromosome 11. Restriction endonuclease analysis of DNA of a primary clone of a Chinese hamster-mouse somatic cell hybrid that had lost mouse chromosomes 11 and 18 showed that this clone lacked the adult murinemore » globin genes ..cap alpha..-1 and ..cap alpha..-2 but it did contain the ..cap alpha..-globin-like pseudogenes ..cap alpha..-3 and ..cap alpha..-4. These results indicated that the adult ..cap alpha..-globin genes and ..cap alpha..-globin-like pseudogenes are not located on the same chromosome. Similar analyses of several other Chinese hamster-mouse somatic cell hybrids that had segregated other mouse chromosomes indicated that the ..cap alpha..-globin-like pseudogenes ..cap alpha..-3 and ..cap alpha..-4 are located on mouse chromosomes 15 and 17, respectively. These data explain why ..cap alpha..-3 and ..cap alpha..-4 were not affected by the three independently induced deletion-type mutations that cause ..cap alpha..-thalassemia in the mouse.« less

Professions and Working Conditions Associated With Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

PubMed

Almirall, Jordi; Serra-Prat, Mateu; Bolíbar, Ignasi; Palomera, Elisabet; Roig, Jordi; Boixeda, Ramon; Bartolomé, Maria; de la Torre, Mari; Parra, Olga; Torres, Antoni

2015-12-01

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is not considered a professional disease, and the effect of different occupations and working conditions on susceptibility to CAP is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine whether different jobs and certain working conditions are risk factors for CAP. Over a 1-year period, all radiologically confirmed cases of CAP (n=1,336) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=1,326) were enrolled in a population-based case-control study. A questionnaire on CAP risk factors, including work-related questions, was administered to all participants during an in-person interview. The bivariate analysis showed that office work is a protective factor against CAP, while building work, contact with dust and sudden changes of temperature in the workplace were risk factors for CAP. The occupational factor disappeared when the multivariate analysis was adjusted for working conditions. Contact with dust (previous month) and sudden changes of temperature (previous 3 months) were risk factors for CAP, irrespective of the number of years spent working in these conditions, suggesting reversibility. Some recent working conditions such as exposure to dust and sudden changes of temperature in the workplace are risk factors for CAP. Both factors are reversible and preventable. Copyright © 2014 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Harmonic analysis of traction power supply system based on wavelet decomposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dun, Xiaohong

2018-05-01

With the rapid development of high-speed railway and heavy-haul transport, AC drive electric locomotive and EMU large-scale operation in the country on the ground, the electrified railway has become the main harmonic source of China's power grid. In response to this phenomenon, the need for timely monitoring of power quality problems of electrified railway, assessment and governance. Wavelet transform is developed on the basis of Fourier analysis, the basic idea comes from the harmonic analysis, with a rigorous theoretical model, which has inherited and developed the local thought of Garbor transformation, and has overcome the disadvantages such as window fixation and lack of discrete orthogonally, so as to become a more recently studied spectral analysis tool. The wavelet analysis takes the gradual and precise time domain step in the high frequency part so as to focus on any details of the signal being analyzed, thereby comprehensively analyzing the harmonics of the traction power supply system meanwhile use the pyramid algorithm to increase the speed of wavelet decomposition. The matlab simulation shows that the use of wavelet decomposition of the traction power supply system for harmonic spectrum analysis is effective.

Risk of Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Outpatient Proton-Pump Inhibitor Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Lambert, Allison A.; Lam, Jennifer O.; Paik, Julie J.; Ugarte-Gil, Cesar; Drummond, M. Bradley; Crowell, Trevor A.

2015-01-01

Background Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most frequently prescribed medications. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common cause of morbidity, mortality and healthcare spending. Some studies suggest an increased risk of CAP among PPI users. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the association between outpatient PPI therapy and risk of CAP in adults. Methods We conducted systematic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science on February 3, 2014. Case-control studies, case-crossover, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials reporting outpatient PPI exposure and CAP diagnosis for patients ≥18 years old were eligible. Our primary outcome was the association between CAP and PPI therapy. A secondary outcome examined the risk of hospitalization for CAP and subgroup analyses evaluated the association between PPI use and CAP among patients of different age groups, by different PPI doses, and by different durations of PPI therapy. Results Systematic review of 33 studies was performed, of which 26 studies were included in the meta-analysis. These 26 studies included 226,769 cases of CAP among 6,351,656 participants. We observed a pooled risk of CAP with ambulatory PPI therapy of 1.49 (95% CI 1.16, 1.92; I2 99.2%). This risk was increased during the first month of therapy (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.39, 3.16), regardless of PPI dose or patient age. PPI therapy also increased risk for hospitalization for CAP (OR 1.61; 95% CI: 1.12, 2.31). Discussion Outpatient PPI use is associated with a 1.5-fold increased risk of CAP, with the highest risk within the first 30 days after initiation of therapy. Providers should be aware of this risk when considering PPI use, especially in cases where alternative regimens may be available or the benefits of PPI use are uncertain. PMID:26042842

The analysis of harmonic generation coefficients in the ablative Rayleigh-Taylor instability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Yan; Fan, Zhengfeng; Lu, Xinpei; Ye, Wenhua; Zou, Changlin; Zhang, Ziyun; Zhang, Wen

2017-10-01

In this research, we use the numerical simulation method to investigate the generation coefficients of the first three harmonics and the zeroth harmonic in the Ablative Rayleigh-Taylor Instability. It is shown that the interface shifts to the low temperature side during the ablation process. In consideration of the third-order perturbation theory, the first three harmonic amplitudes of the weakly nonlinear regime are calculated and then the harmonic generation coefficients are obtained by curve fitting. The simulation results show that the harmonic generation coefficients changed with time and wavelength. Using the higher-order perturbation theory, we find that more and more harmonics are generated in the later weakly nonlinear stage, which is caused by the negative feedback of the later higher harmonics. Furthermore, extending the third-order theory to the fifth-order theory, we find that the second and the third harmonics coefficients linearly depend on the wavelength, while the feedback coefficients are almost constant. Further analysis also shows that when the fifth-order theory is considered, the normalized effective amplitudes of second and third harmonics can reach about 25%-40%, which are only 15%-25% in the frame of the previous third-order theory. Therefore, the third order perturbation theory is needed to be modified by the higher-order theory when ηL reaches about 20% of the perturbation wavelength.

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

Ono, Shota, E-mail: shota-o@gifu-u.ac.jp; Department of Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501; Tanikawa, Kousei

Revealing a universal relation between geometrical structures and electronic properties of capped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is one of the current objectives in nanocarbon community. Here, we investigate the local curvature of capped CNTs and define the cap region by a crossover behavior of the curvature energy versus the number of carbon atoms integrated from the tip to the tube region. Clear correlations among the energy gap of the cap localized states, the curvature energy, the number of carbon atoms in the cap region, and the number of specific carbon clusters are observed. The present analysis opens the way to understandmore » the cap states.« less

Second-harmonic generation of practical Bessel beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jin H.; Ding, Desheng; Hsu, Yin-Sung

2009-11-01

A fast Gaussian expansion approach is used to investigate fundamental and second-harmonic generation in practical Bessel beams of finite aperture. The analysis is based on the integral solutions of the KZK equation under the quasilinear approximation. The influence of the medium's attenuation on the beam profile is considered. Analysis results show that the absorption parameter has a significant effect on the far-field beam profile of the second harmonic. Under certain circumstances, the second harmonic of a practical Bessel beam still has the main properties of an ideal Bessel beam of infinite aperture when it propagates within its depth of field.

Modeling of the spatial state of the ionosphere using regular definitions of the VTEC identifier at the network of continuously operating GNSS stations of Ukraine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yankiv-Vitkovska, Liubov; Dzhuman, Bogdan

2017-04-01

Due to the wide application of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), the development of the modern GNSS infrastructure moved the monitoring of the Earth's ionosphere to a new methodological and technological level. The peculiarity of such monitoring is that it allows conducting different experimental studies including the study of the ionosphere directly while using the existing networks of reference GNSS stations intended for solving other problems. The application of the modern GNSS infrastructure is another innovative step in the ionospheric studies as such networks allow to conduct measurements continuously over time in any place. This is used during the monitoring of the ionosphere and allows studying the global and regional phenomena in the ionosphere in real time. Application of a network of continuously operating reference stations to determine numerical characteristics of the Earth's ionosphere allows creating an effective technology to monitor the ionosphere regionally. This technology is intended to solve both scientific problems concerning the space weather, and practical tasks such as providing coordinates of the geodetic level accuracy. For continuously operating reference GNSS stations, the results of the determined ionization identifier TEC (Total Electron Content). On the one hand, this data reflects the state of the ionosphere during the observation; on the other hand, it is a substantial tool for accuracy improvement and reliable determination of coordinates of the observation place. Thus, it was decided to solve a problem of restoring the spatial position of the ionospheric state or its ionization field according to the regular definitions of the TEC identifier, i.e. VTEC (Vertical TEC). The description below shows one of the possible solutions that is based on the spherical cap harmonic analysis method for modeling VTEC parameter. This method involves transformation of the initial data to a spherical cap and construction of model using associated Legendre functions of integer order but not necessarily of integer degree. Such functions form two orthogonal systems of functions on the spherical cap. The method was tested for network of permanent stations ZAKPOS.

CAP payments and agricultural GHG emissions in Italy. A farm-level assessment.

PubMed

Coderoni, Silvia; Esposti, Roberto

2018-06-15

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is an important external driver of European agricultural production. Nowadays and in its envisioned future structure post-2020, the CAP has among its major objectives tackling climate change, for what concerns both adaptation and mitigation strategies. However, little is known about the link between past CAP reforms and agricultural greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. This paper investigates the possible role played by the Fischler Reform (FR) on the agricultural GHG emissions at the farm level. The FR represents a major CAP reform for which data availability allows an ex-post analysis about its actual impacts. The empirical analysis concerns a balanced panel of 6542 Italian Farm Accountancy Data Network observed over years the 2003-2007. Multinomial Logit models are estimated in sequence to express how the farm-level production choices, and the respective emissions, vary over time also in response to CAP expenditure. Results suggest that CAP expenditure had a role in the evolution of the farm-level emissions, though the direction of this effect may differ across farms and deserves further investigation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Towards Onboard Orbital Tracking of Seasonal Polar Volatiles on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wagstaff, Kiri L.; Castano, Rebecca; Chien, Steve; Ivanov, anton B.; Titus, Timothy N.

2005-01-01

Current conditions on Mars support both a residual polar cap, composed mainly of water ice, and a seasonal cap, composed of CO2, which appears and disappears each winter. Kieffer and Titus characterized the recession of the seasonal south polar cap using an arctangent curve fit based on data from the Thermal Emission Spectrometer on Mars Global Surveyor [1]. They also found significant interannual deviations, at the regional scale, in the recession rate [2]. Further observations will enable the refinement of our models of polar cap evolution in both hemispheres. We have developed the Bimodal Image Temperature (BIT) Histogram Analysis method for the automated detection and tracking of the seasonal polar ice caps on Mars. It is specifically tailored for possible use onboard a spacecraft. We have evaluated BIT on uncalibrated data collected by the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) instrument [3] on the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. In this paper, we focus on the northern seasonal cap, but our approach is directly applicable to the future analysis of the southern seasonal ice cap as well.

Study of linear optical parameters of sodium sulphide nano-particles added ADP crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kochuparampil, A. P.; Joshi, J. H.; Dixit, K. P.; Jethva, H. O.; Joshi, M. J.

2017-05-01

Ammonium Dihydrogen Phosphate (ADP) is one of the nonlinear optical crystals. It is having various applications like optical mixing, electro-optical modulator, harmonic generators, etc. Chalcogenide compounds are poorly soluble in water and difficult to add in the water soluble ADP crystals. The solubility of Chalcogenide compounds can be increased by synthesizing the nano-structured samples with suitable capping agent. In the present study sodium sulphide was added in to ADP to modify its linear optical parameters. Sodium sulphide nano particles were synthesized by co-precipitation technique using Ethylene diamine as capping agent followed by microwave irradiation. The powder XRD confirmed the nano-structured nature of sodium sulphide nano particles. The solubility of nanoparticles of sodium sulphide increased significantly in water compared to the bulk. Pure and Na2S added ADP crystals were grown by slow solvent evaporation method at room temperature. The presence of sodium in ADP was confirmed by AAS. The UV-Vis spectra were recorded for all crystals. Various optical parameters like, transmittance, energy band gap, extinction coefficient, refractive index, optical conductivity, etc. were evaluated. The electronic polarizibility of pure and doped crystals calculated from energy band gap. The effect of doping concentration was found on various parameters.

Experimental and theoretical studies on vibrational spectra of 4-(2-furanylmethyleneamino)antipyrine, 4-benzylideneaminoantipyrine and 4-cinnamilideneaminoantipyrine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yu-Xi; Hao, Qing-Li; Yu, Zong-Xue; Jiang, Wen-Jun; Lu, Lu-De; Wang, Xin

2009-09-01

This work deals with the IR and Raman spectroscopy of 4-(2-furanylmethyleneamino) antipyrine (FAP), 4-benzylideneaminoantipyrine (BAP) and 4-cinnamilideneaminoantipyrine (CAP) by means of experimental and quantum chemical calculations. The equilibrium geometries, harmonic frequencies, infrared intensities and Raman scattering activities were calculated by density functional B3LYP method with the 6-31G(d) basis set. The comparisons between the calculated and experimental results covering molecular structures, assignments of fundamental vibrational modes and thermodynamic properties were investigated. The optimized molecular geometries have been compared with the experimental data obtained from XRD data, which indicates that the theoretical results agree well with the corresponding experimental values. For the three compounds, comparisons and assignments of the vibrational frequencies indicate that the calculated frequencies are close to the experimental data, and the IR spectra are comparable with some slight differences, whereas the Raman spectra are different clearly and the strongest Raman scattering actives are relative tightly to the molecular conjugative moieties linked through their Schiff base imines. The thermodynamic properties (heat capacities, entropies and enthalpy changes) and their correlations with temperatures were also obtained from the harmonic frequencies of the optimized strucutres.

Generalized Wideband Harmonic Imaging of Nonlinearly Loaded Scatterers: Theory, Analysis, and Application for Forward-Looking Radar Target Detection

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

signal) operations; it is general enough so that it can accommodate high - power (large-signal) sensing as well—which may be needed to detect targets... Generalized Wideband Harmonic Imaging of Nonlinearly Loaded Scatterers: Theory, Analysis, and Application for Forward-Looking Radar Target...Research Laboratory Adelphi, MD 20783-1138 ARL-TR-7121 September 2014 Generalized Wideband Harmonic Imaging of Nonlinearly Loaded

Resolution-Enhanced Harmonic and Interharmonic Measurement for Power Quality Analysis in Cyber-Physical Energy System.

PubMed

Liu, Yanchi; Wang, Xue; Liu, Youda; Cui, Sujin

2016-06-27

Power quality analysis issues, especially the measurement of harmonic and interharmonic in cyber-physical energy systems, are addressed in this paper. As new situations are introduced to the power system, the impact of electric vehicles, distributed generation and renewable energy has introduced extra demands to distributed sensors, waveform-level information and power quality data analytics. Harmonics and interharmonics, as the most significant disturbances, require carefully designed detection methods for an accurate measurement of electric loads whose information is crucial to subsequent analyzing and control. This paper gives a detailed description of the power quality analysis framework in networked environment and presents a fast and resolution-enhanced method for harmonic and interharmonic measurement. The proposed method first extracts harmonic and interharmonic components efficiently using the single-channel version of Robust Independent Component Analysis (RobustICA), then estimates the high-resolution frequency from three discrete Fourier transform (DFT) samples with little additional computation, and finally computes the amplitudes and phases with the adaptive linear neuron network. The experiments show that the proposed method is time-efficient and leads to a better accuracy of the simulated and experimental signals in the presence of noise and fundamental frequency deviation, thus providing a deeper insight into the (inter)harmonic sources or even the whole system.

Resolution-Enhanced Harmonic and Interharmonic Measurement for Power Quality Analysis in Cyber-Physical Energy System

PubMed Central

Liu, Yanchi; Wang, Xue; Liu, Youda; Cui, Sujin

2016-01-01

Power quality analysis issues, especially the measurement of harmonic and interharmonic in cyber-physical energy systems, are addressed in this paper. As new situations are introduced to the power system, the impact of electric vehicles, distributed generation and renewable energy has introduced extra demands to distributed sensors, waveform-level information and power quality data analytics. Harmonics and interharmonics, as the most significant disturbances, require carefully designed detection methods for an accurate measurement of electric loads whose information is crucial to subsequent analyzing and control. This paper gives a detailed description of the power quality analysis framework in networked environment and presents a fast and resolution-enhanced method for harmonic and interharmonic measurement. The proposed method first extracts harmonic and interharmonic components efficiently using the single-channel version of Robust Independent Component Analysis (RobustICA), then estimates the high-resolution frequency from three discrete Fourier transform (DFT) samples with little additional computation, and finally computes the amplitudes and phases with the adaptive linear neuron network. The experiments show that the proposed method is time-efficient and leads to a better accuracy of the simulated and experimental signals in the presence of noise and fundamental frequency deviation, thus providing a deeper insight into the (inter)harmonic sources or even the whole system. PMID:27355946

Diagnostic criteria for cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS).

PubMed

Kuemmerle-Deschner, Jasmin B; Ozen, Seza; Tyrrell, Pascal N; Kone-Paut, Isabelle; Goldbach-Mansky, Raphaela; Lachmann, Helen; Blank, Norbert; Hoffman, Hal M; Weissbarth-Riedel, Elisabeth; Hugle, Boris; Kallinich, Tilmann; Gattorno, Marco; Gul, Ahmet; Ter Haar, Nienke; Oswald, Marlen; Dedeoglu, Fatma; Cantarini, Luca; Benseler, Susanne M

2017-06-01

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is a rare, heterogeneous disease entity associated with NLRP3 gene mutations and increased interleukin-1 (IL-1) secretion. Early diagnosis and rapid initiation of IL-1 inhibition prevent organ damage. The aim of the study was to develop and validate diagnostic criteria for CAPS. An innovative process was followed including interdisciplinary team building, item generation: review of CAPS registries, systematic literature review, expert surveys, consensus conferences for item refinement, item reduction and weighting using 1000Minds decision software. Resulting CAPS criteria were tested in large cohorts of CAPS cases and controls using correspondence analysis. Diagnostic models were explored using sensitivity analyses. The international team included 16 experts. Systematic literature and registry review identified 33 CAPS-typical items; the consensus conferences reduced these to 14. 1000Minds exercises ranked variables based on importance for the diagnosis. Correspondence analysis determined variables consistently associated with the diagnosis of CAPS using 284 cases and 837 controls. Seven variables were significantly associated with CAPS (p<0.001). The best diagnosis model included: Raised inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein/serum amyloid A) plus ≥two of six CAPS-typical symptoms: urticaria-like rash, cold-triggered episodes, sensorineural hearing loss, musculoskeletal symptoms, chronic aseptic meningitis and skeletal abnormalities. Sensitivity was 81%, specificity 94%. It performed well for all CAPS subtypes and regardless of NLRP3 mutation. The novel approach integrated traditional methods of evidence synthesis with expert consensus, web-based decision tools and innovative statistical methods and may serve as model for other rare diseases. These criteria will enable a rapid diagnosis for children and adults with CAPS. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Extraction of small boat harmonic signatures from passive sonar.

PubMed

Ogden, George L; Zurk, Lisa M; Jones, Mark E; Peterson, Mary E

2011-06-01

This paper investigates the extraction of acoustic signatures from small boats using a passive sonar system. Noise radiated from a small boats consists of broadband noise and harmonically related tones that correspond to engine and propeller specifications. A signal processing method to automatically extract the harmonic structure of noise radiated from small boats is developed. The Harmonic Extraction and Analysis Tool (HEAT) estimates the instantaneous fundamental frequency of the harmonic tones, refines the fundamental frequency estimate using a Kalman filter, and automatically extracts the amplitudes of the harmonic tonals to generate a harmonic signature for the boat. Results are presented that show the HEAT algorithms ability to extract these signatures. © 2011 Acoustical Society of America

76 FR 6536 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-215-1A10 (CL-215), CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-07

... analysis of the systems and structure in the potential line of trajectory of a failed screw cap/end cap for... of aileron control [and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane]. * * * * * We are issuing... in the potential line of trajectory of a failed screw cap/end cap for each accumulator has been...

Software development and its description for Geoid determination based on Spherical-Cap-Harmonics Modelling using digital-zenith camera and gravimetric measurements hybrid data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morozova, K.; Jaeger, R.; Balodis, J.; Kaminskis, J.

2017-10-01

Over several years the Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformatics (GGI) was engaged in the design and development of a digital zenith camera. At the moment the camera developments are finished and tests by field measurements are done. In order to check these data and to use them for geoid model determination DFHRS (Digital Finite element Height reference surface (HRS)) v4.3. software is used. It is based on parametric modelling of the HRS as a continous polynomial surface. The HRS, providing the local Geoid height N, is a necessary geodetic infrastructure for a GNSS-based determination of physcial heights H from ellipsoidal GNSS heights h, by H=h-N. The research and this publication is dealing with the inclusion of the data of observed vertical deflections from digital zenith camera into the mathematical model of the DFHRS approach and software v4.3. A first target was to test out and validate the mathematical model and software, using additionally real data of the above mentioned zenith camera observations of deflections of the vertical. A second concern of the research was to analyze the results and the improvement of the Latvian quasi-geoid computation compared to the previous version HRS computed without zenith camera based deflections of the vertical. The further development of the mathematical model and software concerns the use of spherical-cap-harmonics as the designed carrier function for the DFHRS v.5. It enables - in the sense of the strict integrated geodesy approach, holding also for geodetic network adjustment - both a full gravity field and a geoid and quasi-geoid determination. In addition, it allows the inclusion of gravimetric measurements, together with deflections of the vertical from digital-zenith cameras, and all other types of observations. The theoretical description of the updated version of DFHRS software and methods are discussed in this publication.

RNA Cap Methyltransferase Activity Assay

PubMed Central

Trotman, Jackson B.; Schoenberg, Daniel R.

2018-01-01

Methyltransferases that methylate the guanine-N7 position of the mRNA 5′ cap structure are ubiquitous among eukaryotes and commonly encoded by viruses. Here we provide a detailed protocol for the biochemical analysis of RNA cap methyltransferase activity of biological samples. This assay involves incubation of cap-methyltransferase-containing samples with a [32P]G-capped RNA substrate and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to produce RNAs with N7-methylated caps. The extent of cap methylation is then determined by P1 nuclease digestion, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and phosphorimaging. The protocol described here includes additional steps for generating the [32P]G-capped RNA substrate and for preparing nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts from mammalian cells. This assay is also applicable to analyzing the cap methyltransferase activity of other biological samples, including recombinant protein preparations and fractions from analytical separations and immunoprecipitation/pulldown experiments. PMID:29644259

Bi-harmonic cantilever design for improved measurement sensitivity in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Loganathan, Muthukumaran; Bristow, Douglas A

2014-04-01

This paper presents a method and cantilever design for improving the mechanical measurement sensitivity in the atomic force microscopy (AFM) tapping mode. The method uses two harmonics in the drive signal to generate a bi-harmonic tapping trajectory. Mathematical analysis demonstrates that the wide-valley bi-harmonic tapping trajectory is as much as 70% more sensitive to changes in the sample topography than the standard single-harmonic trajectory typically used. Although standard AFM cantilevers can be driven in the bi-harmonic tapping trajectory, they require large forcing at the second harmonic. A design is presented for a bi-harmonic cantilever that has a second resonant mode at twice its first resonant mode, thereby capable of generating bi-harmonic trajectories with small forcing signals. Bi-harmonic cantilevers are fabricated by milling a small cantilever on the interior of a standard cantilever probe using a focused ion beam. Bi-harmonic drive signals are derived for standard cantilevers and bi-harmonic cantilevers. Experimental results demonstrate better than 30% improvement in measurement sensitivity using the bi-harmonic cantilever. Images obtained through bi-harmonic tapping exhibit improved sharpness and surface tracking, especially at high scan speeds and low force fields.

Real time analysis of voiced sounds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hong, J. P. (Inventor)

1976-01-01

A power spectrum analysis of the harmonic content of a voiced sound signal is conducted in real time by phase-lock-loop tracking of the fundamental frequency, (f sub 0) of the signal and successive harmonics (h sub 1 through h sub n) of the fundamental frequency. The analysis also includes measuring the quadrature power and phase of each frequency tracked, differentiating the power measurements of the harmonics in adjacent pairs, and analyzing successive differentials to determine peak power points in the power spectrum for display or use in analysis of voiced sound, such as for voice recognition.

Impact evaluation of environmental factors on respiratory function of asthma patients living in urban territory.

PubMed

Veremchuk, Lyudmila V; Tsarouhas, Konstantinos; Vitkina, Tatyana I; Mineeva, Elena E; Gvozdenko, Tatyana A; Antonyuk, Marina V; Rakitskii, Valeri N; Sidletskaya, Karolina A; Tsatsakis, Aristidis M; Golokhvast, Kirill S

2018-04-01

Environmental pollution, local climatic conditions and their association with the prevalence and exacerbation of asthma are topics of intense current medical investigation. Air pollution in the area of Vladivostock was estimated both by the index of emission volumes of "air gaseous components" (nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide) in urban atmosphere and by mass spectrometric analysis of precipitates in snow samples. A total of 172 local asthma patients (101 controlled-asthma patients-CAP and 71 non-controlled asthma patients - nCAP) were evaluated with the use of spirometry and body plethysmography. Airway obstruction reversibility was evaluated with the use of an inhaled bronchodilator. Using discriminant analysis the association of environmental parameters with clinical indices of asthma patients is explored and thresholds of impact are established. CAP presented high sensitivity to large-size suspended air particles and to several of the studied climatic parameters. Discriminant analysis showed high values of Wilks' lambda index (α = 0.69-0.81), which implies limited influence of environmental factors on the respiratory parameters of CAP. nCAP were more sensitive and susceptible to the majority of the environmental factors studied, including air suspended toxic metals particles (Cr, Zn and Ni). Air suspended particles showed higher tendency for pathogenicity in nCAP population than in the CAP, with a wider range of particle sizes being involved. Dust fractions ranging from 0 to 1 μm and from 50 to 100 μm were additionally implicated compared to CAP group. Considerably lowest thresholds levels of impact are calculated for nCAP. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Etiological analysis and predictive diagnostic model building of community-acquired pneumonia in adult outpatients in Beijing, China.

PubMed

Liu, Ya-Fen; Gao, Yan; Chen, Mei-Fang; Cao, Bin; Yang, Xiao-Hua; Wei, Lai

2013-07-09

Etiological epidemiology and diagnosis are important issues in adult community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and identifying pathogens based on patient clinical features is especially a challenge. CAP-associated main pathogens in adults include viruses as well as bacteria. However, large-scale epidemiological investigations of adult viral CAP in China are still lacking. In this study, we analyzed the etiology of adult CAP in Beijing, China and constructed diagnostic models based on combinations of patient clinical factors. A multicenter cohort was established with 500 adult CAP outpatients enrolled in Beijing between November 2010 to October 2011. Multiplex and quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect 15 respiratory viruses and mycoplasma pneumoniae, respectively. Bacteria were detected with culture and enzyme immunoassay of the Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen. Univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, discriminatory analysis and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to build predictive models for etiological diagnosis of adult CAP. Pathogens were detected in 54.2% (271/500) of study patients. Viruses accounted for 36.4% (182/500), mycoplasma pneumoniae for 18.0% (90/500) and bacteria for 14.4% (72/500) of the cases. In 182 of the patients with viruses, 219 virus strains were detected, including 166 single and 53 mixed viral infections. Influenza A virus represented the greatest proportion with 42.0% (92/219) and 9.1% (20/219) in single and mixed viral infections, respectively. Factors selected for the predictive etiological diagnostic model of viral CAP included cough, dyspnea, absence of chest pain and white blood cell count (4.0-10.0) × 10(9)/L, and those of mycoplasma pneumoniae CAP were being younger than 45 years old and the absence of a coexisting disease. However, these models showed low accuracy levels for etiological diagnosis (areas under ROC curve for virus and mycoplasma pneumoniae were both 0.61, P < 0.05). Greater consideration should be given to viral and mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in adult CAP outpatients. While predictive etiological diagnostic models of viral and mycoplasma pneumoniae based on combinations of demographic and clinical factors may provide indications of etiology, diagnostic confirmation of CAP remains dependent on laboratory pathogen test results.

Use of Electrically Evoked Compound Action Potentials for Cochlear Implant Fitting: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

de Vos, Johan J; Biesheuvel, Jan Dirk; Briaire, Jeroen J; Boot, Pieter S; van Gendt, Margriet J; Dekkers, Olaf M; Fiocco, Marta; Frijns, Johan H M

The electrically evoked compound action potential (eCAP) is widely used in the clinic as an objective measure to assess cochlear implant functionality. During the past decade, there has been increasing interest in applying eCAPs for fitting of cochlear implants. Several studies have shown that eCAP-based fitting can potentially replace time-consuming behavioral fitting procedures, especially in young children. However, a closer look to all available literature revealed that there is no clear consensus on the validity of this fitting procedure. This study evaluated the validity of eCAP-based fitting of cochlear implant recipients based on a systematic review of the recent literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses were used to search the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. The term "eCAP" was combined with "cochlear implants," "thresholds," and "levels," in addition to a range of related terms. Finally, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies were evaluated on the risk of bias and, when possible, compared by meta-analysis. Almost all assessed studies suffered from some form of risk of bias. Twenty-nine of the studies based their conclusion on a group correlation instead of individual subject correlations (analytical bias); 14 studies were unclear about randomization or blinding (outcome assessment bias); 9 studies provided no clear description of the populations used, for example, prelingually or postlingually implanted subjects (selection bias); and 4 studies had a high rate of loss (>10%) for patients or electrodes (attrition bias). Meta-analysis of these studies revealed a weak pooled correlation between eCAP thresholds and both behavioral T- and C-levels (r = 0.58 and r = 0.61, respectively). This review shows that the majority of the assessed studies suffered from substantial shortcomings in study design and statistical analysis. Meta-analysis showed that there is only weak evidence to support the use of eCAP data for cochlear implant fitting purposes; eCAP thresholds are an equally weak predictor for both T- and C-levels. Based on this review, it can be concluded that research on eCAP-based fitting needs a profound reflection on study design and analysis to draw well-grounded conclusions about the validity of eCAP-based fitting of cochlear implant recipients.

Quantitative maps of geomagnetic perturbation vectors during substorm onset and recovery

PubMed Central

Pothier, N M; Weimer, D R; Moore, W B

2015-01-01

We have produced the first series of spherical harmonic, numerical maps of the time-dependent surface perturbations in the Earth's magnetic field following the onset of substorms. Data from 124 ground magnetometer stations in the Northern Hemisphere at geomagnetic latitudes above 33° were used. Ground station data averaged over 5 min intervals covering 8 years (1998–2005) were used to construct pseudo auroral upper, auroral lower, and auroral electrojet (AU*, AL*, and AE*) indices. These indices were used to generate a list of substorms that extended from 1998 to 2005, through a combination of automated processing and visual checks. Events were sorted by interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) orientation (at the Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) satellite), dipole tilt angle, and substorm magnitude. Within each category, the events were aligned on substorm onset. A spherical cap harmonic analysis was used to obtain a least error fit of the substorm disturbance patterns at 5 min intervals up to 90 min after onset. The fits obtained at onset time were subtracted from all subsequent fits, for each group of substorm events. Maps of the three vector components of the averaged magnetic perturbations were constructed to show the effects of substorm currents. These maps are produced for several specific ranges of values for the peak |AL*| index, IMF orientation, and dipole tilt angle. We demonstrate an influence of the dipole tilt angle on the response to substorms. Our results indicate that there are downward currents poleward and upward currents just equatorward of the peak in the substorms' westward electrojet. Key Points Show quantitative maps of ground geomagnetic perturbations due to substorms Three vector components mapped as function of time during onset and recovery Compare/contrast results for different tilt angle and sign of IMF Y-component PMID:26167445

Effect of Frequency and Spatial-Harmonics on Rotary and Linear Induction Motor Characteristics

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1972-03-01

A computer analysis is made of the effect of current and MMF airgap harmonics on the output characteristics of rotary and linear induction motors. The current harmonics accompanying thyristor-control operation are evaluated by Fourier analyzing the p...

The use of harmonic analysis to investigate processes in irradiated transistor structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnap, A. K.; Zaliubovskii, I. I.; Dakhov, V. M.; Pelikhatyi, N. M.; Filippenko, V. E.

A theoretical model is developed for analyzing the behavior of transistor structures under irradiation by high-energy particles. Specifically, attention is given to the operation of a transistor switch under irradiation by 2-MeV neutrons. The proposed approach involves the replacement of the actual voltage pulse by a trapezoidal pulse, and the application of harmonic analysis to the latter. The parameters of the actual pulse can then be determined from an analysis of the constant component of the signal and the value of one of its harmonics.

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

PubMed

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

2014-02-01

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

Acute and subacute effects of the ultrasonic blade and electrosurgery on nerve physiology.

PubMed

Chen, Chaoyang; Kallakuri, Srinivasu; Cavanaugh, John M; Broughton, Duan; Clymer, Jeffrey W

2015-01-01

Ultrasonic blades have been shown to cause less acute electrophysiological damage when applied near nerves than monopolar electrosurgery (ES). This study was performed to determine whether the acute nerve damage observed for ES, as well as the relative lack of damage observed for ultrasonic dissection, extends through a subacute timeframe. Muscle incisions were made in rat with the Harmonic(®) Blade (HB) and ES at a distance of 2 mm from the sciatic nerve. Sham surgery was also performed which consisted of similar exposure of the sciatic nerve without use of an energized device. Electrophysiological function was assessed acutely over a 3-h period, and subacutely after a 7-day survival, by monitoring the sciatic nerve compound action potential (CAP), conduction velocity (CV), von Frey hair (VFH) stimulation force, leukocyte infiltration, and impaired axonal transport via β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) immunocytochemistry. During the acute period, ES produced significantly lower CAP and CV, and higher levels of leukocytes and β-APP than sham, whereas the ultrasonic blade was not significantly different from sham, and had significantly lower VFH force than ES. After the subacute survival, ES continued to display significantly lower CAP and CV, and higher levels of leukocytes and β-APP than sham, whereas ultrasonic blade had higher CAP and CV than sham, and lower VFH than ES. This study confirms that incisions made with an ultrasonic blade cause less acute nerve damage than monopolar ES, and are comparable to sham surgery at a distance of 2 mm from the sciatic nerve. The negative effects of electrosurgery extend through at least a 7-day survival period, whereas subacute recovery after application of the ultrasonic blade was comparable to that of sham surgery. For surgical procedures in the vicinity of vital nerves, use of the ultrasonic blade represents a lower risk than ES for both acute and subacute neural trauma.

Role of laser irradiation in direct pulp capping procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Javed, Fawad; Kellesarian, Sergio Varela; Abduljabbar, Tariq; Gholamiazizi, Elham; Feng, Changyong; Aldosary, Khaled; Vohra, Fahim; Romanos, Georgios E

2017-02-01

A variety of materials are available to treat exposed dental pulp by direct pulp capping. The healing response of the pulp is crucial to form a dentin bridge and seal off the exposed pulp. Studies have used lasers to stimulate the exposed pulp to form tertiary dentin. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the evidence on the effects of laser irradiation as an adjunctive therapy to stimulate healing after pulp exposure. A systematic literature search was conducted up to April 2016. A structured search using the keywords "Direct pulp capping," "Lasers," "Calcium hydroxide pulp capping," and "Resin pulp capping" was performed. Initially, 34 potentially relevant articles were identified. After removal of duplicates and screening by title, abstract, and full text when necessary, nine studies were included. Studies were assessed for bias and data were synthetized using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Six studies were clinical, and three were preclinical animal trials; the follow-up period ranged from 2 weeks to 54 months. More than two thirds of the included studies showed that laser therapy used as an adjunct for direct pulp capping was more effective in maintaining pulp vitality than conventional therapy alone. Meta-analysis showed that the success rate in the laser treatment group was significantly higher than the control group (log odds ratio = 1.737; 95 % confidence interval, 1.304-2.171). Lasers treatment of exposed pulps can improve the outcome of direct pulp capping procedures; a number of confounding factors may have influenced the outcomes of the included studies.

Perturbing laser field dependent high harmonic phase modulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhengyan; Kong, Fanqi; Brown, Graham; Hammond, TJ; Ko, Dong-Hyuk; Zhang, Chunmei; Corkum, P. B.

2018-06-01

A perturbing laser pulse modulates and controls the phase of the high harmonic radiation driven by an intense fundamental pulse. Thus, a structured wave front can impress a specific spatial phase onto the generated high harmonic wave front. This modulation procedure leads to all-optical spatial light modulators for VUV or XUV radiation created by high harmonic generation. Here, through theoretical analysis and experiment, we study the correlation between the high harmonic phase modulations and the perturbing laser field amplitude and phase, providing guidelines for practical high harmonic spatial light modulators. In addition, we show that the petahertz optical oscilloscope for measuring electric fields of a perturbing beam is most robust using low order harmonics, far from the cut-off.

Selection rules for harmonic generation in solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moiseyev, Nimrod

2015-05-01

High-order harmonic generation (HHG) in a bulk crystal was first observed in 2011 [S. Ghimire, A. D. DiChiara, E. Sistrunk, P. Agostini, L. F. DiMauro, and D. A. Reis, Nat. Phys. 7, 138 (2011), 10.1038/nphys1847]. Only odd-order harmonics were observed as expected on the basis of the selection rules in solids, which were derived when only the interband currents were taken into consideration. Here we study HHG in solids when the intraband currents are taken into consideration as well. We show that the dynamical selection rules are broken in solids and the possibility of generation of even-order harmonics cannot be excluded on the basis of the dynamical symmetry analysis. However, a simple analysis of the expression we obtained for the amplitude of the emitted high-order harmonics shows, without the need to carry out numerical calculations, that the even-order harmonics are suppressed due to the localization of the field-free one-electron density probability on the atoms in the solids.

[Genetic, epidemiologic and clinical study of familial prostate cancer].

PubMed

Valéri, Antoine

2002-01-01

Prostate cancer (CaP) is the most frequent cancer among men over 50 and its frequency increases with age. It has become a significant public health problem due to the ageing population. Epidemiologists report familial aggregation in 15 to 25% of cases and inherited susceptibility with autosomal dominant or X-linked model in 5 to 10% of cases. Clinical and biological features of familial CaP remain controversial. To perform: (1) Genetic study of familial Cap (mapping of susceptibility genes), (2) epidemiologic study (prevalence, associated cancers in the genealogy, model of transmission), and clinical study of familial CaP. (I) conducting a nationwide family collection (ProGène study) with 2+ CaP we have performed a genomewide linkage analysis and identified a predisposing locus on 1q42.2-43 named PCaP (Predisposing to Cancer of the Prostate); (II) conducting a systematic genealogic analysis of 691 CaP followed up in 3 University departments of urology (Hospitals of Brest, Paris St Louis and Nancy) we have observed: (1) 14.2% of familial and 3.6% of hereditary CaP, (2) a higher risk of breast cancer in first degree relatives of probands (CaP+) in familial CaP than in sporadic CaP and in early onset CaP (< 55 years) when compared with late onset CaP ([dG]75 years), (3) an autosomal dominant model with brother-brother dependance), (4) the lack of specific clinical or biological feature (except for early onset) in hereditary CaP when compared with sporadic CaP. (1) The mapping of a susceptibility locus will permit the cloning of a predisposing gene on 1q42.2-43, offer the possibility of genetic screening in families at risk and permit genotype/phenotype correlation studies; (2) the transmission model will improve parameteric linkage studies; (3) the lack of distinct specific clinical patterns suggest diagnostic and follow up modalities for familial and hereditary CaP similar to sporadic cancer while encouraging early screening of families at risk, given the earlier onset (5 to 10 years earlier) observed.

Temporal dynamics of the compositions and activities of soil microbial communities post-application of the insecticide chlorantraniliprole in paddy soils.

PubMed

Wu, Meng; Liu, Jia; Li, Weitao; Liu, Ming; Jiang, Chunyu; Li, Zhongpei

2017-10-01

Chlorantraniliprole (CAP) is a newly developed insecticide widely used in rice fields in China. There has been few studies evaluating the toxicological effects of CAP on soil-associated microbes. An 85-day microcosm experiment was performed to reveal the dissipation dynamics of CAP in three types of paddy soils in subtropical China. The effects of CAP on microbial activities (microbial biomass carbon-MBC, basal soil respiration-BSR, microbial metabolic quotient-qCO 2 , acid phosphatase and sucrose invertase activities) in the soils were periodically evaluated. Microbial phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis was used to evaluate the change of soil microbial community composition on day 14 and 50 of the experiment. CAP residues were extracted using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuChERS) method and quantification was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The half-lives (DT 50 ) of CAP were in the range of 41.0-53.0 days in the three soils. The results showed that CAP did not impart negative effects on MBC during the incubation. CAP inhibited BSR, qCO 2 , acid phosphatase and sucrose invertase activities in the first 14 days of incubation in all the soils. After day 14, the soil microbial parameters of CAP-treated soils became statistically at par with their controls. Principal component analysis (PCA) determining abundance of biomarker PLFAs indicated that the application of CAP significantly changed the compositions of microbial communities in all three paddy soils on day 14 but the compositions of soil microbial communities recovered by day 50. This study indicates that CAP does not ultimately impair microbial activities and microbial compositions of these three paddy soil types. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polarization properties of below-threshold harmonics from aligned molecules H2+ in linearly polarized laser fields.

PubMed

Dong, Fulong; Tian, Yiqun; Yu, Shujuan; Wang, Shang; Yang, Shiping; Chen, Yanjun

2015-07-13

We investigate the polarization properties of below-threshold harmonics from aligned molecules in linearly polarized laser fields numerically and analytically. We focus on lower-order harmonics (LOHs). Our simulations show that the ellipticity of below-threshold LOHs depends strongly on the orientation angle and differs significantly for different harmonic orders. Our analysis reveals that this LOH ellipticity is closely associated with resonance effects and the axis symmetry of the molecule. These results shed light on the complex generation mechanism of below-threshold harmonics from aligned molecules.

Physiological and harmonic components in neural and muscular coherence in Parkinsonian tremor.

PubMed

Wang, Shouyan; Aziz, Tipu Z; Stein, John F; Bain, Peter G; Liu, Xuguang

2006-07-01

To differentiate physiological from harmonic components in coherence analysis of the tremor-related neural and muscular signals by comparing power, cross-power and coherence spectra. Influences of waveform, burst-width and additional noise on generating harmonic peaks in the power, cross-power and coherence spectra were studied using simulated signals. The local field potentials (LFPs) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the EMGs of the contralateral forearm muscles in PD patients with rest tremor were analysed. (1) Waveform had significant effect on generating harmonics; (2) noise significantly decreased the coherence values in a frequency-dependent fashion; and (3) cross-spectrum showed high resistance to harmonics. Among six examples of paired LFP-EMG signals, significant coherence appeared at the tremor frequency only, both the tremor and double tremor frequencies and the double-tremor frequency only. In coherence analysis of neural and muscular signals, distortion in waveform generates significant harmonic peaks in the coherence spectra and the coherence values of both physiological and harmonic components are modulated by extra noise or non-tremor related activity. The physiological or harmonic nature of a coherence peak at the double tremor frequency may be differentiated when the coherence spectra are compared with the power and in particular the cross-power spectra.

Clinical audit project in undergraduate medical education curriculum: an assessment validation study

PubMed Central

Steketee, Carole; Mak, Donna

2016-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the merit of the Clinical Audit Project (CAP) in an assessment program for undergraduate medical education using a systematic assessment validation framework. Methods A cross-sectional assessment validation study at one medical school in Western Australia, with retrospective qualitative analysis of the design, development, implementation and outcomes of the CAP, and quantitative analysis of assessment data from four cohorts of medical students (2011- 2014). Results The CAP is fit for purpose with clear external and internal alignment to expected medical graduate outcomes.  Substantive validity in students’ and examiners’ response processes is ensured through relevant methodological and cognitive processes. Multiple validity features are built-in to the design, planning and implementation process of the CAP.  There is evidence of high internal consistency reliability of CAP scores (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.8) and inter-examiner consistency reliability (intra-class correlation>0.7). Aggregation of CAP scores is psychometrically sound, with high internal consistency indicating one common underlying construct.  Significant but moderate correlations between CAP scores and scores from other assessment modalities indicate validity of extrapolation and alignment between the CAP and the overall target outcomes of medical graduates.  Standard setting, score equating and fair decision rules justify consequential validity of CAP scores interpretation and use. Conclusions This study provides evidence demonstrating that the CAP is a meaningful and valid component in the assessment program. This systematic framework of validation can be adopted for all levels of assessment in medical education, from individual assessment modality, to the validation of an assessment program as a whole.  PMID:27716612

Clinical audit project in undergraduate medical education curriculum: an assessment validation study.

PubMed

Tor, Elina; Steketee, Carole; Mak, Donna

2016-09-24

To evaluate the merit of the Clinical Audit Project (CAP) in an assessment program for undergraduate medical education using a systematic assessment validation framework. A cross-sectional assessment validation study at one medical school in Western Australia, with retrospective qualitative analysis of the design, development, implementation and outcomes of the CAP, and quantitative analysis of assessment data from four cohorts of medical students (2011- 2014). The CAP is fit for purpose with clear external and internal alignment to expected medical graduate outcomes.  Substantive validity in students' and examiners' response processes is ensured through relevant methodological and cognitive processes. Multiple validity features are built-in to the design, planning and implementation process of the CAP.  There is evidence of high internal consistency reliability of CAP scores (Cronbach's alpha > 0.8) and inter-examiner consistency reliability (intra-class correlation>0.7). Aggregation of CAP scores is psychometrically sound, with high internal consistency indicating one common underlying construct.  Significant but moderate correlations between CAP scores and scores from other assessment modalities indicate validity of extrapolation and alignment between the CAP and the overall target outcomes of medical graduates.  Standard setting, score equating and fair decision rules justify consequential validity of CAP scores interpretation and use. This study provides evidence demonstrating that the CAP is a meaningful and valid component in the assessment program. This systematic framework of validation can be adopted for all levels of assessment in medical education, from individual assessment modality, to the validation of an assessment program as a whole.

Characterization of Deficiencies in the Frequency Domain Forced Response Analysis Technique for Supersonic Turbine Bladed Disks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Andrew M.; Schmauch, Preston

2011-01-01

Turbine blades in rocket and jet engine turbomachinery experience enormous harmonic loading conditions. These loads result from the integer number of upstream and downstream stator vanes as well as the other turbine stages. Assessing the blade structural integrity is a complex task requiring an initial characterization of whether resonance is possible and then performing a forced response analysis if that condition is met. The standard technique for forced response analysis in rocket engines is to decompose a CFD-generated flow field into its harmonic components, and to then perform a frequency response analysis at the problematic natural frequencies. Recent CFD analysis and water-flow testing at NASA/MSFC, though, indicates that this technique may miss substantial harmonic and non-harmonic excitation sources that become present in complex flows. A substantial effort has been made to account for this denser spatial Fourier content in frequency response analysis (described in another paper by the author), but the question still remains whether the frequency response analysis itself is capable of capturing the excitation content sufficiently. Two studies comparing frequency response analysis with transient response analysis, therefore, of bladed-disks undergoing this complex flow environment have been performed. The first is of a bladed disk with each blade modeled by simple beam elements. Six loading cases were generated by varying a baseline harmonic excitation in different ways based upon cold-flow testing from Heritage Fuel Air Turbine Test. It was hypothesized that the randomness and other variation from the standard harmonic excitation would reduce the blade structural response, but the results showed little reduction. The second study was of a realistic model of a bladed-disk excited by the same CFD used in the J2X engine program. It was hypothesized that enforcing periodicity in the CFD (inherent in the frequency response technique) would overestimate the response. The results instead showed that the transient analysis results were up to 10% higher for "clean" nodal diameter excitations and six times larger for "messy" excitations, where substantial Fourier content around the main harmonic exists. Because the bulk of resonance problems are due to the "clean" excitations, a 10% underprediction is not necessarily a problem, especially since the average response in the transient is similar to the frequency response result, and so in a realistic finite life calculation, the life would be same. However, in the rare cases when the "messy" excitations harmonics are identified as the source of potential resonance concerns, this research does indicate that frequency response analysis is inadequate for accurate characterization of blade structural capability.

A survey of work engagement and psychological capital levels.

PubMed

Bonner, Lynda

2016-08-11

To evaluate the relationship between work engagement and psychological capital (PsyCap) levels reported by registered nurses. PsyCap is a developable human resource. Research on PsyCap as an antecedent to work engagement in nurses is needed. A convenience sample of 137 registered nurses participated in this quantitative cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires measured self-reported levels of work engagement and psychological capital. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. There was a statistically significant correlation between work engagement and PsyCap scores (r=0.633, p<0.01). Nurses working at band 5 level reported statistically significantly lower PsyCap scores compared with nurses working at band 6 and 7 levels. Nurses reporting high levels of work engagement also reported high levels of PsyCap. Band 5 nurses might benefit most from interventions to increase their PsyCap. This study supports PsyCap as an antecedent to work engagement.

Maelstrom Research guidelines for rigorous retrospective data harmonization

PubMed Central

Fortier, Isabel; Raina, Parminder; Van den Heuvel, Edwin R; Griffith, Lauren E; Craig, Camille; Saliba, Matilda; Doiron, Dany; Stolk, Ronald P; Knoppers, Bartha M; Ferretti, Vincent; Granda, Peter; Burton, Paul

2017-01-01

Abstract Background: It is widely accepted and acknowledged that data harmonization is crucial: in its absence, the co-analysis of major tranches of high quality extant data is liable to inefficiency or error. However, despite its widespread practice, no formalized/systematic guidelines exist to ensure high quality retrospective data harmonization. Methods: To better understand real-world harmonization practices and facilitate development of formal guidelines, three interrelated initiatives were undertaken between 2006 and 2015. They included a phone survey with 34 major international research initiatives, a series of workshops with experts, and case studies applying the proposed guidelines. Results: A wide range of projects use retrospective harmonization to support their research activities but even when appropriate approaches are used, the terminologies, procedures, technologies and methods adopted vary markedly. The generic guidelines outlined in this article delineate the essentials required and describe an interdependent step-by-step approach to harmonization: 0) define the research question, objectives and protocol; 1) assemble pre-existing knowledge and select studies; 2) define targeted variables and evaluate harmonization potential; 3) process data; 4) estimate quality of the harmonized dataset(s) generated; and 5) disseminate and preserve final harmonization products. Conclusions: This manuscript provides guidelines aiming to encourage rigorous and effective approaches to harmonization which are comprehensively and transparently documented and straightforward to interpret and implement. This can be seen as a key step towards implementing guiding principles analogous to those that are well recognised as being essential in securing the foundational underpinning of systematic reviews and the meta-analysis of clinical trials. PMID:27272186

A contour for the entanglement entropies in harmonic lattices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coser, Andrea; De Nobili, Cristiano; Tonni, Erik

2017-08-01

We construct a contour function for the entanglement entropies in generic harmonic lattices. In one spatial dimension, numerical analysis are performed by considering harmonic chains with either periodic or Dirichlet boundary conditions. In the massless regime and for some configurations where the subsystem is a single interval, the numerical results for the contour function are compared to the inverse of the local weight function which multiplies the energy-momentum tensor in the corresponding entanglement hamiltonian, found through conformal field theory methods, and a good agreement is observed. A numerical analysis of the contour function for the entanglement entropy is performed also in a massless harmonic chain for a subsystem made by two disjoint intervals.

Characteristics of cosmic ray pole-equator anisotropy derived from spherical harmonic analysis of neutron monitor data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Takahashi, H.; Yahagi, N.

1985-01-01

The spherical harmonic analysis of cosmic ray neutron data from the worldwide network neutron monitor stations during the years, 1966 to 1969 was carried out. The second zonal harmonic component obtained from the analysis corresponds to the Pole-Equator anisotropy of the cosmic ray neutron intensity. Such an anisotropy makes a semiannual variation. In addition to this, it is shown that the Pole-Equator anisotropy makes a variation depending on the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) sector polarities around the passages of the IMF sector boundary. A mechanism to interpret these results is also discussed.

Enantioselective analysis of chloramphenicol residues in honey samples by chiral LC-MS/MS and results of a honey survey.

PubMed

Rimkus, Gerhard G; Hoffmann, Dirk

2017-06-01

Chloramphenicol (CAP) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used widely in both human and veterinary medication. Since 1994, CAP has not been authorised for use in food-producing animals in the European Union due to several adverse effects. A minimum required performance level (MRPL) of 0.3 µg kg - 1 was established in 2003. The CAP molecule contains two asymmetric centres, thus in total four para-CAP stereoisomers exist. Only the RR-CAP enantiomer is bioactive, having significant antimicrobial activity. For the first time a chiral LC-MS/MS method is reported to identify and quantify the four CAP enantiomers at residue levels in honey samples. The method was validated at two concentration levels. The decision limits (CCα) and detection capabilities (CCß) were well below 0.3 µg kg - 1 , with limits of quantification (LOQs) between 0.08 and 0.12 µg kg - 1 for all four enantiomers. The method provides a sensitive and reliable analysis of CAP enantiomers in honey, and proved its robustness during the daily routine analyses of numerous honey samples. In an internal honey survey, in total 40 honey samples from different geographical regions with identified CAP residues at or above the MRPL were reanalysed by chiral LC-MS/MS. In nine honey samples only the bioactive RR-CAP was detected as anticipated. However, in all other 31 honey samples the non-bioactive SS-CAP was also identified and quantified unambiguously. In 10 of these samples, mixtures of RR- and SS-CAP were analysed, and in 21 samples only the SS-CAP enantiomer, with concentrations up to 2.2 µg kg - 1 . Most of these samples are honeys from Ukraine and Eastern Europe. This is the first report of SS-CAP residues in food samples. The potential sources for these findings are discussed and the need of further systematic studies emphasised. It is recommended to examine in more depth the toxicological profile of the individual CAP stereoisomers.

A computer program to analyze bending of bent caps.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1966-10-01

This report is one of a series of developments planned to facilitate the : use of computers in the analysis of highway bridge structures. It specifically : concerns a computer program for the bending analysis of bent caps. : The development of this p...

The Role of NREM Sleep Instability in Child Cognitive Performance

PubMed Central

Bruni, Oliviero; Kohler, Mark; Novelli, Luana; Kennedy, Declan; Lushington, Kurt; Martin, James; Ferri, Raffaele

2012-01-01

Study Objectives: Based on recent reports of the involvement of cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) in cognitive functioning in adults, we investigated the association between CAP parameters and cognitive performance in healthy children. Design: Polysomnographic assessment and standardized neurocognitive testing in healthy children. Settings: Sleep laboratory. Participants: Forty-two children aged 7.6 ± 2.7 years, with an even distribution of body mass percentile (58.5 ± 25.5) and SES reflective of national norms. Measurements: Analysis of sleep macrostructure following the R&K criteria and of cyclic alternating pattern (CAP). The neurocognitive tests were the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale (5th edition) and a Neuropsychological Developmental Assessment (NEPSY) Results: Fluid reasoning ability was positively associated with CAP rate, particularly during SWS and with A1 total index and A1 index in SWS. Regression analysis, controlling for age and SES, showed that CAP rate in SWS and A1 index in SWS were significant predictors of nonverbal fluid reasoning, explaining 24% and 22% of the variance in test scores, respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that CAP analysis provides important insights on the role of EEG slow oscillations (CAP A1) in cognitive performance. Children with higher cognitive efficiency showed an increase of phase A1 in total sleep and in SWS Citation: Bruni O; Kohler M; Novelli L; Kennedy D; Lushington K; Martin J; Ferri R. The role of NREM sleep instability in child cognitive performance. SLEEP 2012;35(5):649-656. PMID:22547891

Effects of low harmonics on tone identification in natural and vocoded speech.

PubMed

Liu, Chang; Azimi, Behnam; Tahmina, Qudsia; Hu, Yi

2012-11-01

This study investigated the contribution of low-frequency harmonics to identifying Mandarin tones in natural and vocoded speech in quiet and noisy conditions. Results showed that low-frequency harmonics of natural speech led to highly accurate tone identification; however, for vocoded speech, low-frequency harmonics yielded lower tone identification than stimuli with full harmonics, except for tone 4. Analysis of the correlation between tone accuracy and the amplitude-F0 correlation index suggested that "more" speech contents (i.e., more harmonics) did not necessarily yield better tone recognition for vocoded speech, especially when the amplitude contour of the signals did not co-vary with the F0 contour.

High-order nonlinear optical processes in ablated carbon-containing materials: Recent approaches in development of the nonlinear spectroscopy using harmonic generation in the extreme ultraviolet range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganeev, R. A.

2017-08-01

The nonlinear spectroscopy using harmonic generation in the extreme ultraviolet range became a versatile tool for the analysis of the optical, structural and morphological properties of matter. The carbon-contained materials have shown the advanced properties among other studied species, which allowed both the definition of the role of structural properties on the nonlinear optical response and the analysis of the fundamental features of carbon as the attractive material for generation of coherent short-wavelength radiation. We review the studies of the high-order harmonic generation by focusing ultrashort pulses into the plasmas produced during laser ablation of various organic compounds. We discuss the role of ionic transitions of ablated carbon-containing molecules on the harmonic yield. We also show the similarities and distinctions of the harmonic and plasma spectra of organic compounds and graphite. We discuss the studies of the generation of harmonics up to the 27th order (λ = 29.9 nm) of 806 nm radiation in the boron carbide plasma and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this target compared with the ingredients comprising B4C (solid boron and graphite) by comparing plasma emission and harmonic spectra from three species. We also show that the coincidence of harmonic and plasma emission wavelengths in most cases does not cause the enhancement or decrease of the conversion efficiency of this harmonic.

Qualitative and quantitative effects of harmonic echocardiographic imaging on endocardial edge definition and side-lobe artifacts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubin, D. N.; Yazbek, N.; Garcia, M. J.; Stewart, W. J.; Thomas, J. D.

2000-01-01

Harmonic imaging is a new ultrasonographic technique that is designed to improve image quality by exploiting the spontaneous generation of higher frequencies as ultrasound propagates through tissue. We studied 51 difficult-to-image patients with blinded side-by-side cineloop evaluation of endocardial border definition by harmonic versus fundamental imaging. In addition, quantitative intensities from cavity versus wall were compared for harmonic versus fundamental imaging. Harmonic imaging improved left ventricular endocardial border delineation over fundamental imaging (superior: harmonic = 71.1%, fundamental = 18.7%; similar: 10.2%; P <.001). Quantitative analysis of 100 wall/cavity combinations demonstrated brighter wall segments and more strikingly darker cavities during harmonic imaging (cavity intensity on a 0 to 255 scale: fundamental = 15.6 +/- 8.6; harmonic = 6.0 +/- 5.3; P <.0001), which led to enhanced contrast between the wall and cavity (1.89 versus 1.19, P <.0001). Harmonic imaging reduces side-lobe artifacts, resulting in a darker cavity and brighter walls, thereby improving image contrast and endocardial delineation.

Fluorescence microscopic analysis of antifungal effects of cold atmospheric pressure plasma in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

PubMed

Itooka, Koki; Takahashi, Kazuo; Izawa, Shingo

2016-11-01

Cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) has potential to be utilized as an alternative method for sterilization in food industries without thermal damage or toxic residues. In contrast to the bactericidal effects of CAP, information regarding the efficacy of CAP against eukaryotic microorganisms is very limited. Therefore, herein we investigated the effects of CAP on the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with a focus on the cellular response to CAP. The CAP treatment caused oxidative stress responses including the nuclear accumulation of the oxidative stress responsive transcription factor Yap1, mitochondrial fragmentation, and enhanced intracellular oxidation. Yeast cells also induced the expression of heat shock protein (HSP) genes and formation of Hsp104 aggregates when treated with CAP, suggesting that CAP denatures proteins. As phenomena unique to eukaryotic cells, the formation of cytoplasmic mRNP granules such as processing bodies and stress granules and changes in the intracellular localization of Ire1 were caused by the treatment with CAP, indicating that translational repression and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were induced by the CAP treatment. These results suggest that the fungicidal effects of CAP are attributed to the multiple severe stresses.

Development of cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence markers and a CAPS-based genetic linkage map in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus [Thunb.] Matsum. and Nakai) constructed using whole-genome re-sequencing data

PubMed Central

Liu, Shi; Gao, Peng; Zhu, Qianglong; Luan, Feishi; Davis, Angela R.; Wang, Xiaolu

2016-01-01

Cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers are useful tools for detecting single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This study detected and converted SNP sites into CAPS markers based on high-throughput re-sequencing data in watermelon, for linkage map construction and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. Two inbred lines, Cream of Saskatchewan (COS) and LSW-177 had been re-sequenced and analyzed by Perl self-compiled script for CAPS marker development. 88.7% and 78.5% of the assembled sequences of the two parental materials could map to the reference watermelon genome, respectively. Comparative assembled genome data analysis provided 225,693 and 19,268 SNPs and indels between the two materials. 532 pairs of CAPS markers were designed with 16 restriction enzymes, among which 271 pairs of primers gave distinct bands of the expected length and polymorphic bands, via PCR and enzyme digestion, with a polymorphic rate of 50.94%. Using the new CAPS markers, an initial CAPS-based genetic linkage map was constructed with the F2 population, spanning 1836.51 cM with 11 linkage groups and 301 markers. 12 QTLs were detected related to fruit flesh color, length, width, shape index, and brix content. These newly CAPS markers will be a valuable resource for breeding programs and genetic studies of watermelon. PMID:27162496

Spherical harmonic analysis of a model-generated climatology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christidis, Z. D.; Spar, J.

1981-01-01

Monthly mean fields of 850 mb temperature (T850), 500 mb geopotential height (G500) and sea level pressure (SLP) were generated in the course of a five-year climate simulation run with a global general circulation model. Both the model-generated climatology and an observed climatology were subjected to spherical harmonic analysis, with separate analyses of the globe and the Northern Hemisphere. Comparison of the dominant harmonics of the two climatologies indicates that more than 95% of the area-weighted spatial variance of G500 and more than 90% of that of T850 are explained by fewer than three components, and that the model adequately simulates these large-scale characteristics. On the other hand, as many as 25 harmonics are needed to explain 95% of the observed variance of SLP, and the model simulation of this field is much less satisfactory. The model climatology is also evaluated in terms of the annual cycles of the dominant harmonics.

Analysis of tidal currents in the North Sea from shipboard acoustic Doppler current profiler data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vindenes, Håvard; Orvik, Kjell Arild; Søiland, Henrik; Wehde, Henning

2018-06-01

North Sea tidal currents are determined by applying harmonic analysis to ship-borne acoustic Doppler current profiler data recorded from 1999 to 2016, covering large areas of the northern North Sea. Direct current measurement data sets of this magnitude are rare in the otherwise well investigated North Sea, and thus it is a valuable asset in studying and expanding our understanding of its tidal currents and circulation in general. The harmonic analysis is applied to a least squares fit of the current observations at a set of knot points. Results from the harmonic analysis compare favorably to tidal parameters estimated from observations from moored instruments. The analysis shows that the tides are characterized by strong semi-diurnal component, with amplitudes of the principal Lunar constituent ranging from 1.6 cm/s in the Skagerrak to 67 cm/s in the Fair Isle Channel. Diurnal tides are found to be approximately one fifth the strength of the predominant semi-diurnal constituent. Output from a regional barotropic tide model compares well to tidal current determined from the harmonic analysis of the Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler data.

Reinforcement of composite laminate free edges with U-shaped caps

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howard, W. E.; Gossard, T., Jr.; Jones, R. M.

1986-01-01

Generalized plane strain finite element analysis is used to predict reduction of interlaminar normal stresses when a U-shaped cap is bonded to the edge of a laminate. Three-dimensional composite material failure criteria are used in a progressive laminate failure analysis to predict failure loads of laminates with different edge cap designs. In an experimental program, symmetric 11-layer graphite-epoxy laminates with a one-layer cap of Kevlar-epoxy cloth are shown to be 130 to 140 percent stronger than uncapped laminates under static tensile and tension-tension fatigue loading. In addition, the coefficient of variation of the static tensile failure load decreases from 24 to 8 percent when edge caps are added. The predicted failure load calculated with the finite element results is 10 percent lower than the actual failure load. For both capped and uncapped laminates, actual failure loads are much lower than those predicted using classical lamination theory stresses and a two-dimensional failure criterion. Possible applications of the free edge reinforcement concept are described, and future research is suggested.

A zero power harmonic transponder sensor for ubiquitous wireless μL liquid-volume monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Haiyu; Chen, Pai-Yen; Hung, Cheng-Hsien; Gharpurey, Ranjit; Akinwande, Deji

2016-01-01

Autonomous liquid-volume monitoring is crucial in ubiquitous healthcare. However, conventional approach is based on either human visual observation or expensive detectors, which are costly for future pervasive monitoring. Here we introduce a novel approach based on passive harmonic transponder antenna sensor and frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) pattern analysis, to provide a very low cost wireless μL-resolution liquid-volume monitoring without battery or digital circuits. In our conceptual demonstration, the harmonic transponder comprises of a passive nonlinear frequency multiplier connected to a metamaterial-inspired 3-D antenna designed to be highly sensitive to the liquid-volume within a confined region. The transponder first receives some FHSS signal from an interrogator, then converts such signal to its harmonic band and re-radiates through the antenna sensor. The harmonic signal is picked up by a sniffer receiver and decoded through pattern analysis of the high dimensional FHSS signal strength data. A robust, zero power, absolute accuracy wireless liquid-volume monitoring is realized in the presence of strong direct coupling, background scatters, distance variance as well as near-field human-body interference. The concepts of passive harmonic transponder sensor, metamaterial-inspired antenna sensor, and FHSS pattern analysis based sensor decoding may help establishing cost-effective, energy-efficient and intelligent wireless pervasive healthcare monitoring platforms.

A zero power harmonic transponder sensor for ubiquitous wireless μL liquid-volume monitoring.

PubMed

Huang, Haiyu; Chen, Pai-Yen; Hung, Cheng-Hsien; Gharpurey, Ranjit; Akinwande, Deji

2016-01-06

Autonomous liquid-volume monitoring is crucial in ubiquitous healthcare. However, conventional approach is based on either human visual observation or expensive detectors, which are costly for future pervasive monitoring. Here we introduce a novel approach based on passive harmonic transponder antenna sensor and frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) pattern analysis, to provide a very low cost wireless μL-resolution liquid-volume monitoring without battery or digital circuits. In our conceptual demonstration, the harmonic transponder comprises of a passive nonlinear frequency multiplier connected to a metamaterial-inspired 3-D antenna designed to be highly sensitive to the liquid-volume within a confined region. The transponder first receives some FHSS signal from an interrogator, then converts such signal to its harmonic band and re-radiates through the antenna sensor. The harmonic signal is picked up by a sniffer receiver and decoded through pattern analysis of the high dimensional FHSS signal strength data. A robust, zero power, absolute accuracy wireless liquid-volume monitoring is realized in the presence of strong direct coupling, background scatters, distance variance as well as near-field human-body interference. The concepts of passive harmonic transponder sensor, metamaterial-inspired antenna sensor, and FHSS pattern analysis based sensor decoding may help establishing cost-effective, energy-efficient and intelligent wireless pervasive healthcare monitoring platforms.

A zero power harmonic transponder sensor for ubiquitous wireless μL liquid-volume monitoring

PubMed Central

Huang, Haiyu; Chen, Pai-Yen; Hung, Cheng-Hsien; Gharpurey, Ranjit; Akinwande, Deji

2016-01-01

Autonomous liquid-volume monitoring is crucial in ubiquitous healthcare. However, conventional approach is based on either human visual observation or expensive detectors, which are costly for future pervasive monitoring. Here we introduce a novel approach based on passive harmonic transponder antenna sensor and frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) pattern analysis, to provide a very low cost wireless μL-resolution liquid-volume monitoring without battery or digital circuits. In our conceptual demonstration, the harmonic transponder comprises of a passive nonlinear frequency multiplier connected to a metamaterial-inspired 3-D antenna designed to be highly sensitive to the liquid-volume within a confined region. The transponder first receives some FHSS signal from an interrogator, then converts such signal to its harmonic band and re-radiates through the antenna sensor. The harmonic signal is picked up by a sniffer receiver and decoded through pattern analysis of the high dimensional FHSS signal strength data. A robust, zero power, absolute accuracy wireless liquid-volume monitoring is realized in the presence of strong direct coupling, background scatters, distance variance as well as near-field human-body interference. The concepts of passive harmonic transponder sensor, metamaterial-inspired antenna sensor, and FHSS pattern analysis based sensor decoding may help establishing cost-effective, energy-efficient and intelligent wireless pervasive healthcare monitoring platforms. PMID:26732251

Harmonic analysis of spacecraft power systems using a personal computer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williamson, Frank; Sheble, Gerald B.

1989-01-01

The effects that nonlinear devices such as ac/dc converters, HVDC transmission links, and motor drives have on spacecraft power systems are discussed. The nonsinusoidal currents, along with the corresponding voltages, are calculated by a harmonic power flow which decouples and solves for each harmonic component individually using an iterative Newton-Raphson algorithm. The sparsity of the harmonic equations and the overall Jacobian matrix is used to an advantage in terms of saving computer memory space and in terms of reducing computation time. The algorithm could also be modified to analyze each harmonic separately instead of all at the same time.

Harmonic versus LigaSure hemostasis technique in thyroid surgery: A meta-analysis

PubMed Central

Upadhyaya, Arun; Hu, Tianpeng; Meng, Zhaowei; Li, Xue; He, Xianghui; Tian, Weijun; Jia, Qiang; Tan, Jian

2016-01-01

Harmonic scalpel and LigaSure vessel sealing systems have been suggested as options for saving surgical time and reducing postoperative complications. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to compare surgical time, postoperative complications and other parameters between them in for the open thyroidectomy procedure. Studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science until December 2015. All the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing Harmonic scalpel and LigaSure during open thyroidectomy were selected. Following data extraction, statistical analyses were performed. Among the 24 studies that were evaluated for eligibility, 7 RCTs with 981 patients were included. The Harmonic scalpel significantly reduced surgical time compared with LigaSure techniques (8.79 min; 95% confidence interval, −15.91 to −1.67; P=0.02). However, no significant difference was observed for the intraoperative blood loss, postoperative blood loss, duration of hospital stay, thyroid weight and serum calcium level postoperatively in either group. The present meta-analysis indicated superiority of Harmonic Scalpel only in terms of surgical time compared with LigaSure hemostasis techniques in open thyroid surgery. PMID:27446546

Use of the TM tasseled cap transform for interpretation of spectral contrasts in an urban scene

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goward, S. N.; Wharton, S. W.

1984-01-01

Investigations are being conducted with the objective to develop automated numerical image analysis procedures. In this context, an examination is performed of physically-based multispectral data transforms as a means to incorporate a priori knowledge of land radiance properties in the analysis process. A physically-based transform of TM observations was developed. This transform extends the Landsat MSS Tasseled Cap transform reported by Kauth and Thomas (1976) to TM data observations. The present study has the aim to examine the utility of the TM Tasseled Cap transform as applied to TM data from an urban landscape. The analysis conducted is based on 512 x 512 subset of the Washington, DC November 2, 1982 TM scene, centered on Springfield, VA. It appears that the TM tasseled cap transformation provides a good means to explain land physical attributes of the Washington scene. This result provides a suggestion regarding a direction by which a priori knowledge of landscape spectral patterns may be incorporated into numerical image analysis.

Harmonic Scalpel versus Electrocautery Dissection in Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Huang, Jinbo; Yu, Yinghua; Wei, Changyuan; Qin, Qinghong; Mo, Qinguo; Yang, Weiping

2015-01-01

Despite the common use of conventional electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the harmonic scalpel is recently emerging as a dominant surgical instrument for dissection and haemostasis, which is thought to reduce the morbidity, such as seroma and blood loss. But the results of published trials are inconsistent. So we made the meta-analysis to assess the intraoperative and postoperative endpoints among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery. A comprehensive literature search of case-control studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases involving modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery was performed. We carried out a meta-analysis of primary endpoints including postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and secondly endpoints including operative time and wound complications. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect size for categorical outcomes and standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes. A total of 11 studies with 702 patients were included for this meta-analysis. There was significant difference in total postoperative drainage (SMD: -0.74 [95%CI: -1.31, -0.16]; P< 0.01), seroma development[OR: 0.49 (0.34, 0.70); P < 0.01], intraoperative blood loss(SMD: -1.14 [95%CI: -1.81,-0.47]; P < 0.01) and wound complications [OR: 0.38 (0.24, 0.59); P < 0.01] between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. No difference was found as for operative time between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery (SMD: 0.04 [95%CI: -0.41, 0.50]; P = 0.85). Compared to standard electrocautery, harmonic scalpel dissection presents significant advantages in decreasing postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and wound complications in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, without increasing operative time. Harmonic scalpel can be recommended as a preferential surgical instrument in modified radical mastectomy.

Harmonic Scalpel versus Electrocautery Dissection in Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Huang, Jinbo; Yu, Yinghua; Wei, Changyuan; Qin, Qinghong; Mo, Qinguo; Yang, Weiping

2015-01-01

Background Despite the common use of conventional electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, the harmonic scalpel is recently emerging as a dominant surgical instrument for dissection and haemostasis, which is thought to reduce the morbidity, such as seroma and blood loss. But the results of published trials are inconsistent. So we made the meta-analysis to assess the intraoperative and postoperative endpoints among women undergoing modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery. Methods A comprehensive literature search of case-control studies from PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases involving modified radical mastectomy with harmonic scalpel or electrocautery was performed. We carried out a meta-analysis of primary endpoints including postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and secondly endpoints including operative time and wound complications. We used odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the effect size for categorical outcomes and standardised mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes. Results A total of 11 studies with 702 patients were included for this meta-analysis. There was significant difference in total postoperative drainage (SMD: -0.74 [95%CI: -1.31, -0.16]; P< 0.01), seroma development[OR: 0.49 (0.34, 0.70); P < 0.01], intraoperative blood loss(SMD: -1.14 [95%CI: -1.81,-0.47]; P < 0.01) and wound complications [OR: 0.38 (0.24, 0.59); P < 0.01] between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer. No difference was found as for operative time between harmonic scalpel dissection and standard electrocautery (SMD: 0.04 [95%CI: -0.41, 0.50]; P = 0.85). Conclusion Compared to standard electrocautery, harmonic scalpel dissection presents significant advantages in decreasing postoperative drainage, seroma development, intraoperative blood loss and wound complications in modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer, without increasing operative time. Harmonic scalpel can be recommended as a preferential surgical instrument in modified radical mastectomy. PMID:26544716

Morphological and functional changes in RAW264 macrophage-like cells in response to a hydrated layer of carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite.

PubMed

Igeta, Kazuki; Kuwamura, Yuta; Horiuchi, Naohiro; Nozaki, Kosuke; Shiraishi, Daichi; Aizawa, Mamoru; Hashimoto, Kazuaki; Yamashita, Kimihiro; Nagai, Akiko

2017-04-01

Synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAp) is used clinically as a material for bone prostheses owing to its good bone-bonding ability; however, it does not contribute to bone remodeling. Carbonate-substituted hydroxyapatite (CAp) has greater bioresorption capacity than HAp while having similar bone-bonding potential, and is therefore considered as a next promising material for bone prostheses. However, the effects of the CAp instability on inflammatory and immune responses are unknown in detail. Here, we show that the surface layer of CAp is more hydrated than that of HAp and induces changes in the shape and function of macrophage-like cells. HAp and CAp were synthesized by wet method and molded into disks. The carbonate content of CAp disks was 6.2% as determined by Fourier transform (FT) infrared spectral analysis. Diffuse reflectance infrared FT analysis confirmed that physisorbed water and surface hydroxyl groups (OH - ) were increased whereas structural OH - was decreased on the CAp as compared to the HAp surface. The degree of hydroxylation in CAp was comparable to that in bone-apatite structures, and the CAp surface exhibited greater hydrophilicity and solubility than HAp. We investigated immune responses to these materials by culturing RAW264 cells (macrophage precursors) on their surfaces. Cell spreading on the CAp disk was suppressed and the secretion level of inflammatory cytokines was reduced as compared to cells grown on HAp. These results indicate that the greater surface hydration of CAp surface can attenuate adverse inflammatory responses to implanted bone prostheses composed of this material. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1063-1070, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Analysis of RNA binding by the dengue virus NS5 RNA capping enzyme.

PubMed

Henderson, Brittney R; Saeedi, Bejan J; Campagnola, Grace; Geiss, Brian J

2011-01-01

Flaviviruses are small, capped positive sense RNA viruses that replicate in the cytoplasm of infected cells. Dengue virus and other related flaviviruses have evolved RNA capping enzymes to form the viral RNA cap structure that protects the viral genome and directs efficient viral polyprotein translation. The N-terminal domain of NS5 possesses the methyltransferase and guanylyltransferase activities necessary for forming mature RNA cap structures. The mechanism for flavivirus guanylyltransferase activity is currently unknown, and how the capping enzyme binds its diphosphorylated RNA substrate is important for deciphering how the flavivirus guanylyltransferase functions. In this report we examine how flavivirus NS5 N-terminal capping enzymes bind to the 5' end of the viral RNA using a fluorescence polarization-based RNA binding assay. We observed that the K(D) for RNA binding is approximately 200 nM Dengue, Yellow Fever, and West Nile virus capping enzymes. Removal of one or both of the 5' phosphates reduces binding affinity, indicating that the terminal phosphates contribute significantly to binding. RNA binding affinity is negatively affected by the presence of GTP or ATP and positively affected by S-adensyl methoninine (SAM). Structural superpositioning of the dengue virus capping enzyme with the Vaccinia virus VP39 protein bound to RNA suggests how the flavivirus capping enzyme may bind RNA, and mutagenesis analysis of residues in the putative RNA binding site demonstrate that several basic residues are critical for RNA binding. Several mutants show differential binding to 5' di-, mono-, and un-phosphorylated RNAs. The mode of RNA binding appears similar to that found with other methyltransferase enzymes, and a discussion of diphosphorylated RNA binding is presented.

Severe community-acquired Enterobacter pneumonia: a plea for greater awareness of the concept of health-care-associated pneumonia

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Patients with Enterobacter community-acquired pneumonia (EnCAP) were admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU). Our primary aim was to describe them as few data are available on EnCAP. A comparison with CAP due to common and typical bacteria was performed. Methods Baseline clinical, biological and radiographic characteristics, criteria for health-care-associated pneumonia (HCAP) were compared between each case of EnCAP and thirty age-matched typical CAP cases. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors independently associated with ENCAP. Their outcome was also compared. Results In comparison with CAP due to common bacteria, a lower leukocytosis and constant HCAP criteria were associated with EnCAP. Empiric antibiotic therapy was less effective in EnCAP (20%) than in typical CAP (97%) (p < 0.01). A delay in the initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy (3.3 ± 1.6 vs. 1.2 ± 0.6 days; p < 0.01) and an increase in duration of mechanical ventilation (8.4 ± 5.2 vs. 4.0 ± 4.3 days; p = 0.01) and ICU stay were observed in EnCAP patients. Conclusions EnCAP is a severe infection which is more consistent with HCAP than with typical CAP. This retrospectively suggests that the application of HCAP guidelines should have improved EnCAP management. PMID:21569334

Harmonics analysis of the ITER poloidal field converter based on a piecewise method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xudong, WANG; Liuwei, XU; Peng, FU; Ji, LI; Yanan, WU

2017-12-01

Poloidal field (PF) converters provide controlled DC voltage and current to PF coils. The many harmonics generated by the PF converter flow into the power grid and seriously affect power systems and electric equipment. Due to the complexity of the system, the traditional integral operation in Fourier analysis is complicated and inaccurate. This paper presents a piecewise method to calculate the harmonics of the ITER PF converter. The relationship between the grid input current and the DC output current of the ITER PF converter is deduced. The grid current is decomposed into the sum of some simple functions. By calculating simple function harmonics based on the piecewise method, the harmonics of the PF converter under different operation modes are obtained. In order to examine the validity of the method, a simulation model is established based on Matlab/Simulink and a relevant experiment is implemented in the ITER PF integration test platform. Comparative results are given. The calculated results are found to be consistent with simulation and experiment. The piecewise method is proved correct and valid for calculating the system harmonics.

High-harmonic spectroscopy of aligned molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yun, Hyeok; Yun, Sang Jae; Lee, Gae Hwang; Nam, Chang Hee

2017-01-01

High harmonics emitted from aligned molecules driven by intense femtosecond laser pulses provide the opportunity to explore the structural information of molecules. The field-free molecular alignment technique is an expedient tool for investigating the structural characteristics of linear molecules. The underlying physics of field-free alignment, showing the characteristic revival structure specific to molecular species, is clearly explained from the quantum-phase analysis of molecular rotational states. The anisotropic nature of molecules is shown from the harmonic polarization measurement performed with spatial interferometry. The multi-orbital characteristics of molecules are investigated using high-harmonic spectroscopy, applied to molecules of N2 and CO2. In the latter case the two-dimensional high-harmonic spectroscopy, implemented using a two-color laser field, is applied to distinguish harmonics from different orbitals. Molecular high-harmonic spectroscopy will open a new route to investigate ultrafast dynamics of molecules.

Spherical harmonic analysis of a synoptic climatology generated with a global general circulation model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christidis, Z. D.; Spar, J.

1980-01-01

Spherical harmonic analysis was used to analyze the observed climatological (C) fields of temperature at 850 mb, geopotential height at 500 mb, and sea level pressure. The spherical harmonic method was also applied to the corresponding "model climatological" fields (M) generated by a general circulation model, the "GISS climate model." The climate model was initialized with observed data for the first of December 1976 at 00. GMT and allowed to generate five years of meteorological history. Monthly means of the above fields for the five years were computed and subjected to spherical harmonic analysis. It was found from the comparison of the spectral components of both sets, M and C, that the climate model generated reasonable 500 mb geopotential heights. The model temperature field at 850 mb exhibited a generally correct structure. However, the meridional temperature gradient was overestimated and overheating of the continents was observed in summer.

A Comparative Analysis of Digital and Passive Filters for IFOC based Induction Motor Drive (EV) fed through ZSI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bedi, Tarun; Heema, Dave; Singh, Dheerendra

2018-03-01

It is known that harmonics are generated in any power electronics based application. Since presence of harmonics is not desirable, it is necessary to remove the harmonics. The IFOC is based on stator current regulation, and the stator currents are sensed and used in the speed control algorithm. The current needs to be free from noise and harmonics for accurate further processing. In this paper, a passive analog filter, as well as a 50th order FIR filter is designed in MATLAB and implemented in Code Composer Studio to remove noise and distortion, and a comparative analysis has been done, for the speed control of an induction motor fed through ZSI, for electric vehicle application.

Long-Term Prediction of the Arctic Ionospheric TEC Based on Time-Varying Periodograms

PubMed Central

Liu, Jingbin; Chen, Ruizhi; Wang, Zemin; An, Jiachun; Hyyppä, Juha

2014-01-01

Knowledge of the polar ionospheric total electron content (TEC) and its future variations is of scientific and engineering relevance. In this study, a new method is developed to predict Arctic mean TEC on the scale of a solar cycle using previous data covering 14 years. The Arctic TEC is derived from global positioning system measurements using the spherical cap harmonic analysis mapping method. The study indicates that the variability of the Arctic TEC results in highly time-varying periodograms, which are utilized for prediction in the proposed method. The TEC time series is divided into two components of periodic oscillations and the average TEC. The newly developed method of TEC prediction is based on an extrapolation method that requires no input of physical observations of the time interval of prediction, and it is performed in both temporally backward and forward directions by summing the extrapolation of the two components. The backward prediction indicates that the Arctic TEC variability includes a 9 years period for the study duration, in addition to the well-established periods. The long-term prediction has an uncertainty of 4.8–5.6 TECU for different period sets. PMID:25369066

A morphometric analysis of cellular differentiation in caps of primary and lateral roots of Helianthus annuus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, R.

1985-01-01

In order to determine if patterns of cell differentiation are similar in primary and lateral roots, I performed a morphometric analysis of the ultrastructure of calyptrogen, columella, and peripheral cells in primary and lateral roots of Helianthus annuus. Each cell type is characterized by a unique ultrastructure, and the ultrastructural changes characteristic of cellular differentiation in root caps are organelle specific. No major structural differences exist in the structures of the composite cell types, or in patterns of cell differentiation in caps of primary vs. lateral roots.

Effects of rooting and tree growth of selected woodland species on cap integrity in a mineral capped landfill site.

PubMed

Hutchings, T R; Moffat, A J; Kemp, R A

2001-06-01

The above and below ground growth of three tree species (Alnus glutinosa, Pinus nigra var. maritima and Acer pseudoplatanus) was studied on a containment landfill site at Waterford, Hertfordshire, UK. Tree root architecture was studied using soil inspection pits excavated next to 12 trees of each species and mapped in detail. Tree height was related to soil thickness over the compacted mineral cap. No roots entered the cap where soil thickness was 1.3 m, but a few roots, especially of alder, were observed within it when the soil cover was 1.0 m or less. Micromorphological analysis of undisturbed samples of the mineral cap suggested that roots exploited weaknesses in the cap rather than actively causing penetration into it. Alder roots were more tolerant of anaerobic conditions within the cap than the other species examined. The results confirm that mineral caps should be covered by 1.5 m of soil or soil-forming material if tree establishment is intended over a restored landfill site, unless protected by other parts of a composite capping system.

A comparative analysis of green synthesis approach starch capped metal oxides (ZnO & CdO) nanoparticles and its bacterial activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vidhya, K.; Devarajan, V. P.; Viswanathan, C.; Nataraj, D.; Bhoopathi, G.

2013-06-01

In this study, we have investigated the bacterial activity of starch capped ZnO & CdO NPs. The NPs were prepared through green technique under room temperature and then obtained samples were characterized by using XRD and PL techniques. XRD pattern confirms the crystal nature it shows hexagonal structure for ZnO NPs and monoclinic structure for CdO NPs and their average particle size is ±20 nm. Further, the optical properties of NPs were investigated using PL technique in which the starch capped ZnO NPs shows maximum emission at 440 nm whereas starch capped CdO NPs shows maximum emission at 545 nm. Finally, toxic test was performed with E.coli bacteria and their results were investigated. Hence, starch capped ZnO NPs induced less killing effect when compared with starch capped CdO NPs. Therefore, we conclude that the starch capped ZnO NPs may be less toxic to microorganisms when compared with starch capped CdO NPs. In addition, starch capped ZnO NPs is also suitable for anti-microbial activity.

Automatic computation and solution of generalized harmonic balance equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peyton Jones, J. C.; Yaser, K. S. A.; Stevenson, J.

2018-02-01

Generalized methods are presented for generating and solving the harmonic balance equations for a broad class of nonlinear differential or difference equations and for a general set of harmonics chosen by the user. In particular, a new algorithm for automatically generating the Jacobian of the balance equations enables efficient solution of these equations using continuation methods. Efficient numeric validation techniques are also presented, and the combined algorithm is applied to the analysis of dc, fundamental, second and third harmonic response of a nonlinear automotive damper.

The Effect of Plug-in Electric Vehicles on Harmonic Analysis of Smart Grid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heidarian, T.; Joorabian, M.; Reza, A.

2015-12-01

In this paper, the effect of plug-in electric vehicles is studied on the smart distribution system with a standard IEEE 30-bus network. At first, harmonic power flow analysis is performed by Newton-Raphson method and by considering distorted substation voltage. Afterward, proper sizes of capacitors is selected by cuckoo optimization algorithm to reduce the power losses and cost and by imposing acceptable limit for total harmonic distortion and RMS voltages. It is proposed that the impact of generated current harmonics by electric vehicle battery chargers should be factored into overall load control strategies of smart appliances. This study is generalized to the different hours of a day by using daily load curve, and then optimum time for charging of electric vehicles batteries in the parking lots are determined by cuckoo optimization algorithm. The results show that injecting harmonic currents of plug-in electric vehicles causes a drop in the voltage profile and increases power loss. Moreover, charging the vehicle batteries has more impact on increasing the power losses rather than the harmonic currents effect. Also, the findings showed that the current harmonics has a great influence on increasing of THD. Finally, optimum working times of all parking lots was obtained for the utilization cost reduction.

Neuromonitoring of cochlea and auditory nerve with multiple extracted parameters during induced hypoxia and nerve manipulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bohórquez, Jorge; Özdamar, Özcan; Morawski, Krzysztof; Telischi, Fred F.; Delgado, Rafael E.; Yavuz, Erdem

2005-06-01

A system capable of comprehensive and detailed monitoring of the cochlea and the auditory nerve during intraoperative surgery was developed. The cochlear blood flow (CBF) and the electrocochleogram (ECochGm) were recorded at the round window (RW) niche using a specially designed otic probe. The ECochGm was further processed to obtain cochlear microphonics (CM) and compound action potentials (CAP).The amplitude and phase of the CM were used to quantify the activity of outer hair cells (OHC); CAP amplitude and latency were used to describe the auditory nerve and the synaptic activity of the inner hair cells (IHC). In addition, concurrent monitoring with a second electrophysiological channel was achieved by recording compound nerve action potential (CNAP) obtained directly from the auditory nerve. Stimulation paradigms, instrumentation and signal processing methods were developed to extract and differentiate the activity of the OHC and the IHC in response to three different frequencies. Narrow band acoustical stimuli elicited CM signals indicating mainly nonlinear operation of the mechano-electrical transduction of the OHCs. Special envelope detectors were developed and applied to the ECochGm to extract the CM fundamental component and its harmonics in real time. The system was extensively validated in experimental animal surgeries by performing nerve compressions and manipulations.

Kinetics of Cold-Cap Reactions for Vitrification of Nuclear Waste Glass Based on Simultaneous Differential Scanning Calorimetry - Thermogravimetry (DSC-TGA) and Evolved Gas Analysis (EGA)

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

Rodriguez, Carmen P.; Pierce, David A.; Schweiger, Michael J.

2013-12-03

For vitrifying nuclear waste glass, the feed, a mixture of waste with glass-forming and modifying additives, is charged onto the cold cap that covers 90-100% of the melt surface. The cold cap consists of a layer of reacting molten glass floating on the surface of the melt in an all-electric, continuous glass melter. As the feed moves through the cold cap, it undergoes chemical reactions and phase transitions through which it is converted to molten glass that moves from the cold cap into the melt pool. The process involves a series of reactions that generate multiple gases and subsequent massmore » loss and foaming significantly influence the mass and heat transfers. The rate of glass melting, which is greatly influenced by mass and heat transfers, affects the vitrification process and the efficiency of the immobilization of nuclear waste. We studied the cold-cap reactions of a representative waste glass feed using both the simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry thermogravimetry (DSC-TGA) and the thermogravimetry coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (TGA-GC-MS) as complementary tools to perform evolved gas analysis (EGA). Analyses from DSC-TGA and EGA on the cold-cap reactions provide a key element for the development of an advanced cold-cap model. It also helps to formulate melter feeds for higher production rate.« less

Modeling Stretching Modes of Common Organic Molecules with the Quantum Mechanical Harmonic Oscillator: An Undergraduate Vibrational Spectroscopy Laboratory Exercise

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parnis, J. Mark; Thompson, Matthew G. K.

2004-01-01

An introductory undergraduate physical organic chemistry exercise that introduces the harmonic oscillator's use in vibrational spectroscopy is developed. The analysis and modeling exercise begins with the students calculating the stretching modes of common organic molecules with the help of the quantum mechanical harmonic oscillator (QMHO) model.

Geological and geophysical properties of cap rock in a natural CO2 occurrence, Mihályi-Répcelak area, Western Hungary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Király, Csilla; Szamosfalvi, Ágnes; Sendula, Eszter; Páles, Mariann; Kovács, István; Kónya, Péter; Falus, György; Szabó, Csaba

2015-04-01

The physical and geochemical consistency of the cap rock is primarily important for safe geological storage of CO2.. As a consequence of CO2 injection reactions took place between the minerals of the reservoir, the cap rock and CO2 saturated pore water. These reactions may change the mineral composition and petrophysical properties of the storage reservoir as well as the cap rock that provides the only physical barrier that retains carbon dioxide in the target reservoir formation. Study of the natural CO2 occurrences delivers information to understand which properties of a cap rock provide the sustainable closure and retainment. Knowledge of the long term effect of CO2 on the behavior of the cap rock is an important input in the selection procedure of a potential CO2 injection site. Yet, very few data exist on geochemical properties and reactivity of the cap rocks. During normal commercial operations the reservoir is typically cored, but not the cap rock. This study may enhance our knowledge about possible mineralogical reactions, which can occur in clayey-aleuritic cap rocks. The Mihályi-Répcelak natural CO2 occurrence is believed to be leakage safe. There is no known seepage on the surface. It is suggested that the aleuritic clay rich cap rock occurring at the natural reservoir can stop CO2 migration into other reservoirs or to the surface. The most important characteristics of cap rocks that they have low permeability (<0.1 mD) and porosity (eff.por. = 4%) and high clayeyness (approx. 80%). However, we demonstrate that in addition to these parameters the geochemical properties of cap rock is also important. In order to characterize the natural CO2 occurrence, we applied the following analysis, like XRD, FTIR, SEM. The petrophysical properties are determined from the interpretation of geophysical well-logs and grain size distribution. The most important result of this study that adequate petrophysical properties do not completely define the suitability of a cap rock. The effective porosity (~4 %), permeability (0.026 mD) and clayeyness (~80%) data imply that the studied aleurolites are good cap rocks. The mineral composition of cap rock is similar to that of reservoir rock, however, the ratio of components is different. The mineralogical analysis and petrography yield to the reaction between CO2 and the cap rocks. The most visible effect of CO2 presence is the dawsonite precipitation after albite dissolution within the cap rocks. Therefore, the CO2 may migrate through the cap rocks in geological time scale, however the total system could be leakage safe.

Comparative study of two precision overdenture attachment designs.

PubMed

Cohen, B I; Pagnillo, M; Condos, S; Deutsch, A S

1996-08-01

In this study two precision overdenture attachment designs were tested for retention--a nylon overdenture cap system and a new cap and keeper system. The new cap and keeper system was designed to reduce the time involved in replacing a cap worn by the conditions of the oral environment. Six groups were tested at two different angles and retentive failure was examined at two different angles (26 and 0 degrees). Failure was measured in pounds with a force gauge over a 2000 pull cycle. The amount of force required to remove caps for two overdenture caps and a replaced cap for the metal keeper system was determined. Two dependent variables were absolute force and relative force. Repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) was used to compare the between-subjects effects of cap and angle, and the within-subjects effect of pull. The results indicated a significant difference between cap types (p < 0.0001) with respect to the relative force required to remove the cap. There was no effect of angle. For absolute force, RMANOVA revealed a highly significant interaction between pull and cap (p < 0.0001). Thus, the way that force changed over pulls depended on which cap was used (no effect of angle). For relative force, RMANOVA revealed no interaction between pull and cap, but there was a main effect of cap type (p < 0.0001) (no effect of angle). The nylon cap design required less force for removal but showed more consistency in the force required over the course of the 2000 pulls when compared with the keeper with cap insert. The results obtained in this study were consistent with similar studies in literature.

Circular current loops, magnetic dipoles and spherical harmonic analysis.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alldredge, L.R.

1980-01-01

Spherical harmonic analysis (SHA) is the most used method of describing the Earth's magnetic field, even though spherical harmonic coefficients (SHC) almost completely defy interpretation in terms of real sources. Some moderately successful efforts have been made to represent the field in terms of dipoles placed in the core in an effort to have the model come closer to representing real sources. Dipole sources are only a first approximation to the real sources which are thought to be a very complicated network of electrical currents in the core of the Earth. -Author

Application of higher harmonic blade feathering for helicopter vibration reduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Powers, R. W.

1978-01-01

Higher harmonic blade feathering for helicopter vibration reduction is considered. Recent wind tunnel tests confirmed the effectiveness of higher harmonic control in reducing articulated rotor vibratory hub loads. Several predictive analyses developed in support of the NASA program were shown to be capable of calculating single harmonic control inputs required to minimize a single 4P hub response. In addition, a multiple-input, multiple-output harmonic control predictive analysis was developed. All techniques developed thus far obtain a solution by extracting empirical transfer functions from sampled data. Algorithm data sampling and processing requirements are minimal to encourage adaptive control system application of such techniques in a flight environment.

Theoretical analysis of high-order harmonic generation from a coherent superposition of states

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

Milosevic, Dejan B.; Max-Born-Institut, Max-Born-Strasse 2a, Berlin, 12489

2006-02-15

A quantum theory of high-order harmonic generation by a strong laser field in the presence of more bound states is formulated. The obtained numerical and analytical results for a two-state hydrogenlike atom model show that the harmonic spectrum consists of two parts: a usual single-state harmonic spectrum of odd harmonics having the energies (2k+1){omega} and a resonant part with the peaks around the excitation energy {delta}{omega}. The energy of the harmonics in the resonant part of the spectrum is equal to {delta}{omega}{+-}{omega}, {delta}{omega}{+-}3{omega}, .... For energies higher than the excitation energy, the resonant part forms a plateau, followed by amore » cutoff. The emission rate of the harmonics in this resonant plateau is many orders of magnitude higher than that of the harmonics generated in the presence of the ground state alone. The influence of the depletion of the initial states, as well as of the pulse shape and intensity, is analyzed.« less

Directional enhancement of selected high-order-harmonics from intense laser irradiated blazed grating targets.

PubMed

Zhang, Guobo; Chen, Min; Liu, Feng; Yuan, Xiaohui; Weng, Suming; Zheng, Jun; Ma, Yanyun; Shao, Fuqiu; Sheng, Zhengming; Zhang, Jie

2017-10-02

Relativistically intense laser solid target interaction has been proved to be a promising way to generate high-order harmonics, which can be used to diagnose ultrafast phenomena. However, their emission direction and spectra still lack tunability. Based upon two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations, we show that directional enhancement of selected high-order-harmonics can be realized using blazed grating targets. Such targets can select harmonics with frequencies being integer times of the grating frequency. Meanwhile, the radiation intensity and emission area of the harmonics are increased. The emission direction is controlled by tailoring the local blazed structure. Theoretical and electron dynamics analysis for harmonics generation, selection and directional enhancement from the interaction between multi-cycle laser and grating target are carried out. These studies will benefit the generation and application of laser plasma-based high order harmonics.

Frequency modulation of high-order harmonic generation in an orthogonally polarized two-color laser field.

PubMed

Li, Guicun; Zheng, Yinghui; Ge, Xiaochun; Zeng, Zhinan; Li, Ruxin

2016-08-08

We have experimentally investigated the frequency modulation of high-order harmonics in an orthogonally polarized two-color laser field consisting of a mid-infrared 1800nm fundamental pulse and its second harmonic pulse. It is demonstrated that the high harmonic spectra can be fine-tuned as we slightly change the relative delay of the two-color laser pulses. By analyzing the relative frequency shift of each harmonic at different two-color delays, the nonadiabatic spectral shift induced by the rapid variation of the intensity-dependent intrinsic dipole phase can be distinguished from the blueshift induced by the change of the refractive index during self-phase modulation (SPM). Our comprehensive analysis shows that the frequency modulation pattern is a reflection of the average emission time of high-order harmonic generation (HHG), thus offering a simple method to fine-tune the spectra of the harmonics on a sub-cycle time scale.

Redesigning existing transcranial magnetic stimulation coils to reduce energy: application to low field magnetic stimulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Boshuo; Shen, Michael R.; Deng, Zhi-De; Smith, J. Evan; Tharayil, Joseph J.; Gurrey, Clement J.; Gomez, Luis J.; Peterchev, Angel V.

2018-06-01

Objective. To present a systematic framework and exemplar for the development of a compact and energy-efficient coil that replicates the electric field (E-field) distribution induced by an existing transcranial magnetic stimulation coil. Approach. The E-field generated by a conventional low field magnetic stimulation (LFMS) coil was measured for a spherical head model and simulated in both spherical and realistic head models. Then, using a spherical head model and spatial harmonic decomposition, a spherical-shaped cap coil was synthesized such that its windings conformed to a spherical surface and replicated the E-field on the cortical surface while requiring less energy. A prototype coil was built and electrically characterized. The effect of constraining the windings to the upper half of the head was also explored via an alternative coil design. Main results. The LFMS E-field distribution resembled that of a large double-cone coil, with a peak field strength around 350 mV m‑1 in the cortex. The E-field distributions of the cap coil designs were validated against the original coil, with mean errors of 1%–3%. The cap coil required as little as 2% of the original coil energy and was significantly smaller in size. Significance. The redesigned LFMS coil is substantially smaller and more energy-efficient than the original, improving cost, power consumption, and portability. These improvements could facilitate deployment of LFMS in the clinic and potentially at home. This coil redesign approach can also be applied to other magnetic stimulation paradigms. Finally, the anatomically-accurate E-field simulation of LFMS can be used to interpret clinical LFMS data.

Time-variable and static gravity field of Mars from MGS, Mars Odyssey, and MRO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Genova, Antonio; Goossens, Sander; Lemoine, Frank G.; Mazarico, Erwan; Neumann, Gregory A.; Smith, David E.; Zuber, Maria T.

2016-04-01

The Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), Mars Odyssey (ODY), and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) missions have significantly contributed to the determination of global high-resolution global gravity fields of Mars for the last 16 years. All three spacecraft were located in sun-synchronous, near-circular polar mapping orbits for their primary mission phases at different altitudes and Local Solar Time (LST). X-Band tracking data have been acquired from the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) providing information on the time-variable and static gravity field of Mars. MGS operated between 1999 and 2006 at 390 km altitude. ODY and MRO are still orbiting Mars with periapsis altitudes of 400 km and 255 km, respectively. Before entering these mapping phases, all three spacecraft collected radio tracking data at lower altitudes (˜170-200 km) that help improve the resolution of the gravity field of Mars in specific regions. We analyzed the entire MGS radio tracking data set, and ODY and MRO radio data until 2015. These observations were processed using a batch least-squares filter through the NASA GSFC GEODYN II software. We combined all 2- and 3-way range rate data to estimate the global gravity field of Mars to degree and order 120, the seasonal variations of gravity harmonic coefficients C20, C30, C40 and C50 and the Love number k2. The gravity contribution of Mars atmospheric pressures on the surface of the planet has been discerned from the time-varying and static gravity harmonic coefficients. Surface pressure grids computed using the Mars-GRAM 2010 atmospheric model, with 2.5° x2.5° spatial and 2-h resolution, are converted into gravity spherical harmonic coefficients. Consequently, the estimated gravity and tides provide direct information on the solid planet. We will present the new Goddard Mars Model (GMM-3) of Mars gravity field in spherical harmonics to degree and order 120. The solution includes the Love number k2 and the 3-frequencies (annual, semi-annual, and tri-annual) time-variable coefficients of the gravity zonal harmonics C20, C30, C40 and C50. The seasonal gravity coefficients led us to determine the inter-annual mass exchange between the polar caps over ˜11 years from October 2002 to November 2014.

Comparative performance analysis of shunt and series passive filter for LED lamp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarwono, Edi; Facta, Mochammad; Handoko, Susatyo

2018-03-01

Light Emitting Diode lamp or LED lamp nowadays is widely used by consumers as a new innovation in the lighting technologies due to its energy saving for low power consumption lamps for brighter light intensity. How ever, the LED lamp produce an electric pollutant known as harmonics. The harmonics is generated by rectifier as part of LED lamp circuit. The present of harmonics in current or voltage has made the source waveform from the grid is distorted. This distortion may cause inacurrate measurement, mall function, and excessive heating for any element at the grid. This paper present an analysis work of shunt and series filters to suppress the harmonics generated by the LED lamp circuit. The work was initiated by conducting several tests to investigate the harmonic content of voltage and currents. The measurements in this work were carried out by using HIOKI Power Quality Analyzer 3197. The measurement results showed that the harmonics current of tested LED lamps were above the limit of IEEE standard 519-2014. Based on the measurement results shunt and series filters were constructed as low pass filters. The bode analysis were appled during construction and prediction of the filters performance. Based on experimental results, the application of shunt filter at input side of LED lamp has reduced THD current up to 88%. On the other hand, the series filter has significantly reduced THD current up to 92%.

Non-linear Min protein interactions generate harmonics that signal mid-cell division in Escherichia coli

PubMed Central

Walsh, James C.; Angstmann, Christopher N.; Duggin, Iain G.

2017-01-01

The Min protein system creates a dynamic spatial pattern in Escherichia coli cells where the proteins MinD and MinE oscillate from pole to pole. MinD positions MinC, an inhibitor of FtsZ ring formation, contributing to the mid-cell localization of cell division. In this paper, Fourier analysis is used to decompose experimental and model MinD spatial distributions into time-dependent harmonic components. In both experiment and model, the second harmonic component is responsible for producing a mid-cell minimum in MinD concentration. The features of this harmonic are robust in both experiment and model. Fourier analysis reveals a close correspondence between the time-dependent behaviour of the harmonic components in the experimental data and model. Given this, each molecular species in the model was analysed individually. This analysis revealed that membrane-bound MinD dimer shows the mid-cell minimum with the highest contrast when averaged over time, carrying the strongest signal for positioning the cell division ring. This concurs with previous data showing that the MinD dimer binds to MinC inhibiting FtsZ ring formation. These results show that non-linear interactions of Min proteins are essential for producing the mid-cell positioning signal via the generation of second-order harmonic components in the time-dependent spatial protein distribution. PMID:29040283

Sustainability Analysis | Energy Analysis | NREL

Science.gov Websites

environmental, life-cycle, climate, and other impacts of renewable energy technologies. Photo of a man viewing a energy choices within the complex web of connections between energy and water. Life Cycle Assessment Harmonization Our life cycle assessment harmonization provides lenders, utility executives, and lawmakers with

The next generation Antarctic digital magnetic anomaly map

USGS Publications Warehouse

von Frese, R.R.B; Golynsky, A.V.; Kim, H.R.; Gaya-Piqué, L.; Thébault, E.; Chiappinii, M.; Ghidella, M.; Grunow, A.; ,

2007-01-01

S (Golynsky et al., 2001). This map synthesized over 7.1 million line-kms of survey data available up through 1999 from marine, airborne and Magsat satellite observations. Since the production of the initial map, a large number of new marine and airborne surveys and improved magnetic observations from the Ørsted and CHAMP satellite missions have become available. In addition, an improved core field model for the Antarctic has been developed to better isolate crustal anomalies in these data. The next generation compilation also will likely represent the magnetic survey observations of the region in terms of a high-resolution spherical cap harmonic model. In this paper, we review the progress and problems of developing an improved magnetic anomaly map to facilitate studies of the Antarctic crustal magnetic field

CAP waveform estimation from the measured electrical bioimpedance values: Patient's heart rate variability analysis.

PubMed

Krivoshei, A; Uuetoa, H; Min, M; Annus, P; Uuetoa, T; Lamp, J

2015-08-01

The paper presents analysis of the generic transfer function (TF) between Electrical Bioimpedance (EBI) measured non-invasively on the wrist and Central Aortic Pressure (CAP) invasively measured at the aortic root. Influence of the Heart Rate (HR) variations on the generic TF and on reconstructed CAP waveforms is investigated. The HR variation analysis is provided on a single patient data to exclude inter-patient influences at the current research stage. A new approach for the generic TF estimating from a data ensemble is presented as well. Moreover, an influence of the cardiac period beginning point selection is analyzed and empirically optimal solution for its selection is proposed.

Harmonic analysis of electrified railway based on improved HHT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Feng

2018-04-01

In this paper, the causes and harms of the current electric locomotive electrical system harmonics are firstly studied and analyzed. Based on the characteristics of the harmonics in the electrical system, the Hilbert-Huang transform method is introduced. Based on the in-depth analysis of the empirical mode decomposition method and the Hilbert transform method, the reasons and solutions to the endpoint effect and modal aliasing problem in the HHT method are explored. For the endpoint effect of HHT, this paper uses point-symmetric extension method to extend the collected data; In allusion to the modal aliasing problem, this paper uses the high frequency harmonic assistant method to preprocess the signal and gives the empirical formula of high frequency auxiliary harmonic. Finally, combining the suppression of HHT endpoint effect and modal aliasing problem, an improved HHT method is proposed and simulated by matlab. The simulation results show that the improved HHT is effective for the electric locomotive power supply system.

Non-linear dielectric spectroscopy of microbiological suspensions

PubMed Central

Treo, Ernesto F; Felice, Carmelo J

2009-01-01

Background Non-linear dielectric spectroscopy (NLDS) of microorganism was characterized by the generation of harmonics in the polarization current when a microorganism suspension was exposed to a sinusoidal electric field. The biological nonlinear response initially described was not well verified by other authors and the results were susceptible to ambiguous interpretation. In this paper NLDS was performed to yeast suspension in tripolar and tetrapolar configuration with a recently developed analyzer. Methods Tripolar analysis was carried out by applying sinusoidal voltages up to 1 V at the electrode interface. Tetrapolar analysis was carried on with sinusoidal field strengths from 0.1 V cm-1 to 70 V cm-1. Both analyses were performed within a frequency range from 1 Hz through 100 Hz. The harmonic amplitudes were Fourier-analyzed and expressed in dB. The third harmonic, as reported previously, was investigated. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was used to test the effect of inhibitor an activator of the plasma membrane enzyme in the measured response. Results No significant non-linearities were observed in tetrapolar analysis, and no observable changes occurred when inhibitor and activator were added to the suspension. Statistical analysis confirmed these results. When a pure sinus voltage was applied to an electrode-yeast suspension interface, variations higher than 25 dB for the 3rd harmonic were observed. Variation higher than 20 dB in the 3rd harmonics has also been found when adding an inhibitor or activator of the membrane-bounded enzymes. These variations did not occur when the suspension was boiled. Discussion The lack of result in tetrapolar cells suggest that there is no, if any, harmonic generation in microbiological bulk suspension. The non-linear response observed was originated in the electrode-electrolyte interface. The frequency and voltage windows observed in previous tetrapolar analysis were repeated in the tripolar measurements, but maximum were not observed at the same values. Conclusion Contrary to previous assertions, no repeatable dielectric non-linearity was exhibited in the bulk suspensions tested under the field and frequency condition reported with this recently designed analyzer. Indeed, interface related harmonics were observed and monitored during biochemical stimuli. The changes were coherent with the expected biological response. PMID:19772595

Cross-platform single cell analysis of kidney development shows stromal cells express Gdnf.

PubMed

Magella, Bliss; Adam, Mike; Potter, Andrew S; Venkatasubramanian, Meenakshi; Chetal, Kashish; Hay, Stuart B; Salomonis, Nathan; Potter, S Steven

2018-02-01

The developing kidney provides a useful model for study of the principles of organogenesis. In this report we use three independent platforms, Drop-Seq, Chromium 10x Genomics and Fluidigm C1, to carry out single cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) analysis of the E14.5 mouse kidney. Using the software AltAnalyze, in conjunction with the unsupervised approach ICGS, we were unable to identify and confirm the presence of 16 distinct cell populations during this stage of active nephrogenesis. Using a novel integrative supervised computational strategy, we were able to successfully harmonize and compare the cell profiles across all three technological platforms. Analysis of possible cross compartment receptor/ligand interactions identified the nephrogenic zone stroma as a source of GDNF. This was unexpected because the cap mesenchyme nephron progenitors had been thought to be the sole source of GDNF, which is a key driver of branching morphogenesis of the collecting duct system. The expression of Gdnf by stromal cells was validated in several ways, including Gdnf in situ hybridization combined with immunohistochemistry for SIX2, and marker of nephron progenitors, and MEIS1, a marker of stromal cells. Finally, the single cell gene expression profiles generated in this study confirmed and extended previous work showing the presence of multilineage priming during kidney development. Nephron progenitors showed stochastic expression of genes associated with multiple potential differentiation lineages. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gut Microbiota Mediates the Protective Effects of Dietary Capsaicin against Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Associated Obesity Induced by High-Fat Diet

PubMed Central

Kang, Chao; Wang, Bin; Kaliannan, Kanakaraju; Wang, Xiaolan; Lang, Hedong; Hui, Suocheng; Huang, Li; Zhang, Yong; Zhou, Ming; Chen, Mengting

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Metabolic endotoxemia originating from dysbiotic gut microbiota has been identified as a primary mediator for triggering the chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) responsible for the development of obesity. Capsaicin (CAP) is the major pungent bioactivator in chili peppers and has potent anti-obesity functions, yet the mechanisms linking this effect to gut microbiota remain obscure. Here we show that mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with CAP exhibit lower levels of metabolic endotoxemia and CLGI associated with lower body weight gain. High-resolution responses of the microbiota were examined by 16S rRNA sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) measurements, and phylogenetic reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis. The results showed, among others, that dietary CAP induced increased levels of butyrate-producing Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae, while it caused lower levels of members of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing family S24_7. Predicted function analysis (PICRUSt) showed depletion of genes involved in bacterial LPS synthesis in response to CAP. We further identified that inhibition of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) by CAP also contributes to prevention of HFD-induced gut barrier dysfunction. Importantly, fecal microbiota transplantation experiments conducted in germfree mice demonstrated that dietary CAP-induced protection against HFD-induced obesity is transferrable. Moreover, microbiota depletion by a cocktail of antibiotics was sufficient to block the CAP-induced protective phenotype against obesity, further suggesting the role of microbiota in this context. Together, our findings uncover an interaction between dietary CAP and gut microbiota as a novel mechanism for the anti-obesity effect of CAP acting through prevention of microbial dysbiosis, gut barrier dysfunction, and chronic low-grade inflammation. PMID:28536285

Root gravitropism in response to a signal originating outside of the cap

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wolverton, Chris; Mullen, Jack L.; Ishikawa, Hideo; Evans, Michael L.

2002-01-01

We have developed image analysis software linked to a rotating stage, allowing constraint of any user-selected region of a root at a prescribed angle during root gravitropism. This device allows the cap of a graviresponding root to reach vertical while maintaining a selected region within the elongation zone at a gravistimulated angle. Under these conditions gravitropic curvature of roots of Zea mays L. continues long after the root cap reaches vertical, indicating that a signal from outside of the cap can contribute to the curvature response.

Optical Properties of Synthesized Nanoparticles ZnS Using Methacrylic Acid as the Capping Agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazerdeylami, Somayeh; Saievar Iranizad, Esmaiel; Molaei, Mehdi

Optical analysis (UV-vis spectroscopy) of solution of ZnS nanoparticles prepared at room temperature by a chemical capping method using methacrylic acid (MAA) capping agent at concentration of 0.05, 0.2, 0.5 and 1.17 molar is investigated. The spectroscopy results indicate increasing of band gap of ZnS through increasing concentration of the methacrylic acid as capping agent in the solution. According to the relation of Effective Mass Approximation, it is concluded that the size of nanoparticles decreased with the increasing concentration of the capping agent in the tested solutions. The size of the particles is found to be in 1.77-2.05 nm range.

Design of Passive Power Filter for Hybrid Series Active Power Filter using Estimation, Detection and Classification Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swain, Sushree Diptimayee; Ray, Pravat Kumar; Mohanty, K. B.

2016-06-01

This research paper discover the design of a shunt Passive Power Filter (PPF) in Hybrid Series Active Power Filter (HSAPF) that employs a novel analytic methodology which is superior than FFT analysis. This novel approach consists of the estimation, detection and classification of the signals. The proposed method is applied to estimate, detect and classify the power quality (PQ) disturbance such as harmonics. This proposed work deals with three methods: the harmonic detection through wavelet transform method, the harmonic estimation by Kalman Filter algorithm and harmonic classification by decision tree method. From different type of mother wavelets in wavelet transform method, the db8 is selected as suitable mother wavelet because of its potency on transient response and crouched oscillation at frequency domain. In harmonic compensation process, the detected harmonic is compensated through Hybrid Series Active Power Filter (HSAPF) based on Instantaneous Reactive Power Theory (IRPT). The efficacy of the proposed method is verified in MATLAB/SIMULINK domain and as well as with an experimental set up. The obtained results confirm the superiority of the proposed methodology than FFT analysis. This newly proposed PPF is used to make the conventional HSAPF more robust and stable.

Two dimensional kinetic analysis of electrostatic harmonic plasma waves

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

Fonseca-Pongutá, E. C.; Ziebell, L. F.; Gaelzer, R.

2016-06-15

Electrostatic harmonic Langmuir waves are virtual modes excited in weakly turbulent plasmas, first observed in early laboratory beam-plasma experiments as well as in rocket-borne active experiments in space. However, their unequivocal presence was confirmed through computer simulated experiments and subsequently theoretically explained. The peculiarity of harmonic Langmuir waves is that while their existence requires nonlinear response, their excitation mechanism and subsequent early time evolution are governed by essentially linear process. One of the unresolved theoretical issues regards the role of nonlinear wave-particle interaction process over longer evolution time period. Another outstanding issue is that existing theories for these modes aremore » limited to one-dimensional space. The present paper carries out two dimensional theoretical analysis of fundamental and (first) harmonic Langmuir waves for the first time. The result shows that harmonic Langmuir wave is essentially governed by (quasi)linear process and that nonlinear wave-particle interaction plays no significant role in the time evolution of the wave spectrum. The numerical solutions of the two-dimensional wave spectra for fundamental and harmonic Langmuir waves are also found to be consistent with those obtained by direct particle-in-cell simulation method reported in the literature.« less

Higher-order harmonics of general limited diffraction Bessel beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, De-Sheng; Huang, Jin-Huang

2016-12-01

In this paper, we extensively study the higher-order harmonic generation of the general limited diffraction m-th-order Bessel beam. The analysis is based on successive approximations of the Khokhlov-Zabolotskaya-Kuznetsov (KZK) equation. Asymptotic expansions are presented for higher-order harmonic Bessel beams in near and far fields. The validity of asymptotic approximation is also analyzed. The higher-order harmonic of the Bessel beam with the lowest zero-order is taken as a special example. Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11074038 and 11374051).

Military personnel recognition system using texture, colour, and SURF features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irhebhude, Martins E.; Edirisinghe, Eran A.

2014-06-01

This paper presents an automatic, machine vision based, military personnel identification and classification system. Classification is done using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) on sets of Army, Air Force and Navy camouflage uniform personnel datasets. In the proposed system, the arm of service of personnel is recognised by the camouflage of a persons uniform, type of cap and the type of badge/logo. The detailed analysis done include; camouflage cap and plain cap differentiation using gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) texture feature; classification on Army, Air Force and Navy camouflaged uniforms using GLCM texture and colour histogram bin features; plain cap badge classification into Army, Air Force and Navy using Speed Up Robust Feature (SURF). The proposed method recognised camouflage personnel arm of service on sets of data retrieved from google images and selected military websites. Correlation-based Feature Selection (CFS) was used to improve recognition and reduce dimensionality, thereby speeding the classification process. With this method success rates recorded during the analysis include 93.8% for camouflage appearance category, 100%, 90% and 100% rates of plain cap and camouflage cap categories for Army, Air Force and Navy categories, respectively. Accurate recognition was recorded using SURF for the plain cap badge category. Substantial analysis has been carried out and results prove that the proposed method can correctly classify military personnel into various arms of service. We show that the proposed method can be integrated into a face recognition system, which will recognise personnel in addition to determining the arm of service which the personnel belong. Such a system can be used to enhance the security of a military base or facility.

Cometabolic degradation of chloramphenicol via a meta-cleavage pathway in a microbial fuel cell and its microbial community.

PubMed

Zhang, Qinghua; Zhang, Yanyan; Li, Daping

2017-04-01

The performance of a microbial fuel cell (MFC) in terms of degradation of chloramphenicol (CAP) was investigated. Approximately 84% of 50mg/L CAP was degraded within 12h in the MFC. A significant interaction of pH, temperature, and initial CAP concentration was found on removal of CAP, and a maximum degradation rate of 96.53% could theoretically be achieved at 31.48°C, a pH of 7.12, and an initial CAP concentration of 106.37mg/L. Moreover, CAP was further degraded through a ring-cleavage pathway. The antibacterial activity of CAP towards Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 was largely eliminated by MFC treatment. High-throughput sequencing analysis indicated that Azonexus, Comamonas, Nitrososphaera, Chryseobacterium, Azoarcus, Rhodococcus, and Dysgonomonas were the predominant genera in the MFC anode biofilm. In conclusion, the MFC shows potential for the treatment of antibiotic residue-containing wastewater due to its high rates of CAP removal and energy recovery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Purification and characterization of the glycoprotein hormone. cap alpha. -subunit-like material secreted by HeLa cells

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

Cox, G.S.; Rimerman, R.A.

1988-08-23

The protein secreted by HeLa cells that cross-reacts with antiserum developed against the ..cap alpha..-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been purified approximately 30,000-fold from concentrated culture medium by organic solvent fractionation followed by ion exchange, gel filtration, and lectin affinity chromatography. The final preparation had a specific activity (by RIA) of 6.8 x 10/sup 5/ ng of ..cap alpha../mg of protein and appeared homogeneous by electrophoresis on reducing/denaturing polyacrylamide gels (SDS-PAGE). Amino acid analysis indicated that HeLa-..cap alpha.. had a composition very similar to that of the urinary hCG ..cap alpha..-subunit. However, comparison of hCG-..cap alpha.. and HeLa-..capmore » alpha.. demonstrated that the tumor-associated subunit was not identical with its normal counterpart. The purified tumor protein had an apparent molecular weight greater than that of the urinary ..cap alpha..-subunit when analyzed by SDS-PAGE, and this difference was even greater when a partially purified preparation was examined by an immunoblot technique (Western). Isoelectric focusing of the HeLa and hCG subunits demonstrated that the tumor protein had a lower pI. Immunoprecipitation and electrophoresis of ..cap alpha..-subunit from HeLa cultures labeled with (/sup 3/H)fucose indicated that the tumor subunit was fucosylated, whereas analysis of hCG-..cap alpha.. hydrosylates by HPLC confirmed previous reports that the placental subunit does not contain fucose. The results indicate that, regardless of whether or not a single ..cap alpha..-subunit gene is being expressed in both normal and neoplastic tissues, posttranslational modifications lead to a highly altered subunit in the tumor. The differences observed may be useful in diagnosing neoplastic vs hyperplastic conditions and may lend insight into the mechanism of ectopic hormone production by tumors.« less

Passive wide spectrum harmonic filter for adjustable speed drives in oil and gas industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al Jaafari, Khaled Ali

Non-linear loads such as variable speed drives constitute the bulky load of oil and gas industry power systems. They are widely used in driving induction and permanent magnet motors for variable speed applications. That is because variable speed drives provide high static and dynamic performance. Moreover, they are known of their high energy efficiency and high motion quality, and high starting torque. However, these non-linear loads are main sources of current and voltage harmonics and lower the quality of electric power system. In fact, it is the six-pulse and twelve-pulse diode and thyristor rectifiers that spoil the AC power line with the dominant harmonics (5th, 7th, 11th). They provide DC voltage to the inverter of the variable speed drives. Typical problems that arise from these harmonics are Harmonic resonances', harmonic losses, interference with electronic equipment, and line voltage distortion at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC). Thus, it is necessary to find efficient, reliable, and economical harmonic filters. The passive filters have definite advantage over active filters in terms of components count, cost and reliability. Reliability and maintenance is a serious issue in drilling rigs which are located in offshore and onshore with extreme operating conditions. Passive filters are tuned to eliminate a certain frequency and therefore there is a need to equip the system with more than one passive filter to eliminate all unwanted frequencies. An alternative solution is Wide Spectrum Harmonic passive filter. The wide spectrum harmonic filters are becoming increasingly popular in these applications and found to overcome some of the limitations of conventional tuned passive filter. The most important feature of wide spectrum harmonic passive filters is that only one capacitor is required to filter a wide range of harmonics. Wide spectrum filter is essentially a low-pass filter for the harmonic at fundamental frequency. It can also be considered as a single-stage passive filter plus input and output inductors. The work proposed gives a complete analysis of wide spectrum harmonic passive filters, the methodology to choose its parameters according to the operational condition, effect of load and source inductance on its characteristics. Also, comparison of the performance of the wide band passive filter with tuned filter is given. The analyses are supported with the simulation results and were verified experimentally. The analysis given in this thesis will be useful for the selection of proper wide spectrum harmonic filters for harmonic mitigation applications in oil and gas industry.

The conjecture concerning time variations in the solar neutrino flux

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haubold, H. J.; Gerth, E.

1985-01-01

The results of the Fourier transformation of the unequally-spaced time series of the recorded Ar-37 production rate of the solar neutrino experiment (runs 18 to 80, 1970 to 1983) are reviewed. Significance criteria for every period discovered by the harmonic analysis are determined. A Fourier synthesis of certain discovered harmonics are performed. It seems that the solar neutrino flux increases shock-like with a period of approximately 8.3 years and after that breaks down. Possible connections between the periods found by the harmonic analysis and several observed phenomena on the solar surface are indicated.

Extended aeroelastic analysis for helicopter rotors with prescribed hub motion and blade appended penduluum vibration absorbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bielawa, R. L.

1984-01-01

The mathematical development for the expanded capabilities of the G400 rotor aeroelastic analysis was examined. The G400PA expanded analysis simulates the dynamics of all conventional rotors, blade pendulum vibration absorbers, and the higher harmonic excitations resulting from prescribed vibratory hub motions and higher harmonic blade pitch control. The methodology for modeling the unsteady stalled airloads of two dimensional airfoils is discussed. Formulations for calculating the rotor impedance matrix appropriate to the higher harmonic blade excitations are outlined. This impedance matrix, and the associated vibratory hub loads, are the rotor dynamic characteristic elements for use in the simplified coupled rotor/fuselage vibration analysis (SIMVIB). Updates to the development of the original G400 theory, program documentation, user instructions and information are presented.

Control Systems with Pulse Width Modulation in Matrix Converters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bondarev, A. V.; Fedorov, S. V.; Muravyova, E. A.

2018-03-01

In this article, the matrix frequency converter for the system of the frequency control of the electric drive is considered. Algorithms of formation of an output signal on the basis of pulse width modulation were developed for the quantitative analysis of quality of an output signal on the basis of mathematical models. On the basis of simulation models of an output signal, assessment of quality of this signal was carried out. The analysis of harmonic composition of the voltage output received on the basis of pulse width modulation was made for the purpose of determination of opportunities of the control system for improving harmonic composition. The result of such analysis led to the fact that the device formation of switching functions of the control system on the basis of PWM does not lead to a distortion reduction of a harmonic of the control signal, and leads to offset of harmonic in the field of frequencies, the multiple relatively carrier frequency.

Symmetry in circularly polarized molecular high-order harmonic generation with intense bicircular laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Kai-Jun; Bandrauk, André D.

2018-02-01

We present symmetry effects of laser fields and molecular geometries in circularly polarized high-order harmonic generation by bichromatic counter-rotating circularly polarized laser pulses. Simulations are performed on oriented molecules by numerically solving time-dependent Schrödinger equations. We discuss how electron recollision trajectories by the orthogonal laser field polarizations influence the harmonic polarization by using a time-frequency analysis of harmonics. It is found that orientation-dependent asymmetric ionization in linear molecules due to Coulomb potentials gives rise to a dependence of the polarization on the harmonic frequency. Effects of Coriolis forces are also presented on harmonic generation. Electron recollision trajectories illustrate the effects of the relative symmetry of the field and the molecule, thus paving a method for circularly polarized attosecond pulse generation and molecular orbital imaging in more complex systems.

Harmonic distortion in microwave photonic filters.

PubMed

Rius, Manuel; Mora, José; Bolea, Mario; Capmany, José

2012-04-09

We present a theoretical and experimental analysis of nonlinear microwave photonic filters. Far from the conventional condition of low modulation index commonly used to neglect high-order terms, we have analyzed the harmonic distortion involved in microwave photonic structures with periodic and non-periodic frequency responses. We show that it is possible to design microwave photonic filters with reduced harmonic distortion and high linearity even under large signal operation.

Data harmonization and federated analysis of population-based studies: the BioSHaRE project

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Abstracts Background Individual-level data pooling of large population-based studies across research centres in international research projects faces many hurdles. The BioSHaRE (Biobank Standardisation and Harmonisation for Research Excellence in the European Union) project aims to address these issues by building a collaborative group of investigators and developing tools for data harmonization, database integration and federated data analyses. Methods Eight population-based studies in six European countries were recruited to participate in the BioSHaRE project. Through workshops, teleconferences and electronic communications, participating investigators identified a set of 96 variables targeted for harmonization to answer research questions of interest. Using each study’s questionnaires, standard operating procedures, and data dictionaries, harmonization potential was assessed. Whenever harmonization was deemed possible, processing algorithms were developed and implemented in an open-source software infrastructure to transform study-specific data into the target (i.e. harmonized) format. Harmonized datasets located on server in each research centres across Europe were interconnected through a federated database system to perform statistical analysis. Results Retrospective harmonization led to the generation of common format variables for 73% of matches considered (96 targeted variables across 8 studies). Authenticated investigators can now perform complex statistical analyses of harmonized datasets stored on distributed servers without actually sharing individual-level data using the DataSHIELD method. Conclusion New Internet-based networking technologies and database management systems are providing the means to support collaborative, multi-center research in an efficient and secure manner. The results from this pilot project show that, given a strong collaborative relationship between participating studies, it is possible to seamlessly co-analyse internationally harmonized research databases while allowing each study to retain full control over individual-level data. We encourage additional collaborative research networks in epidemiology, public health, and the social sciences to make use of the open source tools presented herein. PMID:24257327

Equity prices as a simple harmonic oscillator with noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ataullah, Ali; Tippett, Mark

2007-08-01

The centred return on the London Stock Exchange's FTSE All Share Index is modelled as a simple harmonic oscillator with noise over the period from 1 January, 1994 until 30 June 2006. Our empirical results are compatible with the hypothesis that there is a period in the FTSE All Share Index of between two and two and one half years. This means the centred return will on average continue to increase for about a year after reaching the minimum in its oscillatory cycle; alternatively, it will continue on average to decline for about a year after reaching a maximum. Our analysis also shows that there is potential to exploit the harmonic nature of the returns process to earn abnormal profits. Extending our analysis to the low energy states of a quantum harmonic oscillator is also suggested.

Clinical characterisation of pneumonia caused by atypical pathogens combining classic and novel predictors.

PubMed

Masiá, M; Gutiérrez, F; Padilla, S; Soldán, B; Mirete, C; Shum, C; Hernández, I; Royo, G; Martin-Hidalgo, A

2007-02-01

The aim of this study was to characterise community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by atypical pathogens by combining distinctive clinical and epidemiological features and novel biological markers. A population-based prospective study of consecutive patients with CAP included investigation of biomarkers of bacterial infection, e.g., procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels. Clinical, radiological and laboratory data for patients with CAP caused by atypical pathogens were compared by univariate and multivariate analysis with data for patients with typical pathogens and patients from whom no organisms were identified. Two predictive scoring models were developed with the most discriminatory variables from multivariate analysis. Of 493 patients, 94 had CAP caused by atypical pathogens. According to multivariate analysis, patients with atypical pneumonia were more likely to have normal white blood cell counts, have repetitive air-conditioning exposure, be aged <65 years, have elevated aspartate aminotransferase levels, have been exposed to birds, and have lower serum levels of LBP. Two different scoring systems were developed that predicted atypical pathogens with sensitivities of 35.2% and 48.8%, and specificities of 93% and 91%, respectively. The combination of selected patient characteristics and laboratory data identified up to half of the cases of atypical pneumonia with high specificity, which should help clinicians to optimise initial empirical therapy for CAP.

p130Cas-associated Protein (p140Cap) as a New Tyrosine-phosphorylated Protein Involved in Cell Spreading

PubMed Central

Di Stefano, Paola; Cabodi, Sara; Erba, Elisabetta Boeri; Margaria, Valentina; Bergatto, Elena; Giuffrida, Maria Gabriella; Silengo, Lorenzo; Tarone, Guido; Turco, Emilia; Defilippi, Paola

2004-01-01

Integrin-mediated cell adhesion stimulates a cascade of signaling pathways that control cell proliferation, migration, and survival, mostly through tyrosine phosphorylation of signaling molecules. p130Cas, originally identified as a major substrate of v-Src, is a scaffold molecule that interacts with several proteins and mediates multiple cellular events after cell adhesion and mitogen treatment. Here, we describe a novel p130Cas-associated protein named p140Cap (Cas-associated protein) as a new tyrosine phosphorylated molecule involved in integrin- and epidermal growth factor (EGF)-dependent signaling. By affinity chromatography of human ECV304 cell extracts on a MBP-p130Cas column followed by mass spectrometry matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight analysis, we identified p140Cap as a protein migrating at 140 kDa. We detected its expression in human, mouse, and rat cells and in different mouse tissues. Endogenous and transfected p140Cap proteins coimmunoprecipitate with p130Cas in ECV304 and in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and associate with p130Cas through their carboxy-terminal region. By immunofluorescence analysis, we demonstrated that in ECV304 cells plated on fibronectin, the endogenous p140Cap colocalizes with p130Cas in the perinuclear region as well as in lamellipodia. In addition p140Cap codistributes with cortical actin and actin stress fibers but not with focal adhesions. We also show that p140Cap is tyrosine phosphorylated within 15 min of cell adhesion to integrin ligands. p140Cap tyrosine phosphorylation is also induced in response to EGF through an EGF receptor dependent-mechanism. Interestingly expression of p140Cap in NIH3T3 and in ECV304 cells delays the onset of cell spreading in the early phases of cell adhesion to fibronectin. Therefore, p140Cap is a novel protein associated with p130Cas and actin cytoskeletal structures. Its tyrosine phosphorylation by integrin-mediated adhesion and EGF stimulation and its involvement in cell spreading on matrix proteins suggest that p140Cap plays a role in controlling actin cytoskeleton organization in response to adhesive and growth factor signaling. PMID:14657239

Calculation and manipulation of the chirp rates of high-order harmonics

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

Murakami, M.; Mauritsson, J.; Schafer, K.J.

2005-01-01

We calculate the linear chirp rates of high-order harmonics in argon, generated by intense, 810 nm laser pulses, and explore the dependence of the chirp rate on harmonic order, driving laser intensity, and pulse duration. By using a time-frequency representation of the harmonic fields we can identify several different linear chirp contributions to the plateau harmonics. Our results, which are based on numerical integration of the time-dependent Schroedinger equation, are in good agreement with the adiabatic predictions of the strong field approximation for the chirp rates. Extending the theoretical analysis in the recent paper by Mauritsson et al. [Phys. Rev.more » A 70, 021801(R) (2004)], we also manipulate the chirp rates of the harmonics by adding a chirp to the driving pulse. We show that the chirp rate for harmonic q is given by the sum of the intrinsic chirp rate, which is determined by the new duration and peak intensity of the chirped driving pulse, and q times the external chirp rate.« less

Theory of high-order harmonic generation for gapless graphene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zurrón, Óscar; Picón, Antonio; Plaja, Luis

2018-05-01

We study the high-harmonic spectrum emitted by a single-layer graphene, irradiated by an ultrashort intense infrared laser pulse. We show the emergence of the typical non-perturbative spectral features, harmonic plateau and cut-off, for mid-infrared driving fields, at fluences below the damage threshold. In contrast to previous works, using THz drivings, we demonstrate that the harmonic cut-off frequency saturates with the intensity. Our results are derived from the numerical integration of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation using a nearest neighbor tight-binding description of graphene. We also develop a saddle-point analysis that reveals a mechanism for harmonic emission in graphene different from that reported in atoms, molecules and finite gap solids. In graphene, the first step is initiated by the non-diabatic crossing of the valence band electron trajectories through the Dirac points, instead of tunneling ionization/excitation. We include a complete identification of the trajectories contributing to any particular high harmonic and reproduce the harmonic cut-off scaling with the driving intensity.

Dynamical origin of near- and below-threshold harmonic generation of Cs in an intense mid-infrared laser field.

PubMed

Li, Peng-Cheng; Sheu, Yae-Lin; Laughlin, Cecil; Chu, Shih-I

2015-05-20

Near- and below-threshold harmonic generation provides a potential approach to generate vacuum-ultraviolet frequency comb. However, the dynamical origin of in these lower harmonics is less understood and largely unexplored. Here we perform an ab initio quantum study of the near- and below-threshold harmonic generation of caesium (Cs) atoms in an intense 3,600-nm mid-infrared laser field. Combining with a synchrosqueezing transform of the quantum time-frequency spectrum and an extended semiclassical analysis, the roles of multiphoton and multiple rescattering trajectories on the near- and below-threshold harmonic generation processes are clarified. We find that the multiphoton-dominated trajectories only involve the electrons scattered off the higher part of the combined atom-field potential followed by the absorption of many photons in near- and below-threshold regime. Furthermore, only the near-resonant below-threshold harmonic is exclusive to exhibit phase locked features. Our results shed light on the dynamic origin of the near- and below-threshold harmonic generation.

Electromagnetic ion beam instabilities - Growth at cyclotron harmonic wave numbers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Charles W.; Gary, S. Peter

1987-01-01

The linear theory of electromagnetic ion beam instabilities for arbitrary angles of propagation is studied, with an emphasis on the conditions necessary to generate unstable modes at low harmonics of the ion cyclotron resonance condition. The present results extend the analysis of Smith et al. (1985). That paper considered only the plasma parameters at a time during which harmonic wave modes were observed in the earth's foreshock. The parameters of that paper are used as the basis of parametric variations here to establish the range of beam properties which may give rise to observable harmonic spectra. It is shown that the growth rates of both left-hand and right-hand cyclotron harmonic instabilities are enhanced by an increase in the beam temperature anisotropy and/or the beam speed. Decreases in the beam density and/or the core-ion beta reduce the overall growth of the cyclotron harmonic instabilities but favor the growth of these modes over the growth of the nonresonant instability and thereby enhance the observability of the harmonics.

High-Speed Video Analysis of Damped Harmonic Motion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Poonyawatpornkul, J.; Wattanakasiwich, P.

2013-01-01

In this paper, we acquire and analyse high-speed videos of a spring-mass system oscillating in glycerin at different temperatures. Three cases of damped harmonic oscillation are investigated and analysed by using high-speed video at a rate of 120 frames s[superscript -1] and Tracker Video Analysis (Tracker) software. We present empirical data for…

A comparison of PCR assays for beak and feather disease virus and high resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis of replicase associated protein and capsid genes.

PubMed

Das, Shubhagata; Sarker, Subir; Ghorashi, Seyed Ali; Forwood, Jade K; Raidal, Shane R

2016-11-01

Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) threatens a wide range of endangered psittacine birds worldwide. In this study, we assessed a novel PCR assay and genetic screening method using high-resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis for BFDV targeting the capsid (Cap) gene (HRM-Cap) alongside conventional PCR detection as well as a PCR method that targets a much smaller fragment of the virus genome in the replicase initiator protein (Rep) gene (HRM-Rep). Limits of detection, sensitivity, specificity and discriminatory power for differentiating BFDV sequences were compared. HRM-Cap had a high positive predictive value and could readily differentiate between a reference genotype and 17 other diverse BFDV genomes with more discriminatory power (genotype confidence percentage) than HRM-Rep. Melt curve profiles generated by HRM-Cap correlated with unique DNA sequence profiles for each individual test genome. The limit of detection of HRM-Cap was lower (2×10 -5 ng/reaction or 48 viral copies) than that for both HRM-Rep and conventional BFDV PCR which had similar sensitivity (2×10 -6 ng or 13 viral copies/reaction). However, when used in a diagnostic setting with 348 clinical samples there was strong agreement between HRM-Cap and conventional PCR (kappa=0.87, P<0.01, 98% specificity) and HRM-Cap demonstrated higher specificity (99.9%) than HRM-Rep (80.3%). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

TSHIPS : Transportation shipping harmonization and integration planning system

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-03-01

This report documents the development of the Transportation Shipping Harmonization and Integration Planning System (TSHIPS). The TSHIPS project was developed to advance the state of the art in transportation systems analysis. Existing approaches and ...

COLLAPSED ABNORMAL POLLEN1 Gene Encoding the Arabinokinase-Like Protein Is Involved in Pollen Development in Rice1[C][W][OA

PubMed Central

Ueda, Kenji; Yoshimura, Fumiaki; Miyao, Akio; Hirochika, Hirohiko; Nonomura, Ken-Ichi; Wabiko, Hiroetsu

2013-01-01

We isolated a pollen-defective mutant, collapsed abnormal pollen1 (cap1), from Tos17 insertional mutant lines of rice (Oryza sativa). The cap1 heterozygous plant produced equal numbers of normal and collapsed abnormal grains. The abnormal pollen grains lacked almost all cytoplasmic materials, nuclei, and intine cell walls and did not germinate. Genetic analysis of crosses revealed that the cap1 mutation did not affect female reproduction or vegetative growth. CAP1 encodes a protein consisting of 996 amino acids that showed high similarity to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) l-arabinokinase, which catalyzes the conversion of l-arabinose to l-arabinose 1-phosphate. A wild-type genomic DNA segment containing CAP1 restored mutants to normal pollen grains. During rice pollen development, CAP1 was preferentially expressed in anthers at the bicellular pollen stage, and the effects of the cap1 mutation were mainly detected at this stage. Based on the metabolic pathway of l-arabinose, cap1 pollen phenotype may have been caused by toxic accumulation of l-arabinose or by inhibition of cell wall metabolism due to the lack of UDP-l-arabinose derived from l-arabinose 1-phosphate. The expression pattern of CAP1 was very similar to that of another Arabidopsis homolog that showed 71% amino acid identity with CAP1. Our results suggested that CAP1 and related genes are critical for pollen development in both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. PMID:23629836

Easily extensible unix software for spectral analysis, display, modification, and synthesis of musical sounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beauchamp, James W.

2002-11-01

Software has been developed which enables users to perform time-varying spectral analysis of individual musical tones or successions of them and to perform further processing of the data. The package, called sndan, is freely available in source code, uses EPS graphics for display, and is written in ansi c for ease of code modification and extension. Two analyzers, a fixed-filter-bank phase vocoder (''pvan'') and a frequency-tracking analyzer (''mqan'') constitute the analysis front end of the package. While pvan's output consists of continuous amplitudes and frequencies of harmonics, mqan produces disjoint ''tracks.'' However, another program extracts a fundamental frequency and separates harmonics from the tracks, resulting in a continuous harmonic output. ''monan'' is a program used to display harmonic data in a variety of formats, perform various spectral modifications, and perform additive resynthesis of the harmonic partials, including possible pitch-shifting and time-scaling. Sounds can also be synthesized according to a musical score using a companion synthesis language, Music 4C. Several other programs in the sndan suite can be used for specialized tasks, such as signal display and editing. Applications of the software include producing specialized sounds for music compositions or psychoacoustic experiments or as a basis for developing new synthesis algorithms.

Estimating Jupiter’s Gravity Field Using Juno Measurements, Trajectory Estimation Analysis, and a Flow Model Optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galanti, Eli; Durante, Daniele; Finocchiaro, Stefano; Iess, Luciano; Kaspi, Yohai

2017-07-01

The upcoming Juno spacecraft measurements have the potential of improving our knowledge of Jupiter’s gravity field. The analysis of the Juno Doppler data will provide a very accurate reconstruction of spatial gravity variations, but these measurements will be very accurate only over a limited latitudinal range. In order to deduce the full gravity field of Jupiter, additional information needs to be incorporated into the analysis, especially regarding the Jovian flow structure and its depth, which can influence the measured gravity field. In this study we propose a new iterative method for the estimation of the Jupiter gravity field, using a simulated Juno trajectory, a trajectory estimation model, and an adjoint-based inverse model for the flow dynamics. We test this method both for zonal harmonics only and with a full gravity field including tesseral harmonics. The results show that this method can fit some of the gravitational harmonics better to the “measured” harmonics, mainly because of the added information from the dynamical model, which includes the flow structure. Thus, it is suggested that the method presented here has the potential of improving the accuracy of the expected gravity harmonics estimated from the Juno and Cassini radio science experiments.

Estimating Jupiter’s Gravity Field Using Juno Measurements, Trajectory Estimation Analysis, and a Flow Model Optimization

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

Galanti, Eli; Kaspi, Yohai; Durante, Daniele

The upcoming Juno spacecraft measurements have the potential of improving our knowledge of Jupiter’s gravity field. The analysis of the Juno Doppler data will provide a very accurate reconstruction of spatial gravity variations, but these measurements will be very accurate only over a limited latitudinal range. In order to deduce the full gravity field of Jupiter, additional information needs to be incorporated into the analysis, especially regarding the Jovian flow structure and its depth, which can influence the measured gravity field. In this study we propose a new iterative method for the estimation of the Jupiter gravity field, using a simulatedmore » Juno trajectory, a trajectory estimation model, and an adjoint-based inverse model for the flow dynamics. We test this method both for zonal harmonics only and with a full gravity field including tesseral harmonics. The results show that this method can fit some of the gravitational harmonics better to the “measured” harmonics, mainly because of the added information from the dynamical model, which includes the flow structure. Thus, it is suggested that the method presented here has the potential of improving the accuracy of the expected gravity harmonics estimated from the Juno and Cassini radio science experiments.« less

Carotid Plaque Morphological Classification Compared With Biomechanical Cap Stress: Implications for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Based Assessment.

PubMed

Gijsen, Frank J H; Nieuwstadt, Harm A; Wentzel, Jolanda J; Verhagen, Hence J M; van der Lugt, Aad; van der Steen, Antonius F W

2015-08-01

Two approaches to target plaque vulnerability-a histopathologic classification scheme and a biomechanical analysis-were compared and the implications for noninvasive risk stratification of carotid plaques using magnetic resonance imaging were assessed. Seventy-five histological plaque cross sections were obtained from carotid endarterectomy specimens from 34 patients (>70% stenosis) and subjected to both a Virmani histopathologic classification (thin fibrous cap atheroma with <0.2-mm cap thickness, presumed vulnerable) and a peak cap stress computation (<140 kPa: presumed stable; >300 kPa: presumed vulnerable). To demonstrate the implications for noninvasive plaque assessment, numeric simulations of a typical carotid magnetic resonance imaging protocol were performed (0.62×0.62 mm(2) in-plane acquired voxel size) and used to obtain the magnetic resonance imaging-based peak cap stress. Peak cap stress was generally associated with histological classification. However, only 16 of 25 plaque cross sections could be labeled as high-risk (peak cap stress>300 kPa and classified as a thin fibrous cap atheroma). Twenty-eight of 50 plaque cross sections could be labeled as low-risk (a peak cap stress<140 kPa and not a thin fibrous cap atheroma), leading to a κ=0.39. 31 plaques (41%) had a disagreement between both classifications. Because of the limited magnetic resonance imaging voxel size with regard to cap thickness, a noninvasive identification of only a group of low-risk, thick-cap plaques was reliable. Instead of trying to target only vulnerable plaques, a more reliable noninvasive identification of a select group of stable plaques with a thick cap and low stress might be a more fruitful approach to start reducing surgical interventions on carotid plaques. © 2015 American Heart Association, Inc.

Role of antenna modes and field enhancement in second harmonic generation from dipole nanoantennas.

PubMed

de Ceglia, Domenico; Vincenti, Maria Antonietta; De Angelis, Costantino; Locatelli, Andrea; Haus, Joseph W; Scalora, Michael

2015-01-26

We study optical second harmonic generation from metallic dipole antennas with narrow gaps. Enhancement of the fundamental-frequency field in the gap region plays a marginal role on conversion efficiency. In the symmetric configuration, i.e., with the gap located at the center of the antenna axis, reducing gap size induces a significant red-shift of the maximum conversion efficiency peak. Either enhancement or inhibition of second-harmonic emission may be observed as gap size is decreased, depending on the antenna mode excited at the harmonic frequency. The second-harmonic signal is extremely sensitive to the asymmetry introduced by gap's displacements with respect to the antenna center. In this situation, second-harmonic light can couple to all the available antenna modes. We perform a multipolar analysis that allows engineering the far-field SH emission and find that the interaction with quasi-odd-symmetry modes generates radiation patterns with a strong dipolar component.

The shift of harmonics with different initial vibrational states in the H{}_{2}^{+} molecular ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jun; Pan, Xue-Fei; Xu, Tong-Tong; Liu, Xue-Shen

2017-05-01

Molecular high-order harmonic generation of H{}2+ and its isotopes is investigated by numerical simulations of the non-Born-Oppenheimer time-dependent Schrödinger equations. The general characteristic of the typical high-order harmonic generation (HHG) spectra for the H{}2+ molecule indicates that only the odd harmonics can be generated. Here we show that how the initial vibrational states and nuclear dynamics break down this standard characteristic, i.e. a redshift or blueshift of the harmonics appears. We investigate the effect of the initial vibrational states on the redshift or blueshift of the HHG spectrum under trapezoidal laser pulses. The ionization probability and time-frequency analysis are used to illustrate the physical mechanism of the shift of the harmonics. We also show the HHG spectra from the different isotopes of H2+ molecule with different initial vibrational states.

Understanding fifth-harmonic generation in CLBO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patankar, S.; Yang, S. T.; Moody, J. D.; Bayramian, A. J.; Swadling, G. F.; Barker, D.; Datte, P.; Mennerat, G.; Norton, M.; Carr, C. W.; Begishev, I. A.; Bromage, J.; Ross, J. S.

2018-02-01

We report on results of fifth harmonic generation in Cesium Lithium Borate (CLBO) using a three-crystal cascaded frequency conversion scheme designed to study the energy balance of the final sum frequency generation stage. The experimental setup independently combines the first and fourth harmonic of a Nd:Glass laser in a 5mm thick CLBO crystal. Energy balance between the incoming and output energy is close to unity when the CLBO is out of phase matching and approximately 80% when the crystal is in phase matching. A detailed analysis of the residual fundamental and fourth harmonic energy indicates 5th harmonic light is being generated but only 26% is unaccounted for. We attribute the missing light to linear transmission loss in the CLBO oven. The ratio of the output to input energy is unity when the missing 5th harmonic is incorporated into the calculations. Two-dimensional plane wave mixing simulations show agreement with the results at lower intensities.

A harmonic analysis method for unsteady transonic flow and its application to the flutter of airfoils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ehlers, F. E.; Weatherill, W. H.

1982-01-01

A finite difference method for solving the unsteady transonic flow about harmonically oscillating wings is investigated. The procedure is based on separating the velocity potential into steady and unsteady parts and linearizing the resulting unsteady differential equation for small disturbances. The differential equation for the unsteady velocity potential is linear with spatially varying coefficients and with the time variable eliminated by assuming harmonic motion. A study is presented of the shock motion associated with an oscillating airfoil and its representation by the harmonic procedure. The effects of the shock motion and the resulting pressure pulse are shown to be included in the harmonic pressure distributions and the corresponding generalized forces. Analytical and experimental pressure distributions for the NACA 64A010 airfoil are compared for Mach numbers of 0.75, 0.80 and 0.842. A typical section, two-degree-of-freedom flutter analysis of a NACA 64A010 airfoil is performed. The results show a sharp transonic bucket in one case and abrupt changes in instability modes.

Nuclear localization signal regulates porcine circovirus type 2 capsid protein nuclear export through phosphorylation.

PubMed

Hou, Qiang; Hou, Shaohua; Chen, Qing; Jia, Hong; Xin, Ting; Jiang, Yitong; Guo, Xiaoyu; Zhu, Hongfei

2018-02-15

The open reading frame 2 (ORF2) of Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) encodes the major Capsid (Cap) protein, which self-assembles into virus-like particle (VLP) of similar morphology to the PCV2 virion and accumulates in the nucleus through the N-terminal arginine-rich nuclear localization signal (NLS). In this study, PCV2 Cap protein and its derivates were expressed via the baculovirus expression system, and the cellular localization of the recombinant proteins were investigated using anti-Cap mAb by imaging flow cytometry. Analysis of subcellular localization of Cap protein and its variants demonstrated that NLS mediated Cap protein nuclear export as well as nuclear import, and a phosphorylation site (S17) was identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the NLS domain to regulate Cap protein nuclear export. Phosphorylation of NLS regulating the PCV2 Cap protein nuclear export was also demonstrated in PK15 cells by fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, the influence of Rep and Rep' protein on Cap protein subcellular localization was investigated in PK15 cells. Phosphorylation of NLS regulating Cap protein nuclear export provides more detailed knowledge of the PCV2 viral life cycle. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid Detection of Chloramphenicol Residues in Aquatic Products Using Colloidal Gold Immunochromatographic Assay

PubMed Central

Zhou, Chennan; Zhang, Xueyin; Huang, Xinxin; Guo, Xishan; Cai, Qiang; Zhu, Songming

2014-01-01

A colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) was developed for rapid detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) residues in aquatic products. A nitrocellulose (NC) membrane was used as the carrier, and the polyclonal CAP antibody was used as the marker protein. The average diameter of as-prepared colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was about 20 nm. The optimal pH value of colloidal gold solutions and the amount of the antibody of CAP were 8.0 and 7.2 μg/mL, respectively. The CAP antibody was immobilized onto the conjugate pad after purification. The CAP conjugate and goat anti-rabbit IgG (secondary antibody) were coated onto the NC membrane. Next, the non-specific sites were blocked with 1% bovine serum albumin. The minimum detectable concentration of CAP in standard solution is 0.5 ng/mL, with good reproducibility. For the real samples from crucian carps injected with a single-dose of CAP in the dorsal muscles, the minimum detectable concentration of CAP residues was 0.5 μg/kg. The chromatographic analysis time was less than 10 min, and the strip had a long storage lifetime of more than 90 days at different temperatures. The strips provide a means for rapid detection of CAP residues in aquatic products. PMID:25412221

Gut Microbiota Mediates the Protective Effects of Dietary Capsaicin against Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Associated Obesity Induced by High-Fat Diet.

PubMed

Kang, Chao; Wang, Bin; Kaliannan, Kanakaraju; Wang, Xiaolan; Lang, Hedong; Hui, Suocheng; Huang, Li; Zhang, Yong; Zhou, Ming; Chen, Mengting; Mi, Mantian

2017-05-23

Metabolic endotoxemia originating from dysbiotic gut microbiota has been identified as a primary mediator for triggering the chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI) responsible for the development of obesity. Capsaicin (CAP) is the major pungent bioactivator in chili peppers and has potent anti-obesity functions, yet the mechanisms linking this effect to gut microbiota remain obscure. Here we show that mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with CAP exhibit lower levels of metabolic endotoxemia and CLGI associated with lower body weight gain. High-resolution responses of the microbiota were examined by 16S rRNA sequencing, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) measurements, and phylogenetic reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) analysis. The results showed, among others, that dietary CAP induced increased levels of butyrate-producing Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae , while it caused lower levels of members of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-producing family S24_7. Predicted function analysis (PICRUSt) showed depletion of genes involved in bacterial LPS synthesis in response to CAP. We further identified that inhibition of cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB 1 ) by CAP also contributes to prevention of HFD-induced gut barrier dysfunction. Importantly, fecal microbiota transplantation experiments conducted in germfree mice demonstrated that dietary CAP-induced protection against HFD-induced obesity is transferrable. Moreover, microbiota depletion by a cocktail of antibiotics was sufficient to block the CAP-induced protective phenotype against obesity, further suggesting the role of microbiota in this context. Together, our findings uncover an interaction between dietary CAP and gut microbiota as a novel mechanism for the anti-obesity effect of CAP acting through prevention of microbial dysbiosis, gut barrier dysfunction, and chronic low-grade inflammation. IMPORTANCE Metabolic endotoxemia due to gut microbial dysbiosis is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of chronic low-grade inflammation (CLGI), which primarily mediates the development of obesity. A dietary strategy to reduce endotoxemia appears to be an effective approach for addressing the issue of obesity. Capsaicin (CAP) is the major pungent component in red chili (genus Capsicum ). Little is known about the role of gut microbiota in the anti-obesity effect of CAP. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that CAP significantly increased butyragenic bacteria and decreased LPS-producing bacteria (e.g., members of the S24-7 family) and LPS biosynthesis. By using antibiotics and microbiota transplantation, we prove that gut microbiota plays a causal role in dietary CAP-induced protective phenotype against high-fat-diet-induced CLGI and obesity. Moreover, CB 1 inhibition was partially involved in the beneficial effect of CAP. Together, these data suggest that the gut microbiome is a critical factor for the anti-obesity effects of CAP. Copyright © 2017 Kang et al.

CAP - JET PROPULSION LABORATORY CONTAMINATION ANALYSIS PROGRAM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Millard, J. M.

1994-01-01

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory Contamination Analysis Program (CAP) is a generalized transient executive analysis computer code which solves realistic mass transport problems in the free molecular flow environment. These transport problems involve mass flux from surface source emission and re-emission, venting, and engine emission. CAP solution capability allows for one-bounce mass reflections if required. CAP was developed to solve thin-film contamination problems in the free molecular flow environment, the intent being to provide a powerful analytic tool for evaluating spacecraft contamination problems. The solution procedure uses an enclosure method based on a lumped-parameter multinodal approach with mass exchange between nodes. Transient solutions are computed by the finite difference Euler method. First-order rate theory is used to represent surface emission and reemission (user care must be taken to insure the problem is appropriate for such behavior), and all surface emission and reflections are assumed diffuse. CAP does not include the effects of post-deposition chemistry or interaction with the ambient atmosphere. CAP reads in a model represented by a multiple-block data stream. CAP allows the user to edit the input data stream and stack sequential editing operations (or cases) in order to make complex changes in behavior (surface temperatures, engine start-up and shut-down, etc.) in a single run if desired. The eight data blocks which make up the input data stream consist of problem control parameters, nodal data (area, temperature, mass, etc.), engine or vent distribution factors (based upon plume definitions), geometric configuration factors (diffuse surface emission), surface capture coefficient tables, source emission rate constant tables, reemission rate constant tables, and partial node to body collapse capability (for deposition rates only). The user must generate this data stream, since neither the problem-specific geometric relationships, the constituents involved, nor plume distribution functions are a part of CAP. Instead, these are used to generate the data stream model CAP solves. Outputs vary from individual deposition rates of exchange, on an internodal basis and on a constituent basis as a function of time, to deposition on each surface on a constituent basis as a function of time. The type of outputs may be user-specified by control parameters. CAP allows the user to select output intervals within the solution interval and to generate restart nodal data blocks. CAP is composed of several FORTRAN subroutines which serve specific functions and can be easily edited. The code is relatively small (2152 statements), and contains comment statements for all operations. It is written in relatively generic FORTRAN to be adaptable to a variety of computers. CAP was implemented on a DEC VAX 11/780 computer, and is distributed on a 9-track DEC VAX BACKUP format magnetic tape. Virtual memory required is 4.6 MB, which corresponds to a 900 node model capacity. CAP was originally developed under contract for NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center in 1979 by JPL, and was subsequently modified as required for project support at JPL. CAP is a copyrighted work with all copyright vested in NASA.

Evaluation of the 3D spatial distribution of the Calcium/Phosphorus ratio in bone using computed-tomography dual-energy analysis.

PubMed

Hadjipanteli, A; Kourkoumelis, N; Fromme, P; Huang, J; Speller, R D

2016-01-01

The Calcium/Phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio was shown to vary between healthy bones and bones with osteoporotic symptoms. The relation of the Ca/P ratio to bone quality remains under investigation. To study this relation and determine if the ratio can be used to predict bone fractures, a non-invasive 3D imaging technique is required. The first aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a computed-tomography dual-energy analysis (CT-DEA) technique developed to assess the Ca/P ratio in bone apatite (collagen-free bone) in identifying differences between healthy and inflammation-mediated osteoporotic (IMO) bones. The second aim was to extend the above technique for its application to a more complex structure, intact bone, that could potentially lead to clinical use. For the first aim, healthy and IMO rabbit cortical bone apatite samples were assessed. For the second aim, some changes were made to the technique, which was applied to healthy and IMO intact bone samples. Statistically significant differences between healthy and IMO bone apatite were found for the bulk Ca/P ratio, low Ca/P ratio proportion and interconnected low Ca/P ratio proportion. For the intact bone samples, the bulk Ca/P ratio was found to be significantly different between healthy and IMO. Results show that the CT-DEA technique can be used to identify differences in the Ca/P ratio between healthy and osteoporotic, in both bone apatite and intact bone. With quantitative imaging becoming an increasingly important advancement in medical imaging, CT-DEA for bone decomposition could potentially have several applications. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Increased risk of pneumonia in residents living near poultry farms: does the upper respiratory tract microbiota play a role?

PubMed

Smit, Lidwien A M; Boender, Gert Jan; de Steenhuijsen Piters, Wouter A A; Hagenaars, Thomas J; Huijskens, Elisabeth G W; Rossen, John W A; Koopmans, Marion; Nodelijk, Gonnie; Sanders, Elisabeth A M; Yzermans, Joris; Bogaert, Debby; Heederik, Dick

2017-01-01

Air pollution has been shown to increase the susceptibility to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Previously, we observed an increased incidence of CAP in adults living within 1 km from poultry farms, potentially related to particulate matter and endotoxin emissions. We aim to confirm the increased risk of CAP near poultry farms by refined spatial analyses, and we hypothesize that the oropharyngeal microbiota composition in CAP patients may be associated with residential proximity to poultry farms. A spatial kernel model was used to analyze the association between proximity to poultry farms and CAP diagnosis, obtained from electronic medical records of 92,548 GP patients. The oropharyngeal microbiota composition was determined in 126 hospitalized CAP patients using 16S-rRNA-based sequencing, and analyzed in relation to residential proximity to poultry farms. Kernel analysis confirmed a significantly increased risk of CAP when living near poultry farms, suggesting an excess risk up to 1.15 km, followed by a sharp decline. Overall, the oropharyngeal microbiota composition differed borderline significantly between patients living <1 km and ≥1 km from poultry farms (PERMANOVA p  = 0.075). Results suggested a higher abundance of Streptococcus pneumoniae (mean relative abundance 34.9% vs. 22.5%, p  = 0.058) in patients living near poultry farms, which was verified by unsupervised clustering analysis, showing overrepresentation of a S. pneumoniae cluster near poultry farms ( p  = 0.049). Living near poultry farms is associated with an 11% increased risk of CAP, possibly resulting from changes in the upper respiratory tract microbiota composition in susceptible individuals. The abundance of S. pneumoniae near farms needs to be replicated in larger, independent studies.

Performance Analysis of GaN Capping Layer Thickness on GaN/AlGaN/GaN High Electron Mobility Transistors.

PubMed

Sharma, N; Periasamy, C; Chaturvedi, N

2018-07-01

In this paper, we present an investigation of the impact of GaN capping layer and AlGaN layer thickness on the two-dimensional (2D)-electron mobility and the carrier concentration which was formed close to the AlGaN/GaN buffer layer for Al0.25Ga0.75N/GaN and GaN/Al0.25Ga0.75N/GaN heterostructures deposited on sapphire substrates. The results of our analysis clearly indicate that expanding the GaN capping layer thickness from 1 nm to 100 nm prompts an increment in the electron concentration at hetero interface. As consequence of which drain current was additionally increments with GaN cap layer thicknesses, and eventually saturates at approximately 1.85 A/mm for capping layer thickness greater than 40 nm. Interestingly, for the same structure, the 2D-electron mobility, decrease monotonically with GaN capping layer thickness, and saturate at approximately 830 cm2/Vs for capping layer thickness greater than 50 nm. A device with a GaN cap layer didn't exhibit gate leakage current. Furthermore, it was observed that the carrier concentration was first decrease 1.03 × 1019/cm3 to 6.65 × 1018/cm3 with AlGaN Layer thickness from 5 to 10 nm and after that it increases with the AlGaN layer thickness from 10 to 30 nm. The same trend was followed for electric field distributions. Electron mobility decreases monotonically with AlGaN layer thickness. Highest electron mobility 1354 cm2/Vs were recorded for the AlGaN layer thickness of 5 nm. Results obtained are in good agreement with published experimental data.

Community-acquired pneumonia due to gram-negative bacteria and pseudomonas aeruginosa: incidence, risk, and prognosis.

PubMed

Arancibia, Francisco; Bauer, Torsten T; Ewig, Santiago; Mensa, Josep; Gonzalez, Julia; Niederman, Michael S; Torres, Antoni

2002-09-09

Initial empirical antimicrobial treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is based on expected microbial patterns. We determined the incidence of, prognosis of, and risk factors for CAP due to gram-negative bacteria (GNB), including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Consecutive patients with CAP hospitalized in our 1000-bed tertiary care university teaching hospital were studied prospectively. Independent risk factors for CAP due to GNB and for death were identified by means of stepwise logistic regression analysis. From January 1, 1997, until December 31, 1998, 559 hospitalized patients with CAP were included. Sixty patients (11%) had CAP due to GNB, including P aeruginosa in 39 (65%). Probable aspiration (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-5.2; P =.04), previous hospital admission (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.7-7.1; P<.001), previous antimicrobial treatment (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.01-3.7; P =.049), and the presence of pulmonary comorbidity (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5-5.5; P =.02) were independent predictors of GNB. In a subgroup analysis of P aeruginosa pneumonia, pulmonary comorbidity (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 2.2-15.3; P<.001) and previous hospital admission (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.8-8.3; P =.02) were predictive. Infection with GNB was independently associated with death (relative risk, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.6-7.4; P =.002). In our setting, in every tenth patient with CAP, an etiology due to GNB has to be considered. Patients with probable aspiration, previous hospitalization or antimicrobial treatment, and pulmonary comorbidity are especially prone to GNB. These pathogens are also an independent risk factor for death in patients with CAP.

Relationship of slow and rapid EEG components of CAP to ASDA arousals in normal sleep.

PubMed

Parrino, L; Smerieri, A; Rossi, M; Terzano, M G

2001-12-15

Besides arousals (according to the ASDA definition), sleep contains also K-complexes and delta bursts which, in spite of their sleep-like features, are endowed with activating effects on autonomic functions. The link between phasic delta activities and enhancement of vegetative functions indicates the possibility of physiological activation without sleep disruption (i.e., arousal without awakening). A functional connection seems to include slow (K-complexes and delta bursts) and rapid (arousals) EEG events within the comprehensive term of activating complexes. CAP (cyclic alternating pattern) is the spontaneous EEG rhythm that ties both slow and rapid activating complexes together during NREM sleep. The present study aims at exploring the relationship between arousals and CAP components in a selected sample of healthy sleepers. Polysomnographic analysis according to the scoring rules for sleep stages and arousals. CAP analysis included also tabulation of subtypes A1 (slow EEG activating complexes), A2 and A3 (activating complexes with fast EEG components). 40 sleep-lab accomplished recordings. Healthy subjects belonging to a wide age range (38 +/- 20 yrs.). N/A. Of all the arousals occurring in NREM sleep, 87% were inserted within CAP. Subtypes A2 and A3 of CAP corresponded strikingly with arousals (r=0.843; p<0.0001), while no statistical relationship emerged when arousals were matched with subtypes A1 of CAP. Subtypes A1 instead correlated positively with the percentages of deep sleep (r=0.366; p<0.02). The CAP subtype classification encompasses both the process of sleep maintenance (subtypes A1) and sleep fragmentation (subtypes A2 and A3), and provides a periodicity dimension to the activating events of NREM sleep.

A use of regression analysis in acoustical diagnostics of gear drives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Balitskiy, F. Y.; Genkin, M. D.; Ivanova, M. A.; Kobrinskiy, A. A.; Sokolova, A. G.

1973-01-01

A study is presented of components of the vibration spectrum as the filtered first and second harmonics of the tooth frequency which permits information to be obtained on the physical characteristics of the vibration excitation process, and an approach to be made to comparison of models of the gearing. Regression analysis of two random processes has shown a strong dependence of the second harmonic on the first, and independence of the first from the second. The nature of change in the regression line, with change in loading moment, gives rise to the idea of a variable phase shift between the first and second harmonics.

Truncation of Spherical Harmonic Series and its Influence on Gravity Field Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fecher, T.; Gruber, T.; Rummel, R.

2009-04-01

Least-squares adjustment is a very common and effective tool for the calculation of global gravity field models in terms of spherical harmonic series. However, since the gravity field is a continuous field function its optimal representation by a finite series of spherical harmonics is connected with a set of fundamental problems. Particularly worth mentioning here are cut off errors and aliasing effects. These problems stem from the truncation of the spherical harmonic series and from the fact that the spherical harmonic coefficients cannot be determined independently of each other within the adjustment process in case of discrete observations. The latter is shown by the non-diagonal variance-covariance matrices of gravity field solutions. Sneeuw described in 1994 that the off-diagonal matrix elements - at least if data are equally weighted - are the result of a loss of orthogonality of Legendre polynomials on regular grids. The poster addresses questions arising from the truncation of spherical harmonic series in spherical harmonic analysis and synthesis. Such questions are: (1) How does the high frequency data content (outside the parameter space) affect the estimated spherical harmonic coefficients; (2) Where to truncate the spherical harmonic series in the adjustment process in order to avoid high frequency leakage?; (3) Given a set of spherical harmonic coefficients resulting from an adjustment, what is the effect of using only a truncated version of it?

Mars climatology from viking 1 after 20 sols.

PubMed

Hess, S L; Henry, R M; Leovy, C B; Ryan, J A; Tillman, J E; Chamberlain, T E; Cole, H L; Dutton, R G; Greene, G C; Simon, W E; Mitchell, J L

1976-10-01

The results from the meteorology instruments on the Viking 1 lander are presented for the first 20 sols of operation. The daily patterns of temperature, wind, and pressure have been highly consistent during the period. Hence, these have been assembled into 20-sol composites and analyzed harmonically. Maximum temperature was 241.8 degrees K and minimum 187.2 degrees K. The composite wind vector has a mean diurnal magnitude of 2.4 meters per second with prevailing wind from the south and counterclockwise diurnal rotation. Pressure exhibits diurnal and semidiurnal oscillations. The diurnal is ascribed to a combination of effects, and the semidiurnal appears to be the solar semidiurnal tide. Similarities to Earth are discussed. A major finding is a continual secular decrease in diurnal mean pressure. This is ascribed to carbon dioxide deposition at the south polar cap.

Status of Net Metering: Assessing the Potential to Reach Program Caps

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

Heeter, J.; Gelman, R.; Bird, L.

2014-09-01

Several states are addressing the issue of net metering program caps, which limit the total amount of net metered generating capacity that can be installed in a state or utility service territory. In this analysis, we examine net metering caps to gain perspective on how long net metering will be available in various jurisdictions under current policies. We also surveyed state practices and experience to understand important policy design considerations.

Harmonic component detection: Optimized Spectral Kurtosis for operational modal analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dion, J.-L.; Tawfiq, I.; Chevallier, G.

2012-01-01

This work is a contribution in the field of Operational Modal Analysis to identify the modal parameters of mechanical structures using only measured responses. The study deals with structural responses coupled with harmonic components amplitude and frequency modulated in a short range, a common combination for mechanical systems with engines and other rotating machines in operation. These harmonic components generate misleading data interpreted erroneously by the classical methods used in OMA. The present work attempts to differentiate maxima in spectra stemming from harmonic components and structural modes. The detection method proposed is based on the so-called Optimized Spectral Kurtosis and compared with others definitions of Spectral Kurtosis described in the literature. After a parametric study of the method, a critical study is performed on numerical simulations and then on an experimental structure in operation in order to assess the method's performance.

A smart cap for olive oil rancidity detection using optochemical sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mignani, A. G.; Ciaccheri, L.; Mencaglia, A. A.; Paolesse, R.; Mastroianni, M.; Monti, D.; Buonocore, G.; Del Nobile, A.; Mentana, A.; Grimaldi, M. F.

2007-09-01

The design and experimental setup of a smart cap are presented. It is capable of sniffing the vapors of extra virgin olive oil, thus alerting the consumer or the retailer of any rancid flavor. The cap is made of an array of metalloporphyrin-based optochemical sensors, the colors of which are modulated by the concentration of aldehydes, the main responsible for rancid off-flavors. A micro-optic device, implemented to simulate a cap prototype, is presented. The spectral response of the chromophore-array is processed by means of multivariate data analysis so as to achieve an artificial olfactory perception of oil aroma and, consequently, an indication of oil ageing and rancidity. In practice, the cap prototype proved to be a device for non-destructive testing of bottled oil quality.

Suppression of gate leakage current in in-situ grown AlN/InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures based on the control of internal polarization fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotani, Junji; Yamada, Atsushi; Ishiguro, Tetsuro; Yamaguchi, Hideshi; Nakamura, Norikazu

2017-03-01

This paper investigates the gate leakage characteristics of in-situ AlN capped InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures grown by metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy. It was revealed that the leakage characteristics of AlN capped InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures are strongly dependent on the growth temperature of the AlN cap. For an AlN capped structure with an AlN growth temperature of 740 °C, the leakage current even increased although there exists a large bandgap material on InAlN/AlN/GaN heterostructures. On the other hand, a large reduction of the gate leakage current by 4-5 orders of magnitudes was achieved with a very low AlN growth temperature of 430 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis of the AlN cap grown at 740 °C indicated that the AlN layer is tensile-strained. In contrast to this result, the amorphous structure was confirmed for the AlN cap grown at 430 °C by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, theoretical analysis based on one-dimensional band simulation was carried out, and the large increase in two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) observed in Hall measurements was well reproduced by taking into account the spontaneous and piezo-electric polarization in the AlN layer grown at 740 °C. For the AlN capped structure grown at 430 °C, it is believed that the reduced polarization field in the AlN cap suppressed the penetration of 2DEG into the InAlN barrier layer, resulting in a small impact on 2DEG mobility and density. We believe that an in-situ grown AlN cap with a very low growth temperature of 430 °C is a promising candidate for high-frequency/high-power GaN-based devices with low gate leakage current.

Gravity anomaly map of Mars and Moon and analysis of Venus gravity field: New analysis procedures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

The technique of harmonic splines allows direct estimation of a complete planetary gravity field (geoid, gravity, and gravity gradients) everywhere over the planet's surface. Harmonic spline results of Venus are presented as a series of maps at spacecraft and constant altitudes. Global (except for polar regions) and local relations of gravity to topography are described.

Finite mode analysis through harmonic waveguides

PubMed

Alieva; Wolf

2000-08-01

The mode analysis of signals in a multimodal shallow harmonic waveguide whose eigenfrequencies are equally spaced and finite can be performed by an optoelectronic device, of which the optical part uses the guide to sample the wave field at a number of sensors along its axis and the electronic part computes their fast Fourier transform. We illustrate this process with the Kravchuk transform.

All-night EEG power spectral analysis of the cyclic alternating pattern components in young adult subjects.

PubMed

Ferri, Raffaele; Bruni, Oliviero; Miano, Silvia; Plazzi, Giuseppe; Terzano, Mario G

2005-10-01

To analyze in detail the frequency content of the different EEG components of the Cyclic Alternating Pattern (CAP), taking into account the ongoing EEG background and the nonCAP (NCAP) periods in the whole night polysomnographic recordings of normal young adults. Sixteen normal healthy subjects were included in this study. Each subject underwent one polysomnographic night recording; sleep stages were scored following standard criteria. Subsequently, each CAP A phase was detected in all recordings, during NREM sleep, and classified into 3 subtypes (A1, A2, and A3). The same channel used for the detection of CAP A phases (C3/A2 or C4/A1) was subdivided into 2-s mini-epochs. For each mini-epoch, the corresponding CAP condition was determined and power spectra calculated in the frequency range 0.5-25 Hz. Average spectra were obtained for each CAP condition, separately in sleep stage 2 and SWS, for each subject. Finally, the first 6h of sleep were subdivided into 4 periods of 90 min each and the same spectral analysis was performed for each period. During sleep stage 2, CAP A subtypes differed from NCAP periods for all frequency bins between 0.5 and 25 Hz; this difference was most evident for the lowest frequencies. The B phase following A1 subtypes had a power spectrum significantly higher than that of NCAP, for frequencies between 1 and 11 Hz. The B phase after A2 only differed from NCAP for a small but significant reduction in the sigma band power; this was evident also after A3 subtypes. During SWS, we found similar results. The comparison between the different CAP subtypes also disclosed significant differences related to the stage in which they occurred. Finally, a significant effect of the different sleep periods was found on the different CAP subtypes during sleep stage 2 and on NCAP in both sleep stage 2 and SWS. CAP subtypes are characterized by clearly different spectra and also the same subtype shows a different power spectrum, during sleep stage 2 or SWS. This finding underlines a probable different functional meaning of the same CAP subtype during different sleep stages. We also found 3 clear peaks of difference between CAP subtypes and NCAP in the delta, alpha, and beta frequency ranges which might indicate the presence of 3 frequency components characterizing CAP subtypes, in different proportion in each of them. The B component of CAP differs from NCAP because of a decrease in power in the sigma frequency range. This study shows that A components of CAP might correspond to periods in which the very-slow delta activity of sleep groups a range of different EEG activities, including the sigma and beta bands, while the B phase of CAP might correspond to a period in which this activity is quiescent or inhibited.

Structural analysis and immunoregulation activity comparison of five polysaccharides from Angelica sinensis.

PubMed

Wang, Junmin; Ge, Beilei; Li, Zihong; Guan, Fangxia; Li, Feifei

2016-04-20

Four fractional polysaccharides (CAPS30, CAPS50, CAPS70 and CAPS80) and total polysaccharides (CAPSt) were obtained from Angelica sinensis. Their structures were identified by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), molecular weights were evaluated by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and compositions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Their immunoregulation activities were further compared in vitro. The results showed that they displayed different structural features and immuno-enhancement activities. They all could cause the proliferation of the lymphocyte, up-regulate stimulate the productions of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α secretion in the peripheral lymphocytes. Further experiments showed that CAPS50 and CAPS70 could increase the ratio of CD3(+)CD56(+) cells to some extent. These indicated that five CAPSs displayed different activities which were associated with their different structural characteristics and CAPS70, with the molecular weights of 20.82kDa and consisting of mannose and glucose in the molar ratio of 1.20:1.01, possessed the strongest immuno-enhancement activity. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms of selective antitumor action of cold atmospheric plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Graves, David; Bauer, Georg

2016-09-01

Transformed (precancerous) cells are known to be subject to elimination through intercellular RONS-dependent apoptosis-inducing signaling. It is a remarkable fact that the chemical species utilized by apoptosis induction in transformed cells are essentially identical to chemical species created by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in aqueous solutions. The association between CAP-induced biochemistry and natural cell anti-tumor mechanisms offers the opportunity to establish a rationale for the observed successes of CAP in selectively eliminating tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. In particular, 1O2 appears to act to selectively induce apoptosis in tumor cells, and can also result in self-perpetuating, cell-to-cell apoptotic signaling. Various CAP-generated liquid phase species can react to form 1O2, thus providing a hypothetical mechanism to explain how CAP can trigger therapeutic apoptosis in tumors. The analysis of model experiments performed with defined RONS in vitro implies that CAP-derived 1O2 induces the mechanism through which CAP acts selectively against cancer cells in vitro and tumors in vivo. This hypothesis needs to be tested experimentally in order to establish its validity.

Probabilistic Harmonic Analysis on Distributed Photovoltaic Integration Considering Typical Weather Scenarios

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bin, Che; Ruoying, Yu; Dongsheng, Dang; Xiangyan, Wang

2017-05-01

Distributed Generation (DG) integrating to the network would cause the harmonic pollution which would cause damages on electrical devices and affect the normal operation of power system. On the other hand, due to the randomness of the wind and solar irradiation, the output of DG is random, too, which leads to an uncertainty of the harmonic generated by the DG. Thus, probabilistic methods are needed to analyse the impacts of the DG integration. In this work we studied the harmonic voltage probabilistic distribution and the harmonic distortion in distributed network after the distributed photovoltaic (DPV) system integrating in different weather conditions, mainly the sunny day, cloudy day, rainy day and the snowy day. The probabilistic distribution function of the DPV output power in different typical weather conditions could be acquired via the parameter identification method of maximum likelihood estimation. The Monte-Carlo simulation method was adopted to calculate the probabilistic distribution of harmonic voltage content at different frequency orders as well as the harmonic distortion (THD) in typical weather conditions. The case study was based on the IEEE33 system and the results of harmonic voltage content probabilistic distribution as well as THD in typical weather conditions were compared.

Theoretical analysis of chirp excitation of contrast agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barlow, Euan; Mulholland, Anthony J.; Nordon, Alison; Gachagan, Anthony

2010-01-01

Analytic expressions are found for the amplitude of the first and second harmonics of the Ultrasound Contrast Agent's (UCA's) dynamics when excited by a chirp. The dependency of the second harmonic amplitude on the system parameters, the UCA shell parameters, and the insonifying signal parameters is then investigated. It is shown that optimal parameter values exist which give rise to a clear increase in the second harmonic component of the UCA's motion.

Nanoantenna harmonic sensor: theoretical analysis of contactless detection of molecules with light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farhat, Mohamed; Cheng, Mark M. C.; Le, Khai Q.; Chen, Pai-Yen

2015-10-01

The nonlinear harmonic sensor is a popular wireless sensor and radiofrequency identification (RFID) technique, which allows high-performance sensing in a severe interference/clutter background by transmitting a radio wave and detecting its modulated higher-order harmonics. Here we introduce the concept and design of optical harmonic tags based on nonlinear nanoantennas that can contactlessly detect electronic (e.g. electron affinity) and optical (e.g. relative permittivity) characteristics of molecules. By using a dual-resonance gold-molecule-silver nanodipole antenna within the quantum mechanical realm, the spectral form of the second-harmonic scattering can sensitively reveal the physical properties of molecules, paving a new route towards optical molecular sensors and optical identification (OPID) of biological, genetic, and medical events for the ‘Internet of Nano-Things’.

Modeling non-harmonic behavior of materials from experimental inelastic neutron scattering and thermal expansion measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansal, Dipanshu; Aref, Amjad; Dargush, Gary; Delaire, Olivier

2016-09-01

Based on thermodynamic principles, we derive expressions quantifying the non-harmonic vibrational behavior of materials, which are rigorous yet easily evaluated from experimentally available data for the thermal expansion coefficient and the phonon density of states. These experimentally-derived quantities are valuable to benchmark first-principles theoretical predictions of harmonic and non-harmonic thermal behaviors using perturbation theory, ab initio molecular-dynamics, or Monte-Carlo simulations. We illustrate this analysis by computing the harmonic, dilational, and anharmonic contributions to the entropy, internal energy, and free energy of elemental aluminum and the ordered compound \\text{FeSi} over a wide range of temperature. Results agree well with previous data in the literature and provide an efficient approach to estimate anharmonic effects in materials.

Nanoantenna harmonic sensor: theoretical analysis of contactless detection of molecules with light.

PubMed

Farhat, Mohamed; Cheng, Mark M C; Le, Khai Q; Chen, Pai-Yen

2015-10-16

The nonlinear harmonic sensor is a popular wireless sensor and radiofrequency identification (RFID) technique, which allows high-performance sensing in a severe interference/clutter background by transmitting a radio wave and detecting its modulated higher-order harmonics. Here we introduce the concept and design of optical harmonic tags based on nonlinear nanoantennas that can contactlessly detect electronic (e.g. electron affinity) and optical (e.g. relative permittivity) characteristics of molecules. By using a dual-resonance gold-molecule-silver nanodipole antenna within the quantum mechanical realm, the spectral form of the second-harmonic scattering can sensitively reveal the physical properties of molecules, paving a new route towards optical molecular sensors and optical identification (OPID) of biological, genetic, and medical events for the 'Internet of Nano-Things'.

Oncotripsy: Targeting cancer cells selectively via resonant harmonic excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heyden, S.; Ortiz, M.

2016-07-01

We investigate a method of selectively targeting cancer cells by means of ultrasound harmonic excitation at their resonance frequency, which we refer to as oncotripsy. The geometric model of the cells takes into account the cytoplasm, nucleus and nucleolus, as well as the plasma membrane and nuclear envelope. Material properties are varied within a pathophysiologically-relevant range. A first modal analysis reveals the existence of a spectral gap between the natural frequencies and, most importantly, resonant growth rates of healthy and cancerous cells. The results of the modal analysis are verified by simulating the fully-nonlinear transient response of healthy and cancerous cells at resonance. The fully nonlinear analysis confirms that cancerous cells can be selectively taken to lysis by the application of carefully tuned ultrasound harmonic excitation while simultaneously leaving healthy cells intact.

Preparation of Curcumin-Piperazine Coamorphous Phase and Fluorescence Spectroscopic and Density Functional Theory Simulation Studies on the Interaction with Bovine Serum Albumin.

PubMed

Pang, Wenzhe; Lv, Jie; Du, Shuang; Wang, Jiaojiao; Wang, Jing; Zeng, Yanli

2017-09-05

In the present study, a new coamorphous phase (CAP) of bioactive herbal ingredient curcumin (CUR) with high solubilitythe was screened with pharmaceutically acceptable coformers. Besides, to provide basic information for the best practice of physiological and pharmaceutical preparations of CUR-based CAP, the interaction between CUR-based CAP and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was studied at the molecular level in this paper. CAP of CUR and piperazine with molar ratio of 1:2 was prepared by EtOH-assisted grinding. The as-prepared CAP was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared, and solid-state 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance. The 1:2 CAP stoichioimetry was sustained by C═O···H hydrogen bonds between the N-H group of the piperazine and the C═O group of CUR; piperazine stabilized the diketo structure of CUR in CAP. The dissolution rate of CUR-piperazine CAP in 30% ethanol-water was faster than that of CUR; the t 50 values were 243.1 min for CUR and 4.378 min for CAP. Furthermore, interactions of CUR and CUR-piperazine CAP with BSA were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The binding constants (K b ) of CUR and CUR-piperazine CAP with BSA were 10.0 and 9.1 × 10 3 L mol -1 at 298 K, respectively. Moreover, DFT simulation indicated that the interaction energy values of hydrogen-bonded interaction in the tryptophan-CUR and tryptophan-CUR-piperazine complex were -26.1 and -17.9 kJ mol -1 , respectively. In a conclusion, after formation of CUR-piperazine CAP, the interaction forces between CUR and BSA became weaker.

Questionnaire based assessment of patients' acceptability of leukocytapheresis for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

PubMed

Nagase, Kazuko; Fukuanga, Ken; Yokoyama, Yoko; Kamikozuru, Koji; Miwa, Hiroto; Nakamura, Shiro

2013-10-01

The aim of the present study was to assess patients' acceptance of therapeutic leukocytapheresis known as cytapheresis (CAP) for the treatment of an active flare of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A questionnaire was sent to 155 IBD patients who had been treated with CAP for an active flare of IBD at the IBD center of Hyogo College of Medicine between January 2009 and July 2012. In the questionnaire, patients were asked to evaluate CAP including efficacy, safety, unfavorable features and their willingness to be retreated with CAP for a subsequent IBD flare-up. Seventy-eight percent (112 of 155 patients) including 86 with ulcerative colitis and 26 with Crohn's disease completed the questionnaire. The need for coming to hospital for CAP, needle pain during blood access, sparing time for CAP process were scored by 57%, 58%, and 58.9% of the patients, respectively as unfavorable. Patients highly favored the safety of CAP, the sum of very and relatively favorable was 89%, higher than for efficacy (68%). Seventy-two percent of patients favored retreatment with CAP. In binary logistic regression analysis, the levels of satisfaction for efficacy (P < 0.001), and inconvenience for CAP treatment time (P < 0.001) were highly significant factors for patients' willingness to be retreated. Bearing in mind that CAP is a non-pharmacologic treatment intervention, our analyses indicated that IBD patients favored high efficacy, as well as comfort of CAP or maintaining their normal social activity even during an active phase of the disease. Patient's acceptability for CAP appeared to be determined by the balance of these factors. © 2013 The Authors. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis © 2013 International Society for Apheresis.

Bioimpedance Harmonic Analysis as a Diagnostic Tool to Assess Regional Circulation and Neural Activity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mudraya, I. S.; Revenko, S. V.; Khodyreva, L. A.; Markosyan, T. G.; Dudareva, A. A.; Ibragimov, A. R.; Romich, V. V.; Kirpatovsky, V. I.

2013-04-01

The novel technique based on harmonic analysis of bioimpedance microvariations with original hard- and software complex incorporating a high-resolution impedance converter was used to assess the neural activity and circulation in human urinary bladder and penis in patients with pelvic pain, erectile dysfunction, and overactive bladder. The therapeutic effects of shock wave therapy and Botulinum toxin detrusor injections were evaluated quantitatively according to the spectral peaks at low 0.1 Hz frequency (M for Mayer wave), respiratory (R) and cardiac (C) rhythms with their harmonics. Enhanced baseline regional neural activity identified according to M and R peaks was found to be presumably sympathetic in pelvic pain patients, and parasympathetic - in patients with overactive bladder. Total pulsatile activity and pulsatile resonances found in the bladder as well as in the penile spectrum characterised regional circulation and vascular tone. The abnormal spectral parameters characteristic of the patients with genitourinary diseases shifted to the norm in the cases of efficient therapy. Bioimpedance harmonic analysis seems to be a potent tool to assess regional peculiarities of circulatory and autonomic nervous activity in the course of patient treatment.

Tracking the Martian CO2 Polar Ice Caps in Infrared Images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wagstaff, Kiri L.; Castano, Rebecca; Chien, Steve

2006-01-01

Researchers at NASA s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have developed a method for automatically tracking the polar caps on Mars as they advance and recede each year (see figure). The seasonal Mars polar caps are composed mainly of CO2 ice and are therefore cold enough to stand out clearly in infrared data collected by the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) onboard the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. The Bimodal Image Temperature (BIT) histogram analysis algorithm analyzes raw, uncalibrated data to identify images that contain both "cold" ("polar cap") and "warm" ("not polar cap") pixels. The algorithm dynamically identifies the temperature that separates these two regions. This flexibility is critical, because in the absence of any calibration, the threshold temperature can vary significantly from image to image. Using the identified threshold, the algorithm classifies each pixel in the image as "polar cap" or "not polar cap," then identifies the image row that contains the spatial transition from "polar cap" to "not polar cap." While this method is useful for analyzing data that has already been returned by THEMIS, it has even more significance with respect to data that has not yet been collected. Instead of seeking the polar cap only in specific, targeted images, the simplicity and efficiency of this method makes it feasible for direct, onboard use. That is, THEMIS could continuously monitor its observations for any detections of the polar-cap edge, producing detections over a wide range of spatial and temporal conditions. This effort can greatly contribute to our understanding of long-term climatic change on Mars.

Increased first and second pulse harmonics in Tai Chi Chuan practitioners.

PubMed

Lu, Wan-An; Chen, Yung-Sheng; Kuo, Cheng-Deng

2016-02-29

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is known to be a good calisthenics for people. This study examined the relationship between pulse harmonics and autonomic nervous modulation in TCC practitioners. Power spectral measures of right pulse wave and heart rate variability (HRV) measures were compared between TCC practitioners and control subjects. Correlation analyses between pulse harmonics and HRV measures were performed using linear regression analysis. At baseline, the total power of pulse (TPp), powers of all individual pulse harmonics, normalized power of the 1(st) harmonics (nPh1) of TCC practitioners were greater, while the normalized power of the 4(th) pulse harmonics (nPh4) of TCC practitioners was smaller, than those of the controls. Similarly, the baseline standard deviation (SD(RR)), coefficient of variation (CV(RR)), and normalized high-frequency power (nHFP) of RR intervals were smaller, while the normalized very low-frequency power (nVLFP) and low-/high- frequency power ratio (LHR) were larger in the TCC practitioners. The TCC age correlated significantly and negatively with nPh1, and nearly significantly and negatively with nPh2 in the TCC practitioners. Thirty min after TCC exercise, the percentage changes in mRRI, SDRR, TP, VLFP were decreased, while the percentage changes in HR, ULFP, nLFP, and Ph2 were increased, relative to the controls. Correlation analysis shows that the %Ph2 correlates significantly and negatively with %mRRI and significantly and positively with %HR. The TCC practitioners had increased baseline total power of pulse and the 1(st) and 2(nd) pulse harmonics, and decreased power of the 4(th) pulse harmonics, along with decreased vagal modulation and increased sympathetic modulation. After TCC exercise, the power of the 2(nd) harmonics of TCC practitioners was increased which might be related to the increase in HR due to decreased vascular resistance after TCC exercise.

4G/5G Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Polymorphisms and Haplotypes Are Associated with Pneumonia

PubMed Central

Yende, Sachin; Angus, Derek C.; Ding, Jingzhong; Newman, Anne B.; Kellum, John A.; Li, Rongling; Ferrell, Robert E.; Zmuda, Joseph; Kritchevsky, Stephen B.; Harris, Tamara B.; Garcia, Melissa; Yaffe, Kristine; Wunderink, Richard G.

2007-01-01

Rationale: Plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 inhibits urokinase and tissue plasminogen activator, required for host response to infection. Whether variation within the PAI-1 gene is associated with increased susceptibility to infection is unknown. Objectives: To ascertain the role of the 4G/5G polymorphism and other genetic variants within the PAI-1 gene. We hypothesized that variants associated with increased PAI-1 expression would be associated with an increased occurrence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: Longitudinal analysis (>12 yr) of the Health, Aging, and Body Composition cohort, aged 65–74 years at start of analysis. Measurements and Main Results: We genotyped the 4G/5G PAI-1 polymorphism and six additional single nucleotide polymorphisms. Of the 3,075 subjects, 272 (8.8%) had at least one hospitalization for CAP. Among whites, variants at the PAI4G,5G, PAI2846, and PAI7343 sites had higher risk of CAP (P = 0.018, 0.021, and 0.021, respectively). At these sites, variants associated with higher PAI-1 expression were associated with increased CAP susceptibility. Compared with the 5G/5G genotypes at PAI4G,5G site, the 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes were associated with a 1.98-fold increased risk of CAP (95% confidence interval, 1.2–3.2; P = 0.006). In whole blood stimulation assay, subjects with a 4G allele had 3.3- and 1.9-fold increased PAI-1 expression (P = 0.043 and 0.034, respectively). In haplotype analysis, the 4G/G/C/A haplotype at the PAI4G,5G, PAI2846, PAI4588, and PAI7343 single nucleotide polymorphisms was associated with higher CAP susceptibility, whereas the 5G/G/C/A haplotype was associated with lower CAP susceptibility. No associations were seen among blacks. Conclusions: Genotypes associated with increased expression of PAI-1 were associated with increased susceptibility to CAP in elderly whites. PMID:17761618

Numerical analysis of dense narrow backfills for increasing lateral passive resistance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-08-01

Previously, full-scale lateral load tests conducted on pile caps with different aspect ratios showed that placement : of a narrow, dense backfill zone against the cap could substantially increase the passive resistance. The objective : of this study ...

Cleft audit protocol for speech (CAPS-A): a comprehensive training package for speech analysis.

PubMed

Sell, D; John, A; Harding-Bell, A; Sweeney, T; Hegarty, F; Freeman, J

2009-01-01

The previous literature has largely focused on speech analysis systems and ignored process issues, such as the nature of adequate speech samples, data acquisition, recording and playback. Although there has been recognition of the need for training on tools used in speech analysis associated with cleft palate, little attention has been paid to this issue. To design, execute, and evaluate a training programme for speech and language therapists on the systematic and reliable use of the Cleft Audit Protocol for Speech-Augmented (CAPS-A), addressing issues of standardized speech samples, data acquisition, recording, playback, and listening guidelines. Thirty-six specialist speech and language therapists undertook the training programme over four days. This consisted of two days' training on the CAPS-A tool followed by a third day, making independent ratings and transcriptions on ten new cases which had been previously recorded during routine audit data collection. This task was repeated on day 4, a minimum of one month later. Ratings were made using the CAPS-A record form with the CAPS-A definition table. An analysis was made of the speech and language therapists' CAPS-A ratings at occasion 1 and occasion 2 and the intra- and inter-rater reliability calculated. Trained therapists showed consistency in individual judgements on specific sections of the tool. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated for each section with good agreement on eight of 13 sections. There were only fair levels of agreement on anterior oral cleft speech characteristics, non-cleft errors/immaturities and voice. This was explained, at least in part, by their low prevalence which affects the calculation of the intraclass correlation coefficient statistic. Speech and language therapists benefited from training on the CAPS-A, focusing on specific aspects of speech using definitions of parameters and scalar points, in order to apply the tool systematically and reliably. Ratings are enhanced by ensuring a high degree of attention to the nature of the data, standardizing the speech sample, data acquisition, the listening process together with the use of high-quality recording and playback equipment. In addition, a method is proposed for maintaining listening skills following training as part of an individual's continuing education.

Self-Sealing Wet Chemistry Cell for Field Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beegle, Luther W.; Soto, Juancarlos; Lasnik, James; Roark, Shane

2012-01-01

In most analytical investigations, there is a need to process complex field samples for the unique detection of analytes, especially when detecting low concentration organic molecules that may identify extraterrestrial life. Wet chemistry based instruments are the techniques of choice for most laboratory- based analysis of organic molecules due to several factors including less fragmentation of fragile biomarkers, and ability to concentrate target species resulting in much lower limits of detection. Development of an automated wet chemistry preparation system that can operate autonomously on Earth and is also designed to operate under Martian ambient conditions will demonstrate the technical feasibility of including wet chemistry on future missions. An Automated Sample Processing System (ASPS) has recently been developed that receives fines, extracts organics through solvent extraction, processes the extract by removing non-organic soluble species, and delivers sample to multiple instruments for analysis (including for non-organic soluble species). The key to this system is a sample cell that can autonomously function under field conditions. As a result, a self-sealing sample cell was developed that can autonomously hermetically seal fines and powder into a container, regardless of orientation of the apparatus. The cap is designed with a beveled edge, which allows the cap to be self-righted as the capping motor engages. Each cap consists of a C-clip lock ring below a crucible O-ring that is placed into a groove cut into the sample cap.

Automated method for determining Instron Residual Seal Force of glass vial/rubber closure systems. Part II. 13 mm vials.

PubMed

Ludwig, J D; Davis, C W

1995-01-01

Instron Residual Seal Force (IRSF) of 13 mm glass vial/rubber closure systems was determined using an Instron 4501 Materials Testing System and computerized data analysis. A series of three cap anvils varying in shape and dimensions were machined to optimize cap anvil performance. Cap anvils with spherical top surfaces and narrow internal dimensions produced uniform stress-deformation curves from which precise IRSF values were derived.

Effect of 10% sodium ascorbate on the calcium: Phosphorus ratio of enamel bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide: an in vitro quantitative energy-dispersive X-ray analysis.

PubMed

Poorni, Saravanan; Kumar, R Anil; Shankar, P; Indira, Rajamani; Ramachandran, S

2010-10-01

The study assessed quantitatively the calcium and phosphorous loss from the enamel surface following bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide and reversal with 10% sodium ascorbate using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). Eight non-carious, freshly extracted human permanent maxillary central incisors without any visible defects were used. Each specimen was bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide activated by light and reversed with sodium ascorbate antioxidant gel. The calcium and phosphorous content in weight percent of sound, bleached and reversed enamel was acquired using EDAX. The Ca/P ratio was calculated from the obtained data. One-way ANOVA followed by Post Hoc Tukey test was used for comparing the Ca/P ratio of sound, bleached and reversed enamel. All the samples subjected to bleaching using 35% hydrogen peroxide showed a statistically significant decrease in the Ca/P ratio as compared with samples in which no bleaching procedure was performed (P-value < 0.01). The striking finding was that there was a significant increase in the Ca/P ratio on application of sodium ascorbate antioxidant gel when compared with the bleached enamel (P-value < 0.01). The authors concluded that 35% hydrogen peroxide causes a significant decrease in the Ca/P ratio. This decrease in the Ca/P ratio can be restored by the application of 10% sodium ascorbate antioxidant gel.

Degradation in finite-harmonic subcarrier demodulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feria, Y.; Townes, S.; Pham, T.

1995-01-01

Previous estimates on the degradations due to a subcarrier loop assume a square-wave subcarrier. This article provides a closed-form expression for the degradations due to the subcarrier loop when a finite number of harmonics are used to demodulate the subcarrier, as in the case of the buffered telemetry demodulator. We compared the degradations using a square wave and using finite harmonics in the subcarrier demodulation and found that, for a low loop signal-to-noise ratio, using finite harmonics leads to a lower degradation. The analysis is under the assumption that the phase noise in the subcarrier (SC) loop has a Tikhonov distribution. This assumption is valid for first-order loops.

Structure of human IFIT1 with capped RNA reveals adaptable mRNA binding and mechanisms for sensing N1 and N2 ribose 2′-O methylations

PubMed Central

Laudenbach, Beatrice Theres; Martínez-Montero, Saúl; Cencic, Regina; Habjan, Matthias; Pichlmair, Andreas; Damha, Masad J.; Pelletier, Jerry; Nagar, Bhushan

2017-01-01

IFIT1 (IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats-1) is an effector of the host innate immune antiviral response that prevents propagation of virus infection by selectively inhibiting translation of viral mRNA. It relies on its ability to compete with the translation initiation factor eIF4F to specifically recognize foreign capped mRNAs, while remaining inactive against host mRNAs marked by ribose 2′-O methylation at the first cap-proximal nucleotide (N1). We report here several crystal structures of RNA-bound human IFIT1, including a 1.6-Å complex with capped RNA. IFIT1 forms a water-filled, positively charged RNA-binding tunnel with a separate hydrophobic extension that unexpectedly engages the cap in multiple conformations (syn and anti) giving rise to a relatively plastic and nonspecific mode of binding, in stark contrast to eIF4E. Cap-proximal nucleotides encircled by the tunnel provide affinity to compete with eIF4F while allowing IFIT1 to select against N1 methylated mRNA. Gel-shift binding assays confirm that N1 methylation interferes with IFIT1 binding, but in an RNA-dependent manner, whereas translation assays reveal that N1 methylation alone is not sufficient to prevent mRNA recognition at high IFIT1 concentrations. Structural and functional analysis show that 2′-O methylation at N2, another abundant mRNA modification, is also detrimental for RNA binding, thus revealing a potentially synergistic role for it in self- versus nonself-mRNA discernment. Finally, structure-guided mutational analysis confirms the importance of RNA binding for IFIT1 restriction of a human coronavirus mutant lacking viral N1 methylation. Our structural and biochemical analysis sheds new light on the molecular basis for IFIT1 translational inhibition of capped viral RNA. PMID:28251928

CO_2 Frost Halos on the South Polar Residual Cap of Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Becerra, P.; Byrne, S.; HiRISE Team

2012-03-01

We present observational analysis, and a numerical model to explain the formation of bright CO_2 frost halos seen by HiRISE on the edges of scarps and "swiss cheese" features in the south polar residual cap of Mars.

Stability analysis of a reinforced carbon carbon shell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agan, W. E.; Jordan, B. M.

1977-01-01

This paper presents the development of a stability analysis for the nose cap of the NASA Space Shuttle Orbiter. Stability is evaluated by the differential stiffness analysis of the NASTRAN finite-element computer code, addressing those nonstandard characteristics in the nose cap such as nonuniform curvature, asymmetrical and nonuniform loads, support fixity, and various combinations of membrane and bending stresses. A full-sized nose cap, thinner than production, was statically tested and stability analyzed. The failing load level correlated to within 30%. The region and mode of buckling that occurred during test was accurately predicted by analysis. The criterion for predicting instability is based on the behavior of the nonlinear deflections. The deflections are nonlinear elastic in that the stresses are well within the elastic range of the material, but the geometry-load relationship produces nonlinear deflections. The load-deflection relationship is well defined by differential stiffness analysis up to the zero-slope portion of the curve, the point of neutral stability or where the shell 'snaps through' just prior to general instability.

Fourier functional analysis for unsteady aerodynamic modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lan, C. Edward; Chin, Suei

1991-01-01

A method based on Fourier analysis is developed to analyze the force and moment data obtained in large amplitude forced oscillation tests at high angles of attack. The aerodynamic models for normal force, lift, drag, and pitching moment coefficients are built up from a set of aerodynamic responses to harmonic motions at different frequencies. Based on the aerodynamic models of harmonic data, the indicial responses are formed. The final expressions for the models involve time integrals of the indicial type advocated by Tobak and Schiff. Results from linear two- and three-dimensional unsteady aerodynamic theories as well as test data for a 70-degree delta wing are used to verify the models. It is shown that the present modeling method is accurate in producing the aerodynamic responses to harmonic motions and the ramp type motions. The model also produces correct trend for a 70-degree delta wing in harmonic motion with different mean angles-of-attack. However, the current model cannot be used to extrapolate data to higher angles-of-attack than that of the harmonic motions which form the aerodynamic model. For linear ramp motions, a special method is used to calculate the corresponding frequency and phase angle at a given time. The calculated results from modeling show a higher lift peak for linear ramp motion than for harmonic ramp motion. The current model also shows reasonably good results for the lift responses at different angles of attack.

Harmonic dissection versus electrocautery in breast surgery in regional Victoria.

PubMed

Kiyingi, Andrew K; Macdonald, Leigh J; Shugg, Sarah A; Bollard, Ruth C

2015-05-01

Harmonic instruments are an alternative tool for surgical dissection. The aim of this study is to evaluate differences in clinical outcomes relating to harmonic dissection when compared with electrocautery in patients undergoing major breast surgery in a regional centre over a 3-year period. Retrospective chart analysis was conducted of 52 patients undergoing major breast surgery for carcinoma or ductal carcinoma in situ by a single surgeon in a regional centre from May 2008 to January 2011. Analysis involved the extraction of qualitative data relating to patient demographics, surgery type and specimen histopathology. Quantitative data were extracted relating to duration of surgery, duration of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) use, length of hospital admission, drainage output and presence of infection, haematoma or seroma. Fifty-two patients underwent major breast surgery; harmonic dissection n = 32 and electrocautery n = 20. The two groups were comparable. There was no significant difference identified relating the outcome measures. The median operative duration was shorter in the harmonic dissection group, however, was not of statistical significance. No significant difference was identified between groups relating to length of inpatient stay, duration of PCA use and total volume wound drainage and total days of drainage. Incidence of seroma and infection in the groups was not significantly different. The harmonic dissection is safe and effective in major breast surgery. The study did not demonstrate any clinical advantage from the use of harmonic dissection in major breast surgery compared with electrocautery, nor was there any difference in the complication rates measured. © 2014 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Transformation between surface spherical harmonic expansion of arbitrary high degree and order and double Fourier series on sphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fukushima, Toshio

2018-02-01

In order to accelerate the spherical harmonic synthesis and/or analysis of arbitrary function on the unit sphere, we developed a pair of procedures to transform between a truncated spherical harmonic expansion and the corresponding two-dimensional Fourier series. First, we obtained an analytic expression of the sine/cosine series coefficient of the 4 π fully normalized associated Legendre function in terms of the rectangle values of the Wigner d function. Then, we elaborated the existing method to transform the coefficients of the surface spherical harmonic expansion to those of the double Fourier series so as to be capable with arbitrary high degree and order. Next, we created a new method to transform inversely a given double Fourier series to the corresponding surface spherical harmonic expansion. The key of the new method is a couple of new recurrence formulas to compute the inverse transformation coefficients: a decreasing-order, fixed-degree, and fixed-wavenumber three-term formula for general terms, and an increasing-degree-and-order and fixed-wavenumber two-term formula for diagonal terms. Meanwhile, the two seed values are analytically prepared. Both of the forward and inverse transformation procedures are confirmed to be sufficiently accurate and applicable to an extremely high degree/order/wavenumber as 2^{30} {≈ } 10^9. The developed procedures will be useful not only in the synthesis and analysis of the spherical harmonic expansion of arbitrary high degree and order, but also in the evaluation of the derivatives and integrals of the spherical harmonic expansion.

Advantages of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells with two-step grown low temperature GaN cap layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yadan; Lu, Taiping; Zhou, Xiaorun; Zhao, Guangzhou; Dong, Hailiang; Jia, Zhigang; Liu, Xuguang; Xu, Bingshe

2017-11-01

Two-step grown low temperature GaN cap layers (LT-cap) are employed to improve the optical and structural properties of InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs). The first LT-cap layer is grown in nitrogen atmosphere, while a small hydrogen flow is added to the carrier gas during the growth of the second LT-cap layer. High-resolution X-ray diffraction results indicate that the two-step growth method can improve the interface quality of MQWs. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) tests show about two-fold enhancement in integrated PL intensity, only 25 meV blue-shift in peak energy and almost unchanged line width. On the basis of temperature-dependent PL characteristics analysis, it is concluded that the first and the second LT-cap layer play a different role during the growth of MQWs. The first LT-cap layer acts as a protective layer, which protects quantum well from serious indium loss and interface roughening resulting from the hydrogen over-etching. The hydrogen gas employed in the second LT-cap layer is in favor of reducing defect density and indium segregation. Consequently, interface/surface and optical properties are improved by adopting the two-step growth method.

Targeted delivery of non-viral vectors to cartilage in vivo using a chondrocyte-homing peptide identified by phage display.

PubMed

Pi, Yanbin; Zhang, Xin; Shi, Junjun; Zhu, Jinxian; Chen, Wenqing; Zhang, Chenguang; Gao, Weiwei; Zhou, Chunyan; Ao, Yingfang

2011-09-01

Gene therapy is a promising method for osteoarthritis and cartilage injury. However, specifically delivering target genes into chondrocytes is a great challenge because of their non-vascularity and the dense extracellular matrix of cartilage. In our study, we identified a chondrocyte-affinity peptide (CAP, DWRVIIPPRPSA) by phage display technology. Subsequent analysis suggests that the peptide can efficiently interact specifically with chondrocytes without any species specificity. Polyethylenimine (PEI) was covalently modified with CAP to construct a non-viral vector for cartilage-targeted therapy. To investigate the cartilage-targeting property of the CAP-modified vector, FITC-labeled CAP conjugated PEI/DNA particles were injected into rabbit knee joints, and visualized under confocal microscope. Higher concentrations of CAP-modified vector were detected in the cartilage and specifically taken up by chondrocytes compared with a randomly scrambled peptide (SP)-modified vector. To evaluate cartilage-targeting transfection efficiency, the GFP and luciferase genes were delivered into knee joints using CAP- and SP-modified PEI. Cartilage transfections mediated by CAP-modified PEI were much more efficient and specific than those by SP-modified PEI. This result suggests that CAP-modified PEI could be used as a specific cartilage-targeting vector for cartilage disorders. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Generic Data Harmonization Process for Cross-linked Research and Network Interaction. Construction and Application for the Lung Cancer Phenotype Database of the German Center for Lung Research.

PubMed

Firnkorn, D; Ganzinger, M; Muley, T; Thomas, M; Knaup, P

2015-01-01

Joint data analysis is a key requirement in medical research networks. Data are available in heterogeneous formats at each network partner and their harmonization is often rather complex. The objective of our paper is to provide a generic approach for the harmonization process in research networks. We applied the process when harmonizing data from three sites for the Lung Cancer Phenotype Database within the German Center for Lung Research. We developed a spreadsheet-based solution as tool to support the harmonization process for lung cancer data and a data integration procedure based on Talend Open Studio. The harmonization process consists of eight steps describing a systematic approach for defining and reviewing source data elements and standardizing common data elements. The steps for defining common data elements and harmonizing them with local data definitions are repeated until consensus is reached. Application of this process for building the phenotype database led to a common basic data set on lung cancer with 285 structured parameters. The Lung Cancer Phenotype Database was realized as an i2b2 research data warehouse. Data harmonization is a challenging task requiring informatics skills as well as domain knowledge. Our approach facilitates data harmonization by providing guidance through a uniform process that can be applied in a wide range of projects.

Simulation of 100-300 GHz solid-state harmonic sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zybura, Michael F.; Jones, J. Robert; Jones, Stephen H.; Tait, Gregory B.

1995-01-01

Accurate and efficient simulations of the large-signal time-dependent characteristics of second-harmonic Transferred Electron Oscillators (TEO's) and Heterostructure Barrier Varactor (HBV) frequency triplers have been obtained. This is accomplished by using a novel and efficient harmonic-balance circuit analysis technique which facilitates the integration of physics-based hydrodynamic device simulators. The integrated hydrodynamic device/harmonic-balance circuit simulators allow TEO and HBV circuits to be co-designed from both a device and a circuit point of view. Comparisons have been made with published experimental data for both TEO's and HBV's. For TEO's, excellent correlation has been obtained at 140 GHz and 188 GHz in second-harmonic operation. Excellent correlation has also been obtained for HBV frequency triplers operating near 200 GHz. For HBV's, both a lumped quasi-static equivalent circuit model and the hydrodynamic device simulator have been linked to the harmonic-balance circuit simulator. This comparison illustrates the importance of representing active devices with physics-based numerical device models rather than analytical device models.

Unravelling the dynamical origin of below- and near-threshold harmonic generation of H 2 + in an intense NIR laser field

DOE PAGES

Heslar, John; Chu, Shih-I.

2016-11-24

Recently, the study of near- and below- threshold regime harmonics as a potential source of intense coherent vacuum-ultraviolet radiation has received considerable attention. However, the dynamical origin of these lower harmonics, particularly for the molecular systems, is less understood and largely unexplored. Here we perform the first fully ab initio and high precision 3D quantum study of the below- and near-threshold harmonic generation of H 2 + molecules in an intense 800-nm near-infrared (NIR) laser field. Furthermore, combining with a synchrosqueezing transform of the quantum time-frequency spectrum and an extended semiclassical analysis, we explore in-depth the roles of various quantummore » trajectories, including short- and long trajectories, multiphoton trajectories, resonance-enhanced trajectories, and multiple rescattering trajectories of the below- and near- threshold harmonic generation processes. Our results shed new light on the dynamical origin of the below- and near-threshold harmonic generation and various quantum trajectories for diatomic molecules for the first time.« less

Areal and Temporal Analysis of Precipitation Patterns In Slovakia Using Spectral Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pishvaei, M. R.

Harmonic analysis as an objective method of precipitation seasonality studying is ap- plied to the 1901-2000 monthly precipitation averages at five stations in the low-land part of Slovakia with elevation less than 800 m a.s.l. The significant harmonics of long-term precipitation series have been separately computed for eight 30-year peri- ods, which cover the 20th century and some properties and the variations are com- pared to 100-year monthly precipitation averages. The selected results show that the first and the second harmonics pre-dominantly influence on the annual distribution and climatic seasonal regimes of pre-cipitation that contribute to the precipitation am- plitude/pattern with about 20% and 10%, respectively. These indicate annual and half year variations. The rest harmon-ics often have each less than 5% contribution on the Fourier interpolation course. Maximum in yearly precipitation course, which oc- curs approximately at the begin-ning of July, because of phase changing shifts then to the middle of June. Some probable reasons regarding to Fourier components are discussed. In addition, a tem-poral analysis over precipitation time series belonging to the Hurbanovo Observa-tory as the longest observational series on the territory of Slovakia (with 130-year precipitation records) has been individually performed and possible meteorological factors responsible for the observed patterns are suggested. A comparison of annual precipitation course obtained from daily precipitation totals analysis and polynomial trends with Fourier interpolation has been done too. Daily precipitation data in the latest period are compared for some stations in Slovakia as well. Only selected results are pre-sented in the poster.

MoCAP proteins regulated by MoArk1-mediated phosphorylation coordinate endocytosis and actin dynamics to govern development and virulence of Magnaporthe oryzae

PubMed Central

Yang, Jun; Chen, Deng; Liu, Muxing; Zhang, Haifeng; Zheng, Xiaobo; Wang, Ping; Peng, Youliang; Zhang, Zhengguang

2017-01-01

Actin organization is a conserved cellular process that regulates the growth and development of eukaryotic cells. It also governs the virulence process of pathogenic fungi, such as the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, with mechanisms not yet fully understood. In a previous study, we found that actin-regulating kinase MoArk1 displays conserved functions important in endocytosis and actin organization, and MoArk1 is required for maintaining the growth and full virulence of M. oryzae. To understand how MoArk1 might function, we identified capping protein homologs from M. oryzae (MoCAP) that interact with MoArk1 in vivo. MoCAP is heterodimer consisting of α and β subunits MoCapA and MoCapB. Single and double deletions of MoCAP subunits resulted in abnormal mycelial growth and conidia formation. The ΔMocap mutants also exhibited reduced appressorium penetration and invasive hyphal growth within host cells. Furthermore, the ΔMocap mutants exhibited delayed endocytosis and abnormal cytoskeleton assembly. Consistent with above findings, MoCAP proteins interacted with MoAct1, co-localized with actin during mycelial development, and participated in appressorial actin ring formation. Further analysis revealed that the S85 residue of MoCapA and the S285 residue of MoCapB were subject to phosphorylation by MoArk1 that negatively regulates MoCAP functions. Finally, the addition of exogenous phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) failed to modulate actin ring formation in ΔMocap mutants, in contrast to the wild-type strain, suggesting that MoCAP may also mediate phospholipid signaling in the regulation of the actin organization. These results together demonstrate that MoCAP proteins whose functions are regulated by MoArk1 and PIP2 are important for endocytosis and actin dynamics that are directly linked to growth, conidiation and pathogenicity of M. oryzae. PMID:28542408

Specification and spatial arrangement of cells in the germline stem cell niche of the Drosophila ovary depend on the Maf transcription factor Traffic jam

PubMed Central

Panchal, Trupti; Chen, Xi; Poon, James; Kouptsova, Jane

2017-01-01

Germline stem cells in the Drosophila ovary are maintained by a somatic niche. The niche is structurally and functionally complex and contains four cell types, the escort, cap, and terminal filament cells and the newly identified transition cell. We find that the large Maf transcription factor Traffic jam (Tj) is essential for determining niche cell fates and architecture, enabling each niche in the ovary to support a normal complement of 2–3 germline stem cells. In particular, we focused on the question of how cap cells form. Cap cells express Tj and are considered the key component of a mature germline stem cell niche. We conclude that Tj controls the specification of cap cells, as the complete loss of Tj function caused the development of additional terminal filament cells at the expense of cap cells, and terminal filament cells developed cap cell characteristics when induced to express Tj. Further, we propose that Tj controls the morphogenetic behavior of cap cells as they adopted the shape and spatial organization of terminal filament cells but otherwise appeared to retain their fate when Tj expression was only partially reduced. Our data indicate that Tj contributes to the establishment of germline stem cells by promoting the cap cell fate, and controls the stem cell-carrying capacity of the niche by regulating niche architecture. Analysis of the interactions between Tj and the Notch (N) pathway indicates that Tj and N have distinct functions in the cap cell specification program. We propose that formation of cap cells depends on the combined activities of Tj and the N pathway, with Tj promoting the cap cell fate by blocking the terminal filament cell fate, and N supporting cap cells by preventing the escort cell fate and/or controlling the number of cap cell precursors. PMID:28542174

Modeling non-harmonic behavior of materials from experimental inelastic neutron scattering and thermal expansion measurements

DOE PAGES

Bansal, Dipanshu; Aref, Amjad; Dargush, Gary; ...

2016-07-20

Based on thermodynamic principles, we derive expressions quantifying the non-harmonic vibrational behavior of materials, which are rigorous yet easily evaluated from experimentally available data for the thermal expansion coefficient and the phonon density of states. These experimentally-derived quantities are valuable to benchmark first-principles theoretical predictions of harmonic and non-harmonic thermal behaviors using perturbation theory, ab initio molecular-dynamics, or Monte-Carlo simulations. In this study, we illustrate this analysis by computing the harmonic, dilational, and anharmonic contributions to the entropy, internal energy, and free energy of elemental aluminum and the ordered compound FeSi over a wide range of temperature. Our results agreemore » well with previous data in the literature and provide an efficient approach to estimate anharmonic effects in materials.« less

Modeling non-harmonic behavior of materials from experimental inelastic neutron scattering and thermal expansion measurements

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

Bansal, Dipanshu; Aref, Amjad; Dargush, Gary

Based on thermodynamic principles, we derive expressions quantifying the non-harmonic vibrational behavior of materials, which are rigorous yet easily evaluated from experimentally available data for the thermal expansion coefficient and the phonon density of states. These experimentally-derived quantities are valuable to benchmark first-principles theoretical predictions of harmonic and non-harmonic thermal behaviors using perturbation theory, ab initio molecular-dynamics, or Monte-Carlo simulations. In this study, we illustrate this analysis by computing the harmonic, dilational, and anharmonic contributions to the entropy, internal energy, and free energy of elemental aluminum and the ordered compound FeSi over a wide range of temperature. Our results agreemore » well with previous data in the literature and provide an efficient approach to estimate anharmonic effects in materials.« less

PVP capped CdS nanoparticles for UV-LED applications

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

Sivaram, H.; Selvakumar, D.; Jayavel, R., E-mail: rjvel@annauniv.edu

Polyvinlypyrrolidone (PVP) capped cadmium sulphide (CdS) nanoparticles are synthesized by wet chemical method. The powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) result indicates that the nanoparticles are crystallized in cubic phase. The optical properties are characterized by UV-Vis absorption. The morphology of CdS nanoparticles are studied using Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The thermal behavior of the as prepared nanoparticles has been examined by Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical absorption study of pvp capped CdS reveal a red shift confirms the UV-LED applications.

Harmonization of experimental approach and data collection to streamline analysis of biomass composition from algae in an inter-laboratory setting

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

Laurens, Lieve M. L.; Van Wychen, Stefanie; Pienkos, Philip T.

In order to establish and design long-term algae cultivation experiments, inter-laboratory projects need to harmonize the requirements of techno-economic and life-cycle analysis models, with standardized data inputs. In order to provide a consistent foundation and allow for integration and analysis of the results in computational technical and resource analysis models, we implemented closely coordinated, harmonized and objective analytical protocols along with a common language for measuring growth and productivity for the major algal components. We describe here the process by which we developed a harmonization framework for analysis across five geographically diverse testbed sites. Our goal was to align analyticalmore » procedures to ensure consistent reporting on biomass and lipid content, quality and yields to eliminate measurement variability as a source of uncertainty in production data. Developing standards for analysis that streamline reporting on composition and expected fuel yields from biomass is one of the major outcomes of this work and this provides a starting place for further advanced characterization of algae to support the techno-economical process analyses and account for the mass balance accounting of algal biomass. In conclusion, initial analysis of data obtained from field studies shows trends in compositional shifts of lipid and protein content of the biomass that are in support of the physiological experiments demonstrated in the first geographically distributed unified outdoor cultivation trials.« less

Harmonization of experimental approach and data collection to streamline analysis of biomass composition from algae in an inter-laboratory setting

DOE PAGES

Laurens, Lieve M. L.; Van Wychen, Stefanie; Pienkos, Philip T.; ...

2017-04-26

In order to establish and design long-term algae cultivation experiments, inter-laboratory projects need to harmonize the requirements of techno-economic and life-cycle analysis models, with standardized data inputs. In order to provide a consistent foundation and allow for integration and analysis of the results in computational technical and resource analysis models, we implemented closely coordinated, harmonized and objective analytical protocols along with a common language for measuring growth and productivity for the major algal components. We describe here the process by which we developed a harmonization framework for analysis across five geographically diverse testbed sites. Our goal was to align analyticalmore » procedures to ensure consistent reporting on biomass and lipid content, quality and yields to eliminate measurement variability as a source of uncertainty in production data. Developing standards for analysis that streamline reporting on composition and expected fuel yields from biomass is one of the major outcomes of this work and this provides a starting place for further advanced characterization of algae to support the techno-economical process analyses and account for the mass balance accounting of algal biomass. In conclusion, initial analysis of data obtained from field studies shows trends in compositional shifts of lipid and protein content of the biomass that are in support of the physiological experiments demonstrated in the first geographically distributed unified outdoor cultivation trials.« less

Isogeometric analysis and harmonic stator-rotor coupling for simulating electric machines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bontinck, Zeger; Corno, Jacopo; Schöps, Sebastian; De Gersem, Herbert

2018-06-01

This work proposes Isogeometric Analysis as an alternative to classical finite elements for simulating electric machines. Through the spline-based Isogeometric discretization it is possible to parametrize the circular arcs exactly, thereby avoiding any geometrical error in the representation of the air gap where a high accuracy is mandatory. To increase the generality of the method, and to allow rotation, the rotor and the stator computational domains are constructed independently as multipatch entities. The two subdomains are then coupled using harmonic basis functions at the interface which gives rise to a saddle-point problem. The properties of Isogeometric Analysis combined with harmonic stator-rotor coupling are presented. The results and performance of the new approach are compared to the ones for a classical finite element method using a permanent magnet synchronous machine as an example.

DC Potentials Applied to an End-cap Electrode of a 3-D Ion Trap for Enhanced MSn Functionality

PubMed Central

Prentice, Boone M.; Xu, Wei; Ouyang, Zheng; McLuckey, Scott A.

2010-01-01

The effects of the application of various DC magnitudes and polarities to an end-cap of a 3-D quadrupole ion trap throughout a mass spectrometry experiment were investigated. Application of a monopolar DC field was achieved by applying a DC potential to the exit end-cap electrode, while maintaining the entrance end-cap electrode at ground potential. Control over the monopolar DC magnitude and polarity during time periods associated with ion accumulation, mass analysis, ion isolation, ion/ion reaction, and ion activation can have various desirable effects. Included amongst these are increased ion capture efficiency, increased ion ejection efficiency during mass analysis, effective isolation of ions using lower AC resonance ejection amplitudes, improved temporal control of the overlap of oppositely charged ion populations, and the performance of “broad-band” collision induced dissociation (CID). These results suggest general means to improve the performance of the 3-D ion trap in a variety of mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry experiments. PMID:21927573

Quantitative assessment of serum-specific IgE in the diagnosis of human cystic echinococcosis.

PubMed

Marinova, I; Nikolov, G; Michova, A; Kurdova, R; Petrunov, B

2011-07-01

Anti-Echinococcus serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E was assessed by the ImmunoCAP system and compared with anti-Echinococcus serum IgG assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. The ImmunoCAP system revealed very high specificity (one false positive of 110 healthy individuals), low cross-reactivity (one false positive of 58 patients with other diseases) and decreased sensitivity (73.55%). Receiver operating characteristic analysis displayed a beneficial diagnostic value with high accuracy. Comparison of the ImmunoCAP system with ELISA and Western blot showed significantly higher specificity and significantly lower cross-reactivity compared with the ELISA. Examination of sera from 155 patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) showed varying levels of anti-Echinococcus IgE (range, 0.01-118.33 kUA/L). However, most samples had moderately elevated IgE levels. Analysis of serum-specific IgE revealed significantly higher sensitivity of the ImmunoCAP system and significantly higher antibody levels in hepatic CE compared with pulmonary CE. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

New formulation of an old drug in hypertension treatment: the sustained release of captopril from cyclodextrin nanoparticles

PubMed Central

de Azevedo, Mariangela de Burgos M; Tasic, Ljubica; Fattori, Juliana; Rodrigues, Fábio HS; Cantos, Fabiana C; Ribeiro, Leandro P; de Paula, Vanice; Ianzer, Danielle; Santos, Robson AS

2011-01-01

Captopril (CAP) was the first angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor to be developed and is widely used in hypertension treatment. On the other hand, cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides whose cone-shaped cavity allows formation of noncovalent inclusion complexes with appropriately sized guest molecules, thus modifying guest physical, chemical, and biological properties. Herein, the physicochemical characterization and in vivo ACE inhibition evaluation of seven CAP/CD complexes are reported. The inclusion complexes were prepared by spray-drying, freeze-drying, kneading, or lyophilization methods and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. In vivo assays compared CAP and CAP/CD complex administration (0.5 mg kg−1 or 0.09 mg kg−1, n = 4–7) to evaluate the ACE inhibition by continuous infusion of angiotensin I (30 ng 50 μL−1 min−1) in conscious Wistar rats. The physicochemical analysis demonstrated complete amorphization and complexation between CAP and CDs, indicating the substitution of water molecules inside the CD cavity with CAP. During the infusion of angiotensin I, the administration of all CAP/CD complexes induced a reduction in mean arterial pressure similar to that observed upon CAP administration. The nanoparticles obtained by the kneading method (CAP/α-CD:KM) showed a potent and long-lasting inhibitory activity (∼22 hours) on the angiotensin I pressor effect. The results suggest that the inclusion complex of CAP and α-CD can function as a novel antihypertensive formulation that may improve therapeutic use of CAP by reducing its oral dose administration to once per day, thus providing better quality of life for almost 25% of the world’s population who suffer from hypertension. PMID:21720512

Activity and subcellular compartmentalization of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha are altered by the centrosome-associated protein CAP350.

PubMed

Patel, Hansa; Truant, Ray; Rachubinski, Richard A; Capone, John P

2005-01-01

Peroxisome proliferator-activated nuclear hormone receptors (PPAR) are ligand-activated transcription factors that play pivotal roles in governing metabolic homeostasis and cell growth. PPARs are primarily in the nucleus but, under certain circumstances, can be found in the cytoplasm. We show here that PPAR(alpha) interacts with the centrosome-associated protein CAP350. CAP350 also interacts with PPAR(delta), PPAR(gamma) and liver-X-receptor alpha, but not with the 9-cis retinoic acid receptor, RXR(alpha). Immunofluorescence analysis indicated that PPAR(alpha) is diffusely distributed in the nucleus and excluded from the cytoplasm. However, in the presence of coexpressed CAP350, PPAR(alpha) colocalizes with CAP350 to discrete nuclear foci and to the centrosome, perinuclear region and intermediate filaments. In contrast, the subcellular distribution of RXR(alpha) or of thyroid hormone receptor alpha was not altered by coexpression of CAP350. An amino-terminal fragment of CAP350 was localized exclusively to nuclear foci and was sufficient to recruit PPAR(alpha) to these sites. Mutation of the single putative nuclear hormone receptor interacting signature motif LXXLL present in this fragment had no effect on its subnuclear localization but abrogated recruitment of PPAR(alpha) to nuclear foci. Surprisingly, mutation of the LXXLL motif in this CAP350 subfragment did not prevent its binding to PPAR(alpha) in vitro, suggesting that this motif serves some function other than PPAR(alpha) binding in recruiting PPAR(alpha) to nuclear spots. CAP350 inhibited PPAR(alpha)-mediated transactivation in an LXXLL-dependent manner, suggesting that CAP350 represses PPAR(alpha) function. Our findings implicate CAP350 in a dynamic process that recruits PPAR(alpha) to discrete nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments and suggest that altered intracellular compartmentalization represents a regulatory process that modulates PPAR function.

Influence of Capping Ligand and Synthesis Method on Structure and Morphology of Aqueous Phase Synthesized CuInSe2 Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ram Kumar, J.; Ananthakumar, S.; Moorthy Babu, S.

2017-01-01

A facile route to synthesize copper indium diselenide (CuInSe2) nanoparticles in aqueous medium was developed using mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) as capping agent. Two different mole ratios (5 and 10) of MAA were used to synthesize CuInSe2 nanoparticles at room temperature, as well as hydrothermal (high temperature) method. Powder x-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the nanoparticles exhibit chalcopyrite phase and the crystallinity increases with increasing the capping ratio. Raman analysis shows a strong band at 233 cm-1 due to the combination of B2 (E) modes. Broad absorption spectra were observed for the synthesized CuInSe2 nanoparticles. The effective surface capping by MAA on the nanoparticles surface was confirmed through attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis. The thermal stability of the synthesized samples was analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry. The change in morphology of the synthesized samples was analyzed through scanning electron microscope and it shows that the samples prepared at room temperature are spherical in shape, whereas hydrothermally synthesized samples were found to have nanorod- and nanoflake-like structures. Transmission electron microscope analysis further indicates larger grains for the hydrothermally prepared samples with 10 mol ratio of MAA. Comparative analyses were made for synthesizing CuInSe2 nanoparticles by two different methods to explore the role of ligand and influence of temperature.

Shape of the piriform aperture in Gorilla gorilla, Pan troglodytes, and modern Homo sapiens: characterization and polymorphism analysis.

PubMed

Schmittbuhl, M; Le Minor, J M; Allenbach, B; Schaaf, A

1998-07-01

By using new methodologies based on automatic image analysis, the shape of the piriform aperture was analyzed in Gorilla gorilla (33 males, 13 females), Pan troglodytes (35 males, 22 females), and modern Homo sapiens (30 males, 12 females). The determination of the piriform aperture index (breadth/height) allowed the authors to demonstrate a marked elongation of the aperture in Homo compared with Gorilla and Pan. Individual characterization of the shape was possible with great precision and without ambiguity by using Fourier analysis. An absolute, interspecific partition between Gorilla, Pan, and Homo resulted from the canonical discriminant analysis of the Fourier descriptors. However, a closeness of shape between some individuals in Pan and some in Gorilla and Homo was observed, demonstrating a morphological continuum of the shape of the piriform aperture in hominoids: Pan was in intermediate position between Gorilla and Homo. Interspecific differences between Homo and the group Pan-Gorilla were explained principally by the differences in elongation (amplitude of the second harmonic) and pentagonality (amplitude of the fifth harmonic) and by differences in orientation of quadrangularity (phase of the fourth harmonic). Differences in the shape of the piriform aperture between Pan and Gorilla were explained by differences in orientation of elongation (phase of the second harmonic) and by differences in the component of triangularity (amplitude of the third harmonic). In Gorilla and Pan, the little, elongated, and relatively trapezoidal piriform aperture seems to be a shared primitive feature (plesiomorphic), whereas an elongated piriform aperture seems to be a characteristic and derived feature (apomorphic) of modern Homo sapiens.

The Effects of the Menstrual Cycle on Vibratory Characteristics of the Vocal Folds Investigated With High-Speed Digital Imaging.

PubMed

Kunduk, Melda; Vansant, Mathew B; Ikuma, Takeshi; McWhorter, Andrew

2017-03-01

This study investigated the effect of menstrual cycle on vocal fold vibratory characteristics in young women using high-speed digital imaging. This study examined the menstrual phase effect on five objective high-speed imaging parameters and two self-rated perceptual parameters. The effects of oral birth control use were also investigated. Thirteen subjects with no prior voice complaints were included in this study. All data were collected at three different time periods (premenses, postmenses, ovulation) over the course of one menstrual cycle. For five of the 13 subjects, data were collected for two consecutive cycles. Six of 13 subjects were oral birth control users. From high-speed imaging data, five objective parameters were computed: fundamental frequency, fundamental frequency deviation, harmonics-to-noise ratio, harmonic richness factor, and ratio of first and second harmonics. They were supplemented by two self-rated parameters: Reflux Severity Index and perceptual voice quality rating. Analysis included mixed model linear analysis with repeated measures. Results indicated no significant main effects for menstrual phase, between-cycle, or birth control use in the analysis for mean fundamental frequency, fundamental frequency deviation, harmonics-to-noise ratio, harmonic richness factor, first and second harmonics, Reflux Severity Index, and perceptual voice quality rating. Additionally, there were no interaction effects. Hormone fluctuations observed across the menstrual cycle do not appear to have direct effect on vocal fold vibratory characteristics in young women with no voice concerns. Birth control use, on the other hand, may have influence on spectral richness of vocal fold vibration. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Epidemiology of familial prostatic cancer: 4-year assessment of French studies].

PubMed

Valeri, A; Drelon, E; Azzouzi, R; Delannoy, A; Teillac, P; Fournier, G; Mangin, P; Berthon, P; Cussenot, O

1999-09-01

(1) To determine the frequency of familial (at least 2 cases) and hereditary forms of prostate cancer (CaP), (2) to define the results according to the patient's age at diagnosis, as various epidemiological studies have demonstrated a possible familial aggregation of CaP in about 15 to 25% of cases. Carter's familial segregation study (P.N.A.S. 1992, 89, 3367-71) showed that a genetic predisposition, with autosomal dominant transmission, could be responsible for 9% of all cases of prostate cancer. We conducted a systematic genealogy study of patients suffering from newly diagnosed CaP or followed for known CaP in 3 French urological centres, by means of questionnaires completed by the patients. Subsequently, a national collection of families with at least 2 cases of CaP identified families with hereditary forms of CaP. Hereditary cases were considered to be those presenting at least: one CaP in three 1st degree relatives, or 3 cases over 3 generations in the same branch of the family (paternal or maternal), or finally 2 early cases before the age of 55 years. Statistical analysis used the univariate logistic regression test between family status and the medical centre or the patient's age at diagnosis. From July 1994 onwards, we included 801 patients (all stages combined) in the systematic study and 110 patients (13.7%) were excluded (refusal to participate, advanced age). For 691 of the families studied (Brest: 225, Nancy: 249, Paris St Louis: 217), we observed 32 (14.2%), 29 (11.6%), 37 (17.1%) of familial forms (mean: 14.2%) and 11 (4.9%), 6 (2.4%), 8 (3.7%) of hereditary forms (mean: 3.6%), respectively (no significant differences between centres). Analysis of the results according to age at diagnosis of CaP also showed a higher incidence of familial (significant difference) and hereditary forms (limit of significance) for CaP occurring at a younger age (before 65 years). The national collection collected a total of 624 familial forms of CaP, including 236 (37.8%) cases of hereditary forms; 115 families were informative for the genetic linkage study. These results confirm the data of earlier studies, revealing about 15 to 25% of familial forms of CaP and 5 to 10% of hereditary forms. Similarly, the systematic study confirmed the earlier onset of CaP in patients with a genetic predisposition. These data therefore encourage systematic questioning of patients for a family history of CaP in order to propose targeted screening of high-risk subjects in the families concerned and to intensify identification of hereditary forms in order to investigate the genes involved.

Nanoengineering of strong field processes in solids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almalki, S.; Parks, A. M.; Brabec, T.; McDonald, C. R.

2018-04-01

We present a theoretical investigation of the effect of quantum confinement on high harmonic generation in semiconductor materials by systematically varying the confinement width along one or two directions transverse to the laser polarization. Our analysis shows a growth in high harmonic efficiency concurrent with a reduction of ionization. This decrease in ionization comes as a consequence of an increased band gap resulting from the confinement. The increase in harmonic efficiency results from a restriction of wave packet spreading, leading to greater recollision probability. Consequently, nanoengineering of one and two-dimensional nanosystems may prove to be a viable means to increase harmonic yield and photon energy in semiconductor materials driven by intense laser fields.

Evaluation of thermograph data for California streams

USGS Publications Warehouse

Limerinos, J.T.

1978-01-01

Statistical analysis of water-temperature data from California streams indicates that, for most purposes, long-term operation of thermographs (automatic water-temperature recording instruments) does not provide a more useful record than either short-term operation of such instruments or periodic measurements. Harmonic analyses were made of thermograph records 5 to 14 years in length from 82 stations. More than 80 percent of the annual variation in water temperature is explained by the harmonic function for 77 of the 82 stations. Harmonic coefficients based on 8 years of thermograph record at 12 stations varied only slightly from coefficients computed using two equally split 4-year records. At five stations where both thermograph and periodic (10 to 23 measurements per year) data were collected concurrently, harmonic coefficients for periodic data were defined nearly as well as those for thermograph data. Results of this analysis indicate that, except where detailed surveillance of water temperatures is required or where there is a chance of temporal change, thermograph operations can be reduced substantially without affecting the usefulness of temperature records.

Reaction Wheel Disturbance Model Extraction Software - RWDMES

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blaurock, Carl

2009-01-01

The RWDMES is a tool for modeling the disturbances imparted on spacecraft by spinning reaction wheels. Reaction wheels are usually the largest disturbance source on a precision pointing spacecraft, and can be the dominating source of pointing error. Accurate knowledge of the disturbance environment is critical to accurate prediction of the pointing performance. In the past, it has been difficult to extract an accurate wheel disturbance model since the forcing mechanisms are difficult to model physically, and the forcing amplitudes are filtered by the dynamics of the reaction wheel. RWDMES captures the wheel-induced disturbances using a hybrid physical/empirical model that is extracted directly from measured forcing data. The empirical models capture the tonal forces that occur at harmonics of the spin rate, and the broadband forces that arise from random effects. The empirical forcing functions are filtered by a physical model of the wheel structure that includes spin-rate-dependent moments (gyroscopic terms). The resulting hybrid model creates a highly accurate prediction of wheel-induced forces. It accounts for variation in disturbance frequency, as well as the shifts in structural amplification by the whirl modes, as the spin rate changes. This software provides a point-and-click environment for producing accurate models with minimal user effort. Where conventional approaches may take weeks to produce a model of variable quality, RWDMES can create a demonstrably high accuracy model in two hours. The software consists of a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables the user to specify all analysis parameters, to evaluate analysis results and to iteratively refine the model. Underlying algorithms automatically extract disturbance harmonics, initialize and tune harmonic models, and initialize and tune broadband noise models. The component steps are described in the RWDMES user s guide and include: converting time domain data to waterfall PSDs (power spectral densities); converting PSDs to order analysis data; extracting harmonics; initializing and simultaneously tuning a harmonic model and a wheel structural model; initializing and tuning a broadband model; and verifying the harmonic/broadband/structural model against the measurement data. Functional operation is through a MATLAB GUI that loads test data, performs the various analyses, plots evaluation data for assessment and refinement of analysis parameters, and exports the data to documentation or downstream analysis code. The harmonic models are defined as specified functions of frequency, typically speed-squared. The reaction wheel structural model is realized as mass, damping, and stiffness matrices (typically from a finite element analysis package) with the addition of a gyroscopic forcing matrix. The broadband noise model is realized as a set of speed-dependent filters. The tuning of the combined model is performed using nonlinear least squares techniques. RWDMES is implemented as a MATLAB toolbox comprising the Fit Manager for performing the model extraction, Data Manager for managing input data and output models, the Gyro Manager for modifying wheel structural models, and the Harmonic Editor for evaluating and tuning harmonic models. This software was validated using data from Goodrich E wheels, and from GSFC Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) wheels. The validation testing proved that RWDMES has the capability to extract accurate disturbance models from flight reaction wheels with minimal user effort.

Comparison of polar cap potential drops estimated from solar wind and ground magnetometer data - CDAW 6

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reiff, P. H.; Spiro, R. W.; Wolf, R. A.; Kamide, Y.; King, J. H.

1985-01-01

It is pointed out that the maximum electrostatic potential difference across the polar cap, Phi, is a fundamental measure of the coupling between the solar wind and the earth's magnetosphere/ionosphere sytem. During the Coordinated Data Analysis Workshop (CDAW) 6 intervals, no suitably instrumented spacecraft was in an appropriate orbit to determine the polar-cap potential drop directly. However, two recently developed independent techniques make it possible to estimate the polar-cap potential drop for times when direct spacecraft data are not available. The present investigation is concerned with a comparison of cross-polar-cap potential drop estimates calculated for the two CDAW 6 intervals on the basis of these two techniques. In the case of one interval, the agreement between the potential drops and Joule heating rates is relatively good. In the second interval, however, the agreement is not very good. Explanations for this discrepancy are discussed.

Auger electron spectroscopy for the determination of sex and age related Ca/P ratio at different bone sites

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

Balatsoukas, Ioannis; Kourkoumelis, Nikolaos; Tzaphlidou, Margaret

The Ca/P ratio of normal cortical and trabecular rat bone was measured by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Semiquantitative analysis was carried out using ratio techniques to draw conclusions on how age, sex and bone site affect the relative composition of calcium and phosphorus. Results show that Ca/P ratio is not sex dependent; quite the opposite, bone sites exhibit variations in elemental stoichiometry where femoral sections demonstrate higher Ca/P ratio than rear and front tibias. Age-related changes are more distinct for cortical bone in comparison with the trabecular bone. The latter's Ca/P ratio remains unaffected from all the parameters under study.more » This study confirms that AES is able to successfully quantify bone mineral main elements when certain critical points, related to the experimental conditions, are addressed effectively.« less

Electrocochleographic analysis of the suppression of tinnitus by electrical promontory stimulation.

PubMed

Watanabe, K; Okawara, D; Baba, S; Yagi, T

1997-01-01

To investigate the origin, and evaluate the mechanism by which tinnitus is suppressed we performed electrical promontory stimulation (EPS) in 56 patients with tinnitus, and measured the compound action potential (CAP) using electrocochleography before and after EPS. In the group of patients in whom tinnitus was suppressed, the CAP amplitudes increased significantly, whereas the latencies showed no remarkable change. In the group of patients in whom tinnitus was not suppressed, both the CAP amplitudes and latencies exhibited no significant change. These data indicate that the effect on the cochlear nerve plays an important role in the suppression of tinnitus by EPS. The CAP reflects the number of the auditory nerve fibers which discharge synchronously. It is speculated that an increase of the CAP amplitudes is caused by synchronizing discharges of the auditory nerve fibers, and that the mechanism by which EPS suppresses tinnitus may be related to synchronizing these discharges.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of bortezomib in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (VR-CAP) in patients with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma.

PubMed

van Keep, Marjolijn; Gairy, Kerry; Seshagiri, Divyagiri; Thilakarathne, Pushpike; Lee, Dawn

2016-08-04

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Bortezomib is the first product to be approved for the treatment of patients with previously untreated MCL, for whom haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is unsuitable, and is used in combination with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (VR-CAP). The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence recently recommended the use of VR-CAP in the UK following a technology appraisal. We present the cost effectiveness analysis performed as part of that assessment: VR-CAP versus the current standard of care regimen of rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP) in a UK setting. A lifetime economic model was developed with health states based upon line of treatment and progression status. Baseline patient characteristics, dosing, safety and efficacy were based on the LYM-3002 trial. As overall survival data were immature, survival was modelled by progression status, and post-progression survival was assumed equal across arms. Utilities were derived from LYM-3002 and literature, and standard UK cost sources were used. Treatment with VR-CAP compared to R-CHOP gave an incremental quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain of 0.81 at an additional cost of £16,212, resulting in a base case incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £20,043. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses showed that treatment with VR-CAP was cost effective at conventional willingness-to-pay thresholds (£20,000-£30,000 per QALY). VR-CAP is a cost-effective option for previously untreated patients with MCL in the UK.

Inactivation of chemical and heat-resistant spores of Bacillus and Geobacillus by nitrogen cold atmospheric plasma evokes distinct changes in morphology and integrity of spores.

PubMed

van Bokhorst-van de Veen, Hermien; Xie, Houyu; Esveld, Erik; Abee, Tjakko; Mastwijk, Hennie; Nierop Groot, Masja

2015-02-01

Bacterial spores are resistant to severe conditions and form a challenge to eradicate from food or food packaging material. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment is receiving more attention as potential sterilization method at relatively mild conditions but the exact mechanism of inactivation is still not fully understood. In this study, the biocidal effect by nitrogen CAP was determined for chemical (hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide), physical (UV) and heat-resistant spores. The three different sporeformers used are Bacillus cereus a food-borne pathogen, and Bacillus atrophaeus and Geobacillus stearothermophilus that are used as biological indicators for validation of chemical sterilization and thermal processes, respectively. The different spores showed variation in their degree of inactivation by applied heat, hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, and UV treatments, whereas similar inactivation results were obtained with the different spores treated with nitrogen CAP. G. stearothermophilus spores displayed high resistance to heat, hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, while for UV treatment B. atrophaeus spores are most tolerant. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed distinct morphological changes for nitrogen CAP-treated B. cereus spores including etching effects and the appearance of rough spore surfaces, whereas morphology of spores treated with heat or disinfectants showed no such changes. Moreover, microscopy analysis revealed CAP-exposed B. cereus spores to turn phase grey conceivably because of water influx indicating damage of the spores, a phenomenon that was not observed for non-treated spores. In addition, data are supplied that exclude UV radiation as determinant of antimicrobial activity of nitrogen CAP. Overall, this study shows that nitrogen CAP treatment has a biocidal effect on selected Bacillus and Geobacillus spores associated with alterations in spore surface morphology and loss of spore integrity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Variability of Mars' North Polar Water Ice Cap: I. Analysis of Mariner 9 and Viking Orbiter Imaging Data

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bass, Deborah S.; Herkenhoff, Kenneth; Paige, David A.

2000-01-01

Previous studies interpreted differences in ice coverage between Mariner 9 and Viking Orbiter observations of Mars' north residual polar cap as evidence of interannual variability of ice deposition on the cap. However, these investigators did not consider the possibility that there could be significant changes in the ice coverage within the northern residual cap over the course of the summer season. Our more comprehensive analysis of Mariner 9 and Viking Orbiter imaging data shows that the appearance of the residual cap does not show large-scale variance on an interannual basis. Rather we find evidence that regions that were dark at the beginning of summer look bright by the end of summer and that this seasonal variation of the cap repeats from year to year. Our results suggest that this brightening was due to the deposition of newly formed water ice on the surface. We find that newly formed ice deposits in the summer season have the same red-to-violet band image ratios as permanently bright deposits within the residual cap. We believe the newly formed ice accumulates in a continuous layer. To constrain the minimum amount of deposited ice, we used observed albedo data in conjunction with calculations using Mie theory for single scattering and a delta-Eddington approximation of radiative transfer for multiple scattering. The brightening could have been produced by a minimum of (1) a ~35-μm-thick layer of 50-μm-sized ice particles with 10% dust or (2) a ~14-μm-thick layer of 10-μm-sized ice particles with 50% dust.

Morphology of sea-floor landslides on Horizon Guyot: application of steady-state geotechnical analysis

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kayen, R.E.; Schwab, W.C.; Lee, H.J.; Torresan, M.E.; Hein, J.R.; Quinterno, P.J.; Levin, L.A.

1989-01-01

Mass movement and erosion have been identified on the pelagic sediment cap of Horizon Guyot, a seamount in the Mid-Pacific Mountains. Trends in the size, shape and preservation of bedforms and sediment textural trends on the pelagic cap indicate that bottom-current-generated sediment transport direction is upslope. Slumping of the sediment cap occurred on and that the net bedload transport direction is upslope. Slumping of the sediment cap occurred on the northwest side of the guyot on a 1.6?? to 2.0?? slope in the zone of enhanced bottom-current activity. Submersible investigations of these slump blocks show them to be discrete and to have a relief of 6-15 m, with nodular chert beds cropping out along the headwall of individual rotated blocks. An evaluation of the stability of the sediment cap suggests that the combination of the current-induced beveling of the sea floor and infrequent earthquake loading accompanied by cyclic strength reduction is responsible for the initiation of slumps. The sediment in the area of slumping moved short distances in relatively coherent masses, whereas sediment that has moved beyond the summit cap perimeter has fully mobilized into sediment gravity flows and traveled large distances. A steady-state geotechnical analysis of Horizon Guyot sediment indicates the predisposition of deeply buried sediment towards disintegrative flow failure on appropriately steep slopes. Thus, slope failure in this deeper zone would include large amounts of internal deformation. However, gravitational stress in the near-surface sediment of the summit cap (sub-bottom depth < 14 m) is insufficient to maintain downslope movement after initial failure occurs. The predicted morphology of coherent slump blocks displaced and rafted upon a weakened zone at depth corresponds well with seismic-reflection data and submersible observations. ?? 1990.

An onboard data analysis method to track the seasonal polar caps on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wagstaff, Kiri L.; Castano, Rebecca; Chien, Steve; Ivanov, Anton B.; Pounders, Erik; Titus, Timothy N.

2005-01-01

In this paper, we evaluate our method on uncalibrated THEMIS data and find 1) agreement with manual cap edge identifications to within 28.2 km, and 2) high accuracy even with a reduced context window, yielding large reductions in memory requirements.

Clinical Characteristics of Q Fever and Etiology of Community-Acquired Pneumonia in a Tropical Region of Southern Taiwan: A Prospective Observational Study

PubMed Central

Lai, Chung-Hsu; Chang, Lin-Li; Lin, Jiun-Nong; Chen, Wei-Fang; Wei, Yu-Feng; Chiu, Chien-Tung; Wu, Jiun-Ting; Hsu, Chi-Kuei; Chen, Jung-Yueh; Lee, Ho-Sheng; Lin, Hsi-Hsun; Chen, Yen-Hsu

2014-01-01

Background The clinical characteristics of Q fever are poorly identified in the tropics. Fever with pneumonia or hepatitis are the dominant presentations of acute Q fever, which exhibits geographic variability. In southern Taiwan, which is located in a tropical region, the role of Q fever in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has never been investigated. Methodology/Principal Findings During the study period, May 2012 to April 2013, 166 cases of adult CAP and 15 cases of acute Q fever were prospectively investigated. Cultures of clinical specimens, urine antigen tests for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila, and paired serologic assessments for Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) were used for identifying pathogens associated with CAP. From April 2004 to April 2013 (the pre-study period), 122 cases of acute Q fever were also included retrospectively for analysis. The geographic distribution of Q fever and CAP cases was similar. Q fever cases were identified in warmer seasons and younger ages than CAP. Based on multivariate analysis, male gender, chills, thrombocytopenia, and elevated liver enzymes were independent characteristics associated with Q fever. In patients with Q fever, 95% and 13.5% of cases presented with hepatitis and pneumonia, respectively. Twelve (7.2%) cases of CAP were seropositive for C. burnetii antibodies, but none of them had acute Q fever. Among CAP cases, 22.9% had a CURB-65 score ≧2, and 45.8% had identifiable pathogens. Haemophilus parainfluenzae (14.5%), S. pneumoniae (6.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (4.8%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (3.0%) were the most common pathogens identified by cultures or urine antigen tests. Moreover, M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, and co-infection with 2 pathogens accounted for 9.0%, 7.8%, and 1.8%, respectively. Conclusions In southern Taiwan, Q fever is an endemic disease with hepatitis as the major presentation and is not a common etiology of CAP. PMID:25033402

Mechanical Description of the Mars Climate Sounder Instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jau, Bruno M.

2008-01-01

This paper introduces the Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) Instrument of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft. The instrument scans the Martian atmosphere almost continuously to systematically acquire weather and climate observations over time. Its primary components are an optical bench that houses dual telescopes with a total of nine channels for visible and infrared sensing, and a two axis gimbal that provides pointing capabilities. Both rotating joints consist of an integrated actuator with a hybrid planetary/harmonic transmission and a twist cap section that enables the electrical wiring to pass through the rotating joint. Micro stepping is used to reduce spacecraft disturbance torques to acceptable levels while driving the stepper motors. To ensure survivability over its four year life span, suitable mechanical components, lubrication, and an active temperature control system were incorporated. Some life test results and lessons learned are provided to serve as design guidelines for actuator parts and flex cables.

Hybrid Alfven resonant mode generation in the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling system

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

Hiraki, Yasutaka; Watanabe, Tomo-Hiko

2012-10-15

Feedback unstable Alfven waves involving global field-line oscillations and the ionospheric Alfven resonator (IAR) were comprehensively studied to clarify their properties of frequency dispersion, growth rate, and eigenfunctions. It is discovered that a new mode called here the hybrid Alfven resonant (HAR) mode can be destabilized in the magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling system with a realistic Alfven velocity profile. The HAR mode found in a high frequency range over 0.3 Hz is caused by coupling of IAR modes with strong dispersion and magnetospheric cavity resonances. The harmonic relation of HAR eigenfrequencies is characterized by a constant frequency shift from those of IARmore » modes. The three modes are robustly found even if effects of two-fluid process and ionospheric collision are taken into account and thus are anticipated to be detected by magnetic field observations in a frequency range of 0.3-1 Hz in auroral and polar-cap regions.« less

The Cyclase-Associated Protein Cap1 Is Important for Proper Regulation of Infection-Related Morphogenesis in Magnaporthe oryzae

PubMed Central

Zhou, Xiaoying; Zhang, Haifeng; Li, Guotian; Shaw, Brian; Xu, Jin-Rong

2012-01-01

Surface recognition and penetration are critical steps in the infection cycle of many plant pathogenic fungi. In Magnaporthe oryzae, cAMP signaling is involved in surface recognition and pathogenesis. Deletion of the MAC1 adenylate cyclase gene affected appressorium formation and plant infection. In this study, we used the affinity purification approach to identify proteins that are associated with Mac1 in vivo. One of the Mac1-interacting proteins is the adenylate cyclase-associated protein named Cap1. CAP genes are well-conserved in phytopathogenic fungi but none of them have been functionally characterized. Deletion of CAP1 blocked the effects of a dominant RAS2 allele and resulted in defects in invasive growth and a reduced intracellular cAMP level. The Δcap1 mutant was defective in germ tube growth, appressorium formation, and formation of typical blast lesions. Cap1-GFP had an actin-like localization pattern, localizing to the apical regions in vegetative hyphae, at the periphery of developing appressoria, and in circular structures at the base of mature appressoria. Interestingly, Cap1, similar to LifeAct, did not localize to the apical regions in invasive hyphae, suggesting that the apical actin cytoskeleton differs between vegetative and invasive hyphae. Domain deletion analysis indicated that the proline-rich region P2 but not the actin-binding domain (AB) of Cap1 was responsible for its subcellular localization. Nevertheless, the AB domain of Cap1 must be important for its function because CAP1 ΔAB only partially rescued the Δcap1 mutant. Furthermore, exogenous cAMP induced the formation of appressorium-like structures in non-germinated conidia in CAP1 ΔAB transformants. This novel observation suggested that AB domain deletion may result in overstimulation of appressorium formation by cAMP treatment. Overall, our results indicated that CAP1 is important for the activation of adenylate cyclase, appressorium morphogenesis, and plant infection in M. oryzae. CAP1 may also play a role in feedback inhibition of Ras2 signaling when Pmk1 is activated. PMID:22969430

New Evidence That Nonlinear Source-Filter Coupling Affects Harmonic Intensity and fo Stability During Instances of Harmonics Crossing Formants.

PubMed

Maxfield, Lynn; Palaparthi, Anil; Titze, Ingo

2017-03-01

The traditional source-filter theory of voice production describes a linear relationship between the source (glottal flow pulse) and the filter (vocal tract). Such a linear relationship does not allow for nor explain how changes in the filter may impact the stability and regularity of the source. The objective of this experiment was to examine what effect unpredictable changes to vocal tract dimensions could have on fo stability and individual harmonic intensities in situations in which low frequency harmonics cross formants in a fundamental frequency glide. To determine these effects, eight human subjects (five male, three female) were recorded producing fo glides while their vocal tracts were artificially lengthened by a section of vinyl tubing inserted into the mouth. It was hypothesized that if the source and filter operated as a purely linear system, harmonic intensities would increase and decrease at nearly the same rates as they passed through a formant bandwidth, resulting in a relatively symmetric peak on an intensity-time contour. Additionally, fo stability should not be predictably perturbed by formant/harmonic crossings in a linear system. Acoustic analysis of these recordings, however, revealed that harmonic intensity peaks were asymmetric in 76% of cases, and that 85% of fo instabilities aligned with a crossing of one of the first four harmonics with the first three formants. These results provide further evidence that nonlinear dynamics in the source-filter relationship can impact fo stability as well as harmonic intensities as harmonics cross through formant bandwidths. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A pilot study analyzing PSA, serum testosterone, lipid profile, body mass index and race in a small sample of patients with and without carcinoma of the prostate.

PubMed

Mydlo, J H; Tieng, N L; Volpe, M A; Chaiken, R; Kral, J G

2001-01-01

Androgens, diet, race and obesity are thought to play some roles in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. We wanted to evaluate if there were any inter-relationships between prostate specific antigen (PSA), serum testosterone, serum cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, body mass index (BMI) and race, in older patients with and without prostate cancer (CaP). We evaluated 308 patients referred to urologists in private practice offices and clinics with and without prostate cancer with regard to race, serum PSA, age, serum testosterone, full lipid profile, height and weight, and stage of cancer. We used multivariate analysis, Fisher's exact test and t-tests as well as logistic regression analysis. Data was analyzed using SPSS computer software, and P-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Significantly higher levels of serum testosterone were found in black men with CaP than black men without CaP (526+/-28 vs 404+/-19, respectively.) We also found significantly higher levels of serum testosterone in white men with CaP than white men without CaP (409+/-20 vs 302+/-14, respectively, P<0.05). HDL was higher in black men than white men, and triglycerides were higher in white men than black men. Cholesterol was similar across all groups, but BMI was highest in white men with CaP. We also found a significant association between BMI and pathological stage of prostate cancer patients among both black and white men (P<0.05). Our study demonstrated that black men who developed CaP had higher serum testosterone levels, on average, than white men who developed CaP. Furthermore, BMI was highest in white men developing CaP compared to black men, but we found a significant association between pathological stage and BMI in both black and white patients. Although it is controversial whether obesity is considered to be a risk factor for prostate cancer, this small pilot study suggests that BMI may play a role in the progression of the disease once it is established.Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2001) 4, 101-105

Zonal harmonic model of Saturn's magnetic field from Voyager 1 and 2 observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connerney, J. E. P.; Ness, N. F.; Acuna, M. H.

1982-01-01

An analysis of the magnetic field of Saturn is presented which takes into account both the Voyager 1 and 2 vector magnetic field observations. The analysis is based on the traditional spherical harmonic expansion of a scale potential to derive the magnetic field within 8 Saturn radii. A third-order zonal harmonic model fitted to Voyager 1 and 2 observations is found to be capable of predicting the magnetic field characteristics at one encounter based on those observed at another, unlike models including dipole and quadrupole terms only. The third-order model is noted to lead to significantly enhanced polar surface field intensities with respect to dipole models, and probably represents the axisymmetric part of a complex dynamo field.

Multivariable polynomial fitting of controlled single-phase nonlinear load of input current total harmonic distortion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sikora, Roman; Markiewicz, Przemysław; Pabjańczyk, Wiesława

2018-04-01

The power systems usually include a number of nonlinear receivers. Nonlinear receivers are the source of disturbances generated to the power system in the form of higher harmonics. The level of these disturbances describes the total harmonic distortion coefficient THD. Its value depends on many factors. One of them are the deformation and change in RMS value of supply voltage. A modern LED luminaire is a nonlinear receiver as well. The paper presents the results of the analysis of the influence of change in RMS value of supply voltage and the level of dimming of the tested luminaire on the value of the current THD. The analysis was made using a mathematical model based on multivariable polynomial fitting.

Inhaled concentrated ambient particles are associated with hematologic and bronchoalveolar lavage changes in canines.

PubMed Central

Clarke, R W; Coull, B; Reinisch, U; Catalano, P; Killingsworth, C R; Koutrakis, P; Kavouras, I; Murthy, G G; Lawrence, J; Lovett, E; Wolfson, J M; Verrier, R L; Godleski, J J

2000-01-01

Pulmonary inflammatory and hematologic responses of canines were studied after exposure to concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) using the Harvard ambient particle concentrator (HAPC). For pulmonary inflammatory studies, normal dogs were exposed in pairs to either CAPs or filtered air (paired studies) for 6 hr/day on 3 consecutive days. For hematologic studies, dogs were exposed for 6 hr/day for 3 consecutive days with one receiving CAPs while the other was simultaneously exposed to filtered air; crossover of exposure took place the following week (crossover studies). Physicochemical characterization of CAPs exposure samples included measurements of particle mass, size distribution, and composition. No statistical differences in biologic responses were found when all CAPs and all sham exposures were compared. However, the variability in biologic response was considerably higher with CAPs exposure. Subsequent exploratory graphical analyses and mixed linear regression analyses suggested associations between CAPs constituents and biologic responses. Factor analysis was applied to the compositional data from paired and crossover experiments to determine elements consistently associated with each other in CAPs samples. In paired experiments, four factors were identified; in crossover studies, a total of six factors were observed. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and hematologic data were regressed on the factor scores. Increased BAL neutrophil percentage, total peripheral white blood cell (WBC) counts, circulating neutrophils, and circulating lymphocytes were associated with increases in the aluminum/silicon factor. Increased circulating neutrophils and increased BAL macrophages were associated with the vanadium/nickel factor. Increased BAL neutrophils were associated with the bromine/lead factor when only the compositional data from the third day of CAPs exposure were used. Significant decreases in red blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels were correlated with the sulfur factor. BAL or hematologic parameters were not associated with increases in total CAPs mass concentration. These data suggest that CAPs inhalation is associated with subtle alterations in pulmonary and systemic cell profiles, and specific components of CAPs may be responsible for these biologic responses. PMID:11133399

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

Heslar, John; Chu, Shih-I.

Recently, the study of near- and below- threshold regime harmonics as a potential source of intense coherent vacuum-ultraviolet radiation has received considerable attention. However, the dynamical origin of these lower harmonics, particularly for the molecular systems, is less understood and largely unexplored. Here we perform the first fully ab initio and high precision 3D quantum study of the below- and near-threshold harmonic generation of H 2 + molecules in an intense 800-nm near-infrared (NIR) laser field. Furthermore, combining with a synchrosqueezing transform of the quantum time-frequency spectrum and an extended semiclassical analysis, we explore in-depth the roles of various quantummore » trajectories, including short- and long trajectories, multiphoton trajectories, resonance-enhanced trajectories, and multiple rescattering trajectories of the below- and near- threshold harmonic generation processes. Our results shed new light on the dynamical origin of the below- and near-threshold harmonic generation and various quantum trajectories for diatomic molecules for the first time.« less

The behavior of quantization spectra as a function of signal-to-noise ratio

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flanagan, M. J.

1991-01-01

An expression for the spectrum of quantization error in a discrete-time system whose input is a sinusoid plus white Gaussian noise is derived. This quantization spectrum consists of two components: a white-noise floor and spurious harmonics. The dithering effect of the input Gaussian noise in both components of the spectrum is considered. Quantitative results in a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) example show the behavior of spurious harmonics as a function of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). These results have strong implications for digital reception and signal analysis systems. At low SNRs, spurious harmonics decay exponentially on a log-log scale, and the resulting spectrum is white. As the SNR increases, the spurious harmonics figure prominently in the output spectrum. A useful expression is given that roughly bounds the magnitude of a spurious harmonic as a function of the SNR.

Trapped waves on the mid-latitude β-plane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paldor, Nathan; Sigalov, Andrey

2008-08-01

A new type of approximate solutions of the Linearized Shallow Water Equations (LSWE) on the mid-latitude β-plane, zonally propagating trapped waves with Airy-like latitude-dependent amplitude, is constructed in this work, for sufficiently small radius of deformation. In contrast to harmonic Poincare and Rossby waves, these newly found trapped waves vanish fast in the positive half-axis, and their zonal phase speed is larger than that of the corresponding harmonic waves for sufficiently large meridional domains. Our analysis implies that due to the smaller radius of deformation in the ocean compared with that in the atmosphere, the trapped waves are relevant to observations in the ocean whereas harmonic waves typify atmospheric observations. The increase in the zonal phase speed of trapped Rossby waves compared with that of harmonic ones is consistent with recent observations that showed that Sea Surface Height features propagated westwards faster than the phase speed of harmonic Rossby waves.

Higher-order power harmonics of pulsed electrical stimulation modulates corticospinal contribution of peripheral nerve stimulation.

PubMed

Chen, Chiun-Fan; Bikson, Marom; Chou, Li-Wei; Shan, Chunlei; Khadka, Niranjan; Chen, Wen-Shiang; Fregni, Felipe

2017-03-03

It is well established that electrical-stimulation frequency is crucial to determining the scale of induced neuromodulation, particularly when attempting to modulate corticospinal excitability. However, the modulatory effects of stimulation frequency are not only determined by its absolute value but also by other parameters such as power at harmonics. The stimulus pulse shape further influences parameters such as excitation threshold and fiber selectivity. The explicit role of the power in these harmonics in determining the outcome of stimulation has not previously been analyzed. In this study, we adopted an animal model of peripheral electrical stimulation that includes an amplitude-adapted pulse train which induces force enhancements with a corticospinal contribution. We report that the electrical-stimulation-induced force enhancements were correlated with the amplitude of stimulation power harmonics during the amplitude-adapted pulse train. In an exploratory analysis, different levels of correlation were observed between force enhancement and power harmonics of 20-80 Hz (r = 0.4247, p = 0.0243), 100-180 Hz (r = 0.5894, p = 0.0001), 200-280 Hz (r = 0.7002, p < 0.0001), 300-380 Hz (r = 0.7449, p < 0.0001), 400-480 Hz (r = 0.7906, p < 0.0001), 500-600 Hz (r = 0.7717, p < 0.0001), indicating a trend of increasing correlation, specifically at higher order frequency power harmonics. This is a pilot, but important first demonstration that power at high order harmonics in the frequency spectrum of electrical stimulation pulses may contribute to neuromodulation, thus warrant explicit attention in therapy design and analysis.

Harmonic analysis and FPGA implementation of SHE controlled three phase CHB 11-level inverter in MV drives using deterministic and stochastic optimization techniques.

PubMed

Vesapogu, Joshi Manohar; Peddakotla, Sujatha; Kuppa, Seetha Rama Anjaneyulu

2013-01-01

With the advancements in semiconductor technology, high power medium voltage (MV) Drives are extensively used in numerous industrial applications. Challenging technical requirements of MV Drives is to control multilevel inverter (MLI) with less Total harmonic distortion (%THD) which satisfies IEEE standard 519-1992 harmonic guidelines and less switching losses. Among all modulation control strategies for MLI, Selective harmonic elimination (SHE) technique is one of the traditionally preferred modulation control technique at fundamental switching frequency with better harmonic profile. On the other hand, the equations which are formed by SHE technique are highly non-linear in nature, may exist multiple, single or even no solution at particular modulation index (MI). However, in some MV Drive applications, it is required to operate over a range of MI. Providing analytical solutions for SHE equations during the whole range of MI from 0 to 1, has been a challenging task for researchers. In this paper, an attempt is made to solve SHE equations by using deterministic and stochastic optimization methods and comparative harmonic analysis has been carried out. An effective algorithm which minimizes %THD with less computational effort among all optimization algorithms has been presented. To validate the effectiveness of proposed MPSO technique, an experiment is carried out on a low power proto type of three phase CHB 11- level Inverter using FPGA based Xilinx's Spartan -3A DSP Controller. The experimental results proved that MPSO technique has successfully solved SHE equations over all range of MI from 0 to 1, the %THD obtained over major range of MI also satisfies IEEE 519-1992 harmonic guidelines too.

Association between quality of response and outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma receiving VR-CAP versus R-CHOP in the phase 3 LYM-3002 study.

PubMed

Verhoef, Gregor; Robak, Tadeusz; Huang, Huiqiang; Pylypenko, Halyna; Siritanaratkul, Noppadol; Pereira, Juliana; Drach, Johannes; Mayer, Jiri; Okamoto, Rumiko; Pei, Lixia; Rooney, Brendan; Cakana, Andrew; van de Velde, Helgi; Cavalli, Franco

2017-05-01

In the phase 3 LYM-3002 study comparing intravenous VR-CAP with R-CHOP in patients with newly-diagnosed, measurable stage II-IV mantle cell lymphoma, not considered or ineligible for transplant, the median progression-free survival was significantly improved with VR-CAP (24.7 versus 14.4 months with R-CHOP; P <0.001). This post-hoc analysis evaluated the association between the improved outcomes and quality of responses achieved with VR-CAP versus R-CHOP in LYM-3002. Patients were randomized to six to eight 21-day cycles of VR-CAP or R-CHOP. Outcomes included progression-free survival, duration of response (both assessed by an independent review committee), and time to next anti-lymphoma treatment, evaluated by response (complete response/unconfirmed complete response and partial response), MIPI risk status, and maximum reduction of lymph-node measurements expressed as the sum of the product of the diameters. Within each response category, the median progression-free survival was longer for patients given VR-CAP than for those given R-CHOP (complete response/unconfirmed complete response: 40.9 versus 19.8 months; partial response: 17.1 versus 11.7 months, respectively); similarly, the median time to next anti-lymphoma treatment was longer among the patients given VR-CAP than among those treated with R-CHOP (complete response/unconfirmed complete response: not evaluable versus 26.6 months; partial response: 35.3 versus 24.3 months). Within the complete/unconfirmed complete and partial response categories, improvements in progression-free survival, duration of response and time to next anti-lymphoma treatment were more pronounced in patients with low-and intermediate-risk MIPI treated with VR-CAP than with R-CHOP. In each response category, more VR-CAP than R-CHOP patients had a sum of the product of the diameters nadir of 0 during serial radiological assessments. Results of this post-hoc analysis suggest a greater duration and quality of response in patients treated with VR-CAP in comparison with those treated with R-CHOP, with the improvements being more evident in patients with low- and intermediate-risk MIPI. LYM-3002 ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00722137 . Copyright© Ferrata Storti Foundation.

Inflammatory cytokine expression following the use of bipolar electrocoagulation, ultracision harmonic scalpel and cold knife biopsy.

PubMed

Litta, Pietro; Saccardi, Carlo; Gizzo, Salvatore; Conte, Lorena; Ambrosi, Giulia; Sissi, Claudia; Palumbo, Manlio

2015-08-01

Electrical surgical devices may determine tissue damage through lateral thermal spread and activation of inflammatory processes. Several tissue effects are associated with the use of different surgical instruments. The aim of the present study was to compare tissue damage following the application of cold knife biopsy, bipolar electrocoagulation and the ultracision harmonic scalpel, through the analysis of inflammatory gene mediator expression. Three fragments of the round ligament (length 0.5 cm) were obtained from 22 females who had undergone total or subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy using three different modes of resection: Cold knife biopsy, bipolar electrocoagulation and ultracision harmonic scalpel. The tissue fragments were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of selected cytokines. Gene expression analysis demonstrated large standard deviations due to individual variability among patients and indicated variability in the concentrations of cytokines in the three different samples. The quantity of cytokine mRNA in the cold knife biopsy samples was generally greater than those obtained by other techniques. Tumor necrosis factor-α expression was significantly higher in the sample obtained with the ultracision harmonic scalpel and bipolar electrocoagulation (P=0.033) when compared with cold knife biopsy. The inflammatory response was analyzed by the quantification of gene expression through the use of qPCR. The ultracision harmonic scalpel and bipolar electrocoagulation triggered the inflammatory cascade and resulted in an increased production of cytokines compared with cold knife biopsy.

Leader Positivity and Follower Creativity: An Experimental Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avey, James B.; Richmond, F. Lynn; Nixon, Don R.

2012-01-01

Using an experimental research design, 191 working adults were randomly assigned to two experimental conditions in order to test a theoretical model linking leader and follower positive psychological capital (PsyCap). Multiple methods were used to gather information from the participants. We found when leader PsyCap was manipulated experimentally,…

Modeling active capping efficacy. 1. Metal and organometal contaminated sediment remediation.

PubMed

Viana, Priscilla Z; Yin, Ke; Rockne, Karl J

2008-12-01

Cd, Cr, Pb, Ag, As, Ba, Hg, CH3Hg, and CN transport through sand, granular activated carbon (GAC), organoclay, shredded tires, and apatite caps was modeled by deterministic and Monte Carlo methods. Time to 10% breakthrough, 30 and 100 yr cumulative release were metrics of effectiveness. Effective caps prevented above-cap concentrations from exceeding USEPA acute criteria at 100 yr assuming below-cap concentrations at solubility. Sand caps performed best under diffusion due to the greater diffusive path length. Apatite had the best advective performance for Cd, Cr, and Pb. Organoclay performed best for Ag, As, Ba, CH3Hg, and CN. Organoclay and apatite were equally effective for Hg. Monte Carlo analysis was used to determine output sensitivity. Sand was effective under diffusion for Cr within the 50% confidence interval (CI), for Cd and Pb (75% CI), and for As, Hg, and CH3Hg (95% CI). Under diffusion and advection, apatite was effective for Cd, Pb, and Hg (75% CI) and organoclay was effective for Hg and CH3Hg (50% CI). GAC and shredded tires performed relatively poorly. Although no single cap is a panacea, apatite and organoclay have the broadest range of effectiveness. Cap performance is most sensitive to the partitioning coefficient and hydraulic conductivity, indicating the importance of accurate site-specific measurement for these parameters.

Location identification of closed crack based on Duffing oscillator transient transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiaofeng; Bo, Lin; Liu, Yaolu; Zhao, Youxuan; Zhang, Jun; Deng, Mingxi; Hu, Ning

2018-02-01

The existence of a closed micro-crack in plates can be detected by using the nonlinear harmonic characteristics of the Lamb wave. However, its location identification is difficult. By considering the transient nonlinear Lamb under the noise interference, we proposed a location identification method for the closed crack based on the quantitative measurement of Duffing oscillator transient transfer in the phase space. The sliding short-time window was used to create a window truncation of to-be-detected signal. And then, the periodic extension processing for transient nonlinear Lamb wave was performed to ensure that the Duffing oscillator has adequate response time to reach a steady state. The transient autocorrelation method was used to reduce the occurrence of missed harmonic detection due to the random variable phase of nonlinear Lamb wave. Moreover, to overcome the deficiency in the quantitative analysis of Duffing system state by phase trajectory diagram and eliminate the misjudgment caused by harmonic frequency component contained in broadband noise, logic operation method of oscillator state transition function based on circular zone partition was adopted to establish the mapping relation between the oscillator transition state and the nonlinear harmonic time domain information. Final state transition discriminant function of Duffing oscillator was used as basis for identifying the reflected and transmitted harmonics from the crack. Chirplet time-frequency analysis was conducted to identify the mode of generated harmonics and determine the propagation speed. Through these steps, accurate position identification of the closed crack was achieved.

Impact of antibiotic therapy in severe community-acquired pneumonia: Data from the Infauci study.

PubMed

Pereira, J M; Gonçalves-Pereira, J; Ribeiro, O; Baptista, J P; Froes, F; Paiva, J A

2018-02-01

Antibiotic therapy (AT) is the cornerstone of the management of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). However, the best treatment strategy is far from being established. To evaluate the impact of different aspects of AT on the outcome of critically ill patients with CAP, we performed a post hoc analysis of all CAP patients enrolled in a prospective, observational, multicentre study. Of the 502 patients included, 76% received combination therapy, mainly a β-lactam with a macrolide (80%). AT was inappropriate in 16% of all microbiologically documented CAP (n=177). Hospital and 6months mortality were 34% and 35%. In adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, combination AT with a macrolide was independently associated with a reduction in hospital (OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.06-0.51) and 6months (OR 0.21, 95%CI 0.07-0.57) mortality. Prolonged AT (>7days) was associated with a longer ICU (14 vs. 7days; p<0.001) and hospital length of stay (LOS) (25 vs. 17days; p<0.001). Combination AT with a macrolide may be the most suitable AT strategy to improve both short and long term outcome of severe CAP patients. AT >7days had no survival benefit and was associated with a longer LOS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tankyrase 2 Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Domain-Deleted Mice Exhibit Growth Defects but Have Normal Telomere Length and Capping

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

Hsiao, Susan J; Poitras, Marc; Cook, Brandoch

Regulation of telomere length maintenance and capping are a critical cell functions in both normal and tumor cells. Tankyrase 2 (Tnks2) is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) that has been shown to modify itself and TRF1, a telomere-binding protein. We show here by overexpression studies that tankyrase 2, like its closely related homolog tankyrase 1, can function as a positive regulator of telomere length in human cells, dependent on its catalytic PARP activity. To study the role of Tnks2 in vivo, we generated mice with the Tnks2 PARP domain deleted. These mice are viable and fertile but display a growth retardationmore » phenotype. Telomere analysis by quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), flow-FISH, and restriction fragment analysis showed no change in telomere length or telomere capping in these mice. To determine the requirement foTnks2 in long-term maintenance of telomeres, we generated embryonic stem cells with the Tnks2 PARP domain deleted and observed no change, even upon prolonged growth, in telomere length or telomere capping. Together these results suggest that Tnkjs2 has a role in normal growth and development but is not essential for telomere length maintenance or telomere capping in mice.« less

Kill operation requires thorough analysis

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

Abel, L.W.

1995-05-15

Full control of a blowout well requires a properly designed post-capping kill operation because failures in regaining well control usually occur during the kill operation, not during capping. Capping (the installation of pressure control or diverter equipment on the wellhead) is generally very reliable in gaining control of a blowout well. The following techniques are some of the viable means of killing blowout wells once the capping assemblies are in place: direct shut in of the flow; bullheading; momentum kill; volumetric control for migration of fluids or lubrication after migration ceases; and dynamic kills (friction-based dynamic kills or mass flowmore » rate kills) The objective of most post-capping operations is to stop the flow and put the well under hydrostatic control. The means of killing a blowout once capping assemblies are in place should be chosen with care to avoid problems such as cratering, equipment failure, and underground blowouts. The particular circumstances and well integrity will dictate which kill method will be the most viable. Each of these five methods are explained.« less

The influence of Ca/P ratio on the properties of hydroxyapatite bioceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramesh, S.; Tan, C. Y.; Hamdi, M.; Sopyan, I.; Teng, W. D.

2007-07-01

The paper reports on the effect of Ca/P ratio (1.57, 1.67 and 1.87) on the densification behaviour of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) prepared by a chemical precipitation method. Green compacts were prepared and sintered at temperatures ranging from 1000°C to 1350°C. The sintered samples were characterized to determine the HA phase stability, bulk density, hardness, fracture toughness and Young's modulus. XRD analysis revealed that the phase stability was not disrupted throughout the sintering regime employed for HA having Ca/P ratio of 1.57 and 1.67. However, secondary phases were observed for HA having a Ca/P ratio of 1.87 when sintered at high temperatures. In general, regardless of Ca/P ratio, the HA bodies achieved > 95% relative density when sintered at 1100°C-1250°C. The results indicated that the stoichiometric HA (Ca/P ratio = 1.67) exhibited the overall best properties, with the highest hardness of 7.23 GPa and fracture toughness of 1.28 MPam1/2 being attained when sintered at 1000°C-1050°C.

Prognostic value of mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PubMed

Liu, Dan; Xie, Lixin; Zhao, Haiyan; Liu, Xueyao; Cao, Jie

2016-05-26

The early identification of patients at risk of dying from community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is critical for their treatment and for defining hospital resource consumption. Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) has been extensively investigated for its prognostic value in CAP. However, the results are conflicting. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to explore the diagnostic accuracy of MR-proADM for predicting mortality in patients suffering from CAP, particularly emergency department (ED) patients. We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge and Cochrane databases. Studies were included if a 2 × 2 contingency table could be constructed based on both the MR-proADM level and the complications or mortality of patients diagnosed with CAP. The prognostic accuracy of MR-proADM in CAP was assessed using the bivariate meta-analysis model. We used the Q-test and I (2) index to evaluate heterogeneity. MR-proADM displayed moderate diagnostic accuracy for predicting complications in CAP, with an overall area under the SROC curve (AUC) of 0.74 (95 % CI: 0.70-0.78). Eight studies with a total of 4119 patients in the emergency department (ED) were included. An elevated MR-proADM level was associated with increased risk of death from CAP (RR 6.16, 95 % CI 4.71-8.06); the I (2) value was 0.0 %, and a fixed-effects model was used to pool RR. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.74 (95 % CI: 0.67-0.79) and 0.73 (95 % CI: 0.70-0.77), respectively. The positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were 2.8 (95 % CI, 2.3-3.3) and 0.36 (95 % CI, 0.29-0.45), respectively. In addition, the diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 8 (95 % CI, 5-11), and the overall area under the SROC curve was 0.76 (95 % CI, 0.72-0.80). Our study has demonstrated that MR-proADM is predictive of increased complications and higher mortality rates in patients suffering from CAP. Future studies are warranted to determine the prognostic accuracy of MR-proADM in conjunction with severity scores or other biomarkers and to determine an optimal cut-off level.

A note about Norbert Wiener and his contribution to Harmonic Analysis and Tauberian Theorems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Almira, J. M.; Romero, A. E.

2009-05-01

In this note we explain the main motivations Norbert Wiener had for the creation of his Generalized Harmonic Analysis [13] and his Tauberian Theorems [14]. Although these papers belong to the most pure mathematical tradition, they were deeply based on some Engineering and Physics Problems and Wiener was able to use them for such diverse areas as Optics, Brownian motion, Filter Theory, Prediction Theory and Cybernetics.

A Cost-Benefit Analysis of the LAV Mobility and Obsolescence Program by Using U.S. Army Stryker Suspensions

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

OBSOLESCENCE PROGRAM BY USING U.S. ARMY STRYKER SUSPENSIONS June 2015 By: Chad D. Harmon and Michael Z. Keathley Advisors: Amilcar Menichini...THE LAV MOBILITY AND OBSOLESCENCE PROGRAM BY USING U.S. ARMY STRYKER SUSPENSIONS 5. FUNDING NUMBERS 6. AUTHOR(S) Chad D. Harmon and Michael Z...bolster their light armored reconnaissance battalions. 14. SUBJECT TERMS Cost benefit analysis, mobility and obsolescence , LAV

Synthesis and characterization of a novel potato starch derivative with cationic acetylcholine groups.

PubMed

Zhang, Bing; Ni, Boli; Lü, Shaoyu; Cui, Dapeng; Liu, Mingzhu; Gong, Honghong; Han, Fei

2012-04-01

A novel substance, cationic acetylcholine potato starch (CAPS), was developed for the first time. The synthesis process had three steps: first, carboxymethyl potato starch (CMPS) was synthesized under sodium hydroxide alkaline condition and in isopropyl alcohol organic media; second, bromocholine chloride (BCC) was synthesized with sulphuric acid as a catalytic agent; finally, CAPS was synthesized by the reaction of CMPS with BCC in N,N'-dimethylformamide (DMF). The degree of substitution (DS) of CAPS was determined by ammonia gas-sensing electrode and elemental analysis. CAPS was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and near infrared (FTNIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fair comparison of complexity between a multi-band CAP and DMT for data center interconnects.

PubMed

Wei, J L; Sanchez, C; Giacoumidis, E

2017-10-01

We present, to the best of our knowledge, the first known detailed analysis and fair comparison of complexity of a 56 Gb/s multi-band carrierless amplitude and phase (CAP) and discrete multi-tone (DMT) over 80 km dispersion compensation fiber-free single-mode fiber links based on intensity modulation and direct detection for data center interconnects. We show that the matched finite impulse response filters and inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT)/FFT take the majority of the complexity of the multi-band CAP and DMT, respectively. The choice of the multi-band CAP sub-band count and the DMT IFFT/FFT size makes significant impact on the system complexity or performance, and trade-off must be considered.

Correlation of the earth's rotation rate and the secular change of the geomagnetic field. [power spectra/harmonic analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jin, R. S.

1975-01-01

Power spectral density analysis using Burg's maximum entropy method was applied to the geomagnetic dipole field and its rate of change for the years 1901 to 1969. Both spectra indicate relative maxima at 0.015 cycles/year and its harmonics. These maxima correspond approximately to 66, 33, 22, 17, 13, 11, and 9-year spectral lines. The application of the same analysis techniques to the length-of-day (l.o.d) fluctuations for the period 1865 to 1961 reveal similar spectral characteristics. Although peaks were observed at higher harmonics of the fundamental frequency, the 22-year and 11-year lines are not attributed unambiguously to the solar magnetic cycle and the solar cycle. It is suggested that the similarity in the l.o.d fluctuations and the dipole field variations is related to the motion within the earth's fluid core during the past one hundred years.

Mapping of p140Cap Phosphorylation Sites: The EPLYA and EGLYA Motifs Have a Key Role in Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Csk Binding, and Are Substrates of the Abl Kinase

PubMed Central

Sharma, Nanaocha; Grasso, Silvia; Russo, Isabella; Jensen, Ole N.; Cabodi, Sara; Turco, Emilia; Di Stefano, Paola; Defilippi, Paola

2013-01-01

Protein phosphorylation tightly regulates specific binding of effector proteins that control many diverse biological functions of cells (e. g. signaling, migration and proliferation). p140Cap is an adaptor protein, specifically expressed in brain, testis and epithelial cells, that undergoes phosphorylation and tunes its interactions with other regulatory molecules via post-translation modification. In this work, using mass spectrometry, we found that p140Cap is in vivo phosphorylated on tyrosine (Y) within the peptide GEGLpYADPYGLLHEGR (from now on referred to as EGLYA) as well as on three serine residues. Consistently, EGLYA has the highest score of in silico prediction of p140Cap phosphorylation. To further investigate the p140Cap function, we performed site specific mutagenesis on tyrosines inserted in EGLYA and EPLYA, a second sequence with the same highest score of phosphorylation. The mutant protein, in which both EPLYA/EGLYA tyrosines were converted to phenylalanine, was no longer tyrosine phosphorylated, despite the presence of other tyrosine residues in p140Cap sequence. Moreover, this mutant lost its ability to bind the C-terminal Src kinase (Csk), previously shown to interact with p140Cap by Far Western analysis. In addition, we found that in vitro and in HEK-293 cells, the Abelson kinase is the major kinase involved in p140Cap tyrosine phosphorylation on the EPLYA and EGLYA sequences. Overall, these data represent an original attempt to in vivo characterise phosphorylated residues of p140Cap. Elucidating the function of p140Cap will provide novel insights into its biological activity not only in normal cells, but also in tumors. PMID:23383002

Structural Design and Analysis of the Upper Pressure Shell Section of a Composite Crew Module

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sleight, David W.; Paddock, David; Jeans, Jim W.; Hudeck, John D.

2008-01-01

This paper presents the results of the structural design and analysis of the upper pressure shell section of a carbon composite demonstration structure for the Composite Crew Module (CCM) Project. The project is managed by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center with participants from eight NASA Centers, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and multiple aerospace contractors including ATK/Swales, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Collier Research Corporation, Genesis Engineering, and Janicki Industries. The paper discusses details of the upper pressure shell section design of the CCM and presents the structural analysis results using the HyperSizer structural sizing software and the MSC Nastran finite element analysis software. The HyperSizer results showed that the controlling load case driving most of the sizing in the upper pressure shell section was the internal pressure load case. The regions around the cutouts were controlled by internal pressure and the main parachute load cases. The global finite element analysis results showed that the majority of the elements of the CCM had a positive margin of safety with the exception of a few hot spots around the cutouts. These hot spots are currently being investigated with a more detailed analysis. Local finite element models of the Low Impact Docking System (LIDS) interface ring and the forward bay gussets with greater mesh fidelity were created for local sizing and analysis. The sizing of the LIDS interface ring was driven by the drogue parachute loads, Trans-Lunar Insertion (TLI) loads, and internal pressure. The drogue parachute loads controlled the sizing of the gusset cap on the drogue gusset and TLI loads controlled the sizing of the other five gusset caps. The main parachute loads controlled the sizing of the lower ends of the gusset caps on the main parachute fittings. The results showed that the gusset web/pressure shell and gusset web/gusset cap interfaces bonded using Pi-preform joints had local hot spots in the Pi-preform termination regions. These regions require a detailed three-dimensional analysis, which is currently being performed, to accurately address the load distribution near the Pi-preform termination in the upper and lower gusset caps.

Clash of Harmonics in Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ruiz, Michael J.

2018-01-01

This paper describes a fascinating connection between the physics of music and the famous chord in the dissonant rhythmic section of Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" (1913). The analysis of Stravinsky's chord will draw from the physics of harmonics, musical intervals, mathematics, and cognitive psychology. This highly interdisciplinary…

A new approach to harmonic elimination based on a real-time comparison method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gourisetti, Sri Nikhil Gupta

Undesired harmonics are responsible for noise in a transmission channel, power loss in power electronics and in motor control. Selective Harmonic Elimination (SHE) is a well-known method used to eliminate or suppress the unwanted harmonics between the fundamental and the carrier frequency harmonic/component. But SHE bears the disadvantage of its incapability to use in real-time applications. A novel reference-carrier comparative method has been developed which can be used to generate an SPWM signal to apply in real-time systems. A modified carrier signal is designed and tested for different carrier frequencies based on the generated SPWM FFT. The carrier signal may change for different fundamental to carrier ratio that leads to solving the equations each time. An analysis to find all possible solutions for a particular carrier frequency and fundamental amplitude is performed and found. This proves that there is no one global maxima instead several local maximas exists for a particular condition set that makes this method less sensitive. Additionally, an attempt to find a universal solution that is valid for any carrier signal with predefined fundamental amplitude is performed. A uniform distribution Monte-Carlo sensitivity analysis is performed to measure the window i.e., best and worst possible solutions. The simulations are performed using MATLAB and are justified with experimental results.

Correlated Event-by-Event Fluctuations of Flow Harmonics in Pb-Pb Collisions at √{sN N }=2.76 TeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, J.; Adamová, D.; Aggarwal, M. M.; Aglieri Rinella, G.; Agnello, M.; Agrawal, N.; Ahammed, Z.; Ahmad, S.; Ahn, S. U.; Aiola, S.; Akindinov, A.; Alam, S. N.; Albuquerque, D. S. D.; Aleksandrov, D.; Alessandro, B.; Alexandre, D.; Alfaro Molina, R.; Alici, A.; Alkin, A.; Almaraz, J. R. M.; Alme, J.; Alt, T.; Altinpinar, S.; Altsybeev, I.; Alves Garcia Prado, C.; Andrei, C.; Andronic, A.; Anguelov, V.; Antičić, T.; Antinori, F.; Antonioli, P.; Aphecetche, L.; Appelshäuser, H.; Arcelli, S.; Arnaldi, R.; Arnold, O. W.; Arsene, I. C.; Arslandok, M.; Audurier, B.; Augustinus, A.; Averbeck, R.; Azmi, M. D.; Badalà, A.; Baek, Y. W.; Bagnasco, S.; Bailhache, R.; Bala, R.; Balasubramanian, S.; Baldisseri, A.; Baral, R. C.; Barbano, A. M.; Barbera, R.; Barile, F.; Barnaföldi, G. G.; Barnby, L. S.; Barret, V.; Bartalini, P.; Barth, K.; Bartke, J.; Bartsch, E.; Basile, M.; Bastid, N.; Basu, S.; Bathen, B.; Batigne, G.; Batista Camejo, A.; Batyunya, B.; Batzing, P. C.; Bearden, I. G.; Beck, H.; Bedda, C.; Behera, N. K.; Belikov, I.; Bellini, F.; Bello Martinez, H.; Bellwied, R.; Belmont, R.; Belmont-Moreno, E.; Beltran, L. G. E.; Belyaev, V.; Bencedi, G.; Beole, S.; Berceanu, I.; Bercuci, A.; Berdnikov, Y.; Berenyi, D.; Bertens, R. A.; Berzano, D.; Betev, L.; Bhasin, A.; Bhat, I. R.; Bhati, A. K.; Bhattacharjee, B.; Bhom, J.; Bianchi, L.; Bianchi, N.; Bianchin, C.; Bielčík, J.; Bielčíková, J.; Bilandzic, A.; Biro, G.; Biswas, R.; Biswas, S.; Bjelogrlic, S.; Blair, J. T.; Blau, D.; Blume, C.; Bock, F.; Bogdanov, A.; Bøggild, H.; Boldizsár, L.; Bombara, M.; Book, J.; Borel, H.; Borissov, A.; Borri, M.; Bossú, F.; Botta, E.; Bourjau, C.; Braun-Munzinger, P.; Bregant, M.; Breitner, T.; Broker, T. A.; Browning, T. A.; Broz, M.; Brucken, E. J.; Bruna, E.; Bruno, G. E.; Budnikov, D.; Buesching, H.; Bufalino, S.; Buncic, P.; Busch, O.; Buthelezi, Z.; Butt, J. B.; Buxton, J. T.; Cabala, J.; Caffarri, D.; Cai, X.; Caines, H.; Calero Diaz, L.; Caliva, A.; Calvo Villar, E.; Camerini, P.; Carena, F.; Carena, W.; Carnesecchi, F.; Castillo Castellanos, J.; Castro, A. J.; Casula, E. A. R.; Ceballos Sanchez, C.; Cepila, J.; Cerello, P.; Cerkala, J.; Chang, B.; Chapeland, S.; Chartier, M.; Charvet, J. L.; Chattopadhyay, S.; Chattopadhyay, S.; Chauvin, A.; Chelnokov, V.; Cherney, M.; Cheshkov, C.; Cheynis, B.; Chibante Barroso, V.; Chinellato, D. D.; Cho, S.; Chochula, P.; Choi, K.; Chojnacki, M.; Choudhury, S.; Christakoglou, P.; Christensen, C. H.; Christiansen, P.; Chujo, T.; Chung, S. U.; Cicalo, C.; Cifarelli, L.; Cindolo, F.; Cleymans, J.; Colamaria, F.; Colella, D.; Collu, A.; Colocci, M.; Conesa Balbastre, G.; Conesa Del Valle, Z.; Connors, M. E.; Contreras, J. G.; Cormier, T. M.; Corrales Morales, Y.; Cortés Maldonado, I.; Cortese, P.; Cosentino, M. R.; Costa, F.; Crochet, P.; Cruz Albino, R.; Cuautle, E.; Cunqueiro, L.; Dahms, T.; Dainese, A.; Danisch, M. C.; Danu, A.; Das, D.; Das, I.; Das, S.; Dash, A.; Dash, S.; de, S.; de Caro, A.; de Cataldo, G.; de Conti, C.; de Cuveland, J.; de Falco, A.; de Gruttola, D.; De Marco, N.; de Pasquale, S.; de Souza, R. D.; Deisting, A.; Deloff, A.; Dénes, E.; Deplano, C.; Dhankher, P.; di Bari, D.; di Mauro, A.; di Nezza, P.; di Ruzza, B.; Diaz Corchero, M. A.; Dietel, T.; Dillenseger, P.; Divià, R.; Djuvsland, Ø.; Dobrin, A.; Domenicis Gimenez, D.; Dönigus, B.; Dordic, O.; Drozhzhova, T.; Dubey, A. K.; Dubla, A.; Ducroux, L.; Dupieux, P.; Ehlers, R. J.; Elia, D.; Endress, E.; Engel, H.; Epple, E.; Erazmus, B.; Erdemir, I.; Erhardt, F.; Espagnon, B.; Estienne, M.; Esumi, S.; Eum, J.; Evans, D.; Evdokimov, S.; Eyyubova, G.; Fabbietti, L.; Fabris, D.; Faivre, J.; Fantoni, A.; Fasel, M.; Feldkamp, L.; Feliciello, A.; Feofilov, G.; Ferencei, J.; Fernández Téllez, A.; Ferreiro, E. G.; Ferretti, A.; Festanti, A.; Feuillard, V. J. G.; Figiel, J.; Figueredo, M. A. S.; Filchagin, S.; Finogeev, D.; Fionda, F. M.; Fiore, E. M.; Fleck, M. G.; Floris, M.; Foertsch, S.; Foka, P.; Fokin, S.; Fragiacomo, E.; Francescon, A.; Francisco, A.; Frankenfeld, U.; Fronze, G. G.; Fuchs, U.; Furget, C.; Furs, A.; Fusco Girard, M.; Gaardhøje, J. J.; Gagliardi, M.; Gago, A. M.; Gajdosova, K.; Gallio, M.; Galvan, C. D.; Gangadharan, D. R.; Ganoti, P.; Gao, C.; Garabatos, C.; Garcia-Solis, E.; Gargiulo, C.; Gasik, P.; Gauger, E. F.; Germain, M.; Gheata, M.; Ghosh, P.; Ghosh, S. K.; Gianotti, P.; Giubellino, P.; Giubilato, P.; Gladysz-Dziadus, E.; Glässel, P.; Goméz Coral, D. M.; Gomez Ramirez, A.; Gonzalez, A. S.; Gonzalez, V.; González-Zamora, P.; Gorbunov, S.; Görlich, L.; Gotovac, S.; Grabski, V.; Grachov, O. A.; Graczykowski, L. K.; Graham, K. L.; Grelli, A.; Grigoras, A.; Grigoras, C.; Grigoriev, V.; Grigoryan, A.; Grigoryan, S.; Grinyov, B.; Grion, N.; Gronefeld, J. M.; Grosse-Oetringhaus, J. F.; Grosso, R.; Gruber, L.; Guber, F.; Guernane, R.; Guerzoni, B.; Gulbrandsen, K.; Gunji, T.; Gupta, A.; Gupta, R.; Haake, R.; Haaland, Ø.; Hadjidakis, C.; Haiduc, M.; Hamagaki, H.; Hamar, G.; Hamon, J. C.; Harris, J. W.; Harton, A.; Hatzifotiadou, D.; Hayashi, S.; Heckel, S. T.; Hellbär, E.; Helstrup, H.; Herghelegiu, A.; Herrera Corral, G.; Hess, B. A.; Hetland, K. F.; Hillemanns, H.; Hippolyte, B.; Horak, D.; Hosokawa, R.; Hristov, P.; Hughes, C.; Humanic, T. J.; Hussain, N.; Hussain, T.; Hutter, D.; Hwang, D. S.; Ilkaev, R.; Inaba, M.; Incani, E.; Ippolitov, M.; Irfan, M.; Ivanov, M.; Ivanov, V.; Izucheev, V.; Jacak, B.; Jacazio, N.; Jacobs, P. M.; Jadhav, M. B.; Jadlovska, S.; Jadlovsky, J.; Jahnke, C.; Jakubowska, M. J.; Jang, H. J.; Janik, M. A.; Jayarathna, P. H. S. Y.; Jena, C.; Jena, S.; Jimenez Bustamante, R. T.; Jones, P. G.; Jusko, A.; Kalinak, P.; Kalweit, A.; Kamin, J.; Kang, J. H.; Kaplin, V.; Kar, S.; Karasu Uysal, A.; Karavichev, O.; Karavicheva, T.; Karayan, L.; Karpechev, E.; Kebschull, U.; Keidel, R.; Keijdener, D. L. D.; Keil, M.; Mohisin Khan, M.; Khan, P.; Khan, S. A.; Khanzadeev, A.; Kharlov, Y.; Kileng, B.; Kim, D. W.; Kim, D. J.; Kim, D.; Kim, H.; Kim, J. S.; Kim, J.; Kim, M.; Kim, S.; Kim, T.; Kirsch, S.; Kisel, I.; Kiselev, S.; Kisiel, A.; Kiss, G.; Klay, J. L.; Klein, C.; Klein, J.; Klein-Bösing, C.; Klewin, S.; Kluge, A.; Knichel, M. L.; Knospe, A. G.; Kobdaj, C.; Kofarago, M.; Kollegger, T.; Kolojvari, A.; Kondratiev, V.; Kondratyeva, N.; Kondratyuk, E.; Konevskikh, A.; Kopcik, M.; Kour, M.; Kouzinopoulos, C.; Kovalenko, O.; Kovalenko, V.; Kowalski, M.; Koyithatta Meethaleveedu, G.; Králik, I.; Kravčáková, A.; Krivda, M.; Krizek, F.; Kryshen, E.; Krzewicki, M.; Kubera, A. M.; Kučera, V.; Kuhn, C.; Kuijer, P. G.; Kumar, A.; Kumar, J.; Kumar, L.; Kumar, S.; Kurashvili, P.; Kurepin, A.; Kurepin, A. B.; Kuryakin, A.; Kweon, M. J.; Kwon, Y.; La Pointe, S. L.; La Rocca, P.; Ladron de Guevara, P.; Lagana Fernandes, C.; Lakomov, I.; Langoy, R.; Lapidus, K.; Lara, C.; Lardeux, A.; Lattuca, A.; Laudi, E.; Lea, R.; Leardini, L.; Lee, G. R.; Lee, S.; Lehas, F.; Lehner, S.; Lemmon, R. C.; Lenti, V.; Leogrande, E.; León Monzón, I.; León Vargas, H.; Leoncino, M.; Lévai, P.; Li, S.; Li, X.; Lien, J.; Lietava, R.; Lindal, S.; Lindenstruth, V.; Lippmann, C.; Lisa, M. A.; Ljunggren, H. M.; Lodato, D. F.; Loenne, P. I.; Loginov, V.; Loizides, C.; Lopez, X.; López Torres, E.; Lowe, A.; Luettig, P.; Lunardon, M.; Luparello, G.; Lutz, T. H.; Maevskaya, A.; Mager, M.; Mahajan, S.; Mahmood, S. M.; Maire, A.; Majka, R. D.; Malaev, M.; Maldonado Cervantes, I.; Malinina, L.; Mal'Kevich, D.; Malzacher, P.; Mamonov, A.; Manko, V.; Manso, F.; Manzari, V.; Marchisone, M.; Mareš, J.; Margagliotti, G. V.; Margotti, A.; Margutti, J.; Marín, A.; Markert, C.; Marquard, M.; Martin, N. A.; Martin Blanco, J.; Martinengo, P.; Martínez, M. I.; Martínez García, G.; Martinez Pedreira, M.; Mas, A.; Masciocchi, S.; Masera, M.; Masoni, A.; Mastroserio, A.; Matyja, A.; Mayer, C.; Mazer, J.; Mazzoni, M. A.; McDonald, D.; Meddi, F.; Melikyan, Y.; Menchaca-Rocha, A.; Meninno, E.; Mercado Pérez, J.; Meres, M.; Miake, Y.; Mieskolainen, M. M.; Mikhaylov, K.; Milano, L.; Milosevic, J.; Mischke, A.; Mishra, A. N.; Miśkowiec, D.; Mitra, J.; Mitu, C. M.; Mohammadi, N.; Mohanty, B.; Molnar, L.; Montaño Zetina, L.; Montes, E.; Moreira de Godoy, D. A.; Moreno, L. A. P.; Moretto, S.; Morreale, A.; Morsch, A.; Muccifora, V.; Mudnic, E.; Mühlheim, D.; Muhuri, S.; Mukherjee, M.; Mulligan, J. D.; Munhoz, M. G.; Münning, K.; Munzer, R. H.; Murakami, H.; Murray, S.; Musa, L.; Musinsky, J.; Naik, B.; Nair, R.; Nandi, B. K.; Nania, R.; Nappi, E.; Naru, M. U.; Natal da Luz, H.; Nattrass, C.; Navarro, S. R.; Nayak, K.; Nayak, R.; Nayak, T. K.; Nazarenko, S.; Nedosekin, A.; Nellen, L.; Ng, F.; Nicassio, M.; Niculescu, M.; Niedziela, J.; Nielsen, B. S.; Nikolaev, S.; Nikulin, S.; Nikulin, V.; Noferini, F.; Nomokonov, P.; Nooren, G.; Noris, J. C. C.; Norman, J.; Nyanin, A.; Nystrand, J.; Oeschler, H.; Oh, S.; Oh, S. K.; Ohlson, A.; Okatan, A.; Okubo, T.; Oleniacz, J.; Oliveira da Silva, A. C.; Oliver, M. H.; Onderwaater, J.; Oppedisano, C.; Orava, R.; Oravec, M.; Ortiz Velasquez, A.; Oskarsson, A.; Otwinowski, J.; Oyama, K.; Ozdemir, M.; Pachmayer, Y.; Pagano, D.; Pagano, P.; Paić, G.; Pal, S. K.; Pan, J.; Pandey, A. K.; Papikyan, V.; Pappalardo, G. S.; Pareek, P.; Park, W. J.; Parmar, S.; Passfeld, A.; Paticchio, V.; Patra, R. N.; Paul, B.; Pei, H.; Peitzmann, T.; Peng, X.; Pereira da Costa, H.; Peresunko, D.; Perez Lezama, E.; Peskov, V.; Pestov, Y.; Petráček, V.; Petrov, V.; Petrovici, M.; Petta, C.; Piano, S.; Pikna, M.; Pillot, P.; Pimentel, L. O. D. L.; Pinazza, O.; Pinsky, L.; Piyarathna, D. B.; Płoskoń, M.; Planinic, M.; Pluta, J.; Pochybova, S.; Podesta-Lerma, P. L. M.; Poghosyan, M. G.; Polichtchouk, B.; Poljak, N.; Poonsawat, W.; Pop, A.; Poppenborg, H.; Porteboeuf-Houssais, S.; Porter, J.; Pospisil, J.; Prasad, S. K.; Preghenella, R.; Prino, F.; Pruneau, C. A.; Pshenichnov, I.; Puccio, M.; Puddu, G.; Pujahari, P.; Punin, V.; Putschke, J.; Qvigstad, H.; Rachevski, A.; Raha, S.; Rajput, S.; Rak, J.; Rakotozafindrabe, A.; Ramello, L.; Rami, F.; Raniwala, R.; Raniwala, S.; Räsänen, S. S.; Rascanu, B. T.; Rathee, D.; Read, K. F.; Redlich, K.; Reed, R. J.; Rehman, A.; Reichelt, P.; Reidt, F.; Ren, X.; Renfordt, R.; Reolon, A. R.; Reshetin, A.; Reygers, K.; Riabov, V.; Ricci, R. A.; Richert, T.; Richter, M.; Riedler, P.; Riegler, W.; Riggi, F.; Ristea, C.; Rocco, E.; Rodríguez Cahuantzi, M.; Rodriguez Manso, A.; Røed, K.; Rogochaya, E.; Rohr, D.; Röhrich, D.; Ronchetti, F.; Ronflette, L.; Rosnet, P.; Rossi, A.; Roukoutakis, F.; Roy, A.; Roy, C.; Roy, P.; Rubio Montero, A. J.; Rui, R.; Russo, R.; Ryabinkin, E.; Ryabov, Y.; Rybicki, A.; Saarinen, S.; Sadhu, S.; Sadovsky, S.; Šafařík, K.; Sahlmuller, B.; Sahoo, P.; Sahoo, R.; Sahoo, S.; Sahu, P. K.; Saini, J.; Sakai, S.; Saleh, M. A.; Salzwedel, J.; Sambyal, S.; Samsonov, V.; Šándor, L.; Sandoval, A.; Sano, M.; Sarkar, D.; Sarkar, N.; Sarma, P.; Scapparone, E.; Scarlassara, F.; Schiaua, C.; Schicker, R.; Schmidt, C.; Schmidt, H. R.; Schmidt, M.; Schuchmann, S.; Schukraft, J.; Schulc, M.; Schutz, Y.; Schwarz, K.; Schweda, K.; Scioli, G.; Scomparin, E.; Scott, R.; Šefčík, M.; Seger, J. E.; Sekiguchi, Y.; Sekihata, D.; Selyuzhenkov, I.; Senosi, K.; Senyukov, S.; Serradilla, E.; Sevcenco, A.; Shabanov, A.; Shabetai, A.; Shadura, O.; Shahoyan, R.; Shahzad, M. I.; Shangaraev, A.; Sharma, A.; Sharma, M.; Sharma, M.; Sharma, N.; Sheikh, A. I.; Shigaki, K.; Shou, Q.; Shtejer, K.; Sibiriak, Y.; Siddhanta, S.; Sielewicz, K. M.; Siemiarczuk, T.; Silvermyr, D.; Silvestre, C.; Simatovic, G.; Simonetti, G.; Singaraju, R.; Singh, R.; Singhal, V.; Sinha, T.; Sitar, B.; Sitta, M.; Skaali, T. B.; Slupecki, M.; Smirnov, N.; Snellings, R. J. M.; Snellman, T. W.; Song, J.; Song, M.; Song, Z.; Soramel, F.; Sorensen, S.; Sozzi, F.; Spacek, M.; Spiriti, E.; Sputowska, I.; Spyropoulou-Stassinaki, M.; Stachel, J.; Stan, I.; Stankus, P.; Stenlund, E.; Steyn, G.; Stiller, J. H.; Stocco, D.; Strmen, P.; Suaide, A. A. P.; Sugitate, T.; Suire, C.; Suleymanov, M.; Suljic, M.; Sultanov, R.; Šumbera, M.; Sumowidagdo, S.; Szabo, A.; Szarka, I.; Szczepankiewicz, A.; Szymanski, M.; Tabassam, U.; Takahashi, J.; Tambave, G. J.; Tanaka, N.; Tarhini, M.; Tariq, M.; Tarzila, M. G.; Tauro, A.; Tejeda Muñoz, G.; Telesca, A.; Terasaki, K.; Terrevoli, C.; Teyssier, B.; Thäder, J.; Thakur, D.; Thomas, D.; Tieulent, R.; Tikhonov, A.; Timmins, A. R.; Toia, A.; Trogolo, S.; Trombetta, G.; Trubnikov, V.; Trzaska, W. H.; Tsuji, T.; Tumkin, A.; Turrisi, R.; Tveter, T. S.; Ullaland, K.; Uras, A.; Usai, G. L.; Utrobicic, A.; Vala, M.; Valencia Palomo, L.; Vallero, S.; van der Maarel, J.; van Hoorne, J. W.; van Leeuwen, M.; Vanat, T.; Vande Vyvre, P.; Varga, D.; Vargas, A.; Vargyas, M.; Varma, R.; Vasileiou, M.; Vasiliev, A.; Vauthier, A.; Vázquez Doce, O.; Vechernin, V.; Veen, A. M.; Veldhoen, M.; Velure, A.; Vercellin, E.; Vergara Limón, S.; Vernet, R.; Verweij, M.; Vickovic, L.; Viinikainen, J.; Vilakazi, Z.; Villalobos Baillie, O.; Villatoro Tello, A.; Vinogradov, A.; Vinogradov, L.; Vinogradov, Y.; Virgili, T.; Vislavicius, V.; Viyogi, Y. P.; Vodopyanov, A.; Völkl, M. A.; Voloshin, K.; Voloshin, S. A.; Volpe, G.; von Haller, B.; Vorobyev, I.; Vranic, D.; Vrláková, J.; Vulpescu, B.; Wagner, B.; Wagner, J.; Wang, H.; Wang, M.; Watanabe, D.; Watanabe, Y.; Weber, M.; Weber, S. G.; Weiser, D. F.; Wessels, J. P.; Westerhoff, U.; Whitehead, A. M.; Wiechula, J.; Wikne, J.; Wilk, G.; Wilkinson, J.; Williams, M. C. S.; Windelband, B.; Winn, M.; Yang, P.; Yano, S.; Yasin, Z.; Yin, Z.; Yokoyama, H.; Yoo, I.-K.; Yoon, J. H.; Yurchenko, V.; Zaborowska, A.; Zaccolo, V.; Zaman, A.; Zampolli, C.; Zanoli, H. J. C.; Zaporozhets, S.; Zardoshti, N.; Zarochentsev, A.; Závada, P.; Zaviyalov, N.; Zbroszczyk, H.; Zgura, I. S.; Zhalov, M.; Zhang, H.; Zhang, X.; Zhang, Y.; Zhang, C.; Zhang, Z.; Zhao, C.; Zhigareva, N.; Zhou, D.; Zhou, Y.; Zhou, Z.; Zhu, H.; Zhu, J.; Zichichi, A.; Zimmermann, A.; Zimmermann, M. B.; Zinovjev, G.; Zyzak, M.; Alice Collaboration

2016-10-01

We report the measurements of correlations between event-by-event fluctuations of amplitudes of anisotropic flow harmonics in nucleus-nucleus collisions, obtained for the first time using a new analysis method based on multiparticle cumulants in mixed harmonics. This novel method is robust against systematic biases originating from nonflow effects and by construction any dependence on symmetry planes is eliminated. We demonstrate that correlations of flow harmonics exhibit a better sensitivity to medium properties than the individual flow harmonics. The new measurements are performed in Pb-Pb collisions at the center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of √{sN N }=2.76 TeV by the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The centrality dependence of correlation between event-by-event fluctuations of the elliptic v2 and quadrangular v4 flow harmonics, as well as of anticorrelation between v2 and triangular v3 flow harmonics are presented. The results cover two different regimes of the initial state configurations: geometry dominated (in midcentral collisions) and fluctuation dominated (in the most central collisions). Comparisons are made to predictions from Monte Carlo Glauber, viscous hydrodynamics, ampt, and hijing models. Together with the existing measurements of the individual flow harmonics the presented results provide further constraints on the initial conditions and the transport properties of the system produced in heavy-ion collisions.

A framework to analyze the stochastic harmonics and resonance of wind energy grid interconnection

DOE PAGES

Cho, Youngho; Lee, Choongman; Hur, Kyeon; ...

2016-08-31

This study addresses a modeling and analysis methodology for investigating the stochastic harmonics and resonance concerns of wind power plants (WPPs). Wideband harmonics from modern wind turbines are observed to be stochastic, associated with real power production, and they may adversely interact with the grid impedance and cause unexpected harmonic resonance if not comprehensively addressed in the planning and commissioning of the WPPs. These issues should become more critical as wind penetration levels increase. We thus propose a planning study framework comprising the following functional steps: First, the best-fitted probability density functions (PDFs) of the harmonic components of interest inmore » the frequency domain are determined. In operations planning, maximum likelihood estimations followed by a chi-square test are used once field measurements or manufacturers' data are available. Second, harmonic currents from the WPP are represented by randomly-generating harmonic components based on their PDFs (frequency spectrum) and then synthesized for time-domain simulations via inverse Fourier transform. Finally, we conduct a comprehensive assessment by including the impacts of feeder configurations, harmonic filters, and the variability of parameters. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed study approach for a 100-MW offshore WPP consisting of 20 units of 5-MW full-converter turbines, a realistic benchmark system adapted from a WPP under development in Korea, and discuss lessons learned through this research.« less

Correlated Event-by-Event Fluctuations of Flow Harmonics in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV.

PubMed

Adam, J; Adamová, D; Aggarwal, M M; Aglieri Rinella, G; Agnello, M; Agrawal, N; Ahammed, Z; Ahmad, S; Ahn, S U; Aiola, S; Akindinov, A; Alam, S N; Albuquerque, D S D; Aleksandrov, D; Alessandro, B; Alexandre, D; Alfaro Molina, R; Alici, A; Alkin, A; Almaraz, J R M; Alme, J; Alt, T; Altinpinar, S; Altsybeev, I; Alves Garcia Prado, C; Andrei, C; Andronic, A; Anguelov, V; Antičić, T; Antinori, F; Antonioli, P; Aphecetche, L; Appelshäuser, H; Arcelli, S; Arnaldi, R; Arnold, O W; Arsene, I C; Arslandok, M; Audurier, B; Augustinus, A; Averbeck, R; Azmi, M D; Badalà, A; Baek, Y W; Bagnasco, S; Bailhache, R; Bala, R; Balasubramanian, S; Baldisseri, A; Baral, R C; Barbano, A M; Barbera, R; Barile, F; Barnaföldi, G G; Barnby, L S; Barret, V; Bartalini, P; Barth, K; Bartke, J; Bartsch, E; Basile, M; Bastid, N; Basu, S; Bathen, B; Batigne, G; Batista Camejo, A; Batyunya, B; Batzing, P C; Bearden, I G; Beck, H; Bedda, C; Behera, N K; Belikov, I; Bellini, F; Bello Martinez, H; Bellwied, R; Belmont, R; Belmont-Moreno, E; Beltran, L G E; Belyaev, V; Bencedi, G; Beole, S; Berceanu, I; Bercuci, A; Berdnikov, Y; Berenyi, D; Bertens, R A; Berzano, D; Betev, L; Bhasin, A; Bhat, I R; Bhati, A K; Bhattacharjee, B; Bhom, J; Bianchi, L; Bianchi, N; Bianchin, C; Bielčík, J; Bielčíková, J; Bilandzic, A; Biro, G; Biswas, R; Biswas, S; Bjelogrlic, S; Blair, J T; Blau, D; Blume, C; Bock, F; Bogdanov, A; Bøggild, H; Boldizsár, L; Bombara, M; Book, J; Borel, H; Borissov, A; Borri, M; Bossú, F; Botta, E; Bourjau, C; Braun-Munzinger, P; Bregant, M; Breitner, T; Broker, T A; Browning, T A; Broz, M; Brucken, E J; Bruna, E; Bruno, G E; Budnikov, D; Buesching, H; Bufalino, S; Buncic, P; Busch, O; Buthelezi, Z; Butt, J B; Buxton, J T; Cabala, J; Caffarri, D; Cai, X; Caines, H; Calero Diaz, L; Caliva, A; Calvo Villar, E; Camerini, P; Carena, F; Carena, W; Carnesecchi, F; Castillo Castellanos, J; Castro, A J; Casula, E A R; Ceballos Sanchez, C; Cepila, J; Cerello, P; Cerkala, J; Chang, B; Chapeland, S; Chartier, M; 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Mas, A; Masciocchi, S; Masera, M; Masoni, A; Mastroserio, A; Matyja, A; Mayer, C; Mazer, J; Mazzoni, M A; Mcdonald, D; Meddi, F; Melikyan, Y; Menchaca-Rocha, A; Meninno, E; Mercado Pérez, J; Meres, M; Miake, Y; Mieskolainen, M M; Mikhaylov, K; Milano, L; Milosevic, J; Mischke, A; Mishra, A N; Miśkowiec, D; Mitra, J; Mitu, C M; Mohammadi, N; Mohanty, B; Molnar, L; Montaño Zetina, L; Montes, E; Moreira De Godoy, D A; Moreno, L A P; Moretto, S; Morreale, A; Morsch, A; Muccifora, V; Mudnic, E; Mühlheim, D; Muhuri, S; Mukherjee, M; Mulligan, J D; Munhoz, M G; Münning, K; Munzer, R H; Murakami, H; Murray, S; Musa, L; Musinsky, J; Naik, B; Nair, R; Nandi, B K; Nania, R; Nappi, E; Naru, M U; Natal da Luz, H; Nattrass, C; Navarro, S R; Nayak, K; Nayak, R; Nayak, T K; Nazarenko, S; Nedosekin, A; Nellen, L; Ng, F; Nicassio, M; Niculescu, M; Niedziela, J; Nielsen, B S; Nikolaev, S; Nikulin, S; Nikulin, V; Noferini, F; Nomokonov, P; Nooren, G; Noris, J C C; Norman, J; Nyanin, A; Nystrand, J; Oeschler, H; Oh, S; Oh, S K; Ohlson, A; Okatan, A; Okubo, T; Oleniacz, J; Oliveira Da Silva, A C; Oliver, M H; Onderwaater, J; Oppedisano, C; Orava, R; Oravec, M; Ortiz Velasquez, A; Oskarsson, A; Otwinowski, J; Oyama, K; Ozdemir, M; Pachmayer, Y; Pagano, D; Pagano, P; Paić, G; Pal, S K; Pan, J; Pandey, A K; Papikyan, V; Pappalardo, G S; Pareek, P; Park, W J; Parmar, S; Passfeld, A; Paticchio, V; Patra, R N; Paul, B; Pei, H; Peitzmann, T; Peng, X; Pereira Da Costa, H; Peresunko, D; Perez Lezama, E; Peskov, V; Pestov, Y; Petráček, V; Petrov, V; Petrovici, M; Petta, C; Piano, S; Pikna, M; Pillot, P; Pimentel, L O D L; Pinazza, O; Pinsky, L; Piyarathna, D B; Płoskoń, M; Planinic, M; Pluta, J; Pochybova, S; Podesta-Lerma, P L M; Poghosyan, M G; Polichtchouk, B; Poljak, N; Poonsawat, W; Pop, A; Poppenborg, H; Porteboeuf-Houssais, S; Porter, J; Pospisil, J; Prasad, S K; Preghenella, R; Prino, F; Pruneau, C A; Pshenichnov, I; Puccio, M; Puddu, G; Pujahari, P; Punin, V; Putschke, J; Qvigstad, H; Rachevski, A; 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Wagner, J; Wang, H; Wang, M; Watanabe, D; Watanabe, Y; Weber, M; Weber, S G; Weiser, D F; Wessels, J P; Westerhoff, U; Whitehead, A M; Wiechula, J; Wikne, J; Wilk, G; Wilkinson, J; Williams, M C S; Windelband, B; Winn, M; Yang, P; Yano, S; Yasin, Z; Yin, Z; Yokoyama, H; Yoo, I-K; Yoon, J H; Yurchenko, V; Zaborowska, A; Zaccolo, V; Zaman, A; Zampolli, C; Zanoli, H J C; Zaporozhets, S; Zardoshti, N; Zarochentsev, A; Závada, P; Zaviyalov, N; Zbroszczyk, H; Zgura, I S; Zhalov, M; Zhang, H; Zhang, X; Zhang, Y; Zhang, C; Zhang, Z; Zhao, C; Zhigareva, N; Zhou, D; Zhou, Y; Zhou, Z; Zhu, H; Zhu, J; Zichichi, A; Zimmermann, A; Zimmermann, M B; Zinovjev, G; Zyzak, M

2016-10-28

We report the measurements of correlations between event-by-event fluctuations of amplitudes of anisotropic flow harmonics in nucleus-nucleus collisions, obtained for the first time using a new analysis method based on multiparticle cumulants in mixed harmonics. This novel method is robust against systematic biases originating from nonflow effects and by construction any dependence on symmetry planes is eliminated. We demonstrate that correlations of flow harmonics exhibit a better sensitivity to medium properties than the individual flow harmonics. The new measurements are performed in Pb-Pb collisions at the center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76  TeV by the ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. The centrality dependence of correlation between event-by-event fluctuations of the elliptic v_{2} and quadrangular v_{4} flow harmonics, as well as of anticorrelation between v_{2} and triangular v_{3} flow harmonics are presented. The results cover two different regimes of the initial state configurations: geometry dominated (in midcentral collisions) and fluctuation dominated (in the most central collisions). Comparisons are made to predictions from Monte Carlo Glauber, viscous hydrodynamics, ampt, and hijing models. Together with the existing measurements of the individual flow harmonics the presented results provide further constraints on the initial conditions and the transport properties of the system produced in heavy-ion collisions.

Effect of critical-band smoothing of musical instrument spectral data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beauchamp, James W.; Horner, Andrew B.

2005-04-01

It has been found that second-order harmonic smoothing of musical instrument spectral data can have a significant effect on timbral perception, depending on the instrument tested [McAdams et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 102, 882-897 (1999)]. With critical-band smoothing, the lower harmonics, since they are in different critical bands, retain their individual amplitudes and temporal envelopes. Thus, it is hypothesized that critical-band smoothing has a lesser perceptual effect on most instrument tones than harmonic smoothing. On the other hand, upper critical bands consist of groups of harmonics. It is hypothesized that it is difficult to hear out individual harmonics within critical bands. Thus, for each band the independent harmonic temporal envelopes can be replaced by a composite rms-amplitude envelope. Spectra within bands can be replaced by time-averaged spectra. Alternatively, time-dependent amplitude versus Bark-frequency spectral envelopes can be smoothed for each individual analysis frame. Further, amplitudes can be averaged in dB or linear units. Results for various processing combinations and various musical instrument sounds will be given and demonstrated.

Coupled 2-dimensional cascade theory for noise and unsteady aerodynamics of blade row interaction in turbofans. Volume 1: Theory development and parametric studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanson, Donald B.

1994-01-01

Typical analytical models for interaction between rotor and stator in a turbofan analyze the effect of wakes from the rotor impinging on the stator, producing unsteady loading, and thereby generating noise. Reflection/transmission characteristics of the rotor are sometimes added in a separate calculation. In those models, there is a one-to-one relationship between wake harmonics and noise harmonics; that is, the BPF (blade passing frequency) wake harmonic causes only the BPF noise harmonic, etc. This report presents a more complete model in which flow tangency boundary conditions are satisfied on two cascades in relative motion for several harmonics simultaneously. By an extension of S.N. Smith's code for two dimensional flat plate cascades, the noise generation/frequency scattering/blade row reflection problem is solved in a single matrix inversion. It is found that the BPF harmonic excitation of the stator scatters considerable energy in the higher BPF harmonics due to relative motion between the blade rows. Furthermore, when swirl between the rotor and stator is modeled, a 'mode trapping' effect occurs which explains observations on fans operating at rotational speeds below BFP cuton: the BPF mode amplifies between blade rows by multiple reflections but cannot escape to the inlet and exit ducts. However, energy scattered into higher harmonics does propagate and dominates the spectrum at two and three times BPF. This report presents the complete derivation of the theory, comparison with a previous (more limited) coupled rotor/stator interaction theory due to Kaji and Okazaki, exploration of the mode trapping phenomenon, and parametric studies showing the effects of vane/blade ratio and rotor/stator interaction. For generality, the analysis applies to stages where the rotor is either upstream or downstream of the stator and to counter rotation stages. The theory has been coded in a FORTRAN program called CUP2D, documented in Volume 2 of this report. It is concluded that the new features of this analysis - unsteady coupling, frequency scattering, and flow turning between rotor and stator - have a profound effect on noise generation caused by rotor/stator interaction. Treating rotors and stators as isolated cascades is not adequate for noise analysis and prediction.

Vacuum tube operation analysis under multi-harmonic driving and heavy beam loading effect in J-PARC RCS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, M.; Nomura, M.; Shimada, T.; Tamura, F.; Hara, K.; Hasegawa, K.; Ohmori, C.; Toda, M.; Yoshii, M.; Schnase, A.

2016-11-01

An rf cavity in the J-PARC RCS not only covers the frequency range of a fundamental acceleration pattern but also generates multi-harmonic rf voltage because it has a broadband impedance. However, analyzing the vacuum tube operation in the case of multi-harmonics is very complicated because many variables must be solved in a self-consistent manner. We developed a method to analyze the vacuum tube operation using a well-known formula and which includes the dependence on anode current for some variables. The calculation method is verified with beam tests, and the results indicate that it is efficient under condition of multi-harmonics with a heavy beam loading effect.

USAFSAM (USAF School of Aerospace Medicine) Review and Analysis of Radiofrequency Radiation Bioeffects Literature: Fourth Report.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-05-01

TEST CHART ?NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS-1963-A AD)A142 961 Repor USAFSAM-TR-84-17 USAFSAM REVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF RADIOFREQUENCY RADIATION BIOEFFECTS...1983a) AUTHOR ABSTRACT: Normal mouse B lymphocytes were tested for the ability to cap plasma antigen-antibody complexes following exposure to 2.45-GHz...treatment, the irradiated cells and the nonirradiated controls were tested for capping by the direct immunofluorescence technique. First, the cells

Intratumoral and Intertumoral Genomic Heterogeneity of Multifocal Localized Prostate Cancer Impacts Molecular Classifications and Genomic Prognosticators

PubMed Central

Wei, Lei; Wang, Jianmin; Lampert, Erika; Schlanger, Simon; DePriest, Adam D.; Hu, Qiang; Gomez, Eduardo Cortes; Murakam, Mitsuko; Glenn, Sean T.; Conroy, Jeffrey; Morrison, Carl; Azabdaftari, Gissou; Mohler, James L.; Liu, Song; Heemers, Hannelore V.

2018-01-01

Background Next-generation sequencing is revealing genomic heterogeneity in localized prostate cancer (CaP). Incomplete sampling of CaP multiclonality has limited the implications for molecular subtyping, stratification, and systemic treatment. Objective To determine the impact of genomic and transcriptomic diversity within and among intraprostatic CaP foci on CaP molecular taxonomy, predictors of progression, and actionable therapeutic targets. Design, setting, and participants Four consecutive patients with clinically localized National Comprehensive Cancer Network intermediate- or high-risk CaP who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy underwent radical prostatectomy at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in June–July 2014. Presurgical information on CaP content and a customized tissue procurement procedure were used to isolate nonmicroscopic and noncontiguous CaP foci in radical prostatectomy specimens. Three cores were obtained from the index lesion and one core from smaller lesions. RNA and DNA were extracted simultaneously from 26 cores with ≥90% CaP content and analyzed using whole-exome sequencing, single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays, and RNA sequencing. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Somatic mutations, copy number alternations, gene expression, gene fusions, and phylogeny were defined. The impact of genomic alterations on CaP molecular classification, gene sets measured in Oncotype DX, Prolaris, and Decipher assays, and androgen receptor activity among CaP cores was determined. Results and limitations There was considerable variability in genomic alterations among CaP cores, and between RNA- and DNA-based platforms. Heterogeneity was found in molecular grouping of individual CaP foci and the activity of gene sets underlying the assays for risk stratification and androgen receptor activity, and was validated in independent genomic data sets. Determination of the implications for clinical decision-making requires follow-up studies. Conclusions Genomic make-up varies widely among CaP foci, so care should be taken when making treatment decisions based on a single biopsy or index lesions. Patient summary We examined the molecular composition of individual cancers in a patient’s prostate. We found a lot of genetic diversity among these cancers, and concluded that information from a single cancer biopsy is not sufficient to guide treatment decisions. PMID:27451135

A new method for gravity field recovery based on frequency analysis of spherical harmonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Lin; Zhou, Zebing

2017-04-01

All existing methods for gravity field recovery are mostly based on the space-wise and time-wise approach, whose core processes are constructing the observation equations and solving them by the least square method. It's should be pointed that the least square method means the approximation. On the other hand, we can directly and precisely obtain the coefficients of harmonics by computing the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) when we do 1-D data (time series) analysis. So the question whether we directly and precisely obtain the coefficients of spherical harmonic by computing 2-D FFT of measurements of satellite gravity mission is of great significance, since this may guide us to a new understanding of the signal components of gravity field and make us determine it quickly by taking advantage of FFT. Like the 1-D data analysis, the 2-D FFT of measurements of satellite can be computed rapidly. If we can determine the relationship between spherical harmonics and 2-D Fourier frequencies and the transfer function from measurements to spherical coefficients, the question mentioned above can be solved. So the objective of this research project is to establish a new method based on frequency analysis of spherical harmonic, which directly compute the confidents of spherical harmonic of gravity field, which is differ from recovery by least squares. There is a one to one correspondence between frequency spectrum and the time series in 1-D FFT. The 2-D FFT has a similar relationship to 1-D FFT. Owing to the fact that any degree or order (higher than one) of spherical function has multi frequencies and these frequencies may be aliased. Fortunately, the elements and ratio of these frequencies of spherical function can be determined, and we can compute the coefficients of spherical function from 2-D FFT. This relationship can be written as equations and equivalent to a matrix, which is solid and can be derived in advance. Until now the relationship has be determined. Some preliminary results, which only compute lower degree spherical harmonics, indicates that the difference between the input (EGM2008) and output (coefficients from recovery) is smaller than 5E-17, while the minimal precision of computer software (Matlab) is 2.2204E-16.

Role of phase matching in pulsed second-harmonic generation: Walk-off and phase-locked twin pulses in negative-index media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roppo, Vito; Centini, Marco; Sibilia, Concita; Bertolotti, Mario; de Ceglia, Domenico; Scalora, Michael; Akozbek, Neset; Bloemer, Mark J.; Haus, Joseph W.; Kosareva, Olga G.; Kandidov, Valery P.

2007-09-01

The present investigation is concerned with the study of pulsed second-harmonic generation under conditions of phase and group velocity mismatch, and generally low conversion efficiencies and pump intensities. In positive-index, nonmetallic materials, we generally find qualitative agreement with previous reports regarding the presence of a double-peaked second harmonic signal, which comprises a pulse that walks off and propagates at the nominal group velocity one expects at the second-harmonic frequency, and a second pulse that is “captured” and propagates under the pump pulse. We find that the origin of the double-peaked structure resides in a phase-locking mechanism that characterizes not only second-harmonic generation, but also χ(3) processes and third-harmonic generation. The phase-locking mechanism that we describe occurs for arbitrarily small pump intensities, and so it is not a soliton effect, which usually relies on a threshold mechanism, although multicolor solitons display similar phase locking characteristics. Thus, in second harmonic generation a phase-matched component is always generated, even under conditions of material phase mismatch: This component is anomalous, because the material does not allow energy exchange between the pump and the second-harmonic beam. On the other hand, if the material is phase matched, phase locking and phase matching are indistinguishable, and the conversion process becomes efficient. We also report a similar phase-locking phenomenon in negative index materials. A spectral analysis of the pump and the generated signals reveals that the phase-locking phenomenon causes the forward moving, phase-locked second-harmonic pulse to experience the same negative index as the pump pulse, even though the index of refraction at the second-harmonic frequency is positive. Our analysis further shows that the reflected second-harmonic pulse generated at the interface and the forward-moving, phase-locked pulse appear to be part of the same pulse initially generated at the surface, part of which is immediately back-reflected, while the rest becomes trapped and dragged along by the pump pulse. These pulses thus constitute twin pulses generated at the interface, having the same negative wave vector, but propagating in opposite directions. Almost any break of the longitudinal symmetry, even an exceedingly small χ(2) discontinuity, releases the trapped pulse which then propagates in the backward direction. These dynamics are indicative of very rich and intricate interactions that characterize ultrashort pulse propagation phenomena.

Role of phase matching in pulsed second-harmonic generation: Walk-off and phase-locked twin pulses in negative-index media

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

Roppo, Vito; Centini, Marco; Sibilia, Concita

The present investigation is concerned with the study of pulsed second-harmonic generation under conditions of phase and group velocity mismatch, and generally low conversion efficiencies and pump intensities. In positive-index, nonmetallic materials, we generally find qualitative agreement with previous reports regarding the presence of a double-peaked second harmonic signal, which comprises a pulse that walks off and propagates at the nominal group velocity one expects at the second-harmonic frequency, and a second pulse that is 'captured' and propagates under the pump pulse. We find that the origin of the double-peaked structure resides in a phase-locking mechanism that characterizes not onlymore » second-harmonic generation, but also {chi}{sup (3)} processes and third-harmonic generation. The phase-locking mechanism that we describe occurs for arbitrarily small pump intensities, and so it is not a soliton effect, which usually relies on a threshold mechanism, although multicolor solitons display similar phase locking characteristics. Thus, in second harmonic generation a phase-matched component is always generated, even under conditions of material phase mismatch: This component is anomalous, because the material does not allow energy exchange between the pump and the second-harmonic beam. On the other hand, if the material is phase matched, phase locking and phase matching are indistinguishable, and the conversion process becomes efficient. We also report a similar phase-locking phenomenon in negative index materials. A spectral analysis of the pump and the generated signals reveals that the phase-locking phenomenon causes the forward moving, phase-locked second-harmonic pulse to experience the same negative index as the pump pulse, even though the index of refraction at the second-harmonic frequency is positive. Our analysis further shows that the reflected second-harmonic pulse generated at the interface and the forward-moving, phase-locked pulse appear to be part of the same pulse initially generated at the surface, part of which is immediately back-reflected, while the rest becomes trapped and dragged along by the pump pulse. These pulses thus constitute twin pulses generated at the interface, having the same negative wave vector, but propagating in opposite directions. Almost any break of the longitudinal symmetry, even an exceedingly small {chi}{sup (2)} discontinuity, releases the trapped pulse which then propagates in the backward direction. These dynamics are indicative of very rich and intricate interactions that characterize ultrashort pulse propagation phenomena.« less

Failure of cap-rock seals as determined from mechanical stratigraphy, stress history, and tensile-failure analysis of exhumed analogs

DOE PAGES

Petrie, E. S.; Evans, J. P.; Bauer, S. J.

2014-11-01

In this study, the sedimentologic and tectonic histories of clastic cap rocks and their inherent mechanical properties control the nature of permeable fractures within them. The migration of fluid through mm- to cm-scale fracture networks can result in focused fluid flow allowing hydrocarbon production from unconventional reservoirs or compromising the seal integrity of fluid traps. To understand the nature and distribution of subsurface fluid-flow pathways through fracture networks in cap-rock seals we examine four exhumed Paleozoic and Mesozoic seal analogs in Utah. We combine these outcrop analyses with subsidence analysis, paleoloading histories, and rock-strength testing data in modified Mohr–Coulomb–Griffith analysesmore » to evaluate the effects of differential stress and rock type on fracture mode.« less

Cold plasma selectivity in the interaction with various types of the cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volotskova, Olga; Stepp, Mary Ann; Keidar, Michael

2011-10-01

Present research in the area of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) demonstrates great potential in various areas including medicine and biology. Depending on their configuration they can be used for wound healing, sterilization, targeted cell/tissue removal, and cancer treatments. Here we explore potential mechanisms by which CAP alters cell migration and influences cell adhesion. The migration studies are focused on the CAP interaction with fibroblasts and corneal epithelial cells. Data show that various types of cells have different thresholds (treatment times) required to achieve maximum inhibition of cell migration which is around ~30-40%. Studies to assess the impact of CAP treatment on the activation state of integrins and focal adhesion size by immunofluorescence showed more active b1 integrin on the cell surface and large focal adhesions after CAP treatment. Based on these data, a thermodynamic model is presented to explain how CAP leads to integrin activation and focal adhesion assembly. Also responses of the various types of the cells to the cold plasma treatment on the example of the epithelial keratinocytes, papilloma and carcinoma cells are studied. Cell cycle, migration and cell vitality analysis were performed. The goal of this study is to understand the mechanism by which the CAP jet alters cell migration, influences adhesion and cell survival.

Hospital admissions of adults with community-acquired pneumonia in Portugal between 2000 and 2009.

PubMed

Froes, Filipe; Diniz, António; Mesquita, Margarida; Serrado, Margarida; Nunes, Baltazar

2013-05-01

Recent studies in the USA and northern Europe have shown an increase in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). In southern Europe, this increase has not yet been documented. We carried out a retrospective analysis from encoded information from the Portuguese database for hospital admissions that included all individuals aged ≥18 years, with a primary diagnosis of pneumonia, who were discharged between 2000 and 2009. We excluded patients infected with HIV, individuals immunocompromised as a result of anti-cancer or immunosuppressive treatment, and transplant recipients. Of the 294 027 admissions for CAP, 56% were male. The mean age was 73.1 years and the median age 77 years. Between 2000 and 2009, there was a 5% increase in the average age of patients admitted with CAP. Admissions for CAP represented 3.7% of total admissions of adult patients. The average annual rate of hospital admissions for adults with CAP was 3.61 per 1000 total population, rising to 13.4 for those aged ≥65 years. Between 2000-2004 and 2005-2009 the average annual rate of hospital admission for CAP per 1000 population increased by 28.2%. Hospital admissions for CAP in Portugal increased between 2000 and 2009. It has grown consistently over time, varying according to age with males over-represented.

Estimating the effects of harmonic voltage fluctuations on the temperature rise of squirrel-cage motors

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

Emanuel, A.E.

1991-03-01

This article presents a preliminary analysis of the effect of randomly varying harmonic voltages on the temperature rise of squirrel-cage motors. The stochastic process of random variations of harmonic voltages is defined by means of simple statistics (mean, standard deviation, type of distribution). Computational models based on a first-order approximation of the motor losses and on the Monte Carlo method yield results which prove that equipment with large thermal time-constant is capable of withstanding for a short period of time larger distortions than THD = 5%.

Harmonic elastic inclusions in the presence of point moment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xu; Schiavone, Peter

2017-12-01

We employ conformal mapping techniques to design harmonic elastic inclusions when the surrounding matrix is simultaneously subjected to remote uniform stresses and a point moment located at an arbitrary position in the matrix. Our analysis indicates that the uniform and hydrostatic stress field inside the inclusion as well as the constant hoop stress along the entire inclusion-matrix interface (on the matrix side) are independent of the action of the point moment. In contrast, the non-elliptical shape of the harmonic inclusion depends on both the remote uniform stresses and the point moment.

Ultrashort pulse chirp measurement via transverse second-harmonic generation in strontium barium niobate crystal

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

Trull, J.; Wang, B.; Parra, A.

2015-06-01

Pulse compression in dispersive strontium barium niobate crystal with a random size and distribution of the anti-parallel orientated nonlinear domains is observed via transverse second harmonic generation. The dependence of the transverse width of the second harmonic trace along the propagation direction allows for the determination of the initial chirp and duration of pulses in the femtosecond regime. This technique permits a real-time analysis of the pulse evolution and facilitates fast in-situ correction of pulse chirp acquired in the propagation through an optical system.

Analysis of the harmonics and power-factor effects at a utility-inertied photovoltaic system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campen, G. L.

The harmonics and power factor characteristics and effects of a single residential photovoltaic (PV) installation using a line commutated inverter are outlined. The data were taken during a 5 day measurement program at a prototype residential PV installation in Arizona. The magnitude and phase of various currents and voltages from the fundamental to the 13th harmonic were recorded both with and without the operation of the PV system. A candidate method of modeling the installation for computer studies of larger concentrations is given.

In vitro investigation of anodization and CaP deposited titanium surface using MG63 osteoblast-like cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, J. M.; Lee, J. I.; Lim, Y. J.

2010-03-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate surface characteristics in four different titanium surfaces (AN: anodized at 270 V; AN-CaP: anodic oxidation and CaP deposited; SLA: sandblasted and acid etched; MA: machined) and to evaluate biological behaviors such as cell adhesion, cell proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, and osteogenic protein expression of MG63 osteoblast-like cells at the early stage. Surface analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy, thin-film X-ray diffractometry, and a confocal laser scanning microscope. In order to evaluate cellular responses, MG63 osteoblast-like cells were used. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Immunofluorescent analyses of actin, type I collagen, osteonectin and osteocalcin were performed. The anodized and CaP deposited specimen showed homogeneously distributed CaP particles around micropores and exhibited anatase type oxides, titanium, and HA crystalline structures. This experiment suggests that CaP particles on the anodic oxidation surface affect cellular attachment and spreading. When designing an in vitro biological study for CaP coated titanium, it must be taken into account that preincubation in medium prior to cell seeding and the cell culture medium may affect the CaP coatings. All these observations illustrate the importance of the experimental conditions and the physicochemical parameters of the CaP coating. It is considered that further evaluations such as long-term in vitro cellular assays and in vivo experiments should be necessary to figure out the effect of CaP deposition to biological responses.

Contrast and harmonic imaging improves accuracy and efficiency of novice readers for dobutamine stress echocardiography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vlassak, Irmien; Rubin, David N.; Odabashian, Jill A.; Garcia, Mario J.; King, Lisa M.; Lin, Steve S.; Drinko, Jeanne K.; Morehead, Annitta J.; Prior, David L.; Asher, Craig R.;

Treatment failure rates and health care utilization and costs among patients with community-acquired pneumonia treated with levofloxacin or macrolides in an outpatient setting: a retrospective claims database analysis.

PubMed

Ye, Xin; Sikirica, Vanja; Schein, Jeffrey R; Grant, Richard; Zarotsky, Victoria; Doshi, Dilesh; Benson, Carmela Janagap; Riedel, Aylin A

2008-02-01

Macrolide antibiotics and fluoroquinolones are extensively used in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This analysis was conducted to compare treatment failure rates and health care utilization and cost outcomes among patients with CAP treated with levo-floxacin (500 or 750 mg) or macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin) in an outpatient setting. This was a retrospective analysis of claims data from a large US health plan. Patients were aged > or =18 years and had a primary diagnosis of CAP that was treated with oral levofloxacin or a macrolide in an outpatient setting (including physicians' offices, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, and large ambulatory health centers). Patients were followed for 30 days after the index drug date to measure study outcomes. Multivariate regression analysis and a propensity score technique were used to compare rates of treatment failure and CAP-related health care utilization and costs. Two post hoc subgroup analyses were conducted in patients aged > or =50 and > or =65 years. Of the 7526 patients meeting the inclusion criteria, 2968 (39.4%) were treated with levofloxacin and 4558 (60.6%) with a macrolide. Unadjusted rates of treatment failure were 21.1% and 22.7% in the levofloxacin and macrolide cohorts, respectively. After adjustment for demographic characteristics, baseline comorbidities, and severity of illness, levofloxacin recipients were significantly less likely to experience treatment failure than macrolide recipients (odds ratio [OR] = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.94, P = 0.003). The likelihood of treatment failure was significantly lower in levofloxacin recipients aged > or =50 years (OR = 0.79; 95% CI, 0.66-0.94; P = 0.007) and > or =65 years (OR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.43-1.00; P = 0.049) compared with the corresponding subgroups of macrolide recipients. The magnitude of this difference was greatest in the subgroup aged > or =65 years, which had a 35% reduced risk of treatment failure compared with the corresponding group of macrolide-treated patients. The rate of CAP-related emergency department visits was significantly lower among patients receiving levofloxa-cin (OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51-0.91; P = 0.009); there were no differences in CAP-related hospitalizations or total CAP-related health care costs between levofloxa-cin and macrolide recipients. Multivariate-adjusted rates of treatment failure in outpatients with CAP were significantly lower in those treated with levofloxacin relative to those treated with a macrolide. The lower rates of treatment failure with levofloxacin were consistently observed across all patients and in the subgroups aged > or =50 and > or =65 years. Rates of emergency department visits were also significantly lower among levofloxacin-treated patients, whereas overall CAP-related hospitali-zations and costs did not differ significantly between the 2 treatment groups.

Discrete retardance second harmonic generation ellipsometry.

PubMed

Dehen, Christopher J; Everly, R Michael; Plocinik, Ryan M; Hedderich, Hartmut G; Simpson, Garth J

2007-01-01

A new instrument was constructed to perform discrete retardance nonlinear optical ellipsometry (DR-NOE). The focus of the design was to perform second harmonic generation NOE while maximizing sample and application flexibility and minimizing data acquisition time. The discrete retardance configuration results in relatively simple computational algorithms for performing nonlinear optical ellipsometric analysis. NOE analysis of a disperse red 19 monolayer yielded results that were consistent with previously reported values for the same surface system, but with significantly reduced acquisition times.

In-vivo corneal pulsation in relation to in-vivo intraocular pressure and corneal biomechanics assessed in-vitro. An animal pilot study.

PubMed

Rogala, Maja M; Danielewska, Monika E; Antończyk, Agnieszka; Kiełbowicz, Zdzisław; Rogowska, Marta E; Kozuń, Marta; Detyna, Jerzy; Iskander, D Robert

2017-09-01

The aim was to ascertain whether the characteristics of the corneal pulse (CP) measured in-vivo in a rabbit eye change after short-term artificial increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) and whether they correlate with corneal biomechanics assessed in-vitro. Eight New Zealand white rabbits were included in this study and were anesthetized. In-vivo experiments included simultaneous measurements of the CP signal, registered with a non-contact method, IOP, intra-arterial blood pressure, and blood pulse (BPL), at the baseline and short-term elevated IOP. Afterwards, thickness of post-mortem corneas was determined and then uniaxial tensile tests were conducted leading to estimates of their Young's modulus (E). At the baseline IOP, backward stepwise regression analyses were performed in which successively the ocular biomechanical, biometric and cardiovascular predictors were separately taken into account. Results of the analysis revealed that the 3rd CP harmonic can be statistically significantly predicted by E and central corneal thickness (Models: R 2  = 0.662, p < 0.005 and R 2  = 0.832, p < 0.001 for the signal amplitude and power, respectively). The 1st CP harmonic can be statistically significantly predicted by the amplitude and power of the 1st BPL harmonic (Models: R 2  = 0.534, p = 0.015 and R 2  = 0.509, p < 0.018, respectively). For elevated IOP, non-parametric analysis indicated significant differences for the power of the 1st CP harmonic (Kruskal-Wallis test; p = 0.031) and for the mean, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p = 0.025, p = 0.019, p = 0.033, respectively). In conclusion, for the first time, the association between parameters of the CP signal in-vivo and corneal biomechanics in-vitro was confirmed. In particular, spectral analysis revealed that higher amplitude and power of the 3rd CP harmonic indicates higher corneal stiffness, while the 1st CP harmonic correlates positively with the corresponding harmonic of the BPL signal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Reference-Free Removal of EEG-fMRI Ballistocardiogram Artifacts with Harmonic Regression

PubMed Central

Krishnaswamy, Pavitra; Bonmassar, Giorgio; Poulsen, Catherine; Pierce, Eric T; Purdon, Patrick L.; Brown, Emery N.

2016-01-01

Combining electroencephalogram (EEG) recording and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) offers the potential for imaging brain activity with high spatial and temporal resolution. This potential remains limited by the significant ballistocardiogram (BCG) artifacts induced in the EEG by cardiac pulsation-related head movement within the magnetic field. We model the BCG artifact using a harmonic basis, pose the artifact removal problem as a local harmonic regression analysis, and develop an efficient maximum likelihood algorithm to estimate and remove BCG artifacts. Our analysis paradigm accounts for time-frequency overlap between the BCG artifacts and neurophysiologic EEG signals, and tracks the spatiotemporal variations in both the artifact and the signal. We evaluate performance on: simulated oscillatory and evoked responses constructed with realistic artifacts; actual anesthesia-induced oscillatory recordings; and actual visual evoked potential recordings. In each case, the local harmonic regression analysis effectively removes the BCG artifacts, and recovers the neurophysiologic EEG signals. We further show that our algorithm outperforms commonly used reference-based and component analysis techniques, particularly in low SNR conditions, the presence of significant time-frequency overlap between the artifact and the signal, and/or large spatiotemporal variations in the BCG. Because our algorithm does not require reference signals and has low computational complexity, it offers a practical tool for removing BCG artifacts from EEG data recorded in combination with fMRI. PMID:26151100

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

PubMed

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

2017-09-13

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

77 FR 57998 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-19

... accumulators). A detailed analysis of the calculated line of trajectory of a failed screw cap/end cap for each... Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) for a Different Part Number (P/N) Tactair Fluid Controls (Tactair... covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control...

Association between bortezomib dose intensity and overall survival in mantle cell lymphoma patients on frontline VR-CAP in the phase 3 LYM-3002 study.

PubMed

Robak, Tadeusz; Huang, Huiqiang; Jin, Jie; Zhu, Jun; Liu, Ting; Samoilova, Olga; Pylypenko, Halyna; Verhoef, Gregor; Siritanaratkul, Noppadol; Osmanov, Evgenii; Pereira, Juliana; Mayer, Jiri; Hong, Xiaonan; Okamoto, Rumiko; Pei, Lixia; Rooney, Brendan; van de Velde, Helgi; Cavalli, Franco

2017-06-05

The pivotal LYM-3002 study compared frontline rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP) with bortezomib, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (VR-CAP) in newly diagnosed mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) patients for whom stem cell transplantation was not an option. This post hoc subanalysis of the VR-CAP data from LYM-3002 evaluated the effect of bortezomib dose intensity on OS in patients who completed ≥6 cycles of treatment. From the end of cycle 6, patients receiving ≥4.6 mg/m 2 /cycle of bortezomib had significantly longer OS (but not PFS) compared with those receiving <4.6 mg/m 2 /cycle by univariate analysis (HR 0.43 [95% CI: 0.23-0.80]; p = .0059). This association remained significant in multivariate analysis adjusting for baseline patient and disease characteristics (HR 0.40 [95% CI: 0.20-0.79]; p = .008]. Higher bortezomib dose intensity was the strongest predictor of OS in newly diagnosed MCL patients receiving VR-CAP. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00722137.

Fourier analysis of polar cap electric field and current distributions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barbosa, D. D.

1984-01-01

A theoretical study of high-latitude electric fields and currents, using analytic Fourier analysis methods, is conducted. A two-dimensional planar model of the ionosphere with an enhanced conductivity auroral belt and field-aligned currents at the edges is employed. Two separate topics are treated. A field-aligned current element near the cusp region of the polar cap is included to investigate the modifications to the convection pattern by the east-west component of the interplanetary magnetic field. It is shown that a sizable one-cell structure is induced near the cusp which diverts equipotential contours to the dawnside or duskside, depending on the sign of the cusp current. This produces characteristic dawn-dusk asymmetries to the electric field that have been previously observed over the polar cap. The second topic is concerned with the electric field configuration obtained in the limit of perfect shielding, where the field is totally excluded equatorward of the auroral oval. When realistic field-aligned current distributions are used, the result is to produce severely distorted, crescent-shaped equipotential contours over the cap. Exact, analytic formulae applicable to this case are also provided.

Principal component analysis of the nonlinear coupling of harmonic modes in heavy-ion collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

BoŻek, Piotr

2018-03-01

The principal component analysis of flow correlations in heavy-ion collisions is studied. The correlation matrix of harmonic flow is generalized to correlations involving several different flow vectors. The method can be applied to study the nonlinear coupling between different harmonic modes in a double differential way in transverse momentum or pseudorapidity. The procedure is illustrated with results from the hydrodynamic model applied to Pb + Pb collisions at √{sN N}=2760 GeV. Three examples of generalized correlations matrices in transverse momentum are constructed corresponding to the coupling of v22 and v4, of v2v3 and v5, or of v23,v33 , and v6. The principal component decomposition is applied to the correlation matrices and the dominant modes are calculated.

Nonlinear Time Series Analysis in the Absence of Strong Harmonics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stine, Peter; Jevtic, N.

2010-05-01

Nonlinear time series analysis has successfully been used for noise reduction and for identifying long term periodicities in variable star light curves. It was thought that good noise reduction could be obtained when a strong fundamental and second harmonic are present. We show that, quite unexpectedly, this methodology for noise reduction can be efficient for data with very noisy power spectra without a strong fundamental and second harmonic. Not only can one obtain almost two orders of magnitude noise reduction of the white noise tail, insight can also be gained into the short time scale of organized behavior. Thus, we are able to obtain an estimate of this short time scale, which is on the order of 1.5 hours in the case of a variable white dwarf.

Challenges Facing Early Phase Trials Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute: An Analysis of Corrective Action Plans to Improve Accrual

PubMed Central

Massett, Holly A.; Mishkin, Grace; Rubinstein, Larry; Ivy, S. Percy; Denicoff, Andrea; Godwin, Elizabeth; DiPiazza, Kate; Bolognese, Jennifer; Zwiebel, James A.; Abrams, Jeffrey S.

2016-01-01

Accruing patients in a timely manner represents a significant challenge to early phase cancer clinical trials. The NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program analyzed 19 months of corrective action plans (CAPs) received for slow-accruing Phase 1 and 2 trials to identify slow accrual reasons, evaluate whether proposed corrective actions matched these reasons, and assess the CAP impact on trial accrual, duration, and likelihood of meeting primary scientific objectives. Of the 135 CAPs analyzed, 69 were for Phase 1 trials and 66 for Phase 2 trials. Primary reasons cited for slow accrual were safety/toxicity (Phase 1: 48%), design/protocol concerns (Phase 1: 42%, Phase 2: 33%), and eligibility criteria (Phase 1: 41%, Phase 2: 35%). The most commonly proposed corrective actions were adding institutions (Phase 1: 43%, Phase 2: 85%) and amending the trial to change eligibility or design (Phase 1: 55%, Phase 2: 44%). Only 40% of CAPs provided proposed corrective actions that matched the reasons given for slow accrual. Seventy percent of trials were closed to accrual at time of analysis (Phase 1=48; Phase 2=46). Of these, 67% of Phase 1 and 70% of Phase 2 trials met their primary objectives, but they were active three times longer than projected. Among closed trials, 24% had an accrual rate increase associated with a greater likelihood of meeting their primary scientific objectives. Ultimately, trials receiving CAPs saw improved accrual rates. Future trials may benefit from implementing CAPs early in trial lifecycles, but it may be more beneficial to invest in earlier accrual planning. PMID:27401246

Development of Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic Strips for Micropollutant Screening Using Colorants of Aptamer-Functionalized Nanogold Particles, Part II: Experimental Verification with Aflatoxin B1 and Chloramphenicol.

PubMed

Zhang, Shan; Zhao, Shuai; Wang, Sai; Liu, Jiahui; Dong, Yiyang

2018-05-09

Lateral flow immunochromatographic strips based on colorants of aptamer-functionalized nanogold particles weredeveloped for the detection of micropollutants aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and chloramphenicol (CAP). The lateral flow immunochromatographic strip was based on a competitive reaction of thiolated-aptamer between micropollutants and bio-DNA probe-streptavidin as capture material immobilized at the test line. General crucial parameters that might influence the sensitivity have been systematically investigated. To test the effectiveness and applicability of the optimized conditions, two structurally unrelated micropollutants, that is, AFB1 and CAP, were chosen for detection. In the present study, lateral flow immunochromatographic strips for AFB1 and CAP analysis by combining the high selectivity and affinity of aptamers with the unique optical properties of nanogold in municipal water samples were reported for the first time. With the optimized conditions, the immunochromatographic strip showed a visual LOD of 10 ppb and a quantitative LOD of 1.05 ppb using an immunochromatographic reader for AFB1 detection and a quantitative LOD of 63.4 ppb using an immunochromatographic reader for CAP detection. Furthermore, the sensitive strip provided a good linear detection range of approximately 0-50 ppm for AFB1 detection and a wider liner detection range of approximately 0-160 ppm for CAP detection. Moreover, the immunochromatographic strip provided recovery rates for water samples of 90-110% in the AFB1 analysis and 84-108% in the CAP analysis. The results demonstrated that the immunochromatographic strip has excellent potential for wide applicability and verified that the strip methods for the optimized conditions are applicable to a variety of micropollutants. The lateral flow immunochromatographic strip could be used as a simple, rapid, and efficient screening tool for rapid on-site detection of a variety of micropollutants.

Cosmic ray intensity variations at primary rigidities near 1900 GV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, Y. W.; Mackeown, P. K.; Ng, L. K.

1985-01-01

Preliminary analysis of an experiment monitoring cosmic ray muons yields a first sidereal harmonic amplitude for rigidities around 1900 GV of (7.95 + or - 3.97) 10 to the 0.001 power at 5.1 + or - 1.9h right ascention. A significant anti-sidereal first harmonic is, however, also seen.

Theoretical Analysis About Quantum Noise Squeezing of Optical Fields From an Intracavity Frequency-Doubled Laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Kuanshou; Xie, Changde; Peng, Kunchi

1996-01-01

The dependence of the quantum fluctuation of the output fundamental and second-harmonic waves upon cavity configuration has been numerically calculated for the intracavity frequency-doubled laser. The results might provide a direct reference for the design of squeezing system through the second-harmonic-generation.

Light-regulated protein and mRNA synthesis in root caps of maize

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feldman, L. J.; Piechulla, B.; Sun, P. S.

1988-01-01

Illumination of maize roots initiates changes in mRNA levels and in the activities of proteins within the root cap. Using Northern analysis we showed a 5-6 fold increase in the levels of three specific mRNAs and a 14-fold increase in plastid mRNA. This increase is rapid, occurring within 30 minutes of illumination. With prolonged periods of darkness following illumination, messages return to levels observed in dark, control caps. For two species of mRNA illumination results in a reduction in message levels. Light-stimulated increases in the levels of specific mRNAs are proportionally greater than are increases in the activities of corresponding proteins. We suggest that the light-stimulated increase in protein activity in root caps may be preceded by and occur as a consequence of enhanced levels of mRNA. Our work suggests that photomorphogenesis in roots could involve changes in the levels of a wide variety of mRNAs within the root cap.

Statistical analysis of the ambiguities in the asteroid period determinations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butkiewicz-Bąk, M.; Kwiatkowski, T.; Bartczak, P.; Dudziński, G.; Marciniak, A.

2017-09-01

Among asteroids there exist ambiguities in their rotation period determinations. They are due to incomplete coverage of the rotation, noise and/or aliases resulting from gaps between separate lightcurves. To help to remove such uncertainties, basic characteristic of the lightcurves resulting from constraints imposed by the asteroid shapes and geometries of observations should be identified. We simulated light variations of asteroids whose shapes were modelled as Gaussian random spheres, with random orientations of spin vectors and phase angles changed every 5° from 0° to 65°. This produced 1.4 million lightcurves. For each simulated lightcurve, Fourier analysis has been made and the harmonic of the highest amplitude was recorded. From the statistical point of view, all lightcurves observed at phase angles α < 30°, with peak-to-peak amplitudes A > 0.2 mag, are bimodal. Second most frequently dominating harmonic is the first one, with the 3rd harmonic following right after. For 1 per cent of lightcurves with amplitudes A < 0.1 mag and phase angles α < 40°, 4th harmonic dominates.

Histologic assessment of thermal injury to tonsillectomy specimens: a comparison of electrocautery, coblation, harmonic scalpel, and tonsillotome.

PubMed

Modi, Vikash K; Monforte, Hector; Geller, Kenneth A; Koempel, Jeffrey A

2009-11-01

To determine the extent of thermal injury to the tonsillar tissue following the use of various types of instrumentation. To determine if tonsillectomy specimens routinely contain tissue other than lymphoid tissue. Retrospective histologic analysis. A histologic analysis performed on 228 tonsillectomy specimens removed by use of an electrocautery in 132 specimens, harmonic scalpel in 46, coblation device in 24, and a tonsillotome in 26. The specimens were evaluated for presence and percentage of skeletal muscle and depth of thermal tissue injury. The mean percentage of skeletal muscle present in the specimens was 0.79% for electrocautery, 1.74% for harmonic scalpel, 0.97% for coblation device, and 1.66% for the tonsillotome. Skeletal muscle was absent in only 8 of 228 specimens (3.5%). Electrocautery has a statistically significant (P < .05) lower percentage of muscle tissue compared to harmonic scalpel and the tonsillotome. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean depth of thermal injury among the harmonic scalpel (0.68 mm), electrocautery (0.58 mm), and coblation device (0.71 mm) specimens. The tonsillotome specimens had no thermal injury. Attempts to remove the entire tonsil results in a similar depth of thermal injury to tonsillectomy specimens when using the harmonic scalpel, electrocautery, and coblation device. Skeletal muscle is a nearly ubiquitous finding in routine tonsillectomy specimens. The use of an electrocautery with a needle point may allow for a more precise dissection as it results in tonsillectomy specimens with a smaller percentage of muscle present.

Reduction of the Harmonic Series Influences Musical Enjoyment with Cochlear Implants

PubMed Central

Nemer, John S.; Kohlberg, Gavriel D.; Mancuso, Dean M.; Griffin, Brianna M.; Certo, Michael V.; Chen, Stephanie Y.; Chun, Michael B.; Spitzer, Jaclyn B.; Lalwani, Anil K.

2016-01-01

Objective Cochlear implantation is associated with poor music perception and enjoyment. Reducing music complexity has been shown to enhance music enjoyment in cochlear implant (CI) recipients. In this study, we assess the impact of harmonic series reduction on music enjoyment. Study Design Prospective analysis of music enjoyment in normal-hearing (NH) individuals and CI recipients. Setting Single tertiary academic medical center. Patients NH adults (N=20) and CI users (N=8) rated the Happy Birthday song on three validated enjoyment modalities–musicality, pleasantness, and naturalness. Intervention Subjective rating of music excerpts. Main outcome measures Participants listened to seven different instruments play the melody, each with five levels of harmonic reduction (Full|F3+F2+F1+F0|F2+F1+F0|F1+F0|F0). NH participants listened to the segments both with and without CI simulation. Linear mixed effect models (LME) and likelihood ratio tests were used to assess the impact of harmonic reduction on enjoyment. Results NH listeners without simulation rated segments with the first four harmonics (F3+F2+F1+F0) most pleasant and natural (p<0.001|p=0.004). NH listeners with simulation rated the first harmonic alone (F0) most pleasant and natural (p<0.001|p=0.003). Their ratings demonstrated a positive linear relationship between harmonic reduction and both pleasantness (slope estimate=0.030|SE=0.004|p<0.001|LME) and naturalness (slope estimate=0.012|SE=0.003|p=0.003|LME). CI recipients also found the first harmonic alone (F0) to be most pleasant (p=0.003), with a positive linear relationship between harmonic reduction and pleasantness (slope estimate=0.029|SE=0.008|p<0.001|LME). Conclusions Harmonic series reduction increases music enjoyment in CI and NH individuals with or without CI simulation. Therefore, minimization of the harmonics may be a useful strategy for enhancing musical enjoyment among both NH and CI listeners. PMID:27755358

Reduction of the Harmonic Series Influences Musical Enjoyment With Cochlear Implants.

PubMed

Nemer, John S; Kohlberg, Gavriel D; Mancuso, Dean M; Griffin, Brianna M; Certo, Michael V; Chen, Stephanie Y; Chun, Michael B; Spitzer, Jaclyn B; Lalwani, Anil K

2017-01-01

Cochlear implantation is associated with poor music perception and enjoyment. Reducing music complexity has been shown to enhance music enjoyment in cochlear implant (CI) recipients. In this study, we assess the impact of harmonic series reduction on music enjoyment. Prospective analysis of music enjoyment in normal-hearing (NH) individuals and CI recipients. Single tertiary academic medical center. NH adults (N = 20) and CI users (N = 8) rated the Happy Birthday song on three validated enjoyment modalities-musicality, pleasantness, and naturalness. Subjective rating of music excerpts. Participants listened to seven different instruments play the melody, each with five levels of harmonic reduction (Full, F3+F2+F1+F0, F2+F1+F0, F1+F0, F0). NH participants listened to the segments both with and without CI simulation. Linear mixed effect models (LME) and likelihood ratio tests were used to assess the impact of harmonic reduction on enjoyment. NH listeners without simulation rated segments with the first four harmonics (F3+F2+F1+F0) most pleasant and natural (p <0.001, p = 0.004). NH listeners with simulation rated the first harmonic alone (F0) most pleasant and natural (p <0.001, p = 0.003). Their ratings demonstrated a positive linear relationship between harmonic reduction and both pleasantness (slope estimate = 0.030, SE = 0.004, p <0.001, LME) and naturalness (slope estimate = 0.012, SE = 0.003, p = 0.003, LME). CI recipients also found the first harmonic alone (F0) to be most pleasant (p = 0.003), with a positive linear relationship between harmonic reduction and pleasantness (slope estimate = 0.029, SE = 0.008, p <0.001, LME). Harmonic series reduction increases music enjoyment in CI and NH individuals with or without CI simulation. Therefore, minimization of the harmonics may be a useful strategy for enhancing musical enjoyment among both NH and CI listeners.

Variable pulmonary responses from exposure to concentrated ambient air particles in a rat model of bronchitis.

PubMed

Kodavanti, U P; Mebane, R; Ledbetter, A; Krantz, T; McGee, J; Jackson, M C; Walsh, L; Hilliard, H; Chen, B Y; Richards, J; Costa, D L

2000-04-01

Chronic bronchitis may be considered a risk factor in particulate matter (PM)-induced morbidity. We hypothesized that a rat model of human bronchitis would be more susceptible to the pulmonary effects of concentrated ambient particles (CAPs) from Research Triangle Park, NC. Bronchitis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats (90-100 days of age) by exposure to 200 ppm sulfur dioxide (SO2), 6 h/day x 5 days/week x 6 weeks. One day following the last SO2 exposure, both healthy (air-exposed) and bronchitic (SO2-exposed) rats were exposed to filtered air (three healthy; four bronchitic) or CAPs (five healthy; four bronchitic) by whole-body inhalation, 6 h/day x 2 or 3 days. Pulmonary injury was determined either immediately (0h) or 18 h following final CAPs exposure. The study protocol involving 0 h time point was repeated four times (study #A, November, 1997; #B, February, 1998; #C and #D, May, 1998), whereas the study protocol involving 18 h time point was done only once (#F). In an additional study (#E), rats were exposed to residual oil fly ash (ROFA), approximately 1 mg/ m(3)x6 h/day x 3 days to mimic the CAPs protocol (February, 1998). The rats allowed 18 h recovery following CAPs exposure (#F) did not depict any CAPs-related differences in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) injury markers. Of the four CAPs studies conducted (0 h time point), the first (#A) study (approximately 650 microg/m3 CAPs) revealed significant changes in the lungs of CAPs-exposed bronchitic rats compared to the clean air controls. These rats had increased BALF protein, albumin, N-acetyl glutaminidase (NAG) activity and neutrophils. The second (#B) study (approximately 475 microg/m3 CAPs) did not reveal any significant effects of CAPs on BALF parameters. Study protocols #C (approximately 869 microg/m3 CAPs) and #D (approximately 907 microg/m3 CAPs) revealed only moderate increases in the above mentioned BALF parameters in bronchitic rats exposed to CAPs. Pulmonary histologic evaluation of studies #A, #C, #D, and #F revealed marginally higher congestion and perivascular cellularity in CAPs-exposed bronchitic rats. Healthy and bronchitic rats exposed to ROFA (approximately 1 mg/m3) did not show significant pulmonary injury (#E). Analysis of leachable elemental components of CAPs revealed the presence of sulfur, zinc, manganese, and iron. There was an apparent lack of association between pulmonary injury and CAPs concentration, or its leachable sulfate or elemental content. In summary, real-time atmospheric PM may result in pulmonary injury, particularly in susceptible models. However, the variability observed in pulmonary responses to CAPs emphasizes the need to conduct repeated studies, perhaps in relation to the season, as composition of CAPs may vary. Additionally, potential variability in pathology of induced bronchitis or other lung disease may decrease the ability to distinguish toxic injury due to PM.

A comparison of spectral magnitude and phase-locking value analyses of the frequency-following response to complex tones

PubMed Central

Zhu, Li; Bharadwaj, Hari; Xia, Jing; Shinn-Cunningham, Barbara

2013-01-01

Two experiments, both presenting diotic, harmonic tone complexes (100 Hz fundamental), were conducted to explore the envelope-related component of the frequency-following response (FFRENV), a measure of synchronous, subcortical neural activity evoked by a periodic acoustic input. Experiment 1 directly compared two common analysis methods, computing the magnitude spectrum and the phase-locking value (PLV). Bootstrapping identified which FFRENV frequency components were statistically above the noise floor for each metric and quantified the statistical power of the approaches. Across listeners and conditions, the two methods produced highly correlated results. However, PLV analysis required fewer processing stages to produce readily interpretable results. Moreover, at the fundamental frequency of the input, PLVs were farther above the metric's noise floor than spectral magnitudes. Having established the advantages of PLV analysis, the efficacy of the approach was further demonstrated by investigating how different acoustic frequencies contribute to FFRENV, analyzing responses to complex tones composed of different acoustic harmonics of 100 Hz (Experiment 2). Results show that the FFRENV response is dominated by peripheral auditory channels responding to unresolved harmonics, although low-frequency channels driven by resolved harmonics also contribute. These results demonstrate the utility of the PLV for quantifying the strength of FFRENV across conditions. PMID:23862815

Introducing Co-Activation Pattern Metrics to Quantify Spontaneous Brain Network Dynamics

PubMed Central

Chen, Jingyuan E.; Chang, Catie; Greicius, Michael D.; Glover, Gary H.

2015-01-01

Recently, fMRI researchers have begun to realize that the brain's intrinsic network patterns may undergo substantial changes during a single resting state (RS) scan. However, despite the growing interest in brain dynamics, metrics that can quantify the variability of network patterns are still quite limited. Here, we first introduce various quantification metrics based on the extension of co-activation pattern (CAP) analysis, a recently proposed point-process analysis that tracks state alternations at each individual time frame and relies on very few assumptions; then apply these proposed metrics to quantify changes of brain dynamics during a sustained 2-back working memory (WM) task compared to rest. We focus on the functional connectivity of two prominent RS networks, the default-mode network (DMN) and executive control network (ECN). We first demonstrate less variability of global Pearson correlations with respect to the two chosen networks using a sliding-window approach during WM task compared to rest; then we show that the macroscopic decrease in variations in correlations during a WM task is also well characterized by the combined effect of a reduced number of dominant CAPs, increased spatial consistency across CAPs, and increased fractional contributions of a few dominant CAPs. These CAP metrics may provide alternative and more straightforward quantitative means of characterizing brain network dynamics than time-windowed correlation analyses. PMID:25662866

The correlation between albumin levels with 30 days mortality in community acquired pneumonia patients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damayanti, N.; Abidin, A.; Keliat, E. N.

2018-03-01

The assessment of level severity ofCommunity-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) patient at the early admission to the hospital is critical because it will determine the severity of the disease and the subsequent management of the plan. Albumin can be used as a biomarker to assess the severity of CAP. To identify the correlation between albumin level at early admission in hospital with 30-day mortality in patients with CAP. It was a cohort study. We had examined of 50 CAP subject with theCURB-65 score (Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, Age >65years), albumin, sputum culture at the early admission at Emergency Room (ER). Then, albumin levels associated with 30-day mortality was assessed using Chi-Square test. Analysis with chi-square test found a significant correlation between albumin level with 30-day mortality (p=0.001) and Relative Risk was 2.376 (95% CI 1.515-3.723). It means that patients with CAP who has severe hypoalbuminemia have a higher risk ofdying in 30 days with 2,376 times more significant than patients with mild to moderate hypoalbuminemia. In conclusion, albumin levels at early admission in the hospital correlate with 30-day mortality in CAP patients.

Reduction and degradation of amyloid aggregates by a pulsed radio-frequency cold atmospheric plasma jet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayliss, D. L.; Walsh, J. L.; Shama, G.; Iza, F.; Kong, M. G.

2009-11-01

Surface-borne amyloid aggregates with mature fibrils are used as a non-infectious prion model to evaluate cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) as a prion inactivation strategy. Using a helium-oxygen CAP jet with pulsed radio-frequency (RF) excitation, amyloid aggregates deposited on freshly cleaved mica discs are reduced substantially leaving only a few spherical fragments of sub-micrometer sizes in areas directly treated by the CAP jet. Outside the light-emitting part of the CAP jet, plasma treatment results in a 'skeleton' of much reduced amyloid stacks with clear evidence of fibril fragmentation. Analysis of possible plasma species and the physical configuration of the jet-sample interaction suggests that the skeleton structures observed are unlikely to have arisen as a result of physical forces of detachment, but instead by progressive diffusion of oxidizing plasma species into porous amyloid aggregates. Composition of chemical bonds of this reduced amyloid sample is very different from that of intact amyloid aggregates. These suggest the possibility of on-site degradation by CAP treatment with little possibility of spreading contamination elsewhere , thus offering a new reaction chemistry route to protein infectivity control with desirable implications for the practical implementation of CAP-based sterilization systems.

Cyclic Alternating Pattern in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients with versus without Excessive Sleepiness.

PubMed

Korkmaz, Selda; Bilecenoglu, Nedime Tugce; Aksu, Murat; Yoldas, Tahir Kurtulus

2018-01-01

One of the main hypotheses on the development of daytime sleepiness (ES) is increased arousal in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Cyclic alternating pattern (CAP) is considered to be the main expression of sleep microstructure rather than arousal. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether there is any difference between OSA patients with versus without ES in terms of the parameters of sleep macro- and microstructure and which variables are associated with Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score. Thirty-eight male patients with moderate to severe OSA were divided into two subgroups by having been used to ESS as ES or non-ES. There was no difference between two groups in clinical characteristics and macrostructure parameters of sleep. However, ES group had significantly higher CAP rate, CAP duration, number of CAP cycles, and duration and rate of the subtypes A2 ( p = 0.033, 0.019, 0.013, and 0.019, respectively) and lower mean phase B duration ( p = 0.028) compared with non-ES group. In correlation analysis, ESS score was not correlated with any CAP measure. OSA patients with ES have increased CAP measures rather than those without ES.

Harmonic scalpel versus electrocautery in breast reduction surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Burdette, Todd E; Kerrigan, Carolyn L; Homa, Karen; Homa, Karen A

2011-10-01

The authors hypothesized that the Harmonic Scalpel (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Cincinnati, Ohio) might outperform electrocautery in bilateral breast reduction surgery, possibly resulting in (1) shorter operative times, (2) lower postoperative fluid drainage rates, and (3) reduced postoperative pain scores. Thirty-one patients were evaluated in a matched-pair design, with random (blinded) assignment of one side to the Harmonic Scalpel, with the other side defaulting to electrocautery. Main outcome measures were: (1) resection/hemostasis time, (2) drainage volume, and (3) postoperative pain. The authors also compared the learning curves, operative time versus specimen weights, complications, and costs for the devices. There was a statistically significant (but not clinically significant) difference between the median times for the Harmonic Scalpel (33 minutes) and electrocautery (31 minutes) (p=0.02). There was no statistical difference in drainage scores, and pain scores were equivalent. The analysis of specimen weight versus resection/hemostasis time showed no correlation. There were more complications on the breasts reduced with the Harmonic device, but due to the small sample size, the complication results were not statistically significant. Start-up costs for the devices were comparable, but the per-procedure cost for the Harmonic device was considerably higher. The Harmonic Scalpel is roughly equivalent to electrocautery in breast reduction surgery in terms of resection/hemostasis time, serous drainage, and postoperative pain. Though the Harmonic device may be excellent for other surgical procedures, its high cost suggests that surgeons and institutions can confidently forgo its use in breast reduction surgery. Therapeutic, II.

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) (001) after sublimation of arsenic (As) thin-film cap, by XPS

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

Engelhard, Mark H.; Lyubinetsky, Andre; Baer, Don R.

2016-12-01

Survey and high energy resolution spectra are reported for MBE grown GaAs (001) that had been capped with As. The As cap was removed by heating in situ prior to analysis. The current data expands upon the spectral regions previously reported in Surface Science Spectra. High energy resolution spectral features reported include: 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, and L3M45M45 peaks for As; 2p, 3s, 3p, 3d, and L3M45M45 peaks for Ga; and the valance band region.

Error and Symmetry Analysis of Misner's Algorithm for Spherical Harmonic Decomposition on a Cubic Grid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fiske, David R.

2004-01-01

In an earlier paper, Misner (2004, Class. Quant. Grav., 21, S243) presented a novel algorithm for computing the spherical harmonic components of data represented on a cubic grid. I extend Misner s original analysis by making detailed error estimates of the numerical errors accrued by the algorithm, by using symmetry arguments to suggest a more efficient implementation scheme, and by explaining how the algorithm can be applied efficiently on data with explicit reflection symmetries.

Human haemodynamic frequency harmonics regulate the inflammatory phenotype of vascular endothelial cells.

PubMed

Feaver, Ryan E; Gelfand, Bradley D; Blackman, Brett R

2013-01-01

Haemodynamic variations are inherent to blood vessel geometries (such as bifurcations) and correlate with regional development of inflammation and atherosclerosis. However, the complex frequency spectrum characteristics from these haemodynamics have never been exploited to test whether frequency variations are critical determinants of endothelial inflammatory phenotype. Here we utilize an experimental Fourier transform analysis to systematically manipulate individual frequency harmonics from human carotid shear stress waveforms applied in vitro to human endothelial cells. The frequency spectrum, specifically the 0 th and 1st harmonics, is a significant regulator of inflammation, including NF-κB activity and downstream inflammatory phenotype. Further, a harmonic-based regression-model predicts eccentric NF-κB activity observed in the human internal carotid artery. Finally, short interfering RNA-knockdown of the mechanosensor PECAM-1 reverses frequency-dependent regulation of NF-κB activity. Thus, PECAM-1 may have a critical role in the endothelium's exquisite sensitivity to complex shear stress frequency harmonics and provide a mechanism for the focal development of vascular inflammation.

Compensation of high order harmonic long quantum-path attosecond chirp

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guichard, R.; Caillat, J.; Lévêque, C.; Risoud, F.; Maquet, A.; Taïeb, R.; Zaïr, A.

2017-12-01

We propose a method to compensate for the extreme ultra violet (XUV) attosecond chirp associated with the long quantum-path in the high harmonic generation process. Our method employs an isolated attosecond pulse (IAP) issued from the short trajectory contribution in a primary target to assist the infrared driving field to produce high harmonics from the long trajectory in a secondary target. In our simulations based on the resolution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, the resulting high harmornics present a clear phase compensation of the long quantum-path contribution, near to Fourier transform limited attosecond XUV pulse. Employing time-frequency analysis of the high harmonic dipole, we found that the compensation is not a simple far-field photonic interference between the IAP and the long-path harmonic emission, but a coherent phase transfer from the weak IAP to the long quantum-path electronic wavepacket. Our approach opens the route to utilizing the long quantum-path for the production and applications of attosecond pulses.

Strong-field approximation in a rotating frame: High-order harmonic emission from p states in bicircular fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pisanty, Emilio; Jiménez-Galán, Álvaro

2017-12-01

High-order harmonic generation with bicircular fields—the combination of counter-rotating circularly polarized pulses at different frequencies—results in a series of short-wavelength XUV harmonics with alternating circular polarizations, and experiments show that there is an asymmetry in the emission between the two helicities: a slight one in helium and a larger one in neon and argon, where the emission is carried out by p -shell electrons. Here we analyze this asymmetry by switching to a rotating frame in which the field is linearly polarized; this induces an effective magnetic field which lowers the ionization potential of the p + orbital that corotates with the lower-frequency driver, enhancing its harmonic emission and the overall helicity of the generated harmonics, while also introducing nontrivial effects from the transformation to a noninertial frame in complex time. In addition, this analysis directly relates the small asymmetry produced by s -shell emission to the imaginary part of the recollision velocity in the standard strong-field-approximation formalism.

Computational-Model-Based Analysis of Context Effects on Harmonic Expectancy.

PubMed

Morimoto, Satoshi; Remijn, Gerard B; Nakajima, Yoshitaka

2016-01-01

Expectancy for an upcoming musical chord, harmonic expectancy, is supposedly based on automatic activation of tonal knowledge. Since previous studies implicitly relied on interpretations based on Western music theory, the underlying computational processes involved in harmonic expectancy and how it relates to tonality need further clarification. In particular, short chord sequences which cannot lead to unique keys are difficult to interpret in music theory. In this study, we examined effects of preceding chords on harmonic expectancy from a computational perspective, using stochastic modeling. We conducted a behavioral experiment, in which participants listened to short chord sequences and evaluated the subjective relatedness of the last chord to the preceding ones. Based on these judgments, we built stochastic models of the computational process underlying harmonic expectancy. Following this, we compared the explanatory power of the models. Our results imply that, even when listening to short chord sequences, internally constructed and updated tonal assumptions determine the expectancy of the upcoming chord.

Computational-Model-Based Analysis of Context Effects on Harmonic Expectancy

PubMed Central

Morimoto, Satoshi; Remijn, Gerard B.; Nakajima, Yoshitaka

2016-01-01

Expectancy for an upcoming musical chord, harmonic expectancy, is supposedly based on automatic activation of tonal knowledge. Since previous studies implicitly relied on interpretations based on Western music theory, the underlying computational processes involved in harmonic expectancy and how it relates to tonality need further clarification. In particular, short chord sequences which cannot lead to unique keys are difficult to interpret in music theory. In this study, we examined effects of preceding chords on harmonic expectancy from a computational perspective, using stochastic modeling. We conducted a behavioral experiment, in which participants listened to short chord sequences and evaluated the subjective relatedness of the last chord to the preceding ones. Based on these judgments, we built stochastic models of the computational process underlying harmonic expectancy. Following this, we compared the explanatory power of the models. Our results imply that, even when listening to short chord sequences, internally constructed and updated tonal assumptions determine the expectancy of the upcoming chord. PMID:27003807

African Swine Fever Virus NP868R Capping Enzyme Promotes Reovirus Rescue during Reverse Genetics by Promoting Reovirus Protein Expression, Virion Assembly, and RNA Incorporation into Infectious Virions

PubMed Central

Eaton, Heather E.; Kobayashi, Takeshi; Dermody, Terence S.; Johnston, Randal N.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Reoviruses, like many eukaryotic viruses, contain an inverted 7-methylguanosine (m7G) cap linked to the 5′ nucleotide of mRNA. The traditional functions of capping are to promote mRNA stability, protein translation, and concealment from cellular proteins that recognize foreign RNA. To address the role of mRNA capping during reovirus replication, we assessed the benefits of adding the African swine fever virus NP868R capping enzyme during reovirus rescue. C3P3, a fusion protein containing T7 RNA polymerase and NP868R, was found to increase protein expression 5- to 10-fold compared to T7 RNA polymerase alone while enhancing reovirus rescue from the current reverse genetics system by 100-fold. Surprisingly, RNA stability was not increased by C3P3, suggesting a direct effect on protein translation. A time course analysis revealed that C3P3 increased protein synthesis within the first 2 days of a reverse genetics transfection. This analysis also revealed that C3P3 enhanced processing of outer capsid μ1 protein to μ1C, a previously described hallmark of reovirus assembly. Finally, to determine the rate of infectious-RNA incorporation into new virions, we developed a new recombinant reovirus S1 gene that expressed the fluorescent protein UnaG. Following transfection of cells with UnaG and infection with wild-type virus, passage of UnaG through progeny was significantly enhanced by C3P3. These data suggest that capping provides nontraditional functions to reovirus, such as promoting assembly and infectious-RNA incorporation. IMPORTANCE Our findings expand our understanding of how viruses utilize capping, suggesting that capping provides nontraditional functions to reovirus, such as promoting assembly and infectious-RNA incorporation, in addition to enhancing protein translation. Beyond providing mechanistic insight into reovirus replication, our findings also show that reovirus reverse genetics rescue is enhanced 100-fold by the NP868R capping enzyme. Since reovirus shows promise as a cancer therapy, efficient reovirus reverse genetics rescue will accelerate production of recombinant reoviruses as candidates to enhance therapeutic potency. NP868R-assisted reovirus rescue will also expedite production of recombinant reovirus for mechanistic insights into reovirus protein function and structure. PMID:28298603

What is the impact of primary care model type on specialist referral rates? A cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Liddy, Clare; Singh, Jatinderpreet; Kelly, Ryan; Dahrouge, Simone; Taljaard, Monica; Younger, Jamie

2014-02-03

Several new primary care models have been implemented in Ontario, Canada over the past two decades. These practice models differ in team structure, physician remuneration, and group size. Few studies have examined the impact of these models on specialist referrals. We compared specialist referral rates amongst three primary care models: 1) Enhanced Fee-for-service, 2) Capitation- Non-Interdisciplinary (CAP-NI), 3) Capitation - Interdisciplinary (CAP-I). We conducted a cross-sectional study using health administrative data from primary care practices in Ontario from April 1st, 2008 to March 31st, 2010. The analysis included all family physicians providing comprehensive care in one of the three models, had at least 100 patients, and did not have a prolonged absence (eight consecutive weeks). The primary outcome was referral rate (# of referrals to all medical specialties/1000 patients/year). A multivariable clustered Poisson regression analysis was used to compare referral rates between models while adjusting for provider (sex, years since graduation, foreign trained, time in current model) and patient (age, sex, income, rurality, health status) characteristics. Fee-for-service had a significantly lower adjusted referral rate (676, 95% CI: 666-687) than the CAP-NI (719, 95% confidence interval (CI): 705-734) and CAP-I (694, 95% CI: 681-707) models and the interdisciplinary CAP-I group had a 3.5% lower referral rate than the CAP-NI group (RR = 0.965, 95% CI: 0.943-0.987, p = 0.002). Female and Canadian-trained physicians referred more often, while female, older, sicker and urban patients were more likely to be referred. Primary care model is significantly associated with referral rate. On a study population level, these differences equate to 111,059 and 37,391 fewer referrals by fee-for-service versus CAP-NI and CAP-I, respectively - a difference of $22.3 million in initial referral appointment costs. Whether a lower rate of referral is more appropriate or not is not known and requires further investigation. Physician remuneration and team structure likely account for the differences; however, further investigation is also required to better understand whether other organizational factors associated with primary care model also impact referral.

Quantifying Third-Party Impacts and Environmental Externalities from a Cap-And-Trade System for Groundwater Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, H. F.; Yang, Y. C. E.; Brown, C.

2016-12-01

Economic decision models, such as the cap-and-trade system, have been shown to be useful in the context of groundwater management. A uniformly applied cap-and-trade system can however result in significant spatially and temporally varying hydrogeologic impacts that reduce public welfare. Hydrological challenges associated with the cap-and-trade system for groundwater management include establishing appropriate system boundaries, setting system-wide sustainable yield and limiting third party impacts from extractions. Given these challenges, these economic models need to be supplemented with physically based hydrogeologic models that are able to represent the spatial and temporal heterogeneity in conditions across a region. This investigation assesses third-party impacts and environmental externalities resulting from a cap-and-trade system in a sub-basin of the Republican River Basin, overlying the Ogallala aquifer in the High Plains of the United States. The economic model is coupled with a calibrated physically based groundwater model. The cap-and-trade system is developed using a multi-agent system model where individual benefits of each self-interested agent are maximized subject to bounds on irrigation requirements and water use permits. We then compare the performance of the cap-and-trade system with a smart groundwater market which, in addition to a cap on total groundwater extraction, also incorporates streamflow constraints. The results quantify third-party impacts and environmental externalities resulting from uncontrolled trading. This analysis demonstrates the value added by a well-designed cap-and-trade system able to account for basin-wide heterogeneity in hydrogeologic and ecological conditions by establishing trading limits, managing inter-area transfers and setting exchange rates for permit trading.

Systematic identification of non-coding RNA 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine cap structures in Caenorhabditis elegans

PubMed Central

Jia, Dong; Cai, Lun; He, Housheng; Skogerbø, Geir; Li, Tiantian; Aftab, Muhammad Nauman; Chen, Runsheng

2007-01-01

Background The 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine (TMG) cap structure is an important functional characteristic of ncRNAs with critical cellular roles, such as some snRNAs. Here we used immunoprecipitation with both K121 and R1131 anti-TMG antibodies to systematically identify the TMG cap structures for all presently characterized ncRNAs in C. elegans. Results The two anti-TMG antibodies precipitated a similar group of the C. elegans ncRNAs. All snRNAs known to have a TMG cap structure were found in the precipitate, indicating that our identification system was efficient. Other ncRNA families related to splicing, such as SL RNAs and Sm Y RNAs, were also found in the precipitate, as were 7 C/D box snoRNAs. Further analysis showed that the SL RNAs and the Sm Y RNAs shared a very similar Sm binding site element (AAU4–5GGA), which sequence composition differed somewhat from those of other U snRNAs. There were also 16 ncRNAs without an Sm binding site element in the precipitate, suggesting that for these ncRNAs, TMG formation may occur independently of Sm proteins. Conclusion Our results showed that most ncRNAs predicted to be transcribed by RNA polymerase II had a TMG cap, while those predicted to be transcribed by RNA plymerase III or located in introns did not have a TMG cap structure. Compared to ncRNAs without a TMG cap, TMG-capped ncRNAs tended to have higher expression levels. Five functionally non-annotated ncRNAs also have a TMG cap structure, which might be helpful for identifying the cellular roles of these ncRNAs. PMID:17903271

Systematic identification of non-coding RNA 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine cap structures in Caenorhabditis elegans.

PubMed

Jia, Dong; Cai, Lun; He, Housheng; Skogerbø, Geir; Li, Tiantian; Aftab, Muhammad Nauman; Chen, Runsheng

2007-09-29

The 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine (TMG) cap structure is an important functional characteristic of ncRNAs with critical cellular roles, such as some snRNAs. Here we used immunoprecipitation with both K121 and R1131 anti-TMG antibodies to systematically identify the TMG cap structures for all presently characterized ncRNAs in C. elegans. The two anti-TMG antibodies precipitated a similar group of the C. elegans ncRNAs. All snRNAs known to have a TMG cap structure were found in the precipitate, indicating that our identification system was efficient. Other ncRNA families related to splicing, such as SL RNAs and Sm Y RNAs, were also found in the precipitate, as were 7 C/D box snoRNAs. Further analysis showed that the SL RNAs and the Sm Y RNAs shared a very similar Sm binding site element (AAU4-5GGA), which sequence composition differed somewhat from those of other U snRNAs. There were also 16 ncRNAs without an Sm binding site element in the precipitate, suggesting that for these ncRNAs, TMG formation may occur independently of Sm proteins. Our results showed that most ncRNAs predicted to be transcribed by RNA polymerase II had a TMG cap, while those predicted to be transcribed by RNA plymerase III or located in introns did not have a TMG cap structure. Compared to ncRNAs without a TMG cap, TMG-capped ncRNAs tended to have higher expression levels. Five functionally non-annotated ncRNAs also have a TMG cap structure, which might be helpful for identifying the cellular roles of these ncRNAs.

77 FR 16193 - Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-03-20

... detailed analysis of the calculated line of trajectory of a failed screw cap/end cap for each of the... assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected... and require parts costing $8,988, for a cost of $9,583 per product. We have no way of determining the...

2014 AERA Presidential Address: The College Ambition Program: A Realistic Transition Strategy for Traditionally Disadvantaged Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schneider, Barbara

2015-01-01

The College Ambition Program (CAP) is designed to encourage low-income and minority students to enroll in college. The following analysis presents updated results from my AERA presidential talk in 2014. Results indicate that CAP, which is a schoolwide intervention, increased college attendance for low-income and minority students in seven…

Comparison of Tasseled Cap-based Landsat data structures for use in forest disturbance detection.

Treesearch

Sean P. Healey; Warren B. Cohen; Yang Zhiqiang; Olga N. Krankina

2005-01-01

Landsat satellite data has become ubiquitous in regional-scale forest disturbance detection. The Tasseled Cap (TC) transformation for Landsat data has been used in several disturbance-mapping projects because of its ability to highlight relevant vegetation changes. We used an automated composite analysis procedure to test four multi-date variants of the TC...

An Analysis and Allocation System for Library Collections Budgets: The Comprehensive Allocation Process (CAP)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lyons, Lucy Eleonore; Blosser, John

2012-01-01

The "Comprehensive Allocation Process" (CAP) is a reproducible decision-making structure for the allocation of new collections funds, for the reallocation of funds within stagnant budgets, and for budget cuts in the face of reduced funding levels. This system was designed to overcome common shortcomings of current methods. Its philosophical…

Meta-Analysis of the Impact of Positive Psychological Capital on Employee Attitudes, Behaviors, and Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Avey, James B.; Reichard, Rebecca J.; Luthans, Fred; Mhatre, Ketan H.

2011-01-01

The positive core construct of psychological capital (or simply PsyCap), consisting of the psychological resources of hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism, has recently been demonstrated to be open to human resource development (HRD) and performance management. The research stream on PsyCap has now grown to the point that a quantitative…

Neck-focused panic attacks among Cambodian refugees; a logistic and linear regression analysis.

PubMed

Hinton, Devon E; Chhean, Dara; Pich, Vuth; Um, Khin; Fama, Jeanne M; Pollack, Mark H

2006-01-01

Consecutive Cambodian refugees attending a psychiatric clinic were assessed for the presence and severity of current--i.e., at least one episode in the last month--neck-focused panic. Among the whole sample (N=130), in a logistic regression analysis, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI; odds ratio=3.70) and the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS; odds ratio=2.61) significantly predicted the presence of current neck panic (NP). Among the neck panic patients (N=60), in the linear regression analysis, NP severity was significantly predicted by NP-associated flashbacks (beta=.42), NP-associated catastrophic cognitions (beta=.22), and CAPS score (beta=.28). Further analysis revealed the effect of the CAPS score to be significantly mediated (Sobel test [Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator-mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51, 1173-1182]) by both NP-associated flashbacks and catastrophic cognitions. In the care of traumatized Cambodian refugees, NP severity, as well as NP-associated flashbacks and catastrophic cognitions, should be specifically assessed and treated.

Simulation of Vortex Structure in Supersonic Free Shear Layer Using Pse Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Xin; Wang, Qiang

The method of parabolized stability equations (PSE) are applied in the analysis of nonlinear stability and the simulation of flow structure in supersonic free shear layer. High accuracy numerical techniques including self-similar basic flow, high order differential method, appropriate transformation and decomposition of nonlinear terms are adopted and developed to solve the PSE effectively for free shear layer. The spatial evolving unstable waves which dominate the flow structure are investigated through nonlinear coupling spatial marching methods. The nonlinear interactions between harmonic waves are further analyzed and instantaneous flow field are obtained by adding the harmonic waves into basic flow. Relevant data agree well with that of DNS. The results demonstrate that T-S wave does not keeping growing exponential as the linear evolution, the energy transfer to high order harmonic modes and finally all harmonic modes get saturation due to the nonlinear interaction; Mean flow distortion is produced by the nonlinear interaction between the harmonic and its conjugate harmonic, makes great change to the average flow and increases the thickness of shear layer; PSE methods can well capture the large scale nonlinear flow structure in the supersonic free shear layer such as vortex roll-up, vortex pairing and nonlinear saturation.

The Local Stellar Velocity Field via Vector Spherical Harmonics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Makarov, V. V.; Murphy, D. W.

2007-01-01

We analyze the local field of stellar tangential velocities for a sample of 42,339 nonbinary Hipparcos stars with accurate parallaxes, using a vector spherical harmonic formalism.We derive simple relations between the parameters of the classical linear model (Ogorodnikov-Milne) of the local systemic field and low-degree terms of the general vector harmonic decomposition. Taking advantage of these relationships, we determine the solar velocity with respect to the local stars of (V(sub X), V(sub Y), V(sub Z)) = (10.5, 18.5, 7.3) +/- 0.1 km s(exp -1) not for the asymmetric drift with respect to the local standard of rest. If only stars more distant than 100 pc are considered, the peculiar solar motion is (V(sub X), V(sub Y), V(sub Z)) = (9.9, 15.6, 6.9) +/- 0.2 km s(exp -1). The adverse effects of harmonic leakage, which occurs between the reflex solar motion represented by the three electric vector harmonics in the velocity space and higher degree harmonics in the proper-motion space, are eliminated in our analysis by direct subtraction of the reflex solar velocity in its tangential components for each star...

Associations of Occupational Stressors, Perceived Organizational Support, and Psychological Capital with Work Engagement among Chinese Female Nurses.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaoxi; Liu, Li; Zou, Futing; Hao, Junhui; Wu, Hui

2017-01-01

This study aimed to explore the associations of occupational stressors (extrinsic effort, reward, and overcommitment), perceived organizational support (POS), and psychological capital (PsyCap) and its components (self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism) with work engagement and the mediating roles of PsyCap and its components among Chinese female nurses within the framework of the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. A cross-sectional sample (1,330) completed the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale, Survey of POS, and PsyCap Questionnaire, and effective respondents were 1,016 (76.4%). Hierarchical regression analysis and Preacher and Hayes' asymptotic and resampling strategies were used. Extrinsic effort was negatively associated with vigor, dedication, and absorption, while POS, PsyCap, and hope were positively associated with them. Reward and overcommitment were positively associated with dedication and absorption. Optimism was positively associated with vigor and dedication. Optimism mediated the associations of extrinsic effort, reward, and POS with vigor and dedication. PsyCap and hope mediated the associations of POS with vigor, dedication, and absorption. There is a low level of work engagement among Chinese female nurses. Extrinsic effort could reduce work engagement, while reward, overcommitment, POS, PsyCap, hope, and optimism could enhance work engagement. Hospital managers should develop the PsyCap of female nurses through controlling occupational stressors and establishing supportive organizational climate to enhance their work engagement.

Polyaspartic Acid Concentration Controls the Rate of Calcium Phosphate Nanorod Formation in High Concentration Systems

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

Krogstad, Daniel V.; Wang, Dongbo; Lin-Gibson, Sheng

Polyelectrolytes are known to greatly affect calcium phosphate (CaP) mineralization. The reaction kinetics as well as the CaP phase, morphology and aggregation state depend on the relative concentrations of the polyelectrolyte and the inorganic ions in a complex, nonlinear manner. This study examines the structural evolution and kinetics of polyaspartic acid (pAsp) directed CaP mineralization at high concentrations of polyelectrolytes, calcium, and total phosphate (19–30 mg/mL pAsp, 50–100 mM Ca2+, Ca/P = 2). Using a novel combination of characterization techniques including cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), spectrophotometry, X-ray total scattering pair distribution function analysis, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transformmore » infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), it was determined that the CaP mineralization occurred over four transition steps. The steps include the formation of aggregates of pAsp stabilized CaP spherical nanoparticles (sNP), crystallization of sNP, oriented attachment of the sNP into nanorods, and further crystallization of the nanorods. The intermediate aggregate sizes and the reaction kinetics were found to be highly polymer concentration dependent while the sizes of the particles were not concentration dependent. This study demonstrates the complex role of pAsp in controlling the mechanism as well as the kinetics of CaP mineralization.« less

Associations of Occupational Stressors, Perceived Organizational Support, and Psychological Capital with Work Engagement among Chinese Female Nurses

PubMed Central

Wang, Xiaoxi; Zou, Futing; Hao, Junhui

2017-01-01

This study aimed to explore the associations of occupational stressors (extrinsic effort, reward, and overcommitment), perceived organizational support (POS), and psychological capital (PsyCap) and its components (self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism) with work engagement and the mediating roles of PsyCap and its components among Chinese female nurses within the framework of the job demands-resources (JD-R) model. A cross-sectional sample (1,330) completed the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale, Survey of POS, and PsyCap Questionnaire, and effective respondents were 1,016 (76.4%). Hierarchical regression analysis and Preacher and Hayes' asymptotic and resampling strategies were used. Extrinsic effort was negatively associated with vigor, dedication, and absorption, while POS, PsyCap, and hope were positively associated with them. Reward and overcommitment were positively associated with dedication and absorption. Optimism was positively associated with vigor and dedication. Optimism mediated the associations of extrinsic effort, reward, and POS with vigor and dedication. PsyCap and hope mediated the associations of POS with vigor, dedication, and absorption. There is a low level of work engagement among Chinese female nurses. Extrinsic effort could reduce work engagement, while reward, overcommitment, POS, PsyCap, hope, and optimism could enhance work engagement. Hospital managers should develop the PsyCap of female nurses through controlling occupational stressors and establishing supportive organizational climate to enhance their work engagement. PMID:28168198

Synthesizing parallel imaging applications using the CAP (computer-aided parallelization) tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gennart, Benoit A.; Mazzariol, Marc; Messerli, Vincent; Hersch, Roger D.

1997-12-01

Imaging applications such as filtering, image transforms and compression/decompression require vast amounts of computing power when applied to large data sets. These applications would potentially benefit from the use of parallel processing. However, dedicated parallel computers are expensive and their processing power per node lags behind that of the most recent commodity components. Furthermore, developing parallel applications remains a difficult task: writing and debugging the application is difficult (deadlocks), programs may not be portable from one parallel architecture to the other, and performance often comes short of expectations. In order to facilitate the development of parallel applications, we propose the CAP computer-aided parallelization tool which enables application programmers to specify at a high-level of abstraction the flow of data between pipelined-parallel operations. In addition, the CAP tool supports the programmer in developing parallel imaging and storage operations. CAP enables combining efficiently parallel storage access routines and image processing sequential operations. This paper shows how processing and I/O intensive imaging applications must be implemented to take advantage of parallelism and pipelining between data access and processing. This paper's contribution is (1) to show how such implementations can be compactly specified in CAP, and (2) to demonstrate that CAP specified applications achieve the performance of custom parallel code. The paper analyzes theoretically the performance of CAP specified applications and demonstrates the accuracy of the theoretical analysis through experimental measurements.

Outcomes in patients with community-acquired pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit.

PubMed

Cavallazzi, Rodrigo; Wiemken, Timothy; Arnold, Forest W; Luna, Carlos M; Bordon, Jose; Kelley, Robert; Feldman, Charles; Chalmers, James D; Torres, Antoni; Ramirez, Julio

2015-06-01

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) portends a serious prognosis. The temporal trend in outcome of severe CAP is not well established. We evaluated the temporal trends in the outcomes of severe CAP. This is a secondary analysis of 800 patients with severe CAP enrolled in the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization International Cohort. Severe CAP was defined as CAP requiring admission to the intensive care unit. Only patients admitted to the ICU upon hospital admission were included in this study. We assessed the trend in outcomes of these patients during three time periods: Period I (June 2001 to April 2004), Period II (May 2004 to January 31 2008), and Period III (February 2008 to February 2013). After adjustment for other variables, mortality was higher for patients admitted during Period II compared with Period I (RR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.002 to 2.14; P value = 0.049), and for Period III compared with Period I (RR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.15 to 2.50; P value = 0.008). No significant difference in length of stay or time to clinical stability was found among the three periods. The mortality of patients with severe CAP increased over time in our study population. This finding has important health policy implications if confirmed by other studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Production of putrescine-capped stable silver nanoparticle: its characterization and antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Saswati; Gupta, Bhaskar; Gupta, Kamala; Chaudhuri, Mahua Ghosh

2016-11-01

Integration of biology with nanotechnology is now becoming attention-grabbing area of research. The antimicrobial potency of silver has been eminent from antiquity. Due to the recent desire for the enhancement of antibacterial efficacy of silver, various synthesis methods of silver in their nano dimensions are being practiced using a range of capping material. The present work highlights a facile biomimetic approach for production of silver nanoparticle being capped and stabilized by putrescine, possessing a diameter of 10-25 ± 1.5 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles have been analyzed spectrally and analytically. Morphological studies are carried out by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and crystallinity by selected area electron diffraction patterns. Moreover, the elemental composition of the capped nanoparticles was confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. A comparative study (zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration) regarding the interactions and antibacterial potentiality of the capped silver nanoparticles with respect to the bare ones reveal the efficiency of the capped one over the bare one. The bacterial kinetic study was executed to monitor the interference of nanoparticles with bacterial growth rate. The results also highlight the efficacy of putrescine-capped silver nanoparticles as effective growth inhibitors against multi-drug resistant human pathogenic bacterial strains, which may, thus, potentially be applicable as an effective antibacterial control system to fight diseases.

Study of the AC machines winding having fractional q

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bespalov, V. Y.; Sidorov, A. O.

2018-02-01

The winding schemes with a fractional numbers of slots per pole and phase q have been known and used for a long time. However, in the literature on the low-noise machines design there are not recommended to use. Nevertheless, fractional q windings have been realized in many applications of special AC electrical machines, allowing to improve their performance, including vibroacoustic one. This paper deals with harmonic analysis of windings having integer and fractional q in permanent magnet synchronous motors, a comparison of their characteristics is performed, frequencies of subharmonics are revealed. Optimal winding pitch design is found giving reduce the amplitudes of subharmonics. Distribution factors for subharmonics, fractional and high-order harmonics are calculated, results analysis is represented, allowing for giving recommendations how to calculate distribution factors for different harmonics when q is fractional.

Aeroelastic analysis for helicopter rotors with blade appended pendulum vibration absorbers. Mathematical derivations and program user's manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bielawa, R. L.

1982-01-01

Mathematical development is presented for the expanded capabilities of the United Technologies Research Center (UTRC) G400 Rotor Aeroelastic Analysis. This expanded analysis, G400PA, simulates the dynamics of teetered rotors, blade pendulum vibration absorbers and the higher harmonic excitations resulting from prescribed vibratory hub motions and higher harmonic blade pitch control. Formulations are also presented for calculating the rotor impedance matrix appropriate to these higher harmonic blade excitations. This impedance matrix and the associated vibratory hub loads are intended as the rotor blade characteristics elements for use in the Simplified Coupled Rotor/Fuselage Vibration Analysis (SIMVIB). Sections are included presenting updates to the development of the original G400 theory, and material appropriate to the user of the G400PA computer program. This material includes: (1) a general descriptionof the tructuring of the G400PA FORTRAN coding, (2) a detaild description of the required input data and other useful information for successfully running the program, and (3) a detailed description of the output results.

Analysis on Non-Resonance Standing Waves and Vibration Tracks of Strings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fang, Tian-Shen

2007-01-01

This paper presents an experimental technique to observe the vibration tracks of string standing waves. From the vibration tracks, we can analyse the vibration directions of harmonic waves. For the harmonic wave vibrations of strings, when the driving frequency f[subscript s] = Nf[subscript n] (N = 1, 2, 3, 4,...), both resonance and non-resonance…

Introduction to Fourier Optics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huggins, Elisha

2007-01-01

Much like a physical prism, which displays the frequency components of a light wave, Fourier analysis can be thought of as a mathematical prism that can tell us what harmonics or frequency components are contained in a recording of a sound wave. We wrote the MacScope II program so that the user could not only see a plot of the harmonic amplitudes…

The Study of Two-Dimensional Oscillations Using a Smartphone Acceleration Sensor: Example of Lissajous Curves

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuset-Sanchis, Luis; Castro-Palacio, Juan C.; Gómez-Tejedor, José A.; Manjón, Francisco J.; Monsoriu, Juan A.

2015-01-01

A smartphone acceleration sensor is used to study two-dimensional harmonic oscillations. The data recorded by the free android application, Accelerometer Toy, is used to determine the periods of oscillation by graphical analysis. Different patterns of the Lissajous curves resulting from the superposition of harmonic motions are illustrated for…

Identification of limit cycles in multi-nonlinearity, multiple path systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, J. R.; Barron, O. L.

1979-01-01

A method of analysis which identifies limit cycles in autonomous systems with multiple nonlinearities and multiple forward paths is presented. The FORTRAN code for implementing the Harmonic Balance Algorithm is reported. The FORTRAN code is used to identify limit cycles in multiple path and nonlinearity systems while retaining the effects of several harmonic components.

Universal fluid droplet ejector

DOEpatents

Lee, Eric R.; Perl, Martin L.

1999-08-24

A droplet generator comprises a fluid reservoir having a side wall made of glass or quartz, and an end cap made from a silicon plate. The end cap contains a micromachined aperture through which the fluid is ejected. The side wall is thermally fused to the end cap, and no adhesive is necessary. This means that the fluid only comes into contact with the side wall and the end cap, both of which are chemically inert. Amplitudes of drive pulses received by reservoir determine the horizontal displacements of droplets relative to the ejection aperture. The drive pulses are varied such that the dropper generates a two-dimensional array of vertically-falling droplets. Vertical and horizontal interdroplet spacings may be varied in real time. Applications include droplet analysis experiments such as Millikan fractional charge searches and aerosol characterization, as well as material deposition applications.

Universal fluid droplet ejector

DOEpatents

Lee, E.R.; Perl, M.L.

1999-08-24

A droplet generator comprises a fluid reservoir having a side wall made of glass or quartz, and an end cap made from a silicon plate. The end cap contains a micromachined aperture through which the fluid is ejected. The side wall is thermally fused to the end cap, and no adhesive is necessary. This means that the fluid only comes into contact with the side wall and the end cap, both of which are chemically inert. Amplitudes of drive pulses received by reservoir determine the horizontal displacements of droplets relative to the ejection aperture. The drive pulses are varied such that the dropper generates a two-dimensional array of vertically-falling droplets. Vertical and horizontal inter-droplet spacings may be varied in real time. Applications include droplet analysis experiments such as Millikan fractional charge searches and aerosol characterization, as well as material deposition applications. 8 figs.

A description of the tides in the Eastern North Atlantic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fanjul, Enrique Alvarez; Gómez, Begoña Pérez; Sánchez-Arévalo, Ignacio Rodríguez

A description of the Eastern North Atlantic tidal dynamics (in a region spanning from 20°N to 48°N in latitude and from 34°W to 0° in longitude) is obtained by means of new in situ measurements and numerical modelling based on TOPEX/POSEIDON-derived data sets. The main source of measurements is the tide gauge network REDMAR (RED de MAReógrafos de Puertos del Estado), operative since July 1992 and managed by Clima Marítimo (Puertos del Estado). Results derived from the harmonic analysis of the first years of measurements are presented and compared with model results. In order to obtain a global picture of the tides in the region, a large compilation of harmonic constants obtained from other institutes is included. The availability of new TOPEX/POSEIDON-derived harmonic constants data sets provides a chance to include the benefits derived from satellite altimetry in high resolution regional applications of numerical models. Richard Ray's tidal model (Ray et al., 1994), based on a response type tidal analysis of TOPEX/POSEIDON data, was employed within a model of the studied area. The numerical model employed is HAMSOM, a 3-D finite difference code developed both by the Institut für Meereskunde (Hamburg University) and Clima Marítimo. Results from simulations of seven major harmonics are presented, providing a comprehensive view of tidal dynamics, including current information. The results of tidal simulations show good agreement between semidiurnal harmonic components and the values measured by both coastal and pelagic tidal gauges and by current meters. The modelled diurnal constituents show larger relative differences with measurements than semidiurnal harmonics, especially concerning the phase lags. The non-linear transfer of energy from semidiurnal to higher order harmonics, such as M 4 and M 6, was mapped. Those transfers were found to be important only in two areas: the French continental shelf in the Bay of Biscay and the widest part of the African shelf, south of Cabo Bojador.

Challenges Facing Early Phase Trials Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute: An Analysis of Corrective Action Plans to Improve Accrual.

PubMed

Massett, Holly A; Mishkin, Grace; Rubinstein, Larry; Ivy, S Percy; Denicoff, Andrea; Godwin, Elizabeth; DiPiazza, Kate; Bolognese, Jennifer; Zwiebel, James A; Abrams, Jeffrey S

2016-11-15

Accruing patients in a timely manner represents a significant challenge to early phase cancer clinical trials. The NCI Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program analyzed 19 months of corrective action plans (CAP) received for slow-accruing phase I and II trials to identify slow accrual reasons, evaluate whether proposed corrective actions matched these reasons, and assess the CAP impact on trial accrual, duration, and likelihood of meeting primary scientific objectives. Of the 135 CAPs analyzed, 69 were for phase I trials and 66 for phase II trials. Primary reasons cited for slow accrual were safety/toxicity (phase I: 48%), design/protocol concerns (phase I: 42%, phase II: 33%), and eligibility criteria (phase I: 41%, phase II: 35%). The most commonly proposed corrective actions were adding institutions (phase I: 43%, phase II: 85%) and amending the trial to change eligibility or design (phase I: 55%, phase II: 44%). Only 40% of CAPs provided proposed corrective actions that matched the reasons given for slow accrual. Seventy percent of trials were closed to accrual at time of analysis (phase I = 48; phase II = 46). Of these, 67% of phase I and 70% of phase II trials met their primary objectives, but they were active three times longer than projected. Among closed trials, 24% had an accrual rate increase associated with a greater likelihood of meeting their primary scientific objectives. Ultimately, trials receiving CAPs saw improved accrual rates. Future trials may benefit from implementing CAPs early in trial life cycles, but it may be more beneficial to invest in earlier accrual planning. Clin Cancer Res; 22(22); 5408-16. ©2016 AACRSee related commentary by Mileham and Kim, p. 5397. ©2016 American Association for Cancer Research.

The reliability and validity of a child and adolescent participation in decision-making questionnaire.

PubMed

O'Hare, L; Santin, O; Winter, K; McGuinness, C

2016-09-01

There is a growing impetus across the research, policy and practice communities for children and young people to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Furthermore, there is a dearth of general instruments that measure children and young people's views on their participation in decision-making. This paper presents the reliability and validity of the Child and Adolescent Participation in Decision-Making Questionnaire (CAP-DMQ) and specifically looks at a population of looked-after children, where a lack of participation in decision-making is an acute issue. The participants were 151 looked after children and adolescents between 10-23 years of age who completed the 10 item CAP-DMQ. Of the participants 113 were in receipt of an advocacy service that had an aim of increasing participation in decision-making with the remaining participants not having received this service. The results showed that the CAP-DMQ had good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.94) and showed promising uni-dimensional construct validity through an exploratory factor analysis. The items in the CAP-DMQ also demonstrated good content validity by overlapping with prominent models of child and adolescent participation (Lundy 2007) and decision-making (Halpern 2014). A regression analysis showed that age and gender were not significant predictors of CAP-DMQ scores but receipt of advocacy was a significant predictor of scores (effect size d = 0.88), thus showing appropriate discriminant criterion validity. Overall, the CAP-DMQ showed good reliability and validity. Therefore, the measure has excellent promise for theoretical investigation in the area of child and adolescent participation in decision-making and equally shows empirical promise for use as a measure in evaluating services, which have increasing the participation of children and adolescents in decision-making as an intended outcome. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Structural, spectroscopic and anti-microbial inspection of PEG capped ZnO nanoparticles for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meshram, J. V.; Koli, V. B.; Kumbhar, S. G.; Borde, L. C.; Phadatare, M. R.; Pawar, S. H.

2018-04-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) have a wide range of biomedical applications. Present study demonstrates the new methodology in sol-gel technology for synthesizing Polyethylene glycol (PEG) capped ZnO NPs and its size effect on anti-microbial activity. The reaction time was increased from 1 h to 5 h for the synthesis of ZnO NPs at 130 °C. The size of PEG capped ZnO NPs is increased from 10 to 84 nm by increasing the reaction upto 5 h. The x-ray diffraction studies and transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals the phase purity and hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with uniform PEG capping on the surface of ZnO NPs. UV–visible spectroscopy exhibits the peak at 366 nm which is attributed to ZnO NPs. No adverse effect is observed in case of absorbance spectroscopy. Further, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis depicts the adsorption of PEG molecules on the ZnO NPs surface. The anti-microbial activities for both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria were studied by optical density (OD) mesurement. The remarkable anti-microbial activity was observed for PEG capped ZnO NPs synthesized at 1 h reaction time showing higher activity in comparison with that synthesized from 2 h to 5 h reaction time. The microbial growth was found to be inhibited after 10 h OD measurement for both the bacteria. The anti-microbial activity may be attributed to the generation of ROS and H2O2. However, these generated species plays a vital role in inhibition of microbial growth. Hence, PEG capped ZnO NPs has promising biomedical applications.

Perfusion electrodeposition of calcium phosphate on additive manufactured titanium scaffolds for bone engineering.

PubMed

Chai, Yoke Chin; Truscello, Silvia; Bael, Simon Van; Luyten, Frank P; Vleugels, Jozef; Schrooten, Jan

2011-05-01

A perfusion electrodeposition (P-ELD) system was reported to functionalize additive manufactured Ti6Al4V scaffolds with a calcium phosphate (CaP) coating in a controlled and reproducible manner. The effects and interactions of four main process parameters - current density (I), deposition time (t), flow rate (f) and process temperature (T) - on the properties of the CaP coating were investigated. The results showed a direct relation between the parameters and the deposited CaP mass, with a significant effect for t (P=0.001) and t-f interaction (P=0.019). Computational fluid dynamic analysis showed a relatively low electrolyte velocity within the struts and a high velocity in the open areas within the P-ELD chamber, which were not influenced by a change in f. This is beneficial for promoting a controlled CaP deposition and hydrogen gas removal. Optimization studies showed that a minimum t of 6 h was needed to obtain complete coating of the scaffold regardless of I, and the thickness was increased by increasing I and t. Energy-dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the deposition of highly crystalline synthetic carbonated hydroxyapatite under all conditions (Ca/P ratio=1.41). High cell viability and cell-material interactions were demonstrated by in vitro culture of human periosteum derived cells on coated scaffolds. This study showed that P-ELD provides a technological tool to functionalize complex scaffold structures with a biocompatible CaP layer that has controlled and reproducible physicochemical properties suitable for bone engineering. Copyright © 2011 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PTEN deficiency promotes macrophage infiltration and hypersensitivity of prostate cancer to IAP antagonist/radiation combination therapy

PubMed Central

Armstrong, Chris W.D.; Maxwell, Pamela J.; Ong, Chee Wee; Redmond, Kelly M.; McCann, Christopher; Neisen, Jessica; Ward, George A.; Chessari, Gianni; Johnson, Christopher; Crawford, Nyree T.; LaBonte, Melissa J.; Prise, Kevin M.; Robson, Tracy; Salto-Tellez, Manuel; Longley, Daniel B.; Waugh, David J.J.

2016-01-01

PTEN loss is prognostic for patient relapse post-radiotherapy in prostate cancer (CaP). Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is associated with reduced disease-free survival following radical prostatectomy. However, the association between PTEN loss, TAM infiltration and radiotherapy response of CaP cells remains to be evaluated. Immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of surgically-resected Gleason 7 tumors confirmed that PTEN loss correlated with increased CXCL8 expression and macrophage infiltration. However PTEN status had no discernable correlation with expression of other inflammatory markers by CaP cells, including TNF-α. In vitro, exposure to conditioned media harvested from irradiated PTEN null CaP cells induced chemotaxis of macrophage-like THP-1 cells, a response partially attenuated by CXCL8 inhibition. Co-culture with THP-1 cells resulted in a modest reduction in the radio-sensitivity of DU145 cells. Cytokine profiling revealed constitutive secretion of TNF-α from CaP cells irrespective of PTEN status and IR-induced TNF-α secretion from THP-1 cells. THP-1-derived TNF-α increased NFκB pro-survival activity and elevated expression of anti-apoptotic proteins including cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein-1 (cIAP-1) in CaP cells, which could be attenuated by pre-treatment with a TNF-α neutralizing antibody. Treatment with a novel IAP antagonist, AT-IAP, decreased basal and TNF-α-induced cIAP-1 expression in CaP cells, switched TNF-α signaling from pro-survival to pro-apoptotic and increased radiation sensitivity of CaP cells in co-culture with THP-1 cells. We conclude that targeting cIAP-1 can overcome apoptosis resistance of CaP cells and is an ideal approach to exploit high TNF-α signals within the TAM-rich microenvironment of PTEN-deficient CaP cells to enhance response to radiotherapy. PMID:26799286

Calcium phosphate particles stimulate interleukin-1β release from human vascular smooth muscle cells: A role for spleen tyrosine kinase and exosome release.

PubMed

Dautova, Yana; Kapustin, Alexander N; Pappert, Kevin; Epple, Matthias; Okkenhaug, Hanneke; Cook, Simon J; Shanahan, Catherine M; Bootman, Martin D; Proudfoot, Diane

2018-02-01

Calcium phosphate (CaP) particle deposits are found in several inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis. CaP, and other forms of crystals and particles, can promote inflammasome formation in macrophages leading to caspase-1 activation and secretion of mature interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Given the close association of small CaP particles with vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in atherosclerotic fibrous caps, we aimed to determine if CaP particles affected pro-inflammatory signalling in human VSMCs. Using ELISA to measure IL-1β release from VSMCs, we demonstrated that CaP particles stimulated IL-1β release from proliferating and senescent human VSMCs, but with substantially greater IL-1β release from senescent cells; this required caspase-1 activity but not LPS-priming of cells. Potential inflammasome agonists including ATP, nigericin and monosodium urate crystals did not stimulate IL-1β release from VSMCs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that CaP particles induced rapid activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) (increased phospho-Y525/526). The SYK inhibitor R406 reduced IL-1β release and caspase-1 activation in CaP particle-treated VSMCs, indicating that SYK activation occurs upstream of and is required for caspase-1 activation. In addition, IL-1β and caspase-1 colocalised in intracellular endosome-like vesicles and we detected IL-1β in exosomes isolated from VSMC media. Furthermore, CaP particle treatment stimulated exosome secretion by VSMCs in a SYK-dependent manner, while the exosome-release inhibitor spiroepoxide reduced IL-1β release. CaP particles stimulate SYK and caspase-1 activation in VSMCs, leading to the release of IL-1β, at least in part via exosomes. These novel findings in human VSMCs highlight the pro-inflammatory and pro-calcific potential of microcalcification. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) Changes Gene Expression of Key Molecules of the Wound Healing Machinery and Improves Wound Healing In Vitro and In Vivo

PubMed Central

Arndt, Stephanie; Unger, Petra; Wacker, Eva; Shimizu, Tetsuji; Heinlin, Julia; Li, Yang-Fang; Thomas, Hubertus M.; Morfill, Gregor E.; Zimmermann, Julia L.

2013-01-01

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has the potential to interact with tissue or cells leading to fast, painless and efficient disinfection and furthermore has positive effects on wound healing and tissue regeneration. For clinical implementation it is necessary to examine how CAP improves wound healing and which molecular changes occur after the CAP treatment. In the present study we used the second generation MicroPlaSter ß® in analogy to the current clinical standard (2 min treatment time) in order to determine molecular changes induced by CAP using in vitro cell culture studies with human fibroblasts and an in vivo mouse skin wound healing model. Our in vitro analysis revealed that the CAP treatment induces the expression of important key genes crucial for the wound healing response like IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2, and promotes the production of collagen type I and alpha-SMA. Scratch wound healing assays showed improved cell migration, whereas cell proliferation analyzed by XTT method, and the apoptotic machinery analyzed by protein array technology, was not altered by CAP in dermal fibroblasts. An in vivo wound healing model confirmed that the CAP treatment affects above mentioned genes involved in wound healing, tissue injury and repair. Additionally, we observed that the CAP treatment improves wound healing in mice, no relevant side effects were detected. We suggest that improved wound healing might be due to the activation of a specified panel of cytokines and growth factors by CAP. In summary, our in vitro human and in vivo animal data suggest that the 2 min treatment with the MicroPlaSter ß® is an effective technique for activating wound healing relevant molecules in dermal fibroblasts leading to improved wound healing, whereas the mechanisms which contribute to these observed effects have to be further investigated. PMID:24265766

Microbial aetiology, outcomes, and costs of hospitalisation for community-acquired pneumonia; an observational analysis

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome and especially costs of hospitalisation for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in relation to microbial aetiology. This knowledge is indispensable to estimate cost-effectiveness of new strategies aiming to prevent and/or improve clinical outcome of CAP. Methods We performed our observational analysis in a cohort of 505 patients hospitalised with confirmed CAP between 2004 and 2010. Hospital administrative databases were extracted for all resource utilisation on a patient level. Resource items were grouped in seven categories: general ward nursing, nursing on ICU, clinical chemistry laboratory tests, microbiology exams, radiology exams, medication drugs, and other.linear regression analyses were conducted to identify variables predicting costs of hospitalisation for CAP. Results Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most identified causative pathogen (25%), followed by Coxiella burnetii (6%) and Haemophilus influenzae (5%). Overall median length of hospital stay was 8.5 days, in-hospital mortality rate was 4.8%. Total median hospital costs per patient were €3,899 (IQR 2,911-5,684). General ward nursing costs represented the largest share (57%), followed by nursing on the intensive care unit (16%) and diagnostic microbiological tests (9%). In multivariate regression analysis, class IV-V Pneumonia Severity Index (indicative for severe disease), Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus pneumonia as causative pathogen, were independent cost driving factors. Coxiella burnetii was a cost-limiting factor. Conclusions Median costs of hospitalisation for CAP are almost €4,000 per patient. Nursing costs are the main cause of these costs.. Apart from prevention, low-cost interventions aimed at reducing length of hospital stay therefore will most likely be cost-effective. PMID:24938861

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

Gupta, Rajkumar, E-mail: rkg@rract.gov.in; Modi, Mohammed H.; Lodha, G. S.

Soft x-ray spectra of the toroidal grating monochromator (TGM) at the reflectivity beamline of Indus-1 synchrotron source are analyzed for higher harmonic contribution. A diffraction grating of central line spacing 1200 l/mm is used to disperse the monochromatic beam received from TGM to quantify the harmonic contents in the 50–360 Å wavelength range. In order to calculate the harmonic contamination, conventionally the intensity of higher order peak is divided by first order peak intensity of the desired wavelength. This approach is found to give wrong estimate as first order peak itself is overlapped by higher order peaks. In the presentmore » study, a modified approach has been proposed to calculate harmonic contamination where the intensity contributions of overlapping orders have been removed from the first order diffraction peak of the desired wavelength. It is found that the order contamination in the TGM spectra is less than 15% in the wavelength range of 90–180 Å. The total harmonic contribution increases from 6%–60% in the wavelength range of 150–260 Å. The critical wavelength of Indus-1 is 61 Å hence the harmonic contamination below 90 Å is significantly low. The results obtained with modified approach match well with those obtained by quantitative analysis of multilayer reflectivity data. The obtained higher harmonics data are used to fit the transmission of aluminum edge filter in the 120–360 Å wavelength range.« less

Blind separation of overlapping partials in harmonic musical notes using amplitude and phase reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de León, Jesús Ponce; Beltrán, José Ramón

2012-12-01

In this study, a new method of blind audio source separation (BASS) of monaural musical harmonic notes is presented. The input (mixed notes) signal is processed using a flexible analysis and synthesis algorithm (complex wavelet additive synthesis, CWAS), which is based on the complex continuous wavelet transform. When the harmonics from two or more sources overlap in a certain frequency band (or group of bands), a new technique based on amplitude similarity criteria is used to obtain an approximation to the original partial information. The aim is to show that the CWAS algorithm can be a powerful tool in BASS. Compared with other existing techniques, the main advantages of the proposed algorithm are its accuracy in the instantaneous phase estimation, its synthesis capability and that the only input information needed is the mixed signal itself. A set of synthetically mixed monaural isolated notes have been analyzed using this method, in eight different experiments: the same instrument playing two notes within the same octave and two harmonically related notes (5th and 12th intervals), two different musical instruments playing 5th and 12th intervals, two different instruments playing non-harmonic notes, major and minor chords played by the same musical instrument, three different instruments playing non-harmonically related notes and finally the mixture of a inharmonic instrument (piano) and one harmonic instrument. The results obtained show the strength of the technique.

Analysis of calibration-free wavelength-scanned wavelength modulation spectroscopy for practical gas sensing using tunable diode lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, K.; Chao, X.; Sur, R.; Goldenstein, C. S.; Jeffries, J. B.; Hanson, R. K.

2013-12-01

A novel strategy has been developed for analysis of wavelength-scanned, wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) with tunable diode lasers (TDLs). The method simulates WMS signals to compare with measurements to determine gas properties (e.g., temperature, pressure and concentration of the absorbing species). Injection-current-tuned TDLs have simultaneous wavelength and intensity variation, which severely complicates the Fourier expansion of the simulated WMS signal into harmonics of the modulation frequency (fm). The new method differs from previous WMS analysis strategies in two significant ways: (1) the measured laser intensity is used to simulate the transmitted laser intensity and (2) digital lock-in and low-pass filter software is used to expand both simulated and measured transmitted laser intensities into harmonics of the modulation frequency, WMS-nfm (n = 1, 2, 3,…), avoiding the need for an analytic model of intensity modulation or Fourier expansion of the simulated WMS harmonics. This analysis scheme is valid at any optical depth, modulation index, and at all values of scanned-laser wavelength. The method is demonstrated and validated with WMS of H2O dilute in air (1 atm, 296 K, near 1392 nm). WMS-nfm harmonics for n = 1 to 6 are extracted and the simulation and measurements are found in good agreement for the entire WMS lineshape. The use of 1f-normalization strategies to realize calibration-free wavelength-scanned WMS is also discussed.

Late-Onset Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes Caused by Somatic NLRP3 Mosaicism-UK Single Center Experience.

PubMed

Rowczenio, Dorota M; Gomes, Sónia Melo; Aróstegui, Juan I; Mensa-Vilaro, Anna; Omoyinmi, Ebun; Trojer, Hadija; Baginska, Anna; Baroja-Mazo, Alberto; Pelegrin, Pablo; Savic, Sinisa; Lane, Thirusha; Williams, Rene; Brogan, Paul; Lachmann, Helen J; Hawkins, Philip N

2017-01-01

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is caused by gain-of-function NLRP3 mutations. Recently, somatic NLRP3 mosaicism has been reported in some CAPS patients who were previously classified as "mutation-negative." We describe here the clinical and laboratory findings in eight British adult patients who presented with symptoms typical of CAPS other than an onset in mid-late adulthood. All patients underwent comprehensive clinical and laboratory investigations, including analysis of the NLRP3 gene using Sanger and amplicon-based deep sequencing (ADS) along with measurements of extracellular apoptosis-associated speck-like protein with CARD domain (ASC) aggregates. The clinical phenotype in all subjects was consistent with mid-spectrum CAPS, except a median age at disease onset of 50 years. Sanger sequencing of NLRP3 was non-diagnostic but ADS detected a somatic NLRP3 mutation in each case. In one patient, DNA isolated from blood demonstrated an increase in the mutant allele from 5 to 45% over 12 years. ASC aggregates in patients' serum measured during active disease were significantly higher than healthy controls. This series represents 8% of CAPS patients diagnosed in a single center, suggesting that acquired NLRP3 mutations may not be an uncommon cause of the syndrome and should be sought in all patients with late-onset symptoms otherwise compatible with CAPS. Steadily worsening CAPS symptoms in one patient were associated with clonal expansion of the mutant allele predominantly affecting myeloid cells. Two patients developed AA amyloidosis, which previously has only been reported in CAPS in association with life-long germline NLRP3 mutations.

LIBS analysis of hydroxyapatite extracted from bovine bone for Ca/P ratio measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tariq, Usman; Haider, Zuhaib; Hussain, Rafaqat; Tufail, Kashif; Ali, Jalil

2017-03-01

Hydroxyapatite has been extensively used as a potential biocompatible ceramic in many orhtopedic applications. Hydroxyapatite is one of the members of calcium phosphate family and been used extensively as a bone substitute. The mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite itself, ceramics and bone cements prepared from hydroxyapatite vary greatly with slight variation in its Ca/P ratio. At present EDX, XRD, XRF and ICP-OES are being used for the determination of Ca/P ratio in hydroxyapatite. These techniques require special sample preparation, may also use toxic chemicals and usually are not very fast in giving the measurements. We report LIBS as a rapid alternative technique for calculation of Ca/P ratio in hydroxyapatite extracted from bovine bone (BHA). Ca/P ratio in laboratory prepared HA is calculated using LIBS and the results are validated against EDX results Ca/P ratio of the hydroxyapatite was calculated as 1.54±0.19 using LIBS while 1.63±0.03 using EDX. Ca/P ratio calculated by LIBS and EDX and showed comparable results with a difference of 5.5%. Moreover, plasma temperature and the ratio of the calcium (ion) line to calcium (atomic) line did not show significant variation in plasma conditions during measurements. The present study has demonstrated that LIBS can also be used for the determination of Ca/P ratio of hydroxyapatite and other calcium phosphates. At the request of all authors of the paper, and with the agreement of the Proceedings Editor, an updated version of this article was published on 24 May 2017.

Effects of cold atmospheric plasma on mucosal tissue culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Welz, Christian; Becker, Sven; Li, Yang-Fang; Shimizu, Tetsuji; Jeon, Jin; Schwenk-Zieger, Sabina; Thomas, Hubertus M.; Isbary, Georg; Morfill, Gregor E.; Harréus, Ulrich; Zimmermann, Julia L.

2013-01-01

Thermal plasmas have been commonly used in medical applications such as plasma ablation and blood coagulation. Newer developments show that plasmas can be generated with ion temperatures close to room temperature: these non-thermal or so-called cold atmospheric plasmas (CAPs) therefore open up a wide range of further biomedical applications. Based on the understanding of the bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal properties of CAPs, information about the effects of CAP on mucosal cells and tissue is still lacking. Therefore this study focuses on the interaction of CAP with healthy head and neck mucosal cells on a molecular level. To analyse this interaction in detail, fresh tissue samples from healthy nasal and pharyngeal mucosa were harvested during surgery, assembled to a three-dimensional tissue culture model (mini organ cultures) and treated with CAP for different treatment times. Effects on the viability, necrosis induction and mutagenic activity were evaluated with the trypan blue exclusion test, Annexin-V/PI staining and alkaline microgel electrophoresis (comet assay). Trypan blue exclusion test revealed that the CAP treatment significantly decreases the cell viability for all tested treatment times (5, 10, 30, 60 and 120 s p < 0.05), but only a treatment time of 120 s showed a cytotoxic effect as the viability dropped below 90%. Annexin-V/PI staining revealed a significant increase in necrosis in CAP treated pharyngeal tissue cultures for treatment times of 60 and 120 s (p < 0.05). For nasal tissue this effect was already detected for a 30 s treatment (p < 0.05). Comet assay analysis showed no mutagenic effects after exposure to CAP.

Molecular structure, Normal Coordinate Analysis, harmonic vibrational frequencies, Natural Bond Orbital, TD-DFT calculations and biological activity analysis of antioxidant drug 7-hydroxycoumarin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebastian, S.; Sylvestre, S.; Jayarajan, D.; Amalanathan, M.; Oudayakumar, K.; Gnanapoongothai, T.; Jayavarthanan, T.

2013-01-01

In this work, we report harmonic vibrational frequencies, molecular structure, NBO and HOMO, LUMO analysis of Umbelliferone also known as 7-hydroxycoumarin (7HC). The optimized geometric bond lengths and bond angles obtained by computation (monomer and dimmer) shows good agreement with experimental XRD data. Harmonic frequencies of 7HC were determined and analyzed by DFT utilizing 6-311+G(d,p) as basis set. The assignments of the vibrational spectra have been carried out with the help of Normal Coordinate Analysis (NCA) following the Scaled Quantum Mechanical Force Field Methodology (SQMFF). The change in electron density (ED) in the σ* and π* antibonding orbitals and stabilization energies E(2) have been calculated by Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis to give clear evidence of stabilization originating in the hyperconjugation of hydrogen-bonded interaction. The energy and oscillator strength calculated by Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) complements with the experimental findings. The simulated spectra satisfactorily coincides with the experimental spectra. Microbial activity of studied compounds was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Psuedomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhi and Enterococcus faecalis.

Quantitative analysis of sleep EEG microstructure in the time-frequency domain.

PubMed

De Carli, Fabrizio; Nobili, Lino; Beelke, Manolo; Watanabe, Tsuyoshi; Smerieri, Arianna; Parrino, Liborio; Terzano, Mario Giovanni; Ferrillo, Franco

2004-06-30

A number of phasic events influence sleep quality and sleep macrostructure. The detection of arousals and the analysis of cyclic alternating patterns (CAP) support the evaluation of sleep fragmentation and instability. Sixteen polygraphic overnight recordings were visually inspected for conventional Rechtscaffen and Kales scoring, while arousals were detected following the criteria of the American Sleep Disorders Association (ASDA). Three electroencephalograph (EEG) segments were associated to each event, corresponding to background activity, pre-arousal period and arousal. The study was supplemented by the analysis of time-frequency distribution of EEG within each subtype of phase A in the CAP. The arousals were characterized by the increase of alpha and beta power with regard to background. Within NREM sleep most of the arousals were preceded by a transient increase of delta power. The time-frequency evolution of the phase A of the CAP sequence showed a strong prevalence of delta activity during the whole A1, but high amplitude delta waves were found also in the first 2/3 s of A2 and A3, followed by desynchronization. Our results underline the strict relationship between the ASDA arousals, and the subtype A2 and A3 within the CAP: in both the association between a short sequence of transient slow waves and the successive increase of frequency and decrease of amplitude characterizes the arousal response.

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

Heeter, J.; Bird, L.; Gelman, R.

Several states are addressing the issue of net metering program caps, which limit the total amount of net metered generating capacity that can be installed in a state or utility service territory. In this analysis, we examine net metering caps to gain perspective on how long net metering will be available in various jurisdictions under current policies. We also surveyed state practices and experience to understand important policy design considerations.

Ultraviolet weathering of HDPE/wood-flour composites coextruded with a clear HDPE cap layer

Treesearch

Laurent M. Matuana; Shan Jin; Nicole M. Stark

2011-01-01

This study examined the effect coextruding a clear HDPE cap layer onto HDPE/wood-flour composites has on the discoloration of coextruded composites exposed to accelerated UV tests. Chroma meter, FTIRATR, XPS, SEM, and UV vis measurements accounted for the analysis of discoloration, functional groups, and degree of oxidation of both uncapped (control) and coextruded...

A real options approach to clinical faculty salary structure.

PubMed

Kahn, Marc J; Long, Hugh W

2012-01-01

One can use the option theory model originally developed to price financial opportunities in security markets to analyze many other economic arrangements such as the salary structures of clinical faculty in an academic medical center practice plan. If one views the underlying asset to be the portion (labeled "salary") of the economic value of the collections made for the care provided patients by the physician, then a salary guarantee can be considered a put option provided the physician, the guarantee having value to the physician only when the actual salary earned is less than the salary guarantee. Similarly, within an incentive plan, a salary cap can be thought of as a call option provided to the practice plan since a salary cap only has value to the practice plan when a physician's earnings exceed the cap. Further, based on analysis of prior earnings, the Black-Scholes options pricing model can be used both to price each option and to determine a financially neutral balance between a salary guarantee and a salary cap by equating the prices of the implied put and call options. We suggest that such analysis is superior to empirical methods for setting clinical faculty salary structure in the academic practice plan setting.

Impact of Micro-to Meso-scale Fractures on Sealing Behavior of Argillaceous Cap Rocks For CO 2 Sequestration

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

Evans, James

This multi-disciplinary project evaluated seal lithologies for the safety and security of long-term geosequestration of CO 2. We used integrated studies to provide qualitative risk for potential seal failure; we integrated data sets from outcrop, core, geochemical analysis, rock failure properties from mechanical testing, geophysical wireline log analysis, and geomechanical modeling to understand the effects of lithologic heterogeneity and changing mechanical properties have on the mechanical properties of the seal. The objectives of this study were to characterize cap rock seals using natural field analogs, available drillhole logging data and whole-rock core, geochemical and isotopic analyses. Rock deformation experiments weremore » carried out on collected samples to develop better models of risk estimation for potential cap rock seal failure. We also sampled variably faulted and fractured cap rocks to examine the impacts of mineralization and/or alteration on the mechanical properties. We compared CO 2 reacted systems to non-CO 2 reacted seal rock types to determine response of each to increased pore fluid pressures and potential for the creation of unintentional hydrofractures at depth.« less

Filter bank canonical correlation analysis for implementing a high-speed SSVEP-based brain-computer interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xiaogang; Wang, Yijun; Gao, Shangkai; Jung, Tzyy-Ping; Gao, Xiaorong

2015-08-01

Objective. Recently, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) has been widely used in steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) due to its high efficiency, robustness, and simple implementation. However, a method with which to make use of harmonic SSVEP components to enhance the CCA-based frequency detection has not been well established. Approach. This study proposed a filter bank canonical correlation analysis (FBCCA) method to incorporate fundamental and harmonic frequency components to improve the detection of SSVEPs. A 40-target BCI speller based on frequency coding (frequency range: 8-15.8 Hz, frequency interval: 0.2 Hz) was used for performance evaluation. To optimize the filter bank design, three methods (M1: sub-bands with equally spaced bandwidths; M2: sub-bands corresponding to individual harmonic frequency bands; M3: sub-bands covering multiple harmonic frequency bands) were proposed for comparison. Classification accuracy and information transfer rate (ITR) of the three FBCCA methods and the standard CCA method were estimated using an offline dataset from 12 subjects. Furthermore, an online BCI speller adopting the optimal FBCCA method was tested with a group of 10 subjects. Main results. The FBCCA methods significantly outperformed the standard CCA method. The method M3 achieved the highest classification performance. At a spelling rate of ˜33.3 characters/min, the online BCI speller obtained an average ITR of 151.18 ± 20.34 bits min-1. Significance. By incorporating the fundamental and harmonic SSVEP components in target identification, the proposed FBCCA method significantly improves the performance of the SSVEP-based BCI, and thereby facilitates its practical applications such as high-speed spelling.

Global harmonization of quality assurance naming conventions in radiation therapy clinical trials.

PubMed

Melidis, Christos; Bosch, Walther R; Izewska, Joanna; Fidarova, Elena; Zubizarreta, Eduardo; Ulin, Kenneth; Ishikura, Satoshi; Followill, David; Galvin, James; Haworth, Annette; Besuijen, Deidre; Clark, Catharine H; Clark, Clark H; Miles, Elizabeth; Aird, Edwin; Weber, Damien C; Hurkmans, Coen W; Verellen, Dirk

2014-12-01

To review the various radiation therapy quality assurance (RTQA) procedures used by the Global Clinical Trials RTQA Harmonization Group (GHG) steering committee members and present the harmonized RTQA naming conventions by amalgamating procedures with similar objectives. A survey of the GHG steering committee members' RTQA procedures, their goals, and naming conventions was conducted. The RTQA procedures were classified as baseline, preaccrual, and prospective/retrospective data capture and analysis. After all the procedures were accumulated and described, extensive discussions took place to come to harmonized RTQA procedures and names. The RTQA procedures implemented within a trial by the GHG steering committee members vary in quantity, timing, name, and compliance criteria. The procedures of each member are based on perceived chances of noncompliance, so that the quality of radiation therapy planning and treatment does not negatively influence the trial measured outcomes. A comparison of these procedures demonstrated similarities among the goals of the various methods, but the naming given to each differed. After thorough discussions, the GHG steering committee members amalgamated the 27 RTQA procedures to 10 harmonized ones with corresponding names: facility questionnaire, beam output audit, benchmark case, dummy run, complex treatment dosimetry check, virtual phantom, individual case review, review of patients' treatment records, and protocol compliance and dosimetry site visit. Harmonized RTQA harmonized naming conventions, which can be used in all future clinical trials involving radiation therapy, have been established. Harmonized procedures will facilitate future intergroup trial collaboration and help to ensure comparable RTQA between international trials, which enables meta-analyses and reduces RTQA workload for intergroup studies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Quantification of Processing Effects on Filament Wound Pressure Vessels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aiello, Robert A.; Chamis, Christos C.

1999-01-01

A computational simulation procedure is described which is designed specifically for the modeling and analysis of filament wound pressure vessels. Cylindrical vessels with spherical or elliptical end caps can be generated automatically. End caps other than spherical or elliptical may be modeled by varying circular sections along the x-axis according to the C C! end cap shape. The finite element model generated is composed of plate type quadrilateral shell elements on the entire vessel surface. This computational procedure can also be sued to generate grid, connectivity and material cards (bulk data) for component parts of a larger model. These bulk data are assigned to a user designated file for finite element structural/stress analysis of composite pressure vessels. The procedure accommodates filament would pressure vessels of all types of shells-of-revolution. It has provisions to readily evaluate initial stresses due to pretension in the winding filaments and residual stresses due to cure temperature.

Quantification of Processing Effects on Filament Wound Pressure Vessels. Revision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aiello, Robert A.; Chamis, Christos C.

2002-01-01

A computational simulation procedure is described which is designed specifically for the modeling and analysis of filament wound pressure vessels. Cylindrical vessels with spherical or elliptical end caps can be generated automatically. End caps other than spherical or elliptical may be modeled by varying circular sections along the x-axis according to the end cap shape. The finite element model generated is composed of plate type quadrilateral shell elements on the entire vessel surface. This computational procedure can also be used to generate grid, connectivity and material cards (bulk data) for component parts of a larger model. These bulk data are assigned to a user designated file for finite element structural/stress analysis of composite pressure vessels. The procedure accommodates filament wound pressure vessels of all types of shells-of -revolution. It has provisions to readily evaluate initial stresses due to pretension in the winding filaments and residual stresses due to cure temperature.

Creatine kinase and alpha-actin mRNA levels decrease in diabetic rat hearts

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

Popovich, B.; Barrieux, A.; Dillmann, W.H.

1987-05-01

Diabetic cardiomyopathy is associated with cardiac atrophy and isoenzyme redistribution. To determine if tissue specific changes occur in mRNAs coding for ..cap alpha..-actin and creatine kinase (CK), they performed RNA blot analysis. Total ventricular RNA from control (C) and 4 wk old diabetic (D) rats were hybridized with /sup 32/P cDNA probes for ..cap alpha..-actin and CK. A tissue independent cDNA probe, CHOA was also used. Signal intensity was quantified by photodensitometry. D CK mRNA was 47 +/- 16% lower in D vs C. Insulin increases CK mRNA by 20% at 1.5 hs, and completely reverses the deficit after 4more » wks. D ..cap alpha..-actin mRNA is 66 +/- 18% lower in D vs C. Insulin normalized ..cap alpha..-actin mRNA by 5 hs. CHOA mRNA is unchanged in D vs C, but D + insulin CHOA mRNA is 30 +/- 2% lower than C. In rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy, muscle specific CK and ..cap alpha..-actin mRNAs are decreased. Insulin treatment reverses these changes.« less

Construction and validation of the chronic acquired polyneuropathy patient-reported index, “CAP-PRI:” a disease-specific, health-related quality of life instrument

PubMed Central

Gwathmey, Kelly G.; Conaway, Mark R.; Seyedsadjadi, Reza; Joshi, Amruta; Barnett, Carolina; Bril, Vera; Ng, Eduardo; David, William; Gable, Karissa; Guptill, Jeffrey T.; Hobson-Webb, Lisa D.; Dineen, Jennifer; Hehir, Michael; Brannagan, Thomas H.; Byun, Esther; Adler, Margaret; Burns, Ted M.

2016-01-01

Introduction Generic health-related quality of life (HRQOL) patient-reported outcome measures have been used in patients with chronic immune-mediated polyneuropathies. We have created a disease-specific HRQOL instrument. Methods and Results The 15-item chronic acquired polyneuropathy patient-reported index (CAP-PRI) was developed and validated in multiple steps. Items were initially generated through patient and specialist input. The performance of the preliminary 20 items was analyzed from a prospective, 5-center study involving chronic immune-mediated polyneuropathy patients. Data analysis suggested modification to a 15-item scale with 3 response categories, rather than 5. The final CAP-PRI was then validated in another prospective, 5-center study. The CAP-PRI appeared to be a unidimensional outcome measure that fits the Rasch Partial Credit Model in our multicenter cohort. It correlated appropriately with the outcome measures commonly used in this patient population. Discussion The CAP-PRI is a simple, easy, disease-specific HRQOL measure that appears to be useful for clinical care and possibly also for clinical trials. PMID:26600438

Transposon tagging and the study of root development in Arabidopsis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tsugeki, R.; Olson, M. L.; Fedoroff, N. V.

1998-01-01

The maize Ac-Ds transposable element family has been used as the basis of transposon mutagenesis systems that function in a variety of plants, including Arabidopsis. We have developed modified transposons and methods which simplify the detection, cloning and analysis of insertion mutations. We have identified and are analyzing two plant lines in which genes expressed either in the root cap cells or in the quiescent cells, cortex/endodermal initial cells and columella cells of the root cap have been tagged with a transposon carrying a reporter gene. A gene expressed in root cap cells tagged with an enhancer-trap Ds was isolated and its corresponding EST cDNA was identified. Nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the gene show no significant similarity to other genes in the database. Genetic ablation experiments have been done by fusing a root cap-specific promoter to the diphtheria toxin A-chain gene and introducing the fusion construct into Arabidopsis plants. We find that in addition to eliminating gravitropism, root cap ablation inhibits elongation of roots by lowering root meristematic activities.

Study of current-mode active pixel sensor circuits using amorphous InSnZnO thin-film transistor for 50-μm pixel-pitch indirect X-ray imagers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Mao-Hsun; Zhao, Chumin; Kanicki, Jerzy

2017-05-01

Current-mode active pixel sensor (C-APS) circuits based on amorphous indium-tin-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors (a-ITZO TFTs) are proposed for indirect X-ray imagers. The proposed C-APS circuits include a combination of a hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) p+-i-n+ photodiode (PD) and a-ITZO TFTs. Source-output (SO) and drain-output (DO) C-APS are investigated and compared. Acceptable signal linearity and high gains are realized for SO C-APS. APS circuit characteristics including voltage gain, charge gain, signal linearity, charge-to-current conversion gain, electron-to-voltage conversion gain are evaluated. The impact of the a-ITZO TFT threshold voltage shifts on C-APS is also considered. A layout for a pixel pitch of 50 μm and an associated fabrication process are suggested. Data line loadings for 4k-resolution X-ray imagers are computed and their impact on circuit performances is taken into consideration. Noise analysis is performed, showing a total input-referred noise of 239 e-.

A comprehensive analysis of coregulator recruitment, androgen receptor function and gene expression in prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Hu, Qiang; Senapati, Dhirodatta; Venkadakrishnan, Varadha Balaji; Wang, Dan; DePriest, Adam D; Schlanger, Simon E; Ben-Salem, Salma; Valenzuela, Malyn May; Willard, Belinda; Mudambi, Shaila; Swetzig, Wendy M; Das, Gokul M; Shourideh, Mojgan; Koochekpour, Shahriah; Falzarano, Sara Moscovita; Magi-Galluzzi, Cristina; Yadav, Neelu; Chen, Xiwei; Lao, Changshi; Wang, Jianmin; Billaud, Jean-Noel

2017-01-01

Standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (CaP) prevents ligand-activation of androgen receptor (AR). Despite initial remission, CaP progresses while relying on AR. AR transcriptional output controls CaP behavior and is an alternative therapeutic target, but its molecular regulation is poorly understood. Here, we show that action of activated AR partitions into fractions that are controlled preferentially by different coregulators. In a 452-AR-target gene panel, each of 18 clinically relevant coregulators mediates androgen-responsiveness of 0–57% genes and acts as a coactivator or corepressor in a gene-specific manner. Selectivity in coregulator-dependent AR action is reflected in differential AR binding site composition and involvement with CaP biology and progression. Isolation of a novel transcriptional mechanism in which WDR77 unites the actions of AR and p53, the major genomic drivers of lethal CaP, to control cell cycle progression provides proof-of-principle for treatment via selective interference with AR action by exploiting AR dependence on coregulators. PMID:28826481

Sequestration by IFIT1 Impairs Translation of 2′O-unmethylated Capped RNA

PubMed Central

Lacerda, Livia; Benda, Christian; Holze, Cathleen; Eberl, Christian H.; Mann, Angelika; Kindler, Eveline; Gil-Cruz, Cristina; Ziebuhr, John; Thiel, Volker; Pichlmair, Andreas

2013-01-01

Viruses that generate capped RNA lacking 2′O methylation on the first ribose are severely affected by the antiviral activity of Type I interferons. We used proteome-wide affinity purification coupled to mass spectrometry to identify human and mouse proteins specifically binding to capped RNA with different methylation states. This analysis, complemented with functional validation experiments, revealed that IFIT1 is the sole interferon-induced protein displaying higher affinity for unmethylated than for methylated capped RNA. IFIT1 tethers a species-specific protein complex consisting of other IFITs to RNA. Pulsed stable isotope labelling with amino acids in cell culture coupled to mass spectrometry as well as in vitro competition assays indicate that IFIT1 sequesters 2′O-unmethylated capped RNA and thereby impairs binding of eukaryotic translation initiation factors to 2′O-unmethylated RNA template, which results in inhibition of translation. The specificity of IFIT1 for 2′O-unmethylated RNA serves as potent antiviral mechanism against viruses lacking 2′O-methyltransferase activity and at the same time allows unperturbed progression of the antiviral program in infected cells. PMID:24098121

Tracking Helicopters with a Seismic Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eibl, Eva P. S.; Lokmer, Ivan; Bean, Christopher J.; Akerlie, Eggert

2015-04-01

We observed that the pressure or acoustic wave created by the rotor blades of a helicopter can couple to the ground even at 30 km distance where it creates a signal strong enough to be detected by a seismometer. The signal is harmonic tremor with a fundamental frequency downgliding with the inflection point at e.g. 14 Hz and two equally spaced overtones up to the Nyquist frequency of 50 Hz. No difference in the amplitudes between the fundamental frequency and higher harmonics was observed. Such a signature is a consequence of the regularly repeating pressure pulses generated by the helicopter's rotor blades. The signal was recorded by a seven station broadband array with an aperture of 1.6 km. Our spacing is close enough to record the signal at all stations and far enough to observe traveltime differences. The separation of the spectral lines corresponds to the time interval between the repeating sources. The highlighted harmonics contain information about the spectral content of the single source as our signal corresponds to the convolution of an infinite comb function and a single pulse. As we see all harmonics and they have the same amplitude up to the Nyquist frequency we can deduce that the frequency content of the single pulse is flat i.e. it is effectively a delta function up to the Nyquist frequency. We perform a detailed spectral and location analysis of the signal, and compare our results with the known information on the helicopter's speed, location, the frequency of the blades rotation and the amount of blades. This analysis is based on the characteristic shape of the curve i.e. speed of the gliding, minimum and maximum fundamental frequency, amplitudes at the inflection points at different stations and traveltimes deduced from the inflection points at different stations. This observation has an educative value, because the same principle could be used for the analysis of the volcanic harmonic tremor. Harmonic volcanic tremor usually has fundamental frequencies below 10 Hz but frequency downgliding and upgliding up to 30 Hz was observed e.g. on Redoubt volcano. Due to the characteristic shape of the helicopter signal it is nevertheless rather unlikely that this signal is mistaken for volcanic tremor. The helicopter gives us a robust way of testing the method and possible application of the method to volcanic harmonic tremor.

Heritability estimates on resting state fMRI data using ENIGMA analysis pipeline.

PubMed

Adhikari, Bhim M; Jahanshad, Neda; Shukla, Dinesh; Glahn, David C; Blangero, John; Reynolds, Richard C; Cox, Robert W; Fieremans, Els; Veraart, Jelle; Novikov, Dmitry S; Nichols, Thomas E; Hong, L Elliot; Thompson, Paul M; Kochunov, Peter

2018-01-01

Big data initiatives such as the Enhancing NeuroImaging Genetics through Meta-Analysis consortium (ENIGMA), combine data collected by independent studies worldwide to achieve more generalizable estimates of effect sizes and more reliable and reproducible outcomes. Such efforts require harmonized image analyses protocols to extract phenotypes consistently. This harmonization is particularly challenging for resting state fMRI due to the wide variability of acquisition protocols and scanner platforms; this leads to site-to-site variance in quality, resolution and temporal signal-to-noise ratio (tSNR). An effective harmonization should provide optimal measures for data of different qualities. We developed a multi-site rsfMRI analysis pipeline to allow research groups around the world to process rsfMRI scans in a harmonized way, to extract consistent and quantitative measurements of connectivity and to perform coordinated statistical tests. We used the single-modality ENIGMA rsfMRI preprocessing pipeline based on modelfree Marchenko-Pastur PCA based denoising to verify and replicate resting state network heritability estimates. We analyzed two independent cohorts, GOBS (Genetics of Brain Structure) and HCP (the Human Connectome Project), which collected data using conventional and connectomics oriented fMRI protocols, respectively. We used seed-based connectivity and dual-regression approaches to show that the rsfMRI signal is consistently heritable across twenty major functional network measures. Heritability values of 20-40% were observed across both cohorts.

Measuring the effect of a Western diet on liver tissue architecture by FLIM autofluorescence and harmonic generation microscopy

PubMed Central

Ranjit, Suman; Dvornikov, Alexander; Dobrinskikh, Evgenia; Wang, Xiaoxin; Luo, Yuhuan; Levi, Moshe; Gratton, Enrico

2017-01-01

The phasor approach to auto-fluorescence lifetime imaging was used to identify and characterize a long lifetime species (LLS) (~7.8 ns) in livers of mice fed with a Western diet. The size of the areas containing this LLS species depends on the type of diet and the size distribution shows Western diet has much larger LLS sizes. Combination of third harmonic generation images with FLIM identified the LLS species with fat droplets and the droplet size distribution was estimated. Second harmonic generation microscopy combined with phasor FLIM shows that there is an increase in fibrosis with a Western diet. A new decomposition in three components of the phasor plot shows that a Western diet is correlated with a higher fraction of free NADH, signifying more reducing condition and more glycolytic condition. Multiparametric analysis of phasor distribution shows that from the distribution of phasor points, a Western diet fed versus a low fat diet fed samples of mice livers can be separated. The phasor approach for the analysis of FLIM images of autofluorescence in liver specimens can result in discovery of new fluorescent species and then these new fluorescent species can help assess tissue architecture. Finally integrating FLIM and second and third harmonic analysis provides a measure of the advancement of fibrosis as an effect of diet. PMID:28717559

Telomere Attrition in Isolated High-Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Surrounding Stroma Is Predictive of Prostate Cancer1

PubMed Central

Joshua, Anthony Michael; Vukovic, Bisera; Braudey, Ilan; Hussein, Sundus; Zielenska, Maria; Srigley, John; Evans, Andrew; Squire, Jeremy Andrew

2007-01-01

Abstract The causes of early genomic events underlying the development of prostate cancer (CaP) remain unclear. The onset of chromosomal instability is likely to facilitate the formation of crucial genomic aberrations both in the precursor lesion high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HPIN) and in CaP. Instability generated by telomere attrition is one potential mechanism that could initiate chromosomal rearrangements. In this study, normalized telomere length variation was examined in a cohort of 68 men without CaP who had HPIN only on prostatic biopsies. Multiple significant associations between telomere attrition and eventual diagnosis of CaP in the HPIN and in the surrounding stroma were found. Kaplan-Meier analysis of telomere length demonstrated a significantly increased risk for the development of cancer with short telomeres in the surrounding stroma [P = .035; hazard ratio (HR) = 2.12; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.231–0.956], and a trend for HPIN itself (P = .126; HR = 1.72; 95% CI = 0.287–1.168). Cox regression analysis also demonstrated significance between the time from the original biopsy to the diagnosis of cancer and telomere length in HPIN and in the surrounding stroma. These analyses showed significance, both alone and in combination with baseline prostate-specific antigen, and lend support to the hypothesis that telomere attrition in prostatic preneoplasia may be fundamental to the generation of chromosomal instability and to the emergence of CaP. PMID:17325746

Dansgaard-Oeschger cycles observed in the Greenland ReCAP ice core project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kjær, Helle Astrid; Vallelonga, Paul; Vinther, Bo; Simonsen, Marius; Maffezzoli, Niccoló; Gkinis, Vasileios; Svensson, Anders; Jensen, Camilla Marie; Dallmayr, Remi; Spolaor, Andrea; Edwards, Ross

2017-04-01

The new REnland ice CAP (RECAP) ice core was drilled in summer 2015 in Greenland and measured by means of Continuous flow analysis (CFA) during the last 3 months of 2015. The Renland ice core was obtained as part of the ReCAP project, extending 584.11 meters to the bottom of the Renland ice cap located in east Greenland. The unique position on a mountain saddle above 2000 meters altitude, but close to the coast, ensures that the Renland ice core offers high accumulation, but also reaches far back in time. Results show that despite the short length the RECAP ice core holds ice all the way back to the past warm interglacial period, the Eemian. The glacial section is strongly thinned and covers on 20 meters of the ReCAP core, but nonetheless due to the high resolution of the measurements all 25 expected DO events could be identified. The record was analyzed for multiple elements including the water isotopes, forest fire tracers NH4+ and black carbon, insoluble dust particles by means of Abakus laser particle counter and the dust ion Ca2+, sea salt Na+, and sea ice proxies as well as acidity useful for finding volcanic layers to date the core. Below the glacial section another 20 meters of warm Eemian ice have been analysed. Here we present the chemistry results as obtained by continuous flow analysis (CFA) and compare the glacial section with the chemistry profile from other Greenland ice cores.

Harmonic Resonances in Metal Rods--Easy Experimentation with a Smartphone and Tablet PC

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirth, Michael; Gröber, Sebastian; Kuhn, Jochen; Müller, Andreas

2016-01-01

A variety of experiments with smartphones and tablet PCs allow a precise analysis of acoustic phenomena. For example, we recently described an experiment in which a noise signal simultaneously triggered harmonic acoustic resonances in the air column of a tube open at both ends and a tube closed at one end. The measured resonant frequencies were…

Quantum efficiency harmonic analysis of exciton annihilation in organic light emitting diodes

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

Price, J. S.; Giebink, N. C., E-mail: ncg2@psu.edu

2015-06-29

Various exciton annihilation processes are known to impact the efficiency roll-off of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs); however, isolating and quantifying their contribution in the presence of other factors such as changing charge balance continue to be a challenge for routine device characterization. Here, we analyze OLED electroluminescence resulting from a sinusoidal dither superimposed on the device bias and show that nonlinearity between recombination current and light output arising from annihilation mixes the quantum efficiency measured at different dither harmonics in a manner that depends uniquely on the type and magnitude of the annihilation process. We derive a series ofmore » analytical relations involving the DC and first harmonic external quantum efficiency that enable annihilation rates to be quantified through linear regression independent of changing charge balance and evaluate them for prototypical fluorescent and phosphorescent OLEDs based on the emitters 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran and platinum octaethylporphyrin, respectively. We go on to show that, in most cases, it is sufficient to calculate the needed quantum efficiency harmonics directly from derivatives of the DC light versus current curve, thus enabling this analysis to be conducted solely from standard light-current-voltage measurement data.« less

Analysis on the multi-dimensional spectrum of the thrust force for the linear motor feed drive system in machine tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiaojun; Lu, Dun; Ma, Chengfang; Zhang, Jun; Zhao, Wanhua

2017-01-01

The motor thrust force has lots of harmonic components due to the nonlinearity of drive circuit and motor itself in the linear motor feed drive system. What is more, in the motion process, these thrust force harmonics may vary with the position, velocity, acceleration and load, which affects the displacement fluctuation of the feed drive system. Therefore, in this paper, on the basis of the thrust force spectrum obtained by the Maxwell equation and the electromagnetic energy method, the multi-dimensional variation of each thrust harmonic is analyzed under different motion parameters. Then the model of the servo system is established oriented to the dynamic precision. The influence of the variation of the thrust force spectrum on the displacement fluctuation is discussed. At last the experiments are carried out to verify the theoretical analysis above. It can be found that the thrust harmonics show multi-dimensional spectrum characteristics under different motion parameters and loads, which should be considered to choose the motion parameters and optimize the servo control parameters in the high-speed and high-precision machine tools equipped with the linear motor feed drive system.

Secondary environmental impacts of remedial alternatives for sediment contaminated with hydrophobic organic contaminants.

PubMed

Choi, Yongju; Thompson, Jay M; Lin, Diana; Cho, Yeo-Myoung; Ismail, Niveen S; Hsieh, Ching-Hong; Luthy, Richard G

2016-03-05

This study evaluates secondary environmental impacts of various remedial alternatives for sediment contaminated with hydrophobic organic contaminants using life cycle assessment (LCA). Three alternatives including two conventional methods, dredge-and-fill and capping, and an innovative sediment treatment technique, in-situ activated carbon (AC) amendment, are compared for secondary environmental impacts by a case study for a site at Hunters Point Shipyard, San Francisco, CA. The LCA results show that capping generates substantially smaller impacts than dredge-and-fill and in-situ amendment using coal-based virgin AC. The secondary impacts from in-situ AC amendment can be reduced effectively by using recycled or wood-based virgin AC as production of these materials causes much smaller impacts than coal-based virgin AC. The secondary environmental impacts are highly sensitive to the dredged amount and the distance to a disposal site for dredging, the capping thickness and the distance to the cap materials for capping, and the AC dose for in-situ AC amendment. Based on the analysis, this study identifies strategies to minimize secondary impacts caused by different remediation activities: optimize the dredged amount, the capping thickness, or the AC dose by extensive site assessments, obtain source materials from local sites, and use recycled or bio-based AC. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote hard-tissue repair after direct pulp capping.

PubMed

Obeid, Maram; Saber, Shehab El Din Mohamed; Ismael, Alaa El Din; Hassanien, Ehab

2013-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of autologous mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) to promote hard-tissue formation after direct pulp capping procedures. Bone marrow was aspirated from the iliac crest of healthy dogs of nonspecific race. Mononuclear cells were obtained using the Histopaque (Sigma-Aldrich, St Louis, MO) protocol and cultured for 21 days. Direct pulp capping procedures were performed in posterior teeth, and then mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate, or BMSCs were used as direct pulp capping agents. After 3 months, animals were sacrificed, and jaw segments were processed for radiographic examination using cone-beam computed tomography scanning and histologic examination to assess the formation of a hard-tissue barrier according to a scoring system. The longitudinal and cross-sectional radiophotographs and histologic sections confirmed the formation of an evident calcific barrier after direct pulp capping with MTA and BMSCs. Statistical analysis of the scores given for radiographic and histologic calcific bridge formation showed that both MTA and BMSCs had a comparable tendency to produce a hard-tissue barrier that was significantly higher than hydroxyapatite tricalcium phosphate (P < .05). Autologous mesenchymal BMSCs were able to promote hard-tissue formation after direct pulp capping procedures. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Harmonic Analysis and Free Field Realization of the Takiff Supergroup of GL(1|1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babichenko, Andrei; Creutzig, Thomas

2015-08-01

Takiff superalgebras are a family of non semi-simple Lie superalgebras that are believed to give rise to a rich structure of indecomposable representations of associated conformal field theories. We consider the Takiff superalgebra of gl(1\\vert 1), especially we perform harmonic analysis for the corresponding supergroup. We find that every simple module appears as submodule of an infinite-dimensional indecomposable but reducible module. We lift our results to two free field realizations for the corresponding conformal field theory and construct some modules.

Application of abstract harmonic analysis to the high-speed recognition of images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Usikov, D. A.

1979-01-01

Methods are constructed for rapidly computing correlation functions using the theory of abstract harmonic analysis. The theory developed includes as a particular case the familiar Fourier transform method for a correlation function which makes it possible to find images which are independent of their translation in the plane. Two examples of the application of the general theory described are the search for images, independent of their rotation and scale, and the search for images which are independent of their translations and rotations in the plane.

Spherical Harmonics Analysis of the ECMWF Global Wind Fields at the 10-Meter Height Level During 1985: A Collection of Figures Illustrating Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanchez, Braulio V.; Nishihama, Masahiro

1997-01-01

Half-daily global wind speeds in the east-west (u) and north-south (v) directions at the 10-meter height level were obtained from the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) data set of global analyses. The data set covered the period 1985 January to 1995 January. A spherical harmonic expansion to degree and order 50 was used to perform harmonic analysis of the east-west (u) and north-south (v) velocity field components. The resulting wind field is displayed, as well as the residual of the fit, at a particular time. The contribution of particular coefficients is shown. The time variability of the coefficients up to degree and order 3 is presented. Corresponding power spectrum plots are given. Time series analyses were applied also to the power associated with degrees 0-10; the results are included.

A harmonic analysis of lunar topography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bills, B. G.; Ferrari, A. J.

1977-01-01

A global lunar topographic map has been derived from existing earth-based and orbital observations supplemented in areas without data by a linear autocovariance predictor. Of 2592 bins, each 5 deg square, 1380 (64.7% by area) contain at least one measurement. A spherical harmonic analysis to degree 12 yields a mean radius of 1737.53 plus or minus 0.03 km (formal standard error) and an offset of the center of figure of 1.98 plus or minus 0.06 km toward (19 plus or minus 2) deg S, (194 plus or minus 1) deg E. A Bouguer gravity map, derived from a 12-degree free-air gravity model and the present topography data, is presented for an elevation of 100 km above the mean surface. It is confirmed that the low-degree gravity harmonics are determined primarily by surface height variations and only secondarily by lateral density variations.

Mass change from GRACE: a simulated comparison of Level-1B analysis techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrews, Stuart B.; Moore, Philip; King, Matt. A.

2015-01-01

Spherical harmonic and mascon parameters have both been successfully applied in the recovery of time-varying gravity fields from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE). However, direct comparison of any mass flux is difficult with solutions generated by different groups using different codes and algorithms. It is therefore opportune to compare these methodologies, within a common software base, to understand potential limitations associated with each technique. Here we use simulations to recover a known monthly surface mass distribution from GRACE KBRR data. The ability of spherical harmonic and mascon parameters to resolve basin-level mass change is quantified with an assessment of how the noise and errors, inherent in GRACE solutions, are handled. Recovery of a noise and error free GLDAS anomaly revealed no quantifiable difference between spherical harmonic and mascon parameters. Expansion of the GLDAS anomaly to degree and order 120 shows that both spherical harmonic and mascon parameters are affected by comparable omission errors. However, the inclusion of realistic KBRR noise and errors in the simulations reveals the advantage of the mascon parameters over spherical harmonics at reducing noise and errors in the higher degree and order harmonics with an rms (cm of EWH) to the GLDAS anomaly of 10.0 for the spherical harmonic solution and 8.8 (8.6) for the 4°(2°) mascon solutions. The introduction of a constraint matrix in the mascon solution based on parameters that share geophysical similarities is shown to further reduce the signal lost at all degrees. The recovery of a simulated Antarctic mass loss signal shows that the mascon methodology is superior to spherical harmonics for this region with an rms (cm of EWH) of 8.7 for the 2° mascon solution compared to 10.0 for the spherical harmonic solution. Investigating the noise and errors for a month when the satellites were in resonance revealed both the spherical harmonic and mascon methodologies are able to recover the GLDAS and Antarctic mass loss signal with either a comparable (spherical harmonic) or improved (mascon) rms compared to non-resonance periods.

Experimental and theoretical debate on efficient second harmonic generation in Bis (Cinnamic acid): Hexamine cocrystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijayalakshmi, S.; Kalyanaraman, S.; Ravindran, T. R.

2014-02-01

Second harmonic generation (SHG) in Bis (Cinnamic acid): Hexamine cocrystal was extensively analyzed through charge transfer (CT). The CT interactions through hydrogen bonding were well established with the aid of vibrational analysis and Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis. The retentivity of coplanar nature of the cinnamic acid in the cocrystal was confirmed through UV-Visible spectroscopy and supported by Raman studies. Structural analysis indicated the quinoidal character of the given material presenting a high SHG efficiency. The first order hyperpolarizability value was calculated theoretically by density functional theory (DFT) and Hartree-Fock (HF) methods in support for the large value of SHG.

[Current status of diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in Shanghai revealed by a questionnaire analysis].

PubMed

Liu, J; Zhang, J; Cheng, Q J; Xu, J F; Jie, Z J; Jiao, Y; Huang, Y; Qu, J M

2018-04-12

Objective: To understand the current status of diagnosis and treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among doctors in various hospitals across Shanghai, for the purpose of promoting the 2016 clinical practice guidelines for adult CAP of China. Methods: A questionnaire was designed to address the common questions in CAP management. The responses were collected via WeChat and the data were analyzed. Results: A total of 1 254 valid questionnaires were received, 46.1% from tertiary , 26.4% from secondary and 27.5% from primary care hospitals. Of these valid respondents, 31.4% were respiratory physicians and 68.6% from non-respiratory physicians. When diagnosing CAP, 78.1% of the doctors would use chest CT in more than 50% of the patients. Regarding the tools for evaluating the severity of CAP, 60.3% of the respondents would prefer CURB-65. "Respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and septic shock" were the most common criteria for admission to ICU. Blood culture was not widely used in severe CAP regardless of the level of hospitals ( P >0.05). The results of this survey showed that the top 5 pathogenic microorganisms of CAP were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and Chlamydia pneumoniae. For non-severe CAP patients, all the doctors tended to select monotherapy. The most frequently used antimicrobial regimen for severe CAP was third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin monotherapy. As for combination therapy, the most frequently used regimen in tertiary hospitals was "carbapenem plus vancomycin" , while in primary and secondary hospitals it was "β-lactams plus macrolides" . More doctors from primary hospitals and non-respiratory medicine would consider "complete resolution of pulmonary opacity" as the indication to discontinue antimicrobial therapy or to discharge patients, and "prolonged high fever" , "large area consolidation" , "multiple lobe-segment involvement " as the indication for corticosteroid therapy. A significantly lower proportion of doctors in secondary and tertiary hospitals would recommend patients to receive vaccination than in primary hospitals ( P <0.05). Conclusions: This questionnaire study showed that there was a gap between the ideal and the real world practice in CAP management. Efforts should be made to popularize the 2016 CAP guideline in hospitals of any level of care, especially primary hospitals, for the purpose of further standardizing CAP management in China.

Variability of the martian seasonal CO2 cap extent over eight Mars Years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piqueux, Sylvain; Kleinböhl, Armin; Hayne, Paul O.; Kass, David M.; Schofield, John T.; McCleese, Daniel J.

2015-05-01

We present eight Mars Years of nearly continuous tracking of the CO2 seasonal cap edges from Mars Year (MY) 24 to 31 using Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Mars Climate Sounder (MCS) thermal infrared data. Spatial and temporal resolutions are 1 pixel per degree and 10°Ls (aerocentric longitude of the Sun). The seasonal caps are defined as the regions where the diurnal radiometric temperature variations at ∼32 μm wavelength do not exceed 5 K. With this definition, terrains with small areal fraction of defrosted regolith able to experience measurable diurnal temperature cycles are not mapped as part of the cap. This technique is adequate to distinguish CO2 from H2O ices, and effective during the polar night or under low illumination conditions. The present analysis answers outstanding questions stemming from fragmented observations at visible wavelengths: (1) the previously sparsely documented growth of the North seasonal caps (160° < Ls < 270°) is shown to be repeatable within 1-2° equivalent latitude, and monotonic over the MY 24-31 time period; high repeatability is observed during the retreat of the caps in non-dusty years (∼1° or less equivalent latitude); (2) the MY 25 storm does not seem to have impacted the growth rate, maximal extents, or recession rate of the North seasonal caps, whereas the MY 28 dust storm clearly sped up the recession of the cap (∼2° smaller on average after the storm, during the recession, compared to other years); (3) during non-dusty years, the growth of the South seasonal cap (350° < Ls < 100°) presents noticeable variability (up to ∼4° equivalent latitude near Ls = 20°) with a maximum extent reached near Ls = 90°; (4) the retreat of the Southern seasonal cap (100° < Ls < 310°) exhibits large inter-annual variability, especially near 190° < Ls < 220°; (5) the recession of the MY 25 South seasonal cap is significantly accelerated during the equinox global dust storm, with surface temperatures suggesting increased patchiness or enhanced dust mantling on the CO2 ice. These results suggest that atmospheric temperatures and dust loading are the primary source of variability in an otherwise remarkably repeatable cycle of seasonal cap growth and recession.

Science goals for a Mars Polar Cap subsurface mission : optical approaches for investigations of inclusions in ice

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carsey, Frank; Mogensen, Claus T.; Behar, Alberto; Engelhardt, Hermann; Lane, Arthur L.

2002-01-01

The Mars Polar Caps are highly interesting features of Mars and have received much recent attention with new and exciting data on morphology, basal units, and layered outcroppings. We have examined the climatological, glaciological, and geological issues associated with a subsurface exploration of the Mars North Polar Cap and have determined that a finescale optical examination of ice in a borehole, to examine the stratigraphy, geochemistry and geochronology of the ice, is feasible. This information will enable reconstruction of the development of the cap as well as prediction of the properties of its ice. We present visible imagery taken of dust inclusions in archived Greenland ice cores as well as in-situ images of accreted lithologic inclusions in West Antarctica, and we argue for use of this kind of data in Mars climate reconstruction as has been successful with Greenland and Antarctic ice core analysis. .

LS-CAP: an algorithm for identifying cytogenetic aberrations in hepatocellular carcinoma using microarray data.

PubMed

He, Xianmin; Wei, Qing; Sun, Meiqian; Fu, Xuping; Fan, Sichang; Li, Yao

2006-05-01

Biological techniques such as Array-Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH), fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and affymetrix single nucleotide pleomorphism (SNP) array have been used to detect cytogenetic aberrations. However, on genomic scale, these techniques are labor intensive and time consuming. Comparative genomic microarray analysis (CGMA) has been used to identify cytogenetic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using gene expression microarray data. However, CGMA algorithm can not give precise localization of aberrations, fails to identify small cytogenetic changes, and exhibits false negatives and positives. Locally un-weighted smoothing cytogenetic aberrations prediction (LS-CAP) based on local smoothing and binomial distribution can be expected to address these problems. LS-CAP algorithm was built and used on HCC microarray profiles. Eighteen cytogenetic abnormalities were identified, among them 5 were reported previously, and 12 were proven by CGH studies. LS-CAP effectively reduced the false negatives and positives, and precisely located small fragments with cytogenetic aberrations.

An essential role for trimethylguanosine RNA caps in Saccharomyces cerevisiae meiosis and their requirement for splicing of SAE3 and PCH2 meiotic pre-mRNAs

PubMed Central

Qiu, Zhicheng R.; Shuman, Stewart; Schwer, Beate

2011-01-01

Tgs1 is the enzyme that converts m7G RNA caps to the 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine (TMG) caps characteristic of spliceosomal snRNAs. Fungi grow vegetatively without TMG caps, thereby raising the question of what cellular transactions, if any, are TMG cap-dependent. Here, we report that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Tgs1 methyltransferase activity is essential for meiosis. tgs1Δ cells are specifically defective in splicing PCH2 and SAE3 meiotic pre-mRNAs. The TMG requirement for SAE3 splicing is alleviated by two intron mutations: a UAUUAAC to UACUAAC change that restores a consensus branchpoint and disruption of a stem–loop encompassing the branchpoint. The TMG requirement for PCH2 splicing is alleviated by a CACUAAC to UACUAAC change restoring a consensus branchpoint and by shortening the PCH2 5′ exon. Placing the SAE3 and PCH2 introns within a HIS3 reporter confers Tgs1-dependent histidine prototrophy, signifying that the respective introns are portable determinants of TMG-dependent gene expression. Analysis of in vitro splicing in extracts of TGS1 versus tgs1Δ cells showed that SAE3 intron removal was enfeebled without TMG caps, whereas splicing of ACT1 was unaffected. Our findings illuminate a new mode of tunable splicing, a reliance on TMG caps for an essential developmental RNA transaction, and three genetically distinct meiotic splicing regulons in budding yeast. PMID:21398639

An essential role for trimethylguanosine RNA caps in Saccharomyces cerevisiae meiosis and their requirement for splicing of SAE3 and PCH2 meiotic pre-mRNAs.

PubMed

Qiu, Zhicheng R; Shuman, Stewart; Schwer, Beate

2011-07-01

Tgs1 is the enzyme that converts m(7)G RNA caps to the 2,2,7-trimethylguanosine (TMG) caps characteristic of spliceosomal snRNAs. Fungi grow vegetatively without TMG caps, thereby raising the question of what cellular transactions, if any, are TMG cap-dependent. Here, we report that Saccharomyces cerevisiae Tgs1 methyltransferase activity is essential for meiosis. tgs1Δ cells are specifically defective in splicing PCH2 and SAE3 meiotic pre-mRNAs. The TMG requirement for SAE3 splicing is alleviated by two intron mutations: a UAUUAAC to UACUAAC change that restores a consensus branchpoint and disruption of a stem-loop encompassing the branchpoint. The TMG requirement for PCH2 splicing is alleviated by a CACUAAC to UACUAAC change restoring a consensus branchpoint and by shortening the PCH2 5' exon. Placing the SAE3 and PCH2 introns within a HIS3 reporter confers Tgs1-dependent histidine prototrophy, signifying that the respective introns are portable determinants of TMG-dependent gene expression. Analysis of in vitro splicing in extracts of TGS1 versus tgs1Δ cells showed that SAE3 intron removal was enfeebled without TMG caps, whereas splicing of ACT1 was unaffected. Our findings illuminate a new mode of tunable splicing, a reliance on TMG caps for an essential developmental RNA transaction, and three genetically distinct meiotic splicing regulons in budding yeast.

Porous hydroxyapatite and biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics promote ectopic osteoblast differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lingli; Hanagata, Nobutaka; Maeda, Megumi; Minowa, Takashi; Ikoma, Toshiyuki; Fan, Hongsong; Zhang, Xingdong

2009-04-01

Because calcium phosphate (Ca-P) ceramics have been used as bone substitutes, it is necessary to investigate what effects the ceramics have on osteoblast maturation. We prepared three types of Ca-P ceramics with different Ca-P ratios, i.e. hydroxyapatite (HA), beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics with dense-smooth and porous structures. Comprehensive gene expression microarray analysis of mouse osteoblast-like cells cultured on these ceramics revealed that porous Ca-P ceramics considerably affected the gene expression profiles, having a higher potential for osteoblast maturation. In the in vivo study that followed, porous Ca-P ceramics were implanted into rat skeletal muscle. Sixteen weeks after the implantation, more alkaline-phosphatase-positive cells were observed in the pores of hydroxyapatite and BCP, and the expression of the osteocalcin gene (an osteoblast-specific marker) in tissue grown in pores was also higher in hydroxyapatite and BCP than in β-TCP. In the pores of any Ca-P ceramics, 16 weeks after the implantation, we detected the expressions of marker genes of the early differentiation stage of chondrocytes and the complete differentiation stage of adipocytes, which originate from mesenchymal stem cells, as well as osteoblasts. These marker gene expressions were not observed in the muscle tissue surrounding the implanted Ca-P ceramics. These observations indicate that porous hydroxyapatite and BCP had a greater potential for promoting the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts than β-TCP.

Effect of Organic Capping Layers over Monodisperse Platinum Nanoparticles upon Activity for Ethylene Hydrogenation and Carbon Monoxide Oxidation

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

Kuhn, John N.; Tsung, Chia-Kuang; Huang, Wenyu

2009-03-24

The influence of oleylamine (OA), trimethyl tetradecyl ammonium bromide (TTAB), and polyvinlypyrrolidone (PVP) capping agents upon the catalytic properties of Pt/silica catalysts was evaluated. Pt nanoparticles that were 1.5 nm in size were synthesized by the same procedure (ethylene glycol reduction under basic conditions) with the various capping agents added afterward for stabilization. Before examining catalytic properties for ethylene hydrogenation and CO oxidation, the Pt NPs were deposited onto mesoporous silica (SBA-15) supports and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), H{sub 2} chemisorption, and elemental analysis (ICP-MS). PVP- and TTAB-capped Pt yielded mass-normalized reaction rates that decreased with increasing pretreatmentmore » temperature, and this trend was attributed to the partial coverage of the Pt surface with decomposition products from the organic capping agent. Once normalized to the Pt surface area, similar intrinsic activities were obtained regardless of the pretreatment temperature, which indicated no influence on the nature of the active sites. Consequently, a chemical probe technique using intrinsic activity for ethylene hydrogenation was demonstrated as an acceptable method for estimating the metallic surface areas of Pt. Amine (OA) capping exhibited a detrimental influence on the catalytic properties as severe deactivation and low activity were observed for ethylene hydrogenation and CO oxidation, respectively. These results were consistent with amine groups being strong poisons for Pt surfaces, and revealed the need to consider the effects of capping agents on the catalytic properties.« less

Community-acquired pneumonia in patients with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Molinos, L; Clemente, M G; Miranda, B; Alvarez, C; del Busto, B; Cocina, B R; Alvarez, F; Gorostidi, J; Orejas, C

2009-06-01

The purpose of this study was to analyse the possible differences, especially those regarding mortality, between patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with and without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the risk factors related to mortality in the COPD group. 710 patients with CAP were included in a prospective multicenter observational study. 244 of the patients had COPD confirmed by spirometry. COPD was associated with mortality in patients with CAP (OR=2.62 CI: 1.08-6.39). Patients with COPD and CAP had a significantly higher 30-day mortality rate as compared to patients without COPD. Multivariate analysis showed that PaO(2)< or =60 mmHg (OR=7.95; 95% CI: 3.40-27.5), PaCO(2)> or =45 mmHg (OR=4.6; CI: 2.3-15.1); respiratory rate > or =30/min (OR=12.25; CI: 3.45-35.57), pleural effusion (OR=8.6; 95% CI: 2.01-24.7), septic shock (OR=12.6; 95% CI: 3.4-45.66) and renal failure (OR=13.4; 95% CI: 3.2-37.8) were significantly related to mortality. Purulent sputum and fever were considered as protective factors. COPD was an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with CAP. Hypoxemia and hypercapnia are associated with mortality in patients with CAP with and without COPD. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and PaCO(2) value could be useful prognostic factors and should be incorporated in risk stratification in patients with CAP.

Pneumococcal vaccination reduces the risk of community-acquired pneumonia in children.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Junko; Mori, Mitsuru; Ohnishi, Hirofumi; Tsugawa, Takeshi; Hori, Tsukasa; Yoto, Yuko; Tsutsumi, Hiroyuki

2017-03-01

The seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced to Japan in 2009, after which there was a rapid decline in invasive pneumococcal disease. There are few data, however, on the effectiveness of PCV7 against community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We conducted an ambispective cohort study among children aged 0-6 years old who attended day-care centers. A total of 624 children at 10 day-care centers in Sapporo, Japan participated in the study. The parents reported whether their child had received PCV7 one or more times, as well as the exact dates of vaccination from records in maternal and child health handbooks marked by pediatricians. Each CAP event was reported by parents according to doctor diagnosis. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI of CAP incidence reduced by PCV7 inoculation. During the observational period, 94 subjects contracted CAP. After adjusting for potentially confounding variables, inoculation with PCV7 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of CAP (HR, 0.22; 95%CI: 0.13-0.34). On stratified analysis by age, PCV7 was significantly associated with a reduced risk of CAP in both children aged <3 years (HR, 0.31; 95%CI: 0.14-0.71), and those ≥3 years (HR, 0.20; 95%CI: 0.09-0.43). PCV7 is highly effective in reducing the risk of CAP in children attending day-care centers. © 2016 Japan Pediatric Society.

Detection of increase in corneal irregularity due to pterygium using Fourier series harmonic analyses with multiple diameters.

PubMed

Minami, Keiichiro; Miyata, Kazunori; Otani, Atsushi; Tokunaga, Tadatoshi; Tokuda, Shouta; Amano, Shiro

2018-05-01

To determine steep increase of corneal irregularity induced by advancement of pterygium. A total of 456 eyes from 456 consecutive patients with primary pterygia were examined for corneal topography and advancement of pterygium with respect to the corneal diameter. Corneal irregularity induced by the pterygium advancement was evaluated by Fourier harmonic analyses of the topographic data that were modified for a series of analysis diameters from 1 mm to 6 mm. Incidences of steep increases in the asymmetry or higher-order irregularity components (inflection points) were determined by using segmented regression analysis for each analysis diameter. The pterygium advancement ranged from 2% to 57%, with a mean of 22.0%. Both components showed steep increases from the inflection points. The inflection points in the higher-order irregularity component altered with the analysis diameter (14.0%-30.6%), while there was no alternation in the asymmetry components (35.5%-36.8%). For the former component, the values at the inflection points were obtained in a range of 0.16 to 0.25 D. The Fourier harmonic analyses for a series of analysis diameters revealed that the higher-order irregularity component increased with the pterygium advancement. The analysis results confirmed the precedence of corneal irregularity due to pterygium advancement.

The analysis of 3-phase squirrel-cage induction motors including space harmonics and mutual slotting in transient and steady state

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

Paap, G.C.

1991-03-01

From general equations which describe the transient electromechanical behavior of the asynchronous squirrel-cage motor, and which include the influence of space harmonics and mutual slotting, simplified models are derived and compared. The models derived are demonstrated in examples where special attention is paid to the influence of the place of the harmonics in the mutual inductance matrix and the influence of mutual slotting. Further, the steady-state equations are derived and the back-transformation for the stator and rotor currents is given. One example is compared with the result of measurements.

KvN mechanics approach to the time-dependent frequency harmonic oscillator.

PubMed

Ramos-Prieto, Irán; Urzúa-Pineda, Alejandro R; Soto-Eguibar, Francisco; Moya-Cessa, Héctor M

2018-05-30

Using the Ermakov-Lewis invariants appearing in KvN mechanics, the time-dependent frequency harmonic oscillator is studied. The analysis builds upon the operational dynamical model, from which it is possible to infer quantum or classical dynamics; thus, the mathematical structure governing the evolution will be the same in both cases. The Liouville operator associated with the time-dependent frequency harmonic oscillator can be transformed using an Ermakov-Lewis invariant, which is also time dependent and commutes with itself at any time. Finally, because the solution of the Ermakov equation is involved in the evolution of the classical state vector, we explore some analytical and numerical solutions.

Is elevated Red cell distribution width a prognostic predictor in adult patients with community acquired Pneumonia?

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. We recently demonstrated that among young patients (<60 years old) with CAP, elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) level on admission was associated with significant higher rates of mortality and severe morbidity. We aimed to investigate the prognostic predictive value of RDW among CAP patients in general population of internal wards. Methods The cohort included patients of 18 years old or older who were diagnosed with CAP (defined as pneumonia identified 48 hours or less from hospitalization) between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010. Patients were retrospectively analyzed for risk factors for a primary endpoint of 90-day mortality. Secondary endpoint was defined as complicated hospitalization (defined as at least one of the following: In- hospital mortality, length of stay of at least 10 days or ICU admission). Binary logistic regression analysis was used for the calculation of the odds ratios (OR) and p values in univariate and multivariate analysis to identify association between patient characteristic, 90-day mortality and complicated hospitalization. Results The cohort included 3815 patients. In univariate analysis, patients with co-morbid conditions tended to have a complicated course of CAP. In multivariate regression analysis, variables associated with an increased risk of 90-day mortality included age > 70 years, high Charlson comorbidity index (>2), Hb < 10 mg/dl, Na <130 meq/l, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) >30 mg/dl, systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg and elevated RDW >15%. Variables associated with complicated hospitalization included high Charlson comorbidity index, BUN > 30 mg/dl, hemoglobin < 10 g/dl, heart rate >124 bpm, systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg and elevated RDW. Mortality rate and complicated hospitalization were significantly higher among patients with increased RDW regardless of the white blood cell count or hemoglobin levels. Conclusions Elevated RDW levels on admission are associated with significant higher rates of mortality and severe morbidity in adult patients with CAP. RDW as a prognostic marker was unrelated with hemoglobin levels, WBC count, age or Charlson score. PMID:24597687

Harmonics analysis of the photonic time stretch system.

PubMed

Mei, Yuan; Xu, Boyu; Chi, Hao; Jin, Tao; Zheng, Shilie; Jin, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Xianmin

2016-09-10

Photonic time stretch (PTS) has been intensively investigated in recent decades due to its potential application to ultra-wideband analog-to-digital conversion. A high-speed analog signal can be captured by an electronic analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with the help of the PTS technique, which slows down the speed of signal in the photonic domain. Unfortunately, the process of the time stretch is not linear due to the nonlinear modulation of the electro-optic intensity modulator in the PTS system, which means the undesired harmonics distortion. In this paper, we present an exact analytical model to fully characterize the harmonics generation in the PTS systems for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. We obtain concise and closed-form expressions for all harmonics of the PTS system with either a single-arm Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) or a push-pull MZM. The presented model can largely simplify the PTS system design and the system parameters estimation, such as system bandwidth, harmonics power, time-bandwidth product, and dynamic range. The correctness of the mathematic model is verified by the numerical and experimental results.

Learning high-level features for chord recognition using Autoencoder

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phongthongloa, Vilailukkana; Kamonsantiroj, Suwatchai; Pipanmaekaporn, Luepol

2016-07-01

Chord transcription is valuable to do by itself. It is known that the manual transcription of chords is very tiresome, time-consuming. It requires, moreover, musical knowledge. Automatic chord recognition has recently attracted a number of researches in the Music Information Retrieval field. It has known that a pitch class profile (PCP) is the commonly signal representation of musical harmonic analysis. However, the PCP may contain additional non-harmonic noise such as harmonic overtones and transient noise. The problem of non-harmonic might be generating the sound energy in term of frequency more than the actual notes of the respective chord. Autoencoder neural network may be trained to learn a mapping from low level feature to one or more higher-level representation. These high-level representations can explain dependencies of the inputs and reduce the effect of non-harmonic noise. Then these improve features are fed into neural network classifier. The proposed high-level musical features show 80.90% of accuracy. The experimental results have shown that the proposed approach can achieve better performance in comparison with other based method.

Region Spherical Harmonic Magnetic Modeling from Near-Surface and Satellite-Altitude Anomlaies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Hyung Rae; von Frese, Ralph R. B.; Taylor, Patrick T.

2013-01-01

The compiled near-surface data and satellite crustal magnetic measured data are modeled with a regionally concentrated spherical harmonic presentation technique over Australia and Antarctica. Global crustal magnetic anomaly studies have used a spherical harmonic analysis to represent the Earth's magnetic crustal field. This global approach, however is best applied where the data are uniformly distributed over the entire Earth. Satellite observations generally meet this requirement, but unequally distributed data cannot be easily adapted in global modeling. Even for the satellite observations, due to the errors spread over the globe, data smoothing is inevitable in the global spherical harmonic presentations. In addition, global high-resolution modeling requires a great number of global spherical harmonic coefficients for the regional presentation of crustal magnetic anomalies, whereas a lesser number of localized spherical coefficients will satisfy. We compared methods in both global and regional approaches and for a case where the errors were propagated outside the region of interest. For observations from the upcoming Swarm constellation, the regional modeling will allow the production a lesser number of spherical coefficients that are relevant to the region of interest

A Novel Method to Reconstruct the Force Curve by Higher Harmonics of the First Two Flexural Modes in Frequency Modulation Atomic Force Microscope (FM-AFM).

PubMed

Zhang, Suoxin; Qian, Jianqiang; Li, Yingzi; Zhang, Yingxu; Wang, Zhenyu

2018-06-04

Atomic force microscope (AFM) is an idealized tool to measure the physical and chemical properties of the sample surfaces by reconstructing the force curve, which is of great significance to materials science, biology, and medicine science. Frequency modulation atomic force microscope (FM-AFM) collects the frequency shift as feedback thus having high force sensitivity and it accomplishes a true noncontact mode, which means great potential in biological sample detection field. However, it is a challenge to establish the relationship between the cantilever properties observed in practice and the tip-sample interaction theoretically. Moreover, there is no existing method to reconstruct the force curve in FM-AFM combining the higher harmonics and the higher flexural modes. This paper proposes a novel method that a full force curve can be reconstructed by any order higher harmonics of the first two flexural modes under any vibration amplitude in FM-AFM. Moreover, in the small amplitude regime, short range forces are reconstructed more accurately by higher harmonics analysis compared with fundamental harmonics using the Sader-Jarvis formula.

Controlling electron quantum paths for generation of circularly polarized high-order harmonics by H2+ subject to tailored (ω , 2 ω ) counter-rotating laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heslar, John; Telnov, Dmitry A.; Chu, Shih-I.

2018-04-01

Recently, studies of high-order harmonics (HHG) from atoms driven by bichromatic counter-rotating circularly polarized laser fields as a source of coherent circularly polarized extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and soft-x-ray beams in a tabletop-scale setup have received considerable attention. Here, we demonstrate the ability to control the electron recollisions giving three returns per one cycle of the fundamental frequency ω by using tailored bichromatic (ω , 2 ω ) counter-rotating circularly polarized laser fields with a molecular target. The full control of the electronic pathway is first analyzed by a classical trajectory analysis and then extended to a detailed quantum study of H2+ molecules in bichromatic (ω , 2 ω ) counter-rotating circularly polarized laser fields. The radiation spectrum contains doublets of left- and right-circularly polarized harmonics in the XUV ranges. We study in detail the below-, near-, and above-threshold harmonic regions and describe how excited-state resonances alter the ellipticity and phase of the generated harmonic peaks.

Measurement of Jupiter’s asymmetric gravity field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iess, L.; Folkner, W. M.; Durante, D.; Parisi, M.; Kaspi, Y.; Galanti, E.; Guillot, T.; Hubbard, W. B.; Stevenson, D. J.; Anderson, J. D.; Buccino, D. R.; Casajus, L. Gomez; Milani, A.; Park, R.; Racioppa, P.; Serra, D.; Tortora, P.; Zannoni, M.; Cao, H.; Helled, R.; Lunine, J. I.; Miguel, Y.; Militzer, B.; Wahl, S.; Connerney, J. E. P.; Levin, S. M.; Bolton, S. J.

2018-03-01

The gravity harmonics of a fluid, rotating planet can be decomposed into static components arising from solid-body rotation and dynamic components arising from flows. In the absence of internal dynamics, the gravity field is axially and hemispherically symmetric and is dominated by even zonal gravity harmonics J2n that are approximately proportional to qn, where q is the ratio between centrifugal acceleration and gravity at the planet’s equator. Any asymmetry in the gravity field is attributed to differential rotation and deep atmospheric flows. The odd harmonics, J3, J5, J7, J9 and higher, are a measure of the depth of the winds in the different zones of the atmosphere. Here we report measurements of Jupiter’s gravity harmonics (both even and odd) through precise Doppler tracking of the Juno spacecraft in its polar orbit around Jupiter. We find a north–south asymmetry, which is a signature of atmospheric and interior flows. Analysis of the harmonics, described in two accompanying papers, provides the vertical profile of the winds and precise constraints for the depth of Jupiter’s dynamical atmosphere.

Harmonic Allocation of Authorship Credit: Source-Level Correction of Bibliometric Bias Assures Accurate Publication and Citation Analysis

PubMed Central

Hagen, Nils T.

2008-01-01

Authorship credit for multi-authored scientific publications is routinely allocated either by issuing full publication credit repeatedly to all coauthors, or by dividing one credit equally among all coauthors. The ensuing inflationary and equalizing biases distort derived bibliometric measures of merit by systematically benefiting secondary authors at the expense of primary authors. Here I show how harmonic counting, which allocates credit according to authorship rank and the number of coauthors, provides simultaneous source-level correction for both biases as well as accommodating further decoding of byline information. I also demonstrate large and erratic effects of counting bias on the original h-index, and show how the harmonic version of the h-index provides unbiased bibliometric ranking of scientific merit while retaining the original's essential simplicity, transparency and intended fairness. Harmonic decoding of byline information resolves the conundrum of authorship credit allocation by providing a simple recipe for source-level correction of inflationary and equalizing bias. Harmonic counting could also offer unrivalled accuracy in automated assessments of scientific productivity, impact and achievement. PMID:19107201

Genotype harmonizer: automatic strand alignment and format conversion for genotype data integration.

PubMed

Deelen, Patrick; Bonder, Marc Jan; van der Velde, K Joeri; Westra, Harm-Jan; Winder, Erwin; Hendriksen, Dennis; Franke, Lude; Swertz, Morris A

2014-12-11

To gain statistical power or to allow fine mapping, researchers typically want to pool data before meta-analyses or genotype imputation. However, the necessary harmonization of genetic datasets is currently error-prone because of many different file formats and lack of clarity about which genomic strand is used as reference. Genotype Harmonizer (GH) is a command-line tool to harmonize genetic datasets by automatically solving issues concerning genomic strand and file format. GH solves the unknown strand issue by aligning ambiguous A/T and G/C SNPs to a specified reference, using linkage disequilibrium patterns without prior knowledge of the used strands. GH supports many common GWAS/NGS genotype formats including PLINK, binary PLINK, VCF, SHAPEIT2 & Oxford GEN. GH is implemented in Java and a large part of the functionality can also be used as Java 'Genotype-IO' API. All software is open source under license LGPLv3 and available from http://www.molgenis.org/systemsgenetics. GH can be used to harmonize genetic datasets across different file formats and can be easily integrated as a step in routine meta-analysis and imputation pipelines.

Complex metabolic oscillations in plants forced by harmonic irradiance.

PubMed Central

Nedbal, Ladislav; Brezina, Vítezslav

2002-01-01

Plants exposed to harmonically modulated irradiance, approximately 1 + cos(omegat), exhibit a complex periodic pattern of chlorophyll fluorescence emission that can be deconvoluted into a steady-state component, a component that is modulated with the frequency of the irradiance (omega), and into at least two upper harmonic components (2omega and 3omega). A model is proposed that accounts for the upper harmonics in fluorescence emission by nonlinear negative feedback regulation of photosynthesis. In contrast to simpler linear models, the model predicts that the steady-state fluorescence component will depend on the frequency of light modulation, and that amplitudes of all fluorescence components will exhibit resonance peak(s) when the irradiance frequency is tuned to an internal frequency of a regulatory component. The experiments confirmed that the upper harmonic components appear and exhibit distinct resonant peaks. The frequency of autonomous oscillations observed earlier upon an abrupt increase in CO(2) concentration corresponds to the sharpest of the resonant peaks of the forced oscillations. We propose that the underlying principles are general for a wide spectrum of negative-feedback regulatory mechanisms. The analysis by forced harmonic oscillations will enable us to examine internal dynamics of regulatory processes that have not been accessible to noninvasive fluorescence monitoring to date. PMID:12324435

An Analytical Evaluation of Contingency Contracting Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan: Capturing Critical Corporate Knowledge for the Future

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-07

Contingency Operations Task Force, 2011, p. 4)...........................68  Figure 25.  Original Organizational Makeup for the CASO (After Deputy...Workforce CAP Civilian Augmentation Program CAP Crisis Action Planning CASO Contingency Acquisition Support Office CBP Capability-Based...its inclusion in joint exercises;  Identify and assign responsibilities to institutionalize OCS lesson development, analysis, documentation and use

A Demographic Analysis of the Impact of Property Tax Caps on Indiana School Districts

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hirth, Marilyn A.; Lagoni, Christopher

2014-01-01

In 2008, the Indiana legislature passed and the governor signed into law House Enrolled Act No. 1001, now referred to as Public Law 146-2008, which capped Indiana school districts' ability to raise revenues from the local property tax without local voter approval. To phase in the impact of the law, the state provided school districts with levy…

Human recombinant cementum attachment protein (hrPTPLa/CAP) promotes hydroxyapatite crystal formation in vitro and bone healing in vivo.

PubMed

Montoya, Gonzalo; Arenas, Jesús; Romo, Enrique; Zeichner-David, Margarita; Alvarez, Marco; Narayanan, A Sampath; Velázquez, Ulises; Mercado, Gabriela; Arzate, Higinio

2014-12-01

Cementum extracellular matrix is similar to other mineralized tissues; however, this unique tissue contains molecules only present in cementum. A cDNA of these molecules, cementum attachment protein (hrPTPLa/CAP) was cloned and expressed in a prokaryotic system. This molecule is an alternative splicing of protein tyrosine phosphatase-like A (PTPLa). In this study, we wanted to determine the structural and functional characteristics of this protein. Our results indicate that hrPTPLa/CAP contains a 43.2% α-helix, 8.9% β-sheet, 2% β-turn and 45.9% random coil secondary structure. Dynamic light scattering shows that this molecule has a size distribution of 4.8 nm and aggregates as an estimated mass of 137 kDa species. AFM characterization and FE-SEM studies indicate that this protein self-assembles into nanospheres with sizes ranging from 7.0 to 27 nm in diameter. Functional studies demonstrate that hrPTPLa/CAP promotes hydroxyapatite crystal nucleation: EDS analysis revealed that hrPTPLa/CAP-induced crystals had a 1.59 ± 0.06 Ca/P ratio. Further confirmation with MicroRaman spectrometry and TEM confirm the presence of hydroxyapatite. In vivo studies using critical-size defects in rat cranium showed that hrPTPLa/CAP promoted 73% ± 2.19% and 87% ± 1.97% new bone formation at 4 and 8 weeks respectively. Although originally identified in cementum, PTPLa/CAP is very effective at inducing bone repair and healing and therefore this novel molecule has a great potential to be used for mineralized tissue bioengineering and tissue regeneration. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Capillary CAA and perivascular Aβ-deposition: two distinct features of Alzheimer's disease pathology.

PubMed

Attems, Johannes; Yamaguchi, Haruyasu; Saido, Takaomi C; Thal, Dietmar Rudolf

2010-12-15

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is frequently seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD) cases and represents one of its histopathological hallmarks. CAA is characterized by amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposits within vessel walls. In addition to arteries and veins capillaries can also be affected. Aβ deposition into the capillary wall is, thereby, known as capillary CAA (capCAA) and strongly associated with the apolipoprotein E APOEε4 allele as a risk factor. Aβ deposits along the pericapillary glia limitans are described as pericapillary Aβ (pericapAβ: synonymous with pericapillary CAA in other studies). Here, we studied the relationship between pericapAβ and capCAA in 58 human autopsy cases. Although pericapAβ and capCAA were more frequently found in AD cases compared to controls and although they exhibited a correlation to one another, detailed analysis revealed that there is a significant number of cases with pericapAβ lacking capCAA and vice versa. Moreover, single capillaries show either both pathologies or pericapAβ or capCAA only. There was no local association between these pathologies when analyzing multiple capillaries in each given case. Moreover, pericapAβ predominantly exhibited Aβ(42) whereas capCAA contained both Aβ(42) and Aβ(40). These differences as well as differences in the related astroglial reaction indicate that pericapAβ and capCAA are not directly linked. PericapAβ appears to represent initial Aβ accumulation along the glia limitans that is involved in the perivascular drainage of apoE and Aβ regardless of the APOE genotype whereas capCAA could be explained by a limited transendothelial clearance of apoE4-Aβ complexes compared to apoE2/3-Aβ complexes. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PEP Talk: Prostate Education Program, "Cutting Through the Uncertainty of Prostate Cancer for Black Men Using Decision Support Instruments in Barbershops".

PubMed

Frencher, Stanley K; Sharma, Arun K; Teklehaimanot, Senait; Wadzani, Dennis; Ike, Ijeoma E; Hart, Alton; Norris, Keith

2016-09-01

The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of using decision support instruments (DSI) to assist African-American (AA) men in making a prostate cancer (CaP) screening decision. This nonrandomized pretest-posttest comparison study assessed two DSI that were either culturally tailored or culturally nonspecific. CaP knowledge, intention to screen, and preferences were assessed before and after exposure to DSI using a convenience sample of 120 AA men aged 40 years and above. Participants interested in screening were referred to healthcare providers through a community-based patient navigator to obtain prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. We followed up 3 months after to determine if participants screened for CaP. CaP knowledge increased following exposure to both DSI in equivalent proportions. While similar proportions of men ultimately intended on having a PSA test following both DSI, bivariate analysis revealed that the culturally tailored DSI demonstrated a statistically significant increase in intention to screen. Participants' degree of certainty in their decision-making process with regard to CaP screening increased following the culturally tailored DSI (p < .001). The majority of participants planned on discussing CaP screening with a healthcare provider upon completion of the study. Barbershop-based health education can change the knowledge, preferences, intentions, and behaviors of this at-risk population. At 3 months follow-up, half (n = 58) of the participants underwent PSA testing, which led to the diagnosis of CaP in one participant. Community-led interventions for CaP, such as cluster-randomized designs in barbershops, are needed to better assess the efficacy of DSI in community settings.

Late-Onset Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes Caused by Somatic NLRP3 Mosaicism—UK Single Center Experience

PubMed Central

Rowczenio, Dorota M.; Gomes, Sónia Melo; Aróstegui, Juan I.; Mensa-Vilaro, Anna; Omoyinmi, Ebun; Trojer, Hadija; Baginska, Anna; Baroja-Mazo, Alberto; Pelegrin, Pablo; Savic, Sinisa; Lane, Thirusha; Williams, Rene; Brogan, Paul; Lachmann, Helen J.; Hawkins, Philip N.

2017-01-01

Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is caused by gain-of-function NLRP3 mutations. Recently, somatic NLRP3 mosaicism has been reported in some CAPS patients who were previously classified as “mutation-negative.” We describe here the clinical and laboratory findings in eight British adult patients who presented with symptoms typical of CAPS other than an onset in mid-late adulthood. All patients underwent comprehensive clinical and laboratory investigations, including analysis of the NLRP3 gene using Sanger and amplicon-based deep sequencing (ADS) along with measurements of extracellular apoptosis-associated speck-like protein with CARD domain (ASC) aggregates. The clinical phenotype in all subjects was consistent with mid-spectrum CAPS, except a median age at disease onset of 50 years. Sanger sequencing of NLRP3 was non-diagnostic but ADS detected a somatic NLRP3 mutation in each case. In one patient, DNA isolated from blood demonstrated an increase in the mutant allele from 5 to 45% over 12 years. ASC aggregates in patients’ serum measured during active disease were significantly higher than healthy controls. This series represents 8% of CAPS patients diagnosed in a single center, suggesting that acquired NLRP3 mutations may not be an uncommon cause of the syndrome and should be sought in all patients with late-onset symptoms otherwise compatible with CAPS. Steadily worsening CAPS symptoms in one patient were associated with clonal expansion of the mutant allele predominantly affecting myeloid cells. Two patients developed AA amyloidosis, which previously has only been reported in CAPS in association with life-long germline NLRP3 mutations. PMID:29163488

Thermographic Analysis of Composite Cobonds on the X-33

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, S. S.; Walker, J. L.; Lansing, M. D.

2001-01-01

During the manufacture of the X-33 liquid hydrogen (LH2) Tank 2, a total of 36 reinforcing caps were inspected thermographically. The cured reinforcing sheets of graphite/epoxy were bonded to the tank using a wet cobond process with vacuum bagging and low temperature curing. A foam filler material wedge separated the reinforcing caps from the outer skin of the tank. Manufacturing difficulties caused by a combination of the size of the reinforcing caps and their complex geometry lead to a potential for trapping air in the bond line. An inspection process was desired to ensure that the bond line was free of voids before it had cured so that measures could be taken to rub out the entrapped air or remove the cap and perform additional surface matching. Infrared thermography was used to perform the procure 'wet bond' inspection as well a to document the final 'cured' condition of the caps. The thermal map of the bond line was acquired by heating the cap with either a flash lamp or a set of high intensity quartz lamps and then viewing it during cool down. The inspections were performed through the vacuum bag and voids were characterized by localized hot spots. In order to ensure that the cap had bonded to the tank properly, a post cure 'flash heating' thermographic investigation was performed with the vacuum bag removed. Any regions that had opened up after the preliminary inspection or that were hidden during the bagging operation were marked and filled by drilling small holes in the cap and injecting resin. This process was repeated until all critical sized voids were filled.

Occupational Stress, Work-Family Conflict and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Bank Employees: The Role of Psychological Capital.

PubMed

Kan, Dan; Yu, Xiaosong

2016-01-16

Although depression is a major problem affecting the physical and mental health of the occupational population worldwide, little research is available among bank employees. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of occupational stress and work-family conflict on depressive symptoms and the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap). A cross-sectional study was performed from May to June in 2013 in Liaoning province, China. The effort-reward imbalance (ERB) scale, the work-family conflict scale, the PsyCap questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale were completed by 1546 employees in state-owned banks. A total of 1239 effective respondents (467 men and 772 women) became our subjects. Hierarchical regression analysis was carried out to explore the effects of extrinsic effort, reward, overcommitment, work-family conflict, and PsyCap on depressive symptoms. The mediating role of PsyCap was examined using Preacher and Hayes' asymptotic and resampling strategies. The mean score of depressive symptoms was 18.4 (SD = 7.6) among the Chinese bank employees. Extrinsic effort, overcommitment and work-family conflict were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Reward and PsyCap were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The significant mediating roles of PsyCap in the associations of extrinsic effort (a*b = 0.046, BCa 95% CI: 0.029, 0.066) and reward (a*b = -0.047, BCa 95% CI: -0.065, -0.030) with depressive symptoms were revealed. There is a high level of depressive symptoms among Chinese bank employees. PsyCap partially mediates the effects of extrinsic effort and reward on depressive symptoms. Investing in PsyCap may provide new approaches to improve mental health among Chinese bank employees.

Polar CAP Boundary Identification Using Redline Imaging Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spanswick, E.; Roy, E. A.; Gallardo-Lacourt, B.; Donovan, E.; Ridley, A. J.; Gou, D.

2017-12-01

The location of the polar cap boundary is typically detected using low-orbit satellite measurements in which the boundary is identified by its unique signature of a sharp decrease in energy and particle flux poleward of the auroral oval. A previous study based in optical data by Blanchard et al. [1995] suggested that a dramatic gradient in redline aurora may also be an indicator of the polar cap boundary. While this study has been heavily cited, it was only based on few events and its findings have largely gone uncontested. Since the Blanchard study, satellite instrumentation and available auroral data have improved significantly. Auroral imaging has moved well beyond the capabilities of the instrumentation in the previous study in terms of sensitivity and both spatial and temporal resolution. We now have access to decades of optical data from arrays spanning a huge spatial range; none of which was available previously. In this study we have used data from FAST and DMSP satellites in conjunction with the University of Calgary's Narrow-band All-sky Cameras for Auroral Monitoring (NASCAM) ground based auroral imaging array and the REdline Geospace Observatory (REGO) data to assess the viability of automated detection of the polar cap boundary. In our analysis we used redline (630nm) auroral signatures from the ground based imagers around the location of the polar cap boundary observed in satellite data. We have characterized the polar cap boundary luminosity and location using the redline auroral data during different geomagnetic conditions. Our results enable a new tool to automatically identify the polar cap boundary to reach a deeper understanding of the connection between polar cap location and auroral activity.

Self-assembly of short aβ(16-22) peptides: effect of terminal capping and the role of electrostatic interaction.

PubMed

Tao, Kai; Wang, Jiqian; Zhou, Peng; Wang, Chengdong; Xu, Hai; Zhao, Xiubo; Lu, Jian R

2011-03-15

We report the characterization of self-assembly of two short β-amyloid (Aβ) peptides (16-22), KLVFFAE and Ac-KLVFFAE-NH2, focusing on examining the effect of terminal capping. At pH 2.0, TEM and AFM imaging revealed that the uncapped peptide self-assembled into long, straight, and unbranched nanofibrils with a diameter of 3.8 ± 1.0 nm while the capped one formed nanotapes with a width of 70.0 ± 25.0 nm. CD analysis indicated the formation of β-sheet structures in both aggregated systems, but the characteristic CD peaks were less intense and less red-shifted for the uncapped than the capped one, indicative of weaker hydrogen bonding and weaker π-π stacking. Fluorescence and rheological measurements also confirmed stronger intermolecular attraction associated with the capped nanotapes. At acidic pH 2, each uncapped KLVFFAE molecule carries two positive charges at the N-terminus, and the strong electrostatic repulsion favors interfacial curving and twisting within the β-sheet, causing weakening of hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking. In contrast, capping reduces the charge by half, and intermolecular electrostatic repulsion is drastically reduced. As a result, the lateral attraction of β-sheets favors stronger lamellar structuring, leading to the formation of rather flat nanotapes. Flat tapes with similar morphological structure were also formed by the capped peptide at pH 12.0 where the charge on the capping end was reversed. This study has thus demonstrated how self-assembled nanostructures of small peptides can be manipulated through simple molecular structure design and tuning of electrostatic interaction.

Occupational Stress, Work-Family Conflict and Depressive Symptoms among Chinese Bank Employees: The Role of Psychological Capital

PubMed Central

Kan, Dan; Yu, Xiaosong

2016-01-01

Although depression is a major problem affecting the physical and mental health of the occupational population worldwide, little research is available among bank employees. The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of occupational stress and work-family conflict on depressive symptoms and the mediating role of psychological capital (PsyCap). A cross-sectional study was performed from May to June in 2013 in Liaoning province, China. The effort-reward imbalance (ERB) scale, the work-family conflict scale, the PsyCap questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale were completed by 1546 employees in state-owned banks. A total of 1239 effective respondents (467 men and 772 women) became our subjects. Hierarchical regression analysis was carried out to explore the effects of extrinsic effort, reward, overcommitment, work-family conflict, and PsyCap on depressive symptoms. The mediating role of PsyCap was examined using Preacher and Hayes’ asymptotic and resampling strategies. The mean score of depressive symptoms was 18.4 (SD = 7.6) among the Chinese bank employees. Extrinsic effort, overcommitment and work-family conflict were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Reward and PsyCap were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The significant mediating roles of PsyCap in the associations of extrinsic effort (a*b = 0.046, BCa 95% CI: 0.029, 0.066) and reward (a*b = −0.047, BCa 95% CI: −0.065, −0.030) with depressive symptoms were revealed. There is a high level of depressive symptoms among Chinese bank employees. PsyCap partially mediates the effects of extrinsic effort and reward on depressive symptoms. Investing in PsyCap may provide new approaches to improve mental health among Chinese bank employees. PMID:26784215

Thermographic Analysis of Composite Cobonds on the X-33

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, Samuel S.; Walker, James L.; Lansing, Matthew D.; Whitaker, Ann F. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

During the manufacture of the X-33 liquid hydrogen (LH2) Tank 2, a total of thirty-six reinforcing caps were inspected thermographically. The cured reinforcing sheets of graphite/epoxy were bonded to the tank using a wet cobond process with vacuum bagging and low temperature curing. A foam filler material wedge separated the reinforcing caps from the outer skin of the tank. Manufacturing difficulties caused by a combination of the size of the reinforcing caps and their complex geometry lead to a potential for trapping air in the bond line. An inspection process was desired to ensure that the bond line was free of voids before it had cured so that measures could be taken to rub out the entrapped air or remove the cap and perform additional surface matching. Infrared thermography was used to perform the precure "wet bond" inspection as well as to document the final "cured" condition of the caps. The thermal map of the bond line was acquired by heating the cap with either a flash lamp or a set of high intensity quartz lamps and then viewing it during cool down. The inspections were performed through the vacuum bag and voids were characterized by localized hot spots. In order to ensure that the cap had bonded to the tank properly, a post cure "flash heating" thermographic investigation was performed with the vacuum bag removed. Any regions that had opened up after the preliminary inspection or that were hidden during the bagging operation were marked and filled by drilling small holes in the cap and injecting resin. This process was repeated until all critical sized voids were filled.

Generation of Bright, Spatially Coherent Soft X-Ray High Harmonics in a Hollow Waveguide Using Two-Color Synthesized Laser Pulses.

PubMed

Jin, Cheng; Stein, Gregory J; Hong, Kyung-Han; Lin, C D

2015-07-24

We investigate the efficient generation of low-divergence high-order harmonics driven by waveform-optimized laser pulses in a gas-filled hollow waveguide. The drive waveform is obtained by synthesizing two-color laser pulses, optimized such that highest harmonic yields are emitted from each atom. Optimization of the gas pressure and waveguide configuration has enabled us to produce bright and spatially coherent harmonics extending from the extreme ultraviolet to soft x rays. Our study on the interplay among waveguide mode, atomic dispersion, and plasma effect uncovers how dynamic phase matching is accomplished and how an optimized waveform is maintained when optimal waveguide parameters (radius and length) and gas pressure are identified. Our analysis should help laboratory development in the generation of high-flux bright coherent soft x rays as tabletop light sources for applications.

Theoretical study of high-order harmonic generation from the hydrogen molecular ion with a dichromatic spatially inhomogeneous field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xiao-Hu; Wang, Yan-Jun; Miao, Xiang-Yang

2018-05-01

We theoretically investigate the enhancement of high-order harmonic generation by numerically solving the non-Born-Oppenheimer time-dependent Schrödinger equation from the hydrogen molecular ion in a dichromatic inhomogeneous laser field. An ultrabroad supercontinuum up to 300 orders spectral width is generated. It is found that not only the inhomogeneity, but also the dichromatic field contributes to the significant extension of the harmonic cutoff compared with a monochromatic inhomogeneous laser field. Meanwhile, the long quantum paths can be suppressed and short ones can be enhanced by selecting optimized inhomogeneous parameter β, intensity and carrier envelope phase of the dichromatic inhomogeneous laser field. Furthermore, by superposing a properly selected range of the harmonic spectrum in the continuum region, an isolated 29-as pulse is generated. Both the classical theory and quantum time-frequency analysis are adopted to explain the physical mechanism.

Harmonic cavities and the transverse mode-coupling instability driven by a resistive wall

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

Venturini, M.

The effect of rf harmonic cavities on the transverse mode-coupling instability (TMCI) is still not very well understood. We offer a fresh perspective on the problem by proposing a new numerical method for mode analysis and investigating a regime of potential interest to the new generation of light sources where resistive wall is the dominant source of transverse impedance. When the harmonic cavities are tuned for maximum flattening of the bunch profile we demonstrate that at vanishing chromaticities the transverse single-bunch motion is unstable at any current, with growth rate that in the relevant range scales as the 6th powermore » of the current. With these assumptions and radiation damping included, we find that for machine parameters typical of 4th-generation light sources the presence of harmonic cavities could reduce the instability current threshold by more than a factor two.« less

Harmonic cavities and the transverse mode-coupling instability driven by a resistive wall

DOE PAGES

Venturini, M.

2018-02-01

The effect of rf harmonic cavities on the transverse mode-coupling instability (TMCI) is still not very well understood. We offer a fresh perspective on the problem by proposing a new numerical method for mode analysis and investigating a regime of potential interest to the new generation of light sources where resistive wall is the dominant source of transverse impedance. When the harmonic cavities are tuned for maximum flattening of the bunch profile we demonstrate that at vanishing chromaticities the transverse single-bunch motion is unstable at any current, with growth rate that in the relevant range scales as the 6th powermore » of the current. With these assumptions and radiation damping included, we find that for machine parameters typical of 4th-generation light sources the presence of harmonic cavities could reduce the instability current threshold by more than a factor two.« less

On-target diagnosing of few-cycle pulses by high-order-harmonic generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brambila, Danilo S.; Husakou, Anton; Ivanov, Misha; Zhavoronkov, Nickolai

2017-12-01

We propose an approach to determine the residual phase distortion directly in the interaction region of few-cycle laser radiation with a gaseous target. We describe how the spectra of the generated high harmonics measured as a function of externally introduced dispersion into the driving few-cycle laser pulse can be used to decode small amounts of second- and third-order spectral phase, including the sign. The diagnosis is based on the analysis of several key features in the high-harmonic spectrum: the depth of spectral modulation, the position of the cutoff, and the symmetry of the spectrum with respect to the introduced dispersion. The approach is applicable to pulses without carrier-envelope phase (CEP) stabilization. Surprisingly, we find that for nearly-single-cycle pulses with nonstabilized CEP, deep spectral modulations in the harmonic spectra emerge for positively rather than negatively chirped pulses, in contrast to the case of CEP-stabilized pulses.

Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis of Orbital Mechanics: Application to Computations of Observables' Partials with Respect to Harmonics of the Planetary Gravity Fields

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ustinov, Eugene A.; Sunseri, Richard F.

2005-01-01

An approach is presented to the inversion of gravity fields based on evaluation of partials of observables with respect to gravity harmonics using the solution of adjoint problem of orbital dynamics of the spacecraft. Corresponding adjoint operator is derived directly from the linear operator of the linearized forward problem of orbital dynamics. The resulting adjoint problem is similar to the forward problem and can be solved by the same methods. For given highest degree N of gravity harmonics desired, this method involves integration of N adjoint solutions as compared to integration of N2 partials of the forward solution with respect to gravity harmonics in the conventional approach. Thus, for higher resolution gravity models, this approach becomes increasingly more effective in terms of computer resources as compared to the approach based on the solution of the forward problem of orbital dynamics.

Efficient second harmonic generation by para-nitroaniline embedded in electro-spun polymeric nanofibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonçalves, Hugo; Saavedra, Inês; Ferreira, Rute AS; Lopes, PE; de Matos Gomes, Etelvina; Belsley, Michael

2018-03-01

Intense well polarized second harmonic light was generated by poly(methyl methacrylate) nanofibres with embedded para-nitroaniline nanocrystals. Subwavelength diameter fibres were electro-spun using a 1:2 weight ratio of chromophore to polymer. Analysis of the generated second harmonic light indicates that the para-nitroaniline molecules, which nominally crystalize in the centrosymmetric space group, were organized into noncentrosymmetric structures leading to a second order susceptibility dominated by a single tensor element. Under the best deposition conditions, the nanofibrers display an effective nonlinear optical susceptibility approximately two orders of magnitude greater than that of potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Generalizing this approach to a broad range of organic molecules with strong individual molecular second order nonlinear responses, but which nominally form centrosymmetric organic crystals, could open a new pathway for the fabrication of efficient sub-micron sized second harmonic light generators.

Harmonic cavities and the transverse mode-coupling instability driven by a resistive wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venturini, M.

2018-02-01

The effect of rf harmonic cavities on the transverse mode-coupling instability (TMCI) is still not very well understood. We offer a fresh perspective on the problem by proposing a new numerical method for mode analysis and investigating a regime of potential interest to the new generation of light sources where resistive wall is the dominant source of transverse impedance. When the harmonic cavities are tuned for maximum flattening of the bunch profile we demonstrate that at vanishing chromaticities the transverse single-bunch motion is unstable at any current, with growth rate that in the relevant range scales as the 6th power of the current. With these assumptions and radiation damping included, we find that for machine parameters typical of 4th-generation light sources the presence of harmonic cavities could reduce the instability current threshold by more than a factor two.

Tripod self-assembled monolayer on Au(111) prepared by reaction of hydroxyl-terminated alkylthiols with SiCl4.

PubMed

Ichimura, Andrew S; Lew, Wanda; Allara, David L

2008-03-18

Infrared reflection spectroscopy (IRS), single wavelength ellipsometry, and density functional theory were used to elucidate the structure of a molecular tripod self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on polycrystalline gold{111} substrates. The tripod SAM was formed by the reaction of SiCl4 with a densely packed monolayer of 2-mercaptoethanol, 6-mercaptohexanol, and 16-mercaptohexadecanol under inert atmosphere. After reaction with SiCl4, IRS spectra show an intense absorption at approximately 1112 cm(-1) that is attributed to Si-O-C asymmetric stretching vibration of a molecular tripod structure. Harmonic vibrational frequencies computed at the B3LYP/6-311+g** level of theory for the mercaptoethanol tripod SAM closely match the experimental IRS spectra, giving further support for the tripod structure. When rinsed with methanol or water, the Si-Cl-terminated SAM becomes capped with Si-OMe or Si-OH. The silanol-terminated tripod SAM is expected to find use in the preparation of thin zeolite and silica films on gold substrates.

Effect of dietary calcium and phosphorus levels on the total tract digestibility of innate and supplemental organic and inorganic microminerals in a corn-soybean meal based diet of grower pigs.

PubMed

Jolliff, J S; Mahan, D C

2013-06-01

The effects of Ca and P (CaP) levels and micromineral sources on mineral digestibility were evaluated in growing pigs. Treatments consisted of 2 levels of CaP and 3 trace mineral (TM) treatments arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial in a randomized complete block design with 8 replicates. The CaP levels evaluated were: 1) 0.65% Ca and 0.55% P [standard CaP (Std CaP)], and 2) 1.00% Ca and 0.85% P (High CaP). The TM treatments were: 1) Basal, without supplemental TM, 2) Basal supplemented with organic TM, and 3) Basal supplemented with inorganic TM. Both organic and inorganic TM premixes added 15 mg Cu, 150 mg Fe, 10 mg Mn, 0.3 mg Se, and 140 mg Zn/kg diet. Diets were formulated using corn soybean meal with a Ca to P ratio of 1.18 in both CaP treatments. Barrows with an initial BW of 45 kg were acclimated to stainless steel metabolism crates where diets were fed for 14 d before a 10-d collection period. Pigs within replicates were fed equivalent amounts of feed at 0800 and 1600 h each day with water provided free choice. Total feces, urine, and feed orts were collected daily. Essential macro- and microminerals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma analysis. Increasing dietary CaP decreased the digestibility of Ca and Zn. Phosphorus digestibility did not change when the P inclusion level increased from 0.55 to 0.85% Ptotal. The High CaP level resulted in a lower urinary excretion of most minerals, particularly Cu (P < 0.05) and Mn (P < 0.05), as dietary CaP level increased but the others were not statistically significant. A summary of the ATTD for each of the experimental variables was statistically analyzed and averaged for the experiment. Although there were few statistical differences with individual minerals, they generally demonstrated a decline in digestibility when the High CaP was fed, averaging a 3% lower digestibility consistently than when the Std CaP level was fed. Organic TM averaged an approximately 5% greater digestibility than the average inorganic microminerals with the difference between minerals within each source relatively consistent. These results indicate that CaP level had the greatest effect on mineral digestibility, organic microminerals had a greater digestibility than inorganic minerals, and the innate microminerals had an average apparent digestibility of 45%.

Harmonic analysis of the precipitation in Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nastos, P. T.; Zerefos, C. S.

2009-04-01

Greece is a country with a big variety of climates due to its geographical position, to the many mountain ranges and also to the multifarious and long coastline. The mountainous volumes are of such orientation that influences the distribution of the precipitation, having as a result, Western Greece to present great differentiations from Central and Eastern Greece. The application of harmonic analysis to the annual variability of precipitation is the goal of this study, so that the components, which compose the annual variability, be elicited. For this purpose, the mean monthly precipitation data from 30 meteorological stations of National Meteorological Service were used for the time period 1950-2000. The initial target is to reduce the number of variables and to detect structure in the relationships between variables. The most commonly used technique for this purpose is the application of Factor Analysis to a table having as columns the meteorological stations-variables and rows the monthly mean precipitation, so that 2 main factors were calculated, which explain the 98% of total variability of precipitation in Greece. Factor 1, representing the so-called uniform field and interpreting the most of the total variance, refers in fact to the Mediterranean depressions, affecting mainly the West of Greece and also the East Aegean and the Asia Minor coasts. In the process, the Fourier Analysis was applied to the factor scores extracted from the Factor Analysis, so that 2 harmonic components are resulted, which explain above the 98% of the total variability of each main factor, and are due to different synoptic and thermodynamic processes associated with Greece's precipitation construction. Finally, the calculation of the time of occurrence of the maximum precipitation, for each harmonic component of each one of the two main factors, gives the spatial distribution of appearance of the maximum precipitation in the Hellenic region.

What is the impact of primary care model type on specialist referral rates? A cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Several new primary care models have been implemented in Ontario, Canada over the past two decades. These practice models differ in team structure, physician remuneration, and group size. Few studies have examined the impact of these models on specialist referrals. We compared specialist referral rates amongst three primary care models: 1) Enhanced Fee-for-service, 2) Capitation- Non-Interdisciplinary (CAP-NI), 3) Capitation – Interdisciplinary (CAP-I). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using health administrative data from primary care practices in Ontario from April 1st, 2008 to March 31st, 2010. The analysis included all family physicians providing comprehensive care in one of the three models, had at least 100 patients, and did not have a prolonged absence (eight consecutive weeks). The primary outcome was referral rate (# of referrals to all medical specialties/1000 patients/year). A multivariable clustered Poisson regression analysis was used to compare referral rates between models while adjusting for provider (sex, years since graduation, foreign trained, time in current model) and patient (age, sex, income, rurality, health status) characteristics. Results Fee-for-service had a significantly lower adjusted referral rate (676, 95% CI: 666-687) than the CAP-NI (719, 95% confidence interval (CI): 705-734) and CAP-I (694, 95% CI: 681-707) models and the interdisciplinary CAP-I group had a 3.5% lower referral rate than the CAP-NI group (RR = 0.965, 95% CI: 0.943-0.987, p = 0.002). Female and Canadian-trained physicians referred more often, while female, older, sicker and urban patients were more likely to be referred. Conclusions Primary care model is significantly associated with referral rate. On a study population level, these differences equate to 111,059 and 37,391 fewer referrals by fee-for-service versus CAP-NI and CAP-I, respectively – a difference of $22.3 million in initial referral appointment costs. Whether a lower rate of referral is more appropriate or not is not known and requires further investigation. Physician remuneration and team structure likely account for the differences; however, further investigation is also required to better understand whether other organizational factors associated with primary care model also impact referral. PMID:24490703

Should nursing home-acquired pneumonia be treated as nosocomial pneumonia?

PubMed

Ma, Hon Ming; Wah, Jenny Lee Shun; Woo, Jean

2012-10-01

It is contentious whether nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) should be treated as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or health care-associated pneumonia. This study aimed to compare NHAP with CAP, and to examine whether multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria were significantly more common in NHAP than CAP. A prospective, observational cohort study The medical unit of a tertiary teaching hospital Patients 65 years and older, hospitalized for CAP and NHAP confirmed by radiographs from October 2009 to September 2010 Demographic characteristics, Katz score, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), pneumonia severity (CURB score), microbiology, and clinical outcomes were measured. A total of 488 patients were recruited and 116 (23.8%) patients were nursing home residents. Compared with patients with CAP, patients with NHAP were older and had more comorbidities and higher functional dependence level. A larger proportion of patients with NHAP had severe pneumonia (CURB ≥2) than patients with CAP (30.2% vs 20.7%, P = .034). Similar percentages of patients had identified infective causes in the CAP and NHAP groups (27.7% vs 29.3%, P = .734). Viral infection accounted for more than half (55.9%) of NHAP, whereas bacterial infection was the most frequent (69.9%) cause of CAP. MDR bacteria were found in 6 patients of all study subjects. Nursing home residence and history of MDR bacterial infection were risk factors for MDR bacterial pneumonia, which had more severe pneumonia (CURB ≥2). Logistic regression analysis was limited by the small number of patients with MDR bacterial pneumonia. In both CAP and NHAP, MDR bacterial infections were uncommon. Most cases of NHAP were caused by unknown etiology or viral pathogens. We suggest that NHAP should not be treated as nosocomial infection. The empirical treatment of broad-spectrum antibiotics in NHAP should be reserved for patients with severe pneumonia or at high risk of MDR bacterial infection. Copyright © 2012 American Medical Directors Association, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Carotenoid Intake and Adipose Tissue Carotenoid Levels in Relation to Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness among African-American and European-American Men in the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP)

PubMed Central

Antwi, Samuel O.; Steck, Susan E.; Su, L. Joseph; Hebert, James R.; Zhang, Hongmei; Craft, Neal E.; Fontham, Elizabeth T. H.; Smith, Gary J.; Bensen, Jeannette T.; Mohler, James L.; Arab, Lenore

2016-01-01

Background Associations between carotenoid intake and prostate cancer (CaP) incidence have varied across studies. This may be due to combining indolent with aggressive disease in most studies. This study examined whether carotenoid intake and adipose tissue carotenoid levels were inversely associated with CaP aggressiveness. Methods Data on African-American (AA, n=1,023) and European-American (EA, n=1,079) men with incident CaP from North Carolina and Louisiana were analyzed. Dietary carotenoid intake was assessed using a detailed food frequency questionnaire, and abdominal adipose tissue samples were analyzed for carotenoid concentrations using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multivariable logistic regression was used in race-stratified analysis to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) comparing high aggressive CaP with low/intermediate aggressive CaP. Results Carotenoid intake differed significantly between AAs and EAs, which included higher intake of lycopene among EAs and higher β–cryptoxanthin intake among AAs. Comparing the highest and lowest tertiles, dietary lycopene was associated inversely with high aggressive CaP among EAs (OR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.34–0.89, Ptrend=0.02), while an inverse association was observed between dietary β–cryptoxanthin intake and high aggressive CaP among AAs (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.36–0.87, Ptrend=0.01). Adipose tissue α–carotene and lycopene (cis + trans) concentrations were higher among EAs than AAs, and marginally significant inverse linear trends were observed for adipose α–carotene (Ptrend=0.07) and lycopene (Ptrend=0.11), and CaP aggressiveness among EAs only. Conclusions These results suggest that diets high in lycopene and β–cryptoxanthin may protect against aggressive CaP among EAs and AAs, respectively. Differences in dietary behaviors may explain the racial differences in associations. PMID:27271547

[Prognostic value of acute kidney injury in patients with community-acquired pneumonia].

PubMed

Serov, V A; Shutov, A M; Kuzovenkova, M Yu; Ivanova, Ya V; Serova, D V

2016-01-01

To investigate the incidence, severity, and prognostic value of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). A total of 293 CAP patients (185 men and 108 women; mean age 54.3±17.1 years) were examined. AKI was diagnosed and classified in accordance with the 2012 KDIGO guidelines. On admission, the serum concentration of creatinine averaged 104.5±73.3 µmol/l. AKI was diagnosed in 83 (28.3%) patients with CAP. Hospital-acquired AKI was found in 25 (8.5%) patients, which amounted to 30.1% of all the AKI cases. The disease severity according to both the CURB-65 scale and the CRB-65 scale, which neglect blood urea nitrogen concentrations, was higher than that in patients with CAP associated with AKI (1.4±1.0 versus 0.4±0.6 scores; respectively; р<0.0001 and 0.8±0.7 versus 0.3±0.5 scores, respectively р<0.0001). The disease ended in a fatal outcome in 16 (5.5%) patients. The mortality in the presence of AKI was higher: 9 (10.1%) patients died in the AKI-complicated CAP group; that in the absence of AKI was 7 (5.2%; χ(2)=4.78; р=0.03), the odds ratio for death in the patients with CAP associated with AKI was 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 2.27 to 17.46. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the occurrence of AKI was independently influenced by age (р<0.001), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p=0.01 and p=0.01, respectively), and a history of urinary tract diseases (p=0.04) and diabetes mellitus (p<0.001). AKI complicates CAP in 28.3% of cases and increases mortality in patients with CAP. The predictors of AKI in CAP patients are old age, hemodynamic disorders, diabetes mellitus, and prior urinary tract diseases.

Objective Quantification of Pre-and Postphonosurgery Vocal Fold Vibratory Characteristics Using High-Speed Videoendoscopy and a Harmonic Waveform Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ikuma, Takeshi; Kunduk, Melda; McWhorter, Andrew J.

2014-01-01

Purpose: The model-based quantitative analysis of high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV) data at a low frame rate of 2,000 frames per second was assessed for its clinical adequacy. Stepwise regression was employed to evaluate the HSV parameters using harmonic models and their relationships to the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Also, the model-based HSV…

SGR 1822-1606: Constant Spin Period

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Serim, M.; Baykal, A.; Inam, S. C.

2011-08-01

We have analyzed light curve of the new source SGR 1822-1606 (Cummings et al. GCN 12159) using the real time data of RXTE observations. We have extracted light curve for 11 pointings with a time span of about 20 days and employed pulse timing analysis using the harmonic representation of pulses. Using the cross correlation of harmonic representation of pulses, we have obtained pulse arrival times.

Path integral analysis of Jarzynski's equality: Analytical results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minh, David D. L.; Adib, Artur B.

2009-02-01

We apply path integrals to study nonequilibrium work theorems in the context of Brownian dynamics, deriving in particular the equations of motion governing the most typical and most dominant trajectories. For the analytically soluble cases of a moving harmonic potential and a harmonic oscillator with a time-dependent natural frequency, we find such trajectories, evaluate the work-weighted propagators, and validate Jarzynski’s equality.

Prediction for the Flow-induced Gravity Field of Saturn: Implications for Cassini’s Grand Finale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galanti, Eli; Kaspi, Yohai

2017-07-01

The Cassini measurements of Saturn’s gravity field during its Grand Finale might shed light on a long-standing question regarding the flow on Saturn. While the cloud-level winds are well known, little is known about whether these winds are confined to the outer layers of the planet or penetrate deep into the interior. An additional complexity is added by the uncertainty in the exact rotation period of Saturn, a key factor in determining the cloud-level winds, with an effect on the north-south symmetric part of the winds. Using Saturn’s cloud-level winds we relate the flow to the gravity harmonics. We give a prediction for the odd harmonics {J}3,{J}5,{J}7,{and} {J}9 as a function of the flow depth, identifying three ranges of depths. Since the odd harmonics depend solely on the flow, and are not influenced by Saturn’s shape and static density distribution, any measured value of the odd harmonics by Cassini can be used to uniquely determine the depth of the flow. We also discuss the flow-induced even harmonics {{Δ }}{J}2,{{Δ }}{J}4,\\ldots ,{{Δ }}{J}12 that are affected by Saturn’s rotation period. While the high-degree even harmonics might also be used to determine the flow depth, the lower-degree even harmonics serve as uncertainties for analysis of the planet’s interior structure and composition. Thus, the gravity harmonics measured during the Cassini Grand Finale may be used to get a first-order estimate of the flow structure and to better constrain the planet’s density structure and composition.

Global Harmonization of Quality Assurance Naming Conventions in Radiation Therapy Clinical Trials

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

Melidis, Christos, E-mail: christos.melidis@eortc.be; Bosch, Walther R.; Izewska, Joanna

2014-12-01

Purpose: To review the various radiation therapy quality assurance (RTQA) procedures used by the Global Clinical Trials RTQA Harmonization Group (GHG) steering committee members and present the harmonized RTQA naming conventions by amalgamating procedures with similar objectives. Methods and Materials: A survey of the GHG steering committee members' RTQA procedures, their goals, and naming conventions was conducted. The RTQA procedures were classified as baseline, preaccrual, and prospective/retrospective data capture and analysis. After all the procedures were accumulated and described, extensive discussions took place to come to harmonized RTQA procedures and names. Results: The RTQA procedures implemented within a trial by themore » GHG steering committee members vary in quantity, timing, name, and compliance criteria. The procedures of each member are based on perceived chances of noncompliance, so that the quality of radiation therapy planning and treatment does not negatively influence the trial measured outcomes. A comparison of these procedures demonstrated similarities among the goals of the various methods, but the naming given to each differed. After thorough discussions, the GHG steering committee members amalgamated the 27 RTQA procedures to 10 harmonized ones with corresponding names: facility questionnaire, beam output audit, benchmark case, dummy run, complex treatment dosimetry check, virtual phantom, individual case review, review of patients' treatment records, and protocol compliance and dosimetry site visit. Conclusions: Harmonized RTQA harmonized naming conventions, which can be used in all future clinical trials involving radiation therapy, have been established. Harmonized procedures will facilitate future intergroup trial collaboration and help to ensure comparable RTQA between international trials, which enables meta-analyses and reduces RTQA workload for intergroup studies.« less

An approach for spherical harmonic analysis of non-smooth data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Hansheng; Wu, Patrick; Wang, Zhiyong

2006-12-01

A method is proposed to evaluate the spherical harmonic coefficients of a global or regional, non-smooth, observable dataset sampled on an equiangular grid. The method is based on an integration strategy using new recursion relations. Because a bilinear function is used to interpolate points within the grid cells, this method is suitable for non-smooth data; the slope of the data may be piecewise continuous, with extreme changes at the boundaries. In order to validate the method, the coefficients of an axisymmetric model are computed, and compared with the derived analytical expressions. Numerical results show that this method is indeed reasonable for non-smooth models, and that the maximum degree for spherical harmonic analysis should be empirically determined by several factors including the model resolution and the degree of non-smoothness in the dataset, and it can be several times larger than the total number of latitudinal grid points. It is also shown that this method is appropriate for the approximate analysis of a smooth dataset. Moreover, this paper provides the program flowchart and an internet address where the FORTRAN code with program specifications are made available.

High-frequency analysis of Earth gravity field models based on terrestrial gravity and GPS/levelling data: a case study in Greece

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papanikolaou, T. D.; Papadopoulos, N.

2015-06-01

The present study aims at the validation of global gravity field models through numerical investigation in gravity field functionals based on spherical harmonic synthesis of the geopotential models and the analysis of terrestrial data. We examine gravity models produced according to the latest approaches for gravity field recovery based on the principles of the Gravity field and steadystate Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) and Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite missions. Furthermore, we evaluate the overall spectrum of the ultra-high degree combined gravity models EGM2008 and EIGEN-6C3stat. The terrestrial data consist of gravity and collocated GPS/levelling data in the overall Hellenic region. The software presented here implements the algorithm of spherical harmonic synthesis in a degree-wise cumulative sense. This approach may quantify the bandlimited performance of the individual models by monitoring the degree-wise computed functionals against the terrestrial data. The degree-wise analysis performed yields insight in the short-wavelengths of the Earth gravity field as these are expressed by the high degree harmonics.

Age structure and mortality of walleyes in Kansas reservoirs: Use of mortality caps to establish realistic management objectives

USGS Publications Warehouse

Quist, M.C.; Stephen, J.L.; Guy, C.S.; Schultz, R.D.

2004-01-01

Age structure, total annual mortality, and mortality caps (maximum mortality thresholds established by managers) were investigated for walleye Sander vitreus (formerly Stizostedion vitreum) populations sampled from eight Kansas reservoirs during 1991-1999. We assessed age structure by examining the relative frequency of different ages in the population; total annual mortality of age-2 and older walleyes was estimated by use of a weighted catch curve. To evaluate the utility of mortality caps, we modeled threshold values of mortality by varying growth rates and management objectives. Estimated mortality thresholds were then compared with observed growth and mortality rates. The maximum age of walleyes varied from 5 to 11 years across reservoirs. Age structure was dominated (???72%) by walleyes age 3 and younger in all reservoirs, corresponding to ages that were not yet vulnerable to harvest. Total annual mortality rates varied from 40.7% to 59.5% across reservoirs and averaged 51.1% overall (SE = 2.3). Analysis of mortality caps indicated that a management objective of 500 mm for the mean length of walleyes harvested by anglers was realistic for all reservoirs with a 457-mm minimum length limit but not for those with a 381-mm minimum length limit. For a 500-mm mean length objective to be realized for reservoirs with a 381-mm length limit, managers must either reduce mortality rates (e.g., through restrictive harvest regulations) or increase growth of walleyes. When the assumed objective was to maintain the mean length of harvested walleyes at current levels, the observed annual mortality rates were below the mortality cap for all reservoirs except one. Mortality caps also provided insight on management objectives expressed in terms of proportional stock density (PSD). Results indicated that a PSD objective of 20-40 was realistic for most reservoirs. This study provides important walleye mortality information that can be used for monitoring or for inclusion into population models; these results can also be combined with those of other studies to investigate large-scale differences in walleye mortality. Our analysis illustrates the utility of mortality caps for monitoring walleye populations and for establishing realistic management goals.