Disruptive effects of prefeeding and haloperidol administration on multiple measures of food-maintained behavior in rats

PubMed Central

Hayashi, Yusuke; Wirth, Oliver

2015-01-01

Four rats responded under a choice reaction-time procedure. At the beginning of each trial, the rats were required to hold down a center lever for a variable duration, release it following a high- or low-pitched tone, and press either a left or right lever, conditionally on the tone. Correct choices were reinforced with a probability of .95 or .05 under blinking or static houselights, respectively. After performance stabilized, disruptive effects of free access to food pellets prior to sessions (prefeeding) and intraperitoneal injection of haloperidol were examined on multiple behavioral measures (i.e., the number of trials completed, percent of correct responses, and reaction time). Resistance to prefeeding depended on the probability of food delivery for the number of trials completed and reaction time. Resistance to haloperidol, on the other hand, was not systematically affected by the probability of food delivery for all dependent measures. PMID:22209910

Endoplasmic motility spectral characteristics in plasmodium of Physarum polycephalum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avsievich, T. I.; Ghaleb, K. E. S.; Frolov, S. V.; Proskurin, S. G.

2015-03-01

Spectral Fourier analysis of experimentally acquired velocity time dependencies, V(t), of shuttle endoplasmic motility in an isolated strand of plasmodium of slime mold Physarum Polycephalum has been realized. V(t) registration was performed in normal conditions and after the treatment by respiration inhibitors, which lead to a complete cessation of endoplasmic motion in the strand. Spectral analysis of the velocity time dependences of the endoplasm allows obtaining two distinct harmonic components in the spectra. Their ratio appeared to be constant in all cases, ν2/ν1=1.97±0.17. After the inhibitors are washed out respiratory system becomes normal, gradually restoring the activity of both harmonic oscillatory sources with time. Simulated velocity time dependences correspond to experimental data with good accuracy.

Hamstring strain - aftercare

MedlinePlus

Pulled hamstring muscle; Sprain - hamstring ... There are 3 levels of hamstring strains: Grade 1 -- mild muscle strain or pull Grade 2 -- partial muscle tear Grade 3 -- complete muscle tear Recovery time depends ...

First passage times in homogeneous nucleation: Dependence on the total number of particles

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

Yvinec, Romain; Bernard, Samuel; Pujo-Menjouet, Laurent

2016-01-21

Motivated by nucleation and molecular aggregation in physical, chemical, and biological settings, we present an extension to a thorough analysis of the stochastic self-assembly of a fixed number of identical particles in a finite volume. We study the statistics of times required for maximal clusters to be completed, starting from a pure-monomeric particle configuration. For finite volumes, we extend previous analytical approaches to the case of arbitrary size-dependent aggregation and fragmentation kinetic rates. For larger volumes, we develop a scaling framework to study the first assembly time behavior as a function of the total quantity of particles. We find thatmore » the mean time to first completion of a maximum-sized cluster may have a surprisingly weak dependence on the total number of particles. We highlight how higher statistics (variance, distribution) of the first passage time may nevertheless help to infer key parameters, such as the size of the maximum cluster. Finally, we present a framework to quantify formation of macroscopic sized clusters, which are (asymptotically) very unlikely and occur as a large deviation phenomenon from the mean-field limit. We argue that this framework is suitable to describe phase transition phenomena, as inherent infrequent stochastic processes, in contrast to classical nucleation theory.« less

First passage times in homogeneous nucleation: Dependence on the total number of particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yvinec, Romain; Bernard, Samuel; Hingant, Erwan; Pujo-Menjouet, Laurent

2016-01-01

Motivated by nucleation and molecular aggregation in physical, chemical, and biological settings, we present an extension to a thorough analysis of the stochastic self-assembly of a fixed number of identical particles in a finite volume. We study the statistics of times required for maximal clusters to be completed, starting from a pure-monomeric particle configuration. For finite volumes, we extend previous analytical approaches to the case of arbitrary size-dependent aggregation and fragmentation kinetic rates. For larger volumes, we develop a scaling framework to study the first assembly time behavior as a function of the total quantity of particles. We find that the mean time to first completion of a maximum-sized cluster may have a surprisingly weak dependence on the total number of particles. We highlight how higher statistics (variance, distribution) of the first passage time may nevertheless help to infer key parameters, such as the size of the maximum cluster. Finally, we present a framework to quantify formation of macroscopic sized clusters, which are (asymptotically) very unlikely and occur as a large deviation phenomenon from the mean-field limit. We argue that this framework is suitable to describe phase transition phenomena, as inherent infrequent stochastic processes, in contrast to classical nucleation theory.

The Impact of Storage on Processing: How Is Information Maintained in Working Memory?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vergauwe, Evie; Camos, Valérie; Barrouillet, Pierre

2014-01-01

Working memory is typically defined as a system devoted to the simultaneous maintenance and processing of information. However, the interplay between these 2 functions is still a matter of debate in the literature, with views ranging from complete independence to complete dependence. The time-based resource-sharing model assumes that a central…

The analysis of axisymmetric viscoelasticity, time-dependent recovery, and hydration in rat tail intervertebral discs by radial compression test.

PubMed

Lin, Leou-Chyr; Hedman, Thomas P; Wang, Shyu-Jye; Huoh, Michael; Chang, Shih-Youeng

2009-05-01

The goal of this study was to develop a nondestructive radial compression technique and to investigate the viscoelastic behavior of the rat tail disc under repeated radial compression. Rat tail intervertebral disc underwent radial compression relaxation testing and creep testing using a custom-made gravitational creep machine. The axisymmetric viscoelasticity and time-dependent recovery were determined. Different levels of hydration (with or without normal saline spray) were supplied to evaluate the effect of changes in viscoelastic properties. Viscoelasticity was found to be axisymmetric in rat-tail intervertebral discs at four equidistant locations. Complete relaxation recovery was found to take 20 min, whereas creep recovery required 25 min. Hydration was required for obtaining viscoelastic axisymmetry and complete viscoelastic recovery.

Exact time-dependent solutions for a self-regulating gene.

PubMed

Ramos, A F; Innocentini, G C P; Hornos, J E M

2011-06-01

The exact time-dependent solution for the stochastic equations governing the behavior of a binary self-regulating gene is presented. Using the generating function technique to rephrase the master equations in terms of partial differential equations, we show that the model is totally integrable and the analytical solutions are the celebrated confluent Heun functions. Self-regulation plays a major role in the control of gene expression, and it is remarkable that such a microscopic model is completely integrable in terms of well-known complex functions.

Estimation of Drug Effectiveness by Modeling Three Time-dependent Covariates: An Application to Data on Cardioprotective Medications in the Chronic Dialysis Population

PubMed Central

Phadnis, Milind A.; Shireman, Theresa I.; Wetmore, James B.; Rigler, Sally K.; Zhou, Xinhua; Spertus, John A.; Ellerbeck, Edward F.; Mahnken, Jonathan D.

2014-01-01

In a population of chronic dialysis patients with an extensive burden of cardiovascular disease, estimation of the effectiveness of cardioprotective medication in literature is based on calculation of a hazard ratio comparing hazard of mortality for two groups (with or without drug exposure) measured at a single point in time or through the cumulative metric of proportion of days covered (PDC) on medication. Though both approaches can be modeled in a time-dependent manner using a Cox regression model, we propose a more complete time-dependent metric for evaluating cardioprotective medication efficacy. We consider that drug effectiveness is potentially the result of interactions between three time-dependent covariate measures, current drug usage status (ON versus OFF), proportion of cumulative exposure to drug at a given point in time, and the patient’s switching behavior between taking and not taking the medication. We show that modeling of all three of these time-dependent measures illustrates more clearly how varying patterns of drug exposure affect drug effectiveness, which could remain obscured when modeled by the more standard single time-dependent covariate approaches. We propose that understanding the nature and directionality of these interactions will help the biopharmaceutical industry in better estimating drug efficacy. PMID:25343005

Estimation of Drug Effectiveness by Modeling Three Time-dependent Covariates: An Application to Data on Cardioprotective Medications in the Chronic Dialysis Population.

PubMed

Phadnis, Milind A; Shireman, Theresa I; Wetmore, James B; Rigler, Sally K; Zhou, Xinhua; Spertus, John A; Ellerbeck, Edward F; Mahnken, Jonathan D

2014-01-01

In a population of chronic dialysis patients with an extensive burden of cardiovascular disease, estimation of the effectiveness of cardioprotective medication in literature is based on calculation of a hazard ratio comparing hazard of mortality for two groups (with or without drug exposure) measured at a single point in time or through the cumulative metric of proportion of days covered (PDC) on medication. Though both approaches can be modeled in a time-dependent manner using a Cox regression model, we propose a more complete time-dependent metric for evaluating cardioprotective medication efficacy. We consider that drug effectiveness is potentially the result of interactions between three time-dependent covariate measures, current drug usage status (ON versus OFF), proportion of cumulative exposure to drug at a given point in time, and the patient's switching behavior between taking and not taking the medication. We show that modeling of all three of these time-dependent measures illustrates more clearly how varying patterns of drug exposure affect drug effectiveness, which could remain obscured when modeled by the more standard single time-dependent covariate approaches. We propose that understanding the nature and directionality of these interactions will help the biopharmaceutical industry in better estimating drug efficacy.

SEARCHES FOR TIME-DEPENDENT NEUTRINO SOURCES WITH ICECUBE DATA FROM 2008 TO 2012

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

Aartsen, M. G.; Ackermann, M.; Adams, J.

2015-07-01

In this paper searches for flaring astrophysical neutrino sources and sources with periodic emission with the IceCube neutrino telescope are presented. In contrast to time-integrated searches, where steady emission is assumed, the analyses presented here look for a time-dependent signal of neutrinos using the information from the neutrino arrival times to enhance the discovery potential. A search was performed for correlations between neutrino arrival times and directions, as well as neutrino emission following time-dependent light curves, sporadic emission, or periodicities of candidate sources. These include active galactic nuclei, soft γ-ray repeaters, supernova remnants hosting pulsars, microquasars, and X-ray binaries. Themore » work presented here updates and extends previously published results to a longer period that covers 4 years of data from 2008 April 5 to 2012 May 16, including the first year of operation of the completed 86 string detector. The analyses did not find any significant time-dependent point sources of neutrinos, and the results were used to set upper limits on the neutrino flux from source candidates.« less

Self-determined to exercise? Leisure-time exercise behavior, exercise motivation, and exercise dependence in youth.

PubMed

Symons Downs, Danielle; Savage, Jennifer S; DiNallo, Jennifer M

2013-02-01

Scant research has examined the determinants of primary exercise dependence symptoms in youth. Study purposes were to examine sex differences across leisure-time exercise behavior, motivation, and primary exercise dependence symptoms in youth and the extent to which exercise behavior and motivation predicted exercise dependence within the Self-Determination Theory framework. Adolescents (N = 805; mean age = 15 years; 46% girls) completed measures of exercise behavior, motivation, and exercise dependence in health/PE classes. One-way ANOVA revealed boys scored higher than girls on leisure-time exercise behavior, exercise dependence symptoms, and most of the exercise motivation subscales. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated a) sex, exercise behavior, motivation, and their interaction terms explained 39% of the variance in primary exercise dependence; b) Integrated Regulation and Introjected Regulation were important determinants of exercise dependence; and c) sex moderated the contributions of External Regulation for predicting exercise dependence such that boys in the high and low external regulation groups had higher symptoms than girls in the high and low external regulation groups. These preliminary findings support the controlled dimensions of Integrated Regulation (boys, girls), Introjected Regulation (boys, girls), and External Regulation (boys only) are important determinants of primary exercise dependence symptoms.

Effect of form of obstacle on speed of crowd evacuation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yano, Ryosuke

2018-03-01

This paper investigates the effect of the form of an obstacle on the time that a crowd takes to evacuate a room, using a toy model. Pedestrians are modeled as active soft matter moving toward a point with intended velocities. An obstacle is placed in front of the exit, and it has one of four shapes: a cylindrical column, a triangular prism, a quadratic prism, or a diamond prism. Numerical results indicate that the evacuation-completion time depends on the shape of the obstacle. Obstacles with a circular cylinder (C.C.) shape yield the shortest evacuation-completion time in the proposed model.

Action Biology for the First Year. First Edition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Mary Pitt

The effectiveness of science experiments often are partly dependent upon the amount of classroom time available for implementation. This factor alone has frustrated many teachers who attempt to complete laboratory assignments in the allotted time period. This document provides experiments that were designed for the middle year in a 3-year biology…

Commonly used stimulants: Sleep problems, dependence and psychological distress.

PubMed

Ogeil, Rowan P; Phillips, James G

2015-08-01

Caffeine and nicotine are commonly used stimulants that enhance alertness and mood. Discontinuation of both stimulants is associated with withdrawal symptoms including sleep and mood disturbances, which may differ in males and females. The present study examines changes in sleep quality, daytime sleepiness and psychological distress associated with use and dependence on caffeine and nicotine. An online survey comprising validated tools to assess sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness and psychological distress was completed by 166 participants (74 males, 96 females) with a mean age of 28 years. Participants completed the study in their own time, and were not offered any inducements to participate. Sleep quality was poorer in those dependent upon caffeine or nicotine, and there were also significant interaction effects with gender whereby females reported poorer sleep despite males reporting higher use of both stimulants. Caffeine dependence was associated with poorer sleep quality, increased daytime dysfunction, and increased levels of night time disturbance, while nicotine dependence was associated with poorer sleep quality and increased use of sleep medication and sleep disturbances. There were strong links between poor sleep and diminished affect, with psychological distress found to co-occur in the context of disturbed sleep. Stimulants are widely used to promote vigilance and mood; however, dependence on commonly used drugs including caffeine and nicotine is associated with decrements in sleep quality and increased psychological distress, which may be compounded in female dependent users. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Pulsed Sphere Tutorial

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

Cullen, Dermott E.

2017-01-30

Here I attempt to explain what physically happens when we pulse an object with neutrons, specifically what we expect the time dependent behavior of the neutron population to look like. Emphasis is on the time dependent emission of both prompt and delayed neutrons. I also describe how the TART Monte Carlo transport code models this situation; see the appendix for a complete description of the model used by TART. I will also show that, as we expect, MCNP and MERCURY, produce similar results using the same delayed neutron model (again, see the appendix).

Development of low-frequency kernel-function aerodynamics for comparison with time-dependent finite-difference methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bland, S. R.

1982-01-01

Finite difference methods for unsteady transonic flow frequency use simplified equations in which certain of the time dependent terms are omitted from the governing equations. Kernel functions are derived for two dimensional subsonic flow, and provide accurate solutions of the linearized potential equation with the same time dependent terms omitted. These solutions make possible a direct evaluation of the finite difference codes for the linear problem. Calculations with two of these low frequency kernel functions verify the accuracy of the LTRAN2 and HYTRAN2 finite difference codes. Comparisons of the low frequency kernel function results with the Possio kernel function solution of the complete linear equations indicate the adequacy of the HYTRAN approximation for frequencies in the range of interest for flutter calculations.

Self-energy renormalization for inhomogeneous nonequilibrium systems and field expansion via complete set of time-dependent wavefunctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuwahara, Y.; Nakamura, Y.; Yamanaka, Y.

2018-04-01

The way to determine the renormalized energy of inhomogeneous systems of a quantum field under an external potential is established for both equilibrium and nonequilibrium scenarios based on thermo field dynamics. The key step is to find an extension of the on-shell concept valid in homogeneous case. In the nonequilibrium case, we expand the field operator by time-dependent wavefunctions that are solutions of the appropriately chosen differential equation, synchronizing with temporal change of thermal situation, and the quantum transport equation is derived from the renormalization procedure. Through numerical calculations of a triple-well model with a reservoir, we show that the number distribution and the time-dependent wavefunctions are relaxed consistently to the correct equilibrium forms at the long-term limit.

Impact of the single point of access referral system to reduce waiting times and improve clinical outcomes in an assistive technology service.

PubMed

Hosking, Jonathan; Gibson, Colin

2016-07-01

The introduction of a single point referral system that prioritises clients depending on case complexity and overcomes the need for re-admittance to a waiting list via a review system has been shown to significantly reduce maximum waiting times for a Posture and Mobility (Special Seating) Service from 102.0 ± 24.33 weeks to 19.2 ± 8.57 weeks (p = 0.015). Using this service model linear regression revealed a statistically significant improvement in the performance outcome of prescribed seating solutions with shorter Episode of Care completion times (p = 0.023). In addition, the number of Episodes of Care completed per annum was significantly related to the Episode of Care completion time (p = 0.019). In conclusion, it is recommended that it may be advantageous to apply this service model to other assistive technology services in order to reduce waiting times and to improve clinical outcomes.

Measures of dependence for multivariate Lévy distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boland, J.; Hurd, T. R.; Pivato, M.; Seco, L.

2001-02-01

Recent statistical analysis of a number of financial databases is summarized. Increasing agreement is found that logarithmic equity returns show a certain type of asymptotic behavior of the largest events, namely that the probability density functions have power law tails with an exponent α≈3.0. This behavior does not vary much over different stock exchanges or over time, despite large variations in trading environments. The present paper proposes a class of multivariate distributions which generalizes the observed qualities of univariate time series. A new consequence of the proposed class is the "spectral measure" which completely characterizes the multivariate dependences of the extreme tails of the distribution. This measure on the unit sphere in M-dimensions, in principle completely general, can be determined empirically by looking at extreme events. If it can be observed and determined, it will prove to be of importance for scenario generation in portfolio risk management.

A quantum retrograde canon: complete population inversion in n 2-state systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padan, Alon; Suchowski, Haim

2018-04-01

We present a novel approach for analytically reducing a family of time-dependent multi-state quantum control problems to two-state systems. The presented method translates between {SU}(2)× {SU}(2) related n 2-state systems and two-state systems, such that the former undergo complete population inversion (CPI) if and only if the latter reach specific states. For even n, the method translates any two-state CPI scheme to a family of CPI schemes in n 2-state systems. In particular, facilitating CPI in a four-state system via real time-dependent nearest-neighbors couplings is reduced to facilitating CPI in a two-level system. Furthermore, we show that the method can be used for operator control, and provide conditions for producing several universal gates for quantum computation as an example. In addition, we indicate a basis for utilizing the method in optimal control problems.

Parametric Study of a YAV-8B Harrier in Ground Effect using Time-Dependent Navier-Stokes Computations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pandya, Shishir; Chaderjian, Neal; Ahmad, Jasim; Kwak, Dochan (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

A process is described which enables the generation of 35 time-dependent viscous solutions for a YAV-8B Harrier in ground effect in one week. Overset grids are used to model the complex geometry of the Harrier aircraft and the interaction of its jets with the ground plane and low-speed ambient flow. The time required to complete this parametric study is drastically reduced through the use of process automation, modern computational platforms, and parallel computing. Moreover, a dual-time-stepping algorithm is described which improves solution robustness. Unsteady flow visualization and a frequency domain analysis are also used to identify and correlated key flow structures with the time variation of lift.

Exact Time-Dependent Exchange-Correlation Potential in Electron Scattering Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Yasumitsu; Lacombe, Lionel; Watanabe, Kazuyuki; Maitra, Neepa T.

2017-12-01

We identify peak and valley structures in the exact exchange-correlation potential of time-dependent density functional theory that are crucial for time-resolved electron scattering in a model one-dimensional system. These structures are completely missed by adiabatic approximations that, consequently, significantly underestimate the scattering probability. A recently proposed nonadiabatic approximation is shown to correctly capture the approach of the electron to the target when the initial Kohn-Sham state is chosen judiciously, and it is more accurate than standard adiabatic functionals but ultimately fails to accurately capture reflection. These results may explain the underestimation of scattering probabilities in some recent studies on molecules and surfaces.

A model of partial differential equations for HIV propagation in lymph nodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marinho, E. B. S.; Bacelar, F. S.; Andrade, R. F. S.

2012-01-01

A system of partial differential equations is used to model the dissemination of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in CD4+T cells within lymph nodes. Besides diffusion terms, the model also includes a time-delay dependence to describe the time lag required by the immunologic system to provide defenses to new virus strains. The resulting dynamics strongly depends on the properties of the invariant sets of the model, consisting of three fixed points related to the time independent and spatial homogeneous tissue configurations in healthy and infected states. A region in the parameter space is considered, for which the time dependence of the space averaged model variables follows the clinical pattern reported for infected patients: a short scale primary infection, followed by a long latency period of almost complete recovery and third phase characterized by damped oscillations around a value with large HIV counting. Depending on the value of the diffusion coefficient, the latency time increases with respect to that one obtained for the space homogeneous version of the model. It is found that same initial conditions lead to quite different spatial patterns, which depend strongly on the latency interval.

The time-dependence of exchange-induced relaxation during modulated radio frequency pulses.

PubMed

Sorce, Dennis J; Michaeli, Shalom; Garwood, Michael

2006-03-01

The problem of the relaxation of identical spins 1/2 induced by chemical exchange between spins with different chemical shifts in the presence of time-dependent RF irradiation (in the first rotating frame) is considered for the fast exchange regime. The solution for the time evolution under the chemical exchange Hamiltonian in the tilted doubly rotating frame (TDRF) is presented. Detailed derivation is specified to the case of a two-site chemical exchange system with complete randomization between jumps of the exchanging spins. The derived theory can be applied to describe the modulation of the chemical exchange relaxation rate constants when using a train of adiabatic pulses, such as the hyperbolic secant pulse. Theory presented is valid for quantification of the exchange-induced time-dependent rotating frame longitudinal T1rho,ex and transverse T2rho,ex relaxations in the fast chemical exchange regime.

Spatio-temporal analysis of the electron power absorption in electropositive capacitive RF plasmas based on moments of the Boltzmann equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulze, J.; Donkó, Z.; Lafleur, T.; Wilczek, S.; Brinkmann, R. P.

2018-05-01

Power absorption by electrons from the space- and time-dependent electric field represents the basic sustaining mechanism of all radio-frequency driven plasmas. This complex phenomenon has attracted significant attention. However, most theories and models are, so far, only able to account for part of the relevant mechanisms. The aim of this work is to present an in-depth analysis of the power absorption by electrons, via the use of a moment analysis of the Boltzmann equation without any ad-hoc assumptions. This analysis, for which the input quantities are taken from kinetic, particle based simulations, allows the identification of all physical mechanisms involved and an accurate quantification of their contributions. The perfect agreement between the sum of these contributions and the simulation results verifies the completeness of the model. We study the relative importance of these mechanisms as a function of pressure, with high spatial and temporal resolution, in an electropositive argon discharge. In contrast to some widely accepted previous models we find that high space- and time-dependent ambipolar electric fields outside the sheaths play a key role for electron power absorption. This ambipolar field is time-dependent within the RF period and temporally asymmetric, i.e., the sheath expansion is not a ‘mirror image’ of the sheath collapse. We demonstrate that this time-dependence is mainly caused by a time modulation of the electron temperature resulting from the energy transfer to electrons by the ambipolar field itself during sheath expansion. We provide a theoretical proof that this ambipolar electron power absorption would vanish completely, if the electron temperature was constant in time. This mechanism of electron power absorption is based on a time modulated electron temperature, markedly different from the Hard Wall Model, of key importance for energy transfer to electrons on time average and, thus, essential for the generation of capacitively coupled plasmas.

What Happens After Treatment? Long-Term Effects of Continued Substance Use, Psychiatric Problems and Help-Seeking on Social Status of Alcohol-Dependent Individuals.

PubMed

Karriker-Jaffe, Katherine J; Witbrodt, Jane; Subbaraman, Meenakshi S; Kaskutas, Lee Ann

2018-03-30

We examined whether alcohol-dependent individuals with sustained substance use or psychiatric problems after completing treatment were more likely to experience low social status and whether continued help-seeking would improve outcomes. Ongoing alcohol, drug and psychiatric problems after completing treatment were associated with increased odds of low social status (unemployment, unstable housing and/or living in high-poverty neighborhood) over 7 years. The impact of drug problems declined over time, and there were small, delayed benefits of AA attendance on social status. Alcohol-dependent individuals sampled from public and private treatment programs (N = 491; 62% male) in Northern California were interviewed at treatment entry and 1, 3, 5 and 7 years later. Random effects models tested relationships between problem severity (alcohol, drug and psychiatric problems) and help-seeking (attending specialty alcohol/drug treatment and Alcoholics Anonymous, AA) with low social status (unemployment, unstable housing and/or living in a high-poverty neighborhood) over time. The proportion of participants experiencing none of the indicators of low social status increased between baseline and the 1-year follow-up and remained stable thereafter. Higher alcohol problem scores and having any drug and/or psychiatric problems in the years after treatment were associated with increased odds of low social status over time. An interaction of drug problems with time indicated the impact of drug problems on social status declined over the 7-year period. Both treatment-seeking and AA attendance were associated with increased odds of low social status, although lagged models suggested there were small, delayed benefits of AA attendance on improved social status over time. Specialty addiction treatment alone was not sufficient to have positive long-term impacts on social status and social integration of most alcohol-dependent people.

Time-reversal symmetric resolution of unity without background integrals in open quantum systems

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

Hatano, Naomichi, E-mail: hatano@iis.u-tokyo.ac.jp; Ordonez, Gonzalo, E-mail: gordonez@butler.edu

2014-12-15

We present a new complete set of states for a class of open quantum systems, to be used in expansion of the Green’s function and the time-evolution operator. A remarkable feature of the complete set is that it observes time-reversal symmetry in the sense that it contains decaying states (resonant states) and growing states (anti-resonant states) parallelly. We can thereby pinpoint the occurrence of the breaking of time-reversal symmetry at the choice of whether we solve Schrödinger equation as an initial-condition problem or a terminal-condition problem. Another feature of the complete set is that in the subspace of the centralmore » scattering area of the system, it consists of contributions of all states with point spectra but does not contain any background integrals. In computing the time evolution, we can clearly see contribution of which point spectrum produces which time dependence. In the whole infinite state space, the complete set does contain an integral but it is over unperturbed eigenstates of the environmental area of the system and hence can be calculated analytically. We demonstrate the usefulness of the complete set by computing explicitly the survival probability and the escaping probability as well as the dynamics of wave packets. The origin of each term of matrix elements is clear in our formulation, particularly, the exponential decays due to the resonance poles.« less

Equilibration in the time-dependent Hartree-Fock approach probed with the Wigner distribution function

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

Loebl, N.; Maruhn, J. A.; Reinhard, P.-G.

2011-09-15

By calculating the Wigner distribution function in the reaction plane, we are able to probe the phase-space behavior in the time-dependent Hartree-Fock scheme during a heavy-ion collision in a consistent framework. Various expectation values of operators are calculated by evaluating the corresponding integrals over the Wigner function. In this approach, it is straightforward to define and analyze quantities even locally. We compare the Wigner distribution function with the smoothed Husimi distribution function. Different reaction scenarios are presented by analyzing central and noncentral {sup 16}O +{sup 16}O and {sup 96}Zr +{sup 132}Sn collisions. Although we observe strong dissipation in the timemore » evolution of global observables, there is no evidence for complete equilibration in the local analysis of the Wigner function. Because the initial phase-space volumes of the fragments barely merge and mean values of the observables are conserved in fusion reactions over thousands of fm/c, we conclude that the time-dependent Hartree-Fock method provides a good description of the early stage of a heavy-ion collision but does not provide a mechanism to change the phase-space structure in a dramatic way necessary to obtain complete equilibration.« less

Association mining of dependency between time series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hafez, Alaaeldin

2001-03-01

Time series analysis is considered as a crucial component of strategic control over a broad variety of disciplines in business, science and engineering. Time series data is a sequence of observations collected over intervals of time. Each time series describes a phenomenon as a function of time. Analysis on time series data includes discovering trends (or patterns) in a time series sequence. In the last few years, data mining has emerged and been recognized as a new technology for data analysis. Data Mining is the process of discovering potentially valuable patterns, associations, trends, sequences and dependencies in data. Data mining techniques can discover information that many traditional business analysis and statistical techniques fail to deliver. In this paper, we adapt and innovate data mining techniques to analyze time series data. By using data mining techniques, maximal frequent patterns are discovered and used in predicting future sequences or trends, where trends describe the behavior of a sequence. In order to include different types of time series (e.g. irregular and non- systematic), we consider past frequent patterns of the same time sequences (local patterns) and of other dependent time sequences (global patterns). We use the word 'dependent' instead of the word 'similar' for emphasis on real life time series where two time series sequences could be completely different (in values, shapes, etc.), but they still react to the same conditions in a dependent way. In this paper, we propose the Dependence Mining Technique that could be used in predicting time series sequences. The proposed technique consists of three phases: (a) for all time series sequences, generate their trend sequences, (b) discover maximal frequent trend patterns, generate pattern vectors (to keep information of frequent trend patterns), use trend pattern vectors to predict future time series sequences.

Cell Phone-Based Expert Systems for Smoking Cessation

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

depression prevention. Participants completed the HRI at each timepoint. B.3. Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Scale (FTND). The FTND66 is the most...widely used tool for assessing severity of nicotine tolerance and dependence. It is a six-item, self-report scale assessing severity of nicotine ...this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data

Actinide Isotope Ratios Measured by Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry: Optimization of Ionization Schemes and Demonstration Using Nuclear Fallout

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-12-01

Massive particles arrive later than lighter particles. The uncertainty in the time of the ions formation and the distance travelled results in the...response, including the time for reviewing instruction, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and...9 2. The Time -Dependent Schrödinger Equation ............................12 3. Stimulated Excitation to Bound States

Factors affecting medication-order processing time.

PubMed

Beaman, M A; Kotzan, J A

1982-11-01

The factors affecting medication-order processing time at one hospital were studied. The order processing time was determined by directly observing the time to process randomly selected new drug orders on all three work shifts during two one-week periods. An order could list more than one drug for an individual patient. The observer recorded the nature, location, and cost of the drugs ordered, as well as the time to process the order. The time and type of interruptions also were noted. The time to process a drug order was classified as six dependent variables: (1) total time, (2) work time, (3) check time, (4) waiting time I--time from arrival on the dumbwaiter until work was initiated, (5) waiting time II--time between completion of the work and initiation of checking, and (6) waiting time III--time after the check was completed until the order left on the dumbwaiter. The significant predictors of each of the six dependent variables were determined using stepwise multiple regression. The total time to process a prescription order was 58.33 +/- 48.72 minutes; the urgency status of the order was the only significant determinant of total time. Urgency status also significantly predicted the three waiting-time variables. Interruptions and the number of drugs on the order were significant determinants of work time and check time. Each telephone interruption increased the work time by 1.72 minutes. While the results of this study cannot be generalized to other institutions, pharmacy managers can use the method of determining factors that affect medication-order processing time to identify problem areas in their institutions.

Impact of hydrothermal alteration on time-dependent tunnel deformation in Neogene volcanic rock sequence in Japan: Petrology, Geochemistry and Geophysical investigation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamazaki, S.; Okazaki, K.; Niwa, H.; Arai, T.; Murayama, H.; Kurahashi, T.; Ito, Y.

2017-12-01

Time-dependent tunnel deformation is one of remaining geological problems for mountain tunneling. As a case study of time-dependent tunnel deformation, we investigated petrographical, mineral and chemical compositions of boring core samples and seismic exploration along a tunnel that constructed into Neogene volcanic rock sequence of andesite to dacite pyroclastic rocks and massive lavas with mafic enclaves. The tunnel has two zones of floor heaving that deformed time-dependently about 2 month after the tunnel excavation. The core samples around the deformed zones are characterized secondary mineral assemblages of smectite, cristobalite, tridymite, sulfides (pyrite and marcasite) and partially or completely reacted carbonates (calcite and siderite), which were formed by hydrothermal alteration under neutral to acidic condition below about 100 °C. The core samples also showed localized deterioration, such as crack formation and expansion, which occurred from few days to months after the drilling. The deterioration could be explained as a result of the cyclic physical and chemical weathering process with the oxidation of sulfide minerals, dissolution of carbonate mineral cementation and volumetric expantion of smectite. This weathering process is considered as a key factor for time-dependent tunnel deformation in the hydrothermally altered volcanic rocks. The zones of time-dependent deformation along a tunnel route can be predicted by the variations of whole-rock chemical compositions such as Na, Ca, Sr, Ba and S.

Self-criticism, dependency, and stress reactivity: an experience sampling approach to testing Blatt and Zuroff's (1992) theory of personality predispositions to depression in high-risk youth.

PubMed

Adams, Philippe; Abela, John R Z; Auerbach, Randy; Skitch, Steven

2009-11-01

S. J. Blatt and D. C. Zuroff's 1992 theory of personality predispositions to depression posits that individuals who possess high levels of self-criticism and/or dependency are vulnerable to developing depression following negative events. The current study used experience sampling methodology to test this theory in a sample of 49 children ages 7 to 14. Children completed measures of dependency, self-criticism, and depressive symptoms. Subsequently, children were given a handheld computer that signaled them to complete measures of depressive symptoms and negative events at randomly selected times over 2 months. Results of hierarchical linear modeling analyses indicated that higher levels of both self-criticism and dependency were associated with greater elevations in depressive symptoms following negative events. Furthermore, each personality predisposition remained a significant predictor of such elevations after controlling for the interaction between the other personality predisposition and negative events. The results suggest that dependency and self-criticism represent distinct vulnerability factors to depression in youth.

Consistent characterization of semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors with single-pulse and pump-probe spectroscopy.

PubMed

Fleischhaker, R; Krauss, N; Schättiger, F; Dekorsy, T

2013-03-25

We study the comparability of the two most important measurement methods used for the characterization of semiconductor saturable absorber mirrors (SESAMs). For both methods, single-pulse spectroscopy (SPS) and pump-probe spectroscopy (PPS), we analyze in detail the time-dependent saturation dynamics inside a SESAM. Based on this analysis, we find that fluence-dependent PPS at complete spatial overlap and zero time delay is equivalent to SPS. We confirm our findings experimentally by comparing data from SPS and PPS of two samples. We show how to interpret this data consistently and we give explanations for possible deviations.

Correlated Time-Variation of Asphalt Rheology and Bulk Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramm, Adam; Nazmus, Sakib; Bhasin, Amit; Downer, Michael

We use noncontact optical microscopy and optical scattering in the visible and near-infrared spectrum on Performance Grade (PG) asphalt binder to confirm the existence of microstructures in the bulk. The number of visible microstructures increases linearly as penetration depth of the incident radiation increases, which verifies a uniform volume distribution of microstructures. We use dark field optical scatter in the near-infrared to measure the temperature dependent behavior of the bulk microstructures and compare this behavior with Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) measurements of the bulk complex shear modulus | G* (T) | . The main findings are: (1) After reaching thermal equilibrium, both temperature dependent optical scatter intensity (I (T)) and bulk shear modulus (| G* (T) |) continue to change appreciably for times much greater than thermal equilibration times. (2) The hysteresis behavior during a complete temperature cycle seen in previous work derives from a larger time dependence in the cooling step compared with the heating step. (3) Different binder aging conditions show different thermal time-variations for both I (T) and | G* (T) | .

Eigenfunctions and Eigenvalues for a Scalar Riemann-Hilbert Problem Associated to Inverse Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pelinovsky, Dmitry E.; Sulem, Catherine

A complete set of eigenfunctions is introduced within the Riemann-Hilbert formalism for spectral problems associated to some solvable nonlinear evolution equations. In particular, we consider the time-independent and time-dependent Schrödinger problems which are related to the KdV and KPI equations possessing solitons and lumps, respectively. Non-standard scalar products, orthogonality and completeness relations are derived for these problems. The complete set of eigenfunctions is used for perturbation theory and bifurcation analysis of eigenvalues supported by the potentials under perturbations. We classify two different types of bifurcations of new eigenvalues and analyze their characteristic features. One type corresponds to thresholdless generation of solitons in the KdV equation, while the other predicts a threshold for generation of lumps in the KPI equation.

The race to learn: spike timing and STDP can coordinate learning and recall in CA3.

PubMed

Nolan, Christopher R; Wyeth, Gordon; Milford, Michael; Wiles, Janet

2011-06-01

The CA3 region of the hippocampus has long been proposed as an autoassociative network performing pattern completion on known inputs. The dentate gyrus (DG) region is often proposed as a network performing the complementary function of pattern separation. Neural models of pattern completion and separation generally designate explicit learning phases to encode new information and assume an ideal fixed threshold at which to stop learning new patterns and begin recalling known patterns. Memory systems are significantly more complex in practice, with the degree of memory recall depending on context-specific goals. Here, we present our spike-timing separation and completion (STSC) model of the entorhinal cortex (EC), DG, and CA3 network, ascribing to each region a role similar to that in existing models but adding a temporal dimension by using a spiking neural network. Simulation results demonstrate that (a) spike-timing dependent plasticity in the EC-CA3 synapses provides a pattern completion ability without recurrent CA3 connections, (b) the race between activation of CA3 cells via EC-CA3 synapses and activation of the same cells via DG-CA3 synapses distinguishes novel from known inputs, and (c) modulation of the EC-CA3 synapses adjusts the learned versus test input similarity required to evoke a direct CA3 response prior to any DG activity, thereby adjusting the pattern completion threshold. These mechanisms suggest that spike timing can arbitrate between learning and recall based on the novelty of each individual input, ensuring control of the learn-recall decision resides in the same subsystem as the learned memories themselves. The proposed modulatory signal does not override this decision but biases the system toward either learning or recall. The model provides an explanation for empirical observations that a reduction in novelty produces a corresponding reduction in the latency of responses in CA3 and CA1. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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

Xu, H; Guerrero, M; Prado, K

Purpose: Building up a TG-71 based electron monitor-unit (MU) calculation protocol usually involves massive measurements. This work investigates a minimum data set of measurements and its calculation accuracy and measurement time. Methods: For 6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV of our Varian Clinac-Series linear accelerators, the complete measurements were performed at different depth using 5 square applicators (6, 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm) with different cutouts (2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 15 and 20 cm up to applicator size) for 5 different SSD’s. For each energy, there were 8 PDD scans and 150 point measurements for applicator factors,more » cutout factors and effective SSDs that were then converted to air-gap factors for SSD 99–110cm. The dependence of each dosimetric quantity on field size and SSD was examined to determine the minimum data set of measurements as a subset of the complete measurements. The “missing” data excluded in the minimum data set were approximated by linear or polynomial fitting functions based on the included data. The total measurement time and the calculated electron MU using the minimum and the complete data sets were compared. Results: The minimum data set includes 4 or 5 PDD’s and 51 to 66 point measurements for each electron energy, and more PDD’s and fewer point measurements are generally needed as energy increases. Using only <50% of complete measurement time, the minimum data set generates acceptable MU calculation results compared to those with the complete data set. The PDD difference is within 1 mm and the calculated MU difference is less than 1.5%. Conclusion: Data set measurement for TG-71 electron MU calculations can be minimized based on the knowledge of how each dosimetric quantity depends on various setup parameters. The suggested minimum data set allows acceptable MU calculation accuracy and shortens measurement time by a few hours.« less

Modeling radionuclide migration from underground nuclear explosions

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

Harp, Dylan Robert; Stauffer, Philip H.; Viswanathan, Hari S.

2017-03-06

The travel time of radionuclide gases to the ground surface in fracture rock depends on many complex factors. Numerical simulators are the most complete repositories of knowledge of the complex processes governing radionuclide gas migration to the ground surface allowing us to verify conceptualizations of physical processes against observations and forecast radionuclide gas travel times to the ground surface and isotopic ratios

A Scalable, Reconfigurable, and Dependable Time-Triggered Architecture

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-07-01

burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching...existing data sources, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of...information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this

Parental Smoking Exposure and Adolescent Smoking Trajectories

PubMed Central

Gilman, Stephen E.; Rende, Richard; Luta, George; Tercyak, Kenneth P.; Niaura, Raymond S.

2014-01-01

OBJECTIVE: In a multigenerational study of smoking risk, the objective was to investigate the intergenerational transmission of smoking by examining if exposure to parental smoking and nicotine dependence predicts prospective smoking trajectories among adolescent offspring. METHODS: Adolescents (n = 406) ages 12 to 17 and a parent completed baseline interviews (2001–2004), and adolescents completed up to 2 follow-up interviews 1 and 5 years later. Baseline interviews gathered detailed information on parental smoking history, including timing and duration, current smoking, and nicotine dependence. Adolescent smoking and nicotine dependence were assessed at each time point. Latent Class Growth Analysis identified prospective smoking trajectory classes from adolescence into young adulthood. Logistic regression was used to examine relationships between parental smoking and adolescent smoking trajectories. RESULTS: Four adolescent smoking trajectory classes were identified: early regular smokers (6%), early experimenters (23%), late experimenters (41%), and nonsmokers (30%). Adolescents with parents who were nicotine-dependent smokers at baseline were more likely to be early regular smokers (odds ratio 1.18, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.33) and early experimenters (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.04–1.25) with each additional year of previous exposure to parental smoking. Parents’ current non-nicotine–dependent and former smoking were not associated with adolescent smoking trajectories. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to parental nicotine dependence is a critical factor influencing intergenerational transmission of smoking. Adolescents with nicotine-dependent parents are susceptible to more intense smoking patterns and this risk increases with longer duration of exposure. Research is needed to optimize interventions to help nicotine-dependent parents quit smoking early in their children’s lifetime to reduce these risks. PMID:24819567

High-dependency care: experiences of the psychosocial work environment.

PubMed

Rahman, Hanif Abdul; Naing, Lin; Abdul-Mumin, Khadizah

2017-11-23

to explore high-dependency care nurses' experiences of their psychosocial work environment. four focus groups were conducted with 23 emergency and critical care hospital nurses in Brunei. All sessions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive-approach thematic analysis. three major themes were identified. 'Specialisation/specific skills' explained a fundamental requirement for the high-dependency care nurses to work effectively and efficiently in their workplace. 'Task completion' narrated the pressure they experienced to complete their tasks within time constraints exacerbated by a reduced number of staff. 'Acknowledgement' signified their need for fair and adequate reward for their hard work through career progression and promotion. this study facilitates the design of future interventions and policies that promote a healthy psychosocial work environment by ensuring nurses working in these areas have the required specialisation skills, there is a balance of workload and nurse-to-patient ratios, and they are offered fairness and equity in career progression and promotion.

Acknowledgements to referees.

PubMed

De Angelis, Valerio

2015-01-01

The quality of The Journal of Headache and Pain depends on the qualified and regular collaboration of renowned scientists, who devoted their time to constructively review the submitted articles.We are indebted to the following experts who reviewed papers that completed the peer-reviewing process within 2014.

Determination of the Time-Space Magnetic Correlation Functions in the Solar Wind

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weygand, J. M.; Matthaeus, W. H.; Kivelson, M.; Dasso, S.

2013-12-01

Magnetic field data from many different intervals and 7 different solar wind spacecraft are employed to estimate the scale-dependent time decorrelation function in the interplanetary magnetic field in both the slow and fast solar wind. This estimation requires correlations varying with both space and time lags. The two point correlation function with no time lag is determined by correlating time series data from multiple spacecraft separated in space and for complete coverage of length scales relies on many intervals with different spacecraft spatial separations. In addition we employ single spacecraft time-lagged correlations, and two spacecraft time lagged correlations to access different spatial and temporal correlation data. Combining these data sets gives estimates of the scale-dependent time decorrelation function, which in principle tells us how rapidly time decorrelation occurs at a given wavelength. For static fields the scale-dependent time decorrelation function is trivially unity, but in turbulence the nonlinear cascade process induces time-decorrelation at a given length scale that occurs more rapidly with decreasing scale. The scale-dependent time decorrelation function is valuable input to theories as well as various applications such as scattering, transport, and study of predictability. It is also a fundamental element of formal turbulence theory. Our results are extension of the Eulerian correlation functions estimated in Matthaeus et al. [2010], Weygand et al [2012; 2013].

Synchronization in a chaotic neural network with time delay depending on the spatial distance between neurons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Guoning; Xu, Kesheng; Jiang, Luoluo

2011-10-01

The synchronization is investigated in a two-dimensional Hindmarsh-Rose neuronal network by introducing a global coupling scheme with time delay, where the length of time delay is proportional to the spatial distance between neurons. We find that the time delay always disturbs synchronization of the neuronal network. When both the coupling strength and length of time delay per unit distance (i.e., enlargement factor) are large enough, the time delay induces the abnormal membrane potential oscillations in neurons. Specifically, the abnormal membrane potential oscillations for the symmetrically placed neurons form an antiphase, so that the large coupling strength and enlargement factor lead to the desynchronization of the neuronal network. The complete and intermittently complete synchronization of the neuronal network are observed for the right choice of parameters. The physical mechanism underlying these phenomena is analyzed.

Optical holography applications for the zero-g Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurtz, R. L.

1974-01-01

A complete description of holography is provided, both for the time-dependent case of moving scene holography and for the time-independent case of stationary holography. Further, a specific holographic arrangement for application to the detection of particle size distribution in an atmospheric simulation cloud chamber. In this chamber particle growth rate is investigated; therefore, the proposed holographic system must capture continuous particle motion in real time. Such a system is described.

Exercisers' identities and exercise dependence: the mediating effect of exercise commitment.

PubMed

Lu, Frank Jing-Horng; Hsu, Eva Ya-Wen; Wang, Junn-Ming; Huang, Mei-Yao; Chang, Jo-Ning; Wang, Chien-Hsin

2012-10-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations of exercise identity, exercise commitment, exercise dependence, and, particularly, the mediating effects of exercise commitment on the relationship between exercise identity and exercise dependence. 253 Taiwanese regular exercisers completed measures, including the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised, the Exercise Identity Scale, the Exercise Commitment Scale, and the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire. Results showed that exercise identity, exercise dependence, and two types of exercise commitment were moderately to highly correlated. Furthermore, structural equation modelling indicated that a "have to" commitment partially mediated the relationship between exercise identity and exercise dependence. Based on the mediating role of a "have to" commitment, the findings are particularly informative to exercise instructors and for exercise program managers.

Nondestructive Complete Mechanical Characterization of Zinc Blende and Wurtzite GaAs Nanowires Using Time-Resolved Pump-Probe Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Mante, Pierre-Adrien; Lehmann, Sebastian; Anttu, Nicklas; Dick, Kimberly A; Yartsev, Arkady

2016-08-10

We have developed and demonstrated an experimental method, based on the picosecond acoustics technique, to perform nondestructive complete mechanical characterization of nanowires, that is, the determination of the complete elasticity tensor. By means of femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy, coherent acoustic phonons were generated in an ensemble of nanowires and their dynamics was resolved. Specific phonon modes were identified and the detection mechanism was addressed via wavelength dependent experiments. We calculated the exact phonon dispersion relation of the nanowires by fitting the experimentally observed frequencies, thus allowing the extraction of the complete elasticity tensor. The elasticity tensor and the nanowire diameter were determined for zinc blende GaAs nanowires and were found to be in a good agreement with literature data and independent measurements. Finally, we have applied this technique to characterize wurtzite GaAs nanowires, a metastable phase in bulk, for which no experimental values of elastic constants are currently available. Our results agree well with previous first principle calculations. The proposed approach to the complete and nondestructive mechanical characterization of nanowires will allow the efficient mechanical study of new crystal phases emerging in nanostructures, as well as size-dependent properties of nanostructured materials.

Nonequilibrium Steady State Generated by a Moving Defect: The Supersonic Threshold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bastianello, Alvise; De Luca, Andrea

2018-02-01

We consider the dynamics of a system of free fermions on a 1D lattice in the presence of a defect moving at constant velocity. The defect has the form of a localized time-dependent variation of the chemical potential and induces at long times a nonequilibrium steady state (NESS), which spreads around the defect. We present a general formulation that allows recasting the time-dependent protocol in a scattering problem on a static potential. We obtain a complete characterization of the NESS. In particular, we show a strong dependence on the defect velocity and the existence of a sharp threshold when such velocity exceeds the speed of sound. Beyond this value, the NESS is not produced and, remarkably, the defect travels without significantly perturbing the system. We present an exact solution for a δ -like defect traveling with an arbitrary velocity and we develop a semiclassical approximation that provides accurate results for smooth defects.

Acute effects of caffeine on several operant behaviors in rhesus monkeys.

PubMed

Buffalo, E A; Gillam, M P; Allen, R R; Paule, M G

1993-11-01

The acute effects of 1,3-trimethylxanthine (caffeine) were assessed using an operant test battery (OTB) of complex food-reinforced tasks that are thought to depend upon relatively specific brain functions, such as motivation to work for food (progressive ratio, PR), learning (incremental repeated acquisition, IRA), color and position discrimination (conditioned position responding, CPR), time estimation (temporal response differentiation, TRD), and short-term memory and attention (delayed matching-to-sample, DMTS). Endpoints included response rates (RR), accuracies (ACC), and percent task completed (PTC). Caffeine sulfate (0.175-20.0 mg/kg, IV), given 15 min pretesting, produced significant dose-dependent decreases in TRD percent task completed and accuracy at doses > or = 5.6 mg/kg. Caffeine produced no systematic effects on either DMTS or PR responding, but low doses tended to enhance performance in both IRA and CPR tasks. Thus, in monkeys, performance of an operant task designed to model time estimation is more sensitive to the disruptive effects of caffeine than is performance of the other tasks in the OTB.

Insensitivity of synchronization to network structure in chaotic pendulum systems with time-delay coupling.

PubMed

Yao, Chenggui; Zhan, Meng; Shuai, Jianwei; Ma, Jun; Kurths, Jürgen

2017-12-01

It has been generally believed that both time delay and network structure could play a crucial role in determining collective dynamical behaviors in complex systems. In this work, we study the influence of coupling strength, time delay, and network topology on synchronization behavior in delay-coupled networks of chaotic pendulums. Interestingly, we find that the threshold value of the coupling strength for complete synchronization in such networks strongly depends on the time delay in the coupling, but appears to be insensitive to the network structure. This lack of sensitivity was numerically tested in several typical regular networks, such as different locally and globally coupled ones as well as in several complex networks, such as small-world and scale-free networks. Furthermore, we find that the emergence of a synchronous periodic state induced by time delay is of key importance for the complete synchronization.

Fame and obsolescence: Disentangling growth and aging dynamics of patent citations.

PubMed

Higham, K W; Governale, M; Jaffe, A B; Zülicke, U

2017-04-01

We present an analysis of citations accrued over time by patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 1998. In contrast to previous studies, a disaggregation by technology category is performed, and exogenously caused citation-number growth is controlled for. Our approach reveals an intrinsic citation rate that clearly separates into an-in the long run, exponentially time-dependent-aging function and a completely time-independent preferential-attachment-type growth kernel. For the general case of such a separable citation rate, we obtain the time-dependent citation distribution analytically in a form that is valid for any functional form of its aging and growth parts. Good agreement between theory and long-time characteristics of patent-citation data establishes our work as a useful framework for addressing still open questions about knowledge-propagation dynamics, such as the observed excess of citations at short times.

Time scales for molecule formation by ion-molecule reactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Langer, W. D.; Glassgold, A. E.

1976-01-01

Analytical solutions are obtained for nonlinear differential equations governing the time-dependence of molecular abundances in interstellar clouds. Three gas-phase reaction schemes are considered separately for the regions where each dominates. The particular case of CO, and closely related members of the Oh and CH families of molecules, is studied for given values of temperature, density, and the radiation field. Nonlinear effects and couplings with particular ions are found to be important. The time scales for CO formation range from 100,000 to a few million years, depending on the chemistry and regime. The time required for essentially complete conversion of C(+) to CO in the region where the H3(+) chemistry dominates is several million years. Because this time is longer than or comparable to dynamical time scales for dense interstellar clouds, steady-state abundances may not be observed in such clouds.

A complete analytical solution of the Fokker-Planck and balance equations for nucleation and growth of crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makoveeva, Eugenya V.; Alexandrov, Dmitri V.

2018-01-01

This article is concerned with a new analytical description of nucleation and growth of crystals in a metastable mushy layer (supercooled liquid or supersaturated solution) at the intermediate stage of phase transition. The model under consideration consisting of the non-stationary integro-differential system of governing equations for the distribution function and metastability level is analytically solved by means of the saddle-point technique for the Laplace-type integral in the case of arbitrary nucleation kinetics and time-dependent heat or mass sources in the balance equation. We demonstrate that the time-dependent distribution function approaches the stationary profile in course of time. This article is part of the theme issue `From atomistic interfaces to dendritic patterns'.

Coherent control at its most fundamental: carrier-envelope-phase-dependent electron localization in photodissociation of a H2(+) molecular ion beam target.

PubMed

Rathje, T; Sayler, A M; Zeng, S; Wustelt, P; Figger, H; Esry, B D; Paulus, G G

2013-08-30

Measurements and calculations of the absolute carrier-envelope-phase (CEP) effects in the photodissociation of the simplest molecule, H2(+), with a 4.5-fs Ti:sapphire laser pulse at intensities up to (4±2)×10(14)  W/cm2 are presented. Localization of the electron with respect to the two nuclei (during the dissociation process) is controlled via the CEP of the ultrashort laser pulses. In contrast to previous CEP-dependent experiments with neutral molecules, the dissociation of the molecular ions is not preceded by a photoionization process, which strongly influences the CEP dependence. Kinematically complete data are obtained by time- and position-resolved coincidence detection. The phase dependence is determined by a single-shot phase measurement correlated to the detection of the dissociation fragments. The experimental results show quantitative agreement with ab initio 3D time-dependent Schrödinger equation calculations that include nuclear vibration and rotation.

Are the early predictors of long-term work absence following injury time dependent? Results from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study

PubMed Central

Lilley, Rebbecca; Davie, Gabrielle; Derrett, Sarah

2017-01-01

Objectives Few studies examine the influence of early predictors of work absence beyond 12 months following injury or the time-dependent relative importance of these factors. This study aimed to identify the most important sociodemographic, occupational, health, lifestyle and injury predictors of work absence at 12 and 24 months following injury and to examine changes in the relative importance of these over time. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting The Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study, New Zealand. Participants 2626 injured New Zealand workers aged 18–64 years were identified from the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study recruited form New Zealand’s monopoly injury compensation provider injury claims register: 2092 completed the 12-month interview (80% follow-up) and 2082 completed the 24-month interview (79% follow-up). Primary and secondary outcomes measures The primary outcomes of interest was absence from work at the time of the 12-month and 24-month follow-up interviews. Results Using modified Poisson regression to estimate relative risks, important groups of workers were identified at increased risk of work absence at both 12 and 24 months: males, low-income workers, trade/manual workers, temporary employees, those reporting two or more comorbidities and those experiencing a work-related injury. Important factors unique to predicting work absence at 12 months included financial insecurity, fixed-term employment and long weekly hours worked; unique factors at 24 months included job dissatisfaction, long weekly days worked, a prior injury and sustaining an injury that was perceived to be a threat to life. Conclusions Important early predictors of work absence at 12 or 24 months following injury are multidimensional and have a time dependent pattern. A consistent set of predictors was, however, present at both time periods that are prime for early intervention. Understanding the multidimensional, time-dependent patterns of early predictors of long-term disability is important to optimally target timely interventions to prevent long-term work disability. PMID:29150466

Single product lot-sizing on unrelated parallel machines with non-decreasing processing times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eremeev, A.; Kovalyov, M.; Kuznetsov, P.

2018-01-01

We consider a problem in which at least a given quantity of a single product has to be partitioned into lots, and lots have to be assigned to unrelated parallel machines for processing. In one version of the problem, the maximum machine completion time should be minimized, in another version of the problem, the sum of machine completion times is to be minimized. Machine-dependent lower and upper bounds on the lot size are given. The product is either assumed to be continuously divisible or discrete. The processing time of each machine is defined by an increasing function of the lot volume, given as an oracle. Setup times and costs are assumed to be negligibly small, and therefore, they are not considered. We derive optimal polynomial time algorithms for several special cases of the problem. An NP-hard case is shown to admit a fully polynomial time approximation scheme. An application of the problem in energy efficient processors scheduling is considered.

Detecting, reporting, and analysis of priority diseases for routine public health surveillance in Liberia.

PubMed

Frimpong, Joseph Asamoah; Amo-Addae, Maame Pokuah; Adewuyi, Peter Adebayo; Hall, Casey Daniel; Park, Meeyoung Mattie; Nagbe, Thomas Knue

2017-01-01

Public health officials depend on timely, complete, and accurate surveillance data for decision making. The quality of data generated from surveillance is highly dependent on external and internal factors which may either impede or enhance surveillance activities. One way of identifying challenges affecting the quality of data generated is to conduct a data quality audit. This case study, based on an audit conducted by residents of the Liberia Frontline Field Epidemiology Training Program, was designed to be a classroom simulation of a data quality audit in a health facility. It is suited to enforce theoretical lectures in surveillance data quality and auditing. The target group is public health trainees, who should be able to complete this exercise in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Effects of electron cyclotron current drive on the evolution of double tearing mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Guanglan; Dong, Chunying; Duan, Longfang

2015-09-01

The effects of electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) on the double tearing mode (DTM) in slab geometry are investigated by using two-dimensional compressible magnetohydrodynamics equations. It is found that, mainly, the double tearing mode is suppressed by the emergence of the secondary island, due to the deposition of driven current on the X-point of magnetic island at one rational surface, which forms a new non-complete symmetric magnetic topology structure (defined as a non-complete symmetric structure, NSS). The effects of driven current with different parameters (magnitude, initial time of deposition, duration time, and location of deposition) on the evolution of DTM are analyzed elaborately. The optimal magnitude or optimal deposition duration of driven current is the one which makes the duration of NSS the longest, which depends on the mutual effect between ECCD and the background plasma. Moreover, driven current introduced at the early Sweet-Parker phase has the best suppression effect; and the optimal moment also exists, depending on the duration of the NSS. Finally, the effects varied by the driven current disposition location are studied. It is verified that the favorable location of driven current is the X-point which is completely different from the result of single tearing mode.

The Depletion Ratio

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Groetsch, Charles W.

2008-01-01

How fast does a tank drain? Of course this depends on the shape of the tank and is governed by a physical principle known as Torricelli's law. This note investigates some connections between tank shape and a mathematical function related to the time required for the tank to drain completely. The techniques employed provide some interesting…

Rethinking School Health

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bundy, Donald, Ed.

2011-01-01

School health and nutrition programs can contribute to achieving the goals of the Education for All initiative (EFA) by helping children enroll on time, complete their education, and realize their cognitive potential. Achieving these goals depends on reaching the children most in need. One strong feature of school health and nutrition programs is…

20 CFR 416.964 - Your education as a vocational factor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... intellectual abilities, although you may have little formal education. Your daily activities, hobbies, or the.... (b) How we evaluate your education. The importance of your educational background may depend upon how much time has passed between the completion of your formal education and the beginning of your physical...

76 FR 20386 - Proposed Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-12

... series of online investor forms. Investors may access these forms through the SEC Center for Complaints... depends on the number of investors who use the forms each year and the estimated time it takes to complete... techniques or other forms of information technology. Consideration will be given to comments and suggestions...

Penetrative convection

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, D. R.

1981-01-01

The current state of understanding of the most directly observable solar convection, the granulation and supergranulation is summarized. The body of work in which the complete time dependent Navier-Stokes equations and entropy transport equation are solved for a fully compressible atmosphere is considered. Relevant anelastic and incompressible calculations in two dimensions are also discussed.

Assessing the Dependability of Drinking Motives via Generalizability Theory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arterberry, Brooke J.; Martens, Matthew P.; Cadigan, Jennifer M.; Smith, Ashley E.

2012-01-01

This study assessed the score reliability of the Drinking Motives Questionnaire-Revised (DMQ-R) via generalizability theory. Participants (n = 367 college students) completed the DMQ-R at three time points. Across subscale scores, persons, persons x occasions, and persons x items interactions accounted for meaningful variance. Findings illustrate…

Finance issue brief: health care claims payment: prompt payment: year end report-2003.

PubMed

MacEachern, Lillian

2003-12-31

Since the mid 1990's state legislators and regulators have worked to resolve the complex issue of timely payment of health care claims. They have been challenged with bridging the communication gap between provider and payor and forced to address such base problems as what determines a correctly billed service. As time has progressed it is ever apparent that the completion of payment for services is dependent on many variables, not just simply timely processing of a claim.

Non-Adiabatic Atomic Transitions: Computational Cross Section Calculations of Alkali Metal-Noble Gas Collisions

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

there a one time transfer of prob- ability between Coriolis coupled states. One possible way to answer this question would be to literally create and... time -dependent numerical algorithm was developed using FORTRAN 90 to predict S-Matrix elements for alkali metal - noble gas (MNg) collisions. The...committee and the physics department for their time and effort to see me through the completion of my doctorate degree. Charlton D. Lewis, II v Table of

Micro-Macro Coupling in Plasma Self-Organization Processes during Island Coalescence

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

Wan Weigang; Lapenta, Giovanni; Centrum voor Plasma-Astrofysica, Departement Wiskunde, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200B, 3001 Leuven

The collisionless island coalescence process is studied with particle-in-cell simulations, as an internal-driven magnetic self-organization scenario. The macroscopic relaxation time, corresponding to the total time required for the coalescence to complete, is found to depend crucially on the scale of the system. For small-scale systems, where the macroscopic scales and the dissipation scales are more tightly coupled, the relaxation time is independent of the strength of the internal driving force: the small-scale processes of magnetic reconnection adjust to the amount of the initial magnetic flux to be reconnected, indicating that at the microscopic scales reconnection is enslaved by the macroscopicmore » drive. However, for large-scale systems, where the micro-macro scale separation is larger, the relaxation time becomes dependent on the driving force.« less

Caregiving for ill dependents and its association with employee health risks and productivity.

PubMed

Burton, Wayne N; Chen, Chin-Yu; Conti, Daniel J; Pransky, Glenn; Edington, Dee W

2004-10-01

This study examined the loss of productivity and health risk status associated with employees who provide care for an ill dependent. A total of 16,651 employees (23% response rate) of a major financial services company completed a confidential Health Risk Appraisal (HRA) that included an eight-item version of the Work Limitations Questionnaire and a self-report of time missed from work during the previous 2 weeks to care for an ill dependent. A total of 10.6% of the respondents reported an average of 7.7 hours absent from work during the previous 2-week period to provide care for an ill dependent. Caregiving also was associated with a significant increase in the number of health risks for the employee. As the demand for caregiving time increased, caregivers reported a significant increase in work limitations. Caregiving for an ill dependent is associated with increased absenteeism and significant work limitations while on the job. Programs and work organization that helps employees balance their caregiving responsibilities for ill dependents may have a positive effect on health and productivity.

Dose-response relationships between exercise intensity, cravings, and inhibitory control in methamphetamine dependence: An ERPs study.

PubMed

Wang, Dongshi; Zhou, Chenglin; Zhao, Min; Wu, Xueping; Chang, Yu-Kai

2016-04-01

The present study integrated behavioral and neuroelectric approaches for determining the dose-response relationships between exercise intensity and methamphetamine (MA) craving and between exercise intensity and inhibitory control in individuals with MA dependence. Ninety-two individuals with MA dependence were randomly assigned to an exercise group (light, moderate, or vigorous intensity) or to a reading control group. The participants then completed a craving self-report at four time points: before exercise, during exercise, immediately after exercise, and 50 min after exercise. Event-related potentials were also recorded while the participants completed a standard Go/NoGo task and an MA-related Go/NoGo task approximately 20 min after exercise cessation. The reduction in self-reported MA craving scores of the moderate and vigorous intensity groups was greater than that of the light intensity and control groups during acute exercise as well as immediately and 50 min following exercise termination. Additionally, an inverted-U-shaped relationship between exercise intensity and inhibitory control was generally observed for the behavioral and neuroelectric indices, with the moderate intensity group exhibiting shorter Go reaction times, increased NoGo accuracy, and larger NoGo-N2 amplitudes. Acute exercise may provide benefits for MA-associated craving and inhibitory control in MA-dependent individuals, as revealed by behavioral and neuroelectric measures. Moderate-intensity exercise may be associated with more positive effects, providing preliminary evidence for the establishment of an exercise prescription regarding intensity for MA dependence. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Differential Improvement of Executive Functions During Abstinence in Cocaine-Dependent Patients: A Longitudinal Study.

PubMed

Inozemtseva, Olga; Pérez-Solís, Lina; Matute, Esmeralda; Juárez, Jorge

2016-09-18

In substance abusers, deficits in executive functioning (EF) are relevant to understanding the behavioral regulation of substance consumption and the failure to remain abstinent. To determine the course of EF impairment, measured with traditional and ecological instruments, after 1 and 3 months of abstinence in patients with cocaine dependence. 26 cocaine-only-dependent in-patients (cocaine-dependent group, CDG) and 24 nondependent controls (control group, CG) recruited from a typical population were assessed using several EF tests and questionnaires [Stroop, verbal and graphic fluency, Wisconsin Card-Sorting Test (WCST), Tower of London (TOL), and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A)] after three periods of abstinence: 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. At 1 week (baseline), CDG underperformed CG on most EF measures (WCST categories completed; TOL-total number of moves, execution time, and rule violations; and various BRIEF-A subscales). At 1 month, CDG moderately improved its performance on several measures, meanwhile the improvement in the 12 patients who would eventually complete the 3-month abstinence proved particularly significant when compared to their baseline values. In the a posteriori comparison of the baseline values of noncompleters versus completers, scores for the former were lower on the EF tasks, but higher on the BRIEF-A. Both groups, showed significantly worse scores than CG on both instruments. Cocaine-dependent patients showed marked difficulties in the EF associated mainly with adaptive behavior to their environment. Cocaine-dependent patients with better EF at baseline improved significantly during abstinence and had better treatment adherence. Results suggest that executive improvement and treatment adherence in cocaine abusers in abstinence is related to intrinsic cognitive characteristics of patients.

Tunable inertia of chiral magnetic domain walls

PubMed Central

Torrejon, Jacob; Martinez, Eduardo; Hayashi, Masamitsu

2016-01-01

The time it takes to accelerate an object from zero to a given velocity depends on the applied force and the environment. If the force ceases, it takes exactly the same time to completely decelerate. A magnetic domain wall is a topological object that has been observed to follow this behaviour. Here we show that acceleration and deceleration times of chiral Neel walls driven by current are different in a system with low damping and moderate Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya exchange constant. The time needed to accelerate a domain wall with current via the spin Hall torque is much faster than the time it needs to decelerate once the current is turned off. The deceleration time is defined by the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya exchange constant whereas the acceleration time depends on the spin Hall torque, enabling tunable inertia of chiral domain walls. Such unique feature of chiral domain walls can be utilized to move and position domain walls with lower current, key to the development of storage class memory devices. PMID:27882932

Nonstructural leaf carbohydrates dynamics of Pinus edulis during drought-induced tree mortality reveal role for carbon metabolism in mortality mechanism

USGS Publications Warehouse

Adams, Henry D.; Germino, Matthew J.; Breshears, David D.; Barron-Gafford, Greg A.; Guardiola-Claramonte, Maite; Zou, Chris B.; Huxman, Travis E.

2013-01-01

* Reduced foliar NSC during lethal drought indicates a carbon metabolism role in mortality mechanism. Although carbohydrates were not completely exhausted at mortality, temperature differences in starch accumulation timing suggest that carbon metabolism changes are associated with time to death. Drought mortality appears to be related to temperature-dependent carbon dynamics concurrent with increasing hydraulic stress in P. edulis and potentially other similar species.

Ab initio relaxation times and time-dependent Hamiltonians within the steepest-entropy-ascent quantum thermodynamic framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Ilki; von Spakovsky, Michael R.

2017-08-01

Quantum systems driven by time-dependent Hamiltonians are considered here within the framework of steepest-entropy-ascent quantum thermodynamics (SEAQT) and used to study the thermodynamic characteristics of such systems. In doing so, a generalization of the SEAQT framework valid for all such systems is provided, leading to the development of an ab initio physically relevant expression for the intrarelaxation time, an important element of this framework and one that had as of yet not been uniquely determined as an integral part of the theory. The resulting expression for the relaxation time is valid as well for time-independent Hamiltonians as a special case and makes the description provided by the SEAQT framework more robust at the fundamental level. In addition, the SEAQT framework is used to help resolve a fundamental issue of thermodynamics in the quantum domain, namely, that concerning the unique definition of process-dependent work and heat functions. The developments presented lead to the conclusion that this framework is not just an alternative approach to thermodynamics in the quantum domain but instead one that uniquely sheds new light on various fundamental but as of yet not completely resolved questions of thermodynamics.

On Which Microphysical Time Scales to Use in Studies of Entrainment-Mixing Mechanisms in Clouds

DOE PAGES

Lu, Chunsong; Liu, Yangang; Zhu, Bin; ...

2018-03-23

The commonly used time scales in entrainment-mixing studies are examined in this paper to seek the most appropriate one, based on aircraft observations of cumulus clouds from the RACORO campaign and numerical simulations with the Explicit Mixing Parcel Model. The time scales include: τ evap, the time for droplet complete evaporation; τ phase, the time for saturation ratio deficit (S) to reach 1/e of its initial value; τ satu, the time for S to reach -0.5%; τ react, the time for complete droplet evaporation or S to reach -0.5%. It is found that the proper time scale to use dependsmore » on the specific objectives of entrainment-mixing studies. First, if the focus is on the variations of liquid water content (LWC) and S, then τ react for saturation, τ satu and τ phase are almost equivalently appropriate, because they all represent the rate of dry air reaching saturation or of LWC decrease. Second, if one focuses on the variations of droplet size and number concentration, τ react for complete evaporation and τ evap are proper because they characterize how fast droplets evaporate and whether number concentration decreases. Moreover, τ react for complete evaporation and τ evap are always positively correlated with homogeneous mixing degree (ψ), thus the two time scales, especially τ evap, are recommended for developing parameterizations. However, ψ and the other time scales can be negatively, positively, or not correlated, depending on the dominant factors of the entrained air (i.e., relative humidity or aerosols). Third and finally, all time scales are proportional to each other under certain microphysical and thermodynamic conditions.« less

On Which Microphysical Time Scales to Use in Studies of Entrainment-Mixing Mechanisms in Clouds

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

Lu, Chunsong; Liu, Yangang; Zhu, Bin

The commonly used time scales in entrainment-mixing studies are examined in this paper to seek the most appropriate one, based on aircraft observations of cumulus clouds from the RACORO campaign and numerical simulations with the Explicit Mixing Parcel Model. The time scales include: τ evap, the time for droplet complete evaporation; τ phase, the time for saturation ratio deficit (S) to reach 1/e of its initial value; τ satu, the time for S to reach -0.5%; τ react, the time for complete droplet evaporation or S to reach -0.5%. It is found that the proper time scale to use dependsmore » on the specific objectives of entrainment-mixing studies. First, if the focus is on the variations of liquid water content (LWC) and S, then τ react for saturation, τ satu and τ phase are almost equivalently appropriate, because they all represent the rate of dry air reaching saturation or of LWC decrease. Second, if one focuses on the variations of droplet size and number concentration, τ react for complete evaporation and τ evap are proper because they characterize how fast droplets evaporate and whether number concentration decreases. Moreover, τ react for complete evaporation and τ evap are always positively correlated with homogeneous mixing degree (ψ), thus the two time scales, especially τ evap, are recommended for developing parameterizations. However, ψ and the other time scales can be negatively, positively, or not correlated, depending on the dominant factors of the entrained air (i.e., relative humidity or aerosols). Third and finally, all time scales are proportional to each other under certain microphysical and thermodynamic conditions.« less

Temperature Dependences for the Reactions of O2- and O- with N and O Atoms in a Selected-Ion Flow Tube Instrument

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-10-07

quadrupole mass filter, mass selected, and injected into the flow reactor via a Venturi - type inlet. Ions undergo ∼105 collisions with helium buffer... gas at pressures of 0.4 to 0.8 Torr resulting in complete or near-complete thermalization.10 The higher pressure was used when studying the high...butterfly gate valve resulting in lower pumping speeds and thus longer reaction times. Neutrals were injected 49 cm before the end of the flow tube and

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

The four-dimensional scattering function S(Q,w) obtained by inelastic neutron scattering measurements provides unique "dynamical fingerprints" of the spin state and interactions present in complex magnetic materials. Extracting this information however is currently a slow and complex process that may take an expert -depending on the complexity of the system- up to several weeks of painstaking work to complete. Spin Wave Genie was created to abstract and automate this process. It strives to both reduce the time to complete this analysis and make these calculations more accessible to a broader group of scientists and engineers.

Event-Based $H_\\infty $ State Estimation for Time-Varying Stochastic Dynamical Networks With State- and Disturbance-Dependent Noises.

PubMed

Sheng, Li; Wang, Zidong; Zou, Lei; Alsaadi, Fuad E

2017-10-01

In this paper, the event-based finite-horizon H ∞ state estimation problem is investigated for a class of discrete time-varying stochastic dynamical networks with state- and disturbance-dependent noises [also called (x,v) -dependent noises]. An event-triggered scheme is proposed to decrease the frequency of the data transmission between the sensors and the estimator, where the signal is transmitted only when certain conditions are satisfied. The purpose of the problem addressed is to design a time-varying state estimator in order to estimate the network states through available output measurements. By employing the completing-the-square technique and the stochastic analysis approach, sufficient conditions are established to ensure that the error dynamics of the state estimation satisfies a prescribed H ∞ performance constraint over a finite horizon. The desired estimator parameters can be designed via solving coupled backward recursive Riccati difference equations. Finally, a numerical example is exploited to demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed state estimation scheme.

Cysteine Inhibits Mercury Methylation by Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA Mutant Δ omcBESTZ

DOE PAGES

Lin, Hui; Lu, Xia; Liang, Liyuan; ...

2015-04-21

For cysteine enhances Hg uptake and methylation by Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA wild type (WT) strain in short-term assays. The prevalence of this enhancement in other strains remains poorly understood. We examined the influence of cysteine concentration on time-dependent Hg(II) reduction, sorption and methylation by PCA-WT and its c-type cytochrome-deficient mutant ( omcBESTZ) in phosphate buffered saline. Without cysteine, the mutant methylated twice as much Hg(II) as the PCA-WT, whereas addition of cysteine inhibited Hg methylation, regardless of the reaction time. PCA-WT, but, exhibited both time-dependent and cysteine concentration-dependent methylation. In 144 hour assay, nearly complete sorption of the Hg(II) bymore » PCA-WT occurred in the presence of 1 mM cysteine, resulting in our highest observed methylmercury production. Moreover, the chemical speciation modeling and experimental data suggest that uncharged Hg(II) species are more readily taken up, and that this uptake is kinetic limiting, thereby affecting Hg methylation by both mutant and WT.« less

20 CFR 404.1564 - Your education as a vocational factor.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... little formal education. Your daily activities, hobbies, or the results of testing may also show that you... importance of your educational background may depend upon how much time has passed between the completion of your formal education and the beginning of your physical or mental impairment(s) and by what you have...

Implementation of the infinite-range exterior complex scaling to the time-dependent complete-active-space self-consistent-field method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orimo, Yuki; Sato, Takeshi; Scrinzi, Armin; Ishikawa, Kenichi L.

2018-02-01

We present a numerical implementation of the infinite-range exterior complex scaling [Scrinzi, Phys. Rev. A 81, 053845 (2010), 10.1103/PhysRevA.81.053845] as an efficient absorbing boundary to the time-dependent complete-active-space self-consistent field method [Sato, Ishikawa, Březinová, Lackner, Nagele, and Burgdörfer, Phys. Rev. A 94, 023405 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevA.94.023405] for multielectron atoms subject to an intense laser pulse. We introduce Gauss-Laguerre-Radau quadrature points to construct discrete variable representation basis functions in the last radial finite element extending to infinity. This implementation is applied to strong-field ionization and high-harmonic generation in He, Be, and Ne atoms. It efficiently prevents unphysical reflection of photoelectron wave packets at the simulation boundary, enabling accurate simulations with substantially reduced computational cost, even under significant (≈50 % ) double ionization. For the case of a simulation of high-harmonic generation from Ne, for example, 80% cost reduction is achieved, compared to a mask-function absorption boundary.

Alcohol Dependence, Mortality, and Chronic Health Conditions in a Rural Population in Korea

PubMed Central

Noh, Samuel; Shin, Jongho; Ahn, Joung-Sook; Kim, Tae-Hui

2008-01-01

To determine the effects of excessive drinking and alcohol dependency on mortality and chronic health problems in a rural community in South Korea, this study represents a nested case-control study. In 1998, we conducted the Alcohol Dependence Survey (ADS), a population survey of a village in Korea. To measure the effects of alcohol on chronic health conditions and mortality over time, in 2004, we identified 290 adults from the ADS sample (N=1,058) for follow-up. Of those selected, 145 were adults who had alcohol problems, either alcohol dependence as assessed in the ADS by the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (N=59), or excessive drinking without dependency (N=86). Further 145 nondrinkers were identified, matching those with alcohol problems in age and sex. We revisited the village in 2004 and completed personal interviews with them. In multivariate logistic regressions, the rates of mortality and morbidity of chronic health conditions were three times greater for alcohol dependents compared with the rate for nondrinkers. Importantly, however, excessive drinking without dependency was not associated with the rates of either mortality or morbidity. Future investigations would benefit by attending more specifically to measures for alcohol dependence as well as measures for alcohol consumption. PMID:18303191

Contrasting gender differences on two measures of exercise dependence.

PubMed

Weik, M; Hale, B D

2009-03-01

Recent studies using multidimensional measures have shown that men (Exercise Dependence Scale; EDS-R) are more exercise-dependent than women, whereas others have found that women (Exercise Dependence Questionnaire; EDQ) are more exercise-dependent than men. This study investigated whether there may be sex differences in exercise dependence or whether the questionnaires may be measuring different dimensions of exercise dependence. Regular exercisers voluntarily completed the EDS-R, EDQ and Drive for Thinness (DFT) subscale before or after a workout. A local health club in the eastern USA. Male (n = 102) and female (n = 102) exercisers completed the three questionnaires, but 11 participants (1 man, 10 women) were excluded from further analysis because scores indicated possible secondary exercise dependence (eating disorder). Eight subscales of the EDQ, seven subscales of the EDS, the DFT subscale, and several demographic variables served as dependent measures. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) on the EDS-R showed that men were significantly higher than women on the Withdrawal, Continuance, Tolerance, Lack of Control, Time, and Intention Effect subscales. Another MANOVA on the EDQ indicated that women scored significantly higher than did men on the Interference, Positive Rewards, Withdrawal, and Social Reasons subscales. Statistical analysis using t tests revealed that men had significantly higher total EDS-R scores than women, but women had significantly higher EDQ and DFT scores. These results suggest that both questionnaires measure different aspects of exercise dependence that favour either gender. It remains for further research to determine whether these instruments are equally viable for measurement of ED in both men and women.

Invertibility of retarded response functions for Laplace transformable potentials: Application to one-body reduced density matrix functional theory.

PubMed

Giesbertz, K J H

2015-08-07

A theorem for the invertibility of arbitrary response functions is presented under the following conditions: the time dependence of the potentials should be Laplace transformable and the initial state should be a ground state, though it might be degenerate. This theorem provides a rigorous foundation for all density-functional-like theories in the time-dependent linear response regime. Especially for time-dependent one-body reduced density matrix (1RDM) functional theory, this is an important step forward, since a solid foundation has currently been lacking. The theorem is equally valid for static response functions in the non-degenerate case, so can be used to characterize the uniqueness of the potential in the ground state version of the corresponding density-functional-like theory. Such a classification of the uniqueness of the non-local potential in ground state 1RDM functional theory has been lacking for decades. With the aid of presented invertibility theorem presented here, a complete classification of the non-uniqueness of the non-local potential in 1RDM functional theory can be given for the first time.

Time-of-day effects on voice range profile performance in young, vocally untrained adult females.

PubMed

van Mersbergen, M R; Verdolini, K; Titze, I R

1999-12-01

Time-of-day effects on voice range profile performance were investigated in 20 vocally healthy untrained women between the ages of 18 and 35 years. Each subject produced two complete voice range profiles: one in the morning and one in the evening, about 36 hours apart. The order of morning and evening trials was counterbalanced across subjects. Dependent variables were (1) average minimum and average maximum intensity, (2) Voice range profile area and (3) center of gravity (median semitone pitch and median intensity). In this study, the results failed to reveal any clear evidence of time-of-day effects on voice range profile performance, for any of the dependent variables. However, a reliable interaction of time-of-day and trial order was obtained for average minimum intensity. Investigation of other subject populations, in particular trained vocalists or those with laryngeal lesions, is required for any generalization of the results.

A real-time extension of density matrix embedding theory for non-equilibrium electron dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kretchmer, Joshua S.; Chan, Garnet Kin-Lic

2018-02-01

We introduce real-time density matrix embedding theory (DMET), a dynamical quantum embedding theory for computing non-equilibrium electron dynamics in strongly correlated systems. As in the previously developed static DMET, real-time DMET partitions the system into an impurity corresponding to the region of interest coupled to the surrounding environment, which is efficiently represented by a quantum bath of the same size as the impurity. In this work, we focus on a simplified single-impurity time-dependent formulation as a first step toward a multi-impurity theory. The equations of motion of the coupled impurity and bath embedding problem are derived using the time-dependent variational principle. The accuracy of real-time DMET is compared to that of time-dependent complete active space self-consistent field (TD-CASSCF) theory and time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) theory for a variety of quantum quenches in the single impurity Anderson model (SIAM), in which the Hamiltonian is suddenly changed (quenched) to induce a non-equilibrium state. Real-time DMET shows a marked improvement over the mean-field TDHF, converging to the exact answer even in the non-trivial Kondo regime of the SIAM. However, as expected from analogous behavior in static DMET, the constrained structure of the real-time DMET wavefunction leads to a slower convergence with respect to active space size, in the single-impurity formulation, relative to TD-CASSCF. Our initial results suggest that real-time DMET provides a promising framework to simulate non-equilibrium electron dynamics in which strong electron correlation plays an important role, and lays the groundwork for future multi-impurity formulations.

A real-time extension of density matrix embedding theory for non-equilibrium electron dynamics.

PubMed

Kretchmer, Joshua S; Chan, Garnet Kin-Lic

2018-02-07

We introduce real-time density matrix embedding theory (DMET), a dynamical quantum embedding theory for computing non-equilibrium electron dynamics in strongly correlated systems. As in the previously developed static DMET, real-time DMET partitions the system into an impurity corresponding to the region of interest coupled to the surrounding environment, which is efficiently represented by a quantum bath of the same size as the impurity. In this work, we focus on a simplified single-impurity time-dependent formulation as a first step toward a multi-impurity theory. The equations of motion of the coupled impurity and bath embedding problem are derived using the time-dependent variational principle. The accuracy of real-time DMET is compared to that of time-dependent complete active space self-consistent field (TD-CASSCF) theory and time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) theory for a variety of quantum quenches in the single impurity Anderson model (SIAM), in which the Hamiltonian is suddenly changed (quenched) to induce a non-equilibrium state. Real-time DMET shows a marked improvement over the mean-field TDHF, converging to the exact answer even in the non-trivial Kondo regime of the SIAM. However, as expected from analogous behavior in static DMET, the constrained structure of the real-time DMET wavefunction leads to a slower convergence with respect to active space size, in the single-impurity formulation, relative to TD-CASSCF. Our initial results suggest that real-time DMET provides a promising framework to simulate non-equilibrium electron dynamics in which strong electron correlation plays an important role, and lays the groundwork for future multi-impurity formulations.

The role of temporal delay and repeated prospective memory cue exposure on the deactivation of completed intentions.

PubMed

Walser, Moritz; Plessow, Franziska; Goschke, Thomas; Fischer, Rico

2014-07-01

Previous studies have shown that completed prospective memory (PM) intentions entail aftereffects in terms of ongoing-task-performance decrements in trials containing repeated PM cues which previously served as PM cues triggering the intended action. Previous research reported that PM aftereffects decrease over time, thus revealing a specific time course of PM aftereffects. In the present study, we tested two accounts for this pattern, assuming either that the decline of aftereffects is related to the temporal distance to PM task completion or may be a result of the repeated exposure of repeated PM cues in the ongoing task. In three experiments, we manipulated both the temporal distance to PM task completion and the frequency of repeated PM cues and demonstrated that aftereffects of completed intentions declined with repeated exposure of formerly relevant PM cues. In addition, effects of repeated exposure were not only limited to the repetition of specific PM-cue exemplars but also generalized to other semantically related PM cues within the PM-cue category. Together, findings show that decreased aftereffects of completed intentions are not related to the temporal duration of the subsequent test block, but crucially depend on the repeated exposure of the previously relevant PM cues.

Logging while fishing: An alternate method to cut and thread fishing

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

Tollefsen, E.; Crary, S.; Flores, B.

1996-12-31

New technology has been introduced to allow completion of the wireline logging program after the tool string has become lodged in the wellbore. Charges associated with extracting a stuck tool are substantial. These charges result from the nonproductive time during the fishing trip, an associated wiper trip, and re-logging the well. The ability to continue the logging program while retrieving the logging string from the wellbore is needed. Logging While Fishing (LWF) is a hybrid of existing technologies combined with a new sub capable of severing a cable remotely. This new method is comprised of cut and thread fishing, drillpipemore » conveyed logging, and bridled tool techniques. Utilizing these techniques it is possible to complete wireline logging operations while removing a stuck tool from the wellbore. Completing logging operations using this hybrid method will save operating companies time and money. Other benefits, depending on the situation, include reduced fishing time and an increased level of safety. This application has been demonstrated on jobs in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, Venezuela, and Southeast Asia.« less

Impulsivity Moderates Subjective Responses to Alcohol in Alcohol-Dependent Individuals.

PubMed

Westman, Jonathan G; Bujarski, Spencer; Ray, Lara A

2017-03-09

Studies of social drinkers indicate that subjective response (SR) to alcohol and impulsivity are risk factors for the development of alcohol use disorder which may be related. It is unclear, however, whether there are significant relationships between SR and impulsivity among individuals with alcohol dependence. Using data from an intravenous (IV) alcohol challenge study, the present study is the first to explore the relationship between impulsivity and SR during alcohol administration among alcohol-dependent individuals. Non-treatment-seeking, alcohol-dependent individuals (N = 42) completed the Delay Discounting Task to measure impulsivity and then completed two counterbalanced, placebo-controlled IV alcohol administration sessions, which included assessments of SR at breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) levels of 0.00, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 g/dl. Analyses revealed that more impulsive participants experienced higher subjective stimulation and positive mood in response to rising BrACs as compared to less impulsive individuals. More impulsive participants also experienced increased sedation over time regardless of condition (i.e. alcohol vs. saline). These findings suggest that among alcohol-dependent individuals, impulsivity is positively associated with the hedonic effects of alcohol as compared to placebo. High impulsivity may characterize a subset of alcohol-dependent individuals who drink to experience the rewarding effects of alcohol. © The Author 2016. Medical Council on Alcohol and Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Unusual polarity-dependent patterns in a bent-core nematic liquid crystal under low-frequency ac field.

PubMed

Xiang, Ying; Zhou, Meng-jie; Xu, Ming-Ya; Salamon, Péter; Éber, Nándor; Buka, Ágnes

2015-04-01

Electric-field-induced patterns of diverse morphology have been observed over a wide frequency range in a recently synthesized bent-core nematic (BCN) liquid crystal. At low frequencies (up to ∼25 Hz), the BCN exhibited unusual polarity-dependent patterns. When the amplitude of the ac field was enhanced, these two time-asymmetrical patterns turned into time-symmetrical prewavylike stripes. At ac frequencies in the middle-frequency range (∼50-3000 Hz), zigzag patterns were detected whose obliqueness varied with the frequency. Finally, if the frequency was increased above 3 kHz, the zigzag pattern was replaced by another, prewavylike pattern, whose threshold voltage depended on the frequency; however, the wave vector did not. For a more complete characterization, material parameters such as elastic constants, dielectric permittivities, and the anisotropy of the diamagnetic susceptibility were also determined.

Complete Numerical Solution of the Diffusion Equation of Random Genetic Drift

PubMed Central

Zhao, Lei; Yue, Xingye; Waxman, David

2013-01-01

A numerical method is presented to solve the diffusion equation for the random genetic drift that occurs at a single unlinked locus with two alleles. The method was designed to conserve probability, and the resulting numerical solution represents a probability distribution whose total probability is unity. We describe solutions of the diffusion equation whose total probability is unity as complete. Thus the numerical method introduced in this work produces complete solutions, and such solutions have the property that whenever fixation and loss can occur, they are automatically included within the solution. This feature demonstrates that the diffusion approximation can describe not only internal allele frequencies, but also the boundary frequencies zero and one. The numerical approach presented here constitutes a single inclusive framework from which to perform calculations for random genetic drift. It has a straightforward implementation, allowing it to be applied to a wide variety of problems, including those with time-dependent parameters, such as changing population sizes. As tests and illustrations of the numerical method, it is used to determine: (i) the probability density and time-dependent probability of fixation for a neutral locus in a population of constant size; (ii) the probability of fixation in the presence of selection; and (iii) the probability of fixation in the presence of selection and demographic change, the latter in the form of a changing population size. PMID:23749318

Translation invariant time-dependent massive gravity: Hamiltonian analysis

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

Mourad, Jihad; Steer, Danièle A.; Noui, Karim, E-mail: mourad@apc.univ-paris7.fr, E-mail: karim.noui@lmpt.univ-tours.fr, E-mail: steer@apc.univ-paris7.fr

2014-09-01

The canonical structure of the massive gravity in the first order moving frame formalism is studied. We work in the simplified context of translation invariant fields, with mass terms given by general non-derivative interactions, invariant under the diagonal Lorentz group, depending on the moving frame as well as a fixed reference frame. We prove that the only mass terms which give 5 propagating degrees of freedom are the dRGT mass terms, namely those which are linear in the lapse. We also complete the Hamiltonian analysis with the dynamical evolution of the system.

Predictable pulsatile release of tramadol hydrochloride for chronotherapeutics of arthritis.

PubMed

Dabhi, Chandu; Randale, Shivsagar; Belgamwar, Veena; Gattani, Surendra; Tekade, Avinash

2010-07-01

The present investigation deals with the development of a pH and time-dependent press-coated pulsatile drug delivery system for delivering drugs into the colon. The system consists of a drug containing core, coated by a combination of natural polymer Delonix regia gum (DRG) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M) in various proportions, which controls the onset of release. The whole system was coated with methacrylic acid copolymers, which not only prevents the drug release in the stomach, but also prolongs the lag time. Tramadol HCl was used as a model drug and varying combinations of DRG and HPMC K4M were used to achieve the desired lag time before rapid and complete release of the drug in the colon. It was observed that the lag time depends on the coating ratio of DRG to HPMC and also on press coating weight. Drug release was found to be increased by 15-30% in the presence of colonic microbial flora. The results showed the capability of the system in achieving pulsatile release for a programmable period of time and pH-dependent release to attain colon-targeted delivery.

Alternative formulations of the Laplace transform boundary element (LTBE) numerical method for the solution of diffusion-type equations

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

Moridis, G.

1992-03-01

The Laplace Transform Boundary Element (LTBE) method is a recently introduced numerical method, and has been used for the solution of diffusion-type PDEs. It completely eliminates the time dependency of the problem and the need for time discretization, yielding solutions numerical in space and semi-analytical in time. In LTBE solutions are obtained in the Laplace spare, and are then inverted numerically to yield the solution in time. The Stehfest and the DeHoog formulations of LTBE, based on two different inversion algorithms, are investigated. Both formulations produce comparable, extremely accurate solutions.

Vacuum Decay via Lorentzian Wormholes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosales, J. L.

We speculate about the space-time description due to the presence of Lorentzian worm-holes (handles in space-time joining two distant regions or other universes) in quantum gravity. The semiclassical rate of production of these Lorentzian wormholes in Reissner-Nordström space-times is calculated as a result of the spontaneous decay of vacuum due to a real tunneling configuration. In the magnetic case it only depends on the value of the field theoretical fine structure constant. We predict that the quantum probability corresponding to the nucleation of such geodesically complete space-times should be acutally negligible in our physical Universe.

Turbine-99 unsteady simulations - Validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cervantes, M. J.; Andersson, U.; Lövgren, H. M.

2010-08-01

The Turbine-99 test case, a Kaplan draft tube model, aimed to determine the state of the art within draft tube simulation. Three workshops were organized on the matter in 1999, 2001 and 2005 where the geometry and experimental data were provided as boundary conditions to the participants. Since the last workshop, computational power and flow modelling have been developed and the available data completed with unsteady pressure measurements and phase resolved velocity measurements in the cone. Such new set of data together with the corresponding phase resolved velocity boundary conditions offer new possibilities to validate unsteady numerical simulations in Kaplan draft tube. The present work presents simulation of the Turbine-99 test case with time dependent angular resolved inlet velocity boundary conditions. Different grids and time steps are investigated. The results are compared to experimental time dependent pressure and velocity measurements.

Aerodynamic Parameters of High Performance Aircraft Estimated from Wind Tunnel and Flight Test Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, Vladislav; Murphy, Patrick C.

1998-01-01

A concept of system identification applied to high performance aircraft is introduced followed by a discussion on the identification methodology. Special emphasis is given to model postulation using time invariant and time dependent aerodynamic parameters, model structure determination and parameter estimation using ordinary least squares an mixed estimation methods, At the same time problems of data collinearity detection and its assessment are discussed. These parts of methodology are demonstrated in examples using flight data of the X-29A and X-31A aircraft. In the third example wind tunnel oscillatory data of the F-16XL model are used. A strong dependence of these data on frequency led to the development of models with unsteady aerodynamic terms in the form of indicial functions. The paper is completed by concluding remarks.

Personality Disorder Features and Insomnia Status amongst Hypnotic-Dependent Adults

PubMed Central

Ruiter, Megan E.; Lichstein, Kenneth L.; Nau, Sidney D.; Geyer, James

2012-01-01

Objective To determine the prevalence of personality disorders and their relation to insomnia parameters among persons with chronic insomnia with hypnotic dependence. Methods Eighty-four adults with chronic insomnia with hypnotic dependence completed the SCID-II personality questionnaire, two-weeks of sleep diaries, polysomnography, and measures of insomnia severity, impact, fatigue severity, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Frequencies, between-subjects t-tests and hierarchical regression models were conducted. Results Cluster C personality disorders were most prevalent (50%). Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) was most common (n=39). These individuals compared to participants with no personality disorders did not differ in objective and subjective sleep parameters. Yet, they had poorer insomnia-related daytime functioning. OCPD and Avoidant personality disorders features were associated with poorer daytime functioning. OCPD features were related to greater fatigue severity, and overestimation of time awake was trending. Schizotypal and Schizoid features were positively associated with insomnia severity. Dependent personality disorder features were related to underestimating time awake. Conclusions Cluster C personality disorders were highly prevalent in patients with chronic insomnia with hypnotic dependence. Features of Cluster C and A personality disorders were variously associated with poorer insomnia-related daytime functioning, fatigue, and estimation of nightly wake-time. Future interventions may need to address these personality features. PMID:22938862

Personality disorder features and insomnia status amongst hypnotic-dependent adults.

PubMed

Ruiter, Megan E; Lichstein, Kenneth L; Nau, Sidney D; Geyer, James D

2012-10-01

To determine the prevalence of personality disorders and their relation to insomnia parameters among persons with chronic insomnia with hypnotic dependence. Eighty-four adults with chronic insomnia with hypnotic dependence completed the SCID-II personality questionnaire, two-weeks of sleep diaries, polysomnography, and measures of insomnia severity, impact, fatigue severity, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Frequencies, between-subjects t-tests and hierarchical regression models were conducted. Cluster C personality disorders were most prevalent (50%). Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) was most common (n=39). These individuals compared to participants with no personality disorders did not differ in objective and subjective sleep parameters. Yet, they had poorer insomnia-related daytime functioning. OCPD and Avoidant personality disorders features were associated with poorer daytime functioning. OCPD features were related to greater fatigue severity, and overestimation of time awake was trending. Schizotypal and Schizoid features were positively associated with insomnia severity. Dependent personality disorder features were related to underestimating time awake. Cluster C personality disorders were highly prevalent in patients with chronic insomnia with hypnotic dependence. Features of Cluster C and A personality disorders were variously associated with poorer insomnia-related daytime functioning, fatigue, and estimation of nightly wake-time. Future interventions may need to address these personality features. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Classifying with confidence from incomplete information.

DOE PAGES

Parrish, Nathan; Anderson, Hyrum S.; Gupta, Maya R.; ...

2013-12-01

For this paper, we consider the problem of classifying a test sample given incomplete information. This problem arises naturally when data about a test sample is collected over time, or when costs must be incurred to compute the classification features. For example, in a distributed sensor network only a fraction of the sensors may have reported measurements at a certain time, and additional time, power, and bandwidth is needed to collect the complete data to classify. A practical goal is to assign a class label as soon as enough data is available to make a good decision. We formalize thismore » goal through the notion of reliability—the probability that a label assigned given incomplete data would be the same as the label assigned given the complete data, and we propose a method to classify incomplete data only if some reliability threshold is met. Our approach models the complete data as a random variable whose distribution is dependent on the current incomplete data and the (complete) training data. The method differs from standard imputation strategies in that our focus is on determining the reliability of the classification decision, rather than just the class label. We show that the method provides useful reliability estimates of the correctness of the imputed class labels on a set of experiments on time-series data sets, where the goal is to classify the time-series as early as possible while still guaranteeing that the reliability threshold is met.« less

Constitutive Theory Developed for Monolithic Ceramic Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janosik, Lesley A.

1998-01-01

With the increasing use of advanced ceramic materials in high-temperature structural applications such as advanced heat engine components, the need arises to accurately predict thermomechanical behavior that is inherently time-dependent and that is hereditary in the sense that the current behavior depends not only on current conditions but also on the material's thermomechanical history. Most current analytical life prediction methods for both subcritical crack growth and creep models use elastic stress fields to predict the time-dependent reliability response of components subjected to elevated service temperatures. Inelastic response at high temperatures has been well documented in the materials science literature for these material systems, but this issue has been ignored by the engineering design community. From a design engineer's perspective, it is imperative to emphasize that accurate predictions of time-dependent reliability demand accurate stress field information. Ceramic materials exhibit different time-dependent behavior in tension and compression. Thus, inelastic deformation models for ceramics must be constructed in a fashion that admits both sensitivity to hydrostatic stress and differing behavior in tension and compression. A number of constitutive theories for materials that exhibit sensitivity to the hydrostatic component of stress have been proposed that characterize deformation using time-independent classical plasticity as a foundation. However, none of these theories allow different behavior in tension and compression. In addition, these theories are somewhat lacking in that they are unable to capture the creep, relaxation, and rate-sensitive phenomena exhibited by ceramic materials at high temperatures. The objective of this effort at the NASA Lewis Research Center has been to formulate a macroscopic continuum theory that captures these time-dependent phenomena. Specifically, the effort has focused on inelastic deformation behavior associated with these service conditions by developing a multiaxial viscoplastic constitutive model that accounts for time-dependent hereditary material deformation (such as creep and stress relaxation) in monolithic structural ceramics. Using continuum principles of engineering mechanics, we derived the complete viscoplastic theory from a scalar dissipative potential function.

Improving the Questions Students Ask

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donohue-Smith, Maureen

2006-01-01

Teachers often tell their classes that "there is no such thing as a stupid question." But this is not completely honest. Questions aren't asked in a vacuum; their intelligence or stupidity depends on a variety of contextual variables. The ideal question is the right one, posed to the right source in the right way at the right time for the right…

Reduced-order dynamic output feedback control of uncertain discrete-time Markov jump linear systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morais, Cecília F.; Braga, Márcio F.; Oliveira, Ricardo C. L. F.; Peres, Pedro L. D.

2017-11-01

This paper deals with the problem of designing reduced-order robust dynamic output feedback controllers for discrete-time Markov jump linear systems (MJLS) with polytopic state space matrices and uncertain transition probabilities. Starting from a full order, mode-dependent and polynomially parameter-dependent dynamic output feedback controller, sufficient linear matrix inequality based conditions are provided for the existence of a robust reduced-order dynamic output feedback stabilising controller with complete, partial or none mode dependency assuring an upper bound to the ? or the ? norm of the closed-loop system. The main advantage of the proposed method when compared to the existing approaches is the fact that the dynamic controllers are exclusively expressed in terms of the decision variables of the problem. In other words, the matrices that define the controller realisation do not depend explicitly on the state space matrices associated with the modes of the MJLS. As a consequence, the method is specially suitable to handle order reduction or cluster availability constraints in the context of ? or ? dynamic output feedback control of discrete-time MJLS. Additionally, as illustrated by means of numerical examples, the proposed approach can provide less conservative results than other conditions in the literature.

Negative Temperature Dependence of Recrystallized Grain Size: Formulation and Experimental Confirmation on Copper

PubMed Central

Elmasry, Mohamed; Liu, Fan; Jiang, Yao; Mao, Ze Ning; Liu, Ying; Wang, Jing Tao

2017-01-01

The catalyzing effect on nucleation of recrystallization from existing grains resulting from previous lower temperature deformation is analyzed, analogous to the size effect of foreign nucleus in heterogeneous nucleation. Analytical formulation of the effective nucleation site for recrystallization leads to a negative temperature dependence of recrystallized grain size of metals. Non-isochronal annealing—where annealing time is set just enough for the completion of recrystallization at different temperatures—is conducted on pure copper after severe plastic deformation. More homogeneous and smaller grains are obtained at higher annealing temperature. The good fit between analytical and experimental results unveils the intrinsic feature of this negative temperature dependence of recrystallized grain size. PMID:28772676

Time-Dependent Simulations of Turbopump Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiris, Cetin; Kwak, Dochan; Chan, William; Williams, Robert

2002-01-01

Unsteady flow simulations for RLV (Reusable Launch Vehicles) 2nd Generation baseline turbopump for one and half impeller rotations have been completed by using a 34.3 Million grid points model. MLP (Multi-Level Parallelism) shared memory parallelism has been implemented in INS3D, and benchmarked. Code optimization for cash based platforms will be completed by the end of September 2001. Moving boundary capability is obtained by using DCF module. Scripting capability from CAD (computer aided design) geometry to solution has been developed. Data compression is applied to reduce data size in post processing. Fluid/Structure coupling has been initiated.

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

Tang, Zhoufei; Ouyang, Xiaolong; Gong, Zhihao

An extended hierarchy equation of motion (HEOM) is proposed and applied to study the dynamics of the spin-boson model. In this approach, a complete set of orthonormal functions are used to expand an arbitrary bath correlation function. As a result, a complete dynamic basis set is constructed by including the system reduced density matrix and auxiliary fields composed of these expansion functions, where the extended HEOM is derived for the time derivative of each element. The reliability of the extended HEOM is demonstrated by comparison with the stochastic Hamiltonian approach under room-temperature classical ohmic and sub-ohmic noises and the multilayermore » multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree theory under zero-temperature quantum ohmic noise. Upon increasing the order in the hierarchical expansion, the result obtained from the extended HOEM systematically converges to the numerically exact answer.« less

PREDICTING ADHERENCE TO TREATMENT FOR METHAMPHETAMINE DEPENDENCE FROM NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL AND DRUG USE VARIABLES*

PubMed Central

Dean, Andy C.; London, Edythe D.; Sugar, Catherine A.; Kitchen, Christina M. R.; Swanson, Aimee-Noelle; Heinzerling, Keith G.; Kalechstein, Ari D.; Shoptaw, Steven

2009-01-01

Although some individuals who abuse methamphetamine have considerable cognitive deficits, no prior studies have examined whether neurocognitive functioning is associated with outcome of treatment for methamphetamine dependence. In an outpatient clinical trial of bupropion combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and contingency management (Shoptaw et al., 2008), 60 methamphetamine-dependent adults completed three tests of reaction time and working memory at baseline. Other variables that were collected at baseline included measures of drug use, mood/psychiatric functioning, employment, social context, legal status, and medical status. We evaluated the relative predictive value of all baseline measures for treatment outcome using Classification and Regression Trees (CART; Breiman, 1984), a nonparametric statistical technique that produces easily interpretable decision rules for classifying subjects that are particularly useful in clinical settings. Outcome measures were whether or not a participant completed the trial and whether or not most urine tests showed abstinence from methamphetamine abuse. Urine-verified methamphetamine abuse at the beginning of the study was the strongest predictor of treatment outcome; two psychosocial measures (e.g., nicotine dependence and Global Assessment of Functioning) also offered some predictive value. A few reaction time and working memory variables were related to treatment outcome, but these cognitive measures did not significantly aid prediction after adjusting for methamphetamine usage at the beginning of the study. On the basis of these findings, we recommend that research groups seeking to identify new predictors of treatment outcome compare the predictors to methamphetamine usage variables to assure that unique predictive power is attained. PMID:19608354

Individualized real-time fMRI neurofeedback to attenuate craving in nicotine-dependent smokers.

PubMed

Hartwell, Karen J; Hanlon, Colleen A; Li, Xingbao; Borckardt, Jeffrey J; Canterberry, Melanie; Prisciandaro, James J; Moran-Santa Maria, Megan M Moran; LeMatty, Todd; George, Mark S; Brady, Kathleen T

2016-01-01

Cue-induced craving plays an important role in relapse, and the neural correlates of cue-induced craving have been elucidated using fMRI. This study examined the utility of real-time fMRI (rtfMRI) neurofeedback to strengthen self-regulation of craving-related neural activation and cue-reactivity in cigarette smokers. Nicotine-dependent smokers were randomized to rtfMRI neurofeedback or to a no-feedback control group. Participants completed 3 neuroimaging visits. Within each visit, an initial run during which smoking-related cues were used to provoke craving, an individualized craving-related region of interest (ROI) in the prefrontal cortex or anterior cingulate cortex was identified. In the rtfMRI group, activity from the ROI was fed back via a visual display during 3 subsequent runs while participants were instructed to reduce craving during cue exposure. The control group had an identical experience with no feedback provided. Forty-four nicotine-dependent smokers were recruited to participate in our study; data from the 33 participants who completed a 1-week follow-up visit were included in the analysis. Subjective craving ratings and cue-induced brain activation were lower in the rtfMRI group than in the control group. As participants were not seeking treatment, clinical outcomes are lacking. Nicotine-dependent smokers receiving rtfMRI feedback from an individualized ROI attenuated smoking cue-elicited neural activation and craving, relative to a control group. Further studies are needed in treatment-seeking smokers to determine if this intervention can translate into a clinically meaningful treatment modality.

Effects of heterogeneous convergence rate on consensus in opinion dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Changwei; Dai, Qionglin; Han, Wenchen; Feng, Yuee; Cheng, Hongyan; Li, Haihong

2018-06-01

The Deffuant model has attracted much attention in the study of opinion dynamics. Here, we propose a modified version by introducing into the model a heterogeneous convergence rate which is dependent on the opinion difference between interacting agents and a tunable parameter κ. We study the effects of heterogeneous convergence rate on consensus by investigating the probability of complete consensus, the size of the largest opinion cluster, the number of opinion clusters, and the relaxation time. We find that the decrease of the convergence rate is favorable to decreasing the confidence threshold for the population to always reach complete consensus, and there exists optimal κ resulting in the minimal bounded confidence threshold. Moreover, we find that there exists a window before the threshold of confidence in which complete consensus may be reached with a nonzero probability when κ is not too large. We also find that, within a certain confidence range, decreasing the convergence rate will reduce the relaxation time, which is somewhat counterintuitive.

Deterministic chaos in entangled eigenstates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schlegel, K. G.; Förster, S.

2008-05-01

We investigate the problem of deterministic chaos in connection with entangled states using the Bohmian formulation of quantum mechanics. We show for a two particle system in a harmonic oscillator potential, that in a case of entanglement and three energy eigen-values the maximum Lyapunov-parameters of a representative ensemble of trajectories for large times develops to a narrow positive distribution, which indicates nearly complete chaotic dynamics. We also present in short results from two time-dependent systems, the anisotropic and the Rabi oscillator.

The recalibration of the IUE scientific instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Imhoff, Catherine L.; Oliversen, Nancy A.; Nichols-Bohlin, Joy; Casatella, Angelo; Lloyd, Christopher

1988-01-01

The IUE instrument was recalibrated because of long time-scale changes in the scientific instrument, a better understanding of the performance of the instrument, improved sets of calibration data, and improved analysis techniques. Calibrations completed or planned include intensity transfer functions (ITF), low-dispersion absolute calibrations, high-dispersion ripple corrections and absolute calibrations, improved geometric mapping of the ITFs to spectral images, studies to improve the signal-to-noise, enhanced absolute calibrations employing corrections for time, temperature, and aperture dependence, and photometric and geometric calibrations for the FES.

Dependency on Smartphone Use and Its Association with Anxiety in Korea.

PubMed

Lee, Kyung Eun; Kim, Si-Heon; Ha, Tae-Yang; Yoo, Young-Myong; Han, Jai-Jun; Jung, Jae-Hyuk; Jang, Jae-Yeon

2016-01-01

South Korea has the highest rate of smartphone ownership worldwide, which is a potential concern given that smartphone dependency may have deleterious effects on health. We investigated the relationship between smartphone dependency and anxiety. Participants included 1,236 smartphone-using students (725 men and 511 women) from six universities in Suwon, South Korea. Participants completed measures of smartphone use, smartphone dependency, anxiety, and general characteristics (i.e., demographic, health-related, and socioeconomic characteristics). To measure smartphone dependency and anxiety, we used questionnaires of Yang's test developed from Young's Internet Addiction Test and Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the association between smartphone dependency and anxiety after adjusting for relevant factors. On a scale from 25 to 100, with higher scores on the smartphone dependency test indicating greater dependency, women were significantly more dependent on smartphones than were men (mean smartphone dependency score: 50.7 vs. 56.0 for men and women, respectively, p<0.001). However, the amount of time spent using smartphones and the purpose of smartphone use affected smartphone dependency in both men and women. Particularly, when daily use time increased, smartphone dependency showed an increasing trend. Compared with times of use <2 hours vs. ≥6 hours, men scored 46.2 and 56.0 on the smartphone dependency test, while women scored 48.0 and 60.4, respectively (p<0.001). Finally, for both men and women, increases in smartphone dependency were associated with increased anxiety scores. With each one-point increase in smartphone dependency score, the risk of abnormal anxiety in men and women increased by 10.1% and 9.2%, respectively (p<0.001). Among this group of university students in South Korea, smartphone dependency appeared to be associated with increased anxiety. Standards for smartphone use might help prevent deleterious health effects.

Dependency on Smartphone Use and Its Association with Anxiety in Korea

PubMed Central

Lee, Kyung Eun; Kim, Si-Heon; Ha, Tae-Yang; Yoo, Young-Myong; Han, Jai-Jun; Jung, Jae-Hyuk

2016-01-01

Objective South Korea has the highest rate of smartphone ownership worldwide, which is a potential concern given that smartphone dependency may have deleterious effects on health. We investigated the relationship between smartphone dependency and anxiety. Methods Participants included 1,236 smartphone-using students (725 men and 511 women) from six universities in Suwon, South Korea. Participants completed measures of smartphone use, smartphone dependency, anxiety, and general characteristics (i.e., demographic, health-related, and socioeconomic characteristics). To measure smartphone dependency and anxiety, we used questionnaires of Yang's test developed from Young's Internet Addiction Test and Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. We used multiple logistic regression to determine the association between smartphone dependency and anxiety after adjusting for relevant factors. Results On a scale from 25 to 100, with higher scores on the smartphone dependency test indicating greater dependency, women were significantly more dependent on smartphones than were men (mean smartphone dependency score: 50.7 vs. 56.0 for men and women, respectively, p<0.001). However, the amount of time spent using smartphones and the purpose of smartphone use affected smartphone dependency in both men and women. Particularly, when daily use time increased, smartphone dependency showed an increasing trend. Compared with times of use <2 hours vs. ≥6 hours, men scored 46.2 and 56.0 on the smartphone dependency test, while women scored 48.0 and 60.4, respectively (p<0.001). Finally, for both men and women, increases in smartphone dependency were associated with increased anxiety scores. With each one-point increase in smartphone dependency score, the risk of abnormal anxiety in men and women increased by 10.1% and 9.2%, respectively (p<0.001). Conclusion Among this group of university students in South Korea, smartphone dependency appeared to be associated with increased anxiety. Standards for smartphone use might help prevent deleterious health effects. PMID:27252561

Does Tinnitus Depend on Time-of-Day? An Ecological Momentary Assessment Study with the “TrackYourTinnitus” Application

PubMed Central

Probst, Thomas; Pryss, Rüdiger C.; Langguth, Berthold; Rauschecker, Josef P.; Schobel, Johannes; Reichert, Manfred; Spiliopoulou, Myra; Schlee, Winfried; Zimmermann, Johannes

2017-01-01

Only few previous studies used ecological momentary assessments to explore the time-of-day-dependence of tinnitus. The present study used data from the mobile application “TrackYourTinnitus” to explore whether tinnitus loudness and tinnitus distress fluctuate within a 24-h interval. Multilevel models were performed to account for the nested structure of assessments (level 1: 17,209 daily life assessments) nested within days (level 2: 3,570 days with at least three completed assessments), and days nested within participants (level 3: 350 participants). Results revealed a time-of-day-dependence of tinnitus. In particular, tinnitus was perceived as louder and more distressing during the night and early morning hours (from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.) than during the upcoming day. Since previous studies suggested that stress (and stress-associated hormones) show a circadian rhythm and this might influence the time-of-day-dependence of tinnitus, we evaluated whether the described results change when statistically controlling for subjectively reported stress-levels. Correcting for subjective stress-levels, however, did not change the result that tinnitus (loudness and distress) was most severe at night and early morning. These results show that time-of-day contributes to the level of both tinnitus loudness and tinnitus distress. Possible implications of our results for the clinical management of tinnitus are that tailoring the timing of therapeutic interventions to the circadian rhythm of individual patients (chronotherapy) might be promising. PMID:28824415

Pacific Stars and Stripes

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-30

Department of Defense Dependents Schools to provide educational benefits to eligible nonappropriated fund employees’ school-age dependents on a...2$ para 3 q Concur - ACTION COMPLETED: Validation of marital and dependent status of PS&S employees has been completed LQA payments have been

Time-dependent quantum chemistry of laser driven many-electron molecules

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

Nguyen-Dang, Thanh-Tung; Couture-Bienvenue, Étienne; Viau-Trudel, Jérémy

2014-12-28

A Time-Dependent Configuration Interaction approach using multiple Feshbach partitionings, corresponding to multiple ionization stages of a laser-driven molecule, has recently been proposed [T.-T. Nguyen-Dang and J. Viau-Trudel, J. Chem. Phys. 139, 244102 (2013)]. To complete this development toward a fully ab-initio method for the calculation of time-dependent electronic wavefunctions of an N-electron molecule, we describe how tools of multiconfiguration quantum chemistry such as the management of the configuration expansion space using Graphical Unitary Group Approach concepts can be profitably adapted to the new context, that of time-resolved electronic dynamics, as opposed to stationary electronic structure. The method is applied tomore » calculate the detailed, sub-cycle electronic dynamics of BeH{sub 2}, treated in a 3–21G bound-orbital basis augmented by a set of orthogonalized plane-waves representing continuum-type orbitals, including its ionization under an intense λ = 800 nm or λ = 80 nm continuous-wave laser field. The dynamics is strongly non-linear at the field-intensity considered (I ≃ 10{sup 15} W/cm{sup 2}), featuring important ionization of an inner-shell electron and strong post-ionization bound-electron dynamics.« less

Developmental times and life table statistics of Aulacorthum solani (Hemiptera: Aphididae) at six constant temperatures, with recommendations on the application of temperature-dependent development models

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Developmental rates and age-specific life tables were determined for Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) (known as foxglove aphid or glasshouse potato aphid) at 6 constant temperatures feeding on pansy (Viola × wittrockiana) (Gams.). Previously, there were no complete life table studies of this species...

Evaluation of Point-of-Care Resources for Dietary Supplement Information.

PubMed

Montgomery, Ashley E; Beckett, Robert D; Montagano, Kaitlin J; Kutom, Samah

2018-01-01

To evaluate 6 tertiary, point-of-care drug information resources' dietary supplement content. This was a cross-sectional evaluation of Lexicomp Natural Products Database, Micromedex Alternative Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, Natural Medicines, The Review of Natural Products, and Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. Each resource was evaluated for scope, completeness, consistency, and ease of use. For a sample of 66 supplements, scope scores ranged from 69.7% (Micromedex) to 100% (Natural Medicines). Completeness scores were high considering uses, dose, adverse effects, and mechanism (85.7% to 100%). Overall completeness scores ranged from 82.5% ( Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs) to 100% (Clinical Pharmacology, Natural Medicines, The Review of Natural Products). Consistency scores ranged from 0% ( Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs) to 100% (Natural Medicines, The Review of Natural Products). Mean time to locate and gather information was similar among groups. Resources were similar for completeness and ease of use. Scope and consistency varied depending on the resource.

Alfven wave transport effects in the time evolution of parallel cosmic-ray modified shocks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, T. W.

1993-01-01

Some of the issues associated with a more complete treatment of Alfven transport in cosmic ray shocks are explored qualitatively. The treatment is simplified in some important respects, but some new issues are examined and for the first time a nonlinear, time dependent study of plane cosmic ray mediated shocks with both the entropy producing effects of wave dissipation and effects due to the Alfven wave advection of the cosmic ray relative to the gas is included. Examination of the direct consequences of including the pressure and energy of the Alfven waves in the formalism began.

Online Activity Levels Are Related to Caffeine Dependency.

PubMed

Phillips, James G; Landhuis, C Erik; Shepherd, Daniel; Ogeil, Rowan P

2016-05-01

Online activity could serve in the future as behavioral markers of emotional states for computer systems (i.e., affective computing). Hence, this study considered relationships between self-reported stimulant use and online study patterns. Sixty-two undergraduate psychology students estimated their daily caffeine use, and this was related to study patterns as tracked by their use of a Learning Management System (Blackboard). Caffeine dependency was associated with less time spent online, lower rates of file access, and fewer online activities completed. Reduced breadth or depth of processing during work/study could be used as a behavioral marker of stimulant use.

A contribution to calculation of the mathematical pendulum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anakhaev, K. N.

2014-11-01

In this work, as a continuation of rigorous solutions of the mathematical pendulum theory, calculated dependences were obtained in elementary functions (with construction of plots) for a complete description of the oscillatory motion of the pendulum with determination of its parameters, such as the oscillation period, deviation angles, time of motion, angular velocity and acceleration, and strains in the pendulum rod (maximum, minimum, zero, and gravitational). The results of calculations according to the proposed dependences closely (≪1%) coincide with the exact tabulated data for individual points. The conditions of ascending at which the angular velocity, angular acceleration, and strains in the pendulum rod reach their limiting values equal to and 5 m 1 g, respectively, are shown. It was revealed that the angular acceleration does not depend on the pendulum oscillation amplitude; the pendulum rod strain equal to the gravitation force of the pendulum R s = m 1 g at the time instant is also independent on the amplitude. The dependences presented in this work can also be invoked for describing oscillations of a physical pendulum, mass on a spring, electric circuit, etc.

The Role of Study and Work in Cannabis Use and Dependence Trajectories among Young Adult Frequent Cannabis Users

PubMed Central

Liebregts, Nienke; van der Pol, Peggy; Van Laar, Margriet; de Graaf, Ron; van den Brink, Wim; Korf, Dirk J.

2013-01-01

Life course theory considers events in study and work as potential turning points in deviance, including illicit drug use. This qualitative study explores the role of occupational life in cannabis use and dependence in young adults. Two and three years after the initial structured interview, 47 at baseline frequent cannabis users were interviewed in-depth about the dynamics underlying changes in their cannabis use and dependence. Overall, cannabis use and dependence declined, including interviewees who quit using cannabis completely, in particular with students, both during their study and after they got employed. Life course theory appeared to be a useful framework to explore how and why occupational life is related to cannabis use and dependence over time. Our study showed that life events in this realm are rather common in young adults and can have a strong impact on cannabis use. While sometimes changes in use are temporary, turning points can evolve from changes in educational and employment situations; an effect that seems to be related to the consequences of these changes in terms of amount of leisure time and agency (i.e., feelings of being in control). PMID:23950748

Time‐dependent renewal‐model probabilities when date of last earthquake is unknown

USGS Publications Warehouse

Field, Edward H.; Jordan, Thomas H.

2015-01-01

We derive time-dependent, renewal-model earthquake probabilities for the case in which the date of the last event is completely unknown, and compare these with the time-independent Poisson probabilities that are customarily used as an approximation in this situation. For typical parameter values, the renewal-model probabilities exceed Poisson results by more than 10% when the forecast duration exceeds ~20% of the mean recurrence interval. We also derive probabilities for the case in which the last event is further constrained to have occurred before historical record keeping began (the historic open interval), which can only serve to increase earthquake probabilities for typically applied renewal models.We conclude that accounting for the historic open interval can improve long-term earthquake rupture forecasts for California and elsewhere.

Gaussian-based techniques for quantum propagation from the time-dependent variational principle: Formulation in terms of trajectories of coupled classical and quantum variables

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

Shalashilin, Dmitrii V.; Burghardt, Irene

2008-08-28

In this article, two coherent-state based methods of quantum propagation, namely, coupled coherent states (CCS) and Gaussian-based multiconfiguration time-dependent Hartree (G-MCTDH), are put on the same formal footing, using a derivation from a variational principle in Lagrangian form. By this approach, oscillations of the classical-like Gaussian parameters and oscillations of the quantum amplitudes are formally treated in an identical fashion. We also suggest a new approach denoted here as coupled coherent states trajectories (CCST), which completes the family of Gaussian-based methods. Using the same formalism for all related techniques allows their systematization and a straightforward comparison of their mathematical structuremore » and cost.« less

Short-time dynamics of 2-thiouracil in the light absorbing S{sub 2}(ππ{sup ∗}) state

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

Jiang, Jie; Zhang, Teng-shuo; Xue, Jia-dan

2015-11-07

Ultrahigh quantum yields of intersystem crossing to the lowest triplet state T{sub 1} are observed for 2-thiouracils (2TU), which is in contrast to the natural uracils that predominantly exhibit ultrafast internal conversion to the ground state upon excitation to the singlet excited state. The intersystem crossing mechanism of 2TU has recently been investigated using second-order perturbation methods with a high-level complete-active space self-consistent field. Three competitive nonadiabatic pathways to the lowest triplet state T{sub 1} from the initially populated singlet excited state S{sub 2} were proposed. We investigate the initial decay dynamics of 2TU from the light absorbing excited statesmore » using resonance Raman spectroscopy, time-dependent wave-packet theory in the simple model, and complete-active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) and time dependent-Becke’s three-parameter exchange and correlation functional with the Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional (TD-B3LYP) calculations. The obtained short-time structural dynamics in easy-to-visualize internal coordinates were compared with the CASSCF(16,11) predicted key nonadiabatic decay routes. Our results indicate that the predominant decay pathway initiated at the Franck-Condon region is toward the S{sub 2}/S{sub 1} conical intersection point and S{sub 2}T{sub 3} intersystem crossing point, but not toward the S{sub 2}T{sub 2} intersystem crossing point.« less

The WS transform for the Kuramoto model with distributed amplitudes, phase lag and time delay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lohe, M. A.

2017-12-01

We apply the Watanabe-Strogatz (WS) transform to a generalized Kuramoto model with distributed parameters describing the amplitude of oscillation, phase lag, and time delay at each node of the system. The model has global coupling and identical frequencies, but allows for repulsive interactions at arbitrary nodes leading to conformist-contrarian phenomena together with variable amplitude and time-delay effects. We show how to determine the initial values of the WS system for any initial conditions for the Kuramoto system, and investigate the asymptotic behaviour of the WS variables. For the case of zero time delay the possible asymptotic configurations are determined by the sign of a single parameter μ which measures whether or not the attractive nodes dominate the repulsive nodes. If μ>0 the system completely synchronizes from general initial conditions, whereas if μ<0 one of two types of phase-locked synchronization occurs, depending on the initial values, while for μ=0 periodic solutions can occur. For the case of arbitrary non-uniform time delays we derive a stability condition for completely synchronized solutions.

More than maths and mindreading: sex differences in empathizing/systemizing covariance.

PubMed

Valla, Jeffrey M; Ganzel, Barbara L; Yoder, Keith J; Chen, Grace M; Lyman, Laura T; Sidari, Anthony P; Keller, Alex E; Maendel, Jeffrey W; Perlman, Jordan E; Wong, Stephanie K L; Belmonte, Matthew K

2010-08-01

Empathizing-Systemizing theory posits a continuum of cognitive traits extending from autism into normal cognitive variation. Covariance data on empathizing and systemizing traits have alternately suggested inversely dependent, independent, and sex-dependent (one sex dependent, the other independent) structures. A total of 144 normal undergraduates (65 men, 79 women) completed the Reading the Mind in the Eyes, Embedded Figures, and Benton face recognition tests, the Autism Spectrum Quotient, and measures of digit length ratio and field of study; some also completed tests of motion coherence threshold (64) and go/no-go motor inhibition (128). Empathizing and systemizing traits were independent in women, but largely dependent in men. In men, level of systemizing skill required by field of study was directly related to social interactive and mindreading deficits; men's social impairments correlated with prolonged go/no-go response times, and men tended to apply systemizing strategies to solve problems of empathizing or global processing: rapid perceptual disembedding predicted heightened sensitivity to facial emotion. In women, level of systemizing in field was related to male-typical digit ratios and autistic superiorities in detail orientation, but not to autistic social and communicative impairments; and perceptual disembedding was related to social interactive skills but independent of facial emotion and visual motion perception.

The Impact of Using Different Methods to Assess Completeness of 24-Hour Urine Collection on Estimating Dietary Sodium.

PubMed

Wielgosz, Andreas; Robinson, Christopher; Mao, Yang; Jiang, Ying; Campbell, Norm R C; Muthuri, Stella; Morrison, Howard

2016-06-01

The standard for population-based surveillance of dietary sodium intake is 24-hour urine testing; however, this may be affected by incomplete urine collection. The impact of different indirect methods of assessing completeness of collection on estimated sodium ingestion has not been established. The authors enlisted 507 participants from an existing community study in 2009 to collect 24-hour urine samples. Several methods of assessing completeness of urine collection were tested. Mean sodium intake varied between 3648 mg/24 h and 7210 mg/24 h depending on the method used. Excluding urine samples collected for longer or shorter than 24 hours increased the estimated urine sodium excretion, even when corrections for the variation in timed collections were applied. Until an accurate method of indirectly assessing completeness of urine collection is identified, the gold standard of administering para-aminobenzoic acid is recommended. Efforts to ensure participants collect complete urine samples are also warranted. ©2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Predicting Long-term Temperature Increase for Time-Dependent SAR Levels with a Single Short-term Temperature Response

PubMed Central

Carluccio, Giuseppe; Bruno, Mary; Collins, Christopher M.

2015-01-01

Purpose Present a novel method for rapid prediction of temperature in vivo for a series of pulse sequences with differing levels and distributions of specific energy absorption rate (SAR). Methods After the temperature response to a brief period of heating is characterized, a rapid estimate of temperature during a series of periods at different heating levels is made using a linear heat equation and Impulse-Response (IR) concepts. Here the initial characterization and long-term prediction for a complete spine exam are made with the Pennes’ bioheat equation where, at first, core body temperature is allowed to increase and local perfusion is not. Then corrections through time allowing variation in local perfusion are introduced. Results The fast IR-based method predicted maximum temperature increase within 1% of that with a full finite difference simulation, but required less than 3.5% of the computation time. Even higher accelerations are possible depending on the time step size chosen, with loss in temporal resolution. Correction for temperature-dependent perfusion requires negligible additional time, and can be adjusted to be more or less conservative than the corresponding finite difference simulation. Conclusion With appropriate methods, it is possible to rapidly predict temperature increase throughout the body for actual MR examinations. (200/200 words) PMID:26096947

Predicting long-term temperature increase for time-dependent SAR levels with a single short-term temperature response.

PubMed

Carluccio, Giuseppe; Bruno, Mary; Collins, Christopher M

2016-05-01

Present a novel method for rapid prediction of temperature in vivo for a series of pulse sequences with differing levels and distributions of specific energy absorption rate (SAR). After the temperature response to a brief period of heating is characterized, a rapid estimate of temperature during a series of periods at different heating levels is made using a linear heat equation and impulse-response (IR) concepts. Here the initial characterization and long-term prediction for a complete spine exam are made with the Pennes' bioheat equation where, at first, core body temperature is allowed to increase and local perfusion is not. Then corrections through time allowing variation in local perfusion are introduced. The fast IR-based method predicted maximum temperature increase within 1% of that with a full finite difference simulation, but required less than 3.5% of the computation time. Even higher accelerations are possible depending on the time step size chosen, with loss in temporal resolution. Correction for temperature-dependent perfusion requires negligible additional time and can be adjusted to be more or less conservative than the corresponding finite difference simulation. With appropriate methods, it is possible to rapidly predict temperature increase throughout the body for actual MR examinations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Examining acute rehabilitation outcomes for children with total functional dependence after traumatic brain injury: a pilot study.

PubMed

Kramer, Megan E; Suskauer, Stacy J; Christensen, James R; DeMatt, Ellen J; Trovato, Melissa K; Salorio, Cynthia F; Slomine, Beth S

2013-01-01

To examine in a pilot cohort factors associated with functional outcome at discharge and 3-month follow-up after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation in children with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who entered rehabilitation with the lowest level of functional skills. Thirty-nine children and adolescents (3-18 years old) who sustained a severe TBI and had the lowest possible rating at rehabilitation admission on the Functional Independence Measure for Children (total score = 18). Retrospective review of data collected as part of routine clinical care. At discharge, 59% of the children were partially dependent for basic activities, while 41% remained dependent for basic activities. Initial Glasgow Coma Scale score, time to follow commands, and time from injury to rehabilitation admission were correlated with functional status at discharge. Time to follow commands and time from injury to rehabilitation admission were correlated with functional status at 3-month follow-up. Changes in functional status during the first few weeks of admission were associated with functional status at discharge and follow-up. Even children with the most severe brain injuries, who enter rehabilitation completely dependent for all daily activities, have the potential to make significant gains in functioning by discharge and in the following few months. Assessment of functional status early in the course of rehabilitation contributes to the ability to predict outcome from severe TBI.

Naltrexone versus acamprosate in the treatment of alcohol dependence: A multi-centre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Morley, Kirsten C; Teesson, Maree; Reid, Sophie C; Sannibale, Claudia; Thomson, Clare; Phung, Nghi; Weltman, Martin; Bell, James R; Richardson, Kylie; Haber, Paul S

2006-10-01

To compare the efficacy of acamprosate and naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence. A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Three treatment centres in Australia. A total of 169 alcohol dependent subjects were given naltrexone (50 mg/day), acamprosate (1998 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. All subjects were offered manualized compliance therapy, a brief intervention that targets problems that may affect treatment compliance such as ambivalence and misperceptions about medication. Time to the first drink, time to first relapse, drinks per drinking day and cumulative abstinence. In intention-to-treat analyses, there were no differences between groups on outcome measures of drinking, craving or biochemical markers. Similarly, analyses of the 94 subjects that completed the study in full and demonstrated 80% compliance, revealed no significant treatment effects. Differential treatment effects were identified after stratification according to scores on the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). A significant beneficial treatment effect on time to first relapse was revealed for subjects with 'no depression' allocated to naltrexone (n = 56; P < 0.01). In addition, a significant beneficial treatment effect was revealed in subjects with 'low dependence' allocated to naltrexone (n = 34; P < 0.05). The results of this study support the efficacy of naltrexone in the relapse prevention of alcoholism amongst those with low levels of clinical depression and alcohol dependence severity. No effect of acamprosate was found in our sample.

ESHOL study reanalysis: All-cause mortality considered by competing risks and time-dependent covariates for renal transplantation.

PubMed

Maduell, Francisco; Moreso, Francesc; Mora-Macià, Josep; Pons, Mercedes; Ramos, Rosa; Carreras, Jordi; Soler, Jordi; Torres, Ferrán

2016-01-01

The ESHOL study showed that post-dilution online haemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) reduces all-cause mortality versus haemodialysis. However, during the observation period, 355 patients prematurely completed the study and, according to the study design, these patients were censored at the time of premature termination. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of patients who discontinued the study. During follow-up, 207 patients died while under treatment and 47 patients died after discontinuation of the study. Compared with patients maintained on haemodialysis, those randomised to OL-HDF had lower all-cause mortality (12.4 versus 9.46 per 100 patient-years, hazard ratio and 95%CI: 0.76; [0.59-0.98], P= 0.031). For all-cause mortality by time-dependent covariates and competing risks for transplantation, the time-dependent Cox analysis showed very similar results to the main analysis with a hazard ratio of 0.77 (0.60-0.99, P= 0.043). The results of this analysis of the ESHOL trial confirm that post-dilution OL-HDF reduces all-cause mortality versus haemodialysis in prevalent patients. The original results of the ESHOL study, which censored patients discontinuing the study for any reason, were confirmed in the present ITT population without censures and when all-cause mortality was considered by time-dependent and competing risks for transplantation. Copyright © 2015 Sociedad Española de Nefrología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

The methodic of calculation for the need of basic construction machines on construction site when developing organizational and technological documentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhadanovsky, Boris; Sinenko, Sergey

2018-03-01

Economic indicators of construction work, particularly in high-rise construction, are directly related to the choice of optimal number of machines. The shortage of machinery makes it impossible to complete the construction & installation work on scheduled time. Rates of performance of construction & installation works and labor productivity during high-rise construction largely depend on the degree of provision of construction project with machines (level of work mechanization). During calculation of the need for machines in construction projects, it is necessary to ensure that work is completed on scheduled time, increased level of complex mechanization, increased productivity and reduction of manual work, and improved usage and maintenance of machine fleet. The selection of machines and determination of their numbers should be carried out by using formulas presented in this work.

Alongshore Variation in the Depth of Activation: Implications of Oil Residence Time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flores, P.; Houser, C.

2016-12-01

In 2010 the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill released approximately 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico just as the nearshore and beach profile were recovering from winter storms. As a consequence, oil mats and tar balls were trapped at depth within the beach and nearshore profile. Excavation of this buried oil during subsequent storms creates the potential for the contamination of adjacent beaches and the degradation of marine ecosystems, which can in turn negatively impact local economies that depend on fisheries and tourism. The potential for oil burial and persistence is dependent on four things: the physio-chemical nature of the oil as it reaches the nearshore environment, the pre-existing morphology of the beach and nearshore, and the evolution of that morphology after the oil is deposited. The depth at which the oil is buried is also dependent on the beach profile during the time of the spill. The purpose of this study is to characterize the alongshore variation in depth of activation on a Deepwater Horizon impacted section of Pensacola Beach, Florida with regards to the implications of oil residence time. Ground- Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys were conducted along two parallel 1-km transects adjacent to the swash zone and the dune. Additional cross- shore transects were completed every 150 m from the base of the dune to the top of the swash zone. Sediments cores were taken at the crossing points of the alongshore and cross-shore transects, to calibrate the GPR surveys and complete an elemental analysis for the identification of storm layers. The cores were also analyzed for the presence of buried oil.

Earlier Right Ventricular Pacing in Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy for a Patient with Right Axis Deviation.

PubMed

Hattori, Yusuke; Ishibashi, Kohei; Noda, Takashi; Okamura, Hideo; Kanzaki, Hideaki; Anzai, Toshihisa; Yasuda, Satoshi; Kusano, Kengo

2017-09-01

We describe the case of a 37-year-old woman who presented with complete right bundle branch block and right axis deviation. She was admitted to our hospital due to severe heart failure and was dependent on inotropic agents. Cardiac resynchronization therapy was initiated but did not improve her condition. After the optimization of the pacing timing, we performed earlier right ventricular pacing, which led to an improvement of her heart failure. Earlier right ventricular pacing should be considered in patients with complete right bundle branch block and right axis deviation when cardiac resynchronization therapy is not effective.

Earthquake recurrence models and occurrence probabilities of strong earthquakes in the North Aegean Trough (Greece)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christos, Kourouklas; Eleftheria, Papadimitriou; George, Tsaklidis; Vassilios, Karakostas

2018-06-01

The determination of strong earthquakes' recurrence time above a predefined magnitude, associated with specific fault segments, is an important component of seismic hazard assessment. The occurrence of these earthquakes is neither periodic nor completely random but often clustered in time. This fact in connection with their limited number, due to shortage of the available catalogs, inhibits a deterministic approach for recurrence time calculation, and for this reason, application of stochastic processes is required. In this study, recurrence time determination in the area of North Aegean Trough (NAT) is developed by the application of time-dependent stochastic models, introducing an elastic rebound motivated concept for individual fault segments located in the study area. For this purpose, all the available information on strong earthquakes (historical and instrumental) with M w ≥ 6.5 is compiled and examined for magnitude completeness. Two possible starting dates of the catalog are assumed with the same magnitude threshold, M w ≥ 6.5 and divided into five data sets, according to a new segmentation model for the study area. Three Brownian Passage Time (BPT) models with different levels of aperiodicity are applied and evaluated with the Anderson-Darling test for each segment in both catalog data where possible. The preferable models are then used in order to estimate the occurrence probabilities of M w ≥ 6.5 shocks on each segment of NAT for the next 10, 20, and 30 years since 01/01/2016. Uncertainties in probability calculations are also estimated using a Monte Carlo procedure. It must be mentioned that the provided results should be treated carefully because of their dependence to the initial assumptions. Such assumptions exhibit large variability and alternative means of these may return different final results.

Master Plan for Education: Achieving the Santa Monica College Vision. Changing Lives through Excellence in Education for a Global Community. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Santa Monica Coll., CA. Office of Institutional Research.

This report is the 1999 Santa Monica College Educational Master Plan revision. In 1997, the College adopted its first formal Master Plan for Education. Every three to five years, depending on the circumstances, that plan will be completely redone. During the intervening time period, there will be annual revisions to the plan. This revision…

Publications - SR 65 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

; Geophysical Surveys Comments: Your help is crucial in the compilation of future Alaska Minerals Reports. The quality and completeness of the information in these annual reports is dependent on input from all members of the mineral industry. Please take time to fill out the current mining and mineral activity

Publications - SR 52 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

; Geophysical Surveys Comments: Your help is crucial in the compilation of future Alaska Minerals Reports. The quality and completeness of the information in these annual reports is dependent on input from all members of the mineral industry. Please take time to fill out the current mining and mineral activity

Attosecond electronic recollision as field detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carpeggiani, P. A.; Reduzzi, M.; Comby, A.; Ahmadi, H.; Kühn, S.; Frassetto, F.; Poletto, L.; Hoff, D.; Ullrich, J.; Schröter, C. D.; Moshammer, R.; Paulus, G. G.; Sansone, G.

2018-05-01

We demonstrate the complete reconstruction of the electric field of visible–infrared pulses with energy as low as a few tens of nanojoules. The technique allows for the reconstruction of the instantaneous electric field vector direction and magnitude, thus giving access to the characterization of pulses with an arbitrary time-dependent polarization state. The technique combines extreme ultraviolet interferometry with the generation of isolated attosecond pulses.

Analytic descriptions of stochastic bistable systems under force ramp

DOE PAGES

Friddle, Raymond W.

2016-05-13

Solving the two-state master equation with time-dependent rates, the ubiquitous driven bistable system, is a long-standing problem that does not permit a complete solution for all driving rates. We show an accurate approximation to this problem by considering the system in the control parameter regime. Moreover, the results are immediately applicable to a diverse range of bistable systems including single-molecule mechanics.

Relativistic Photoionization Computations with the Time Dependent Dirac Equation

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-12

fields often occurs in the relativistic regime. A complete description of this phenomenon requires both relativistic and quantum mechanical treatment...photoionization, or other relativis- tic quantum electronics problems. While the Klein-Gordon equation captures much of the relevant physics, especially...for moderately heavy ions (Z 137), it does neglect the spin polarization of the electron. This memo parallels [1], but replaces the Klein-Gordon

In situ tissue engineering: endothelial growth patterns as a function of flow diverter design.

PubMed

Marosfoi, Miklos; Langan, Erin T; Strittmatter, Lara; van der Marel, Kajo; Vedantham, Srinivasan; Arends, Jennifer; Lylyk, Ivan R; Loganathan, Siddharth; Hendricks, Gregory M; Szikora, Istvan; Puri, Ajit S; Wakhloo, Ajay K; Gounis, Matthew J

2017-10-01

Vascular remodeling in response to implantation of a tissue engineering scaffold such as a flow diverter (FD) leads to the cure of intracranial aneurysms. We hypothesize that the vascular response is dependent on FD design, and CD34+ progenitor cells play an important role in the endothelialization of the implant. Sixteen rabbit aneurysms were randomly treated with two different single-layer braided FDs made of cobalt-chrome alloys. The FD-48 and FD-72 devices had 48 and 72 wires, respectively. Aneurysm occlusion rate was assessed during the final digital subtraction angiogram at 10, 20, 30, and 60 days (n=2 per device per time point). Implanted vessels were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy for tissue coverage, endothelialization, and immuno-gold labeling for CD34+ cells. Complete aneurysm occlusion rates were similar between the devices; however, complete or near complete occlusion was more frequently observed in aneurysms with neck ≤4.2 mm (p=0.008). Total tissue coverage at 10 days over the surface of the FD-48 and FD-72 devices was 56.4±11.6% and 76.6±3.6%, respectively. Endothelial cell growth over the surface was time-dependent for the FD-72 device (Spearman's r=0.86, p=0.013) but not for the FD-48 device (Spearman's r=-0.59, p=0.094). The endothelialization score was marginally correlated with the distance from the aneurysm neck for the FD-48 device (Spearman's r=1, p=0.083) but not for the FD-72 device (Spearman's r=0.8, p=0.33). CD34+ cells were present along the entirety of both devices at all time points. This study gives preliminary evidence that temporal and spatial endothelialization is dependent on FD design. Circulating CD34+ progenitor cells contribute to endothelialization throughout the healing process. 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/.

Inhibition of the active lymph pump by flow in rat mesenteric lymphatics and thoracic duct

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gashev, Anatoliy A.; Davis, Michael J.; Zawieja, David C.; Delp, M. D. (Principal Investigator)

2002-01-01

There are only a few reports of the influence of imposed flow on an active lymph pump under conditions of controlled intraluminal pressure. Thus, the mechanisms are not clearly defined. Rat mesenteric lymphatics and thoracic ducts were isolated, cannulated and pressurized. Input and output pressures were adjusted to impose various flows. Lymphatic systolic and diastolic diameters were measured and used to determine contraction frequency and pump flow indices. Imposed flow inhibited the active lymph pump in both mesenteric lymphatics and in the thoracic duct. The active pump of the thoracic duct appeared more sensitive to flow than did the active pump of the mesenteric lymphatics. Imposed flow reduced the frequency and amplitude of the contractions and accordingly the active pump flow. Flow-induced inhibition of the active lymph pump followed two temporal patterns. The first pattern was a rapidly developing inhibition of contraction frequency. Upon imposition of flow, the contraction frequency immediately fell and then partially recovered over time during continued flow. This effect was dependent on the magnitude of imposed flow, but did not depend on the direction of flow. The effect also depended upon the rate of change in the direction of flow. The second pattern was a slowly developing reduction of the amplitude of the lymphatic contractions, which increased over time during continued flow. The inhibition of contraction amplitude was dependent on the direction of the imposed flow, but independent of the magnitude of flow. Nitric oxide was partly but not completely responsible for the influence of flow on the mesenteric lymph pump. Exposure to NO mimicked the effects of flow, and inhibition of the NO synthase by N (G)-monomethyl-L-arginine attenuated but did not completely abolish the effects of flow.

A rapid and transient ROS generation by cadmium triggers apoptosis via caspase-dependent pathway in HepG2 cells and this is inhibited through N-acetylcysteine-mediated catalase upregulation

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

Oh, Seon-Hee; Lim, Sung-Chul

2006-05-01

Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in cadmium (Cd)-induced hepatotoxicity, the role of ROS in this pathway remains unclear. Therefore, we attempted to determine the molecular mechanisms relevant to Cd-induced cell death in HepG2 cells. Cd was found to induce apoptosis in the HepG2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent fashion, as confirmed by DNA fragmentation analysis and TUNEL staining. In the early stages, both rapid and transient ROS generation triggered apoptosis via Fas activation and subsequent caspase-8-dependent Bid cleavage, as well as by calpain-mediated mitochondrial Bax cleavage. The timing of Bid activation was coincided with the timingmore » at which the mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MMP) collapsed as well as the cytochrome c (Cyt c) released into the cytosol. Furthermore, mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore inhibitors, such as cyclosporin A (CsA) and bongkrekic acid (BA), did not block Cd-induced ROS generation, MMP collapse and Cyt c release. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) pretreatment resulted in the complete inhibition of the Cd-induced apoptosis via catalase upregulation and subsequent Fas downregulation. NAC treatment also completely blocked the Cd-induced intracellular ROS generation, MMP collapse and Cyt c release, indicating that Cd-induced mitochondrial dysfunction may be regulated indirectly by ROS-mediated signaling pathway. Taken together, a rapid and transient ROS generation by Cd triggers apoptosis via caspase-dependent pathway and subsequent mitochondrial pathway. NAC inhibits Cd-induced apoptosis through the blocking of ROS generation as well as the catalase upregulation.« less

Time-dependent theoretical treatments of the dynamics of electrons and nuclei in molecular systems

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

Deumens, E.; Diz, A.; Longo, R.

1994-07-01

An overview is presented of methods for time-dependent treatments of molecules as systems of electrons and nuclei. The theoretical details of these methods are reviewed and contrasted in the light of a recently developed time-dependent method called electron-nuclear dynamics. Electron-nuclear dynamics (END) is a formulation of the complete dynamics of electrons and nuclei of a molecular system that eliminates the necessity of constructing potential-energy surfaces. Because of its general formulation, it encompasses many aspects found in other formulations and can serve as a didactic device for clarifying many of the principles and approximations relevant in time-dependent treatments of molecular systems.more » The END equations are derived from the time-dependent variational principle applied to a chosen family of efficiently parametrized approximate state vectors. A detailed analysis of the END equations is given for the case of a single-determinantal state for the electrons and a classical treatment of the nuclei. The approach leads to a simple formulation of the fully nonlinear time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory including nuclear dynamics. The nonlinear END equations with the [ital ab] [ital initio] Coulomb Hamiltonian have been implemented at this level of theory in a computer program, ENDyne, and have been shown feasible for the study of small molecular systems. Implementation of the Austin Model 1 semiempirical Hamiltonian is discussed as a route to large molecular systems. The linearized END equations at this level of theory are shown to lead to the random-phase approximation for the coupled system of electrons and nuclei. The qualitative features of the general nonlinear solution are analyzed using the results of the linearized equations as a first approximation. Some specific applications of END are presented, and the comparison with experiment and other theoretical approaches is discussed.« less

Exact analytic solution for non-linear density fluctuation in a ΛCDM universe

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

Yoo, Jaiyul; Gong, Jinn-Ouk, E-mail: jyoo@physik.uzh.ch, E-mail: jinn-ouk.gong@apctp.org

We derive the exact third-order analytic solution of the matter density fluctuation in the proper-time hypersurface in a ΛCDM universe, accounting for the explicit time-dependence and clarifying the relation to the initial condition. Furthermore, we compare our analytic solution to the previous calculation in the comoving gauge, and to the standard Newtonian perturbation theory by providing Fourier kernels for the relativistic effects. Our results provide an essential ingredient for a complete description of galaxy bias in the relativistic context.

An S N Algorithm for Modern Architectures

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

Baker, Randal Scott

2016-08-29

LANL discrete ordinates transport packages are required to perform large, computationally intensive time-dependent calculations on massively parallel architectures, where even a single such calculation may need many months to complete. While KBA methods scale out well to very large numbers of compute nodes, we are limited by practical constraints on the number of such nodes we can actually apply to any given calculation. Instead, we describe a modified KBA algorithm that allows realization of the reductions in solution time offered by both the current, and future, architectural changes within a compute node.

Adoption, reach, implementation, and maintenance of a behavioral and mental health assessment in primary care.

PubMed

Krist, Alex H; Phillips, Siobhan M; Sabo, Roy T; Balasubramanian, Bijal A; Heurtin-Roberts, Suzanne; Ory, Marcia G; Johnson, Sallie Beth; Sheinfeld-Gorin, Sherri N; Estabrooks, Paul A; Ritzwoller, Debra P; Glasgow, Russell E

2014-01-01

Guidelines recommend screening patients for unhealthy behaviors and mental health concerns. Health risk assessments can systematically identify patient needs and trigger care. This study seeks to evaluate whether primary care practices can routinely implement such assessments into routine care. As part of a cluster-randomized pragmatic trial, 9 diverse primary care practices implemented My Own Health Report (MOHR)-an electronic or paper-based health behavior and mental health assessment and feedback system paired with counseling and goal setting. We observed how practices integrated MOHR into their workflows, what additional practice staff time it required, and what percentage of patients completed a MOHR assessment (Reach). Most practices approached (60%) agreed to adopt MOHR. How they implemented MOHR depended on practice resources, informatics capacity, and patient characteristics. Three practices mailed patients invitations to complete MOHR on the Web, 1 called patients and completed MOHR over the telephone, 1 had patients complete MOHR on paper in the office, and 4 had staff help patients complete MOHR on the Web in the office. Overall, 3,591 patients were approached and 1,782 completed MOHR (Reach = 49.6%). Reach varied by implementation strategy with higher reach when MOHR was completed by staff than by patients (71.2% vs 30.2%, P <.001). No practices were able to sustain the complete MOHR assessment without adaptations after study completion. Fielding MOHR increased staff and clinician time an average of 28 minutes per visit. Primary care practices can implement health behavior and mental health assessments, but counseling patients effectively requires effort. Practices will need more support to implement and sustain assessments. © 2014 Annals of Family Medicine, Inc.

What is the value of the SAGES/AORN MIS checklist? A multi-institutional practical assessment.

PubMed

Benham, Emily; Richardson, William; Dort, Jonathan; Lin, Henry; Tummers, A Michael; Walker, Travelyan M; Stefanidis, Dimitrios

2017-04-01

Surgical safety checklists reduce perioperative complications and mortality. Given that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is dependent on technology and vulnerable to equipment failure, SAGES and AORN partnered to create a MIS checklist to optimize case flow and minimize errors. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of the SAGES/AORN checklist in preventing disruptions and determine its ease of use. The checklist was implemented across four institutions and completed by the operating team. To assess its effectiveness, we recorded how often the checklist identified problems and how frequently each of the 45 checklist items were not completed. The perceived usefulness, ease of use, and frustration associated with checklist use were rated on a 5-point Likert scale by the surgeon. We assessed any differences dependent on timing of checklist completion and among institutions. The checklist was performed during MIS procedures (n = 114). When used before the procedure (n = 36), the checklist identified missing items in 13 cases (36.11 %). When used after the procedure (n = 61), the checklist identified missing items in 18 cases (29.51 %) that caused a delay of 4.1 ± 11.1 min. The most frequently missed items included preference card review (14.0 %), readiness of the carbon dioxide insufflator (8.7 %), and availability of the Veress needle (3.6 %). The checklist took an average of 3.6 ± 2.7 min to complete with its usefulness rated 2.6 ± 1.5, ease of use 2.0 ± 1.2, and frustration 1.3 ± 1.1. The checklist identified problems in 24 % of cases that led to preventable delays. The checklist was easy to complete and not frustrating, indicating it could improve operative flow. This study also identified the most useful items which may help abbreviate the checklist, minimizing the frustration and time taken to complete it while maximizing its utility. These attributes of the SAGES/AORN MIS checklist should be explored in future larger-scale studies.

Change in Care Dependency of Stroke Patients: A Longitudinal and Multicenter Study.

PubMed

Nursiswati, Nursiswati; Halfens, Ruud J G; Lohrmann, Christa

2017-06-01

The study was conducted to investigate the change of care dependency in stroke patients from inpatient wards and outpatient units in Indonesia. This study is longitudinal and multicentered. One hundred and nine patients were included from four hospitals on the island of Java. Care dependency was assessed using the Indonesian version of the 15-item Care Dependency Scale (CDS) at five points in time: at inpatient wards for admission and discharge and at outpatient units after discharge in the 1st week, the 5th week, and the 13th week. Most of the patients were male (65.1%), and diagnosed with ischemic stroke (71.5%). The results showed that care dependency in stroke patients decreased significantly from admission to discharge, as well as from the 5th to the 13th week as measured by the CDS. At admission, 23.0% of the patients were completely dependent on care, and at the 13th week about 1.0% were. Patients' care dependency decreased significantly in all care dependency items of the CDS in the inpatient ward, but five care dependency items of the CDS did not significantly decrease in the outpatient unit. Based on the findings of this study, we recommend that hospital-based and community-based services should include continual care dependence monitoring using this comprehensive instrument. Care dependency is subject to change over time, therefore nurses have to plan and tailor adequate nursing care measures to patient needs in the different stages, especially with respect to the aspect of mobility. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Dynamic Creep Buckling: Analysis of Shell Structures Subjected to Time-dependent Mechanical and Thermal Loading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simitses, G. J.; Carlson, R. L.; Riff, R.

1985-01-01

The objective of the present research is to develop a general mathematical model and solution methodologies for analyzing the structural response of thin, metallic shell structures under large transient, cyclic, or static thermomechanical loads. Among the system responses associated with these loads and conditions are thermal buckling, creep buckling, and ratcheting. Thus geometric and material nonlinearities (of high order) can be anticipated and must be considered in developing the mathematical model. A complete, true ab-initio rate theory of kinematics and kinetics for continuum and curved thin structures, without any restriction on the magnitude of the strains or the deformations, was formulated. The time dependence and large strain behavior are incorporated through the introduction of the time rates of metric and curvature in two coordinate systems: fixed (spatial) and convected (material). The relations between the time derivative and the covariant derivative (gradient) were developed for curved space and motion, so the velocity components supply the connection between the equations of motion and the time rates of change of the metric and curvature tensors.

Crossing trend analysis methodology and application for Turkish rainfall records

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Şen, Zekâi

2018-01-01

Trend analyses are the necessary tools for depicting possible general increase or decrease in a given time series. There are many versions of trend identification methodologies such as the Mann-Kendall trend test, Spearman's tau, Sen's slope, regression line, and Şen's innovative trend analysis. The literature has many papers about the use, cons and pros, and comparisons of these methodologies. In this paper, a completely new approach is proposed based on the crossing properties of a time series. It is suggested that the suitable trend from the centroid of the given time series should have the maximum number of crossings (total number of up-crossings or down-crossings). This approach is applicable whether the time series has dependent or independent structure and also without any dependence on the type of the probability distribution function. The validity of this method is presented through extensive Monte Carlo simulation technique and its comparison with other existing trend identification methodologies. The application of the methodology is presented for a set of annual daily extreme rainfall time series from different parts of Turkey and they have physically independent structure.

Assessing time-management skills in terms of age, gender, and anxiety levels: a study on nursing and midwifery students in Turkey.

PubMed

Kaya, Hatice; Kaya, Nurten; Palloş, Aylin Öztürk; Küçük, Leyla

2012-09-01

The success of university students depends on their ability to utilize time properly and completely. Students are required to learn to manage time so that they are able to apply the same degree of efficiency in the profession they choose after completing their education. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to determine nursing and midwifery students' time management skills in terms of their age, gender, and anxiety levels. The study population consisted of 1002 students, of which 584 students were selected for sampling. A Student Information Form, Time Management Inventory, and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to collect data. Among the students, 89.9% were female, and the average age was 20.58 years (SD = 2.10). The average score of the Time Management Inventory was 87.79 (SD = 11.78), the mean score of the State Anxiety Inventory was 40.11 (SD = 10.84), and that of the Trait Anxiety Inventory was 43.95 (SD = 7.98). Nursing and midwifery students' time management skills are at mid-level point. Female students were able to manage time better than male students and the time management skills of the students decreased as the anxiety level increased. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Depression and suicidality during the postpartum period after first time deliveries, active component service women and dependent spouses, U.S. Armed Forces, 2007-2012.

PubMed

Do, Tai; Hu, Zheng; Otto, Jean; Rohrbeck, Patricia

2013-09-01

Although suicide is a leading cause of death among new mothers during the postpartum period, there has been limited research on self-harm in the postpartum period and associated risk factors. One potential risk factor for suicidality (completed suicides, suicide attempts, and suicide ideation including thoughts of self harm) during the postpartum period is postpartum depression (PPD). In this study of women who gave birth for the first time between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2011, 5,267 (9.9% of all who delivered) active component service women and 10,301 (8.2%) dependent spouses received incident PPD diagnoses during the one year postpartum period; 213 (0.4%) service women and 221 (0.2%) dependent spouses were diagnosed with incident suicidality. After adjusting for the effects of other covariates, service women with PPD had 42.2 times the odds to be diagnosed with suicidality in the postpartum period compared to service women without PPD; dependent spouses with PPD had 14.5 times the odds compared to those without PPD. The findings of this report suggest that a history of mental disorders was common among service women and dependent spouses with PPD in the postpartum period, and, in turn, PPD was a strong predictor for suicidality in the postpartum period. These results emphasize the importance of PPD screening during the postpartum period. They also suggest that additional focused screening for suicidal behavior among those already diagnosed with PPD may be warranted.

The beneficial effects of treadmill step training on activity-dependent synaptic and cellular plasticity markers after complete spinal cord injury.

PubMed

Ilha, Jocemar; Centenaro, Lígia A; Broetto Cunha, Núbia; de Souza, Daniela F; Jaeger, Mariane; do Nascimento, Patrícia S; Kolling, Janaína; Ben, Juliana; Marcuzzo, Simone; Wyse, Angela T S; Gottfried, Carmem; Achaval, Matilde

2011-06-01

Several studies have shown that treadmill training improves neurological outcomes and promotes plasticity in lumbar spinal cord of spinal animals. The morphological and biochemical mechanisms underlying these phenomena remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to provide evidence of activity-dependent plasticity in spinal cord segment (L5) below a complete spinal cord transection (SCT) at T8-9 in rats in which the lower spinal cord segments have been fully separated from supraspinal control and that subsequently underwent treadmill step training. Five days after SCT, spinal animals started a step-training program on a treadmill with partial body weight support and manual step help. Hindlimb movements were evaluated over time and scored on the basis of the open-field BBB scale and were significantly improved at post-injury weeks 8 and 10 in trained spinal animals. Treadmill training also showed normalization of withdrawal reflex in trained spinal animals, which was significantly different from the untrained animals at post-injury weeks 8 and 10. Additionally, compared to controls, spinal rats had alpha motoneuronal soma size atrophy and reduced synaptophysin protein expression and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in lumbar spinal cord. Step-trained rats had motoneuronal soma size, synaptophysin expression and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity similar to control animals. These findings suggest that treadmill step training can promote activity-dependent neural plasticity in lumbar spinal cord, which may lead to neurological improvements without supraspinal descending control after complete spinal cord injury.

Dispatch-assisted CPR: where are the hold-ups during calls to emergency dispatchers? A preliminary analysis of caller-dispatcher interactions during out-of-hospital cardiac arrest using a novel call transcription technique.

PubMed

Clegg, Gareth R; Lyon, Richard M; James, Scott; Branigan, Holly P; Bard, Ellen G; Egan, Gerry J

2014-01-01

Survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is dependent on the chain of survival. Early recognition of cardiac arrest and provision of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are key determinants of OHCA survival. Emergency medical dispatchers play a key role in cardiac arrest recognition and giving telephone CPR advice. The interaction between caller and dispatcher can influence the time to bystander CPR and quality of resuscitation. We sought to pilot the use of emergency call transcription to audit and evaluate the holdups in performing dispatch-assisted CPR. A retrospective case selection of 50 consecutive suspected OHCA was performed. Audio recordings of calls were downloaded from the emergency medical dispatch centre computer database. All calls were transcribed using proprietary software and voice dialogue was compared with the corresponding stage on the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS). Time to progress through each stage and number of caller-dispatcher interactions were calculated. Of the 50 downloaded calls, 47 were confirmed cases of OHCA. Call transcription was successfully completed for all OHCA calls. Bystander CPR was performed in 39 (83%) of these. In the remaining cases, the caller decided the patient was beyond help (n = 7) or the caller said that they were physically unable to perform CPR (n = 1). MPDS stages varied substantially in time to completion. Stage 9 (determining if the patient is breathing through airway instructions) took the longest time to complete (median = 59 s, IQR 22-82 s). Stage 11 (giving CPR instructions) also took a relatively longer time to complete compared to the other stages (median = 46 s, IQR 37-75 s). Stage 5 (establishing the patient's age) took the shortest time to complete (median = 5.5s, IQR 3-9s). Transcription of OHCA emergency calls and caller-dispatcher interaction compared to MPDS stage is feasible. Confirming whether a patient is breathing and completing CPR instructions required the longest time and most interactions between caller and dispatcher. Use of call transcription has the potential to identify key factors in caller-dispatcher interaction that could improve time to CPR and further research is warranted in this area. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of weak signals through nonlinear relaxation times for a Brownian particle in an electromagnetic field.

PubMed

Jiménez-Aquino, J I; Romero-Bastida, M

2011-07-01

The detection of weak signals through nonlinear relaxation times for a Brownian particle in an electromagnetic field is studied in the dynamical relaxation of the unstable state, characterized by a two-dimensional bistable potential. The detection process depends on a dimensionless quantity referred to as the receiver output, calculated as a function of the nonlinear relaxation time and being a characteristic time scale of our system. The latter characterizes the complete dynamical relaxation of the Brownian particle as it relaxes from the initial unstable state of the bistable potential to its corresponding steady state. The one-dimensional problem is also studied to complement the description.

Time-dependent importance sampling in semiclassical initial value representation calculations for time correlation functions. II. A simplified implementation.

PubMed

Tao, Guohua; Miller, William H

2012-09-28

An efficient time-dependent (TD) Monte Carlo (MC) importance sampling method has recently been developed [G. Tao and W. H. Miller, J. Chem. Phys. 135, 024104 (2011)] for the evaluation of time correlation functions using the semiclassical (SC) initial value representation (IVR) methodology. In this TD-SC-IVR method, the MC sampling uses information from both time-evolved phase points as well as their initial values, and only the "important" trajectories are sampled frequently. Even though the TD-SC-IVR was shown in some benchmark examples to be much more efficient than the traditional time-independent sampling method (which uses only initial conditions), the calculation of the SC prefactor-which is computationally expensive, especially for large systems-is still required for accepted trajectories. In the present work, we present an approximate implementation of the TD-SC-IVR method that is completely prefactor-free; it gives the time correlation function as a classical-like magnitude function multiplied by a phase function. Application of this approach to flux-flux correlation functions (which yield reaction rate constants) for the benchmark H + H(2) system shows very good agreement with exact quantum results. Limitations of the approximate approach are also discussed.

Single-machine group scheduling problems with deteriorating and learning effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xingong, Zhang; Yong, Wang; Shikun, Bai

2016-07-01

The concepts of deteriorating jobs and learning effects have been individually studied in many scheduling problems. However, most studies considering the deteriorating and learning effects ignore the fact that production efficiency can be increased by grouping various parts and products with similar designs and/or production processes. This phenomenon is known as 'group technology' in the literature. In this paper, a new group scheduling model with deteriorating and learning effects is proposed, where learning effect depends not only on job position, but also on the position of the corresponding job group; deteriorating effect depends on its starting time of the job. This paper shows that the makespan and the total completion time problems remain polynomial optimal solvable under the proposed model. In addition, a polynomial optimal solution is also presented to minimise the maximum lateness problem under certain agreeable restriction.

Imaging the Ultrafast Photoelectron Transfer Process in Alizarin-TiO2.

PubMed

Gomez, Tatiana; Hermann, Gunter; Zarate, Ximena; Pérez-Torres, Jhon Fredy; Tremblay, Jean Christophe

2015-07-30

In this work, we adopt a quantum mechanical approach based on time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) to study the optical and electronic properties of alizarin supported on TiO2 nano-crystallites, as a prototypical dye-sensitized solar cell. To ensure proper alignment of the donor (alizarin) and acceptor (TiO2 nano-crystallite) levels, static optical excitation spectra are simulated using time-dependent density functional theory in response. The ultrafast photoelectron transfer from the dye to the cluster is simulated using an explicitly time-dependent, one-electron TDDFT ansatz. The model considers the δ-pulse excitation of a single active electron localized in the dye to the complete set of energetically accessible, delocalized molecular orbitals of the dye/nano-crystallite complex. A set of quantum mechanical tools derived from the transition electronic flux density is introduced to visualize and analyze the process in real time. The evolution of the created wave packet subject to absorbing boundary conditions at the borders of the cluster reveal that, while the electrons of the aromatic rings of alizarin are heavily involved in an ultrafast charge redistribution between the carbonyl groups of the dye molecule, they do not contribute positively to the electron injection and, overall, they delay the process.

Separation of variables in the special diagonal Hamilton-Jacobi equation: Application to the dynamical problem of a particle constrained on a moving surface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blanchard, D. L.; Chan, F. K.

1973-01-01

For a time-dependent, n-dimensional, special diagonal Hamilton-Jacobi equation a necessary and sufficient condition for the separation of variables to yield a complete integral of the form was established by specifying the admissible forms in terms of arbitrary functions. A complete integral was then expressed in terms of these arbitrary functions and also the n irreducible constants. As an application of the results obtained for the two-dimensional Hamilton-Jacobi equation, analysis was made for a comparatively wide class of dynamical problems involving a particle moving in Euclidean three-dimensional space under the action of external forces but constrained on a moving surface. All the possible cases in which this equation had a complete integral of the form were obtained and these are tubulated for reference.

Brownian motion model with stochastic parameters for asset prices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ching, Soo Huei; Hin, Pooi Ah

2013-09-01

The Brownian motion model may not be a completely realistic model for asset prices because in real asset prices the drift μ and volatility σ may change over time. Presently we consider a model in which the parameter x = (μ,σ) is such that its value x (t + Δt) at a short time Δt ahead of the present time t depends on the value of the asset price at time t + Δt as well as the present parameter value x(t) and m-1 other parameter values before time t via a conditional distribution. The Malaysian stock prices are used to compare the performance of the Brownian motion model with fixed parameter with that of the model with stochastic parameter.

Improvement of Efficiency of Transportation in Harbor Physical Distribution Considering Inland Carriage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hino, Hisato; Hoshino, Satoshi; Fujisawa, Tomoharu; Maruyama, Shigehisa; Ota, Jun

Currently, container ships move cargo with minimal participation from external trucks. However, there is slack time between the departure of container ships and the completion of cargo handling by container ships without the participation of external trucks; therefore, external trucks can be used to move cargo without delaying the departure time. In this paper, we propose a solution involving the control algorithms of transfer cranes (TCs) because the efficiency of yard operations depends largely on the productivity of TCs. TCs work according to heuristic rules using the forecasted arrival times of internal and external trucks. Simulation results show that the proposed method can reduce the waiting time of external trucks and meet the departure time of container ships.

The two-mode multi-photon intensity-dependent Rabi model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lo, C. F.

2014-06-01

We have investigated the energy eigen-spectrum of the two-mode k-photon intensity-dependent Rabi (IDR) model for k ≥ 2. Our analysis shows that the model does not have eigenstates in the Hilbert space spanned by the eigenstates of the two-mode k-photon intensity-dependent Jaynes-Cummings (IDJC) model, which is obtained by applying the rotating-wave approximation (RWA) to the two-mode k-photon IDR model. That is, the two-mode k-photon IDR model is ill-defined for k ≥ 2, and it is qualitatively different from the RWA counterpart which is valid for all values of k, implying that the counter-rotating term does drastically alter the nature of the RWA counterpart. Hence, the previous study of the effect of the counter-rotating term in the two-mode k-photon IDJC model via the time-dependent perturbation expansion is completely invalid.

Novel synthetic monoketone transmute radiation-triggered NFκB-dependent TNFα cross-signaling feedback maintained NFκB and favors neuroblastoma regression.

PubMed

Aravindan, Sheeja; Natarajan, Mohan; Awasthi, Vibhudutta; Herman, Terence S; Aravindan, Natarajan

2013-01-01

Recently, we demonstrated that radiation (IR) instigates the occurrence of a NFκB-TNFα feedback cycle which sustains persistent NFκB activation in neuroblastoma (NB) cells and favors survival advantage and clonal expansion. Further, we reported that curcumin targets IR-induced survival signaling and NFκB dependent hTERT mediated clonal expansion in human NB cells. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of a novel synthetic monoketone, EF24, a curcumin analog in inhibiting persistent NFκB activation by disrupting the IR-induced NFκB-TNFα-NFκB feedback signaling in NB and subsequent mitigation of survival advantage and clonal expansion. EF24 profoundly suppressed the IR-induced NFκB-DNA binding activity/promoter activation and, maintained the NFκB repression by deterring NFκB-dependent TNFα transactivation/intercellular secretion in genetically varied human NB (SH-SY5Y, IMR-32, SK-PN-DW, MC-IXC and SK-N-MC) cell types. Further, EF24 completely suppressed IR-induced NFκB-TNFα cross-signaling dependent transactivation/translation of pro-survival IAP1, IAP2 and Survivin and subsequent cell survival. In corroboration, EF24 treatment maximally blocked IR-induced NFκB dependent hTERT transactivation/promoter activation, telomerase activation and consequent clonal expansion. EF24 displayed significant regulation of IR-induced feedback dependent NFκB and NFκB mediated survival signaling and complete regression of NB xenograft. Together, the results demonstrate for the first time that, novel synthetic monoketone EF24 potentiates radiotherapy and mitigates NB progression by selectively targeting IR-triggered NFκB-dependent TNFα-NFκB cross-signaling maintained NFκB mediated survival advantage and clonal expansion.

Novel Synthetic Monoketone Transmute Radiation-Triggered NFκB-Dependent TNFα Cross-Signaling Feedback Maintained NFκB and Favors Neuroblastoma Regression

PubMed Central

Aravindan, Sheeja; Natarajan, Mohan; Awasthi, Vibhudutta; Herman, Terence S.; Aravindan, Natarajan

2013-01-01

Recently, we demonstrated that radiation (IR) instigates the occurrence of a NFκB-TNFα feedback cycle which sustains persistent NFκB activation in neuroblastoma (NB) cells and favors survival advantage and clonal expansion. Further, we reported that curcumin targets IR-induced survival signaling and NFκB dependent hTERT mediated clonal expansion in human NB cells. Herein, we investigated the efficacy of a novel synthetic monoketone, EF24, a curcumin analog in inhibiting persistent NFκB activation by disrupting the IR-induced NFκB-TNFα-NFκB feedback signaling in NB and subsequent mitigation of survival advantage and clonal expansion. EF24 profoundly suppressed the IR-induced NFκB-DNA binding activity/promoter activation and, maintained the NFκB repression by deterring NFκB-dependent TNFα transactivation/intercellular secretion in genetically varied human NB (SH-SY5Y, IMR-32, SK–PN–DW, MC-IXC and SK–N-MC) cell types. Further, EF24 completely suppressed IR-induced NFκB-TNFα cross-signaling dependent transactivation/translation of pro-survival IAP1, IAP2 and Survivin and subsequent cell survival. In corroboration, EF24 treatment maximally blocked IR-induced NFκB dependent hTERT transactivation/promoter activation, telomerase activation and consequent clonal expansion. EF24 displayed significant regulation of IR-induced feedback dependent NFκB and NFκB mediated survival signaling and complete regression of NB xenograft. Together, the results demonstrate for the first time that, novel synthetic monoketone EF24 potentiates radiotherapy and mitigates NB progression by selectively targeting IR-triggered NFκB-dependent TNFα-NFκB cross-signaling maintained NFκB mediated survival advantage and clonal expansion. PMID:23967300

Toroidal Ampere-Faraday Equations Solved Consistently with the CQL3D Fokker-Planck Time-Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harvey, R. W.; Petrov, Yu. V.

2013-10-01

A self-consistent, time-dependent toroidal electric field calculation is a key feature of a complete 3D Fokker-Planck kinetic distribution radial transport code for f(v,theta,rho,t). In the present CQL3D finite-difference model, the electric field E(rho,t) is either prescribed, or iteratively adjusted to obtain prescribed toroidal or parallel currents. We discuss first results of an implementation of the Ampere-Faraday equation for the self-consistent toroidal electric field, as applied to the runaway electron production in tokamaks due to rapid reduction of the plasma temperature as occurs in a plasma disruption. Our previous results assuming a constant current density (Lenz' Law) model showed that prompt ``hot-tail runaways'' dominated ``knock-on'' and Dreicer ``drizzle'' runaways; we will examine modifications due to the more complete Ampere-Faraday solution. Work supported by US DOE under DE-FG02-ER54744.

Biomechanical patterns of text-message distraction.

PubMed

Le, Peter; Hwang, Jaejin; Grawe, Sarah; Li, Jing; Snyder, Alison; Lee, Christina; Marras, William S

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to identify biomechanical measures that can distinguish texting distraction in a laboratory-simulated driving environment. The goal would be to use this information to provide an intervention for risky driving behaviour. Sixteen subjects participated in this study. Three independent variables were tested: task (texting, visual targeting, weighted and non-weighted movements), task direction (front and side) and task distance (close and far). Dependent variables consisted of biomechanical moments, head displacement and the length of time to complete each task. Results revealed that the time to complete each task was higher for texting compared to other tasks. Peak moments during texting were only distinguishable from visual targeting. Peak head displacement and cumulative biomechanical exposure measures indicated that texting can be distinguished from other tasks. Therefore, it may be useful to take into account both temporal and biomechanical measures when considering warning systems to detect texting distraction.

Scalable Matrix Algorithms for Interactive Analytics of Very Large Informatics Graphs

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-06-14

information networks. Depending on the situation, these larger networks may not fit on a single machine. Although we considered traditional matrix and graph...collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources...gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information . Send comments regarding this burden estimate or

Opioid Abuse after Traumatic Brain Injury: Evaluation Using Rodent Models

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-09-01

depending on the aspect of SA being assessed. This includes time for acclimation to the laboratory and handling, catheterization surgery and recovery, brain...across the three years / total number to be completed by project end. Total # subjects entered into protocol =50 Total number catheterized = 0...and acclimation before intravenous catheterization or pump implantation was performed (see below). Subjects to be used in the warm water tail

Generalization of the coherent-state path integrals and systematic derivation of semiclassical propagators

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

Koda, Shin-ichi; Takatsuka, Kazuo

The coherent path integral is generalized such that the identity operator represented in a complete (actually overcomplete) set of the coherent states with the ''time-variable'' exponents are inserted between two consecutive short-time propagators. Since such a complete set of any given exponent can constitute the identity operator, the exponent may be varied from time to time without loss of generality as long as it is set common to all the Gaussians. However, a finite truncation of the coherent state expansion should result in different values of the propagator depending on the choice of the exponents. Furthermore, approximation methodology to treatmore » with the exact propagator can also depend on this choice, and thereby many different semiclassical propagators may emerge from these combinations. Indeed, we show that the well-known semiclassical propagators such as those of Van Vleck, Herman-Kluk, Heller's thawed Gaussian, and many others can be derived in a systematic manner, which enables one to comprehend these semiclassical propagators from a unified point of view. We are particularly interested in our generalized form of the Herman-Kluk propagator, since the relative accuracy of this propagator has been well established by Kay, and since, nevertheless, its derivation was not necessarily clear. Thus our generalized Herman-Kluk propagator replaces the classical Hamiltonian with a Gaussian averaged quantum Hamiltonian, generating non-Newtonian trajectories. We perform a numerical test to assess the quality of such a family of generalized Herman-Kluk propagators and find that the original Herman-Kluk gives an accurate result. The reason why this has come about is also discussed.« less

Human responses to bright light of different durations.

PubMed

Chang, Anne-Marie; Santhi, Nayantara; St Hilaire, Melissa; Gronfier, Claude; Bradstreet, Dayna S; Duffy, Jeanne F; Lockley, Steven W; Kronauer, Richard E; Czeisler, Charles A

2012-07-01

Light exposure in the early night induces phase delays of the circadian rhythm in melatonin in humans. Previous studies have investigated the effect of timing, intensity, wavelength, history and pattern of light stimuli on the human circadian timing system. We present results from a study of the duration–response relationship to phase-delaying bright light. Thirty-nine young healthy participants (16 female; 22.18±3.62 years) completed a 9-day inpatient study. Following three baseline days, participants underwent an initial circadian phase assessment procedure in dim light (<3 lux), and were then randomized for exposure to a bright light pulse (∼10,000 lux) of 0.2 h, 1.0 h, 2.5 h or 4.0 h duration during a 4.5 h controlled-posture episode centred in a 16 h wake episode. After another 8 h sleep episode, participants completed a second circadian phase assessment. Phase shifts were calculated from the difference in the clock time of the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) between the initial and final phase assessments. Exposure to varying durations of bright light reset the circadian pacemaker in a dose-dependent, non-linear manner. Per minute of exposure, the 0.2 h duration was over 5 times more effective at phase delaying the circadian pacemaker (1.07±0.36 h) as compared with the 4.0 h duration (2.65±0.24 h). Acute melatonin suppression and subjective sleepiness also had a dose-dependent response to light exposure duration. These results provide strong evidence for a non-linear resetting response of the human circadian pacemaker to light duration.

Post-remission treatment with allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients aged 60 years and older with acute myeloid leukaemia: a time-dependent analysis.

PubMed

Versluis, Jurjen; Hazenberg, Carin L E; Passweg, Jakob R; van Putten, Wim L J; Maertens, Johan; Biemond, Bart J; Theobald, Matthias; Graux, Carlos; Kuball, Jurgen; Schouten, Harry C; Pabst, Thomas; Löwenberg, Bob; Ossenkoppele, Gert; Vellenga, Edo; Cornelissen, Jan J

2015-10-01

Acute myeloid leukaemia mainly affects elderly people, with a median age at diagnosis of around 70 years. Although about 50-60% of patients enter first complete remission upon intensive induction chemotherapy, relapse remains high and overall outcomes are disappointing. Therefore, effective post-remission therapy is urgently needed. Although often no post-remission therapy is given to elderly patients, it might include chemotherapy or allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) following reduced-intensity conditioning. We aimed to assess the comparative value of allogeneic HSCT with other approaches, including no post-remission therapy, in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia aged 60 years and older. For this time-dependent analysis, we used the results from four successive prospective HOVON-SAKK acute myeloid leukaemia trials. Between May 3, 2001, and Feb 5, 2010, a total of 1155 patients aged 60 years and older were entered into these trials, of whom 640 obtained a first complete remission after induction chemotherapy and were included in the analysis. Post-remission therapy consisted of allogeneic HSCT following reduced-intensity conditioning (n=97), gemtuzumab ozogamicin (n=110), chemotherapy (n=44), autologous HSCT (n=23), or no further treatment (n=366). Reduced-intensity conditioning regimens consisted of fludarabine combined with 2 Gy of total body irradiation (n=71), fludarabine with busulfan (n=10), or other regimens (n=16). A time-dependent analysis was done, in which allogeneic HSCT was compared with other types of post-remission therapy. The primary endpoint of the study was 5-year overall survival for all treatment groups, analysed by a time-dependent analysis. 5-year overall survival was 35% (95% CI 25-44) for patients who received an allogeneic HSCT, 21% (17-26) for those who received no additional post-remission therapy, and 26% (19-33) for patients who received either additional chemotherapy or autologous HSCT. Overall survival at 5 years was strongly affected by the European LeukemiaNET acute myeloid leukaemia risk score, with patients in the favourable risk group (n=65) having better 5-year overall survival (56% [95% CI 43-67]) than those with intermediate-risk (n=131; 23% [19-27]) or adverse-risk (n=444; 13% [8-20]) acute myeloid leukaemia. Multivariable analysis with allogeneic HSCT as a time-dependent variable showed that allogeneic HSCT was associated with better 5-year overall survival (HR 0·71 [95% CI 0·53-0·95], p=0·017) compared with non-allogeneic HSCT post-remission therapies or no post-remission therapy, especially in patients with intermediate-risk (0·82 [0·58-1·15]) or adverse-risk (0.39 [0·21-0·73]) acute myeloid leukaemia. Collectively, the results from these four trials suggest that allogeneic HSCT might be the preferred treatment approach in patients 60 years of age and older with intermediate-risk and adverse-risk acute myeloid leukaemia in first complete remission, but the comparative value should ideally be shown in a prospective randomised study. None. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Qualitative Evaluation of an Online Expert-Facilitated Course on Tobacco Dependence Treatment.

PubMed

Ebn Ahmady, Arezoo; Barker, Megan; Dragonetti, Rosa; Fahim, Myra; Selby, Peter

2017-01-01

Qualitative evaluations of courses prove difficult due to low response rates. Online courses may permit the analysis of qualitative feedback provided by health care providers (HCPs) during and after the course is completed. This study describes the use of qualitative methods for an online continuing medical education (CME) course through the analysis of HCP feedback for the purpose of quality improvement. We used formative and summative feedback from HCPs about their self-reported experiences of completing an online expert-facilitated course on tobacco dependence treatment (the Training Enhancement in Applied Cessation Counselling and Health [TEACH] Project). Phenomenological, inductive, and deductive approaches were applied to develop themes. QSR NVivo 11 was used to analyze the themes derived from free-text comments and responses to open-ended questions. A total of 277 out of 287 participants (96.5%) completed the course evaluations and provided 690 comments focused on how to improve the program. Five themes emerged from the formative evaluations: overall quality, content, delivery method, support, and time. The majority of comments (22.6%) in the formative evaluation expressed satisfaction with overall course quality. Suggestions for improvement were mostly for course content and delivery method (20.4% and 17.8%, respectively). Five themes emerged from the summative evaluation: feedback related to learning objectives, interprofessional collaboration, future topics of relevance, overall modifications, and overall satisfaction. Comments on course content, website function, timing, and support were the identified areas for improvement. This study provides a model to evaluate the effectiveness of online educational interventions. Significantly, this constructive approach to evaluation allows CME providers to take rapid corrective action.

Use of the Wii Gaming System for Balance Rehabilitation: Establishing Parameters for Healthy Individuals.

PubMed

Burns, Melissa K; Andeway, Kathleen; Eppenstein, Paula; Ruroede, Kathleen

2014-06-01

This study was designed to establish balance parameters for the Nintendo(®) (Redmond, WA) "Wii Fit™" Balance Board system with three common games, in a sample of healthy adults, and to evaluate the balance measurement reproducibility with separation by age. This was a prospective, multivariate analysis of variance, cohort study design. Seventy-five participants who satisfied all inclusion criteria and completed an informed consent were enrolled. Participants were grouped into age ranges: 21-35 years (n=24), 36-50 years (n=24), and 51-65 years (n=27). Each participant completed the following games three consecutive times, in a randomized order, during one session: "Balance Bubble" (BB) for distance and duration, "Tight Rope" (TR) for distance and duration, and "Center of Balance" (COB) on the left and right sides. COB distributed weight was fairly symmetrical across all subjects and trials; therefore, no influence was assumed on or interaction with other "Wii Fit" measurements. Homogeneity of variance statistics indicated the assumption of distribution normality of the dependent variables (rates) were tenable. The multivariate analysis of variance included dependent variables BB and TR rates (distance divided by duration to complete) with age group and trials as the independent variables. The BB rate was statistically significant (F=4.725, P<0.005), but not the TR rate. The youngest group's BB rate was significantly larger than those of the other two groups. "Wii Fit" can discriminate among age groups across trials. The results show promise as a viable tool to measure balance and distance across time (speed) and center of balance distribution.

A Qualitative Evaluation of an Online Expert-Facilitated Course on Tobacco Dependence Treatment

PubMed Central

Ebn Ahmady, Arezoo; Barker, Megan; Dragonetti, Rosa; Fahim, Myra; Selby, Peter

2017-01-01

Qualitative evaluations of courses prove difficult due to low response rates. Online courses may permit the analysis of qualitative feedback provided by health care providers (HCPs) during and after the course is completed. This study describes the use of qualitative methods for an online continuing medical education (CME) course through the analysis of HCP feedback for the purpose of quality improvement. We used formative and summative feedback from HCPs about their self-reported experiences of completing an online expert-facilitated course on tobacco dependence treatment (the Training Enhancement in Applied Cessation Counselling and Health [TEACH] Project). Phenomenological, inductive, and deductive approaches were applied to develop themes. QSR NVivo 11 was used to analyze the themes derived from free-text comments and responses to open-ended questions. A total of 277 out of 287 participants (96.5%) completed the course evaluations and provided 690 comments focused on how to improve the program. Five themes emerged from the formative evaluations: overall quality, content, delivery method, support, and time. The majority of comments (22.6%) in the formative evaluation expressed satisfaction with overall course quality. Suggestions for improvement were mostly for course content and delivery method (20.4% and 17.8%, respectively). Five themes emerged from the summative evaluation: feedback related to learning objectives, interprofessional collaboration, future topics of relevance, overall modifications, and overall satisfaction. Comments on course content, website function, timing, and support were the identified areas for improvement. This study provides a model to evaluate the effectiveness of online educational interventions. Significantly, this constructive approach to evaluation allows CME providers to take rapid corrective action. PMID:28992759

Robust pre-specified time synchronization of chaotic systems by employing time-varying switching surfaces in the sliding mode control scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khanzadeh, Alireza; Pourgholi, Mahdi

2016-08-01

In the conventional chaos synchronization methods, the time at which two chaotic systems are synchronized, is usually unknown and depends on initial conditions. In this work based on Lyapunov stability theory a sliding mode controller with time-varying switching surfaces is proposed to achieve chaos synchronization at a pre-specified time for the first time. The proposed controller is able to synchronize chaotic systems precisely at any time when we want. Moreover, by choosing the time-varying switching surfaces in a way that the reaching phase is eliminated, the synchronization becomes robust to uncertainties and exogenous disturbances. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed method of stabilizing and synchronizing chaotic systems with complete robustness to uncertainty and disturbances exactly at a pre-specified time.

Changes in thickness and surface area of the human cortex and their relationship with intelligence.

PubMed

Schnack, Hugo G; van Haren, Neeltje E M; Brouwer, Rachel M; Evans, Alan; Durston, Sarah; Boomsma, Dorret I; Kahn, René S; Hulshoff Pol, Hilleke E

2015-06-01

Changes in cortical thickness over time have been related to intelligence, but whether changes in cortical surface area are related to general cognitive functioning is unknown. We therefore examined the relationship between intelligence quotient (IQ) and changes in cortical thickness and surface over time in 504 healthy subjects. At 10 years of age, more intelligent children have a slightly thinner cortex than children with a lower IQ. This relationship becomes more pronounced with increasing age: with higher IQ, a faster thinning of the cortex is found over time. In the more intelligent young adults, this relationship reverses so that by the age of 42 a thicker cortex is associated with higher intelligence. In contrast, cortical surface is larger in more intelligent children at the age of 10. The cortical surface is still expanding, reaching its maximum area during adolescence. With higher IQ, cortical expansion is completed at a younger age; and once completed, surface area decreases at a higher rate. These findings suggest that intelligence may be more related to the magnitude and timing of changes in brain structure during development than to brain structure per se, and that the cortex is never completed but shows continuing intelligence-dependent development. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The advantages and barriers in the implementation of a substance dependence treatment information system (SDTIS).

PubMed

Ajami, Sima; Mellat-Karkevandi, Zahra

2015-11-01

Addiction is a phenomenon that causes structural changes in different systems of society. Studies show for planning of addiction prevention and treatment, it is necessary to create an information management system. Substance dependence information systems refer to systems which collect, analyse and report data related to substance dependence information. The aim of this study was to identify advantages and barriers to implement Substance Dependence Treatment Information System (SDTIS). This study was a narrative review. Our review divided into three phases: literature collection, assessing, and selection. We employed the following keywords and their combinations in different areas of articles. In this study, 22 of collected articles and reports were selected based on their relevancy. We found many advantages for a substance dependence treatment information system such as recording sufficient, complete and accurate information and easy and timely access to them and monitoring and enhancing the quality of care received by patients. But we may face some concerns for implementing this information system like taking time and funds from client services, being expensive or even problems regarding the quality of data contained in these information systems. There are some important problems in the way of implementing. In order to overcome these issues, we need to raise community awareness.

The advantages and barriers in the implementation of a substance dependence treatment information system (SDTIS)

PubMed Central

Ajami, Sima; Mellat-Karkevandi, Zahra

2015-01-01

Addiction is a phenomenon that causes structural changes in different systems of society. Studies show for planning of addiction prevention and treatment, it is necessary to create an information management system. Substance dependence information systems refer to systems which collect, analyse and report data related to substance dependence information. The aim of this study was to identify advantages and barriers to implement Substance Dependence Treatment Information System (SDTIS). This study was a narrative review. Our review divided into three phases: literature collection, assessing, and selection. We employed the following keywords and their combinations in different areas of articles. In this study, 22 of collected articles and reports were selected based on their relevancy. We found many advantages for a substance dependence treatment information system such as recording sufficient, complete and accurate information and easy and timely access to them and monitoring and enhancing the quality of care received by patients. But we may face some concerns for implementing this information system like taking time and funds from client services, being expensive or even problems regarding the quality of data contained in these information systems. There are some important problems in the way of implementing. In order to overcome these issues, we need to raise community awareness. PMID:26941816

Effect of complete or partial proteinuria recovery on long-term outcomes of lupus nephritis.

PubMed

Medina-Rosas, Jorge; Fung, William A; Su, Jiandong; Touma, Zahi

2018-02-01

We aimed to evaluate the effect of complete recovery (CR), partial recovery (PR), and no recovery (NR) of proteinuria at 2 years from the diagnosis of LN on long-term renal and extra-renal outcomes. Patients with LN and proteinuria attending the Lupus Center from 1970 to 2015 were analyzed. At 2 years from diagnosis of LN, patients were divided into three groups (CR, PR, and NR), and long-term outcomes were studied up to 15 years or last visit available. CR was defined as resolution of proteinuria, PR as a reduction ≥50% in baseline proteinuria, and NR as a reduction <50% compared to baseline. Long-term outcomes examined included renal outcomes [low eGFR, ESRD, and composite renal (low eGFR, ESRD, and dialysis/transplant)], cardiovascular outcomes, damage, and death. Kaplan-Meier plots, time-independent and time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models were applied to examine the effect of CR, PR, or NR on long-term outcomes. Of 277 patients, 71.8% achieved CR, 18.4% PR, and 9.8% NR at 2 years. CR compared to NR and CR compared to PR were protective against low eGFR and composite renal outcome in time-independent and time-dependent analyses. CR compared to PR protected against damage in the time-independent analysis. Overall, the comparison of CR and PR favored CR for long-term renal outcomes. CR at 2 years from diagnosis of LN protected against renal outcomes (low eGFR, ESRD/dialysis, and transplant). CR is more favorable compared to PR and clinicians should aim for CR to improve long-term outcomes in LN. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Conduction disturbances after TAVR: Electrophysiological studies and pacemaker dependency.

PubMed

Makki, Nader; Dollery, Jenn; Jones, Danielle; Crestanello, Juan; Lilly, Scott

Permanent pacemaker (PPM) placement occurs in 5-20% of patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Although predictors of pacemaker implantation have been established, features that predispose patients to pacemaker utilization on follow up have not been widely reported. We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing commercial TAVR between 2011 and 2016. We collated patients that underwent in-hospital PPM implantation and had a follow up of at least 3months. Data abstraction was performed for electrophysiological studies (EPS), pacemaker indication, timing, and device interrogation for pacemaker dependency on follow up. A total of 24 patients received in-hospital PPM post-TAVR (14% of total cohort), and mean follow up was 22months. Indications for PPM included resting complete heart block (CHB; 15/24, 63%), left bundle branch block and abnormal electrophysiological study (EPS; 7/24, 29%), alternating bundle branch block (1/24, 4%) and tachy-brady syndrome (1/24, 4%). Pacemaker dependency (underlying ventricular asystole, complete heart block, or >50% pacing) occurred in 8/24 patients (33%) during follow-up, 7 of whom had resting CHB, and one with CHB invoked during EPS. Pacemaker dependency after TAVR is common among those that exhibited CHB, but not among those with a prolonged HV delay during EPS. Although preliminary, these observations are relevant to management of rhythm disturbances after TAVR, and may inform the practice of EPS-based PPM implantation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Structure of weakly 2-dependent siphons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Daniel Yuh; Chen, Jiun-Ting

2013-09-01

Deadlocks arising from insufficiently marked siphons in flexible manufacturing systems can be controlled by adding monitors to each siphon - too many for large systems. Li and Zhou add monitors to elementary siphons only while controlling the rest of (called dependent) siphons by adjusting control depth variables of elementary siphons. Only a linear number of monitors are required. The control of weakly dependent siphons (WDSs) is rather conservative since only positive terms were considered. The structure for strongly dependent siphons (SDSs) has been studied earlier. Based on this structure, the optimal sequence of adding monitors has been discovered earlier. Better controllability has been discovered to achieve faster and more permissive control. The results have been extended earlier to S3PGR2 (systems of simple sequential processes with general resource requirements). This paper explores the structures for WDSs, which, as found in this paper, involve elementary resource circuits interconnecting at more than (for SDSs, exactly) one resource place. This saves the time to compute compound siphons, their complementary sets and T-characteristic vectors. Also it allows us (1) to improve the controllability of WDSs and control siphons and (2) to avoid the time to find independent vectors for elementary siphons. We propose a sufficient and necessary test for adjusting control depth variables in S3PR (systems of simple sequential processes with resources) to avoid the sufficient-only time-consuming linear integer programming test (LIP) (Nondeterministic Polynomial (NP) time complete problem) required previously for some cases.

Increased intra-individual reaction time variability in cocaine-dependent subjects: role of cocaine-related cues.

PubMed

Liu, Shijing; Lane, Scott D; Schmitz, Joy M; Green, Charles E; Cunningham, Kathryn A; Moeller, F Gerard

2012-02-01

Neuroimaging data suggest that impaired performance on response inhibition and information processing tests in cocaine-dependent subjects is related to prefrontal and frontal cortical dysfunction and that dysfunction in these brain areas may underlie some aspects of cocaine addiction. In subjects with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric disorders, the Intra-Individual Reaction Time Variability (IIRTV) has been associated with frontal cortical dysfunction. In the present study, we evaluated IIRTV parameters in cocaine-dependent subjects vs. controls using a cocaine Stroop task. Fifty control and 123 cocaine-dependent subjects compiled from three studies completed a cocaine Stroop task. Standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) for reaction times (RT) were calculated for both trials with neutral and trials with cocaine-related words. The parameters mu, sigma, and tau were calculated using an ex-Gaussian analysis employed to characterize variability in RTs. The ex-Gaussian analysis divides the RTs into normal (mu, sigma) and exponential (tau) components. Using robust regression analysis, cocaine-dependent subjects showed greater SD, CV and Tau on trials with cocaine-related words compared to controls (p<0.05). However, in trials with neutral words, there was no evidence of group differences in any IIRTV parameters (p>0.05). The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test showed that for cocaine-dependent subjects, both SD and tau were larger in trials with cocaine-related words than in trials with neutral words (p<0.05). The observation that only cocaine-related words increased IIRTV in cocaine-dependent subjects suggests that cocaine-related stimuli might disrupt information processing subserved by prefrontal and frontal cortical circuits. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Furfural reduction mechanism of a zinc-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase from Cupriavidus necator JMP134

PubMed Central

Kang, ChulHee; Hayes, Robert; Sanchez, Emiliano J.; Webb, Brian N.; Li, Qunrui; Hooper, Travis; Nissen, Mark S.; Xun, Luying

2012-01-01

Summary FurX is a tetrameric Zn-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from Cupriavidus necator JMP134. The enzyme rapidly reduces furfural with NADH as the reducing power. For the first time among characterized ADHs, the high-resolution structures of all reaction steps were obtained in a time-resolved manner, thereby illustrating the complete catalytic events of NADH-dependent reduction of furfural and the dynamic Zn2+ coordination among Glu66, water, substrate and product. In the fully closed conformation of the NADH complex, the catalytic turnover proved faster than observed for the partially closed conformation due to an effective proton transfer network. The domain motion triggered by NAD(H) association/dissociation appeared to facilitate dynamic interchanges in Zn2+ coordination with substrate and product molecules, ultimately increasing the enzymatic turnover rate. NAD+ dissociation appeared to be a slow process, involving multiple steps in concert with a domain opening and reconfiguration of Glu66. This agrees with the report that the cofactor is not dissociated from FurX during ethanol-dependent reduction of furfural, in which ethanol reduces NAD+ to NADH that is subsequently used for furfural reduction. PMID:22081946

Nicotine Dependence, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior among Adult Smokers.

PubMed

Loprinzi, Paul D; Walker, Jerome F

2015-03-01

Research has previously demonstrated an inverse association between smoking status and physical activity; however, few studies have examined the association between nicotine dependence and physical activity or sedentary behavior. This study examined the association between nicotine dependence and accelerometer-determined physical activity and sedentary behavior. Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used. A total of 851 adult (≥20 years) smokers wore an accelerometer for ≥4 days and completed the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scale. Regression models were used to examine the association between nicotine dependence and physical activity/sedentary behavior. After adjusting for age, gender, race-ethnicity, poverty level, hypertension, emphysema, bronchitis, body mass index (BMI), cotinine, and accelerometer wear time, smokers 50 + years of age with greater nicotine dependence engaged in more sedentary behavior (β = 11.4, P = 0.02) and less light-intensity physical activity (β = -9.6, P = 0.03) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; β = -0.14, P = 0.003) than their less nicotine dependent counterparts. Older adults who are more nicotine dependent engage in less physical activity (both MVPA and light-intensity) and more sedentary behavior than their less nicotine dependent counterparts.

Evaluation of Augmented Reality Feedback in Surgical Training Environment.

PubMed

Zahiri, Mohsen; Nelson, Carl A; Oleynikov, Dmitry; Siu, Ka-Chun

2018-02-01

Providing computer-based laparoscopic surgical training has several advantages that enhance the training process. Self-evaluation and real-time performance feedback are 2 of these advantages, which avoid dependency of trainees on expert feedback. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of a visual time indicator as real-time feedback correlated with the laparoscopic surgical training. Twenty novices participated in this study working with (and without) different presentations of time indicators. They performed a standard peg transfer task, and their completion times and muscle activity were recorded and compared. Also of interest was whether the use of this type of feedback induced any side effect in terms of motivation or muscle fatigue. Of the 20 participants, 15 (75%) preferred using a time indicator in the training process rather than having no feedback. However, time to task completion showed no significant difference in performance with the time indicator; furthermore, no significant differences in muscle activity or muscle fatigue were detected with/without time feedback. The absence of significant difference between task performance with/without time feedback shows that using visual real-time feedback can be included in surgical training based on user preference. Trainees may benefit from this type of feedback in the form of increased motivation. The extent to which this can influence training frequency leading to performance improvement is a question for further study.

Coherent Pattern Prediction in Swarms of Delay-Coupled Agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mier-Y-Teran-Romero, Luis; Forgoston, Eric; Scwartz, Ira

2013-03-01

We consider a general swarm model of self-propelling particles interacting through a pairwise potential in the presence of a fixed communication time delay. Previous work has shown that swarms with communication time delays and noise may display pattern transitions that depend on the size of the coupling amplitude. We extend these results by completely unfolding the bifurcation structure of the mean field approximation. Our analysis reveals a direct correspondence between the different dynamical behaviors found in different regions of the coupling-time delay plane with the different classes of simulated coherent swarm patterns. We derive the spatio-temporal scales of the swarm structures, and also demonstrate how the complicated interplay of coupling strength, time delay, noise intensity, and choice of initial conditions can affect the swarm. In addition, when adding noise to the system, we find that for sufficiently large values of the coupling strength and/or the time delay, there is a noise intensity threshold that forces a transition of the swarm from a misaligned state into an aligned state. We show that this alignment transition exhibits hysteresis when the noise intensity is taken to be time dependent. Office of Naval Research, NIH (LMR and IBS) and NRL (EF)

Connectivity as an alternative to boundary integral equations: Construction of bases

PubMed Central

Herrera, Ismael; Sabina, Federico J.

1978-01-01

In previous papers Herrera developed a theory of connectivity that is applicable to the problem of connecting solutions defined in different regions, which occurs when solving partial differential equations and many problems of mechanics. In this paper we explain how complete connectivity conditions can be used to replace boundary integral equations in many situations. We show that completeness is satisfied not only in steady-state problems such as potential, reduced wave equation and static and quasi-static elasticity, but also in time-dependent problems such as heat and wave equations and dynamical elasticity. A method to obtain bases of connectivity conditions, which are independent of the regions considered, is also presented. PMID:16592522

Efficiencies of Internet-based digital and paper-based scientific surveys and the estimated costs and time for different-sized cohorts.

PubMed

Uhlig, Constantin E; Seitz, Berthold; Eter, Nicole; Promesberger, Julia; Busse, Holger

2014-01-01

To evaluate the relative efficiencies of five Internet-based digital and three paper-based scientific surveys and to estimate the costs for different-sized cohorts. Invitations to participate in a survey were distributed via e-mail to employees of two university hospitals (E1 and E2) and to members of a medical association (E3), as a link placed in a special text on the municipal homepage regularly read by the administrative employees of two cities (H1 and H2), and paper-based to workers at an automobile enterprise (P1) and college (P2) and senior (P3) students. The main parameters analyzed included the numbers of invited and actual participants, and the time and cost to complete the survey. Statistical analysis was descriptive, except for the Kruskal-Wallis-H-test, which was used to compare the three recruitment methods. Cost efficiencies were compared and extrapolated to different-sized cohorts. The ratios of completely answered questionnaires to distributed questionnaires were between 81.5% (E1) and 97.4% (P2). Between 6.4% (P1) and 57.0% (P2) of the invited participants completely answered the questionnaires. The costs per completely answered questionnaire were $0.57-$1.41 (E1-3), $1.70 and $0.80 for H1 and H2, respectively, and $3.36-$4.21 (P1-3). Based on our results, electronic surveys with 10, 20, 30, or 42 questions would be estimated to be most cost (and time) efficient if more than 101.6-225.9 (128.2-391.7), 139.8-229.2 (93.8-193.6), 165.8-230.6 (68.7-115.7), or 188.2-231.5 (44.4-72.7) participants were required, respectively. The study efficiency depended on the technical modalities of the survey methods and engagement of the participants. Depending on our study design, our results suggest that in similar projects that will certainly have more than two to three hundred required participants, the most efficient way of conducting a questionnaire-based survey is likely via the Internet with a digital questionnaire, specifically via a centralized e-mail.

[Completeness of notifications of violence perpetrated against adolescents in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil].

PubMed

Santos, Taciana Mirella Batista Dos; Cardoso, Mirian Domingos; Pitangui, Ana Carolina Rodarti; Santos, Yasmim Gabriella Cardoso; Paiva, Saul Martins; Melo, João Paulo Ramos; Silva, Lygia Maria Pereira

2016-12-01

The scope of this study was to analyze the trend of completeness of the data on violence perpetrated against adolescents registered in the State of Pernambuco between 2009 and 2012. This involved a cross-sectional survey of 5,259 adolescents, who were the victims of violence reported in SINAN-VIVA of the Pernambuco State Health Department. Simple linear regression was used to investigate the trend of completeness of the variables. The percentages of completeness were considered to be dependent variables (Y) and the number of years as independent variables (X). The results show a significant increase of 204% in the number of notifications. However, of the 34 variables analyzed, 27 (79.4%) showed a stationary trend, 6 (17.6%) a downward trend, and only one variable (2.9%) an upward trend. Completeness was considered 'Very Poor' for the variables: Education (47.3%), Full Address (21.3%), Occurrence Time (38%) and Use of Alcohol by the Attacker (47%). Therefore, despite the large increase in the number of notifications, data quality continued to be compromised, hampering a more realistic analysis of this group.

Characteristics of cholinoreceptors on identified TAN neurons of the ground snail Achatina fulica.

PubMed

Stepanov, I I; Losev, N A

2000-01-01

The characteristics of cholinoreceptors located on neurons TAN1, TAN2, and TAN3 of the ground snail Achatina fulica were studied by incubation of the central ganglia in a bath with cholinotropic preparations during intracellular recording of background neuron spike activity. Acetylcholine, nicotine, the selective n-cholinoreceptor agonist suberyldicholine, and the selective n-cholinoreceptor agonist 5-methylfurmethide concentration-dependently inhibited background spike activity to the level of complete blockade at concentrations of 500 microM. The m-cholinoblocker metamizil (500 microM) completely prevented the inhibitory activity of concentrations of 5-methylfurmethide of up to 500 microM. The central n-cholinoblocker etherophen (500 microM) completely blocked the inhibitory activity of 500 microM suberyldicholine. However, metamizil and etherophen added separately only partially decreased the inhibitory effects of acetylcholine but could not completely block the effect of acetylcholine. At the same time, mixtures of metamizil and etherophen (500 microM each) completely blocked the inhibition of background spike activity induced by acetylcholine. These results show that both classes of cholinoreceptors act on TAN neurons in the same direction.

Determination of the lowest concentrations of aldehyde fixatives for completely fixing various cellular structures by real-time imaging and quantification.

PubMed

Zeng, Fangfa; Yang, Wen; Huang, Jie; Chen, Yuan; Chen, Yong

2013-05-01

The effectiveness of fixatives for fixing biological specimens has long been widely investigated. However, the lowest concentrations of fixatives needed to completely fix whole cells or various cellular structures remain unclear. Using real-time imaging and quantification, we determined the lowest concentrations of glutaraldehyde (0.001-0.005, ~0.005, 0.01-005, 0.01-005, and 0.01-0.1 %) and formaldehyde/paraformaldehyde (0.01-0.05, ~0.05, 0.5-1, 1-1.5, and 0.5-1 %) required to completely fix focal adhesions, cell-surface particles, stress fibers, the cell cortex, and the inner structures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells within 20 min. With prolonged fixation times (>20 min), the concentration of fixative required to completely fix these structures will shift to even lower values. These data may help us understand and optimize fixation protocols and understand the potential effects of the small quantities of endogenously generated aldehydes in human cells. We also determined the lowest concentration of glutaraldehyde (0.5 %) and formaldehyde/paraformaldehyde (2 %) required to induce cell blebbing. We found that the average number and size of the fixation-induced blebs per cell were dependent on both fixative concentration and cell spread area, but were independent of temperature. These data provide important information for understanding cell blebbing, and may help optimize the vesiculation-based technique used to isolate plasma membrane by suggesting ways of controlling the number or size of fixation-induced cell blebs.

A Longitudinal Study of Financial Difficulties and Mental Health in a National Sample of British Undergraduate Students.

PubMed

Richardson, Thomas; Elliott, Peter; Roberts, Ron; Jansen, Megan

2017-04-01

Previous research has shown a relationship between financial difficulties and poor mental health in students, but most research is cross-sectional. To examine longitudinal relationships over time between financial variables and mental health in students. A national sample of 454 first year British undergraduate students completed measures of mental health and financial variables at up to four time points across a year. Cross-sectional relationships were found between poorer mental health and female gender, having a disability and non-white ethnicity. Greater financial difficulties predicted greater depression and stress cross-sectionally, and also predicted poorer anxiety, global mental health and alcohol dependence over time. Depression worsened over time for those who had considered abandoning studies or not coming to university for financial reasons, and there were effects for how students viewed their student loan. Anxiety and alcohol dependence also predicted worsening financial situation suggesting a bi-directional relationship. Financial difficulties appear to lead to poor mental health in students with the possibility of a vicious cycle occurring.

Curriculum for Commissioning Energy Efficient Buildings

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

Webster, Lia

2012-12-27

In July 2010, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded funding to PECI to develop training curriculum in commercial energy auditing and building commissioning. This program was created in response to the high demand for auditing and commissioning services in the U.S. commercial buildings market and to bridge gaps and barriers in existing training programs. Obstacles addressed included: lack of focus on entry level candidates; prohibitive cost and time required for training; lack of hands-on training; trainings that focus on certifications & process overviews; and lack of comprehensive training. PECI organized several other industry players to create a co-funded projectmore » sponsored by DOE, PECI, New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA), California Energy Commission (CEC), Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) and California Commissioning Collaborative (CCC). After awarded, PECI teamed with another DOE awardee, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), to work collaboratively to create one comprehensive program featuring two training tracks. NJIT’s Center for Building Knowledge is a research and training institute affiliated with the College of Architecture and Design, and provided e-learning and video enhancements. This project designed and developed two training programs with a comprehensive, energy-focused curriculum to prepare new entrants to become energy auditors or commissioning authorities (CxAs). The following are the key elements of the developed trainings, which is depicted graphically in Figure 1: • Online classes are self-paced, and can be completed anywhere, any time • Commissioning Authority track includes 3 online modules made up of 24 courses delivered in 104 individual lessons, followed by a 40 hour hands-on lab. Total time required is between 75 and 100 hours, depending on the pace of the independent learner. • Energy Auditor track includes 3 online modules made up of 18 courses delivered in 72 individual lessons, followed by a 24 hour hands-on lab. Total time required is between 50 and 70 hours, depending on the pace of the independent learner. • Individual courses can be taken for continuing education credits. • Assessments are included for each course, and a score of at least 80% is required for completion. • Completion of Modules 1 through 3 is prerequisite for participating in the laboratory. More experienced participants have the option to test out of Modules 1 and 2 and complete Module 3 to progress to the laboratory.« less

The family of anisotropically scaled equatorial waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

RamíRez GutiéRrez, Enver; da Silva Dias, Pedro Leite; Raupp, Carlos; Bonatti, Jose Paulo

2011-04-01

In the present work we introduce the family of anisotropic equatorial waves. This family corresponds to equatorial waves at intermediate states between the shallow water and the long wave approximation model. The new family is obtained by using anisotropic time/space scalings on the linearized, unforced and inviscid shallow water model. It is shown that the anisotropic equatorial waves tend to the solutions of the long wave model in one extreme and to the shallow water model solutions in the other extreme of the parameter dependency. Thus, the problem associated with the completeness of the long wave model solutions can be asymptotically addressed. The anisotropic dispersion relation is computed and, in addition to the typical dependency on the equivalent depth, meridional quantum number and zonal wavenumber, it also depends on the anisotropy between both zonal to meridional space and velocity scales as well as the fast to slow time scales ratio. For magnitudes of the scales compatible with those of the tropical region, both mixed Rossby-gravity and inertio-gravity waves are shifted to a moderately higher frequency and, consequently, not filtered out. This draws attention to the fact that, for completeness of the long wave like solutions, it is necessary to include both the anisotropic mixed Rossby-gravity and inertio-gravity waves. Furthermore, the connection of slow and fast manifolds (distinguishing feature of equatorial dynamics) is preserved, though modified for the equatorial anisotropy parameters used δ ∈ < 1]. New possibilities of horizontal and vertical scale nonlinear interactions are allowed. Thus, the anisotropic shallow water model is of fundamental importance for understanding multiscale atmosphere and ocean dynamics in the tropics.

[Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis of antibiotic therapy in dentistry and stomatology].

PubMed

Isla, Arantxazu; Canut, Andrés; Rodríguez-Gascón, Alicia; Labora, Alicia; Ardanza-Trevijano, Bruno; Solinís, María Angeles; Pedraz, José Luis

2005-03-01

This study evaluates the efficacy of various antimicrobial treatments for orofacial infections on the basis of pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) criteria. A complete a literature search was undertaken to establish the MIC90 values of the five microorganisms most frequently isolated in odontogenic infections and the pharmacokinetic parameters of 13 antibiotics used in these infections. Pharmacokinetic simulations were then carried out with mean population parameters and efficacy indexes were calculated for the 47 treatment regimens analyzed. For drugs showing time-dependent antibacterial killing, the time above MIC (t > MIC) was calculated. For drugs with concentration-dependent bactericidal activity, the AUC/MIC was calculated. Amoxicillin-clavulanic (500 mg/8 h or 1000 mg/12 h) and clindamycin (300 mg/6 h) in the time-dependent killing group and moxifloxacin (400 mg/24 h) in the concentration-dependent group showed adequate efficacy indexes against the five pathogens considered to be the most commonly implicated in odontogenic infections. The spiramycin plus metronidazole combination, present in the commercial formulation Rhodogyl, did not reach satisfactory PK/PD indexes. PK/PD indexes, which are useful predictors of the potential efficacy of antibacterial therapy, were used with ontogenic infections in the present study. The PK/PD simulations showed that amoxicillin-clavulanic, clindamycin and moxifloxacin were the most suitable antibiotics for this kind of infection. Clinical trials are required to confirm that this methodology is useful in these pathologic processes.

Absolute continuity for operator valued completely positive maps on C∗-algebras

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gheondea, Aurelian; Kavruk, Ali Şamil

2009-02-01

Motivated by applicability to quantum operations, quantum information, and quantum probability, we investigate the notion of absolute continuity for operator valued completely positive maps on C∗-algebras, previously introduced by Parthasarathy [in Athens Conference on Applied Probability and Time Series Analysis I (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1996), pp. 34-54]. We obtain an intrinsic definition of absolute continuity, we show that the Lebesgue decomposition defined by Parthasarathy is the maximal one among all other Lebesgue-type decompositions and that this maximal Lebesgue decomposition does not depend on the jointly dominating completely positive map, we obtain more flexible formulas for calculating the maximal Lebesgue decomposition, and we point out the nonuniqueness of the Lebesgue decomposition as well as a sufficient condition for uniqueness. In addition, we consider Radon-Nikodym derivatives for absolutely continuous completely positive maps that, in general, are unbounded positive self-adjoint operators affiliated to a certain von Neumann algebra, and we obtain a spectral approximation by bounded Radon-Nikodym derivatives. An application to the existence of the infimum of two completely positive maps is indicated, and formulas in terms of Choi's matrices for the Lebesgue decomposition of completely positive maps in matrix algebras are obtained.

Oligomeric BAX induces mitochondrial permeability transition and complete cytochrome c release without oxidative stress.

PubMed

Li, Tsyregma; Brustovetsky, Tatiana; Antonsson, Bruno; Brustovetsky, Nickolay

2008-11-01

In the present study, we investigated the mechanism of cytochrome c release from isolated brain mitochondria induced by recombinant oligomeric BAX (BAX(oligo)). We found that BAX(oligo) caused a complete release of cytochrome c in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The release was similar to those induced by alamethicin, which causes maximal mitochondrial swelling and eliminates barrier properties of the OMM. BAX(oligo) also produced large amplitude mitochondrial swelling as judged by light scattering assay and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, BAX(oligo) resulted in a strong mitochondrial depolarization. ATP or a combination of cyclosporin A and ADP, inhibitors of the mPT, suppressed BAX(oligo)-induced mitochondrial swelling and depolarization as well as cytochrome c release but did not influence BAX(oligo) insertion into the OMM. Both BAX(oligo)- and alamethicin-induced cytochrome c releases were accompanied by inhibition of ROS generation, which was assessed by measuring mitochondrial H(2)O(2) release with an Amplex Red assay. The mPT inhibitors antagonized suppression of ROS generation caused by BAX(oligo) but not by alamethicin. Thus, BAX(oligo) resulted in a complete cytochrome c release from isolated brain mitochondria in the mPT-dependent manner without involvement of oxidative stress by the mechanism requiring mitochondrial remodeling and permeabilization of the OMM.

Recovery time course in contractile function of fast and slow skeletal muscle after hindlimb immobilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Witzmann, F. A.; Kim, D. H.; Fitts, R. H.

1982-01-01

The present study was undertaken to characterize the time course and extent of recovery in the isometric and isotonic contractile properties of fast and slow skeletal muscle following 6 wk of hindlimb immobilization. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to an immobilized group or a control group. The results of the study show that fast and slow skeletal muscles possess the ability to completely recover normal contractile function following 6 wk of hindlimb immobilization. The rate of recovery is dependent on the fiber type composition of the affected muscle.

Remote sensing of estuarine fronts and their effects on pollutants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klemas, V. (Principal Investigator); Polis, D. F.

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Imagery from LANDSAT 1 and 2 proved valuable in determining the location, type, and extent of estuarine fronts under different tidal conditions. Neither ships nor aircraft alone could provide as complete, synoptic, and repetitive an overview as did the satellites. Since estuarine fronts influence the movement of oil slicks and dispersion of other pollutants, cleanup operations depending on real time use of oil slick movement prediction models will benefit not only from aircraft tracking the actual slicks but also from real time satellite observations of surface currents and the location of frontal systems.

Dynamic surface acoustic response to a thermal expansion source on an anisotropic half space.

PubMed

Zhao, Peng; Zhao, Ji-Cheng; Weaver, Richard

2013-05-01

The surface displacement response to a distributed thermal expansion source is solved using the reciprocity principle. By convolving the strain Green's function with the thermal stress field created by an ultrafast laser illumination, the complete surface displacement on an anisotropic half space induced by laser absorption is calculated in the time domain. This solution applies to the near field surface displacement due to pulse laser absorption. The solution is validated by performing ultrafast laser pump-probe measurements and showing very good agreement between the measured time-dependent probe beam deflection and the computed surface displacement.

The global evolution of the primordial solar nebula

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ruden, S. P.; Lin, D. N. C.

1986-01-01

Complete radial, time-dependent calculations of the structure and evolution of the primordial solar nebula during the viscous diffusion stage are presented. The viscous stress is derived from analytic one-zone models of the vertical nebular structure based on detailed grain opacities. Comparisons with full numerical integrations indicate that the effective viscous alpha parameter is about 0.01. The evolution time of a minimum mass nebula is one-million yr or less. The flow pattern of fluid elements in the disk is examined and the implications the results have on the theory of the formation of the solar system are discussed.

Fermi acceleration in time-dependent billiards: theory of the velocity diffusion in conformally breathing fully chaotic billiards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batistić, Benjamin; Robnik, Marko

2011-09-01

We study aspects of the Fermi acceleration (the unbounded growth of the energy) in a certain class of time-dependent 2D billiards. Specifically, we look at the conformally breathing billiards (periodic oscillation of the boundary which preserves the shape of the billiard at all times), which are fully chaotic as static (frozen) billiards, and we show that for large velocities around v0 and for not too long times, we observe just normal diffusion of the velocity as a function of the physical (continuous) time, around v0. However, the diffusion is not homogeneous, as the diffusion constant D depends on v0 as a power law D∝1/v30. Taking this into account, we show that to the leading order the average velocity v(n) as a function of the number of collisions n obeys a power law v∝n1/6 thus, the Fermi acceleration exponent is β = 1/6, which is in excellent agreement with the numerical calculations of the fully chaotic oval billiard, the Sinai billiard and the cardioid billiard. The error of the velocity estimates is of the order 1/v2. Thus, the higher the velocity, the better our analytic approximation. Moreover, we derive the underlying universal equation of the velocity dynamics of the time-dependent conformally breathing billiards, correct up to and including the order 1/v in the regime of the large velocity of the particle v. This universal equation does not depend on the dynamical properties of the system (integrability, ergodicity, chaoticity). We present the results of the numerical simulations for three billiards in complete agreement with the theory. We believe that this is a first step towards theoretical understanding of the power law growth and the Fermi acceleration exponents in 2D billiards, although our theory is so far specialized to the conformally breathing fully chaotic billiards.

Phytotoxic and genotoxic effects of ZnO nanoparticles on garlic (Allium sativum L.): a morphological study.

PubMed

Shaymurat, Talgar; Gu, Jianxiu; Xu, Changshan; Yang, Zhikun; Zhao, Qing; Liu, Yuxue; Liu, Yichun

2012-05-01

The effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the root growth, root apical meristem mitosis and mitotic aberrations of garlic (Allium sativum L.) were investigated. ZnO NPs caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of root length. When treated with 50 mg/L ZnO NPs for 24 h, the root growth of garlic was completely blocked. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) was estimated to be 15 mg/L. The mitosis index was also decreased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. ZnO NPs also induced several kinds of mitotic aberrations, mainly consisted of chromosome stickiness, bridges, breakages and laggings. The total percentage of abnormal cells increased with the increase of ZnO NPs concentration and the prolongation of treatment time. The investigation provided new information for the possible genotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on plants.

Fitts' Law? a Test of the Relationship Between Information Load and Movement Precision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zalaski, M.; Sanderson, P.

1984-01-01

The independence of information load (Hick's Law) and movement precision (Fitts' Law) was tested using additive factors methodology. Subjects were required to classify stimuli according to a decision rule with a variable entropy. The stimuli were presented in the center of the CRT screen. In response, subjects had to move a cursor from a starting point near the stimulus to the appropriate target. The precision of the response movement was varied by manipulating the ratio of the radius of the annulus to the width of the target area. The dependent measure was elapsed time between onset of the stimulus and completion of the response movement. Independence of the Hick's Law and Fitts' Law components of the reaction time was tested with an analysis of variance. Presence of an interaction would suggest that a decision stage and a response stage are dependent, and cannot be considered discrete steps in a serial process.

Mechanism of the melanogenesis stimulation activity of (-)-cubebin in murine B16 melanoma cells.

PubMed

Hirata, Noriko; Naruto, Shunsuke; Ohguchi, Kenji; Akao, Yukihiro; Nozawa, Yoshinori; Iinuma, Munekazu; Matsuda, Hideaki

2007-07-15

(-)-Cubebin showed a melanogenesis stimulation activity in a concentration-dependent manner in murine B16 melanoma cells without any significant effects on cell proliferation. Tyrosinase activity was increased at 24-72 h after addition of cubebin to B16 cells, and then intracellular melanin amount was increased at 48-96 h after the treatment. The expression levels of tyrosinase were time-dependently enhanced after the treatment with cubebin. At the same time, the expression levels of tyrosinase mRNA were also increased after addition of cubebin. Furthermore Western blot analysis revealed that cubebin elevated the level of phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). SB203580, a selective inhibitor of p38 MAPK, completely blocked cubebin-induced expression of tyrosinase mRNA in B16 cells. These results suggested that cubebin increased melanogenesis in B16 cells through the enhancement of tyrosinase expression mediated by activation of p38 MAPK.

RADIOMETRIC STUDY ON THE SUITABILITY OF CINCHONIN AS PRECIPITATION REAGENT FOR TUNGSTEN AND MOLYBDENUM (in German)

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

Merz, E.

1962-01-01

The precipitation of W and Mo with cinchonin was studied using P/sup 32/ , Mp/sup 99/, and W/sup 185/. The effects of the acid, acid concentration, solution volume, and precipitation time on the quantitative precipitation of the metals were determined. W was precipitated only from HCl and HNO/sub 3/, and no quantitative precipitation of Mo was obtained. No variation was found in the completeness of the precipitation using HCl concentrations of 1 to 6N, but precipitation is prevented or strongly inhibited in very strong solutions. The quantitative precipitation of W is very strongly dependent on the solution volume, but theremore » is no sharp time dependence. A study of the effectiveness of cinchonin and tannin as combined precipitation agents showed no advantage over the use of cinchonin alone, except in the removal of interferring elements in the precipitation. (J.S.R.)« less

Intelligent sensor-model automated control of PMR-15 autoclave processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hart, S.; Kranbuehl, D.; Loos, A.; Hinds, B.; Koury, J.

1992-01-01

An intelligent sensor model system has been built and used for automated control of the PMR-15 cure process in the autoclave. The system uses frequency-dependent FM sensing (FDEMS), the Loos processing model, and the Air Force QPAL intelligent software shell. The Loos model is used to predict and optimize the cure process including the time-temperature dependence of the extent of reaction, flow, and part consolidation. The FDEMS sensing system in turn monitors, in situ, the removal of solvent, changes in the viscosity, reaction advancement and cure completion in the mold continuously throughout the processing cycle. The sensor information is compared with the optimum processing conditions from the model. The QPAL composite cure control system allows comparison of the sensor monitoring with the model predictions to be broken down into a series of discrete steps and provides a language for making decisions on what to do next regarding time-temperature and pressure.

Optimal boarding method for airline passengers

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

Steffen, Jason H.; /Fermilab

2008-02-01

Using a Markov Chain Monte Carlo optimization algorithm and a computer simulation, I find the passenger ordering which minimizes the time required to board the passengers onto an airplane. The model that I employ assumes that the time that a passenger requires to load his or her luggage is the dominant contribution to the time needed to completely fill the aircraft. The optimal boarding strategy may reduce the time required to board and airplane by over a factor of four and possibly more depending upon the dimensions of the aircraft. I explore some features of the optimal boarding method andmore » discuss practical modifications to the optimal. Finally, I mention some of the benefits that could come from implementing an improved passenger boarding scheme.« less

Layered Organization in the Coastal Ocean: Acoustical Data Acquisition Analyses and Synthesis

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-11-04

associated with such trophic exchange processes as are enabled by the presence of the seasonal chlorophyll maximum and horizontal patchiness. The presence...dependence of acoustic volume scattering strength in a coastal environment during different seasons allows designers to do a better job and operations...completed well before sunrise, even as early as 0300 PDT (local time). Sunrise was typically at ca. 0630 PDT during the LOCO field seasons . Our joint

Multinational Experiment 7. Outcome 3 - Cyber Domain Objective 3.3. Guidelines for Decision Makers Version 2.0

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-10-03

depending on whether it is intrusive or not, may be regarded as either perfectly legitimate and lawful Open Source Intelligence ( OSINT ), or as...response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources , gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and...Context 2. Actor 3. Assessment of Activities 4. Source 5. Target/Objectives 6. Consequences 7. Extent 8. Breach of an International

Prevotella intermedia induces prostaglandin E2 via multiple signaling pathways.

PubMed

Guan, S-M; Fu, S-M; He, J-J; Zhang, M

2011-01-01

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) plays important roles in the bone resorption of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis via specific prostaglandin receptors (i.e., EP1-EP4). In this study, the authors examined whether Prevotella intermedia regulates PGE(2) production and EP expression in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLs); they also explored the potential signaling pathways involved in PGE(2) production. P. intermedia induced PGE(2) production and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Indomethacin and NS-398 completely abrogated the P. intermedia-induced PGE(2) production without modulating COX-2 expression. Specific inhibitors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and protein kinase C--but not c-AMP and protein kinase A--significantly attenuated the P. intermedia-induced COX-2 and PGE(2) expression. P. intermedia reduced EP1 expression in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The results indicate that the COX-2-dependent induction of PGE(2) by P. intermedia in hPDLs is mediated by multiple signaling pathways.

The effect of dropout on the efficiency of D-optimal designs of linear mixed models.

PubMed

Ortega-Azurduy, S A; Tan, F E S; Berger, M P F

2008-06-30

Dropout is often encountered in longitudinal data. Optimal designs will usually not remain optimal in the presence of dropout. In this paper, we study D-optimal designs for linear mixed models where dropout is encountered. Moreover, we estimate the efficiency loss in cases where a D-optimal design for complete data is chosen instead of that for data with dropout. Two types of monotonically decreasing response probability functions are investigated to describe dropout. Our results show that the location of D-optimal design points for the dropout case will shift with respect to that for the complete and uncorrelated data case. Owing to this shift, the information collected at the D-optimal design points for the complete data case does not correspond to the smallest variance. We show that the size of the displacement of the time points depends on the linear mixed model and that the efficiency loss is moderate.

Characteristics of drug-abusing women with children in residential treatment: a preliminary evaluation of program retention and treatment completion.

PubMed

Simons, Lori

2008-01-01

An ex post facto study was conducted to investigate treatment outcomes for 80 women and 168 children admitted into a residential substance-abuse treatment program. The results indicated childhood emotional neglect is a barrier for remaining in and completing treatment for African-American women with comorbid psychological disorders but not for those with crack cocaine dependent disorders. African-American women with comorbid psychological disorders were also three times more likely to dropout of treatment. In addition, there were relatively few differences for between drug-exposed and nonexposed children. However, the results indicated that children of substance-abusing women who completed treatment were more likely to have behavioral problems, to receive early intervention services, and to have mothers as legal guardians by the end of treatment. Implications for gender-specific interventions for African-American women and their children in residential treatment are discussed.

Fiber-fed time-resolved photoluminescence for reduced process feedback time on thin-film photovoltaics

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

Repins, I. L.; Egaas, B.; Mansfield, L. M.

2015-01-15

Fiber-fed time-resolved photoluminescence is demonstrated as a tool for immediate process feedback after deposition of the absorber layer for CuIn{sub x}Ga{sub 1-x}Se{sub 2} and Cu{sub 2}ZnSnSe{sub 4} photovoltaic devices. The technique uses a simplified configuration compared to typical laboratory time-resolved photoluminescence in the delivery of the exciting beam, signal collection, and electronic components. Correlation of instrument output with completed device efficiency is demonstrated over a large sample set. The extraction of the instrument figure of merit, depending on both the initial luminescence intensity and its time decay, is explained and justified. Limitations in the prediction of device efficiency by thismore » method, including surface effect, are demonstrated and discussed.« less

Dominant takeover regimes for genetic algorithms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Noever, David; Baskaran, Subbiah

1995-01-01

The genetic algorithm (GA) is a machine-based optimization routine which connects evolutionary learning to natural genetic laws. The present work addresses the problem of obtaining the dominant takeover regimes in the GA dynamics. Estimated GA run times are computed for slow and fast convergence in the limits of high and low fitness ratios. Using Euler's device for obtaining partial sums in closed forms, the result relaxes the previously held requirements for long time limits. Analytical solution reveal that appropriately accelerated regimes can mark the ascendancy of the most fit solution. In virtually all cases, the weak (logarithmic) dependence of convergence time on problem size demonstrates the potential for the GA to solve large N-P complete problems.

Fast temporal neural learning using teacher forcing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toomarian, Nikzad (Inventor); Bahren, Jacob (Inventor)

1992-01-01

A neural network is trained to output a time dependent target vector defined over a predetermined time interval in response to a time dependent input vector defined over the same time interval by applying corresponding elements of the error vector, or difference between the target vector and the actual neuron output vector, to the inputs of corresponding output neurons of the network as corrective feedback. This feedback decreases the error and quickens the learning process, so that a much smaller number of training cycles are required to complete the learning process. A conventional gradient descent algorithm is employed to update the neural network parameters at the end of the predetermined time interval. The foregoing process is repeated in repetitive cycles until the actual output vector corresponds to the target vector. In the preferred embodiment, as the overall error of the neural network output decreasing during successive training cycles, the portion of the error fed back to the output neurons is decreased accordingly, allowing the network to learn with greater freedom from teacher forcing as the network parameters converge to their optimum values. The invention may also be used to train a neural network with stationary training and target vectors.

Fast temporal neural learning using teacher forcing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toomarian, Nikzad (Inventor); Bahren, Jacob (Inventor)

1995-01-01

A neural network is trained to output a time dependent target vector defined over a predetermined time interval in response to a time dependent input vector defined over the same time interval by applying corresponding elements of the error vector, or difference between the target vector and the actual neuron output vector, to the inputs of corresponding output neurons of the network as corrective feedback. This feedback decreases the error and quickens the learning process, so that a much smaller number of training cycles are required to complete the learning process. A conventional gradient descent algorithm is employed to update the neural network parameters at the end of the predetermined time interval. The foregoing process is repeated in repetitive cycles until the actual output vector corresponds to the target vector. In the preferred embodiment, as the overall error of the neural network output decreasing during successive training cycles, the portion of the error fed back to the output neurons is decreased accordingly, allowing the network to learn with greater freedom from teacher forcing as the network parameters converge to their optimum values. The invention may also be used to train a neural network with stationary training and target vectors.

Coherent control of strong-field two-pulse ionization of Rydberg atoms.

PubMed

Fedorov, M; Poluektov, N

2000-02-28

Strong-field ionization of Rydberg atoms is investigated in its dependence on phase features of the initial coherent population of Rydberg levels. In the case of a resonance between Rydberg levels and some lower-energy atomic level (V-type transitions), this dependence is shown to be very strong: by a proper choice of the initial population an atom can be made either completely or very little ionized by a strong laser pulse. It is shown that phase features of the initial coherent population of Rydberg levels and the ionization yield can be efficiently controlled in a scheme of ionization by two strong laser pulses with a varying delay time between them.

Time of flight dependent linearity in diffuse imaging: how effective is it to evaluate the spatial resolution by measuring the edge response function?

PubMed

Ortiz-Rascón, E; Bruce, N C; Rodríguez-Rosales, A A; Garduño-Mejía, J

2016-03-01

We describe the behavior of linearity in diffuse imaging by evaluating the differences between time-resolved images produced by photons arriving at the detector at different times. Two approaches are considered: Monte Carlo simulations and experimental results. The images of two complete opaque bars embedded in a transparent or in a turbid medium with a slab geometry are analyzed; the optical properties of the turbid medium sample are close to those of breast tissue. A simple linearity test was designed involving a direct comparison between the intensity profile produced by two bars scanned at the same time and the intensity profile obtained by adding two profiles of each bar scanned one at a time. It is shown that the linearity improves substantially when short time of flight photons are used in the imaging process, but even then the nonlinear behavior prevails. As the edge response function (ERF) has been used widely for testing the spatial resolution in imaging systems, the main implication of a time dependent linearity is the weakness of the linearity assumption when evaluating the spatial resolution through the ERF in diffuse imaging systems, and the need to evaluate the spatial resolution by other methods.

Integrated care for comorbid alcohol dependence and anxiety and/or depressive disorder: study protocol for an assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Morley, Kirsten C; Baillie, Andrew; Sannibale, Claudia; Teesson, Maree; Haber, Paul S

2013-11-19

A major barrier to successful treatment in alcohol dependence is psychiatric comorbidity. During treatment, the time to relapse is shorter, the drop-out rate is increased, and long-term alcohol consumption is greater for those with comorbid major depression or anxiety disorder than those with an alcohol use disorder with no comorbid mental disorder. The treatment of alcohol dependence and psychological disorders is often the responsibility of different services, and this can hinder the treatment process. Accordingly, there is a need for an effective integrated treatment for alcohol dependence and comorbid anxiety and/or depression. We aim to assess the effectiveness of a specialized, integrated intervention for alcohol dependence with comorbid anxiety and/or mood disorder using a randomized design in an outpatient hospital setting. Following a three-week stabilization period (abstinence or significantly reduced consumption), participants will undergo complete formal assessment for anxiety and depression. Those patients with a diagnosis of an anxiety and/or depressive disorder will be randomized to either 1) integrated intervention (cognitive behavioral therapy) for alcohol, anxiety, and/or depression; or 2) usual counseling care for alcohol problems. Patients will then be followed up at weeks 12, 16, and 24. The primary outcome measure is alcohol consumption (total abstinence, time to lapse, and time to relapse). Secondary outcome measures include changes in alcohol dependence severity, depression, or anxiety symptoms and changes in clinician-rated severity of anxiety and depression. The study findings will have potential implications for clinical practice by evaluating the implementation of specialized integrated treatment for comorbid anxiety and/or depression in an alcohol outpatient service. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01941693.

A statistical analysis of flank eruptions on Etna volcano

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulargia, Francesco; Tinti, Stefano; Boschi, Enzo

1985-02-01

A singularly complete record exists for the eruptive activity of Etna volcano. The time series of occurrence of flank eruptions in the period 1600-1980, in which the record is presumably complete, is found to follow a stationary Poisson process. A revision of the available data shows that eruption durations are rather well correlated with the estimates of the volume of lava flows. This implies that the magnitude of an eruption can be defined directly by its duration. Extreme value statistics are then applied to the time series, using duration as a dependent variable. The probability of occurrence of a very long (300 days) eruption is greater than 50% only in time intervals of the order of 50 years. The correlation found between duration and total output also allows estimation of the probability of occurrence of a major event which exceeds a given duration and total flow of lava. The composite probabilities do not differ considerably from the pure ones. Paralleling a well established application to seismic events, extreme value theory can be profitably used in volcanic risk estimates, provided that appropriate account is also taken of all other variables.

Selfsimilar time dependent shock structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beck, R.; Drury, L. O.

1985-08-01

Diffusive shock acceleration as an astrophysical mechanism for accelerating charged particles has the advantage of being highly efficient. This means however that the theory is of necessity nonlinear; the reaction of the accelerated particles on the shock structure and the acceleration process must be self-consistently included in any attempt to develop a complete theory of diffusive shock acceleration. Considerable effort has been invested in attempting, at least partially, to do this and it has become clear that in general either the maximum particle energy must be restricted by introducing additional loss processes into the problem or the acceleration must be treated as a time dependent problem (Drury, 1984). It is concluded that stationary modified shock structures can only exist for strong shocks if additional loss processes limit the maximum energy a particle can attain. This is certainly possible and if it occurs the energy loss from the shock will lead to much greater shock compressions. It is however equally possible that no such processes exist and we must then ask what sort of nonstationary shock structure develops. The ame argument which excludes stationary structures also rules out periodic solutions and indeed any solution where the width of the shock remains bounded. It follows that the width of the shock must increase secularly with time and it is natural to examine the possibility of selfsimilar time dependent solutions.

Selfsimilar time dependent shock structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beck, R.; Drury, L. O.

1985-01-01

Diffusive shock acceleration as an astrophysical mechanism for accelerating charged particles has the advantage of being highly efficient. This means however that the theory is of necessity nonlinear; the reaction of the accelerated particles on the shock structure and the acceleration process must be self-consistently included in any attempt to develop a complete theory of diffusive shock acceleration. Considerable effort has been invested in attempting, at least partially, to do this and it has become clear that in general either the maximum particle energy must be restricted by introducing additional loss processes into the problem or the acceleration must be treated as a time dependent problem (Drury, 1984). It is concluded that stationary modified shock structures can only exist for strong shocks if additional loss processes limit the maximum energy a particle can attain. This is certainly possible and if it occurs the energy loss from the shock will lead to much greater shock compressions. It is however equally possible that no such processes exist and we must then ask what sort of nonstationary shock structure develops. The ame argument which excludes stationary structures also rules out periodic solutions and indeed any solution where the width of the shock remains bounded. It follows that the width of the shock must increase secularly with time and it is natural to examine the possibility of selfsimilar time dependent solutions.

Carbohydrate dependence during prolonged simulated cycling time trials.

PubMed

Torrens, Samuel L; Areta, José L; Parr, Evelyn B; Hawley, John A

2016-04-01

We determined the effect of suppressing lipolysis via administration of Nicotinic acid (NA) and pre-exercise feeding on rates of whole-body substrate utilisation and cycling time trial (TT) performance. In a randomised, single-blind, crossover design, eight trained male cyclists/triathletes completed two series of TTs in which they performed a predetermined amount of work calculated to last ~60, 90 and 120 min. TTs were undertaken after a standardised breakfast (2 g kg(-1) BM of carbohydrate (CHO)) and ingestion of capsules containing either NA or placebo (PL). Plasma [free fatty acids] were suppressed with NA, but increased in the later stages of TT90 and TT120 with PL (p < 0.05). There was no treatment effect on time to complete TT60 (60.4 ± 4.1 vs. 59.3 ± 3.4 min) or TT90 (90.4 ± 9.1 vs. 89.5 ± 6.6 min) for NA and PL, respectively. However, TT120 was slower with NA (123.1 ± 5.7 vs. 120.1 ± 8.7 min, p < 0.001), which coincided with a decline in plasma [glucose] during the later stages of this ride (p < 0.05). For TTs of the same duration, the rates of whole-body CHO oxidation were unaffected by NA, but decreased with increasing TT time (p < 0.05). CHO was the predominant substrate for all TTs contributing between 83 and 94 % to total energy expenditure, although there was a small use of lipid-based fuels for all rides. (1) NA impaired cycling TT performance lasting 120 min, (2) cycling TTs lasting from 60 to 120 min are CHO dependent, and (3) there is an obligatory use of lipid-based fuels in TTs lasting 1-2 h.

A novel framework to evaluate pedestrian safety at non-signalized locations.

PubMed

Fu, Ting; Miranda-Moreno, Luis; Saunier, Nicolas

2018-02-01

This paper proposes a new framework to evaluate pedestrian safety at non-signalized crosswalk locations. In the proposed framework, the yielding maneuver of a driver in response to a pedestrian is split into the reaction and braking time. Hence, the relationship of the distance required for a yielding maneuver and the approaching vehicle speed depends on the reaction time of the driver and deceleration rate that the vehicle can achieve. The proposed framework is represented in the distance-velocity (DV) diagram and referred as the DV model. The interactions between approaching vehicles and pedestrians showing the intention to cross are divided in three categories: i) situations where the vehicle cannot make a complete stop, ii) situations where the vehicle's ability to stop depends on the driver reaction time, and iii) situations where the vehicle can make a complete stop. Based on these classifications, non-yielding maneuvers are classified as "non-infraction non-yielding" maneuvers, "uncertain non-yielding" maneuvers and "non-yielding" violations, respectively. From the pedestrian perspective, crossing decisions are classified as dangerous crossings, risky crossings and safe crossings accordingly. The yielding compliance and yielding rate, as measures of the yielding behavior, are redefined based on these categories. Time to crossing and deceleration rate required for the vehicle to stop are used to measure the probability of collision. Finally, the framework is demonstrated through a case study in evaluating pedestrian safety at three different types of non-signalized crossings: a painted crosswalk, an unprotected crosswalk, and a crosswalk controlled by stop signs. Results from the case study suggest that the proposed framework works well in describing pedestrian-vehicle interactions which helps in evaluating pedestrian safety at non-signalized crosswalk locations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Student engagement and comfort during a web-based personalized feedback intervention for alcohol and sexual assault.

PubMed

Jaffe, Anna E; Bountress, Kaitlin E; Metzger, Isha W; Maples-Keller, Jessica L; Pinsky, Hanna T; George, William H; Gilmore, Amanda K

2018-07-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate individual engagement and comfort during a web-based intervention for alcohol and sexual assault risk reduction. Participants were 264 college women (aged 18-20) who reported engaging in heavy episodic drinking in the past month. Participants were randomized to either an intervention condition (alcohol, sexual assault risk reduction, or combined) or a control condition (full or minimal assessment). Participants rated their experiences during the procedures following the assessment or receipt of the intervention depending on condition. Survey usage information (e.g., time data, completion of intervention) was automatically recorded. Most participants completed the intervention as intended (in a reasonable amount of time, in private, without consuming substances). Women with a sexual assault history were most comfortable in the sexual assault risk reduction intervention, whereas women who frequently engaged in heavy episodic drinking were least comfortable in the alcohol intervention condition. Self-reported distraction was not impacted by personal relevance of the intervention, but was associated with setting of participation. Results suggest that most college women completed web-based personalized feedback interventions as designed, despite minimal discomfort. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Parallel program debugging with flowback analysis

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

Choi, Jongdeok.

1989-01-01

This thesis describes the design and implementation of an integrated debugging system for parallel programs running on shared memory multi-processors. The goal of the debugging system is to present to the programmer a graphical view of the dynamic program dependences while keeping the execution-time overhead low. The author first describes the use of flowback analysis to provide information on causal relationship between events in a programs' execution without re-executing the program for debugging. Execution time overhead is kept low by recording only a small amount of trace during a program's execution. He uses semantic analysis and a technique called incrementalmore » tracing to keep the time and space overhead low. As part of the semantic analysis, he uses a static program dependence graph structure that reduces the amount of work done at compile time and takes advantage of the dynamic information produced during execution time. The cornerstone of the incremental tracing concept is to generate a coarse trace during execution and fill incrementally, during the interactive portion of the debugging session, the gap between the information gathered in the coarse trace and the information needed to do the flowback analysis using the coarse trace. Then, he describes how to extend the flowback analysis to parallel programs. The flowback analysis can span process boundaries; i.e., the most recent modification to a shared variable might be traced to a different process than the one that contains the current reference. The static and dynamic program dependence graphs of the individual processes are tied together with synchronization and data dependence information to form complete graphs that represent the entire program.« less

A program for performing exact quantum dynamics calculations using cylindrical polar coordinates: A nanotube application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skouteris, Dimitris; Gervasi, Osvaldo; Laganà, Antonio

2009-03-01

A program that uses the time-dependent wavepacket method to study the motion of structureless particles in a force field of quasi-cylindrical symmetry is presented here. The program utilises cylindrical polar coordinates to express the wavepacket, which is subsequently propagated using a Chebyshev expansion of the Schrödinger propagator. Time-dependent exit flux as well as energy-dependent S matrix elements can be obtained for all states of the particle (describing its angular momentum component along the nanotube axis and the excitation of the radial degree of freedom in the cylinder). The program has been used to study the motion of an H atom across a carbon nanotube. Program summaryProgram title: CYLWAVE Catalogue identifier: AECL_v1_0 Program summary URL:http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/summaries/AECL_v1_0.html Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland Licensing provisions: Standard CPC licence, http://cpc.cs.qub.ac.uk/licence/licence.html No. of lines in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 3673 No. of bytes in distributed program, including test data, etc.: 35 237 Distribution format: tar.gz Programming language: Fortran 77 Computer: RISC workstations Operating system: UNIX RAM: 120 MBytes Classification: 16.7, 16.10 External routines: SUNSOFT performance library (not essential) TFFT2D.F (Temperton Fast Fourier Transform), BESSJ.F (from Numerical Recipes, for the calculation of Bessel functions) (included in the distribution file). Nature of problem: Time evolution of the state of a structureless particle in a quasicylindrical potential. Solution method: Time dependent wavepacket propagation. Running time: 50000 secs. The test run supplied with the distribution takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Statistical Learning of Origin-Specific Statically Optimal Individualized Treatment Rules

PubMed Central

van der Laan, Mark J.; Petersen, Maya L.

2008-01-01

Consider a longitudinal observational or controlled study in which one collects chronological data over time on a random sample of subjects. The time-dependent process one observes on each subject contains time-dependent covariates, time-dependent treatment actions, and an outcome process or single final outcome of interest. A statically optimal individualized treatment rule (as introduced in van der Laan et. al. (2005), Petersen et. al. (2007)) is a treatment rule which at any point in time conditions on a user-supplied subset of the past, computes the future static treatment regimen that maximizes a (conditional) mean future outcome of interest, and applies the first treatment action of the latter regimen. In particular, Petersen et. al. (2007) clarified that, in order to be statically optimal, an individualized treatment rule should not depend on the observed treatment mechanism. Petersen et. al. (2007) further developed estimators of statically optimal individualized treatment rules based on a past capturing all confounding of past treatment history on outcome. In practice, however, one typically wishes to find individualized treatment rules responding to a user-supplied subset of the complete observed history, which may not be sufficient to capture all confounding. The current article provides an important advance on Petersen et. al. (2007) by developing locally efficient double robust estimators of statically optimal individualized treatment rules responding to such a user-supplied subset of the past. However, failure to capture all confounding comes at a price; the static optimality of the resulting rules becomes origin-specific. We explain origin-specific static optimality, and discuss the practical importance of the proposed methodology. We further present the results of a data analysis in which we estimate a statically optimal rule for switching antiretroviral therapy among patients infected with resistant HIV virus. PMID:19122792

SCIENCE PARAMETRICS FOR MISSIONS TO SEARCH FOR EARTH-LIKE EXOPLANETS BY DIRECT IMAGING

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

Brown, Robert A., E-mail: rbrown@stsci.edu

2015-01-20

We use N{sub t} , the number of exoplanets observed in time t, as a science metric to study direct-search missions like Terrestrial Planet Finder. In our model, N has 27 parameters, divided into three categories: 2 astronomical, 7 instrumental, and 18 science-operational. For various ''27-vectors'' of those parameters chosen to explore parameter space, we compute design reference missions to estimate N{sub t} . Our treatment includes the recovery of completeness c after a search observation, for revisits, solar and antisolar avoidance, observational overhead, and follow-on spectroscopy. Our baseline 27-vector has aperture D = 16 m, inner working angle IWAmore » = 0.039'', mission time t = 0-5 yr, occurrence probability for Earth-like exoplanets η = 0.2, and typical values for the remaining 23 parameters. For the baseline case, a typical five-year design reference mission has an input catalog of ∼4700 stars with nonzero completeness, ∼1300 unique stars observed in ∼2600 observations, of which ∼1300 are revisits, and it produces N {sub 1} ∼ 50 exoplanets after one year and N {sub 5} ∼ 130 after five years. We explore offsets from the baseline for 10 parameters. We find that N depends strongly on IWA and only weakly on D. It also depends only weakly on zodiacal light for Z < 50 zodis, end-to-end efficiency for h > 0.2, and scattered starlight for ζ < 10{sup –10}. We find that observational overheads, completeness recovery and revisits, solar and antisolar avoidance, and follow-on spectroscopy are all important factors in estimating N.« less

Time distributions of solar energetic particle events: Are SEPEs really random?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiggens, P. T. A.; Gabriel, S. B.

2009-10-01

Solar energetic particle events (SEPEs) can exhibit flux increases of several orders of magnitude over background levels and have always been considered to be random in nature in statistical models with no dependence of any one event on the occurrence of previous events. We examine whether this assumption of randomness in time is correct. Engineering modeling of SEPEs is important to enable reliable and efficient design of both Earth-orbiting and interplanetary spacecraft and future manned missions to Mars and the Moon. All existing engineering models assume that the frequency of SEPEs follows a Poisson process. We present analysis of the event waiting times using alternative distributions described by Lévy and time-dependent Poisson processes and compared these with the usual Poisson distribution. The results show significant deviation from a Poisson process and indicate that the underlying physical processes might be more closely related to a Lévy-type process, suggesting that there is some inherent “memory” in the system. Inherent Poisson assumptions of stationarity and event independence are investigated, and it appears that they do not hold and can be dependent upon the event definition used. SEPEs appear to have some memory indicating that events are not completely random with activity levels varying even during solar active periods and are characterized by clusters of events. This could have significant ramifications for engineering models of the SEP environment, and it is recommended that current statistical engineering models of the SEP environment should be modified to incorporate long-term event dependency and short-term system memory.

Indoor Tanning Dependence in Young Adult Women.

PubMed

Mays, Darren; Atkins, Michael B; Ahn, Jaeil; Tercyak, Kenneth P

2017-11-01

Background: There is mounting evidence that young people can develop a dependence on indoor tanning, but research on factors associated with indoor tanning dependence remains limited. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated factors associated with indoor tanning dependence in a community sample of 389 non-Hispanic white young adult women ages 18 to 30 who had indoor tanned ≥1 time in the past year. Participants completed measures of indoor tanning dependence, including the modified CAGE and modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-IV psychiatric screening assessments, indoor tanning behavior and beliefs, and behavioral and psychiatric comorbidity. Results: Overall, 22.6% of the sample screened positive for indoor tanning dependence. In multivariable analyses, indoor tanning dependence was associated with younger age of indoor tanning initiation [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.79; P = 0.017], indoor tanning ≥20 times in the past year (aOR = 3.03; P = 0.015), stronger beliefs about the benefits of tanning (aOR = 2.15; P = 0.004), greater perceived susceptibility to indoor tanning risks (aOR = 2.72; P < 0.001), stronger beliefs about physical appearance (aOR = 1.73; P = 0.037), and depressive symptoms (aOR = 3.79; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Indoor tanning dependence among young, non-Hispanic white women is associated with behaviors that increase the risk of skin cancer, beliefs favoring the perceived benefits of tanning, and comorbid risks such as stronger beliefs about physical appearance and depressed mood. Impact: Comprehensive skin cancer prevention efforts should address indoor tanning dependence among young women and its leading risk factors. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(11); 1636-43. ©2017 AACR . ©2017 American Association for Cancer Research.

Motives for using: a comparison of prescription opioid, marijuana and cocaine dependent individuals.

PubMed

Hartwell, Karen J; Back, Sudie E; McRae-Clark, Aimee L; Shaftman, Stephanie R; Brady, Kathleen T

2012-04-01

Identification of the motives for drug use is critical to the development of effective interventions. Furthermore, consideration of the differences in motives for drug use across substance dependent populations may assist in tailoring interventions. To date, few studies have systematically compared motives for substance use across drug classes. The current study examined motives for drug use between non-treatment seeking individuals with current prescription opioid, marijuana, or cocaine dependence. Participants (N=227) completed the Inventory of Drug-Taking Situations (IDTS; Annis, Turner & Sklar,1997), which contains eight subscales assessing motives for drug use. The findings revealed that prescription opioid dependent individuals scored significantly higher than all other groups on the Physical Discomfort, Testing Personal Control and Conflict with Others subscales. Both the prescription opioid and cocaine dependent groups scored significantly higher than the marijuana group on the Urges or a Temptation to Use subscale. In contrast, marijuana dependent individuals scored highest on the Pleasant Emotions and Pleasant Times with Others subscales. The marked differences revealed in motives for drug use could be used in the development and implementation of specific treatment interventions for prescription opioid, marijuana and cocaine dependent individuals. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

FACTORIAL VALIDITY OF THE KOREAN VERSION OF THE EXERCISE DEPENDENCE SCALE-REVISED.

PubMed

Shin, Kyulee; You, Sukkyung

2015-12-01

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the 21-item Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R). The EDS-R was designed to measure the multidimensional aspects of exercise dependence symptoms such as withdrawal, continuance, tolerance, lack of control, reductions, time, and intention. Although the EDS-R has demonstrated sound psychometric properties, it has only been validated in Western samples. Cross-cultural validations of the instrument may increase the knowledge of exercise dependence. Therefore, this study aimed to contribute to the file by investigating the validity and utility of the construct of the EDS-R, using a non-Western sample. 402 adult participants who were over 18 years of age and who reported exercising at least once a week were asked to complete the EDS-R. The results from factor analyses supported that the seven-factor model of exercise dependence symptoms showed an adequate fit for both men and women. The EDS-R scores differentiated between samples, with varying amounts of exercise; 15.4% of the sample was classified as being at risk for exercise dependence. In sum, the results indicated that the EDS-R is a psychometrically reliable assessment tool for exercise dependence symptoms in Korea.

Patient and staff satisfaction with 'day of admission' elective surgery.

PubMed

Sofela, Agbolahan A; Laban, James T; Selway, Richard P

2013-04-01

To evaluate patient and staff satisfaction with day of admission surgery in a neurosurgical unit and its effect on theatre start times. Patients were admitted to a Neurosciences admission lounge (NAL) for neurosurgery on the morning of their operation if deemed appropriate by their neurosurgical consultant. All patients in the NAL were asked to complete patient satisfaction questionnaires. Staff members involved in the care of these patients also completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Theatre start times were compared with those whose patients had been admitted prior to the day of surgery. 378 patients admitted on the day of surgery, 16 doctors (5 anaesthetists, 7 neurosurgeons and 4 neuro high dependency unit, HDU doctors) and 5 nurses. Patients completed an anonymised emotional mapping patient satisfaction questionnaire, and short interviews were carried out with staff members. Theatre start times were obtained retrospectively from the theatre database for lists starting with patients admitted on the day of surgery, and lists starting with patients admitted prior to the day of surgery. 83% of patients felt positive on arrival in the NAL and 88% felt positive on being seen by the doctors and nurses prior to surgery. Overall 79% of patients gave positive responses throughout their patient pathway. 90% of staff were positive about day of admission surgery and all staff members were satisfied that there were no negative effects on surgical outcome. Theatre start time was on average 27 minutes earlier in patients admitted on the day of surgery. Neurosurgical patients, appropriately selected, can be admitted on the day of surgery with high staff and patient satisfaction and without delaying theatre start times.

Motor intensive anti-gravity training improves performance in dynamic balance related tasks in persons with Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Malling, Anne Sofie B; Jensen, Bente R

2016-01-01

Recent studies indicate that the effect of training on motor performance in persons with Parkinson's disease (PDP) is dependent on motor intensity. However, training of high motor intensity can be hard to apply in PDP due to e.g. bradykinesia, rigidity, tremor and postural instability. Therefore, the aim was to study the effect of motor intensive training performed in a safe anti-gravity environment using lower-body positive pressure (LBPP) technology on performance during dynamic balance related tasks. Thirteen male PDP went through an 8-week control period followed by 8 weeks of motor intensive antigravity training. Seventeen healthy males constituted a control group (CON). Performance during a five repetition sit-to-stand test (STS; sagittal plane) and a dynamic postural balance test (DPB; transversal plane) was evaluated. Effect measures were completion time, functional rates of force development, directional changes and force variance. STS completion time improved by 24% to the level of CON which was explained by shorter sitting-time and standing-time and larger numeric rate of force change during lowering to the chair, indicating faster vertical directional change and improved relaxation. DPB completion time tended to improve and was accompanied by improvements of functional medial and lateral rates of force development and higher vertical force variance during DPB. Our results suggest that the performance improvements may relate to improved inter-limb coordination. It is concluded that 8 weeks of motor intensive training in a safe LBPP environment improved performance during dynamic balance related tasks in PDP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Does higher income inequality adversely influence infant mortality rates? Reconciling descriptive patterns and recent research findings.

PubMed

Siddiqi, Arjumand; Jones, Marcella K; Erwin, Paul Campbell

2015-04-01

As the struggle continues to explain the relatively high rates of infant mortality (IMR) exhibited in the United States, a renewed emphasis is being placed on the role of possible 'contextual' determinants. Cross-sectional and short time-series studies have found that higher income inequality is associated with higher IMR at the state level. Yet, descriptively, the longer-term trends in income inequality and in IMR seem to call such results into question. To assess whether, over the period 1990-2007, state-level income inequality is associated with state-level IMR; to examine whether the overall effect of income inequality on IMR over this period varies by state; to test whether the association between income inequality and IMR varies across this time period. IMR data--number of deaths per 1000 live births in a given state and year--were obtained from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Wonder database. Income inequality was measured using the Gini coefficient, which varies from zero (complete equality) to 100 (complete inequality). Covariates included state-level poverty rate, median income, and proportion of high school graduates. Fixed and random effects regressions were conducted to test hypotheses. Fixed effects models suggested that, overall, during the period 1990-2007, income inequality was inversely associated with IMR (β = -0.07, SE (0.01)). Random effects models suggested that when the relationship was allowed to vary at the state-level, it remained inverse (β = -0.05, SE (0.01)). However, an interaction between income inequality and time suggested that, as time increased, the effect of income inequality had an increasingly positive association with total IMR (β = 0.009, SE (0.002)). The influence of state income inequality on IMR is dependent on time, which may proxy for time-dependent aspects of societal context. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Two-Dimensional, Time-Dependent Plasma Structures of a Hall Effect Thruster

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

atmospheric pressure to 80 mtorr, is accomplished by a Leybold-Trivac rotary van vacuum pump and the second stage is completed by four 20 in CVI...Thruster”. Physics of Plasmas, 13, 2006. 3. Albarede, Luc, Vanessa Vial, Alexey Lazurenko, Andre Bouchoule, and Michel Dudeck. “Low Frequency Dynamical...Force Research Laboratory Space and Missile Division (AFRL/RZS) 5 Pollux Drive Edwards AFB, CA 93524 DSN 525-5230 AFRL/RZS Approval for public release

Chemical Reactions in Turbulent Mixing Flows

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-14

explored Reynolds number effects on turbulent flame length and the influence of buoyancy on turbulent jet flames; 2. completion of a thesis entitled...the dependence of flame length on Reynolds number was begun, and the issue of buoyancy was investigated. L._Lw~ Pt-lO%Rh 2 ൡ g rn wire Flame L ZoneY...105. The flame length at a given Reynolds number was determined from the time-averaged, line- integrated temperature measurements performed by the cold

A Study of Time Dependent Response of Ceramic Materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hemann, John

1997-01-01

The research accomplishments under this grant were very extensive in the areas of the development of computer software for the design of ceramic materials. Rather than try to summarize all this research I have enclosed research papers and reports which were completed with the funding provided by the grant. These papers and reports are listed below. Additionally a large amount of technology transfer occurred in this project and a significant number of national awards were received.

Time-Dependent Simulations of Incompressible Flow in a Turbopump Using Overset Grid Approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiris, Cetin; Kwak, Dochan

2001-01-01

This viewgraph presentation provides information on mathematical modelling of the SSME (space shuttle main engine). The unsteady SSME-rig1 start-up procedure from the pump at rest has been initiated by using 34.3 million grid points. The computational model for the SSME-rig1 has been completed. Moving boundary capability is obtained by using DCF module in OVERFLOW-D. MPI (Message Passing Interface)/OpenMP hybrid parallel code has been benchmarked.

Direct memory access transfer completion notification

DOEpatents

Archer, Charles J. , Blocksome; Michael A. , Parker; Jeffrey, J [Rochester, MN

2011-02-15

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for DMA transfer completion notification that include: inserting, by an origin DMA on an origin node in an origin injection FIFO, a data descriptor for an application message; inserting, by the origin DMA, a reflection descriptor in the origin injection FIFO, the reflection descriptor specifying a remote get operation for injecting a completion notification descriptor in a reflection injection FIFO on a reflection node; transferring, by the origin DMA to a target node, the message in dependence upon the data descriptor; in response to completing the message transfer, transferring, by the origin DMA to the reflection node, the completion notification descriptor in dependence upon the reflection descriptor; receiving, by the origin DMA from the reflection node, a completion packet; and notifying, by the origin DMA in response to receiving the completion packet, the origin node's processing core that the message transfer is complete.

Nicotine Dependence, Physical Activity, and Sedentary Behavior among Adult Smokers

PubMed Central

Loprinzi, Paul D.; Walker, Jerome F.

2015-01-01

Background: Research has previously demonstrated an inverse association between smoking status and physical activity; however, few studies have examined the association between nicotine dependence and physical activity or sedentary behavior. Aim: This study examined the association between nicotine dependence and accelerometer-determined physical activity and sedentary behavior. Materials and Methods: Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used. A total of 851 adult (≥20 years) smokers wore an accelerometer for ≥4 days and completed the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scale. Regression models were used to examine the association between nicotine dependence and physical activity/sedentary behavior. Results: After adjusting for age, gender, race-ethnicity, poverty level, hypertension, emphysema, bronchitis, body mass index (BMI), cotinine, and accelerometer wear time, smokers 50 + years of age with greater nicotine dependence engaged in more sedentary behavior (β = 11.4, P = 0.02) and less light-intensity physical activity (β = −9.6, P = 0.03) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; β = −0.14, P = 0.003) than their less nicotine dependent counterparts. Conclusion: Older adults who are more nicotine dependent engage in less physical activity (both MVPA and light-intensity) and more sedentary behavior than their less nicotine dependent counterparts. PMID:25839000

Fe(II) oxidation during acid mine drainage neutralization in a pilot-scale Sequencing Batch Reactor.

PubMed

Zvimba, J N; Mathye, M; Vadapalli, V R K; Swanepoel, H; Bologo, L

2013-01-01

This study investigated Fe(II) oxidation during acid mine drainage (AMD) neutralization using CaCO3 in a pilot-scale Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) of hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 90 min and sludge retention time (SRT) of 360 min in the presence of air. The removal kinetics of Fe(II), of initial concentration 1,033 ± 0 mg/L, from AMD through oxidation to Fe(III) was observed to depend on both pH and suspended solids, resulting in Fe(II) levels of 679 ± 32, 242 ± 64, 46 ± 16 and 28 ± 0 mg/L recorded after cycles 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively, with complete Fe(II) oxidation only achieved after complete neutralization of AMD. Generally, it takes 30 min to completely oxidize Fe(II) during cycle 4, suggesting that further optimization of SBR operation based on both pH and suspended solids manipulation can result in significant reduction of the number of cycles required to achieve acceptable Fe(II) oxidation for removal as ferric hydroxide. Overall, complete removal of Fe(II) during AMD neutralization is attractive as it promotes recovery of better quality waste gypsum, key to downstream gypsum beneficiation for recovery of valuables, thereby enabling some treatment-cost recovery and prevention of environmental pollution from dumping of sludge into landfills.

An Analysis of Public/Private Ventures for the Construction of Military Family Housing

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

Fort Hood 300 Completed Army Fort Polk 300 Completed 300 Completed Army Fort 400 Completed Wainwright 150 Completed Army Fort Drum...1,000 Completed 400 Completed 300 Completed Army Fort Bliss 300 Under construction Army. Fort McCoy 90 Awarded Navy Norfolk 300 Completed Navy Earle...their dependents at least expense to the government? [Primary] 2. When is it appropriate to completely privatize

High pressure, temperature and time-dependent effects on enzymatic and microbial properties of fresh sugarcane juice.

PubMed

Chauhan, O P; Ravi, N; Roopa, N; Kumar, Sumeet; Raju, P S

2017-11-01

Efficacy of variable high pressure, temperature and time on the browning causing enzymes and microbial activities, which are major spoilage factors during preservation of sugarcane juice, was studied. The juice was processed at 200-600 MPa pressure for 2-8 min at 40 and 60 °C and their effect on polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase as well as microbiological quality in terms of total plate count, yeast and molds and total coliforms was studied. Application of high pressures were found to cause significant decrease in enzymatic and microbial activities. The effects were found to be significantly more pronounced at 60 °C as compared to 40 °C. Process time also caused significant ( p  < 0.05) negative effect on microbial and enzyme activities. The sugarcane juice treated at 600 MPa for 6 min at 60 °C was found sufficient to inactivate the microbial counts completely. Whereas, enzymes were found to be completely inactivated in the samples processed at 600 MPa for 8 min at 60 °C. A pressure of 600 MPa at 60 °C for 8 min could be applied during commercial preservation of sugarcane juice for getting complete inactivation of browning causing enzymes and spoilage causing microorganisms.

Challenging the classical notion of time in cognition: a quantum perspective

PubMed Central

Yearsley, James M.; Pothos, Emmanuel M.

2014-01-01

All mental representations change with time. A baseline intuition is that mental representations have specific values at different time points, which may be more or less accessible, depending on noise, forgetting processes, etc. We present a radical alternative, motivated by recent research using the mathematics from quantum theory for cognitive modelling. Such cognitive models raise the possibility that certain possibilities or events may be incompatible, so that perfect knowledge of one necessitates uncertainty for the others. In the context of time-dependence, in physics, this issue is explored with the so-called temporal Bell (TB) or Leggett–Garg inequalities. We consider in detail the theoretical and empirical challenges involved in exploring the TB inequalities in the context of cognitive systems. One interesting conclusion is that we believe the study of the TB inequalities to be empirically more constrained in psychology than in physics. Specifically, we show how the TB inequalities, as applied to cognitive systems, can be derived from two simple assumptions: cognitive realism and cognitive completeness. We discuss possible implications of putative violations of the TB inequalities for cognitive models and our understanding of time in cognition in general. Overall, this paper provides a surprising, novel direction in relation to how time should be conceptualized in cognition. PMID:24598421

Theory and simulation of time-fractional fluid diffusion in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carcione, José M.; Sanchez-Sesma, Francisco J.; Luzón, Francisco; Perez Gavilán, Juan J.

2013-08-01

We simulate a fluid flow in inhomogeneous anisotropic porous media using a time-fractional diffusion equation and the staggered Fourier pseudospectral method to compute the spatial derivatives. A fractional derivative of the order of 0 < ν < 2 replaces the first-order time derivative in the classical diffusion equation. It implies a time-dependent permeability tensor having a power-law time dependence, which describes memory effects and accounts for anomalous diffusion. We provide a complete analysis of the physics based on plane waves. The concepts of phase, group and energy velocities are analyzed to describe the location of the diffusion front, and the attenuation and quality factors are obtained to quantify the amplitude decay. We also obtain the frequency-domain Green function. The time derivative is computed with the Grünwald-Letnikov summation, which is a finite-difference generalization of the standard finite-difference operator to derivatives of fractional order. The results match the analytical solution obtained from the Green function. An example of the pressure field generated by a fluid injection in a heterogeneous sandstone illustrates the performance of the algorithm for different values of ν. The calculation requires storing the whole pressure field in the computer memory since anomalous diffusion ‘recalls the past’.

Challenging the classical notion of time in cognition: a quantum perspective.

PubMed

Yearsley, James M; Pothos, Emmanuel M

2014-04-22

All mental representations change with time. A baseline intuition is that mental representations have specific values at different time points, which may be more or less accessible, depending on noise, forgetting processes, etc. We present a radical alternative, motivated by recent research using the mathematics from quantum theory for cognitive modelling. Such cognitive models raise the possibility that certain possibilities or events may be incompatible, so that perfect knowledge of one necessitates uncertainty for the others. In the context of time-dependence, in physics, this issue is explored with the so-called temporal Bell (TB) or Leggett-Garg inequalities. We consider in detail the theoretical and empirical challenges involved in exploring the TB inequalities in the context of cognitive systems. One interesting conclusion is that we believe the study of the TB inequalities to be empirically more constrained in psychology than in physics. Specifically, we show how the TB inequalities, as applied to cognitive systems, can be derived from two simple assumptions: cognitive realism and cognitive completeness. We discuss possible implications of putative violations of the TB inequalities for cognitive models and our understanding of time in cognition in general. Overall, this paper provides a surprising, novel direction in relation to how time should be conceptualized in cognition.

ADCC Develops Over Time during Persistent Infection with Live-Attenuated SIV and Is Associated with Complete Protection against SIVmac251 Challenge

PubMed Central

Alpert, Michael D.; Harvey, Jackson D.; Lauer, W. Anderson; Reeves, R. Keith; Piatak, Michael; Carville, Angela; Mansfield, Keith G.; Lifson, Jeffrey D.; Li, Wenjun; Desrosiers, Ronald C.; Johnson, R. Paul; Evans, David T.

2012-01-01

Live-attenuated strains of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) routinely confer apparent sterilizing immunity against pathogenic SIV challenge in rhesus macaques. Understanding the mechanisms of protection by live-attenuated SIV may provide important insights into the immune responses needed for protection against HIV-1. Here we investigated the development of antibodies that are functional against neutralization-resistant SIV challenge strains, and tested the hypothesis that these antibodies are associated with protection. In the absence of detectable neutralizing antibodies, Env-specific antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) emerged by three weeks after inoculation with SIVΔnef, increased progressively over time, and was proportional to SIVΔnef replication. Persistent infection with SIVΔnef elicited significantly higher ADCC titers than immunization with a non-persistent SIV strain that is limited to a single cycle of infection. ADCC titers were higher against viruses matched to the vaccine strain in Env, but were measurable against viruses expressing heterologous Env proteins. In two separate experiments, which took advantage of either the strain-specificity or the time-dependent maturation of immunity to overcome complete protection against SIVmac251 challenge, measures of ADCC activity were higher among the SIVΔnef-inoculated macaques that remained uninfected than among those that became infected. These observations show that features of the antibody response elicited by SIVΔnef are consistent with hallmarks of protection by live-attenuated SIV, and reveal an association between Env-specific antibodies that direct ADCC and apparent sterilizing protection by SIVΔnef. PMID:22927823

Scheduling periodic jobs using imprecise results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chung, Jen-Yao; Liu, Jane W. S.; Lin, Kwei-Jay

1987-01-01

One approach to avoid timing faults in hard, real-time systems is to make available intermediate, imprecise results produced by real-time processes. When a result of the desired quality cannot be produced in time, an imprecise result of acceptable quality produced before the deadline can be used. The problem of scheduling periodic jobs to meet deadlines on a system that provides the necessary programming language primitives and run-time support for processes to return imprecise results is discussed. Since the scheduler may choose to terminate a task before it is completed, causing it to produce an acceptable but imprecise result, the amount of processor time assigned to any task in a valid schedule can be less than the amount of time required to complete the task. A meaningful formulation of the scheduling problem must take into account the overall quality of the results. Depending on the different types of undesirable effects caused by errors, jobs are classified as type N or type C. For type N jobs, the effects of errors in results produced in different periods are not cumulative. A reasonable performance measure is the average error over all jobs. Three heuristic algorithms that lead to feasible schedules with small average errors are described. For type C jobs, the undesirable effects of errors produced in different periods are cumulative. Schedulability criteria of type C jobs are discussed.

Physical performance measurement in persons with patellofemoral osteoarthritis: A pilot study.

PubMed

Hoglund, Lisa T; Lockard, Margery A; Barbe, Mary F; Hillstrom, Howard J; Song, Jinsup; Reinus, William R; Barr-Gillespie, Ann E

2015-01-01

Patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) is associated with pain and decreased self-reported function. The impact of PFOA on actual physical performance is currently unknown. To investigate the impact of PFOA on physical performance and pain. Eight participants aged 40-65 years with bilateral, symptomatic, radiographic PFOA and 7 age- and gender-matched pain-free control participants without radiographic PFOA were studied. Physical performance was measured with the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and 50-foot Fast-Paced-Walk (FPW) tests. Dependent variables included time to complete the TUG and FPW; pretest-posttest change in pain intensity (TUG and FPW); and self-reports of perceived knee pain, stiffness, and physical function. Data were analyzed with nonparametric statistics. The PFOA group TUG time was longer than the control group (p=0.01). No difference between groups was found for FPW time. Pretest-posttest pain increased for the TUG and FPW in PFOA participants (p< 0.05). The PFOA group reported greater knee pain, stiffness, and less physical function than controls (previous 48 hours) (p < 0.01). Symptomatic, radiographic PFOA is associated with increased pain during the TUG and FPW tests and longer time required to complete the TUG. The TUG may be a more sensitive test of physical performance in PFOA.

The Stimulated Innate Resistance Event in Bordetella pertussis Infection Is Dependent on Reactive Oxygen Species Production

PubMed Central

Zurita, E.; Moreno, G.; Errea, A.; Ormazabal, M.; Rumbo, M.

2013-01-01

The exacerbated induction of innate immune responses in airways can abrogate diverse lung infections by a phenomenon known as stimulated innate resistance (StIR). We recently demonstrated that the enhancement of innate response activation can efficiently impair Bordetella pertussis colonization in a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-dependent manner. The aim of this work was to further characterize the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on StIR and to identify the mechanisms that mediate this process. Our results showed that bacterial infection was completely abrogated in treated mice when the LPS of B. pertussis (1 μg) was added before (48 h or 24 h), after (24 h), or simultaneously with the B. pertussis challenge (107 CFU). Moreover, we detected that LPS completely cleared bacterial infection as soon as 2 h posttreatment. This timing suggests that the observed StIR phenomenon should be mediated by fast-acting antimicrobial mechanisms. Although neutrophil recruitment was already evident at this time point, depletion assays using an anti-GR1 antibody showed that B. pertussis clearance was achieved even in the absence of neutrophils. To evaluate the possible role of free radicals in StIR, we performed animal assays using the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which is known to inactivate oxidant species. NAC administration blocked the B. pertussis clearance induced by LPS. Nitrite concentrations were also increased in the LPS-treated mice; however, the inhibition of nitric oxide synthetases did not suppress the LPS-induced bacterial clearance. Taken together, our results show that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an essential role in the TLR4-dependent innate clearance of B. pertussis. PMID:23630952

Neural network approach to time-dependent dividing surfaces in classical reaction dynamics.

PubMed

Schraft, Philippe; Junginger, Andrej; Feldmaier, Matthias; Bardakcioglu, Robin; Main, Jörg; Wunner, Günter; Hernandez, Rigoberto

2018-04-01

In a dynamical system, the transition between reactants and products is typically mediated by an energy barrier whose properties determine the corresponding pathways and rates. The latter is the flux through a dividing surface (DS) between the two corresponding regions, and it is exact only if it is free of recrossings. For time-independent barriers, the DS can be attached to the top of the corresponding saddle point of the potential energy surface, and in time-dependent systems, the DS is a moving object. The precise determination of these direct reaction rates, e.g., using transition state theory, requires the actual construction of a DS for a given saddle geometry, which is in general a demanding methodical and computational task, especially in high-dimensional systems. In this paper, we demonstrate how such time-dependent, global, and recrossing-free DSs can be constructed using neural networks. In our approach, the neural network uses the bath coordinates and time as input, and it is trained in a way that its output provides the position of the DS along the reaction coordinate. An advantage of this procedure is that, once the neural network is trained, the complete information about the dynamical phase space separation is stored in the network's parameters, and a precise distinction between reactants and products can be made for all possible system configurations, all times, and with little computational effort. We demonstrate this general method for two- and three-dimensional systems and explain its straightforward extension to even more degrees of freedom.

Neural network approach to time-dependent dividing surfaces in classical reaction dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schraft, Philippe; Junginger, Andrej; Feldmaier, Matthias; Bardakcioglu, Robin; Main, Jörg; Wunner, Günter; Hernandez, Rigoberto

2018-04-01

In a dynamical system, the transition between reactants and products is typically mediated by an energy barrier whose properties determine the corresponding pathways and rates. The latter is the flux through a dividing surface (DS) between the two corresponding regions, and it is exact only if it is free of recrossings. For time-independent barriers, the DS can be attached to the top of the corresponding saddle point of the potential energy surface, and in time-dependent systems, the DS is a moving object. The precise determination of these direct reaction rates, e.g., using transition state theory, requires the actual construction of a DS for a given saddle geometry, which is in general a demanding methodical and computational task, especially in high-dimensional systems. In this paper, we demonstrate how such time-dependent, global, and recrossing-free DSs can be constructed using neural networks. In our approach, the neural network uses the bath coordinates and time as input, and it is trained in a way that its output provides the position of the DS along the reaction coordinate. An advantage of this procedure is that, once the neural network is trained, the complete information about the dynamical phase space separation is stored in the network's parameters, and a precise distinction between reactants and products can be made for all possible system configurations, all times, and with little computational effort. We demonstrate this general method for two- and three-dimensional systems and explain its straightforward extension to even more degrees of freedom.

Memoryless control of boundary concentrations of diffusing particles.

PubMed

Singer, A; Schuss, Z; Nadler, B; Eisenberg, R S

2004-12-01

Flux between regions of different concentration occurs in nearly every device involving diffusion, whether an electrochemical cell, a bipolar transistor, or a protein channel in a biological membrane. Diffusion theory has calculated that flux since the time of Fick (1855), and the flux has been known to arise from the stochastic behavior of Brownian trajectories since the time of Einstein (1905), yet the mathematical description of the behavior of trajectories corresponding to different types of boundaries is not complete. We consider the trajectories of noninteracting particles diffusing in a finite region connecting two baths of fixed concentrations. Inside the region, the trajectories of diffusing particles are governed by the Langevin equation. To maintain average concentrations at the boundaries of the region at their values in the baths, a control mechanism is needed to set the boundary dynamics of the trajectories. Different control mechanisms are used in Langevin and Brownian simulations of such systems. We analyze models of controllers and derive equations for the time evolution and spatial distribution of particles inside the domain. Our analysis shows a distinct difference between the time evolution and the steady state concentrations. While the time evolution of the density is governed by an integral operator, the spatial distribution is governed by the familiar Fokker-Planck operator. The boundary conditions for the time dependent density depend on the model of the controller; however, this dependence disappears in the steady state, if the controller is of a renewal type. Renewal-type controllers, however, produce spurious boundary layers that can be catastrophic in simulations of charged particles, because even a tiny net charge can have global effects. The design of a nonrenewal controller that maintains concentrations of noninteracting particles without creating spurious boundary layers at the interface requires the solution of the time-dependent Fokker-Planck equation with absorption of outgoing trajectories and a source of ingoing trajectories on the boundary (the so called albedo problem).

Combination fracturing/gravel-packing completion technique on the Amberjack, Mississippi Canyon 109 field

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

Hannah, R.R.; Park, E.I.; Porter, D.A.

1994-11-01

This paper describes a one-step fracturing/gravel-pack (frac-and-pack) completion procedure conducted on the BP Exploration Amberjack platform beginning in early 1992. This platform is 35 miles southwest of Venice, LA. The first four completions on this platform had an average positive skin values of 21. The goal of the frac-and-pack procedure was to reduce these skins to nearly zero. In total, 24 frac-and-pack operations were performed. Details of the fracture design, prefracture testing, fracture design and execution, and production response and a continuing optimization program are discussed. The fractures were performed with the screens in place with the gravel pack aftermore » the fracturing operation. The treatments were designed for the tip screenout technique to create wide fractures and to provide proppant loadings exceeding 8 lbm/ft. This paper presents the trend of the declining skin values, along with a discussion of time-dependent skins. The changes in fluids, breakers, and proppants are also presented. The average skin on 14 frac-and-pack completions was 5.3. The average skin on the final eight completions was 0.2.« less

Study of flow over object problems by a nodal discontinuous Galerkin-lattice Boltzmann method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jie; Shen, Meng; Liu, Chen

2018-04-01

The flow over object problems are studied by a nodal discontinuous Galerkin-lattice Boltzmann method (NDG-LBM) in this work. Different from the standard lattice Boltzmann method, the current method applies the nodal discontinuous Galerkin method into the streaming process in LBM to solve the resultant pure convection equation, in which the spatial discretization is completed on unstructured grids and the low-storage explicit Runge-Kutta scheme is used for time marching. The present method then overcomes the disadvantage of standard LBM for depending on the uniform meshes. Moreover, the collision process in the LBM is completed by using the multiple-relaxation-time scheme. After the validation of the NDG-LBM by simulating the lid-driven cavity flow, the simulations of flows over a fixed circular cylinder, a stationary airfoil and rotating-stationary cylinders are performed. Good agreement of present results with previous results is achieved, which indicates that the current NDG-LBM is accurate and effective for flow over object problems.

Robust gap repair in the contractile ring ensures timely completion of cytokinesis

PubMed Central

Maiato, Helder; Pinto, Inês Mendes; Rubinstein, Boris

2016-01-01

Cytokinesis in animal cells requires the constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring, whose architecture and mechanism remain poorly understood. We use laser microsurgery to explore the biophysical properties of constricting rings in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. Laser cutting causes rings to snap open. However, instead of disintegrating, ring topology recovers and constriction proceeds. In response to severing, a finite gap forms and is repaired by recruitment of new material in an actin polymerization–dependent manner. An open ring is able to constrict, and rings repair from successive cuts. After gap repair, an increase in constriction velocity allows cytokinesis to complete at the same time as controls. Our analysis demonstrates that tension in the ring increases while net cortical tension at the site of ingression decreases throughout constriction and suggests that cytokinesis is accomplished by contractile modules that assemble and contract autonomously, enabling local repair of the actomyosin network. Consequently, cytokinesis is a highly robust process impervious to discontinuities in contractile ring structure. PMID:27974482

Optimization of Passive Voltage Multipliers for Fast Start-up and Multi-voltage Power Supplies in Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, G.; Stark, B. H.; Burrow, S. G.; Hollis, S. J.

2014-11-01

This paper demonstrates the use of passive voltage multipliers for rapid start-up of sub-milliwatt electromagnetic energy harvesting systems. The work describes circuit optimization to make as short as possible the transition from completely depleted energy storage to the first powering-up of an actively controlled switched-mode converter. The dependency of the start-up time on component parameters and topologies is derived by simulation and experimentation. The resulting optimized multiplier design reduces the start-up time from several minutes to 1 second. An additional improvement uses the inherent cascade structure of the voltage multiplier to power sub-systems at different voltages. This multi-rail start-up is shown to reduce the circuit losses of the active converter by 72% with respect to the optimized single-rail system. The experimental results provide insight into the multiplier's transient behaviour, including circuit interactions, in a complete harvesting system, and offer important information to optimize voltage multipliers for rapid start-up.

Frequency-dependent sexual selection.

PubMed

O'Donald, P; Majerus, M E

1988-07-06

Sexual selection by female choice is expected to give rise to a frequency-dependent sexual advantage in favour of preferred male phenotypes: the rarer the preferred phenotypes, the more often they are chosen as mates. This 'rare-male advantage' can maintain a polymorphism when two or more phenotypes are mated preferentially: each phenotype gains an advantage when it is rarer than the others; no preferred phenotype can then be lost from the population. Expression of preference may be complete or partial. In models of complete preference, females with a preference always mate preferentially. Models of partial preference are more realistic: in these models, the probability that a female mates preferentially depends on the frequency with which she encounters the males she prefers. Two different 'encounter models' of partial preference have been derived: the O'Donald model and the Charlesworth model. The encounter models contain the complete preference model as a limiting case. In this paper, the Charlesworth model is generalized to allow for female preference of more than one male phenotype. Levels of frequency dependence can then be compared in the O'Donald and Charlesworth models. The complete preference model and both encounter models are formulated in the same genetical terms of preferences for dominant and recessive male phenotypes. Polymorphic equilibria and conditions for stability are derived for each of the three models. The models are then fitted to data of frequencies of matings observed in experiments with the two-spot ladybird. The complete preference model gives as good a fit as the encounter models to the data of these and other experiments. The O'Donald and Charlesworth encounter models are shown to produce a very similar frequency-dependent relation. Generally, as females become less choosy, they express their preference with more dependence on male frequency, whereas the resulting selection of the males becomes less frequency dependent. More choosy females are more constant in expressing their preference, producing greater frequency dependence in the selection of the males.

Continuous-time quantum walks on multilayer dendrimer networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galiceanu, Mircea; Strunz, Walter T.

2016-08-01

We consider continuous-time quantum walks (CTQWs) on multilayer dendrimer networks (MDs) and their application to quantum transport. A detailed study of properties of CTQWs is presented and transport efficiency is determined in terms of the exact and average return probabilities. The latter depends only on the eigenvalues of the connectivity matrix, which even for very large structures allows a complete analytical solution for this particular choice of network. In the case of MDs we observe an interplay between strong localization effects, due to the dendrimer topology, and good efficiency from the linear segments. We show that quantum transport is enhanced by interconnecting more layers of dendrimers.

Severe neurotoxicity following intrathecal methotrexate with nitrous oxide sedation in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PubMed

Löbel, U; Trah, J; Escherich, G

2015-03-01

Systemic and intrathecal methotrexate is widely used in treatment protocols for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Its side effects vary in characteristics, intensity and time of onset, and depend on the administration route. Interactions with several drugs are known. Side effects of nitrous oxide sedation, often used for moderately painful procedures, typically occur after long time use and include neurological symptoms. We present a child who experienced a severe and long-lasting neurotoxicity after the third intrathecal application of methotrexate with short sedation by nitrous oxide during induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Symptoms completely resolved after 12 months. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Tobacco use and smoking behaviors of individuals with a serious mental illness.

PubMed

Pettey, Donna; Aubry, Tim

2018-05-21

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of tobacco use and overall smoking behaviors within a sample of individuals with a serious mental illness who were homeless or vulnerably housed and receiving community mental health services. In 2010, individuals (N = 639) were interviewed, and identified smokers completed the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and additional questions related to their smoking behaviors. Tobacco use prevalence was 72%, and 62% of smokers had high or very high levels of nicotine dependence. Smoking behaviors included smoking contraband cigarettes (47%) and smoking cigarettes remade from discarded cigarette butts (25%). Smokers were found to be over 9 times as likely to have a co-occurring substance use disorder. Significant tobacco prevalence and dependency in this population highlights the need to provide integrated treatment opportunities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Analysis of bulk arrival queueing system with batch size dependent service and working vacation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niranjan, S. P.; Indhira, K.; Chandrasekaran, V. M.

2018-04-01

This paper concentrates on single server bulk arrival queue system with batch size dependent service and working vacation. The server provides service in two service modes depending upon the queue length. The server provides single service if the queue length is at least `a'. On the other hand the server provides fixed batch service if the queue length is at least `k' (k > a). Batch service is provided with some fixed batch size `k'. After completion of service if the queue length is less than `a' then the server leaves for working vacation. During working vacation customers are served with lower service rate than the regular service rate. Service during working vacation also contains two service modes. For the proposed model probability generating function of the queue length at an arbitrary time will be obtained by using supplementary variable technique. Some performance measures will also be presented with suitable numerical illustrations.

On optimal control of linear systems in the presence of multiplicative noise

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joshi, S. M.

1976-01-01

This correspondence considers the problem of optimal regulator design for discrete time linear systems subjected to white state-dependent and control-dependent noise in addition to additive white noise in the input and the observations. A pseudo-deterministic problem is first defined in which multiplicative and additive input disturbances are present, but noise-free measurements of the complete state vector are available. This problem is solved via discrete dynamic programming. Next is formulated the problem in which the number of measurements is less than that of the state variables and the measurements are contaminated with state-dependent noise. The inseparability of control and estimation is brought into focus, and an 'enforced separation' solution is obtained via heuristic reasoning in which the control gains are shown to be the same as those in the pseudo-deterministic problem. An optimal linear state estimator is given in order to implement the controller.

Fourier-transform-based model for carrier transport in semiconductor heterostructures: Longitudinal optical phonon scattering

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

Lü, X.; Schrottke, L.; Grahn, H. T.

We present scattering rates for electrons at longitudinal optical phonons within a model completely formulated in the Fourier domain. The total intersubband scattering rates are obtained by averaging over the intrasubband electron distributions. The rates consist of the Fourier components of the electron wave functions and a contribution depending only on the intersubband energies and the intrasubband carrier distributions. The energy-dependent part can be reproduced by a rational function, which allows for the separation of the scattering rates into a dipole-like contribution, an overlap-like contribution, and a contribution which can be neglected for low and intermediate carrier densities of themore » initial subband. For a balance between accuracy and computation time, the number of Fourier components can be adjusted. This approach facilitates an efficient design of complex heterostructures with realistic, temperature- and carrier density-dependent rates.« less

Critical heat flux phenomena depending on pre-pressurization in transient heat input

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jongdoc; Fukuda, Katsuya; Liu, Qiusheng

2017-07-01

The critical heat flux (CHF) levels that occurred due to exponential heat inputs for varying periods to a 1.0-mm diameter horizontal cylinder immersed in various liquids were measured to develop an extended database on the effect of various pressures and subcoolings by photographic study. Two main mechanisms of CHF were found. One mechanism is due to the time lag of the hydrodynamic instability (HI) which starts at steady-state CHF upon fully developed nucleate boiling, and the other mechanism is due to the explosive process of heterogeneous spontaneous nucleation (HSN) which occurs at a certain HSN superheat in originally flooded cavities on the cylinder surface. The incipience of boiling processes was completely different depending on pre-pressurization. Also, the dependence of pre-pressure in transient CHFs changed due to the wettability of boiling liquids. The objective of this work is to clarify the transient CHF phenomena due to HI or HSN by photographic.

Press-coated tablets for time-programmed release of drugs.

PubMed

Conte, U; Maggi, L; Torre, M L; Giunchedi, P; La Manna, A

1993-10-01

A new dry-coated device for the release of drug after a programmable period of time is proposed. It is intended to be used mainly in the therapy of those diseases which depend on circadian rhythms. Some core formulations, characterized by different release rates and mechanisms (containing diltiazem hydrochloride or sodium diclofenac as model drugs), were coated by compression with different polymeric barrier layers (press-coated systems). The shell formulations tested contained either gellable or erodible polymers. The dissolution profiles of uncoated cores and press-coated devices were compared. The gellable and/or erodible characteristics (properties) of the barrier formulations were also examined by means of a penetrometer. The coatings prevent drug release from the core until the polymeric shell is completely eroded or swollen. This delay in release start is not influenced by the core composition and depends only on the shell formulation. Except for the time-lag, the release kinetics of the drug contained in the core are not significantly influenced by the presence of the erodible barrier, but can be widely modulated using a swellable polymeric shell.

Pre-breakdown phenomena and discharges in a gas-liquid system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tereshonok, D. V.; Babaeva, N. Yu; Naidis, G. V.; Panov, V. A.; Smirnov, B. M.; Son, E. E.

2018-04-01

In this paper, we investigate pre-breakdown and breakdown phenomena in gas-liquid systems. Cavitation void formation and breakdown in bubbles immersed in liquids are studied numerically, while complete breakdown of bubbled water is studied in experiments. It is shown that taking into account the dependence of water dielectric constant on electric field strength plays the same important role for cavitation void appearance under the action of electrostriction forces as the voltage rise time. It is also shown that the initial stage of breakdown in deformed bubbles immersed in liquid strongly depends on spatial orientation of the bubbles relative to the external electric field. The effect of immersed microbubbles, distributed in bulk water, on breakdown time and voltage is studied experimentally. At the breakdown voltage, the slow ‘thermal’ mechanism is changed by the fast ‘streamer-leader’ showing a decrease in breakdown time by two orders of magnitude by introducing microbubbles (0.1% of volumetric gas content) into the water. In addition, the plasma channel is found to pass between nearby microbubbles, exhibiting some ‘guidance’ effect.

Increasing Completion Rate of an M4 Emergency Medicine Student End-of-Shift Evaluation Using a Mobile Electronic Platform and Real-Time Completion.

PubMed

Tews, Matthew C; Treat, Robert W; Nanes, Maxwell

2016-07-01

Medical students on an emergency medicine rotation are traditionally evaluated at the end of each shift with paper-based forms, and data are often missing due to forms not being turned in or completed. Because students' grades depend on these evaluations, change was needed to increase form rate of return. We analyzed a new electronic evaluation form and modified completion process to determine if it would increase the completion rate without altering how faculty scored student performance. During fall 2013, 29 faculty completed paper N=339 evaluations consisting of seven competencies for 33 students. In fall 2014, an electronic evaluation form with the same competencies was designed using an electronic platform and completed N=319 times by 27 faculty using 25 students' electronic devices. Feedback checkboxes were added to facilitate collection of common comments. Data was analyzed with IBM® SPSS® 21.0 using multi-factor analysis of variance with the students' global rating (GR) as an outcome. Inter-item reliability was determined with Cronbach alpha. There was a significantly higher completion rate (p=0.001) of 98% electronic vs. 69% paper forms, lower (p=0.001) missed GR rate (1% electronic. vs 12% paper), and higher mean scores (p=0.001) for the GR with the electronic (7.0±1.1) vs. paper (6.8±1.2) form. Feedback checkboxes were completed on every form. The inter-item reliability for electronic and paper forms was each alpha=0.95. The use of a new electronic form and modified completion process for evaluating students at the end of shift demonstrated a higher faculty completion rate, a lower missed data rate, a higher global rating and consistent collection of common feedback. The use of the electronic form and the process for obtaining the information made our end-of-shift evaluation process for students more reliable and provided more accurate, up-to-date information for student feedback and when determining student grades.

Chirp-Z analysis for sol-gel transition monitoring.

PubMed

Martinez, Loïc; Caplain, Emmanuel; Serfaty, Stéphane; Griesmar, Pascal; Gouedard, Gérard; Gindre, Marcel

2004-04-01

Gelation is a complex reaction that transforms a liquid medium into a solid one: the gel. In gel state, some gel materials (DMAP) have the singular property to ring in an audible frequency range when a pulse is applied. Before the gelation point, there is no transmission of slow waves observed; after the gelation point, the speed of sound in the gel rapidly increases from 0.1 to 10 m/s. The time evolution of the speed of sound can be measured, in frequency domain, by following the frequency spacing of the resonance peaks from the Synchronous Detection (SD) measurement method. Unfortunately, due to a constant frequency sampling rate, the relative error for low speeds (0.1 m/s) is 100%. In order to maintain a low constant relative error, in the whole speed time evolution range, Chirp-Z Transform (CZT) is used. This operation transforms a time variant signal to a time invariant one using only a time dependant stretching factor (S). In the frequency domain, the CZT enables us to stretch each collected spectrum from time signals. The blind identification of the S factor gives us the complete time evolution law of the speed of sound. Moreover, this method proves that the frequency bandwidth follows the same time law. These results point out that the minimum wavelength stays constant and that it only depends on the gel.

Cannabis Abstinence During Treatment and One-Year Follow-Up: Relationship to Neural Activity in Men

PubMed Central

Kober, Hedy; DeVito, Elise E; DeLeone, Cameron M; Carroll, Kathleen M; Potenza, Marc N

2014-01-01

Cannabis is among the most frequently abused substances in the United States. Cognitive control is a contributory factor in the maintenance of substance-use disorders and may relate to treatment response. Therefore, we assessed whether cognitive-control-related neural activity before treatment differs between treatment-seeking cannabis-dependent and healthy individuals and relates to cannabis-abstinence measures during treatment and 1-year follow-up. Cannabis-dependent males (N=20) completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) cognitive-control (Stroop) task before a 12-week randomized controlled trial of cognitive–behavioral therapy and/or contingency management. A healthy-comparison group (N=20) also completed the fMRI task. Cannabis use was assessed by urine toxicology and self-report during treatment, and by self-report across a 1-year follow-up period (N=18). The cannabis-dependent group displayed diminished Stroop-related neural activity relative to the healthy-comparison group in multiple regions, including those strongly implicated in cognitive-control and addiction-related processes (eg, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum). The groups did not differ significantly in response times (cannabis-dependent, N=12; healthy-comparison, N=14). Within the cannabis-dependent group, greater Stroop-related activity in regions including the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex was associated with less cannabis use during treatment. Greater activity in regions including the ventral striatum was associated with less cannabis use during 1-year posttreatment follow-up. These data suggest that lower cognitive-control-related neural activity in classic ‘control' regions (eg, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate) and classic ‘salience/reward/learning' regions (eg, ventral striatum) differentiates cannabis-dependent individuals from healthy individuals and relates to less abstinence within-treatment and during long-term follow-up. Clinically, results suggest that treatment development efforts that focus on enhancing cognitive control in addition to abstinence may improve treatment outcomes in cannabis dependence. PMID:24705568

Cannabis abstinence during treatment and one-year follow-up: relationship to neural activity in men.

PubMed

Kober, Hedy; DeVito, Elise E; DeLeone, Cameron M; Carroll, Kathleen M; Potenza, Marc N

2014-09-01

Cannabis is among the most frequently abused substances in the United States. Cognitive control is a contributory factor in the maintenance of substance-use disorders and may relate to treatment response. Therefore, we assessed whether cognitive-control-related neural activity before treatment differs between treatment-seeking cannabis-dependent and healthy individuals and relates to cannabis-abstinence measures during treatment and 1-year follow-up. Cannabis-dependent males (N=20) completed a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) cognitive-control (Stroop) task before a 12-week randomized controlled trial of cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or contingency management. A healthy-comparison group (N=20) also completed the fMRI task. Cannabis use was assessed by urine toxicology and self-report during treatment, and by self-report across a 1-year follow-up period (N=18). The cannabis-dependent group displayed diminished Stroop-related neural activity relative to the healthy-comparison group in multiple regions, including those strongly implicated in cognitive-control and addiction-related processes (eg, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and ventral striatum). The groups did not differ significantly in response times (cannabis-dependent, N=12; healthy-comparison, N=14). Within the cannabis-dependent group, greater Stroop-related activity in regions including the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex was associated with less cannabis use during treatment. Greater activity in regions including the ventral striatum was associated with less cannabis use during 1-year posttreatment follow-up. These data suggest that lower cognitive-control-related neural activity in classic 'control' regions (eg, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate) and classic 'salience/reward/learning' regions (eg, ventral striatum) differentiates cannabis-dependent individuals from healthy individuals and relates to less abstinence within-treatment and during long-term follow-up. Clinically, results suggest that treatment development efforts that focus on enhancing cognitive control in addition to abstinence may improve treatment outcomes in cannabis dependence.

Regression analysis of longitudinal data with correlated censoring and observation times.

PubMed

Li, Yang; He, Xin; Wang, Haiying; Sun, Jianguo

2016-07-01

Longitudinal data occur in many fields such as the medical follow-up studies that involve repeated measurements. For their analysis, most existing approaches assume that the observation or follow-up times are independent of the response process either completely or given some covariates. In practice, it is apparent that this may not be true. In this paper, we present a joint analysis approach that allows the possible mutual correlations that can be characterized by time-dependent random effects. Estimating equations are developed for the parameter estimation and the resulted estimators are shown to be consistent and asymptotically normal. The finite sample performance of the proposed estimators is assessed through a simulation study and an illustrative example from a skin cancer study is provided.

Is volcanic phenomena of fractal nature?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quevedo, R.; Lopez, D. A. L.; Alparone, S.; Hernandez Perez, P. A.; Sagiya, T.; Barrancos, J.; Rodriguez-Santana, A. A.; Ramos, A.; Calvari, S.; Perez, N. M.

2016-12-01

A particular resonance waveform pattern has been detected beneath different physical volcano manifestations from recent 2011-2012 period of volcanic unrest at El Hierro Island, Canary Islands, and also from other worldwide volcanoes with different volcanic typology. This mentioned pattern appears to be a fractal time dependent waveform repeated in different time scales (periods of time). This time dependent feature suggests this resonance as a new approach to volcano phenomena for predicting such interesting matters as earthquakes, gas emission, deformation etc. as this fractal signal has been discovered hidden in a wide typical volcanic parameters measurements. It is known that the resonance phenomenon occurring in nature usually denote a structure, symmetry or a subjacent law (Fermi et al., 1952; and later -about enhanced cross-sections symmetry in protons collisions), which, in this particular case, may be indicative of some physical interactions showing a sequence not completely chaotic but cyclic provided with symmetries. The resonance and fractal model mentioned allowed the authors to make predictions in cycles from a few weeks to months. In this work an equation for this waveform has been described and also correlations with volcanic parameters and fractal behavior demonstration have been performed, including also some suggestive possible explanations of this signal origin.

State dependent arrival in bulk retrial queueing system with immediate Bernoulli feedback, multiple vacations and threshold

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niranjan, S. P.; Chandrasekaran, V. M.; Indhira, K.

2017-11-01

The objective of this paper is to analyse state dependent arrival in bulk retrial queueing system with immediate Bernoulli feedback, multiple vacations, threshold and constant retrial policy. Primary customers are arriving into the system in bulk with different arrival rates λ a and λ b . If arriving customers find the server is busy then the entire batch will join to orbit. Customer from orbit request service one by one with constant retrial rate γ. On the other hand if an arrival of customers finds the server is idle then customers will be served in batches according to general bulk service rule. After service completion, customers may request service again with probability δ as feedback or leave from the system with probability 1 - δ. In the service completion epoch, if the orbit size is zero then the server leaves for multiple vacations. The server continues the vacation until the orbit size reaches the value ‘N’ (N > b). At the vacation completion, if the orbit size is ‘N’ then the server becomes ready to provide service for customers from the main pool or from the orbit. For the designed queueing model, probability generating function of the queue size at an arbitrary time will be obtained by using supplementary variable technique. Various performance measures will be derived with suitable numerical illustrations.

Signaling completion of a message transfer from an origin compute node to a target compute node

DOEpatents

Blocksome, Michael A [Rochester, MN; Parker, Jeffrey J [Rochester, MN

2011-05-24

Signaling completion of a message transfer from an origin node to a target node includes: sending, by an origin DMA engine, an RTS message, the RTS message specifying an application message for transfer to the target node from the origin node; receiving, by the origin DMA engine, a remote get message containing a data descriptor for the message and a completion notification descriptor, the completion notification descriptor specifying a local direct put transfer operation for transferring data locally on the origin node; inserting, by the origin DMA engine in an injection FIFO buffer, the data descriptor followed by the completion notification descriptor; transferring, by the origin DMA engine to the target node, the message in dependence upon the data descriptor; and notifying, by the origin DMA engine, the application that transfer of the message is complete in dependence upon the completion notification descriptor.

Signaling completion of a message transfer from an origin compute node to a target compute node

DOEpatents

Blocksome, Michael A [Rochester, MN

2011-02-15

Signaling completion of a message transfer from an origin node to a target node includes: sending, by an origin DMA engine, an RTS message, the RTS message specifying an application message for transfer to the target node from the origin node; receiving, by the origin DMA engine, a remote get message containing a data descriptor for the message and a completion notification descriptor, the completion notification descriptor specifying a local memory FIFO data transfer operation for transferring data locally on the origin node; inserting, by the origin DMA engine in an injection FIFO buffer, the data descriptor followed by the completion notification descriptor; transferring, by the origin DMA engine to the target node, the message in dependence upon the data descriptor; and notifying, by the origin DMA engine, the application that transfer of the message is complete in dependence upon the completion notification descriptor.

Does chronomodulated radiotherapy improve pathological response in locally advanced rectal cancer?

PubMed

Squire, Tim; Buchanan, Grant; Rangiah, David; Davis, Ian; Yip, Desmond; Chua, Yu Jo; Rich, Tyvin; Elsaleh, Hany

2017-01-01

The predominant mode of radiation-induced cell death for solid tumours is mitotic catastrophe, which is in part dependent on sublethal damage repair being complete at around 6 h. Circadian variation appears to play a role in normal cellular division, and this could influence tumour response of radiation treatment depending on the time of treatment delivery. We tested the hypothesis that radiation treatment later in the day may improve tumour response and nodal downstaging in rectal cancer patients treated neoadjuvantly with radiation therapy. Recruitment was by retrospective review of 267 rectal cancer patients treated neoadjuvantly in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Canberra Hospital between January 2010 and November 2015. One hundred and fifty-five patients met the inclusion criteria for which demographic, pathological and imaging data were collected, as well as the time of day patients received treatment with each fraction of radiotherapy. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package R with nonparametric methods of significance for all tests set at p < 0.05. Of the 45 female and 110 male patients, the median age was 64. Seventy-three percent had cT3 disease and there was a mean tumour distance from the anal verge of 7 cm. Time to surgical resection following radiotherapy ranged from 4 to 162 days with a median of 50 days, with a complete pathological response seen in 21% of patients. Patients exhibiting a favourable pathological response had smaller median pre- and postradiotherapy tumour size and had a greater change in tumour size following treatment (p < 0.01). Patients who received the majority of their radiotherapy fractions after 12:00 pm were more likely to show a complete or moderate pathological response (p = 0.035) and improved nodal downstaging. There were also more favourable responses amongst patients with longer time to surgical resection postradiotherapy (p < 0.004), although no relationship was seen between response and tumour distance from the anal verge. Females were less likely to exhibit several of the above responses. Neoadjuvant radiotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer performed later in the day coupled with a longer time period to surgical resection may improve pathological tumour response rates and nodal downstaging. A prospective study in chronomodulated radiotherapy in this disease is warranted.

Fame and obsolescence: Disentangling growth and aging dynamics of patent citations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higham, K. W.; Governale, M.; Jaffe, A. B.; Zülicke, U.

2017-04-01

We present an analysis of citations accrued over time by patents granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in 1998. In contrast to previous studies, a disaggregation by technology category is performed, and exogenously caused citation-number growth is controlled for. Our approach reveals an intrinsic citation rate that clearly separates into an—in the long run, exponentially time-dependent—aging function and a completely time-independent preferential-attachment-type growth kernel. For the general case of such a separable citation rate, we obtain the time-dependent citation distribution analytically in a form that is valid for any functional form of its aging and growth parts. Good agreement between theory and long-time characteristics of patent-citation data establishes our work as a useful framework for addressing still open questions about knowledge-propagation dynamics, such as the observed excess of citations at short times.

Gastrostomy Tube Weaning and Treatment of Severe Selective Eating in Childhood: Experience in Israel Using an Intensive Three Week Program.

PubMed

Shalem, Tzippora; Fradkin, Akiva; Dunitz-Scheer, Marguerite; Sadeh-Kon, Tal; Goz-Gulik, Tali; Fishler, Yael; Weiss, Batia

2016-06-01

Children dependent on gastrostomy tube feeding and those with extremely selective eating comprise the most challenging groups of early childhood eating disorders. We established, for the first time in Israel, a 3 week intensive weaning and treatment program for these patients based on the "Graz model." To investigate the Graz model for tube weaning and for treating severe selective eating disorders in one center in Israel. Pre-program assessment of patients' suitability to participate was performed 3 months prior to the study, and a treatment goal was set for each patient. The program included a multidisciplinary outpatient or inpatient 3 week treatment course. The major outcome measures were achievement of the target goal of complete or partial tube weaning for those with tube dependency, and expansion of the child's nutritional diversity for those with selective eating. Thirty-four children, 28 with tube dependency and 6 with selective eating, participated in four programs conducted over 24 months. Their mean age was 4.3 ± 0.37 years. Of all patients, 29 (85%) achieved the target goal (24 who were tube-dependent and 5 selective eaters). One patient was excluded due to aspiration pneumonia. After 6 months follow-up, 24 of 26 available patients (92%) maintained their target or improved. This intensive 3 week program was highly effective in weaning children with gastrostomy tube dependency and ameliorating severe selective eating. Preliminary evaluation of the family is necessary for completion of the program and achieving the child's personal goal, as are an experienced multidisciplinary team and the appropriate hospital setup, i.e., inpatient or outpatient.

Optical force rectifiers based on PT-symmetric metasurfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alaee, Rasoul; Gurlek, Burak; Christensen, Johan; Kadic, Muamer

2018-05-01

We introduce here the concept of optical force rectifier based on parity-time symmetric metasurfaces. Directly linked to the properties of non-Hermitian systems engineered by balanced loss and gain constituents, we show that light can exert asymmetric pulling or pushing forces on metasurfaces depending on the direction of the impinging light. This generates a complete force rectification in the vicinity of the exceptional point. Our findings have the potential to spark the design of applications in optical manipulation where the forces, strictly speaking, act unidirectionally.

Photophysical behavior of new acridine(1,8)dione dyes.

PubMed

Cabanzo Hernández, Rafael; David Gara, Pedro M; Velasco, Daniel Molina; Erra-Balsells, Rosa; Bilmes, Gabriel M

2013-11-01

The photophysical behavior of five acridine(1,8)dione dyes of biological interest was studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, photoacoustics and time resolved phosphorescence techniques. The results obtained in ethanol and acetonitrile solutions show that the main spectroscopic and photophysical parameters of these compounds depend strongly on both the solvent and oxygen concentrations. Oxygen completely quenched the triplet state of all dyes. In nitrogen-saturated solutions, quantum efficiencies of triplet formation in ethanol were lower than those in acetonitrile.

Final Report for NMBSA Project, Monika Kaden, 2016

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

Ward, William Carl

The following pages define the objectives and results for Project 022, requested by Monika Kaden, a sculptor who maintains studios in Santa Fe. This effort was first approved in February 2016, and was completed during several different time segments spread over the year, depending on Monika’s availability. The project deliverables that are of primary use to the customer are digital data files that are to be delivered electronically. This report is a summary overview of how the project was conducted.

Analysis of Spacecraft Charging, Particle Beams and Geophysical Data Bases.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-31

READINSTRUCTIONSBEFORE COMPLETING FORM I. REPORT NUMDER 2. DOVT ACCrSS 0 2. P3ECIP’FNT’S CAT ALOG NUMU I I 4. TITLE (and Subtitle) S. TYrE OF REPORT a...include solar , magnetic field, substorm and space charge effects. Charging dynamics can exist due to varying photoemission over a rotating or eclipsing...examined. The most recent SCATHA simulations have implemented time dependent specification of the plasma environment and of solar flux. 12’ 1.1

Mobile robot exploration and navigation of indoor spaces using sonar and vision

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kortenkamp, David; Huber, Marcus; Koss, Frank; Belding, William; Lee, Jaeho; Wu, Annie; Bidlack, Clint; Rodgers, Seth

1994-01-01

Integration of skills into an autonomous robot that performs a complex task is described. Time constraints prevented complete integration of all the described skills. The biggest problem was tuning the sensor-based region-finding algorithm to the environment involved. Since localization depended on matching regions found with the a priori map, the robot became lost very quickly. If the low level sensing of the world is not working, then high level reasoning or map making will be unsuccessful.

Computerized Measurement and Tracking of Acoustical Resonances.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-12-01

inaccuracies which wace sweep cats dependent and data points which were not necassirily equaI~ly spaced. method c was not utr-I2.zsd ’lus to the i-nability...f the output. B. CONCLISIONS FROM rASK COMPLEITION Upon completing tasks 1 ani 2, it was determi-ned that method b (frequenzy synthes-:zer/phase...following method . The synthesizar outputs a frequency off resonance into the r-esonator and the lock-in analyzer is sampled one hundred times. The mean and

Efficiencies of Internet-Based Digital and Paper-Based Scientific Surveys and the Estimated Costs and Time for Different-Sized Cohorts

PubMed Central

Uhlig, Constantin E.; Seitz, Berthold; Eter, Nicole; Promesberger, Julia; Busse, Holger

2014-01-01

Aims To evaluate the relative efficiencies of five Internet-based digital and three paper-based scientific surveys and to estimate the costs for different-sized cohorts. Methods Invitations to participate in a survey were distributed via e-mail to employees of two university hospitals (E1 and E2) and to members of a medical association (E3), as a link placed in a special text on the municipal homepage regularly read by the administrative employees of two cities (H1 and H2), and paper-based to workers at an automobile enterprise (P1) and college (P2) and senior (P3) students. The main parameters analyzed included the numbers of invited and actual participants, and the time and cost to complete the survey. Statistical analysis was descriptive, except for the Kruskal-Wallis-H-test, which was used to compare the three recruitment methods. Cost efficiencies were compared and extrapolated to different-sized cohorts. Results The ratios of completely answered questionnaires to distributed questionnaires were between 81.5% (E1) and 97.4% (P2). Between 6.4% (P1) and 57.0% (P2) of the invited participants completely answered the questionnaires. The costs per completely answered questionnaire were $0.57–$1.41 (E1–3), $1.70 and $0.80 for H1 and H2, respectively, and $3.36–$4.21 (P1–3). Based on our results, electronic surveys with 10, 20, 30, or 42 questions would be estimated to be most cost (and time) efficient if more than 101.6–225.9 (128.2–391.7), 139.8–229.2 (93.8–193.6), 165.8–230.6 (68.7–115.7), or 188.2–231.5 (44.4–72.7) participants were required, respectively. Conclusions The study efficiency depended on the technical modalities of the survey methods and engagement of the participants. Depending on our study design, our results suggest that in similar projects that will certainly have more than two to three hundred required participants, the most efficient way of conducting a questionnaire-based survey is likely via the Internet with a digital questionnaire, specifically via a centralized e-mail. PMID:25313672

The temporal behaviour of MHD waves in a partially ionized prominence-like plasma: Effect of heating and cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ballester, J. L.; Carbonell, M.; Soler, R.; Terradas, J.

2018-01-01

Context. During heating or cooling processes in prominences, the plasma microscopic parameters are modified due to the change of temperature and ionization degree. Furthermore, if waves are excited on this non-stationary plasma, the changing physical conditions of the plasma also affect wave dynamics. Aims: Our aim is to study how temporal variation of temperature and microscopic plasma parameters modify the behaviour of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves excited in a prominence-like hydrogen plasma. Methods: Assuming optically thin radiation, a constant external heating, the full expression of specific internal energy, and a suitable energy equation, we have derived the profiles for the temporal variation of the background temperature. We have computed the variation of the ionization degree using a Saha equation, and have linearized the single-fluid MHD equations to study the temporal behaviour of MHD waves. Results: For all the MHD waves considered, the period and damping time become time dependent. In the case of Alfvén waves, the cut-off wavenumbers also become time dependent and the attenuation rate is completely different in a cooling or heating process. In the case of slow waves, while it is difficult to distinguish the slow wave properties in a cooling partially ionized plasma from those in an almost fully ionized plasma, the period and damping time of these waves in both plasmas are completely different when the plasma is heated. The temporal behaviour of the Alfvén and fast wave is very similar in the cooling case, but in the heating case, an important difference appears that is related with the time damping. Conclusions: Our results point out important differences in the behaviour of MHD waves when the plasma is heated or cooled, and show that a correct interpretation of the observed prominence oscillations is very important in order to put accurate constraints on the physical situation of the prominence plasma under study, that is, to perform prominence seismology.

Evaluating Protocol Lifecycle Time Intervals in HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials

PubMed Central

Schouten, Jeffrey T.; Dixon, Dennis; Varghese, Suresh; Cope, Marie T.; Marci, Joe; Kagan, Jonathan M.

2014-01-01

Background Identifying efficacious interventions for the prevention and treatment of human diseases depends on the efficient development and implementation of controlled clinical trials. Essential to reducing the time and burden of completing the clinical trial lifecycle is determining which aspects take the longest, delay other stages, and may lead to better resource utilization without diminishing scientific quality, safety, or the protection of human subjects. Purpose In this study we modeled time-to-event data to explore relationships between clinical trial protocol development and implementation times, as well as identify potential correlates of prolonged development and implementation. Methods We obtained time interval and participant accrual data from 111 interventional clinical trials initiated between 2006 and 2011 by NIH’s HIV/AIDS Clinical Trials Networks. We determined the time (in days) required to complete defined phases of clinical trial protocol development and implementation. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to assess the rates at which protocols reached specified terminal events, stratified by study purpose (therapeutic, prevention) and phase group (pilot/phase I, phase II, and phase III/ IV). We also examined several potential correlates to prolonged development and implementation intervals. Results Even though phase grouping did not determine development or implementation times of either therapeutic or prevention studies, overall we observed wide variation in protocol development times. Moreover, we detected a trend toward phase III/IV therapeutic protocols exhibiting longer developmental (median 2 ½ years) and implementation times (>3years). We also found that protocols exceeding the median number of days for completing the development interval had significantly longer implementation. Limitations The use of a relatively small set of protocols may have limited our ability to detect differences across phase groupings. Some timing effects present for a specific study phase may have been masked by combining protocols into phase groupings. Presence of informative censoring, such as withdrawal of some protocols from development if they began showing signs of lost interest among investigators, complicates interpretation of Kaplan-Meier estimates. Because this study constitutes a retrospective examination over an extended period of time, it does not allow for the precise identification of relative factors impacting timing. Conclusions Delays not only increase the time and cost to complete clinical trials, but they also diminish their usefulness by failing to answer research questions in time. We believe that research analyzing the time spent traversing defined intervals across the clinical trial protocol development and implementation continuum can stimulate business process analyses and reengineering efforts that could lead to reductions in the time from clinical trial concept to results, thereby accelerating progress in clinical research. PMID:24980279

A revised surface age for the North Polar Layered Deposits of Mars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Landis, Margaret E.; Byrne, Shane; Daubar, Ingrid J.; Herkenhoff, Kenneth E.; Dundas, Colin M.

2016-01-01

The North Polar Layered Deposits (NPLD) of Mars contain a complex stratigraphy that has been suggested to retain a record of past eccentricity- and obliquity-forced climate changes. The surface accumulation rate in the current climate can be constrained by the crater retention age. We scale NPLD crater diameters to account for icy target strength and compare surface age using a new production function for recent small impacts on Mars to the previously used model of Hartmann (2005). Our results indicate that ice is accumulating in these craters several times faster than previously thought, with a 100 m diameter crater being completely infilled within centuries. Craters appear to have a diameter-dependent lifetime, but the data also permit a complete resurfacing of the NPLD at ~1.5 ka.

Circadian time-dependent chemopreventive potential of withaferin-A in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced oral carcinogenesis.

PubMed

Manoharan, Shanmugam; Panjamurthy, Kuppusamy; Balakrishnan, Subramanian; Vasudevan, Kalaiarasan; Vellaichamy, Lakshmanan

2009-01-01

Circadian time-dependent treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs (chronotherapy) optimizes the therapeutic index by maximizing treatment efficacy and minimizing toxicity. The circadian time-dependent chemopreventive and anti-lipid peroxidative efficacy of withaferin-A in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis was investigated in the present study. We induced oral squamous cell carcinoma in the buccal pouches of golden Syrian hamsters during the day (4:00, 8:00, 12:00, 16:00, 20:00 and 24:00) by application of DMBA three times per week for 14 weeks. The circadian time-dependent tumor incidence, volume and burden were observed in hamsters treated with either DMBA alone or DMBA + withaferin-A. The circadian pattern of lipid peroxidation by-products, as measured by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and enzymatic antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], was also analyzed in the buccal mucosa of DMBA-treated hamsters. We found the highest incidence of tumor formation at 24.00 h in hamsters treated with DMBA alone as compared to other experimental groups. Circadian dysregulation of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status was observed in DMBA-treated animals as compared to control animals. Oral (po) administration of withaferin-A (20 mg/kg) completely prevented the formation of tumors between 8.00 h and 12.00 h and synchronized the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in the buccal mucosa of hamsters treated with DMBA alone. Also, oral administration of withaferin-A to DMBA-treated animals significantly reduced the formation of tumors and synchronized the status of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in the rest of the time intervals. Our study thus suggests that withaferin-A has significant chemopreventive and anti-lipid peroxidative potential in DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis, probably by interfering with DMBA-induced abnormal cell proliferation in the buccal mucosa.

Deterministic Local Sensitivity Analysis of Augmented Systems - II: Applications to the QUENCH-04 Experiment Using the RELAP5/MOD3.2 Code System

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

Ionescu-Bujor, Mihaela; Jin Xuezhou; Cacuci, Dan G.

2005-09-15

The adjoint sensitivity analysis procedure for augmented systems for application to the RELAP5/MOD3.2 code system is illustrated. Specifically, the adjoint sensitivity model corresponding to the heat structure models in RELAP5/MOD3.2 is derived and subsequently augmented to the two-fluid adjoint sensitivity model (ASM-REL/TF). The end product, called ASM-REL/TFH, comprises the complete adjoint sensitivity model for the coupled fluid dynamics/heat structure packages of the large-scale simulation code RELAP5/MOD3.2. The ASM-REL/TFH model is validated by computing sensitivities to the initial conditions for various time-dependent temperatures in the test bundle of the Quench-04 reactor safety experiment. This experiment simulates the reflooding with water ofmore » uncovered, degraded fuel rods, clad with material (Zircaloy-4) that has the same composition and size as that used in typical pressurized water reactors. The most important response for the Quench-04 experiment is the time evolution of the cladding temperature of heated fuel rods. The ASM-REL/TFH model is subsequently used to perform an illustrative sensitivity analysis of this and other time-dependent temperatures within the bundle. The results computed by using the augmented adjoint sensitivity system, ASM-REL/TFH, highlight the reliability, efficiency, and usefulness of the adjoint sensitivity analysis procedure for computing time-dependent sensitivities.« less

Electronic-structure and quantum dynamical study of the photochromism of the aromatic Schiff base salicylideneaniline

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

Ortiz-Sanchez, Juan Manuel; Gelabert, Ricard; Moreno, Miquel

2008-12-07

The ultrafast proton transfer dynamics of salicylideneaniline has been theoretically analyzed in the ground and first singlet excited electronic states using density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations, which predict a ({pi},{pi}*) barrierless excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). In addition to this, the photochemistry of salicylideneaniline is experimentally known to present fast depopulation processes of the photoexcited species before and after the proton transfer reaction. Such processes are explained by means of conical intersections between the ground and first singlet ({pi},{pi}*) excited electronic states. The electronic energies obtained by the time-dependent density functional theory formalism have been fittedmore » to a monodimensional potential energy surface in order to perform quantum dynamics study of the processes. Our results show that the proton transfer and deactivation of the photoexcited species before the ESIPT processes are completed within 49.6 and 37.7 fs, respectively, which is in remarkable good agreement with experiments.« less

Time-dependent search for neutrino emission from X-ray binaries with the ANTARES telescope

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

Albert, A.; André, M.; Anton, G.

2017-04-01

ANTARES is currently the largest neutrino telescope operating in the Northern Hemisphere, aiming at the detection of high-energy neutrinos from astrophysical sources. Neutrino telescopes constantly monitor at least one complete hemisphere of the sky, and are thus well-suited to detect neutrinos produced in transient astrophysical sources. A time-dependent search has been applied to a list of 33 X-ray binaries undergoing high flaring activities in satellite data (RXTE/ASM, MAXI and Swift/BAT) and during hardness transition states in the 2008–2012 period. The background originating from interactions of charged cosmic rays in the Earth's atmosphere is drastically reduced by requiring a directional andmore » temporal coincidence with astrophysical phenomena. The results of this search are presented together with comparisons between the neutrino flux upper limits and the neutrino flux predictions from astrophysical models. The neutrino flux upper limits resulting from this search limit the jet parameter space for some astrophysical models.« less

Mathematical modeling of control subsystems for CELSS: Application to diet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waleh, Ahmad; Nguyen, Thoi K.; Kanevsky, Valery

1991-01-01

The dynamic control of a Closed Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) in a closed space habitat is of critical importance. The development of a practical method of control is also a necessary step for the selection and design of realistic subsystems and processors for a CELSS. Diet is one of the dynamic factors that strongly influences, and is influenced, by the operational states of all major CELSS subsystems. The problems of design and maintenance of a stable diet must be obtained from well characterized expert subsystems. The general description of a mathematical model that forms the basis of an expert control program for a CELSS is described. The formulation is expressed in terms of a complete set of time dependent canonical variables. System representation is dynamic and includes time dependent storage buffers. The details of the algorithm are described. The steady state results of the application of the method for representative diets made from wheat, potato, and soybean are presented.

Time-dependent search for neutrino emission from X-ray binaries with the ANTARES telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albert, A.; André, M.; Anton, G.; Ardid, M.; Aubert, J.-J.; Avgitas, T.; Baret, B.; Barrios-Martí, J.; Basa, S.; Bertin, V.; Biagi, S.; Bormuth, R.; Bouwhuis, M. C.; Bruijn, R.; Brunner, J.; Busto, J.; Capone, A.; Caramete, L.; Carr, J.; Celli, S.; Chiarusi, T.; Circella, M.; Coleiro, A.; Coniglione, R.; Costantini, H.; Coyle, P.; Creusot, A.; Deschamps, A.; De Bonis, G.; Distefano, C.; Di Palma, I.; Donzaud, C.; Dornic, D.; Drouhin, D.; Eberl, T.; El Bojaddaini, I.; Elsässer, D.; Enzenhöfer, A.; Felis, I.; Fusco, L. A.; Galatà, S.; Gay, P.; Geißelsöder, S.; Geyer, K.; Giordano, V.; Gleixner, A.; Glotin, H.; Gracia-Ruiz, R.; Graf, K.; Hallmann, S.; van Haren, H.; Heijboer, A. J.; Hello, Y.; Hernández-Rey, J. J.; Hößl, J.; Hofestädt, J.; Hugon, C.; Illuminati, G.; James, C. W.; de Jong, M.; Jongen, M.; Kadler, M.; Kalekin, O.; Katz, U.; Kießling, D.; Kouchner, A.; Kreter, M.; Kreykenbohm, I.; Kulikovskiy, V.; Lachaud, C.; Lahmann, R.; Lefèvre, D.; Leonora, E.; Loucatos, S.; Marcelin, M.; Margiotta, A.; Marinelli, A.; Martínez-Mora, J. A.; Mathieu, A.; Melis, K.; Michael, T.; Migliozzi, P.; Moussa, A.; Mueller, C.; Nezri, E.; Păvălaş, G. E.; Pellegrino, C.; Perrina, C.; Piattelli, P.; Popa, V.; Pradier, T.; Racca, C.; Riccobene, G.; Roensch, K.; Saldaña, M.; Samtleben, D. F. E.; Sánchez-Losa, A.; Sanguineti, M.; Sapienza, P.; Schnabel, J.; Schüssler, F.; Seitz, T.; Sieger, C.; Spurio, M.; Stolarczyk, Th.; Taiuti, M.; Trovato, A.; Tselengidou, M.; Turpin, D.; Tönnis, C.; Vallage, B.; Vallée, C.; Van Elewyck, V.; Vivolo, D.; Wagner, S.; Wilms, J.; Zornoza, J. D.; Zúñiga, J.

2017-04-01

ANTARES is currently the largest neutrino telescope operating in the Northern Hemisphere, aiming at the detection of high-energy neutrinos from astrophysical sources. Neutrino telescopes constantly monitor at least one complete hemisphere of the sky, and are thus well-suited to detect neutrinos produced in transient astrophysical sources. A time-dependent search has been applied to a list of 33 X-ray binaries undergoing high flaring activities in satellite data (RXTE/ASM, MAXI and Swift/BAT) and during hardness transition states in the 2008-2012 period. The background originating from interactions of charged cosmic rays in the Earth's atmosphere is drastically reduced by requiring a directional and temporal coincidence with astrophysical phenomena. The results of this search are presented together with comparisons between the neutrino flux upper limits and the neutrino flux predictions from astrophysical models. The neutrino flux upper limits resulting from this search limit the jet parameter space for some astrophysical models.

Dosing-time-dependent variation in biliary excretion of flomoxef in rats.

PubMed

Hishikawa, Shuji; Sugimoto, Koh-ichi; Kobayashi, Eiji; Kumagai, Yuji; Fujimura, Akio

2003-05-01

We previously reported that the biliary excretion of flomoxef, an oxacephem antibiotic, was greater after dosing at 21:00 than at 09:00 h in diurnally active human subjects. The present study was undertaken to examine whether the biliary excretion of flomoxef is also dependent on its dosing time in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were housed under light on at 07:00 h and off at 19:00 h. Bile fluid was completely drained through a polyethylene catheter from conscious animals. Flomoxef (20 mg/kg) was injected into the tail vein at 09:00 or 21:00 h by a cross-over design, and drained bile fluid was collected for 8 h after each dosing. The maximum concentration of biliary flomoxef was significantly greater and its total excretion tended to be greater after dosing at 09:00 than 21:00 h. These results suggest the biliary excretion of flomoxef is enhanced after dosing at the beginning of the rest period in rats, as it is in humans.

Conditional Dependence between Response Time and Accuracy: An Overview of its Possible Sources and Directions for Distinguishing between Them

PubMed Central

Bolsinova, Maria; Tijmstra, Jesper; Molenaar, Dylan; De Boeck, Paul

2017-01-01

With the widespread use of computerized tests in educational measurement and cognitive psychology, registration of response times has become feasible in many applications. Considering these response times helps provide a more complete picture of the performance and characteristics of persons beyond what is available based on response accuracy alone. Statistical models such as the hierarchical model (van der Linden, 2007) have been proposed that jointly model response time and accuracy. However, these models make restrictive assumptions about the response processes (RPs) that may not be realistic in practice, such as the assumption that the association between response time and accuracy is fully explained by taking speed and ability into account (conditional independence). Assuming conditional independence forces one to ignore that many relevant individual differences may play a role in the RPs beyond overall speed and ability. In this paper, we critically consider the assumption of conditional independence and the important ways in which it may be violated in practice from a substantive perspective. We consider both conditional dependences that may arise when all persons attempt to solve the items in similar ways (homogeneous RPs) and those that may be due to persons differing in fundamental ways in how they deal with the items (heterogeneous processes). The paper provides an overview of what we can learn from observed conditional dependences. We argue that explaining and modeling these differences in the RPs is crucial to increase both the validity of measurement and our understanding of the relevant RPs. PMID:28261136

Using Smartphones for Research Outside Clinical Settings: How Operating Systems, App Developers, and Users Determine Geolocation Data Quality in mHealth Studies.

PubMed

Beukenhorst, A L; Schultz, D M; McBeth, J; Lakshminarayana, R; Sergeant, J C; Dixon, W G

2017-01-01

Smartphones that collect user geolocation provid opportunities for mobile Health (mHealth). Although granularity of geolocation data may be high, data completeness depends on the device's operating system, application developer decisions, and user actions. We investigate completeness of geolocation data collected via smartphones of 5601 people that self-reported daily chronic pain symptoms on 349,293 days. On 17% of these days, hourly geolocation data is reported, but days with 0 (16%), 1 (14%) and 2 (13%) geolocations are common. Android phones collect geolocation more often than iPhones (median 17 versus 2 times a day). Factors on operating system level and individual user level influence completeness of geolocation data collected with smartphones. mHealth researchers should be aware of these factors when designing their studies. The mHealth research community should devise standards for reporting geolocation data quality, analysing systematic differences in data quality between participant groups, and methods for data imputation.

Mental rotation versus invariant features in object perception from different viewpoints: an fMRI study.

PubMed

Vanrie, Jan; Béatse, Erik; Wagemans, Johan; Sunaert, Stefan; Van Hecke, Paul

2002-01-01

It has been proposed that object perception can proceed through different routes, which can be situated on a continuum ranging from complete viewpoint-dependency to complete viewpoint-independency, depending on the objects and the task at hand. Although these different routes have been extensively demonstrated on the behavioral level, the corresponding distinction in the underlying neural substrate has not received the same attention. Our goal was to disentangle, on the behavioral and the neurofunctional level, a process associated with extreme viewpoint-dependency, i.e. mental rotation, and a process associated with extreme viewpoint-independency, i.e. the use of viewpoint-invariant, diagnostic features. Two sets of 3-D block figures were created that either differed in handedness (original versus mirrored) or in the angles joining the block components (orthogonal versus skewed). Behavioral measures on a same-different judgment task were predicted to be dependent on viewpoint in the rotation condition (same versus mirrored), but not in the invariance condition (same angles versus different angles). Six subjects participated in an fMRI experiment while presented with both conditions in alternating blocks. Both reaction times and accuracy confirmed the predicted dissociation between the two conditions. Neurofunctional results indicate that all cortical areas activated in the invariance condition were also activated in the rotation condition. Parietal areas were more activated than occipito-temporal areas in the rotation condition, while this pattern was reversed in the invariance condition. Furthermore, some areas were activated uniquely by the rotation condition, probably reflecting the additional processes apparent in the behavioral response patterns.

Vulnerability-specific stress generation: Childhood emotional abuse and the mediating role of depressogenic interpersonal processes.

PubMed

Hernandez, Evelyn M; Trout, Zoë M; Liu, Richard T

2016-12-01

Stress generation in depression (i.e. the tendency for depression-prone individuals to experience more life stress that is in part influenced by the individual) has been well established. However, more research is necessary to clarify the role of specific types of life stress in this effect. The current study extends the stress generation hypothesis by examining whether the type of stress involved is contingent upon the nature of the individual's particular vulnerability. Childhood emotional abuse and interpersonal vulnerability factors were predicted to be associated with prospective interpersonal dependent but not non-interpersonal or independent stress. These interpersonal factors were examined as mediators of the association between childhood emotional abuse and interpersonal stress generation. Data were collected from 185 undergraduate participants at two time-points, four months apart. At baseline, participants completed assessments of depressive symptoms, childhood abuse history, interpersonal risk factors (rejection sensitivity, excessive reassurance-seeking, and negative feedback-seeking), and a diagnostic interview for depression. At the follow-up assessment, participants completed a life stress interview. Childhood emotional abuse prospectively predicted greater interpersonal dependent stress, but not non-interpersonal dependent or independent stress. Only rejection sensitivity mediated this relationship. Consistent with the stress generation hypothesis, neither childhood emotional abuse nor the three interpersonal risk factors predicted independent stress. These findings suggest that targeting interpersonal vulnerabilities in clinical settings, particularly rejection sensitivity, among individuals with a history of childhood emotional abuse, may help to reduce the occurrence of interpersonal dependent stress, thus possibly decreasing risk for depression. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Interrater reliability of the injury reporting of the injury surveillance system used in international athletics championships.

PubMed

Edouard, Pascal; Junge, Astrid; Kiss-Polauf, Marianna; Ramirez, Christophe; Sousa, Monica; Timpka, Toomas; Branco, Pedro

2018-03-01

The quality of epidemiological injury data depends on the reliability of reporting to an injury surveillance system. Ascertaining whether all physicians/physiotherapists report the same information for the same injury case is of major interest to determine data validity. The aim of this study was therefore to analyse the data collection reliability through the analysis of the interrater reliability. Cross-sectional survey. During the 2016 European Athletics Advanced Athletics Medicine Course in Amsterdam, all national medical teams were asked to complete seven virtual case reports on a standardised injury report form using the same definitions and classifications of injuries as the international athletics championships injury surveillance protocol. The completeness of data and the Fleiss' kappa coefficients for the inter-rater reliability were calculated for: sex, age, event, circumstance, location, type, assumed cause and estimated time-loss. Forty-one team physicians and physiotherapists of national medical teams participated in the study (response rate 89.1%). Data completeness was 96.9%. The Fleiss' kappa coefficients were: almost perfect for sex (k=1), injury location (k=0.991), event (k=0.953), circumstance (k=0.942), and age (k=0.870), moderate for type (k=0.507), fair for assumed cause (k=0.394), and poor for estimated time-loss (k=0.155). The injury surveillance system used during international athletics championships provided reliable data for "sex", "location", "event", "circumstance", and "age". More caution should be taken for "assumed cause" and "type", and even more for "estimated time-loss". This injury surveillance system displays satisfactory data quality (reliable data and high data completeness), and thus, can be recommended as tool to collect epidemiology information on injuries during international athletics championships. Copyright © 2018 Sports Medicine Australia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Real-Time Non-Intrusive Assessment of Viewing Distance during Computer Use.

PubMed

Argilés, Marc; Cardona, Genís; Pérez-Cabré, Elisabet; Pérez-Magrané, Ramon; Morcego, Bernardo; Gispets, Joan

2016-12-01

To develop and test the sensitivity of an ultrasound-based sensor to assess the viewing distance of visual display terminals operators in real-time conditions. A modified ultrasound sensor was attached to a computer display to assess viewing distance in real time. Sensor functionality was tested on a sample of 20 healthy participants while they conducted four 10-minute randomly presented typical computer tasks (a match-three puzzle game, a video documentary, a task requiring participants to complete a series of sentences, and a predefined internet search). The ultrasound sensor offered good measurement repeatability. Game, text completion, and web search tasks were conducted at shorter viewing distances (54.4 cm [95% CI 51.3-57.5 cm], 54.5 cm [95% CI 51.1-58.0 cm], and 54.5 cm [95% CI 51.4-57.7 cm], respectively) than the video task (62.3 cm [95% CI 58.9-65.7 cm]). Statistically significant differences were found between the video task and the other three tasks (all p < 0.05). Range of viewing distances (from 22 to 27 cm) was similar for all tasks (F = 0.996; p = 0.413). Real-time assessment of the viewing distance of computer users with a non-intrusive ultrasonic device disclosed a task-dependent pattern.

Symmetric and asymmetric ternary fission of hot nuclei

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

Siwek-Wilczynska, K.; Wilczynski, J.; Leegte, H.K.W.

1993-07-01

Emission of [alpha] particles accompanying fusion-fission processes in the [sup 40]Ar +[sup 232]Th reaction at [ital E]([sup 40]Ar) = 365 MeV was studied in a wide range of in-fission-plane and out-of-plane angles. The exact determination of the emission angles of both fission fragments combined with the time-of-flight measurements allowed us to reconstruct the complete kinematics of each ternary event. The coincident energy spectra of [alpha] particles were analyzed by using predictions of the energy spectra of the statistical code CASCADE . The analysis clearly demonstrates emission from the composite system prior to fission, emission from fully accelerated fragments after fission,more » and also emission during scission. The analysis is presented for both symmetric and asymmetric fission. The results have been analyzed using a time-dependent statistical decay code and confronted with dynamical calculations based on a classical one-body dissipation model. The observed near-scission emission is consistent with evaporation from a dinuclear system just before scission and evaporation from separated fragments just after scission. The analysis suggests that the time scale of fission of the hot composite systems is long (about 7[times]10[sup [minus]20] s) and the motion during the descent to scission almost completely damped.« less

The effects of magnetic fields on the growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

David, Laurence P.; Bregman, Joel N.

1989-01-01

The effects of heat conduction and magnetic fields on the growth of thermal instabilities in cooling flows are examined using a time-dependent hydrodynamics code. It is found that, for magnetic field strengths of roughly 1 micro-Gauss, magnetic pressure forces can completely suppress shocks from forming in thermally unstable entropy perturbations with initial length scales as large as 20 kpc, even for initial amplitudes as great as 60 percent. Perturbations with initial amplitudes of 50 percent and initial magnetic field strengths of 1 micro-Gauss cool to 10,000 K on a time scale which is only 22 percent of the initial instantaneous cooling time. Nonlinear perturbations can thus condense out of cooling flows on a time scale substantially less than the time required for linear perturbations and produce significant mass deposition of cold gas while the accreting intracluster gas is still at large radii.

Linear response theory for annealing of radiation damage in semiconductor devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litovchenko, Vitaly

1988-01-01

A theoretical study of the radiation/annealing response of MOS ICs is described. Although many experiments have been performed in this field, no comprehensive theory dealing with radiation/annealing response has been proposed. Many attempts have been made to apply linear response theory, but no theoretical foundation has been presented. The linear response theory outlined here is capable of describing a broad area of radiation/annealing response phenomena in MOS ICs, in particular, both simultaneous irradiation and annealing, as well as short- and long-term annealing, including the case when annealing is nearing completion. For the first time, a simple procedure is devised to determine the response function from experimental radiation/annealing data. In addition, this procedure enables us to study the effect of variable temperature and dose rate, effects which are of interest in spaceflight. In the past, the shift in threshold potential due to radiation/annealing has usually been assumed to depend on one variable: the time lapse between an impulse dose and the time of observation. While such a suggestion of uniformity in time is certainly true for a broad range of radiation annealing phenomena, it may not hold for some ranges of the variables of interest (temperature, dose rate, etc.). A response function is projected which is dependent on two variables: the time of observation and the time of the impulse dose. This dependence on two variables allows us to extend the theory to the treatment of a variable dose rate. Finally, the linear theory is generalized to the case in which the response is nonlinear with impulse dose, but is proportional to some impulse function of dose. A method to determine both the impulse and response functions is presented.

DART system analysis.

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

Boggs, Paul T.; Althsuler, Alan; Larzelere, Alex R.

2005-08-01

The Design-through-Analysis Realization Team (DART) is chartered with reducing the time Sandia analysts require to complete the engineering analysis process. The DART system analysis team studied the engineering analysis processes employed by analysts in Centers 9100 and 8700 at Sandia to identify opportunities for reducing overall design-through-analysis process time. The team created and implemented a rigorous analysis methodology based on a generic process flow model parameterized by information obtained from analysts. They also collected data from analysis department managers to quantify the problem type and complexity distribution throughout Sandia's analyst community. They then used this information to develop a communitymore » model, which enables a simple characterization of processes that span the analyst community. The results indicate that equal opportunity for reducing analysis process time is available both by reducing the ''once-through'' time required to complete a process step and by reducing the probability of backward iteration. In addition, reducing the rework fraction (i.e., improving the engineering efficiency of subsequent iterations) offers approximately 40% to 80% of the benefit of reducing the ''once-through'' time or iteration probability, depending upon the process step being considered. Further, the results indicate that geometry manipulation and meshing is the largest portion of an analyst's effort, especially for structural problems, and offers significant opportunity for overall time reduction. Iteration loops initiated late in the process are more costly than others because they increase ''inner loop'' iterations. Identifying and correcting problems as early as possible in the process offers significant opportunity for time savings.« less

Evaluating stereoscopic displays: both efficiency measures and perceived workload sensitive to manipulations in binocular disparity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Beurden, Maurice H. P. H.; Ijsselsteijn, Wijnand A.; de Kort, Yvonne A. W.

2011-03-01

Stereoscopic displays are known to offer a number of key advantages in visualizing complex 3D structures or datasets. The large majority of studies that focus on evaluating stereoscopic displays for professional applications use completion time and/or the percentage of correct answers to measure potential performance advantages. However, completion time and accuracy may not fully reflect all the benefits of stereoscopic displays. In this paper, we argue that perceived workload is an additional valuable indicator reflecting the extent to which users can benefit from using stereoscopic displays. We performed an experiment in which participants were asked to perform a visual path-tracing task within a convoluted 3D wireframe structure, varying in level of complexity of the visualised structure and level of disparity of the visualisation. The results showed that an optimal performance (completion time, accuracy and workload), depend both on task difficulty and disparity level. Stereoscopic disparity revealed a faster and more accurate task performance, whereas we observed a trend that performance on difficult tasks stands to benefit more from higher levels of disparity than performance on easy tasks. Perceived workload (as measured using the NASA-TLX) showed a similar response pattern, providing evidence that perceived workload is sensitive to variations in disparity as well as task difficulty. This suggests that perceived workload could be a useful concept, in addition to standard performance indicators, in characterising and measuring human performance advantages when using stereoscopic displays.

Passive sensor technology interface to assess elder activity in independent living.

PubMed

Alexander, Gregory L; Wakefield, Bonnie J; Rantz, Marilyn; Skubic, Marjorie; Aud, Myra A; Erdelez, Sanda; Ghenaimi, Said Al

2011-01-01

The effectiveness of clinical information systems to improve nursing and patient outcomes depends on human factors, including system usability, organizational workflow, and user satisfaction. The aim of this study was to examine to what extent residents, family members, and clinicians find a sensor data interface used to monitor elder activity levels usable and useful in an independent living setting. Three independent expert reviewers conducted an initial heuristic evaluation. Subsequently, 20 end users (5 residents, 5 family members, 5 registered nurses, and 5 physicians) participated in the evaluation. During the evaluation, each participant was asked to complete three scenarios taken from three residents. Morae recorder software was used to capture data during the user interactions. The heuristic evaluation resulted in 26 recommendations for interface improvement; these were classified under the headings content, aesthetic appeal, navigation, and architecture, which were derived from heuristic results. Total time for elderly residents to complete scenarios was much greater than for other users. Family members spent more time than clinicians but less time than residents did to complete scenarios. Elder residents and family members had difficulty interpreting clinical data and graphs, experienced information overload, and did not understand terminology. All users found the sensor data interface useful for identifying changing resident activities. Older adult users have special needs that should be addressed when designing clinical interfaces for them, especially information as important as health information. Evaluating human factors during user interactions with clinical information systems should be a requirement before implementation.

Central Adiposity is Negatively Associated with Hippocampal-Dependent Relational Memory among Overweight and Obese Children

PubMed Central

Khan, Naiman A.; Baym, Carol L.; Monti, Jim M.; Raine, Lauren B.; Drollette, Eric S.; Scudder, Mark R.; Moore, R. Davis; Kramer, Arthur F.; Hillman, Charles H.; Cohen, Neal J.

2014-01-01

Objective To assess associations between adiposity and hippocampal-dependent and hippocampal-independent memory forms among prepubertal children. Study design Prepubertal children (7–9-year-olds, n = 126), classified as non-overweight (<85th %tile BMI-for-age [n = 73]) or overweight/obese (≥85th %tile BMI-for-age [n = 53]), completed relational (hippocampal-dependent) and item (hippocampal-independent) memory tasks, and performance was assessed with both direct (behavioral accuracy) and indirect (preferential disproportionate viewing [PDV]) measures. Adiposity (%whole body fat mass, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and total abdominal adipose tissue) was assessed using DXA. Backward regressions identified significant (P <0.05) predictive models of memory performance. Covariates included age, sex, pubertal timing, socioeconomic status, IQ, oxygen consumption (VO2max), and body mass index (BMI) z-score. Results Among overweight/obese children, total abdominal adipose tissue was a significant negative predictor of relational memory behavioral accuracy, and pubertal timing together with socioeconomic status jointly predicted the PDV measure of relational memory. In contrast, among non-overweight children, male sex predicted item memory behavioral accuracy, and a model consisting of socioeconomic status and BMI z-score jointly predicted the PDV measure of relational memory. Conclusions Regional, and not whole body, fat deposition was selectively and negatively associated with hippocampal-dependent relational memory among overweight/obese prepubertal children. PMID:25454939

Central adiposity is negatively associated with hippocampal-dependent relational memory among overweight and obese children.

PubMed

Khan, Naiman A; Baym, Carol L; Monti, Jim M; Raine, Lauren B; Drollette, Eric S; Scudder, Mark R; Moore, R Davis; Kramer, Arthur F; Hillman, Charles H; Cohen, Neal J

2015-02-01

To assess associations between adiposity and hippocampal-dependent and hippocampal-independent memory forms among prepubertal children. Prepubertal children (age 7-9 years; n = 126), classified as non-overweight (<85th percentile body mass index [BMI]-for-age [n = 73]) or overweight/obese (≥85th percentile BMI-for-age [n = 53]), completed relational (hippocampal-dependent) and item (hippocampal-independent) memory tasks. Performance was assessed with both direct (behavioral accuracy) and indirect (preferential disproportionate viewing [PDV]) measures. Adiposity (ie, percent whole-body fat mass, subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, and total abdominal adipose tissue) was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Backward regression identified significant (P < .05) predictive models of memory performance. Covariates included age, sex, pubertal timing, socioeconomic status (SES), IQ, oxygen consumption, and BMI z-score. Among overweight/obese children, total abdominal adipose tissue was a significant negative predictor of relational memory behavioral accuracy, and pubertal timing together with SES jointly predicted the PDV measure of relational memory. In contrast, among non-overweight children, male sex predicted item memory behavioral accuracy, and a model consisting of SES and BMI z-score jointly predicted the PDV measure of relational memory. Regional, but not whole-body, fat deposition was selectively and negatively associated with hippocampal-dependent relational memory among overweight/obese prepubertal children. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Derivation of the RPA (Random Phase Approximation) Equation of ATDDFT (Adiabatic Time Dependent Density Functional Ground State Response Theory) from an Excited State Variational Approach Based on the Ground State Functional.

PubMed

Ziegler, Tom; Krykunov, Mykhaylo; Autschbach, Jochen

2014-09-09

The random phase approximation (RPA) equation of adiabatic time dependent density functional ground state response theory (ATDDFT) has been used extensively in studies of excited states. It extracts information about excited states from frequency dependent ground state response properties and avoids, thus, in an elegant way, direct Kohn-Sham calculations on excited states in accordance with the status of DFT as a ground state theory. Thus, excitation energies can be found as resonance poles of frequency dependent ground state polarizability from the eigenvalues of the RPA equation. ATDDFT is approximate in that it makes use of a frequency independent energy kernel derived from the ground state functional. It is shown in this study that one can derive the RPA equation of ATDDFT from a purely variational approach in which stationary states above the ground state are located using our constricted variational DFT (CV-DFT) method and the ground state functional. Thus, locating stationary states above the ground state due to one-electron excitations with a ground state functional is completely equivalent to solving the RPA equation of TDDFT employing the same functional. The present study is an extension of a previous work in which we demonstrated the equivalence between ATDDFT and CV-DFT within the Tamm-Dancoff approximation.

Electroosmotic flow hysteresis for dissimilar ionic solutions

PubMed Central

Lim, An Eng; Lam, Yee Cheong

2015-01-01

Electroosmotic flow (EOF) with two or more fluids is commonly encountered in various microfluidics applications. However, no investigation has hitherto been conducted to investigate the hysteretic or flow direction-dependent behavior during the displacement flow of solutions with dissimilar ionic species. In this investigation, electroosmotic displacement flow involving dissimilar ionic solutions was studied experimentally through a current monitoring method and numerically through finite element simulations. The flow hysteresis can be characterized by the turning and displacement times; turning time refers to the abrupt gradient change of current-time curve while displacement time is the time for one solution to completely displace the other solution. Both experimental and simulation results illustrate that the turning and displacement times for a particular solution pair can be directional-dependent, indicating that the flow conditions in the microchannel are not the same in the two different flow directions. The mechanics of EOF hysteresis was elucidated through the theoretical model which includes the ionic mobility of each species, a major governing parameter. Two distinct mechanics have been identified as the causes for the EOF hysteresis involving dissimilar ionic solutions: the widening/sharpening effect of interfacial region between the two solutions and the difference in ion concentration distributions (and thus average zeta potentials) in different flow directions. The outcome of this investigation contributes to the fundamental understanding of flow behavior in microfluidic systems involving solution pair with dissimilar ionic species. PMID:25945139

A practical approach to calculate the time evolutions of magnetic field effects on photochemical reactions in nano-structured materials.

PubMed

Yago, Tomoaki; Wakasa, Masanobu

2015-04-21

A practical method to calculate time evolutions of magnetic field effects (MFEs) on photochemical reactions involving radical pairs is developed on the basis of the theory of the chemically induced dynamic spin polarization proposed by Pedersen and Freed. In theory, the stochastic Liouville equation (SLE), including the spin Hamiltonian, diffusion motions of the radical pair, chemical reactions, and spin relaxations, is solved by using the Laplace and the inverse Laplace transformation technique. In our practical approach, time evolutions of the MFEs are successfully calculated by applying the Miller-Guy method instead of the final value theorem to the inverse Laplace transformation process. Especially, the SLE calculations are completed in a short time when the radical pair dynamics can be described by the chemical kinetics consisting of diffusions, reactions and spin relaxations. The SLE analysis with a short calculation time enables one to examine the various parameter sets for fitting the experimental date. Our study demonstrates that simultaneous fitting of the time evolution of the MFE and of the magnetic field dependence of the MFE provides valuable information on the diffusion motions of the radical pairs in nano-structured materials such as micelles where the lifetimes of radical pairs are longer than hundreds of nano-seconds and the magnetic field dependence of the spin relaxations play a major role for the generation of the MFE.

Plasmon-induced nonlinear response of silver atomic chains.

PubMed

Yan, Lei; Guan, Mengxue; Meng, Sheng

2018-05-10

Nonlinear response of a linear silver atomic chain upon ultrafast laser excitation has been studied in real time using the time-dependent density functional theory. We observe the presence of nonlinear responses up to the fifth order in tunneling current, which is ascribed to the excitation of high-energy electrons generated by Landau damping of plasmons. The nonlinear effect is enhanced after adsorption of polar molecules such as water due to the enhanced damping rates during plasmon decay. Increasing the length of atomic chains also increases the nonlinear response, favoring higher-order plasmon excitation. These findings offer new insights towards a complete understanding and ultimate control of plasmon-induced nonlinear phenomena to atomic precision.

Analysis of Drude model using fractional derivatives without singular kernels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez, Leonardo Martínez; García, J. Juan Rosales; Contreras, Abraham Ortega; Baleanu, Dumitru

2017-11-01

We report study exploring the fractional Drude model in the time domain, using fractional derivatives without singular kernels, Caputo-Fabrizio (CF), and fractional derivatives with a stretched Mittag-Leffler function. It is shown that the velocity and current density of electrons moving through a metal depend on both the time and the fractional order 0 < γ ≤ 1. Due to non-singular fractional kernels, it is possible to consider complete memory effects in the model, which appear neither in the ordinary model, nor in the fractional Drude model with Caputo fractional derivative. A comparison is also made between these two representations of the fractional derivatives, resulting a considered difference when γ < 0.8.

Do radioactive half-lives vary with the Earth-to-Sun distance?

PubMed

Hardy, J C; Goodwin, J R; Iacob, V E

2012-09-01

Recently, Jenkins, Fischbach and collaborators have claimed evidence that radionuclide half-lives vary systematically over a ±0.1% range as a function of the oscillating distance between the Earth and the Sun, based on multi-year activity measurements. We have avoided the time-dependent instabilities to which such measurements are susceptible by directly measuring the half-life of (198)Au (t(1/2)=2.695 d) on seven occasions spread out in time to cover the complete range of Earth-Sun distances. We observe no systematic oscillations in half-life and can set an upper limit on their amplitude of ±0.02%. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solar panel acceptance testing using a pulsed solar simulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hershey, T. L.

1977-01-01

Utilizing specific parameters as area of an individual cell, number in series and parallel, and established coefficient of current and voltage temperature dependence, a solar array irradiated with one solar constant at AMO and at ambient temperature can be characterized by a current-voltage curve for different intensities, temperatures, and even different configurations. Calibration techniques include: uniformity in area, depth and time, absolute and transfer irradiance standards, dynamic and functional check out procedures. Typical data are given for individual cell (2x2 cm) to complete flat solar array (5x5 feet) with 2660 cells and on cylindrical test items with up to 10,000 cells. The time and energy saving of such testing techniques are emphasized.

Steering population transfer of the Na2 molecule by an ultrashort pulse train

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Dong-Hua; Wang, Shuo; Zhan, Wei-Shen; Tao, Hong-Cai; Wang, Si-Qi

2018-05-01

We theoretically investigate the complete population transfer among quantum states of the Na2 molecule using ultrashort pulse trains using the time-dependent wave packet method. The population accumulation of the target state can be steered by controlling the laser parameters, such as the variable pulse pairs, the different pulse widths, the time delays and the repetition period between two contiguous pulses; in particular, the pulse pairs and the pulse widths have a great effect on the population transfer. The calculations show that the ultrashort pulse train is a feasible solution, which can steer the population transfer from the initial state to the target state efficiently with lower peak intensities.

Location-oblivious data transfer with flying entangled qudits

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

Kent, Adrian

2011-07-15

We present a simple and practical quantum protocol involving two mistrustful agencies in Minkowski space, which allows Alice to transfer data to Bob at a space-time location that neither can predict in advance. The location depends on both Alice's and Bob's actions. The protocol guarantees unconditionally to Alice that Bob learns the data at a randomly determined location; it guarantees to Bob that Alice will not learn the transfer location even after the protocol is complete. The task implemented, transferring data at a space-time location that remains hidden from the transferrer, has no precise analog in nonrelativistic quantum cryptography. Itmore » illustrates further the scope for novel cryptographic applications of relativistic quantum theory.« less

Wall-shaped hohlraum influence on symmetry and energetics in gas-filled hohlraums

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tassin, Veronique; Philippe, Franck; Laffite, Stephane; Videau, Laurent; Monteil, Marie-Christine; Villette, Bruno; Stemmler, Philippe; Bednarczyk, Sophie; Peche, Emilie; Reneaume, Benoit; Thessieux, Christian

2008-11-01

On the way to the LMJ completion, achieving ignition with 40 quads in a 2-cone configuration will be attempted as a first step. Theoretical investigation of a rugby-shaped hohlraum shows energetics optimization and a better symmetry control compared to a cylindrical hohlraum [1]. We recently conducted experiments on the Omega laser facility with 3 different wall-shaped methane-filled hohlraum configurations. We present here the experimental results. Energetics benefits are shown for reduced wall area hohlraums. The wall-shaped hohlraum influence on time-dependent radiation symmetry is also discussed. For the 3 gas-filled hohlraums configurations, we compare the foamball early-time radiographs, the D2Ar-filled capsule time-integrated images and the core self-emission images. [1] M. Vandenboomgaerde, Phys. Rev. Lett., 99, 065004 (2007).

Prevalence of the tobacco product dokha among high school students in Dubai.

PubMed

Crookes, Annie; Wolff, Kim

2014-08-01

Dokha is a mixed tobacco product, smoked through a pipe, traditional in Arabic culture and popular in the UAE. User forums suggest this product may contain higher levels of nicotine and potentially psychoactive properties. However, there have been few published studies on dokha prevalence and health effects. The present study provides initial data on prevalence of use among high school students resident in Dubai, UAE. 416 students were recruited from five English curriculum schools. Respondents completed a questionnaire measuring current and lifetime use of tobacco in the form of cigarettes, water-pipes and dokha. Current tobacco users completed the 'Hooked on Nicotine Checklist for signs of dependency. Data from 394 subjects were analyzed with mean age 16.9 years. Regular use (weekly or daily) of tobacco had relatively high prevalence (23.4%) compared to international data and was driven by use of the local tobacco, dokha. Dokha forms a commonly used tobacco product among young people in the UAE from both Arab and Western national groups. Little is currently known about the health and dependence risks of this product. The paper adds to the few studies calling for timely research into this and other emerging tobacco products.

Effect of fuel concentration and force on collective transport by a team of dynein motors

PubMed Central

Takshak, Anjneya; Roy, Tanushree; Tandaiya, Parag

2016-01-01

Abstract Motor proteins are essential components of intracellular transport inside eukaryotic cells. These protein molecules use chemical energy obtained from hydrolysis of ATP to produce mechanical forces required for transporting cargos inside cells, from one location to another, in a directed manner. Of these motors, cytoplasmic dynein is structurally more complex than other motor proteins involved in intracellular transport, as it shows force and fuel (ATP) concentration dependent step‐size. Cytoplasmic dynein motors are known to work in a team during cargo transport and force generation. Here, we use a complete Monte‐Carlo model of single dynein constrained by in vitro experiments, which includes the effect of both force and ATP on stepping as well as detachment of motors under force. We then use our complete Monte‐Carlo model of single dynein motor to understand collective cargo transport by a team of dynein motors, such as dependence of cargo travel distance and velocity on applied force and fuel concentration. In our model, cargos pulled by a team of dynein motors do not detach rapidly under higher forces, confirming the experimental observation of longer persistence time of dynein team on microtubule under higher forces. PMID:27727483

Mathematical model for the growth of phases in binary multiphase systems upon isothermic annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molokhina, L. A.; Rogalin, V. E.; Filin, S. A.; Kaplunov, I. A.

2017-09-01

A phenomenological mathematical model of the formation and growth of phases in a binary multiphase system with allowance for factors influencing the process of diffusion in a binary system is presented. It is shown that phases can grow for a certain time at different ratios between diffusion parameters according to a parabolic law that depends on the duration of isothermic annealing. They then slow their growth after successor phases appear at their interface with one component and can completely disappear from a diffusion layer or begin to grow again, but only at a rate slower than during their initial formation. The dependence of the thickness of each phase layer in a multiphase diffusion zone on the duration of isothermic annealing and the ratio between the diffusion parameters in neighboring phases is obtained. It is established that a certain ratio between the phase growth and rates of dissolution with allowance for the coefficients of diffusion in each phase and the periods of incubation can result in the complete disappearance of one phase as early as the onset of the growth of phase nuclei and be interpreted as a process of reaction diffusion.

Precise new shock temperatures in forsterite and in silicate liquids: phase transitions and heat capacity at high pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asimow, P. D.; Fat'yanov, O. V.; Su, C.; Ma, X. J.

2017-12-01

Shock temperature measurements in transparent samples provide key constraints on the phase transitions and thermodynamic properties of materials at high pressure and temperature. Such measurements are necessary, for example, to allow equation of state measurements taken along the Hugoniot to be translated to P-V-T space. We have recently completed a detailed study of the accuracy and reproducibility of calibration of our 6-channel fast pyrometer. We have also introduced improved analysis procedures of the time-dependent multi-wavelength radiance signal that avoid the need for a greybody assumption and therefore have better precision than earlier results. This has motivated (a) renewed study of the shock temperature of forsterite in the superheating, partial melting, and complete melting regimes, (b) pre-heated diopside-anorthite glass shock temperature experiments for comparison to pre-heated silicate liquid equation of state results, and (c) new soda-lime glass shock temperature experiments. Single-crystal synthetic forsterite samples were shocked along (100) to pressures between 120 and 210 GPa on the Caltech two-stage light gas gun. Uncertainties on most results are 50 K. Results above the onset of partial melting at 130 GPa are consistent with Lyzenga and Ahrens (1980) data and show a low P-T slope consistent with a partial melting interval. Complete melting may occur, given sufficient time, at about 210 GPa. The experiment at 120-130 GPa is anomalous, showing two-wave structure and time- and wavelength-dependent scattering suggesting a subsolidus phase transition behind the shock front. The amount of super-heating, if any, is far smaller than claimed by Holland and Ahrens (1997). Steady radiation profiles, high emissivity, and consistency from channel to channel provide high precision (±40 K) in diopside-anorthite liquid shocked from just above the glass transition to high pressure. Temperatures are colder than expected for a model with constant heat capacity, providing direct evidence that multicomponent silicate liquids show a major increase in heat capacity in the P-T range appropriate to terrestrial magma oceans (<150 GPa, <5000 K).

Brain potentials measured during a Go/NoGo task predict completion of substance abuse treatment.

PubMed

Steele, Vaughn R; Fink, Brandi C; Maurer, J Michael; Arbabshirani, Mohammad R; Wilber, Charles H; Jaffe, Adam J; Sidz, Anna; Pearlson, Godfrey D; Calhoun, Vince D; Clark, Vincent P; Kiehl, Kent A

2014-07-01

U.S. nationwide estimates indicate that 50% to 80% of prisoners have a history of substance abuse or dependence. Tailoring substance abuse treatment to specific needs of incarcerated individuals could improve effectiveness of treating substance dependence and preventing drug abuse relapse. We tested whether pretreatment neural measures of a response inhibition (Go/NoGo) task would predict which individuals would or would not complete a 12-week cognitive behavioral substance abuse treatment program. Adult incarcerated participants (n = 89; women n = 55) who volunteered for substance abuse treatment performed a Go/NoGo task while event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded. Stimulus- and response-locked ERPs were compared between participants who completed (n = 68; women = 45) and discontinued (n = 21; women = 10) treatment. As predicted, stimulus-locked P2, response-locked error-related negativity (ERN/Ne), and response-locked error positivity (Pe), measured with windowed time-domain and principal component analysis, differed between groups. Using logistic regression and support-vector machine (i.e., pattern classifiers) models, P2 and Pe predicted treatment completion above and beyond other measures (i.e., N2, P300, ERN/Ne, age, sex, IQ, impulsivity, depression, anxiety, motivation for change, and years of drug abuse). Participants who discontinued treatment exhibited deficiencies in sensory gating, as indexed by smaller P2; error-monitoring, as indexed by smaller ERN/Ne; and adjusting response strategy posterror, as indexed by larger Pe. The combination of P2 and Pe reliably predicted 83.33% of individuals who discontinued treatment. These results may help in the development of individualized therapies, which could lead to more favorable, long-term outcomes. © 2013 Society of Biological Psychiatry Published by Society of Biological Psychiatry All rights reserved.

Opioid use and dropout in patients receiving oral naltrexone with or without single administration of injection naltrexone.

PubMed

Sullivan, Maria A; Bisaga, Adam; Glass, Andrew; Mishlen, Kaitlyn; Pavlicova, Martina; Carpenter, Kenneth M; Mariani, John J; Levin, Frances R; Nunes, Edward V

2015-02-01

Adherence to oral naltrexone has been poor and can be improved somewhat with behavioral therapy. We compared behavioral naltrexone therapy (BNT) to compliance enhancement (CE) and tested efficacy of single-dose injection naltrexone (XR-NTX; 384 mg) with behavioral therapies at further improving adherence to oral naltrexone. A 24-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (n=125) compared four treatment conditions following inpatient detoxification and oral naltrexone induction: (1) BNT+XR-NTX; (2) BNT+placebo injection; (3) CE+XR-NTX; and (4) CE+placebo injection. All participants were maintained on oral naltrexone throughout the trial. Primary outcome was retention in treatment. Of 89 randomized participants, 78.7% (70/89) completed 4 weeks, 58.2% (54/89) completed 8 weeks, 47.2% (42/89) completed 12 weeks, and 25.8% (23/89) completed 24 weeks. A Cox proportional hazards regression modeled time to dropout as a function of treatment condition, baseline opioid dependence severity (bags per day of heroin use), and their interaction. Interaction of conditions by baseline severity was significant (X3(2)=9.19, p=0.027). For low-severity patients (≤ 6 bags/day), retention was highest in the BNT-XR-NTX group (60% at 6 months), as hypothesized. For high-severity (>6 bags/day) patients, BNT-XR-NTX did not perform as well, due to high early attrition. For low-severity heroin users, single-dose XR-NTX improved long-term treatment retention when combined with behavioral therapy. In higher-severity opioid-dependent patients, XR-NTX was less helpful, perhaps because, combined with oral naltrexone, it produced higher blood levels and more withdrawal discomfort. When cost considerations recommend oral naltrexone following XR-NTX, the latter should be phased in slowly. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Brain Potentials Measured During a Go/NoGo Task Predict Completion of Substance Abuse Treatment

PubMed Central

Steele, Vaughn R.; Fink, Brandi C.; Maurer, J. Michael; Arbabshirani, Mohammad R.; Wilber, Charles H.; Jaffe, Adam J.; Sidz, Anna; Pearlson, Godfrey D.; Calhoun, Vince D.; Clark, Vincent P.; Kiehl, Kent A.

2014-01-01

Background US nationwide estimates indicate 50–80% of prisoners have a history of substance abuse or dependence. Tailoring substance abuse treatment to specific needs of incarcerated individuals could improve effectiveness of treating substance dependence and preventing drug abuse relapse. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that pre-treatment neural measures of a Go/NoGo task would predict which individuals would or would not complete a 12-week cognitive behavioral substance abuse treatment program. Methods Adult incarcerated participants (N=89; Females=55) who volunteered for substance abuse treatment performed a response inhibition (Go/NoGo) task while event-related potentials (ERP) were recorded. Stimulus- and response-locked ERPs were compared between individuals who completed (N=68; Females=45) and discontinued (N=21; Females=10) treatment. Results As predicted, stimulus-locked P2, response-locked error-related negativity (ERN/Ne), and response-locked error positivity (Pe), measured with windowed time-domain and principal component analysis, differed between groups. Using logistic regression and support-vector machine (i.e., pattern classifiers) models, P2 and Pe predicted treatment completion above and beyond other measures (i.e., N2, P300, ERN/Ne, age, sex, IQ, impulsivity, and self-reported depression, anxiety, motivation for change, and years of drug abuse). Conclusions We conclude individuals who discontinue treatment exhibited deficiencies in sensory gating, as indexed by smaller P2, error-monitoring, as indexed by smaller ERN/Ne, and adjusting response strategy post-error, as indexed by larger Pe. However, the combination of P2 and Pe reliably predicted 83.33% of individuals who discontinued treatment. These results may help in the development of individualized therapies, which could lead to more favorable, long-term outcomes. PMID:24238783

Opioid use and dropout in patients receiving oral naltrexone with or without single administration of injection naltrexone

PubMed Central

Sullivan, Maria A.; Bisaga, Adam; Glass, Andrew; Mishlen, Kaitlyn; Pavlicova, Martina; Carpenter, Kenneth M.; Mariani, John J; Levin, Frances R.; Nunes, Edward V.

2015-01-01

Background Adherence to oral naltrexone has been poor and can be improved somewhat with behavioral therapy. We compared Behavioral Naltrexone Therapy (BNT) to Compliance Enhancement (CE) and tested efficacy of single-dose injection naltrexone (XR-NTX; 384 mg) with behavioral therapies at further improving aherence to oral naltrexone. Methods A 24-week, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (N=125) compared four treatment conditions following inpatient detoxification and oral naltrexone induction: (1) BNT+XR-NTX; (2) BNT+ placebo injection; (3) CE+ XR-NTX; and (4) CE+placebo injection. All participants were maintained on oral naltrexone throughout the trial. Primary outcome was retention in treatment. Results Of 89 randomized participants, 78.7% (70/89) completed 4 weeks, 58.2% (54/89) completed 8 weeks, 47.2% (42/89) completed 12 weeks, and 25.8% (23/89) completed 24 weeks. A Cox proportional hazards regression modeled time to dropout as a function of treatment condition, baseline opioid dependence severity (bags per day of heroin use), and their interaction. Interaction of conditions by baseline severity was significant (X23 = 9.19, p = .027). For low-severity patients (<6 bags/day), retention was highest in the BNT-XRNTX group (60% at 6 months), as hypothesized. For high-severity (> 6 bags/day) patients, BNT-XR-NTX did not perform as well, due to high early attrition. Conclusion For low-severity heroin users, single-dose XR-NTX improved long-term treatment retention when combined with behavioral therapy. In higher-severity opioid-dependent patients, XR-NTX was less helpful, perhaps because, combined with oral naltrexone, it produced higher blood levels and more withdrawal discomfort. When cost considerations recommend oral naltrexone following XR-NTX, the latter should be phased in slowly. PMID:25555621

The impact of time-window bias on the assessment of the long-term effect of medication adherence: the case of secondary prevention after myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Di Martino, Mirko; Kirchmayer, Ursula; Agabiti, Nera; Bauleo, Lisa; Fusco, Danilo; Perucci, Carlo Alberto; Davoli, Marina

2015-06-10

Time-window bias was described in case-control studies and led to a biased estimate of drug effect. No studies have measured the impact of this bias on the assessment of the effect of medication adherence on health outcomes. Our goals were to estimate the association between adherence to drug therapies after myocardial infarction (MI) and the incidence of a new MI, and to quantify the error that would have been produced by a time-window bias. This is a population-based study. Data were obtained from the Regional Health Information Systems of the Lazio Region in Central Italy (around 5 million inhabitants). Patients discharged after MI in 2006-2007 were enrolled in the cohort and followed through 2009. The study outcome was reinfarction: either mortality, or hospital admission for MI, whichever occurred first. A nested case-control study was performed. Controls were selected using both time-dependent and time-independent sampling. Adherence to antiplatelets, β-blockers, ACE inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) and statins was calculated using the proportion of days covered (PDC). A total of 6880 patients were enrolled in the cohort. Using time-dependent sampling, a protective effect was detected for all study drugs. Conversely, using time-independent sampling, the beneficial effect was attenuated, as in the case of antiplatelet agents and statins, or completely masked, as in the case of ACEI/ARBs and β-blockers. For ACEI/ARBs, the time-dependent approach produced ORs of 0.83 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.21) and 0.72 (0.55 to 0.95), respectively, for '0.5 < PDC ≤ 0.75' and 'PDC>0.75' versus '0 ≤ PDC ≤ 0.5'. Using the time-independent approach, the ORs were 0.96 (0.65 to 1.43) and 1.00 (0.76 to 1.33), respectively. A time-independent definition of a time-dependent exposure introduces a bias when the length of follow-up varies with the outcome. The persistence of time-related biases in peer-reviewed papers strongly suggests the need for increased awareness of this methodological pitfall. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Spectral characterization of differential group delay in uniform fiber Bragg gratings.

PubMed

Bette, S; Caucheteur, C; Wuilpart, M; Mégret, P; Garcia-Olcina, R; Sales, S; Capmany, J

2005-12-12

In this paper, we completely study the wavelength dependency of differential group delay (DGD) in uniform fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) exhibiting birefringence. An analytical expression of DGD is established. We analyze the impact of grating parameters (physical length, index modulation and apodization profile) on the wavelength dependency of DGD. Experimental results complete the paper. A very good agreement between theory and experience is reported.

The Active Fault Parameters for Time-Dependent Earthquake Hazard Assessment in Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Y.; Cheng, C.; Lin, P.; Shao, K.; Wu, Y.; Shih, C.

2011-12-01

Taiwan is located at the boundary between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, with a convergence rate of ~ 80 mm/yr in a ~N118E direction. The plate motion is so active that earthquake is very frequent. In the Taiwan area, disaster-inducing earthquakes often result from active faults. For this reason, it's an important subject to understand the activity and hazard of active faults. The active faults in Taiwan are mainly located in the Western Foothills and the Eastern longitudinal valley. Active fault distribution map published by the Central Geological Survey (CGS) in 2010 shows that there are 31 active faults in the island of Taiwan and some of which are related to earthquake. Many researchers have investigated these active faults and continuously update new data and results, but few people have integrated them for time-dependent earthquake hazard assessment. In this study, we want to gather previous researches and field work results and then integrate these data as an active fault parameters table for time-dependent earthquake hazard assessment. We are going to gather the seismic profiles or earthquake relocation of a fault and then combine the fault trace on land to establish the 3D fault geometry model in GIS system. We collect the researches of fault source scaling in Taiwan and estimate the maximum magnitude from fault length or fault area. We use the characteristic earthquake model to evaluate the active fault earthquake recurrence interval. In the other parameters, we will collect previous studies or historical references and complete our parameter table of active faults in Taiwan. The WG08 have done the time-dependent earthquake hazard assessment of active faults in California. They established the fault models, deformation models, earthquake rate models, and probability models and then compute the probability of faults in California. Following these steps, we have the preliminary evaluated probability of earthquake-related hazards in certain faults in Taiwan. By accomplishing active fault parameters table in Taiwan, we would apply it in time-dependent earthquake hazard assessment. The result can also give engineers a reference for design. Furthermore, it can be applied in the seismic hazard map to mitigate disasters.

Health-related quality of life trajectories of methamphetamine-dependent individuals as a function of treatment completion and continued care over a 1-year period.

PubMed

Gonzales, Rachel; Ang, Alfonso; Marinelli-Casey, Patricia; Glik, Deborah C; Iguchi, Martin Y; Rawson, Richard A

2009-12-01

This study applies a chronic illness framework to evaluate treatment outcomes among individuals dependent on methamphetamine (MA). Using growth curve modeling, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) trajectories of MA-dependent individuals (N = 723) were examined over a 1-year period. Results show greater improvements in mental HRQOL trajectories as a function of treatment completion and continued care, although fairly static trajectories in physical health status. Other factors affecting HRQOL trajectories included gender, psychosocial functioning, drug use severity, and health impairment. Results extend research on treatment evaluations for MA dependence, highlighting the importance of continued service utilization for improved quality of life outcomes.

Evaporation dynamics of completely wetting drops on geometrically textured surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mekhitarian, Loucine; Sobac, Benjamin; Dehaeck, Sam; Haut, Benoît; Colinet, Pierre

2017-10-01

This study deals with the evaporation dynamics of completely wetting and highly volatile drops deposited on geometrically textured but chemically homogeneous surfaces. The texturation consists in a cylindrical pillars array with a square pitch. The triple line dynamics and the drop shape are characterized by an interferometric method. A parametric study is realized by varying the radius and the height of the pillars (at fixed interpillar distance), allowing to distinguish three types of dynamics: i) an evaporation-dominated regime with a receding triple line; ii) a spreading-dominated regime with an initially advancing triple line; iii) a cross-over region with strong pinning effects. The overall picture is in qualitative agreement with a mathematical model showing that the selected regime mostly depends on the value of a dimensionless parameter comparing the time scales for evaporation and spreading into the substrate texture.

Estimation of Radiofrequency Power Leakage from Microwave Ovens for Dosimetric Assessment at Nonionizing Radiation Exposure Levels

PubMed Central

Lopez-Iturri, Peio; de Miguel-Bilbao, Silvia; Aguirre, Erik; Azpilicueta, Leire; Falcone, Francisco; Ramos, Victoria

2015-01-01

The electromagnetic field leakage levels of nonionizing radiation from a microwave oven have been estimated within a complex indoor scenario. By employing a hybrid simulation technique, based on coupling full wave simulation with an in-house developed deterministic 3D ray launching code, estimations of the observed electric field values can be obtained for the complete indoor scenario. The microwave oven can be modeled as a time- and frequency-dependent radiating source, in which leakage, basically from the microwave oven door, is propagated along the complete indoor scenario interacting with all of the elements present in it. This method can be of aid in order to assess the impact of such devices on expected exposure levels, allowing adequate minimization strategies such as optimal location to be applied. PMID:25705676

Band 3 nullVIENNA , a novel homozygous SLC4A1 p.Ser477X variant causing severe hemolytic anemia, dyserythropoiesis and complete distal renal tubular acidosis.

PubMed

Kager, Leo; Bruce, Lesley J; Zeitlhofer, Petra; Flatt, Joanna F; Maia, Tabita M; Ribeiro, M Leticia; Fahrner, Bernhard; Fritsch, Gerhard; Boztug, Kaan; Haas, Oskar A

2017-03-01

We describe the second patient with anionic exchanger 1/band 3 null phenotype (band 3 null VIENNA ), which was caused by a novel nonsense mutation c.1430C>A (p.Ser477X) in exon 12 of SLC4A1. We also update on the previous band 3 null COIMBRA patient, thereby elucidating the physiological implications of total loss of AE1/band 3. Besides transfusion-dependent severe hemolytic anemia and complete distal renal tubular acidosis, dyserythropoiesis was identified in the band 3 null VIENNA patient, suggesting a role for band 3 in erythropoiesis. Moreover, we also, for the first time, report that long-term survival is possible in band 3 null patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characteristics of first-time varenicline users - A cross-sectional study in Finnish quitters.

PubMed

Tervonen, Hanna E; Turunen, Juha H O; Baker, Christine L; Laine, Juha; Linden, Kari

2017-04-19

Varenicline is an efficacious medicine for smoking cessation (SC) but little is known about the characteristics of varenicline users. This study examined the characteristics of first-time (naïve) varenicline users in Finland and compared those who had previously used SC pharmacotherapy to those who were trying SC pharmacotherapy for the first time. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Finnish community pharmacies between February 2014 and January 2015. Pharmacy customers purchasing a varenicline starter package for the first time ever were asked to complete a questionnaire or to participate in a structured interview conducted by the pharmacist (identical questions). The questionnaire included questions about demographic characteristics, smoking habits, previous cessation attempts and factors associated with varenicline use. Altogether 98 people completed the survey. The majority were daily smokers (96%, n = 94), with a history of over 10 years of regular smoking (94%, n = 92), and a strong/very strong nicotine dependence (67%, n = 66). Half of the participants (54%, n = 53) were trying a SC pharmacotherapy for the first time. Demographic characteristics and smoking habits were similar between first-time and previous users of SC medications (p > 0.05). Health centers (42%, n = 41) and occupational health care clinics (37%, n = 36) were the most common sources of varenicline prescriptions. The majority of participants received the prescription for varenicline after mentioning their desire for quitting to a physician (70%, n = 69). Considering the relatively large proportion of SC naïve medicine users among new users of varenicline, smokers who have previously been reluctant to quit smoking, to use other pharmacological SC interventions, or perhaps unaware of these options may be interested in attempting cessation with varenicline. Most participants made the initiative to discuss their smoking with the physician, which led to varenicline prescribing. This suggests that physicians may not satisfactorily recognize their patients' nicotine dependence and desire to quit, and they should more actively support patients' smoking cessation.

Statistical mechanics of the vertex-cover problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmann, Alexander K.; Weigt, Martin

2003-10-01

We review recent progress in the study of the vertex-cover problem (VC). The VC belongs to the class of NP-complete graph theoretical problems, which plays a central role in theoretical computer science. On ensembles of random graphs, VC exhibits a coverable-uncoverable phase transition. Very close to this transition, depending on the solution algorithm, easy-hard transitions in the typical running time of the algorithms occur. We explain a statistical mechanics approach, which works by mapping the VC to a hard-core lattice gas, and then applying techniques such as the replica trick or the cavity approach. Using these methods, the phase diagram of the VC could be obtained exactly for connectivities c < e, where the VC is replica symmetric. Recently, this result could be confirmed using traditional mathematical techniques. For c > e, the solution of the VC exhibits full replica symmetry breaking. The statistical mechanics approach can also be used to study analytically the typical running time of simple complete and incomplete algorithms for the VC. Finally, we describe recent results for the VC when studied on other ensembles of finite- and infinite-dimensional graphs.

Catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane via cobalt palladium nanoparticles.

PubMed

Sun, Daohua; Mazumder, Vismadeb; Metin, Önder; Sun, Shouheng

2011-08-23

Monodisperse 8 nm CoPd nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled compositions were synthesized by the reduction of cobalt acetylacetonate and palladium bromide in the presence of oleylamine and trioctylphosphine. These NPs were active catalysts for hydrogen generation from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane (AB), and their activities were composition dependent. Among the 8 nm CoPd catalysts tested for the hydrolysis of AB, the Co(35)Pd(65) NPs exhibited the highest catalytic activity and durability. Their hydrolysis completion time and activation energy were 5.5 min and 27.5 kJ mol(-1), respectively, which were comparable to the best Pt-based catalyst reported. The catalytic performance of the CoPd/C could be further enhanced by a preannealing treatment at 300 °C under air for 15 h with the hydrolysis completion time reduced to 3.5 min. This high catalytic performance of Co(35)Pd(65) NP catalyst makes it an exciting alternative in pursuit of practical implementation of AB as a hydrogen storage material for fuel cell applications. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Regression relation for pure quantum states and its implications for efficient computing.

PubMed

Elsayed, Tarek A; Fine, Boris V

2013-02-15

We obtain a modified version of the Onsager regression relation for the expectation values of quantum-mechanical operators in pure quantum states of isolated many-body quantum systems. We use the insights gained from this relation to show that high-temperature time correlation functions in many-body quantum systems can be controllably computed without complete diagonalization of the Hamiltonians, using instead the direct integration of the Schrödinger equation for randomly sampled pure states. This method is also applicable to quantum quenches and other situations describable by time-dependent many-body Hamiltonians. The method implies exponential reduction of the computer memory requirement in comparison with the complete diagonalization. We illustrate the method by numerically computing infinite-temperature correlation functions for translationally invariant Heisenberg chains of up to 29 spins 1/2. Thereby, we also test the spin diffusion hypothesis and find it in a satisfactory agreement with the numerical results. Both the derivation of the modified regression relation and the justification of the computational method are based on the notion of quantum typicality.

Toroidal Ampere-Faraday Equations Solved Simultaneously with CQL3D Fokker-Planck Time-Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harvey, R. W. (Bob); Petrov, Yu. V. (Yuri); Forest, C. B.; La Haye, R. J.

2017-10-01

A self-consistent, time-dependent toroidal electric field calculation is a key feature of a complete 3D Fokker-Planck kinetic distribution radial transport code for f(v,theta,rho,t). We discuss benchmarking and first applications of an implementation of the Ampere-Faraday equation for the self-consistent toroidal electric field, as applied to (1) resistive turn on of applied electron cyclotron current in the DIII-D tokamak giving initial back current adjacent to the direct CD region and having possible NTM stabilization implications, and (2) runaway electron production in tokamaks due to rapid reduction of the plasma temperature as occurs in pellet injection, massive gas injection, or a plasma disruption. Our previous results assuming a constant current density (Lenz' Law) model showed that prompt ``hot-tail runaways'' dominated ``knock-on'' and Dreicer ``drizzle'' runaways; we perform full-radius modeling and examine modifications due to the more complete Ampere-Faraday solution. Presently, the implementation relies on a fixed shape eqdsk, and this limitation will be addressed in future work. Research supported by USDOE FES award ER54744.

Phase diagram and quench dynamics of the cluster-XY spin chain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montes, Sebastián; Hamma, Alioscia

2012-08-01

We study the complete phase space and the quench dynamics of an exactly solvable spin chain, the cluster-XY model. In this chain, the cluster term and the XY couplings compete to give a rich phase diagram. The phase diagram is studied by means of the quantum geometric tensor. We study the time evolution of the system after a critical quantum quench using the Loschmidt echo. The structure of the revivals after critical quantum quenches presents a nontrivial behavior depending on the phase of the initial state and the critical point.

Black hole evaporation in conformal gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bambi, Cosimo; Modesto, Leonardo; Porey, Shiladitya; Rachwał, Lesław

2017-09-01

We study the formation and the evaporation of a spherically symmetric black hole in conformal gravity. From the collapse of a spherically symmetric thin shell of radiation, we find a singularity-free non-rotating black hole. This black hole has the same Hawking temperature as a Schwarzschild black hole with the same mass, and it completely evaporates either in a finite or in an infinite time, depending on the ensemble. We consider the analysis both in the canonical and in the micro-canonical statistical ensembles. Last, we discuss the corresponding Penrose diagram of this physical process.

Basic research for the geodynamics program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

Further development of utility program software for analyzing final results of Earth rotation parameter determination from different space geodetic systems was completed. Main simulation experiments were performed. Results and conclusions were compiled. The utilization of range-difference observations in geodynamics is also examined. A method based on the Bayesian philosophy and entropy measure of information is given for the elucidation of time-dependent models of crustal motions as part of a proposed algorithm. The strategy of model discrimination and design of measurements is illustrated in an example for the case of crustal deformation models.

Determination of functional collective motions in a protein at atomic resolution using coherent neutron scattering

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

Hong, Liang; Jain, Nitin; Cheng, Xiaolin

Protein function often depends on global, collective internal motions. However, the simultaneous quantitative experimental determination of the forms, amplitudes, and time scales of these motions has remained elusive. We demonstrate that a complete description of these large-scale dynamic modes can be obtained using coherent neutron-scattering experiments on perdeuterated samples. With this approach, a microscopic relationship between the structure, dynamics, and function in a protein, cytochrome P450cam, is established. The approach developed here should be of general applicability to protein systems.

Determination of functional collective motions in a protein at atomic resolution using coherent neutron scattering

DOE PAGES

Hong, Liang; Jain, Nitin; Cheng, Xiaolin; ...

2016-10-14

Protein function often depends on global, collective internal motions. However, the simultaneous quantitative experimental determination of the forms, amplitudes, and time scales of these motions has remained elusive. We demonstrate that a complete description of these large-scale dynamic modes can be obtained using coherent neutron-scattering experiments on perdeuterated samples. With this approach, a microscopic relationship between the structure, dynamics, and function in a protein, cytochrome P450cam, is established. The approach developed here should be of general applicability to protein systems.

Markovian Queues with Arrival Dependence

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-03-01

adding together the three balance equations for P 2o’ ^21’ "^22 as ^°ll°ws ’ 1 20 2 21 <W P21= XP10 + *2P22 H- ( ^ l^ 2 )p22 = Xp11 "lP20 +UlP21 +V22...REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE READ INSTRUCTIONSBEFORE COMPLETING FORM 1 REPORT NUMBER 2 . GOVT ACCESSION NO. 3. RECIPIENT’S CATALOG NUMBER 4. TITLE (and...ADDITIONAL FACTS CONCERNING THE TRANSIENT DISTRIBUTION OF WAITING TIMES FOR ARRIVING CUSTOMERS 2 ? IV. THE TWO CHANNEL SERVER QUEUE WITH SINGLE

Phase diagram and quench dynamics of the cluster-XY spin chain.

PubMed

Montes, Sebastián; Hamma, Alioscia

2012-08-01

We study the complete phase space and the quench dynamics of an exactly solvable spin chain, the cluster-XY model. In this chain, the cluster term and the XY couplings compete to give a rich phase diagram. The phase diagram is studied by means of the quantum geometric tensor. We study the time evolution of the system after a critical quantum quench using the Loschmidt echo. The structure of the revivals after critical quantum quenches presents a nontrivial behavior depending on the phase of the initial state and the critical point.

Black hole evaporation in conformal gravity

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

Bambi, Cosimo; Rachwał, Lesław; Modesto, Leonardo

We study the formation and the evaporation of a spherically symmetric black hole in conformal gravity. From the collapse of a spherically symmetric thin shell of radiation, we find a singularity-free non-rotating black hole. This black hole has the same Hawking temperature as a Schwarzschild black hole with the same mass, and it completely evaporates either in a finite or in an infinite time, depending on the ensemble. We consider the analysis both in the canonical and in the micro-canonical statistical ensembles. Last, we discuss the corresponding Penrose diagram of this physical process.

Linear and non-linear perturbations in dark energy models

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

Escamilla-Rivera, Celia; Casarini, Luciano; Fabris, Júlio C.

2016-11-01

In this work we discuss observational aspects of three time-dependent parameterisations of the dark energy equation of state w ( z ). In order to determine the dynamics associated with these models, we calculate their background evolution and perturbations in a scalar field representation. After performing a complete treatment of linear perturbations, we also show that the non-linear contribution of the selected w ( z ) parameterisations to the matter power spectra is almost the same for all scales, with no significant difference from the predictions of the standard ΛCDM model.

A Study of the Dependence of Microsegregation on Critical Solidification Parameters in Rapidly-Quenched Structures.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-12-01

a formulation given in many sources (Refs. 1-3). The laser is assumed to penetrate completely through the material (making a " keyhole ") and the heat...absorbed laser power as determined from calor- imetric measurements. The analytical predictions were brought to close agree- ment with the experimental...kW power setting would be about 45 kW/cm 2. This value is close to the 50 kW/cm2 line predicted by the model. As in Fig. 13, the laser dwell time is

The heritability of avoidant and dependent personality disorder assessed by personal interview and questionnaire.

PubMed

Gjerde, L C; Czajkowski, N; Røysamb, E; Orstavik, R E; Knudsen, G P; Ostby, K; Torgersen, S; Myers, J; Kendler, K S; Reichborn-Kjennerud, T

2012-12-01

Personality disorders (PDs) have been shown to be modestly heritable. Accurate heritability estimates are, however, dependent on reliable measurement methods, as measurement error deflates heritability. The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability of DSM-IV avoidant and dependent personality disorder, by including two measures of the PDs at two time points. Data were obtained from a population-based cohort of young adult Norwegian twins, of whom 8045 had completed a self-report questionnaire assessing PD traits. 2794 of these twins subsequently underwent a structured diagnostic interview for DSM-IV PDs. Questionnaire items predicting interview results were selected by multiple regression, and measurement models of the PDs were fitted in Mx. The heritabilities of the PD factors were 0.64 for avoidant PD and 0.66 for dependent PD. No evidence of common environment, that is, environmental factors that are shared between twins and make them similar, was found. Genetic and environmental contributions to avoidant and dependent PD seemed to be the same across sexes. The combination of both a questionnaire- and an interview assessment of avoidant and dependent PD results in substantially higher heritabilities than previously found using single-occasion interviews only. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Practice Makes Progress? Homework Assignments and Outcome in Treatment of Cocaine Dependence

PubMed Central

Carroll, Kathleen M.; Nich, Charla; Ball, Samuel A.

2008-01-01

The relationship between treatment outcome and the extent to which participants completed homework assignments was evaluated among 60 cocaine-dependent individuals assigned to cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT). Homework was assigned in 72% of all sessions and initiated by participants in 48% of the sessions in which it was assigned. Completion of homework was unrelated to participants' baseline characteristics and several indicators of treatment compliance. Participants who completed more homework assignments demonstrated significantly greater increases in the quantity and quality of their coping skills and used significantly less cocaine during treatment and through a 1-year follow-up. These data suggest that the extent to which participants are willing to complete extrasession assignments may be an important mediator of response to CBT. PMID:16173864

Evaluation of two-fold fully conditional specification multiple imputation for longitudinal electronic health record data

PubMed Central

Welch, Catherine A; Petersen, Irene; Bartlett, Jonathan W; White, Ian R; Marston, Louise; Morris, Richard W; Nazareth, Irwin; Walters, Kate; Carpenter, James

2014-01-01

Most implementations of multiple imputation (MI) of missing data are designed for simple rectangular data structures ignoring temporal ordering of data. Therefore, when applying MI to longitudinal data with intermittent patterns of missing data, some alternative strategies must be considered. One approach is to divide data into time blocks and implement MI independently at each block. An alternative approach is to include all time blocks in the same MI model. With increasing numbers of time blocks, this approach is likely to break down because of co-linearity and over-fitting. The new two-fold fully conditional specification (FCS) MI algorithm addresses these issues, by only conditioning on measurements, which are local in time. We describe and report the results of a novel simulation study to critically evaluate the two-fold FCS algorithm and its suitability for imputation of longitudinal electronic health records. After generating a full data set, approximately 70% of selected continuous and categorical variables were made missing completely at random in each of ten time blocks. Subsequently, we applied a simple time-to-event model. We compared efficiency of estimated coefficients from a complete records analysis, MI of data in the baseline time block and the two-fold FCS algorithm. The results show that the two-fold FCS algorithm maximises the use of data available, with the gain relative to baseline MI depending on the strength of correlations within and between variables. Using this approach also increases plausibility of the missing at random assumption by using repeated measures over time of variables whose baseline values may be missing. PMID:24782349

Buildup of spatial information over time and across eye-movements.

PubMed

Zimmermann, Eckart; Morrone, M Concetta; Burr, David C

2014-12-15

To interact rapidly and effectively with our environment, our brain needs access to a neural representation of the spatial layout of the external world. However, the construction of such a map poses major challenges, as the images on our retinae depend on where the eyes are looking, and shift each time we move our eyes, head and body to explore the world. Research from many laboratories including our own suggests that the visual system does compute spatial maps that are anchored to real-world coordinates. However, the construction of these maps takes time (up to 500ms) and also attentional resources. We discuss research investigating how retinotopic reference frames are transformed into spatiotopic reference-frames, and how this transformation takes time to complete. These results have implications for theories about visual space coordinates and particularly for the current debate about the existence of spatiotopic representations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Time variability of viscosity parameter in differentially rotating discs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajesh, S. R.; Singh, Nishant K.

2014-07-01

We propose a mechanism to produce fluctuations in the viscosity parameter (α) in differentially rotating discs. We carried out a nonlinear analysis of a general accretion flow, where any perturbation on the background α was treated as a passive/slave variable in the sense of dynamical system theory. We demonstrate a complete physical picture of growth, saturation and final degradation of the perturbation as a result of the nonlinear nature of coupled system of equations. The strong dependence of this fluctuation on the radial location in the accretion disc and the base angular momentum distribution is demonstrated. The growth of fluctuations is shown to have a time scale comparable to the radial drift time and hence the physical significance is discussed. The fluctuation is found to be a power law in time in the growing phase and we briefly discuss its statistical significance.

On two diffusion neuronal models with multiplicative noise: The mean first-passage time properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Onofrio, G.; Lansky, P.; Pirozzi, E.

2018-04-01

Two diffusion processes with multiplicative noise, able to model the changes in the neuronal membrane depolarization between two consecutive spikes of a single neuron, are considered and compared. The processes have the same deterministic part but different stochastic components. The differences in the state-dependent variabilities, their asymptotic distributions, and the properties of the first-passage time across a constant threshold are investigated. Closed form expressions for the mean of the first-passage time of both processes are derived and applied to determine the role played by the parameters involved in the model. It is shown that for some values of the input parameters, the higher variability, given by the second moment, does not imply shorter mean first-passage time. The reason for that can be found in the complete shape of the stationary distribution of the two processes. Applications outside neuroscience are also mentioned.

Jealousy, Gender, Sex Roles, and Dependency.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Madden, Margaret E.; And Others

One hundred adults ages 18 to 42 completed measures of jealousy and dependency in romantic relationships and of sex role traditionalism. Traditionalism and jealousy were correlated, as predicted, but dependency and jealousy were not. For men, but not for women, traditionalism and jealousy were positively correlated. Dependency and traditionalism…

Linear and nonlinear mechanical properties of a series of epoxy resins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Curliss, D. B.; Caruthers, J. M.

1987-01-01

The linear viscoelastic properties have been measured for a series of bisphenol-A-based epoxy resins cured with the diamine DDS. The linear viscoelastic master curves were constructed via time-temperature superposition of frequency dependent G-prime and G-double-prime isotherms. The G-double-prime master curves exhibited two sub-Tg transitions. Superposition of isotherms in the glass-to-rubber transition (i.e., alpha) and the beta transition at -60 C was achieved by simple horizontal shifts in the log frequency axis; however, in the region between alpha and beta, superposition could not be effected by simple horizontal shifts along the log frequency axis. The different temperature dependency of the alpha and beta relaxation mechanisms causes a complex response of G-double-prime in the so called alpha-prime region. A novel numerical procedure has been developed to extract the complete relaxation spectra and its temperature dependence from the G-prime and G-double-prime isothermal data in the alpha-prime region.

Cdk1-dependent phosphorylation of Iqg1 governs actomyosin ring assembly prior to cytokinesis.

PubMed

Naylor, Stephen G; Morgan, David O

2014-03-01

Contraction of the actomyosin ring (AMR) provides the centripetal force that drives cytokinesis. In budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), assembly and contraction of the AMR is coordinated with membrane deposition and septum formation at the bud neck. A central player in this process is Iqg1, which promotes recruitment of actin to the myosin ring and links AMR assembly with that of septum-forming components. We observed early actin recruitment in response to inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) activity, and we find that the Cdk1-dependent phosphorylation state of Iqg1 is a determining factor in the timing of bud neck localization of both Iqg1 and actin, with both proteins accumulating prematurely in cells expressing nonphosphorylatable Iqg1 mutants. We also identified the primary septum regulator Hof1 as a binding partner of Iqg1, providing a regulatory link between the septation and contractile pathways that cooperate to complete cytokinesis.

Development, evaluation and pharmacokinetics of time-dependent ketorolac tromethamine tablets.

PubMed

Vemula, Sateesh Kumar; Veerareddy, Prabhakar Reddy

2013-01-01

The present study was intended to develop a time-dependent colon-targeted compression-coated tablets of ketorolac tromethamine (KTM) using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) that release the drug slowly but completely in the colonic region by retarding the drug releases in stomach and small intestine. KTM core tablets were prepared by direct compression method and were compression coated with HPMC. The formulation is optimized based on the in vitro drug release studies and further evaluated by X-ray imaging technique in healthy humans to ensure the colonic delivery. To prove these results, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in human volunteers were designed to study the in vitro-in vivo correlation. From the in vitro dissolution study, optimized formulation F3 showed negligible drug release (6.75 ± 0.49%) in the initial lag period followed by slow release (97.47 ± 0.93%) for 24 h which clearly indicates that the drug is delivered to the colon. The X-ray imaging studies showed that the tablets reached the colon without disintegrating in upper gastrointestinal system. From the pharmacokinetic evaluation, the immediate-release tablets producing peak plasma concentration (C(max)) was 4482.74 ng/ml at 2 h T(max) and colon-targeted tablets showed C(max) = 3562.67 ng/ml at 10 h T(max). The area under the curve for the immediate-release and compression-coated tablets was 10595.14 and 18796.70 ng h/ml and the mean resident time was 3.82 and 10.75 h, respectively. Thus, the compression-coated tablets based on time-dependent approach were preferred for colon-targeted delivery of ketorolac.

Gating mechanism of Kv11.1 (hERG) K+ channels without covalent connection between voltage sensor and pore domains.

PubMed

de la Peña, Pilar; Domínguez, Pedro; Barros, Francisco

2018-03-01

Kv11.1 (hERG, KCNH2) is a voltage-gated potassium channel crucial in setting the cardiac rhythm and the electrical behaviour of several non-cardiac cell types. Voltage-dependent gating of Kv11.1 can be reconstructed from non-covalently linked voltage sensing and pore modules (split channels), challenging classical views of voltage-dependent channel activation based on a S4-S5 linker acting as a rigid mechanical lever to open the gate. Progressive displacement of the split position from the end to the beginning of the S4-S5 linker induces an increasing negative shift in activation voltage dependence, a reduced z g value and a more negative ΔG 0 for current activation, an almost complete abolition of the activation time course sigmoid shape and a slowing of the voltage-dependent deactivation. Channels disconnected at the S4-S5 linker near the S4 helix show a destabilization of the closed state(s). Furthermore, the isochronal ion current mode shift magnitude is clearly reduced in the different splits. Interestingly, the progressive modifications of voltage dependence activation gating by changing the split position are accompanied by a shift in the voltage-dependent availability to a methanethiosulfonate reagent of a Cys introduced at the upper S4 helix. Our data demonstrate for the first time that alterations in the covalent connection between the voltage sensor and the pore domains impact on the structural reorganizations of the voltage sensor domain. Also, they support the hypothesis that the S4-S5 linker integrates signals coming from other cytoplasmic domains that constitute either an important component or a crucial regulator of the gating machinery in Kv11.1 and other KCNH channels.

Dramatic recovery in acute ischemic stroke is associated with arterial recanalization grade and speed.

PubMed

Mazighi, Mikael; Meseguer, Elena; Labreuche, Julien; Serfaty, Jean-Michel; Laissy, Jean-Pierre; Lavallée, Philippa C; Cabrejo, Lucie; Guidoux, Céline; Lapergue, Bertrand; Klein, Isabelle F; Olivot, Jean-Marc; Rouchaud, Aymeric; Desilles, Jean-Philippe; Schouman-Claeys, Elisabeth; Amarenco, Pierre

2012-11-01

Dramatic recovery (DR) is a predictor of stroke outcome among others. However, after successful recanalization, systematic favorable outcome is not the rule. We sought to analyze the impact of recanalization on DR in patients with acute ischemic stroke eligible for any revascularization strategies (either intravenous or endovascular). We analyzed data collected between April 2007 and May 2011 in our prospective clinical registry. All patients with acute ischemic stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale≥10 at admission and an identification of arterial status before treatment were included. DR was defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale≤3 at 24 hours or a decrease of ≥10 points within 24 hours. DR occurred in 75 of 255 patients with acute ischemic stroke (29.4%). Patients with persistent occlusion had a low DR rate (11.1%) than those with no documented occlusion (36.5%) and those with occlusion followed by recanalization (35.3%; both P<0.001). Among patients with recanalization monitored by angiography, DR was higher among patients with complete recanalization than among those with partial recanalization (46.8% versus 14.3%; P<0.001) and increased with tertiles of time to recanalization (Ptrend=0.002). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, grade and time to recanalization appeared independently associated with DR; the adjusted ORs were 4.17 (95% CI, 1.61-10.77) for complete recanalization and 1.24 (95% CI, 1.04-1.48) for each 30-minute time decrease. Patients with versus without DR more frequently had modified Rankin Scale≤1 (67.6% versus 9.0%; P<0.001) and less frequently had hemorrhage (17.3% versus 33.9%; P=0.024). DR is strongly associated with favorable clinical outcome and is dependent on complete recanalization and time to recanalization.

Predictability of the California Current System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Arthur J.; Chereskin, T.; Cornuelle, B. D.; Niiler, P. P.; Moisan, J. R.; Lindstrom, Eric (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

The physical and biological oceanography of the Southern California Bight (SCB), a highly productive subregion of the California Current System (CCS) that extends from Point Conception, California, south to Ensenada, Mexico, continues to be extensively studied. For example, the California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) program has sampled this region for over 50 years, providing an unparalleled time series of physical and biological data. However, our understanding of what physical processes control the large-scale and mesoscale variations in these properties is incomplete. In particular, the non-synoptic and relatively coarse spatial sampling (70km) of the hydrographic grid does not completely resolve the mesoscale eddy field (Figure 1a). Moreover, these unresolved physical variations exert a dominant influence on the evolution of the ecosystem. In recent years, additional datasets that partially sample the SCB have become available. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) measurements, which now sample upper-ocean velocity between stations, and sea level observations along TOPEX tracks give a more complete picture of the mesoscale variability. However, both TOPEX and ADCP are well-sampled only along the cruise or orbit tracks and coarsely sampled in time and between tracks. Surface Lagrangian drifters also sample the region, although irregularly in time and space. SeaWiFS provides estimates of upper-ocean chlorophyll-a (chl-alpha), usually giving nearly complete coverage for week-long intervals, depending on cloud coverage. Historical ocean color data from the Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS) has been used extensively to determine phytoplankton patterns and variability, characterize the primary production across the SCB coastal fronts, and describe the seasonal and interannual variability in pigment concentrations. As in CalCOFI, these studies described much of the observed structures and their variability over relatively large space and time scales.

Cost-Effectiveness of Patient Navigation to Increase Adherence with Screening Colonoscopy Among Minority Individuals

PubMed Central

Ladabaum, Uri; Mannalithara, Ajitha; Jandorf, Lina; Itzkowitz, Steven H.

2015-01-01

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is underutilized by minority populations. Patient navigation increases adherence with screening colonoscopy. We estimated the cost-effectiveness of navigation for screening colonoscopy from the perspective of a payer seeking to improve population health. Methods We informed our validated model of CRC screening with inputs from navigation studies in New York City (population 43% African American, 49% Hispanic, 4% White, 4% Other; base case screening 40% without and 65% with navigation, navigation costs $29/colonoscopy completer, $21/non-completer, $3/non-navigated). We compared: 1) navigation vs. no navigation for one-time screening colonoscopy in unscreened persons age ≥50; 2) programs of colonoscopy with vs. without navigation, vs. fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) or immunochemical testing (FIT) for ages 50-80. Results In the base case: 1) one-time navigation gained quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and decreased costs; 2) longitudinal navigation cost $9,800/QALY gained vs. no navigation, and assuming comparable uptake rates, it cost $118,700/QALY gained vs. FOBT, but was less effective and more costly than FIT. Results were most dependent on screening participation rates and navigation costs: 1) assuming a 5% increase in screening uptake with navigation and navigation cost of $150/completer, one-time navigation cost $26,400/QALY gained; 2) longitudinal navigation with 75% colonoscopy uptake cost <$25,000/QALY gained vs. FIT when FIT uptake was <50%. Probabilistic sensitivity analyses did not alter the conclusions. Conclusions Navigation for screening colonoscopy appears to be cost-effective, and one-time navigation may be cost-saving. In emerging healthcare models that reward outcomes, payers should consider covering the costs of navigation for screening colonoscopy. PMID:25492455

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

Karpetis, Adionos N.; Chen, J. Y.; Barlow, Robert S.

Previously unpublished results from multiscalar point measurements in the series of piloted CH{sub 4}/air jet flames [R.S. Barlow, J.H. Frank, Proc. Combust. Inst. 27 (1998) 1087-1095] are presented and analyzed. The emphasis is on features of the data that reveal the relative importance of molecular diffusion and turbulent transport in these flames. The complete series A-F is considered. This includes laminar, transitional, and turbulent flames spanning a range in Reynolds number from 1100 to 44,800. Results on conditional means of species mass fractions, the differential diffusion parameter, and the state of the water-gas shift reaction all show that there ismore » an evolution in these flames from a scalar structure dominated by molecular diffusion to one dominated by turbulent transport. Long records of 6000 single-point samples at each of several selected locations in flame D are used to quantify the cross-stream (radial) dependence of conditional statistics of measured scalars. The cross-stream dependence of the conditional scalar dissipation is determined from 6000-shot, line-imaging measurements at selected locations. The cross-stream dependence of reactive scalars, which is most significant in the near field of the jet flame, is attributed to radial differences in both convective and local time scales of the flow. Results illustrate some potential limitations of common modeling assumptions when applied to laboratory-scale flames and, thus, provide a more complete context for interpretation of comparisons between experiments and model calculations.« less

Academic Time during College: Associations with Mood, Tiredness, and Binge Drinking across Days and Semesters

PubMed Central

Greene, Kaylin M.; Maggs, Jennifer L.

2017-01-01

The current study examined the amount of time American college students spent on academics and explored whether functioning indicators (i.e., positive affect, negative affect, tiredness, and binge drinking) rose and fell with academic time across days and semesters. College students (N=735) were followed longitudinally and completed 14 daily diaries within each of 7 semesters (N=56,699 days). The results revealed that academic time decreased slightly during the middle semesters and then increased in later semesters. Furthermore, on days when students spent more time on academics, they reported less positive affect, more tiredness, and less binge drinking; however, the strength and direction of associations depended on the analysis level and whether it was a weekend. Positive affect, for instance, was inversely associated with academics across days, but the reverse was true across semesters. These results emphasize the importance of considering the temporal context in research on adolescent and young adult time use. PMID:28130974

Duration of shoot elongation in Scots pine varies within the crown and between years.

PubMed

Schiestl-Aalto, Pauliina; Nikinmaa, Eero; Mäkelä, Annikki

2013-10-01

Shoot elongation in boreal and temperate trees typically follows a sigmoid pattern where the onset and cessation of growth are related to accumulated effective temperature (thermal time). Previous studies on leader shoots suggest that while the maximum daily growth rate depends on the availability of resources to the shoot, the duration of the growth period may be an adaptation to long-term temperature conditions. However, other results indicate that the growth period may be longer in faster growing lateral shoots with higher availability of resources. This study investigates the interactions between the rate of elongation and the duration of the growth period in units of thermal time in lateral shoots of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Length development of 202 lateral shoots were measured approximately three times per week during seven growing seasons in 2-5 trees per year in a mature stand and in three trees during one growing season in a sapling stand. A dynamic shoot growth model was adapted for the analysis to determine (1) the maximum growth rate and (2) the thermal time reached at growth completion. The relationship between those two parameters and its variation between trees and years was analysed using linear mixed models. The shoots with higher maximum growth rate within a crown continued to grow for a longer period in any one year. Higher July-August temperature of the previous summer implied a higher requirement of thermal time for growth completion. The results provide evidence that the requirement of thermal time for completion of lateral shoot extension in Scots pine may interact with resource availability to the shoot both from year to year and among shoots in a crown each year. If growing season temperatures rise in the future, this will affect not only the rate of shoot growth but its duration also.

[Dependent relative: Effects on family health].

PubMed

Estrada Fernández, M Eugenia; Gil Lacruz, Ana I; Gil Lacruz, Marta; Viñas López, Antonio

2018-01-01

The purpose of this work is to analyse the effects on informal caregiver's health and lifestyle when living with a dependent person at home. A comparison will be made between this situation and other situations involving commitment of time and energy, taking into account gender and age differences in each stage of the life cycle. Cross-sectional study analysing secondary data. The method used for collecting information is the computer assisted personal interview carried out in selected homes by the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality. The study included 19,351 participants aged over 25 years who completed the 2011-2012 Spanish National Health Survey. This research is based on demographic information obtained from a Spanish National Health Survey (2011/12). Using an empirical framework, the Logit model was select and the data reported as odds ratio. The estimations were repeated independently by sub-groups of age and gender. The study showed that the health of people who share their lives with a dependent person is worse than those who do not have any dependent person at home (they are 5 times at higher risk of developing health problems). The study found that being a woman, advance age, low educational level and does not work, also has an influence. Being a caregiver reduces the likelihood of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical exercise, relaxation, or eating a balanced diet. Living with a dependent person reduces the likelihood of maintaining healthy lifestyles and worsens the state of health of family members. Significant differences in gender and age were found. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Hyper-activated motility in sperm capacitation is mediated by phospholipase D-dependent actin polymerization.

PubMed

Itach, Sarit Bar-Sheshet; Finklestein, Maya; Etkovitz, Nir; Breitbart, Haim

2012-02-15

In order to fertilize the oocyte, sperm must undergo a series of biochemical changes in the female reproductive tract, known as capacitation. Once capacitated, spermatozoon can bind to the zona pellucida of the egg and undergo the acrosome reaction (AR), a process that enables its penetration and fertilization of the oocyte. Important processes that characterize sperm capacitation are actin polymerization and the development of hyper-activated motility (HAM). Previously, we showed that Phospholipase D (PLD)-dependent actin polymerization occurs during sperm capacitation, however the role of this process in sperm capacitation is not yet known. In the present study, we showed for the first time the involvement of PLD-dependent actin polymerization in sperm motility during mouse and human capacitation. Sperm incubated under capacitation conditions revealed a time dependent increase in actin polymerization and HAM. Inhibition of Phosphatidic Acid (PA) formation by PLD using butan-1-ol, inhibited actin polymerization and motility, as well as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the ability of the sperm to undergo the AR. The inhibition of sperm HAM by low concentration of butan-1-ol is completely restored by adding PA, further indicating the involvement of PLD in these processes. Furthermore, exogenous PA enhanced rapid actin polymerization that was followed by a rise in the HAM, as well as an increased in IVF rate. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that PLD-dependent actin polymerization is a critical step needed for the development of HAM during mouse and human sperm capacitation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Energy budget above a high-elevation subalpine forest in complex topography

USGS Publications Warehouse

Turnipseed, A.A.; Blanken, P.D.; Anderson, D.E.; Monson, Russell K.

2002-01-01

Components of the energy budget were measured above a subalpine coniferous forest over two complete annual cycles. Sensible and latent heat fluxes were measured by eddy covariance. Bowen ratios ranged from 0.7 to 2.5 in the summer (June-September) depending upon the availability of soil water, but were considerably higher (???3-6) during winter (December-March). Energy budget closure averaged better than 84% on a half-hourly basis in both seasons with slightly greater closure during the winter months. The energy budget showed a dependence on friction velocity (u*), approaching complete closure at u* values greater than 1 m s-1. The dependence of budget closure on u* explained why energy balance was slightly better in the winter as opposed to summer, since numerous periods of high turbulence occur in winter. It also explained the lower degree of energy closure (???10% less) during easterly upslope flow since these periods were characterized by low wind speeds (U < 4 m s-1) and friction velocities (u* < 0.5 m s-1). Co-spectral analysis suggests a shift of flux density towards higher frequencies under conditions where closure was obtained. It is suggested that low frequency contributions to the flux and advection were responsible for the lack of day-time energy budget closure. These effects were reduced at high friction velocities observed at our site. Our ability to close the energy budget at night was also highly dependent on friction velocity, approaching near closure (???90%) at u* values between 0.7 and 1.1 m s-1. Below this range, the airflow within the canopy becomes decoupled with the flow above. Above this range, insufficient temperature resolution of the sonic anemometer obscured the small temperature fluctuations, rendering measurements intractable. ?? 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

l-5-hydroxytryptophan resets the circadian locomotor activity rhythm of the nocturnal Indian pygmy field mouse, Mus terricolor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basu, Priyoneel; Singaravel, Muniyandi; Haldar, Chandana

2012-03-01

We report that l-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a serotonin precursor, resets the overt circadian rhythm in the Indian pygmy field mouse, Mus terricolor, in a phase- and dose-dependent manner. We used wheel running to assess phase shifts in the free-running locomotor activity rhythm. Following entrainment to a 12:12 h light-dark cycle, 5-HTP (100 mg/kg in saline) was intraperitoneally administered in complete darkness at circadian time (CT)s 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21, and the ensuing phase shifts in the locomotor activity rhythm were calculated. The results show that 5-HTP differentially shifts the phase of the rhythm, causing phase advances from CT 0 to CT 12 and phase delays from CT 12 to CT 21. Maximum advance phase shift was at CT 6 (1.18 ± 0.37 h) and maximum delay was at CT 18 (-2.36 ± 0.56 h). No extended dead zone is apparent. Vehicle (saline) at any CT did not evoke a significant phase shift. Investigations with different doses (10, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) of 5-HTP revealed that the phase resetting effect is dose-dependent. The shape of the phase-response curve (PRC) has a strong similarity to PRCs obtained using some serotonergic agents. There was no significant increase in wheel-running activity after 5-HTP injection, ruling out behavioral arousal-dependent shifts. This suggests that this phase resetting does not completely depend on feedback of the overt rhythmic behavior on the circadian clock. A mechanistic explanation of these shifts is currently lacking.

Modeling of ablation threshold dependence on pulse duration for dielectrics with ultrashort pulsed laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Mingying; Zhu, Jianqiang; Lin, Zunqi

2017-01-01

We present a numerical model of plasma formation in ultrafast laser ablation on the dielectrics surface. Ablation threshold dependence on pulse duration is predicted with the model and the numerical results for water agrees well with the experimental data for pulse duration from 140 fs to 10 ps. Influences of parameters and approximations of photo- and avalanche-ionization on the ablation threshold prediction are analyzed in detail for various pulse lengths. The calculated ablation threshold is strongly dependent on electron collision time for all the pulse durations. The complete photoionization model is preferred for pulses shorter than 1 ps rather than the multiphoton ionization approximations. The transition time of inverse bremsstrahlung absorption needs to be considered when pulses are shorter than 5 ps and it can also ensure the avalanche ionization (AI) coefficient consistent with that in multiple rate equations (MREs) for pulses shorter than 300 fs. The threshold electron density for AI is only crucial for longer pulses. It is reasonable to ignore the recombination loss for pulses shorter than 100 fs. In addition to thermal transport and hydrodynamics, neglecting the threshold density for AI and recombination could also contribute to the disagreements between the numerical and the experimental results for longer pulses.

Inhibition of cardiac sodium currents by toluene exposure

PubMed Central

Cruz, Silvia L; Orta-Salazar, Gerardo; Gauthereau, Marcia Y; Millan-Perez Peña, Lourdes; Salinas-Stefanón, Eduardo M

2003-01-01

Toluene is an industrial solvent widely used as a drug of abuse, which can produce sudden sniffing death due to cardiac arrhythmias. In this paper, we tested the hypothesis that toluene inhibits cardiac sodium channels in Xenopus laevis oocytes transfected with Nav1.5 cDNA and in isolated rat ventricular myocytes. In oocytes, toluene inhibited sodium currents (INa+) in a concentration-dependent manner, with an IC50 of 274 μM (confidence limits: 141–407μM). The inhibition was complete, voltage-independent, and slowly reversible. Toluene had no effect on: (i) the shape of the I–V curves; (ii) the reversal potential of Na+; and (iii) the steady-state inactivation. The slow recovery time constant from inactivation of INa+ decreased with toluene exposure, while the fast recovery time constant remained unchanged. Block of INa+ by toluene was use- and frequency-dependent. In rat cardiac myocytes, 300 μM toluene inhibited the sodium current (INa+) by 62%; this inhibition was voltage independent. These results suggest that toluene binds to cardiac Na+ channels in the open state and unbinds either when channels move between inactivated states or from an inactivated to a closed state. The use- and frequency-dependent block of INa+ by toluene might be responsible, at least in part, for its arrhythmogenic effect. PMID:14534149

Critical Factors Associated with Substance Abuse and Chemical Dependency in Nurse Anesthesia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norris, Jack; And Others

1988-01-01

Conducted survey to identify characteristics associated with chemical dependency among chemically dependent nurse anesthetists. Subjects were 21 nurse anesthetists who had been chemically dependent, had completed some form of drug treatment, and had been chemically free for at least one year. Investigated areas of employment setting, educational…

Assertive Community Treatment for alcohol dependence (ACTAD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Alcohol dependence is a significant and costly problem in the UK yet only 6% of people a year receive treatment. Current service provision based on the treatment of acute episodes of illness and emphasising personal choice and motivation results in a small proportion of these patients engaging with alcohol treatment. There is a need for interventions targeted at the population of alcohol dependent patients who are hard to engage in conventional treatment. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), a model of care based on assertive outreach, has been used for treating patients with severe mental illnesses and presents a promising avenue for engaging patients with primary alcohol dependence. So far there has been little research on this. Methods/Design In this single blind exploratory randomised controlled trial, a total of 90 alcohol dependent participants will be recruited from community addiction services. After completing a baseline assessment, they will be assigned to one of two conditions: (1) ACT plus care as usual, or (2) care as usual. Those allocated to the ACT plus care as usual will receive the same treatment that is routinely provided by services, plus a trained key worker who will provide ACT. ACT comprises intensive and assertive contact at least once a week, over 50% of contacts in the participant's home or local community, and comprehensive case management across social and health care, for a period of one year. All participants will be followed up at 6 months and 12 months to assess outcome post randomisation. The primary outcome measures will be alcohol consumption: mean drinks per drinking day and percentage of days abstinent measured by the Time Line Follow Back interview. Secondary outcome measures will include severity of alcohol dependence, alcohol related problems, motivation to change, social network involvement, quality of life, therapeutic relationship and service use. Other outcome variables are treatment engagement including completion of assessment, detoxification and aftercare. Discussion Results of this trial will help clarify the potential beneficial effects of ACT for people with alcohol dependence and provide information to design a definitive trial. Trial registration number ISRCTN: ISRCTN22775534 PMID:22348423

Slip-deficit rate distribution along the Nankai trough, southwest Japan, with elastic lithosphere and viscoelastic asthenosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noda, A.; Saito, T.; Fukuyama, E.

2017-12-01

In southwest Japan, great thrust earthquakes occurred on the plate interface along the Nankai trough with a recurrence time of about 100 yr. Most studies estimated slip deficits on the seismogenic zone from interseismic GNSS velocity data assuming elastic slip-response functions (e.g. Loveless and Meade, 2016; Yokota et al., 2016). The observed surface velocities, however, include effects of viscoelastic relaxation in the asthenosphere caused by slip history of seismic cycles on the plate interface. Following Noda et al. (2013, GJI), the interseismic surface velocities due to seismic cycle can be represented by the superposition of (1) completely relaxed viscoelastic response to steady slip rate over the whole plate interface, (2) completely relaxed viscoelastic response to steady slip deficit rate in the seismogenic zone, and (3) surface velocity due to viscoelastic stress relaxation after the last interplate earthquake. Subtracting calculated velocities due to steady slip (1) from velocity data observed after the postseismic stress relaxation (3) decays sufficiently, we can formulate an inverse problem of estimating slip deficit rates from the residual velocities using completely relaxed slip-response functions. In an elastic (lithosphere) - viscoelastic (asthenosphere) layered half-space, the completely relaxed responses do not depend on the viscosity of asthenosphere, but depend on the thickness of lithosphere. In this study, we investigate the effects of structure model on the estimation of slip deficit rate distribution. First, we analyze GNSS daily coordinate data (GEONET F3 Solution, GSI), and obtain surface velocity data for overlapped periods of 6 yr (1996-2002, 1999-2005, 2002-2008, 2005-2011). There is no significant temporal change in the velocity data, which suggests that postseismic stress relaxations after the 1944 Tonankai and the 1946 Nankai earthquakes decayed sufficiently. Next, we estimate slip deficit rate distribution from velocity data from 2005 to 2011 together with seafloor geodetic data (Yokota et al., 2016). There is a significant difference between the results using elastic and completely relaxed responses. While the result using elastic responses shows high slip-deficit rate zone in coastal regions, they are located trenchward if using completely relaxed responses.

Is complete seizure control imperative?

PubMed

Andermann, Frederick

2002-01-01

Is complete control imperative? The answer depends on whether complete control is indeed possible, on the possibility of achieving modifications of lifestyle, and on the type of epilepsy, with particular reference to the presence of progressive dysfunction. This may be seen in patients with temporal lobe or other forms of focal epilepsy, in the epileptic encephalopathies such as West and Lennox Gastaut Syndromes and even in some patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Progressive memory changes and global cognitive problems are examples. Progressive language deterioration, secondary epileptogenesis and phenomena analogous to kindling are also important issues. How long treatment should be continued depends on many factors, not least the preference of the patient and of the family. Weighing the benefits of complete control versus the side effects and risks of medication or surgery is crucial. There are obvious benefits to complete control; it is imperative if these benefits are greater than the cost.

Relationships Between Marijuana Dependence and Condom Use Intentions and Behavior Among Justice-Involved Adolescents

PubMed Central

Caldwell Hooper, Ann E.; Thayer, Rachel E.; Magnan, Renee E.; Bryan, Angela D.

2013-01-01

The current study examined the relationships among marijuana dependence, a theoretical model of condom use intentions, and subsequent condom use behavior in justice-involved adolescents. Participants completed baseline measures of prior sexual and substance use behavior. Of the original 720 participants, 649 (90.13 %) completed follow-up measures 6 months later. There were high levels of marijuana use (58.7 % met criteria for dependence) and risky sexual behavior among participants. Baseline model constructs were associated with condom use intentions, and intentions were a significant predictor of condom use at follow-up. Marijuana dependence did not significantly influence the relationships between model constructs, nor did it moderate the relationship of model constructs with subsequent condom use. Findings suggest that the theoretical model of condom use intentions is equally valid regardless of marijuana dependence status, suggesting that interventions to reduce sexual risk behavior among both marijuana dependent and non-dependent justice-involved adolescents can be appropriately based on the model. PMID:23370834

[Eccentricity-dependent influence of amodal completion on visual search].

PubMed

Shirama, Aya; Ishiguchi, Akira

2009-06-01

Does amodal completion occur homogeneously across the visual field? Rensink and Enns (1998) found that visual search for efficiently-detected fragments became inefficient when observers perceived the fragments as a partially-occluded version of a distractor due to a rapid completion process. We examined the effect of target eccentricity in Rensink and Enns's tasks and a few additional tasks by magnifying the stimuli in the peripheral visual field to compensate for the loss of spatial resolution (M-scaling; Rovamo & Virsu, 1979). We found that amodal completion disrupted the efficient search for the salient fragments (i.e., target) even when the target was presented at high eccentricity (within 17 deg). In addition, the configuration effect of the fragments, which produced amodal completion, increased with eccentricity while the same target was detected efficiently at the lowest eccentricity. This eccentricity effect is different from a previously-reported eccentricity effect where M-scaling was effective (Carrasco & Frieder, 1997). These findings indicate that the visual system has a basis for rapid completion across the visual field, but the stimulus representations constructed through amodal completion have eccentricity-dependent properties.

A flexible acquisition cycle for incompletely defined fieldbus protocols.

PubMed

Gaitan, Vasile-Gheorghita; Gaitan, Nicoleta-Cristina; Ungurean, Ioan

2014-05-01

Real time data-acquisition from fieldbuses strongly depends on the network type and protocol used. Currently, there is an impressive number of fieldbuses, some of them are completely defined and others are incompletely defined. In those from the second category, the time variable, the main element in real-time data acquisition, does not appear explicitly. Examples include protocols such as Modbus ASCII/RTU, M-bus, ASCII character-based, and so on. This paper defines a flexible acquisition cycle based on the Master-Slave architecture that can be implemented on a Master station, called a Base Station Gateway (BSG). The BSG can add a timestamp for temporal location of data. It also presents a possible extension for the Modbus protocol, developed as simple and low cost solution based on existing hardware. Copyright © 2014 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Information scrambling at an impurity quantum critical point

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dóra, Balázs; Werner, Miklós Antal; Moca, Cǎtǎlin Paşcu

2017-10-01

The two-channel Kondo impurity model realizes a local non-Fermi-liquid state with finite residual entropy. The competition between the two channels drives the system to an impurity quantum critical point. We show that the out-of-time-ordered (OTO) commutator for the impurity spin reveals markedly distinct behavior depending on the low-energy impurity state. For the one-channel Kondo model with Fermi-liquid ground state, the OTO commutator vanishes for late times, indicating the absence of the butterfly effect. For the two channel case, the impurity OTO commutator is completely temperature independent and saturates quickly to its upper bound 1/4, and the butterfly effect is maximally enhanced. These compare favorably to numerics on spin chain representation of the Kondo model. Our results imply that a large late time value of the OTO commutator does not necessarily diagnose quantum chaos.

Observing electron localization in a dissociating H2+ molecule in real time

PubMed Central

Xu, H.; Li, Zhichao; He, Feng; Wang, X.; Atia-Tul-Noor, A.; Kielpinski, D.; Sang, R. T.; Litvinyuk, I. V.

2017-01-01

Dissociation of diatomic molecules with odd number of electrons always causes the unpaired electron to localize on one of the two resulting atomic fragments. In the simplest diatomic molecule H2+ dissociation yields a hydrogen atom and a proton with the sole electron ending up on one of the two nuclei. That is equivalent to breaking of a chemical bond—the most fundamental chemical process. Here we observe such electron localization in real time by performing a pump–probe experiment. We demonstrate that in H2+ electron localization is complete in just 15 fs when the molecule’s internuclear distance reaches 8 atomic units. The measurement is supported by a theoretical simulation based on numerical solution of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. This observation advances our understanding of detailed dynamics of molecular dissociation. PMID:28621332

[Characteristics of polyamine biosynthesis regulation and tumor growth rate in hormone-dependant grafted breast tumors of mice and rats].

PubMed

Orlovskiĭ, A A

2007-01-01

Effect of the inhibitors of polyamines biosynthesis on completely or partially hormone-dependant breast tumors (mouse Ca755 carcinoma and Walker W-256 carcinosarcoma) is essentially special: in contrary to hormone-dependant tumors, this effect may be not only breaking but stimulating as well. Change-over from one to another mode of reaction is conditioned, most probable, by hormonal status, which is determined by one or another estral cycle phase. Biochemical mechanisms of this change-over are closely connected with polyamines metabolism, namely the degree of polyamines (especially spermine) interconvertion and physiological reactivity level of the system controlling expression of ornithin-decarboxilase. At that, the first of these pathways is predominant for completely hormone-dependant Ca755 and the second one -for partially hormone-dependant W-256.

Cognitive Bias Modification Training During Inpatient Alcohol Detoxification Reduces Early Relapse: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Manning, Victoria; Staiger, Petra K; Hall, Kate; Garfield, Joshua B B; Flaks, Gabriella; Leung, Daniel; Hughes, Laura K; Lum, Jarrad A G; Lubman, Dan I; Verdejo-Garcia, Antonio

2016-09-01

Relapse is common in alcohol-dependent individuals and can be triggered by alcohol-related cues in the environment. It has been suggested that these individuals develop cognitive biases, in which cues automatically capture attention and elicit an approach action tendency that promotes alcohol seeking. The study aim was to examine whether cognitive bias modification (CBM) training targeting approach bias could be delivered during residential alcohol detoxification and improve treatment outcomes. Using a 2-group parallel-block (ratio 1:1) randomized controlled trial with allocation concealed to the outcome assessor, 83 alcohol-dependent inpatients received either 4 sessions of CBM training where participants were implicitly trained to make avoidance movements in response to pictures of alcoholic beverages and approach movements in response to pictures of nonalcoholic beverages, or 4 sessions of sham training (controls) delivered over 4 consecutive days during the 7-day detoxification program. The primary outcome measure was continuous abstinence at 2 weeks postdischarge. Secondary outcomes included time to relapse, frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, and craving. Outcomes were assessed in a telephonic follow-up interview. Seventy-one (85%) participants were successfully followed up, of whom 61 completed all 4 training sessions. With an intention-to-treat approach, there was a trend for higher abstinence rates in the CBM group relative to controls (69 vs. 47%, p = 0.07); however, a per-protocol analysis revealed significantly higher abstinence rates among participants completing 4 sessions of CBM relative to controls (75 vs. 45%, p = 0.02). Craving score, time to relapse, mean drinking days, and mean standard drinks per drinking day did not differ significantly between the groups. This is the first trial demonstrating the feasibility of CBM delivered during alcohol detoxification and supports earlier research suggesting it may be a useful, low-cost adjunctive treatment to improve treatment outcomes for alcohol-dependent patients. Copyright © 2016 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Sources of meaning in family caregivers of terminally ill patients supported by a palliative nursing care team: A naturalistic three-month cohort study.

PubMed

Valdés-Stauber, Juan; Lemaczyk, Rafael; Kilian, Reinhold

2018-06-01

ABSTRACTObjective:Our aim was to identify possible patterns of change or durability in sources of meaning for family caregivers of terminally ill patients after the onset of support at home by an outreach palliative nursing team during a three-month survey period. The Sources of Meaning and Meaning in Life Questionnaire (SoMe) was administered to 100 caregivers of terminally ill patients at four measurement timepoints: immediately before the onset of the palliative care (t0), and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after t0. Time-dependent changes were assessed for the completed subsample (n = 24) by means of bivariate linear as well as quadratic regression models. Multivariate regressions with dimensions of meaning in life as dependent variables were performed for the whole sample by means of random-effects models: dependent variables changed over time (four timepoints), whereas regressors remained constant. No significant differences were found for psychosocial and clinical variables or for sources of meaning between the uncompleted and completed subsamples. Growth curve analyses revealed no statistically significant but tendentiously parabolic changes for any dimensions or for single sources of meaning. In multivariate models, a negative association was found between patient age, psychological burden of family caregivers, and changes in total SoMe score, as well as for the superordinate dimensions. According to our hypothesis, sources of meaning and meaning in life seem to remain robust in relatives caring for terminally ill family members during the three-month survey period. A parabolic development pattern of single sources of meaning indicates an adjustment process. An important limitation of our study is the small number of participants compared with larger multivariate models because of high dropout rates, primarily due to the death of three-quarters of the participants during the survey period.

Balloon catheter versus basket catheter for endoscopic bile duct stone extraction: a multicenter randomized trial.

PubMed

Ishiwatari, Hirotoshi; Kawakami, Hiroshi; Hisai, Hiroyuki; Yane, Kei; Onodera, Manabu; Eto, Kazunori; Haba, Shin; Okuda, Toshinori; Ihara, Hideyuki; Kukitsu, Takehiro; Matsumoto, Ryusuke; Kitaoka, Keisuke; Sonoda, Tomoko; Hayashi, Tsuyoshi

2016-04-01

Endoscopic bile duct stone (BDS) removal is a well-established treatment; however, the preference for basket or balloon catheters for extraction is operator-dependent. We therefore conducted a multicenter prospective randomized trial to compare catheter performance. We enrolled patients with a BDS diameter ≤ 10 mm and common bile duct diameter ≤ 15 mm. Participants were randomly assigned to groups that were treated with basket or balloon catheters between October 2013 and September 2014. The primary endpoint was the rate of complete clearance of the duct; the secondary endpoints were the rate and time to complete clearance in one endoscopic session. We initially enrolled 172 consecutive patients; 14 were excluded after randomization. The complete clearance rates were 92.3 % (72/78) in the balloon group and 80.0 % (64 /80) in the basket group. The difference in the rates between the two groups was 12.3 percentage points, indicating non-inferiority of the balloon method (non-inferiority limit -10 %; P < 0.001 for non-inferiority). Moreover, the balloon was superior to the basket (P = 0.037). The rate of complete clearance in one endoscopic session was 97.4 % using the balloon and 97.5 % using the basket (P = 1.00). The median times to complete clearance in one endoscopic session were 6.0 minutes (1 - 30) and 7.8 minutes (1 - 37) in the balloon and basket groups, respectively (P = 0.15). For extraction of BDSs ≤ 10 mm, complete endoscopic treatment with a single catheter is more likely when choosing a balloon catheter over a basket catheter.University Hospital Medical Information Network Trials Registry: UMIN000011887. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Changes in Nutrition-Related Behaviors in Alcohol-Dependent Patients After Outpatient Detoxification: The Role of Chocolate.

PubMed

Stickel, Anna; Rohdemann, Maren; Landes, Tom; Engel, Katharina; Banas, Roman; Heinz, Andreas; Müller, Christian A

2016-01-01

Previous studies have reported changes in nutrition-related behaviors in alcohol-dependent patients after alcohol detoxification, but prospective studies assessing the effects of these changes on maintaining abstinence are lacking. To assess changes in craving and consumption of chocolate and other sweets over time up to six months after outpatient alcohol detoxification treatment and to detect differences in abstinent versus nonabstinent patients. One hundred and fifty alcohol-dependent patients were included in this prospective observational study. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on nutrition-related behaviors and craving before detoxification treatment (baseline, t1), one week (t2), one month (t3), and six months later (t4). Significant changes in craving for and consumption of chocolate as well as in craving for other sweets were observed over time. Increases were most prominent within the first month. Patients who remained abstinent until t3 consumed three times more chocolate than nonabstainers. One quarter of the patients switched from being rare (t1) to frequent (t3) chocolate eaters, and 84% of these remained abstinent until t3. No significant correlations were found between craving for alcohol and craving for or consumption of chocolate or other sweets. In the first month after outpatient alcohol detoxification treatment, significant changes in nutrition-related behaviors were observed. These changes were not associated with alcohol craving. For a subgroup, increasing the frequency of chocolate consumption might be a temporary protective factor with respect to alcohol relapse.

A note on `a replenishment policy for items with price-dependent demand, time-proportional deterioration and no shortages'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Nita H.; Soni, Hardik N.; Gupta, Jyoti

2014-08-01

In a recent paper, Begum et al. (2012, International Journal of Systems Science, 43, 903-910) established pricing and replenishment policy for an inventory system with price-sensitive demand rate, time-proportional deterioration rate which follows three parameters, Weibull distribution and no shortages. In their model formulation, it is observed that the retailer's stock level reaches zero before the deterioration occurs. Consequently, the model resulted in traditional inventory model with price sensitive demand rate and no shortages. Hence, the main purpose of this note is to modify and present complete model formulation for Begum et al. (2012). The proposed model is validated by a numerical example and the sensitivity analysis of parameters is carried out.

Synthesis of Poly(Propylene Fumarate)

PubMed Central

Kasper, F. Kurtis; Tanahashi, Kazuhiro; Fisher, John P.; Mikos, Antonios G.

2010-01-01

This protocol describes the synthesis of 500 – 4000 Da poly(propylene fumarate) by a two-step reaction of diethyl fumarate and propylene glycol through a bis(hydroxypropyl) fumarate diester intermediate. Purified PPF can be covalently crosslinked to form degradable polymer networks, which have been widely explored for biomedical applications. The properties of crosslinked PPF networks depend upon the molecular properties of the constituent polymer, such as the molecular weight. The purity of the reactants and the exclusion of water from the reaction system are of utmost importance in the generation of high-molecular-weight PPF products. Additionally, the reaction time and temperature influence the molecular weight of the PPF product. The expected time required to complete this protocol is 3 d. PMID:19325548

Effects of experimentally measured pressure oscillations on the vibration of a solid rocket motor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schoenster, J. A.; Pierce, H. B.

1972-01-01

Results are presented of firing a Nike rocket against a backstop for the purpose of obtaining pressure fluctuations in the rocket case and determining their relationship to structural vibrations of the case. Special care was required to obtain these pressure fluctuations because of the much higher static pressure generated in the rocket. Very small pressure fluctuations within the rocket case can cause significant vibration levels. A previously observed high frequency was shown to decrease with time before completely disappearing at about 1 second of burning time. The vibration of the case itself is probably related to the longitudinal structural modes at frequencies below 500 Hz and is dependent on local structural conditions at frequencies above this value.

Combined effects of uncertainty and organizational justice on employee health: testing the uncertainty management model of fairness judgments among Finnish public sector employees.

PubMed

Elovainio, Marko; van den Bos, Kees; Linna, Anne; Kivimäki, Mika; Ala-Mursula, Leena; Pentti, Jaana; Vahtera, Jussi

2005-12-01

We examined whether the combination of uncertainty (lack of work-time control, and negative changes at work) and organizational justice (i.e., justice of decision-making procedures and interpersonal treatment at work) contributes to sickness absence. A total of 7083 male and 24,317 female Finnish public sector employees completed questionnaires designed to assess organizational justice, workload and other factors. Hierarchical regression showed that after adjustment for age, income, and health behaviors low procedural and interactional justice were related to long sickness absence spells. In accordance with the uncertainty management model, these associations were dependent on experienced work-time control and perceived changes at work.

Synchronization versus decoherence of neutrino oscillations at intermediate densities

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

Raffelt, Georg G.; Tamborra, Irene

2010-12-15

We study collective oscillations of a two-flavor neutrino system with arbitrary but fixed density. In the vacuum limit, modes with different energies quickly dephase (kinematical decoherence), whereas in the limit of infinite density they lock to each other (synchronization). For intermediate densities, we find different classes of solutions. There is always a phase transition in the sense of partial synchronization occurring only above a density threshold. For small mixing angles, partial or complete decoherence can be induced by a parametric resonance, introducing a new time scale to the problem, the final outcome depending on the spectrum and mixing angle. Wemore » derive an analytic relation that allows us to calculate the late-time degree of coherence based on the spectrum alone.« less

Time-dependent and time-independent approaches to study effects of degenerate electronic states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baer, Michael; Yahalom, Asher; Englman, Robert

1998-10-01

Two types of phases are discussed in this article: (1) The topological phase as introduced by Berry [Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 392, 45(1984)] and Aharonov and Anandan [Phys. Rev. Lett. 58, 1593 (1987)] and (2) the Longuet-Higgins phase [Proc. R. Soc. London, Ser. A 344, 147 (1975)]. The two types of phases have a common origin, namely the multivaluedness of the electronic adiabatic basis, a phenomenon associated with the existence of a degeneracy in configuration space. It will be shown, by studying an electronic model Hamiltonian that arises from a two-state approximation to the Mathieu equation, that the two phases differ from each other substantially, coinciding only in the adiabatic limit upon completion of a cycle.

Odor-induced phosphorylation of olfactory cilia proteins.

PubMed Central

Boekhoff, I; Schleicher, S; Strotmann, J; Breer, H

1992-01-01

Stimulation of isolated rat olfactory cilia in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP leads to a significantly enhanced incorporation of [32P]phosphate. Depending on the type of odorants applied, the induced phosphorylation is completely blocked by specific inhibitors of either protein kinase A or protein kinase C. Time-course experiments indicate that the odor-induced modification of ciliary proteins is transient; the intensity of labeling decayed over time (1-10 sec). Separation of ciliary proteins by SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography demonstrated that upon stimulation with lilial, a single polypeptide (50,000 Da) was phosphorylated; the size of the modified protein is in line with the hypothesis that odorant receptors are phosphorylated subsequent to activation by specific odors. Images PMID:1334554

Barriers to Real-Time Medical Direction via Cellular Communication for Prehospital Emergency Care Providers in Gujarat, India.

PubMed

Lindquist, Benjamin; Strehlow, Matthew C; Rao, G V Ramana; Newberry, Jennifer A

2016-07-08

Many low- and middle-income countries depend on emergency medical technicians (EMTs), nurses, midwives, and layperson community health workers with limited training to provide a majority of emergency medical, trauma, and obstetric care in the prehospital setting. To improve timely patient care and expand provider scope of practice, nations leverage cellular phones and call centers for real-time online medical direction. However, there exist several barriers to adequate communication that impact the provision of emergency care. We sought to identify obstacles in the cellular communication process among GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute (GVK EMRI) EMTs in Gujarat, India. A convenience sample of practicing EMTs in Gujarat, India were surveyed regarding the barriers to call initiation and completion. 108 EMTs completed the survey. Overall, ninety-seven (89.8%) EMTs responded that the most common reason they did not initiate a call with the call center physician was insufficient time. Forty-six (42%) EMTs reported that they were unable to call the physician one or more times during a typical workweek (approximately 5-6 twelve-hour shifts/week) due to their hands being occupied performing direct patient care. Fifty-eight (54%) EMTs reported that they were unable to reach the call center physician, despite attempts, at least once a week. This study identified multiple barriers to communication, including insufficient time to call for advice and inability to reach call center physicians. Identification of simple interventions and best practices may improve communication and ensure timely and appropriate prehospital care.

Application of CRAFT (complete reduction to amplitude frequency table) in nonuniformly sampled (NUS) 2D NMR data processing.

PubMed

Krishnamurthy, Krish; Hari, Natarajan

2017-09-15

The recently published CRAFT (complete reduction to amplitude frequency table) technique converts the raw FID data (i.e., time domain data) into a table of frequencies, amplitudes, decay rate constants, and phases. It offers an alternate approach to decimate time-domain data, with minimal preprocessing step. It has been shown that application of CRAFT technique to process the t 1 dimension of the 2D data significantly improved the detectable resolution by its ability to analyze without the use of ubiquitous apodization of extensively zero-filled data. It was noted earlier that CRAFT did not resolve sinusoids that were not already resolvable in time-domain (i.e., t 1 max dependent resolution). We present a combined NUS-IST-CRAFT approach wherein the NUS acquisition technique (sparse sampling technique) increases the intrinsic resolution in time-domain (by increasing t 1 max), IST fills the gap in the sparse sampling, and CRAFT processing extracts the information without loss due to any severe apodization. NUS and CRAFT are thus complementary techniques to improve intrinsic and usable resolution. We show that significant improvement can be achieved with this combination over conventional NUS-IST processing. With reasonable sensitivity, the models can be extended to significantly higher t 1 max to generate an indirect-DEPT spectrum that rivals the direct observe counterpart. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluating the utility of administering a reaction time task in an ecological momentary assessment study.

PubMed

Waters, Andrew J; Li, Yisheng

2008-03-01

Cognitive processes underlying drug use have typically been assessed in laboratory settings. More detailed and ecologically valid data may be possible if assessments were conducted in an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) setting. We evaluated the feasibility and utility of administering a reaction time task on a hand-held computer (personal digital assistant, PDA) in an EMA setting. Twenty-two smokers and 22 non-smokers carried around the PDA for 1 week as they went about their daily lives. They were beeped at random times four times per day (random assessments, RAs). Participants were also instructed to press an "anxiety assessment" (AA) button on the PDA whenever they felt suddenly anxious. At each assessment (RA, AA), participants responded to items assessing subjective, pharmacological, and contextual variables, and subsequently completed a Stroop task (classic-Stroop, emotional-Stroop, or smoking-Stroop task). Participants responded to 81.2% of RAs, completed assessments in an average of 4.44 min, reported no interruptions on the majority of assessments (62.4%), and produced data with adequate reliability. Using generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses, age was associated with the classic-Stroop effect, state anxiety was associated with the emotional-Stroop effect, and Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scores were associated with the smoking-Stroop effect. The study provided evidence for the feasibility and utility of the approach.

Effect of phorbol derivatives and staurosporine on gravitropic response of primary root of maize

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

Mulkey, T.J.; Kim, S.Y.; Lee, J.S.

1991-05-01

Time-lapse videography and computer-based, video image digitization were used to examine the effects of phorbol derivatives (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, TPA; phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate 4-O-methyl ether, mTPA) and staurosporine on the kinetics of gravicurvature of primary roots of maize (Zea mays L., Pioneer 3343 and Golden Cross Bantam). Pretreatment of roots with TPA (3 hr, 1 {mu}M) decreases the time lag prior to induction of positive gravicurvature in horizontally-oriented roots by > 60%. The rate of curvature is not significantly different than the rate observed in control roots. Wrongway curvature which is observed in 30-40% of control roots is not observedmore » in TPA-pretreated roots. Oscillatory movements observed in control roots after completion of gravitropic reorientation is completely dampened in TPA-pretreated roots. Pretreatment of roots with mTPA(3hr,1{mu}M), the inactive analog of TPA, does not significantly alter the kinetics of gravicurvature of primary roots of maize. Staurosporine (10{sup {minus}8}M), a microbial alkaloid which has been reported to have antifungal activity and to inhibit phospholipid/Ca{sup ++} dependent protein kinase, completely inhibits TPA-induced alteration of the kinetics of gravitropism. DAG (1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-rac-glycerol), a synthetic diglyceride activator of protein kinase C, exhibits similar activity to TPA. TPA-induced alterations in tissue response to auxin are presented.« less

Child development at 5 years of age predicted mathematics ability and schooling outcomes in Malawian adolescents.

PubMed

Gandhi, Mihir; Teivaanmaki, Tiina; Maleta, Kenneth; Duan, Xiaolian; Ashorn, Per; Cheung, Yin Bun

2013-01-01

This study aimed to examine the association between child development at 5 years of age and mathematics ability and schooling outcomes at 12 years of age in Malawian children. A prospective cohort study looking at 609 rural Malawian children. Outcome measures were percentage of correctly answered mathematics questions, highest school grade completed and number of times repeating school grades at 12 years of age. A child development summary score obtained at 5 years of age was the main exposure variable. Regression analyses were used to estimate the association and adjust for confounders. Sensitivity analysis was performed by handling losses to follow-up with multiple imputation (MI) method. The summary score was positively associated with percentage of correctly answered mathematics questions (p = 0.057; p = 0.031 MI) and with highest school grade completed (p = 0.096; p = 0.070 MI), and negatively associated with number of times repeating school grades (p = 0.834; p = 0.339 MI). Fine motor score at 5 years was independently associated with the mathematic score (p = 0.032; p = 0.011 MI). The association between child development and mathematics ability did not depend on school attendance. Child development at 5 years of age showed signs of positive association with mathematics ability and possibly with highest school grade completed at 12 years of age. © 2012 The Author(s)/Acta Paediatrica © 2012 Foundation Acta Paediatrica.

The light-front gauge-invariant energy-momentum tensor

DOE PAGES

Lorce, Cedric

2015-08-11

In this study, we provide for the first time a complete parametrization for the matrix elements of the generic asymmetric, non-local and gauge-invariant canonical energy-momentum tensor, generalizing therefore former works on the symmetric, local and gauge-invariant kinetic energy-momentum tensor also known as the Belinfante-Rosenfeld energy-momentum tensor. We discuss in detail the various constraints imposed by non-locality, linear and angular momentum conservation. We also derive the relations with two-parton generalized and transverse-momentum dependent distributions, clarifying what can be learned from the latter. In particular, we show explicitly that two-parton transverse-momentum dependent distributions cannot provide any model-independent information about the parton orbitalmore » angular momentum. On the way, we recover the Burkardt sum rule and obtain similar new sum rules for higher-twist distributions.« less

Crossover between collective and independent-particle excitations in quasi-2D electron gas with one filled subband

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nazarov, Vladimir U.

2018-05-01

While it has been recently demonstrated that, for quasi-two-dimensional electron gas (Q2DEG) with one filled subband, the dynamic exchange f x and Hartree f H kernels cancel each other in the low-density regime r s → ∞ (by half and completely, for the spin-neutral and fully spin-polarized cases, respectively), here we analytically show that the same happens at arbitrary densities at short distances. This motivates us to study the confinement dependence of the excitations in Q2DEG. Our calculations unambiguously confirm that, at strong confinements, the time-dependent exact exchange excitation energies approach the single-particle Kohn-Sham ones for the spin-polarized case, while the same, but less pronounced, tendency is observed for spin-neutral Q2DEG.

Generation of surgical pathology report using a 5,000-word speech recognizer.

PubMed

Tischler, A S; Martin, M R

1989-10-01

Pressures to decrease both turnaround time and operating costs simultaneously have placed conflicting demands on traditional forms of medical transcription. The new technology of voice recognition extends the promise of enabling the pathologist or other medical professional to dictate a correct report and have it printed and/or transmitted to a database immediately. The usefulness of voice recognition systems depends on several factors, including ease of use, reliability, speed, and accuracy. These in turn depend on the general underlying design of the systems and inclusion in the systems of a specific knowledge base appropriate for each application. Development of a good knowledge base requires close collaboration between a domain expert and a knowledge engineer with expertise in voice recognition. The authors have recently completed a knowledge base for surgical pathology using the Kurzweil VoiceReport 5,000-word system.

Phase synchronization of baroclinic waves in a differentially heated rotating annulus experiment subject to periodic forcing with a variable duty cycle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Read, P. L.; Morice-Atkinson, X.; Allen, E. J.; Castrejón-Pita, A. A.

2017-12-01

A series of laboratory experiments in a thermally driven, rotating fluid annulus are presented that investigate the onset and characteristics of phase synchronization and frequency entrainment between the intrinsic, chaotic, oscillatory amplitude modulation of travelling baroclinic waves and a periodic modulation of the (axisymmetric) thermal boundary conditions, subject to time-dependent coupling. The time-dependence is in the form of a prescribed duty cycle in which the periodic forcing of the boundary conditions is applied for only a fraction δ of each oscillation. For the rest of the oscillation, the boundary conditions are held fixed. Two profiles of forcing were investigated that capture different parts of the sinusoidal variation and δ was varied over the range 0.1 ≤δ≤1 . Reducing δ was found to act in a similar way to a reduction in a constant coupling coefficient in reducing the width of the interval in forcing frequency or period over which complete synchronization was observed (the "Arnol'd tongue") with respect to the detuning, although for the strongest pulse-like forcing profile some degree of synchronization was discernible even at δ=0.1 . Complete phase synchronization was obtained within the Arnol'd tongue itself, although the strength of the amplitude modulation of the baroclinic wave was not significantly affected. These experiments demonstrate a possible mechanism for intraseasonal and/or interannual "teleconnections" within the climate system of the Earth and other planets that does not rely on Rossby wave propagation across the planet along great circles.

Illness perception ratings of high-risk newborns by mothers and clinicians: relationship to illness severity and maternal stress.

PubMed

Brooks, Stacey; Rowley, Simon; Broadbent, Elizabeth; Petrie, Keith J

2012-09-01

Patients' views of illness are often thought to differ from those of medical staff, although this is rarely assessed. This study examined the correspondence between mothers' and clinicians' perceptions of the same high-risk newborns, as well as with an objective measure of illness severity. We also investigated how mothers' perceptions were related to reported stress. Mothers of 99 high-risk infants admitted to either a neonatal intensive care or neonatal high dependency unit, which offers specialized but not intensive care, completed illness perception ratings of their baby's condition as well as perceived stress 3 to 5 days following admission. At the same time, a standardized measure of neonatal illness severity was calculated and the baby's primary neonatologist completed illness perceptions ratings. Unlike clinician ratings, mothers' illness perceptions were not significantly correlated with illness severity. Mothers generally rated babies in both units as sicker and having a more serious illness than did neonatologists. Whereas clinicians, compared with mothers, rated babies in intensive care as having an illness that would affect their life more and last for a longer time. Mothers rated medical treatment to be significantly more helpful than did clinicians, particularly for babies admitted to the high dependency unit. Mothers' stress was significantly associated with illness perceptions but unrelated to illness severity. Significant differences exist in the perceptions of illness severity, helpfulness of treatment, and the long-term effects of the baby's illness between parents and clinicians and this may lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations in communication. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved.

Does thrombin stimulation of human platelets proceed via a simultaneous Na/sup +/-H/sup +/ exchange

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

Davies, T.A.; Katona, E.; Vasilescu, V.

1986-03-05

Thrombin stimulation of human platelets initiates a membrane depolarization attributable to a Na/sup +/ influx into, and an alkalinization of, the cytoplasm, both of which follow a similar rapid time scale and thrombin dose dependence. These responses precede secretion of the contents of dense granules (serotonin) and, after 1 min, of lysosomes (..beta..-glucuronidase). These markers have been used to determine whether the Na/sup +/ influx and H/sup +/ efflux are sequential or simultaneous. They have examined these parameters in D/sub 2/O-Hepes buffers. NMR evidence indicates that equilibration is rapid, and virtually complete within the 3 minute pre-stimulation platelets equilibration period.more » The rate of depolarization is 70-80% slower in D/sub 2/O than in H/sub 2/O. The time to reach maximal depolarization is 5-10 sec longer, the extent of depolarization 60% inhibited, and the (H/sup +/) change 85-100% inhibited. The serotonin secretion is unaltered, and the ..beta..-glucuronidase secretion is 130-180% enhanced. 10/sup -4/ M amiloride inhibits Na/sup +/ influx, i.e. depolarization, and the pH change completely. Adjustment to pH/sub i/ 7.3 with NH/sub 4/Cl led to a 30-80% enhanced ..beta..-glucuronidase release upon thrombin exposure. These results suggest that the Na/sup +/ and H/sup +/ fluxes across the platelet membrane occur sequentially, the Na/sup +/ occurring first. Furthermore, granule secretion, previously shown by us to be independent of the existent Na/sup +/ gradient, depends on the cytoplasmic K/sup +/ and H/sup +/ concentrations.« less

Edoxaban effects on bleeding following punch biopsy and reversal by a 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate.

PubMed

Zahir, Hamim; Brown, Karen S; Vandell, Alexander G; Desai, Madhuri; Maa, Jen-Fue; Dishy, Victor; Lomeli, Barbara; Feussner, Annette; Feng, Wenqin; He, Ling; Grosso, Michael A; Lanz, Hans J; Antman, Elliott M

2015-01-06

The oral factor Xa inhibitor edoxaban has demonstrated safety and efficacy in stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and in the treatment and secondary prevention of venous thromboembolism. This study investigated the reversal of edoxaban's effects on bleeding measures and biomarkers by using a 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC). This was a phase 1 study conducted at a single site. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 2-way crossover study to determine the reversal effect of descending doses of 4F-PCC on bleeding duration and bleeding volume following edoxaban treatment. A total of 110 subjects (17 in part 1, 93 in part 2) were treated. Intravenous administration of 4F-PCC 50, 25, or 10 IU/kg following administration of edoxaban (60 mg) dose-dependently reversed edoxaban's effects on bleeding duration and endogenous thrombin potential, with complete reversal at 50 IU/kg. Effects on prothrombin time were partially reversed at 50 IU/kg. A similar trend was seen for bleeding volume. The 4F-PCC dose-dependently reversed the effects of edoxaban (60 mg), with complete reversal of bleeding duration and endogenous thrombin potential and partial reversal of prothrombin time following 50 IU/kg. Edoxaban alone and in combination with 4F-PCC was safe and well tolerated in these healthy subjects. A dose of 50 IU/kg 4F-PCC may be suitable for reversing edoxaban anticoagulation. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02047565. © 2014 American Heart Association, Inc.

Block of calcium channels by enkephalin and somatostatin in neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid NG108-15 cells.

PubMed

Tsunoo, A; Yoshii, M; Narahashi, T

1986-12-01

Leucine-enkephalin, methionine-enkephalin, and morphine caused a reversible block of Ca2+ channel currents in neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells (NG108-15). The long-lasting (type 2) component of the Ca2+ channel current was blocked by leucine-enkephalin, while the transient (type 1) component was not affected. The enkephalin-induced blocking action was antagonized by naloxone and appears to be mediated by delta-opiate receptors. Two different aspects of the blocking effect were detected, a resting block and a recovery from block during prolonged depolarizing pulses. Recovery from block was more complete, and its time course was more rapid, with depolarization to more positive potentials. The dose dependence of the type 2 channel block at rest indicated a one-to-one binding stoichiometry, with an apparent dissociation constant of 8.8 nM. Somatostatin exerted a similar selective blocking action on the type 2 Ca2+ channel. The time- and voltage-dependent block of type 2 Ca2+ channels may provide a mechanism underlying the enkephalinergic presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release and the somatostatin block of pituitary growth hormone release.

Paramyxovirus fusion: Real-time measurement of parainfluenza virus 5 virus-cell fusion

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

Connolly, Sarah A.; Lamb, Robert A.

2006-11-25

Although cell-cell fusion assays are useful surrogate methods for studying virus fusion, differences between cell-cell and virus-cell fusion exist. To examine paramyxovirus fusion in real time, we labeled viruses with fluorescent lipid probes and monitored virus-cell fusion by fluorimetry. Two parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) isolates (W3A and SER) and PIV5 containing mutations within the fusion protein (F) were studied. Fusion was specific and temperature-dependent. Compared to many low pH-dependent viruses, the kinetics of PIV5 fusion was slow, approaching completion within several minutes. As predicted from cell-cell fusion assays, virus containing an F protein with an extended cytoplasmic tail (rSV5 F551)more » had reduced fusion compared to wild-type virus (W3A). In contrast, virus-cell fusion for SER occurred at near wild-type levels, despite the fact that this isolate exhibits a severely reduced cell-cell fusion phenotype. These results support the notion that virus-cell and cell-cell fusion have significant differences.« less

Nonlocal and Nonadiabatic Effects in the Charge-Density Response of Solids: A Time-Dependent Density-Functional Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panholzer, Martin; Gatti, Matteo; Reining, Lucia

2018-04-01

The charge-density response of extended materials is usually dominated by the collective oscillation of electrons, the plasmons. Beyond this feature, however, intriguing many-body effects are observed. They cannot be described by one of the most widely used approaches for the calculation of dielectric functions, which is time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) in the adiabatic local density approximation (ALDA). Here, we propose an approximation to the TDDFT exchange-correlation kernel which is nonadiabatic and nonlocal. It is extracted from correlated calculations in the homogeneous electron gas, where we have tabulated it for a wide range of wave vectors and frequencies. A simple mean density approximation allows one to use it in inhomogeneous materials where the density varies on a scale of 1.6 rs or faster. This kernel contains effects that are completely absent in the ALDA; in particular, it correctly describes the double plasmon in the dynamic structure factor of sodium, and it shows the characteristic low-energy peak that appears in systems with low electronic density. It also leads to an overall quantitative improvement of spectra.

Specimen geometry effects on graphite/PMR-15 composites during thermo-oxidative aging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, K. J.; Meyers, A.

1986-01-01

Studies were conducted to establish the effects of specimen geometry on the thermo-oxidative stability and the mechanical properties retention of unidirectional Celion 12000 graphite fiber reinforced PMR-15 polyimide composites. Weight loss, flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength are measured at isothermal aging times as long as 1639 hr at a temperature of 316 C for three different specimen geometries. It is found that the three different types of specimen surfaces exhibit different values of weight loss/unit area. The mechanical properties retention is also found to be dependent on geometry for these composites. The interlaminar shear strength decreases significantly over the complete range of aging times. The flexural strength retention starts showing geometric dependency after about 1000 hr of aging at 316C. Weight loss fluxes, associated with the three different types of exposed surfaces, are calculated and used to develop an empirical mathematical model for predicting the weight loss behavior of unidirectional composites of arbitrary geometries. Data are presented comparing experimentally determined weight loss with weight loss values predicted using the empirical model.

Dynamic Performance of High Bypass Ratio Turbine Engines With Water Ingestion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murthy, S. N. B.

1996-01-01

The research on dynamic performance of high bypass turbofan engines includes studies on inlets, turbomachinery and the total engine system operating with air-water mixture; the water may be in vapor, droplet, or film form, and their combinations. Prediction codes (WISGS, WINCOF, WINCOF-1, WINCLR, and Transient Engine Performance Code) for performance changes, as well as changes in blade-casing clearance, have been established and demonstrated in application to actual, generic engines. In view of the continuous changes in water distribution in turbomachinery, the performance of both components and the total engine system must be determined in a time-dependent mode; hence, the determination of clearance changes also requires a time-dependent approach. In general, the performance and clearances changes cannot be scaled either with respect to operating or ingestion conditions. Removal of water prior to phase change is the most effective means of avoiding ingestion effects. Sufficient background has been established to perform definitive, full scale tests on a set of components and a complete engine to establish engine control and operability with various air-water vapor-water mixtures.

Nonlocal and Nonadiabatic Effects in the Charge-Density Response of Solids: A Time-Dependent Density-Functional Approach.

PubMed

Panholzer, Martin; Gatti, Matteo; Reining, Lucia

2018-04-20

The charge-density response of extended materials is usually dominated by the collective oscillation of electrons, the plasmons. Beyond this feature, however, intriguing many-body effects are observed. They cannot be described by one of the most widely used approaches for the calculation of dielectric functions, which is time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) in the adiabatic local density approximation (ALDA). Here, we propose an approximation to the TDDFT exchange-correlation kernel which is nonadiabatic and nonlocal. It is extracted from correlated calculations in the homogeneous electron gas, where we have tabulated it for a wide range of wave vectors and frequencies. A simple mean density approximation allows one to use it in inhomogeneous materials where the density varies on a scale of 1.6 r_{s} or faster. This kernel contains effects that are completely absent in the ALDA; in particular, it correctly describes the double plasmon in the dynamic structure factor of sodium, and it shows the characteristic low-energy peak that appears in systems with low electronic density. It also leads to an overall quantitative improvement of spectra.

Specimen geometry effects on graphite/PMR-15 composites during thermo-oxidative aging

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowles, K. J.; Meyers, A.

1986-01-01

Studies were conducted to establish the effects of specimen geometry on the thermo-oxidative stability and the mechanical properties retention of unidirectional Celion 12000 graphite fiber reinforced PMR-15 polyimide composites. Weight loss, flexural strength and interlaminar shear strength are measured at isothermal aging times as long as 1639 hr at a temperature of 316 C for three different specimen geometries. It is found that the three different types of specimen surfaces exhibit different values of weight loss/unit area. The mechanical properties retention is also found to be dependent on geometry for these composites. The interlaminar shear strength decreases significantly over the complete range of aging times. The flexural strength retention starts showing geometric dependency after about 1000 hr of aging at 316 C. Weight loss fluxes, associated with the three different types of exposed surfaces, are calculated and used to develop an empirical mathematical model for predicting the weight loss behavior of unidirectional composites of arbitrary geometries. Data are presented comparing experimentally determined weight loss with weight loss values predicted using the empirical model.

Theoretical determination of chemical rate constants using novel time-dependent methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dateo, Christopher E.

1994-01-01

The work completed within the grant period 10/1/91 through 12/31/93 falls primarily in the area of reaction dynamics using both quantum and classical mechanical methodologies. Essentially four projects have been completed and have been or are in preparation of being published. The majority of time was spent in the determination of reaction rate coefficients in the area of hydrocarbon fuel combustion reactions which are relevant to NASA's High Speed Research Program (HSRP). These reaction coefficients are important in the design of novel jet engines with low NOx emissions, which through a series of catalytic reactions contribute to the deterioration of the earth's ozone layer. A second area of research studied concerned the control of chemical reactivity using ultrashort (femtosecond) laser pulses. Recent advances in pulsed-laser technologies have opened up a vast new field to be investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The photodissociation of molecules adsorbed on surfaces using novel time-independent quantum mechanical methods was a third project. And finally, using state-of-the-art, high level ab initio electronic structure methods in conjunction with accurate quantum dynamical methods, the rovibrational energy levels of a triatomic molecule with two nonhydrogen atoms (HCN) were calculated to unprecedented levels of agreement between theory and experiment.

Automated Detection and Modeling of Slow Slip: Case Study of the Cascadia Subduction Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crowell, B. W.; Bock, Y.; Liu, Z.

2012-12-01

The discovery of transient slow slip events over the past decade has changed our understanding of tectonic hazards and the earthquake cycle. Proper geodetic characterization of transient deformation is necessary for studies of regional interseismic, coseismic and postseismic tectonics, and miscalculations can affect our understanding of the regional stress field. We utilize two different methods to create a complete record of slow slip from continuous GPS stations in the Cascadia subduction zone between 1996 and 2012: spatiotemporal principal component analysis (PCA) and the relative strength index (RSI). The PCA is performed on 100 day windows of nearby stations to locate signals that exist across many stations in the network by looking at the ratio of the first two eigenvalues. The RSI is a financial momentum oscillator that looks for changes in individual time series with respect to previous epochs to locate rapid changes, indicative of transient deformation. Using both methods, we create a complete history of slow slip across the Cascadia subduction zone, fully characterizing the timing, progression, and magnitude of events. We inject the results from the automated transient detection into a time-dependent slip inversion and apply a Kalman filter based network inversion method to image the spatiotemporal variation of slip transients along the Cascadia margin.

Marijuana: a decade and a half later, still a crude drug with underappreciated toxicity.

PubMed

Schwartz, Richard H

2002-02-01

In 1984, I published in this journal a review entitled "Marijuana: A Crude Drug With a Spectrum of Underappreciated Toxicity." In the introduction to that article, I disclosed that our son Keith, who was 15 years old at the time, was in a long-term, modified outpatient adolescent drug and alcohol rehabilitation program because he had become dependent on marijuana with its associated behavioral, interpersonal, scholastic, and antisocial problems. Keith and most of his friends had experimented several times with LSD, beer, and several other drugs but never used injection drugs. Marijuana was clearly Keith's drug of choice and the only drug he used with regularity. Approximately 1 year later, Keith graduated from the treatment program. He completed the early aftercare component, relapsed several times, and completed a 4-month refresher drug rehabilitation program in another state. Nine years after admission to the first rehabilitation program, Keith finally attained some adult goals. Now 34 years old, he has been drug-free for 10 years. He is the president and owner of a successful discount cellular phone business that he started. More important, a decade ago, he reestablished an excellent and close relationship with his parents. As far as I can tell, Keith remains drug-free except for an occasional beer.

Development of a questionnaire for assessing dependence on electronic cigarettes among a large sample of ex-smoking E-cigarette users.

PubMed

Foulds, Jonathan; Veldheer, Susan; Yingst, Jessica; Hrabovsky, Shari; Wilson, Stephen J; Nichols, Travis T; Eissenberg, Thomas

2015-02-01

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are becoming increasingly popular, but little is known about their dependence potential. This study aimed to assess ratings of dependence on electronic cigarettes and retrospectively compare them with rated dependence on tobacco cigarettes among a large sample of ex-smokers who switched to e-cigs. A total of 3,609 current users of e-cigs who were ex-cigarette smokers completed a 158-item online survey about their e-cig use, including 10 items designed to assess their previous dependence on cigarettes and 10 almost identical items, worded to assess their current dependence on e-cigs (range 0-20). Scores on the 10-item Penn State (PS) Cigarette Dependence Index were significantly higher than on the comparable PS Electronic Cigarette Dependence Index (14.5 vs. 8.1, p < .0001). In multivariate analysis, those who had used e-cigs longer had higher e-cig dependence scores, as did those using more advanced e-cigs that were larger than a cigarette and had a manual button. Those using zero nicotine liquid had significantly lower e-cig dependence scores than those using 1-12 mg/ml, who scored significantly lower than those using 13 or greater mg/ml nicotine liquid (p < .003). Current e-cigarette users reported being less dependent on e-cigarettes than they retrospectively reported having been dependent on cigarettes prior to switching. E-cig dependence appears to vary by product characteristics and liquid nicotine concentration, and it may increase over time. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Existence of a new emitting singlet state of proflavine: femtosecond dynamics of the excited state processes and quantum chemical studies in different solvents.

PubMed

Kumar, Karuppannan Senthil; Selvaraju, Chellappan; Malar, Ezekiel Joy Padma; Natarajan, Paramasivam

2012-01-12

Proflavine (3,6-diaminoacridine) shows fluorescence emission with lifetime, 4.6 ± 0.2 ns, in all the solvents irrespective of the solvent polarity. To understand this unusual photophysical property, investigations were carried out using steady state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in the pico- and femtosecond time domain. Molecular geometries in the ground and low-lying excited states of proflavine were examined by complete structural optimization using ab initio quantum chemical computations at HF/6-311++G** and CIS/6-311++G** levels. Time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations were performed to study the excitation energies in the low-lying excited states. The steady state absorption and emission spectral details of proflavine are found to be influenced by solvents. The femtosecond fluorescence decay of the proflavine in all the solvents follows triexponential function with two ultrafast decay components (τ(1) and τ(2)) in addition to the nanosecond component. The ultrafast decay component, τ(1), is attributed to the solvation dynamics of the particular solvent used. The second ultrafast decay component, τ(2), is found to vary from 50 to 215 ps depending upon the solvent. The amplitudes of the ultrafast decay components vary with the wavelength and show time dependent spectral shift in the emission maximum. The observation is interpreted that the time dependent spectral shift is not only due to solvation dynamics but also due to the existence of more than one emitting state of proflavine in the solvent used. Time resolved area normalized emission spectral (TRANES) analysis shows an isoemissive point, indicating the presence of two emitting states in homogeneous solution. Detailed femtosecond fluorescence decay analysis allows us to isolate the two independent emitting components of the close lying singlet states. The CIS and TDDFT calculations also support the existence of the close lying emitting states. The near constant lifetime observed for proflavine in different solvents is suggested to be due to the similar dipole moments of the ground and the evolved emitting singlet state of the dye from the Franck-Condon excited state.

Anhedonia: Its Dynamic Relations With Craving, Negative Affect, and Treatment During a Quit Smoking Attempt.

PubMed

Cook, Jessica W; Lanza, Stephanie T; Chu, Wanghuan; Baker, Timothy B; Piper, Megan E

2017-06-01

Research shows that abstinence from tobacco leads to a withdrawal-related decrement in responsivity to nondrug rewards (ie, anhedonia). However, it remains unclear how anhedonia relates to other key withdrawal symptoms and withdrawal-related constructs over time. We analyzed ecological momentary assessment data to examine whether a decrement in response to rewards during a 10-day period following quitting shows a pattern of associations with other variables (ie, treatment, tobacco dependence, negative affect, and craving) that is consistent with anhedonia being a tobacco withdrawal symptom. As part of a randomized controlled trial of smoking cessation therapies, 1122 adults (58% female) were assigned to: placebo (n = 131), bupropion (alone or with nicotine lozenge; n = 401), or nicotine replacement therapy (NRT; lozenge, patch, both; n = 590). Participants completed 4 ecological momentary assessments per day for 10 days postquit, resulting in 22 575 assessments. Time-varying effect modeling showed that anhedonia was significantly greater among those high in dependence relative to lower dependent smokers out to day 9 postquit. The placebo group showed elevated anhedonia immediately postquit, which fell to levels similar to the treatment groups by day 7. NRT effectively reduced anhedonia and its time-varying association with craving early in the quit attempt. The positive association between negative affect and anhedonia was moderate and stable over time for both active treatment groups. These results provide additional support that anhedonia following quitting smoking is a manifestation of the tobacco withdrawal syndrome. This study supported the hypothesis that diminished responsivity to nondrug rewards (ie, anhedonia) is a symptom of the tobacco withdrawal syndrome. Results showed that anhedonia: (1) was significantly associated with dependence, especially during the early postquit period when withdrawal was at its peak intensity; (2) showed significant time-varying associations with other withdrawal symptoms, especially craving; and (3) was significantly suppressed by agonist administration as was its association with craving over time. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Hindrance of conservation biology by delays in the submission of manuscripts.

PubMed

O'Donnell, Ryan P; Supp, Sarah R; Cobbold, Stephanie M

2010-04-01

Timely dissemination of scientific findings depends not only on rapid publication of submitted manuscripts, a topic which has received much discussion, but also on rapid submission of research after the research is completed. We measured submission delay (time from the last date of data collection to the submission of a manuscript) for every paper from 14 journals in 2007 and compared these submission delays among four fields of biology (conservation, taxonomy, behavior, and evolution). Manuscripts published in leading journals in the field of conservation biology have the longest delays in publication of accepted manuscripts and the longest intervals between completion of research and submission of the manuscript. Delay in manuscript submission accounts for more than half of the total time from last date of data collection to publication. Across fields, the number of authors was significantly negatively correlated with submission delay, but conservation journals had the second highest number of authors and the greatest submission delay, so submission of conservation manuscripts was not hindered by a shortage of collaboration relative to other fields. Rejection rates were greater in conservation journals than in behavior and evolution, but rejection times were faster; thus, there were no obvious net differences among fields in the time papers spent waiting to be rejected. Publication delay has been reduced significantly in the last 7 years, but was still greater in conservation journals than in any of the other three fields we studied. Thus, the urgent field of conservation biology is hindered in both preparation and publication of manuscripts.

Event-driven processing for hardware-efficient neural spike sorting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yan; Pereira, João L.; Constandinou, Timothy G.

2018-02-01

Objective. The prospect of real-time and on-node spike sorting provides a genuine opportunity to push the envelope of large-scale integrated neural recording systems. In such systems the hardware resources, power requirements and data bandwidth increase linearly with channel count. Event-based (or data-driven) processing can provide here a new efficient means for hardware implementation that is completely activity dependant. In this work, we investigate using continuous-time level-crossing sampling for efficient data representation and subsequent spike processing. Approach. (1) We first compare signals (synthetic neural datasets) encoded with this technique against conventional sampling. (2) We then show how such a representation can be directly exploited by extracting simple time domain features from the bitstream to perform neural spike sorting. (3) The proposed method is implemented in a low power FPGA platform to demonstrate its hardware viability. Main results. It is observed that considerably lower data rates are achievable when using 7 bits or less to represent the signals, whilst maintaining the signal fidelity. Results obtained using both MATLAB and reconfigurable logic hardware (FPGA) indicate that feature extraction and spike sorting accuracies can be achieved with comparable or better accuracy than reference methods whilst also requiring relatively low hardware resources. Significance. By effectively exploiting continuous-time data representation, neural signal processing can be achieved in a completely event-driven manner, reducing both the required resources (memory, complexity) and computations (operations). This will see future large-scale neural systems integrating on-node processing in real-time hardware.

Finite-Time and Fixed-Time Cluster Synchronization With or Without Pinning Control.

PubMed

Liu, Xiwei; Chen, Tianping

2018-01-01

In this paper, the finite-time and fixed-time cluster synchronization problem for complex networks with or without pinning control are discussed. Finite-time (or fixed-time) synchronization has been a hot topic in recent years, which means that the network can achieve synchronization in finite-time, and the settling time depends on the initial values for finite-time synchronization (or the settling time is bounded by a constant for any initial values for fixed-time synchronization). To realize the finite-time and fixed-time cluster synchronization, some simple distributed protocols with or without pinning control are designed and the effectiveness is rigorously proved. Several sufficient criteria are also obtained to clarify the effects of coupling terms for finite-time and fixed-time cluster synchronization. Especially, when the cluster number is one, the cluster synchronization becomes the complete synchronization problem; when the network has only one node, the coupling term between nodes will disappear, and the synchronization problem becomes the simplest master-slave case, which also includes the stability problem for nonlinear systems like neural networks. All these cases are also discussed. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the correctness of obtained theoretical results.

Presaddle and postsaddle dissipative effects in fission using complete kinematics measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Sánchez, J. L.; Benlliure, J.; Taïeb, J.; Alvarez-Pol, H.; Audouin, L.; Ayyad, Y.; Bélier, G.; Boutoux, G.; Casarejos, E.; Chatillon, A.; Cortina-Gil, D.; Gorbinet, T.; Heinz, A.; Kelić-Heil, A.; Laurent, B.; Martin, J.-F.; Paradela, C.; Pellereau, E.; Pietras, B.; Ramos, D.; Rodríguez-Tajes, C.; Rossi, D. M.; Simon, H.; Vargas, J.; Voss, B.

2016-12-01

A complete kinematics measurement of the two fission fragments was used for the first time to investigate fission dynamics at small and large deformations. Fissioning systems with high excitation energies, compact shapes, and low angular momenta were produced in inverse kinematics by using spallation reactions of lead projectiles. A new generation experimental setup allowed for the first full and unambiguous identification in mass and atomic number of both fission fragments. This measurement permitted us to accurately determine fission cross sections, the charge distribution, and the neutron excess of the fission fragments as a function of the atomic number of the fissioning system. These data are compared with different model calculations to extract information on the value of the dissipation parameter at small and large deformations. The present results do not show any sizable dependence of the nuclear dissipation parameter on temperature or deformation.

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

Rossi, Tuomas P., E-mail: tuomas.rossi@alumni.aalto.fi; Sakko, Arto; Puska, Martti J.

We present an approach for generating local numerical basis sets of improving accuracy for first-principles nanoplasmonics simulations within time-dependent density functional theory. The method is demonstrated for copper, silver, and gold nanoparticles that are of experimental interest but computationally demanding due to the semi-core d-electrons that affect their plasmonic response. The basis sets are constructed by augmenting numerical atomic orbital basis sets by truncated Gaussian-type orbitals generated by the completeness-optimization scheme, which is applied to the photoabsorption spectra of homoatomic metal atom dimers. We obtain basis sets of improving accuracy up to the complete basis set limit and demonstrate thatmore » the performance of the basis sets transfers to simulations of larger nanoparticles and nanoalloys as well as to calculations with various exchange-correlation functionals. This work promotes the use of the local basis set approach of controllable accuracy in first-principles nanoplasmonics simulations and beyond.« less

Variation in spectral response of soybeans with respect to illumination, view, and canopy geometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ranson, K. J.; Biehl, L. L.; Bauer, M. E.

1984-01-01

Comparisons of the spectral response for incomplete (well-defined row structure) and complete (overlapping row structure) canopies of soybeans indicated a greater dependence on Sun and view geometry for the incomplete canopies. Red and near-IR reflectance for the incomplete canopy decreased as solar zenith angle increased for a nadir view angle until the soil between the plant rows was completely shaded. Thereafter for increasing solar zenith angle, the red reflectance leveled off and the near-IR reflectance increased. A 'hot spot' effect was evident for the red and near-IR reflectance factors. The 'hot spot' effect was more pronounced for the red band based on relative reflectance value changes. The ratios of off-nadir to nadir acquired data reveal that off-nadir red band reflectance factors more closely approximated straightdown measurements for time periods away from solar noon. Normalized difference generally approximated straightdown measurements during the middle portion of the day.

Visual statistical learning is related to natural language ability in adults: An ERP study.

PubMed

Daltrozzo, Jerome; Emerson, Samantha N; Deocampo, Joanne; Singh, Sonia; Freggens, Marjorie; Branum-Martin, Lee; Conway, Christopher M

2017-03-01

Statistical learning (SL) is believed to enable language acquisition by allowing individuals to learn regularities within linguistic input. However, neural evidence supporting a direct relationship between SL and language ability is scarce. We investigated whether there are associations between event-related potential (ERP) correlates of SL and language abilities while controlling for the general level of selective attention. Seventeen adults completed tests of visual SL, receptive vocabulary, grammatical ability, and sentence completion. Response times and ERPs showed that SL is related to receptive vocabulary and grammatical ability. ERPs indicated that the relationship between SL and grammatical ability was independent of attention while the association between SL and receptive vocabulary depended on attention. The implications of these dissociative relationships in terms of underlying mechanisms of SL and language are discussed. These results further elucidate the cognitive nature of the links between SL mechanisms and language abilities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Visual statistical learning is related to natural language ability in adults: An ERP Study

PubMed Central

Daltrozzo, Jerome; Emerson, Samantha N.; Deocampo, Joanne; Singh, Sonia; Freggens, Marjorie; Branum-Martin, Lee; Conway, Christopher M.

2017-01-01

Statistical learning (SL) is believed to enable language acquisition by allowing individuals to learn regularities within linguistic input. However, neural evidence supporting a direct relationship between SL and language ability is scarce. We investigated whether there are associations between event-related potential (ERP) correlates of SL and language abilities while controlling for the general level of selective attention. Seventeen adults completed tests of visual SL, receptive vocabulary, grammatical ability, and sentence completion. Response times and ERPs showed that SL is related to receptive vocabulary and grammatical ability. ERPs indicated that the relationship between SL and grammatical ability was independent of attention while the association between SL and receptive vocabulary depended on attention. The implications of these dissociative relationships in terms of underlying mechanisms of SL and language are discussed. These results further elucidate the cognitive nature of the links between SL mechanisms and language abilities. PMID:28086142

Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies in infrastructure construction project management and delay and disruption analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vacanas, Yiannis; Themistocleous, Kyriacos; Agapiou, Athos; Hadjimitsis, Diofantos

2015-06-01

Time in infrastructure construction projects has always been a fundamental issue as early as from the inception of a project, during the construction process and often after the completion and delivery. In a typical construction contract time related matters such as the completion date and possible delays are among the most important issues that are dealt with by the contract provisions. In the event of delay there are usually provisions for extension of time award to the contractor with possible reimbursement for the extra cost and expenses caused by this extension of time to the contract duration. In the case the contractor is not entitled to extension of time, the owner will be possibly entitled to amounts as compensation for the time prohibited from using his development. Even in the event of completion within the time agreed, under certain circumstances a contractor may have claims for reimbursement for extra costs incurred due to induced acceleration measures he had to take in order to mitigate disruption effects caused to the progress of the works by the owner or his representatives. Depending on the size of the project and the agreement amount, these reimbursement sums may be extremely high. Therefore innovative methods with the exploitation of new technologies for effective project management for the avoidance of delays, delay analysis and mitigation measures are essential; moreover, methods for collecting efficiently information during the construction process so that disputes regarding time are avoided or resolved in a quick and fair manner are required. This paper explores the state of art for existing use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technologies in the construction industry in general. Moreover the paper considers the prospect of using BIM technology in conjunction with the use of UAV technology for efficient and accurate as-built data collection and illustration of the works progress during an infrastructure construction project in order to achieve more effective project management, record keeping and delay analysis.

Time-Dependent Wetting Behavior of PDMS Surfaces with Bioinspired, Hierarchical Structures.

PubMed

Mishra, Himanshu; Schrader, Alex M; Lee, Dong Woog; Gallo, Adair; Chen, Szu-Ying; Kaufman, Yair; Das, Saurabh; Israelachvili, Jacob N

2016-03-01

Wetting of rough surfaces involves time-dependent effects, such as surface deformations, nonuniform filling of surface pores within or outside the contact area, and surface chemistries, but the detailed impact of these phenomena on wetting is not entirely clear. Understanding these effects is crucial for designing coatings for a wide range of applications, such as membrane-based oil-water separation and desalination, waterproof linings/windows for automobiles, aircrafts, and naval vessels, and antibiofouling. Herein, we report on time-dependent contact angles of water droplets on a rough polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface that cannot be completely described by the conventional Cassie-Baxter or Wenzel models or the recently proposed Cassie-impregnated model. Shells of sand dollars (Dendraster excentricus) were used as lithography-free, robust templates to produce rough PDMS surfaces with hierarchical, periodic features ranging from 1 × 10(-7) to 1 × 10(-4) m. Under saturated vapor conditions, we found that in the short term (<1 min), the contact angle of a sessile water droplet on the templated PDMS, θ(SDT) = 140 ± 3°, was accurately described by the Cassie-Baxter model (predicted θ(SDT) = 137°); however, after 90 min, θ(SDT) fell to 110°. Fluorescent confocal microscopy confirmed that the initial reduction in θ(SDT) to 110° (the Wenzel limit) was primarily a Cassie-Baxter to Wenzel transition during which pores within the contact area filled gradually, and more rapidly for ethanol-water mixtures. After 90 min, the contact line of the water droplet became pinned, perhaps caused by viscoelastic deformation of the PDMS around the contact line, and a significant volume of water began to flow from the droplet to pores outside the contact region, causing θ(SDT) to decrease to 65° over 48 h on the rough surface. The system we present here to explore the concept of contact angle time dependence (dynamics) and modeling of natural surfaces provides insights into the design and development of long- and short-lived coatings.

Three ingredients for Improved global aftershock forecasts: Tectonic region, time-dependent catalog incompleteness, and inter-sequence variability

USGS Publications Warehouse

Page, Morgan T.; Van Der Elst, Nicholas; Hardebeck, Jeanne L.; Felzer, Karen; Michael, Andrew J.

2016-01-01

Following a large earthquake, seismic hazard can be orders of magnitude higher than the long‐term average as a result of aftershock triggering. Because of this heightened hazard, emergency managers and the public demand rapid, authoritative, and reliable aftershock forecasts. In the past, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aftershock forecasts following large global earthquakes have been released on an ad hoc basis with inconsistent methods, and in some cases aftershock parameters adapted from California. To remedy this, the USGS is currently developing an automated aftershock product based on the Reasenberg and Jones (1989) method that will generate more accurate forecasts. To better capture spatial variations in aftershock productivity and decay, we estimate regional aftershock parameters for sequences within the García et al. (2012) tectonic regions. We find that regional variations for mean aftershock productivity reach almost a factor of 10. We also develop a method to account for the time‐dependent magnitude of completeness following large events in the catalog. In addition to estimating average sequence parameters within regions, we develop an inverse method to estimate the intersequence parameter variability. This allows for a more complete quantification of the forecast uncertainties and Bayesian updating of the forecast as sequence‐specific information becomes available.

Temporal framing and the hidden-zero effect: rate-dependent outcomes on delay discounting.

PubMed

Naudé, Gideon P; Kaplan, Brent A; Reed, Derek D; Henley, Amy J; DiGennaro Reed, Florence D

2018-05-01

Recent research suggests that presenting time intervals as units (e.g., days) or as specific dates, can modulate the degree to which humans discount delayed outcomes. Another framing effect involves explicitly stating that choosing a smaller-sooner reward is mutually exclusive to receiving a larger-later reward, thus presenting choices as an extended sequence. In Experiment 1, participants (N = 201) recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk completed the Monetary Choice Questionnaire in a 2 (delay framing) by 2 (zero framing) design. Regression suggested a main effect of delay, but not zero, framing after accounting for other demographic variables and manipulations. We observed a rate-dependent effect for the date-framing group, such that those with initially steep discounting exhibited greater sensitivity to the manipulation than those with initially shallow discounting. Subsequent analyses suggest these effects cannot be explained by regression to the mean. Experiment 2 addressed the possibility that the null effect of zero framing was due to within-subject exposure to the hidden- and explicit-zero conditions. A new Amazon Mechanical Turk sample completed the Monetary Choice Questionnaire in either hidden- or explicit-zero formats. Analyses revealed a main effect of reward magnitude, but not zero framing, suggesting potential limitations to the generality of the hidden-zero effect. © 2018 Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

New Prediction Model for Probe Specificity in an Allele-Specific Extension Reaction for Haplotype-Specific Extraction (HSE) of Y Chromosome Mixtures

PubMed Central

Rothe, Jessica; Watkins, Norman E.; Nagy, Marion

2012-01-01

Allele-specific extension reactions (ASERs) use 3′ terminus-specific primers for the selective extension of completely annealed matches by polymerase. The ability of the polymerase to extend non-specific 3′ terminal mismatches leads to a failure of the reaction, a process that is only partly understood and predictable, and often requires time-consuming assay design. In our studies we investigated haplotype-specific extraction (HSE) for the separation of male DNA mixtures. HSE is an ASER and provides the ability to distinguish between diploid chromosomes from one or more individuals. Here, we show that the success of HSE and allele-specific extension depend strongly on the concentration difference between complete match and 3′ terminal mismatch. Using the oligonucleotide-modeling platform Visual Omp, we demonstrated the dependency of the discrimination power of the polymerase on match- and mismatch-target hybridization between different probe lengths. Therefore, the probe specificity in HSE could be predicted by performing a relative comparison of different probe designs with their simulated differences between the duplex concentration of target-probe match and mismatches. We tested this new model for probe design in more than 300 HSE reactions with 137 different probes and obtained an accordance of 88%. PMID:23049901

New prediction model for probe specificity in an allele-specific extension reaction for haplotype-specific extraction (HSE) of Y chromosome mixtures.

PubMed

Rothe, Jessica; Watkins, Norman E; Nagy, Marion

2012-01-01

Allele-specific extension reactions (ASERs) use 3' terminus-specific primers for the selective extension of completely annealed matches by polymerase. The ability of the polymerase to extend non-specific 3' terminal mismatches leads to a failure of the reaction, a process that is only partly understood and predictable, and often requires time-consuming assay design. In our studies we investigated haplotype-specific extraction (HSE) for the separation of male DNA mixtures. HSE is an ASER and provides the ability to distinguish between diploid chromosomes from one or more individuals. Here, we show that the success of HSE and allele-specific extension depend strongly on the concentration difference between complete match and 3' terminal mismatch. Using the oligonucleotide-modeling platform Visual Omp, we demonstrated the dependency of the discrimination power of the polymerase on match- and mismatch-target hybridization between different probe lengths. Therefore, the probe specificity in HSE could be predicted by performing a relative comparison of different probe designs with their simulated differences between the duplex concentration of target-probe match and mismatches. We tested this new model for probe design in more than 300 HSE reactions with 137 different probes and obtained an accordance of 88%.

The Efficacy of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Orbital Pseudotumor

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

Matthiesen, Chance, E-mail: chance-matthiesen@ouhsc.ed; Bogardus, Carl; Thompson, J. Spencer

Purpose: To review institutional outcomes for patients treated with external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for orbital pseudotumor. Methods and Materials: This is a single-institution retrospective review of 20 orbits in 16 patients diagnosed with orbital pseudotumor that received EBRT at the University of Oklahoma, Department of Radiation Oncology. Treated patients had a median follow-up of 16.5 months. Results: Fifteen patients (93.7%) were initially treated with corticosteroids. Eight had recurrence after steroid cessation, six were unable to taper corticosteroids completely or partially, and one experienced progression of symptoms despite corticosteroid therapy. Fourteen patients (87.5%) initially responded to radiotherapy indicated by clinical improvement ofmore » preradiation symptoms and/or tapering of corticosteroid dose. Mean EBRT dose was 20 Gy (range, 14-30 Gy). Thirteen patients (81.2%) continued to improve after radiation therapy. Patient outcomes were complete cessation of corticosteroid therapy in nine patients (56.3%) and reduced corticosteroid dose in four patients (25%). Radiotherapy did not achieve long-term control for three patients (18.7%), who still required preradiation corticosteroid dosages. Three patients received retreatment(s) of four orbits, of which two patients achieved long-term symptom control without corticosteroid dependence. One patient received retreatment to an orbit three times, achieving long-term control without corticosteroid dependence. No significant late effects have been observed in retreated patients. Conclusions: Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for acute symptomatic improvement and long-term control of orbital pseudotumor. Orbital retreatment can be of clinical benefit, without apparent increase in morbidity, when initial irradiation fails to achieve complete response.« less

How visual illusions illuminate complementary brain processes: illusory depth from brightness and apparent motion of illusory contours

PubMed Central

Grossberg, Stephen

2014-01-01

Neural models of perception clarify how visual illusions arise from adaptive neural processes. Illusions also provide important insights into how adaptive neural processes work. This article focuses on two illusions that illustrate a fundamental property of global brain organization; namely, that advanced brains are organized into parallel cortical processing streams with computationally complementary properties. That is, in order to process certain combinations of properties, each cortical stream cannot process complementary properties. Interactions between these streams, across multiple processing stages, overcome their complementary deficiencies to compute effective representations of the world, and to thereby achieve the property of complementary consistency. The two illusions concern how illusory depth can vary with brightness, and how apparent motion of illusory contours can occur. Illusory depth from brightness arises from the complementary properties of boundary and surface processes, notably boundary completion and surface-filling in, within the parvocellular form processing cortical stream. This illusion depends upon how surface contour signals from the V2 thin stripes to the V2 interstripes ensure complementary consistency of a unified boundary/surface percept. Apparent motion of illusory contours arises from the complementary properties of form and motion processes across the parvocellular and magnocellular cortical processing streams. This illusion depends upon how illusory contours help to complete boundary representations for object recognition, how apparent motion signals can help to form continuous trajectories for target tracking and prediction, and how formotion interactions from V2-to-MT enable completed object representations to be continuously tracked even when they move behind intermittently occluding objects through time. PMID:25389399

Pharmacological Intervention of Hippocampal CA3 NMDA Receptors Impairs Acquisition and Long-Term Memory Retrieval of Spatial Pattern Completion Task

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fellini, Laetitia; Florian, Cedrick; Courtey, Julie; Roullet, Pascal

2009-01-01

Pattern completion is the ability to retrieve complete information on the basis of incomplete retrieval cues. Although it has been demonstrated that this cognitive capacity depends on the NMDA receptors (NMDA-Rs) of the hippocampal CA3 region, the role played by these glutamatergic receptors in the pattern completion process has not yet been…

Early zygote-specific nuclease in mitochondria of the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum.

PubMed

Moriyama, Yohsuke; Yamazaki, Tomokazu; Nomura, Hideo; Sasaki, Narie; Kawano, Shigeyuki

2005-11-01

The active, selective digestion of mtDNA from one parent is a possible molecular mechanism for the uniparental inheritance of mtDNA. In Physarum polycephalum, mtDNA is packed by DNA-binding protein Glom, which packs mtDNA into rod-shaped mt-nucleoids. After the mating, mtDNA from one parent is selectively digested, and the Glom began to disperse. Dispersed Glom was retained for at least 6 h after mtDNA digestion, but disappeared completely by about 12 h after mixing two strains. We identified two novel nucleases using DNA zymography with native-PAGE and SDS-PAGE. One is a Ca2+-dependent, high-molecular-weight nuclease complex (about 670 kDa), and the other is a Mn2+-dependent, high-molecular-weight nuclease complex (440-670 kDa); the activity of the latter was detected as a Mn2+-dependent, 13-kDa DNase band on SDS-PAGE. All mitochondria isolated from myxamoebae had mt-nucleoids, whereas half of the mitochondria isolated from the zygotes at 12 h after mixing had lost the mt-nucleoids. The activity of the Mn2+-dependent nuclease in the isolated mitochondria was detected at least 8 h after mixing of two strains. The timing and localization of the Mn2+-dependent DNase activity matched the selective digestion of mtDNA.

Alcohol attentional bias is associated with autonomic indices of stress-primed alcohol cue-reactivity in alcohol-dependent patients.

PubMed

Garland, Eric L; Franken, Ingmar H; Sheetz, John J; Howard, Matthew O

2012-06-01

When alcohol-dependent individuals are exposed to drinking-related cues, they exhibit psychophysiological reactivity such as changes in heart rate variability (HRV) and skin temperature. Moreover, such alcohol cue-reactivity may co-occur with attentional bias (AB) toward alcohol cues. In turn, stress may promote appetitive responses by exacerbating these autonomic and attentional factors. Although cue-reactivity paradigms have been used for decades to probe such automatic appetitive processes in persons with alcohol-use disorders, less is known about the attentional correlates of alcohol cue-reactivity. In this study, alcohol-dependent adults (N = 58) recruited from a residential treatment facility completed a spatial cueing task as a measure of alcohol AB and affect-modulated cue-reactivity protocol. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that alcohol AB was significantly positively associated with parasympathetically mediated HRV and finger temperature slope and inversely associated with sympathetically mediated HRV during stress-primed alcohol cue-exposure, independent of alcohol dependence severity, time in treatment, alcohol craving, and perceived stress. Study findings suggest that alcohol AB is linked with physiological cue-reactivity and that different attentional strategies are associated with distinct profiles of autonomic responses that may ultimately index or confer additional risk for alcohol dependence.

Partial Versus Total Trapeziectomy Thumb Arthroplasty: An Expertise-based Feasibility Study

PubMed Central

Levis, Carolyn; Patel, Pinkal; Murphy, Jessica; Duku, Eric

2018-01-01

Background: There are numerous surgical techniques for the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis, however, controversy exists as to whether outcomes differ between techniques. This feasibility study aimed to determine if a large-scale, health-related quality of life and functional outcomes study comparing 2 surgical techniques, complete trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (T + LRTI) versus partial trapeziectomy and tendon interposition (PT + TI) arthroplasty, is possible. Methods: Patients with advanced stage arthritis (Eaton stages II–IV) of the thumb were invited to undergo either T + LRTI or PT + TI at 1 of the 2 hand surgery practices. Feasibility outcomes included: (1) Process: recruitment rate; (2) Resources: eligibility rate, eligibility criteria, retention, and compliance rates (completion of health-related quality of life questionnaires, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, EuroQol-5D-3L, and SF-36, and functional measurements, grip, key pinch, and tip pinch strength, at 1-week preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively); (3) Management: determining the practices’ commitment to the study; and (4) Scientific: calculation of the variances and treatment effect sizes (ES) of differences between procedures. Data from baseline measurements and 6-month follow-up were used for analysis. Results: Sixty patients were screened, of which 34 (57%) were eligible for surgery. Twenty-one (81%) of the 26 ineligible patients were excluded due to previous or additional planned surgical procedures on the same hand, particularly carpal tunnel release (n = 17). Twenty patients consented; 12 in the T + LRTI and 8 in the PT + TI group. The highest completion rate for the 3 questionnaires and the functional measurements, for both groups was at 6-month time point. Compliance rates for questionnaire completion at 6-months were calculated at 50% and 75% for the T + LRTI and PT + TI group, respectively. Functional measurement completion rate was 50% and 63% for T + LRTI and PT + TI groups, respectively. Treatment ES were group dependent, with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, EuroQol-5D-3L usual activities and anxiety/depression showing a large ES in the PT + TI group; the T + LRTI group showed large ES in EQ-5D state of health today. Conclusions: Authors conclude that a large-scale study is feasible and dependent on: (1) increasing sample size to account for the high attrition rate; (2) liberalizing inclusion criteria to include patients with carpal tunnel syndrome; (3) allotting more time at follow-up visits to ensure completion of all measurements; and (4) increasing staff involvement (ie, develop rapport with patients and maintain stability with research assistants). PMID:29707461

A method for accelerated trait conversion in plant breeding.

PubMed

Lewis, Ramsey S; Kernodle, S P

2009-05-01

Backcrossing is often used in cultivar development to transfer one or a few genes to desired genetic backgrounds. The duration necessary to complete such 'trait conversions' is largely dependent upon generation times. Constitutive overexpression of the Arabidopsis thaliana gene FT (FLOWERING LOCUS T) induces early-flowering in many plants. Here, we used tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) as a model system to propose and examine aspects of a modified backcross procedure where transgenic FT overexpression is used to reduce generation time and accelerate gene transfer. In this method, the breeder would select for an FT transgene insertion and the trait(s) of interest at each backcross generation except the last. In the final generation, selection would be conducted for the trait(s) of interest, but against FT, to generate the backcross-derived trait conversion. We demonstrate here that constitutive FT overexpression functions to dramatically reduce days-to-flower similarly in diverse tobacco genetic backgrounds. FT-containing plants flowered in an average of 39 days, in comparison with 87-138 days for non-FT plants. Two FT transgene insertions were found to segregate independently of several disease resistance genes often the focus of backcrossing in tobacco. In addition, no undesirable epigenetic effects on flowering time were observed once FT was segregated away. The proposed system would reduce the time required to complete a trait conversion in tobacco by nearly one-half. These features suggest the possible value of this modified backcrossing system for tobacco or other crop species where long generation times or photoperiod sensitivity may impede timely trait conversion.

78 FR 61002 - Agency Information Collection (Statement of Dependency of Parent(s)) Activity Under OMB Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-10-02

... (Statement of Dependency of Parent(s)) Activity Under OMB Review AGENCY: Veterans Benefits Administration... INFORMATION: Title: Statement of Dependency of Parent(s), VA Form 21-509. OMB Control Number: 2900-0089. Type...) for support complete VA Form 21-509 to report income and dependency information. Surviving parents of...

Age of Alcohol-Dependence Onset: Associations with Severity of Dependence and Seeking Treatment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hingson, Ralph W.; Heeren, Timothy; Winter, Michael R.

2007-01-01

Objective: We explored whether people who become alcohol dependent at younger ages are more likely to seek alcohol-related help or treatment or experience chronic relapsing dependence. Methods: In 2001-2002 the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism completed a face-to-face interview survey with a multistage probability sample of 43…

Non-thermal Plasma Exposure Rapidly Attenuates Bacterial AHL-Dependent Quorum Sensing and Virulence.

PubMed

Flynn, Padrig B; Busetti, Alessandro; Wielogorska, Ewa; Chevallier, Olivier P; Elliott, Christopher T; Laverty, Garry; Gorman, Sean P; Graham, William G; Gilmore, Brendan F

2016-05-31

The antimicrobial activity of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma has been exhaustively characterised, however elucidation of the interactions between biomolecules produced and utilised by bacteria and short plasma exposures are required for optimisation and clinical translation of cold plasma technology. This study characterizes the effects of non-thermal plasma exposure on acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-dependent quorum sensing (QS). Plasma exposure of AHLs reduced the ability of such molecules to elicit a QS response in bacterial reporter strains in a dose-dependent manner. Short exposures (30-60 s) produce of a series of secondary compounds capable of eliciting a QS response, followed by the complete loss of AHL-dependent signalling following longer exposures. UPLC-MS analysis confirmed the time-dependent degradation of AHL molecules and their conversion into a series of by-products. FT-IR analysis of plasma-exposed AHLs highlighted the appearance of an OH group. In vivo assessment of the exposure of AHLs to plasma was examined using a standard in vivo model. Lettuce leaves injected with the rhlI/lasI mutant PAO-MW1 alongside plasma treated N-butyryl-homoserine lactone and n-(3-oxo-dodecanoyl)-homoserine lactone, exhibited marked attenuation of virulence. This study highlights the capacity of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to modify and degrade AHL autoinducers thereby attenuating QS-dependent virulence in P. aeruginosa.

GLAST/EAAT1-induced glutamine release via SNAT3 in Bergmann glial cells: evidence of a functional and physical coupling.

PubMed

Martínez-Lozada, Zila; Guillem, Alain M; Flores-Méndez, Marco; Hernández-Kelly, Luisa C; Vela, Carmelita; Meza, Enrique; Zepeda, Rossana C; Caba, Mario; Rodríguez, Angelina; Ortega, Arturo

2013-05-01

Glutamate, the major excitatory transmitter in the vertebrate brain, is removed from the synaptic cleft by a family of sodium-dependent glutamate transporters profusely expressed in glial cells. Once internalized, it is metabolized by glutamine synthetase to glutamine and released to the synaptic space through sodium-dependent neutral amino acid carriers of the N System (SNAT3/slc38a3/SN1, SNAT5/slc38a5/SN2). Glutamine is then taken up by neurons completing the so-called glutamate/glutamine shuttle. Despite of the fact that this coupling was described decades ago, it is only recently that the biochemical framework of this shuttle has begun to be elucidated. Using the established model of cultured cerebellar Bergmann glia cells, we sought to characterize the functional and physical coupling of glutamate uptake and glutamine release. A time-dependent Na⁺-dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter/EAAT1-induced System N-mediated glutamine release could be demonstrated. Furthermore, D-aspartate, a specific glutamate transporter ligand, was capable of enhancing the co-immunoprecipitation of Na⁺-dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter and Na⁺-dependent neutral amino acid transporter 3, whereas glutamine tended to reduce this association. Our results suggest that glial cells surrounding glutamatergic synapses may act as sensors of neuron-derived glutamate through their contribution to the neurotransmitter turnover. © 2013 International Society for Neurochemistry.

Non-thermal Plasma Exposure Rapidly Attenuates Bacterial AHL-Dependent Quorum Sensing and Virulence

PubMed Central

Flynn, Padrig B.; Busetti, Alessandro; Wielogorska, Ewa; Chevallier, Olivier P.; Elliott, Christopher T.; Laverty, Garry; Gorman, Sean P.; Graham, William G.; Gilmore, Brendan F.

2016-01-01

The antimicrobial activity of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma has been exhaustively characterised, however elucidation of the interactions between biomolecules produced and utilised by bacteria and short plasma exposures are required for optimisation and clinical translation of cold plasma technology. This study characterizes the effects of non-thermal plasma exposure on acyl homoserine lactone (AHL)-dependent quorum sensing (QS). Plasma exposure of AHLs reduced the ability of such molecules to elicit a QS response in bacterial reporter strains in a dose-dependent manner. Short exposures (30–60 s) produce of a series of secondary compounds capable of eliciting a QS response, followed by the complete loss of AHL-dependent signalling following longer exposures. UPLC-MS analysis confirmed the time-dependent degradation of AHL molecules and their conversion into a series of by-products. FT-IR analysis of plasma-exposed AHLs highlighted the appearance of an OH group. In vivo assessment of the exposure of AHLs to plasma was examined using a standard in vivo model. Lettuce leaves injected with the rhlI/lasI mutant PAO-MW1 alongside plasma treated N-butyryl-homoserine lactone and n-(3-oxo-dodecanoyl)-homoserine lactone, exhibited marked attenuation of virulence. This study highlights the capacity of atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma to modify and degrade AHL autoinducers thereby attenuating QS-dependent virulence in P. aeruginosa. PMID:27242335

Pulse Detecting Genetic Circuit – A New Design Approach

PubMed Central

Inniss, Mara; Iba, Hitoshi; Way, Jeffrey C.

2016-01-01

A robust cellular counter could enable synthetic biologists to design complex circuits with diverse behaviors. The existing synthetic-biological counters, responsive to the beginning of the pulse, are sensitive to the pulse duration. Here we present a pulse detecting circuit that responds only at the falling edge of a pulse–analogous to negative edge triggered electric circuits. As biological events do not follow precise timing, use of such a pulse detector would enable the design of robust asynchronous counters which can count the completion of events. This transcription-based pulse detecting circuit depends on the interaction of two co-expressed lambdoid phage-derived proteins: the first is unstable and inhibits the regulatory activity of the second, stable protein. At the end of the pulse the unstable inhibitor protein disappears from the cell and the second protein triggers the recording of the event completion. Using stochastic simulation we showed that the proposed design can detect the completion of the pulse irrespective to the pulse duration. In our simulation we also showed that fusing the pulse detector with a phage lambda memory element we can construct a counter which can be extended to count larger numbers. The proposed design principle is a new control mechanism for synthetic biology which can be integrated in different circuits for identifying the completion of an event. PMID:27907045

Pulse Detecting Genetic Circuit - A New Design Approach.

PubMed

Noman, Nasimul; Inniss, Mara; Iba, Hitoshi; Way, Jeffrey C

2016-01-01

A robust cellular counter could enable synthetic biologists to design complex circuits with diverse behaviors. The existing synthetic-biological counters, responsive to the beginning of the pulse, are sensitive to the pulse duration. Here we present a pulse detecting circuit that responds only at the falling edge of a pulse-analogous to negative edge triggered electric circuits. As biological events do not follow precise timing, use of such a pulse detector would enable the design of robust asynchronous counters which can count the completion of events. This transcription-based pulse detecting circuit depends on the interaction of two co-expressed lambdoid phage-derived proteins: the first is unstable and inhibits the regulatory activity of the second, stable protein. At the end of the pulse the unstable inhibitor protein disappears from the cell and the second protein triggers the recording of the event completion. Using stochastic simulation we showed that the proposed design can detect the completion of the pulse irrespective to the pulse duration. In our simulation we also showed that fusing the pulse detector with a phage lambda memory element we can construct a counter which can be extended to count larger numbers. The proposed design principle is a new control mechanism for synthetic biology which can be integrated in different circuits for identifying the completion of an event.

Pasture management to minimize the risk of equine laminitis.

PubMed

Watts, Kathryn

2010-08-01

The sugar, starch, and fructan content (collectively referred to as nonstructural carbohydrates [NSC]) of pasture plants is dependent on the environmental conditions under which they have grown. Pasture that is stressed by cold, drought, or lack of nutrients can be 2 to 3 times higher in NSC than pasture that grows quickly in warm weather and is adequately watered and fertilized. Horses at risk for laminitis should have access to pasture limited or be removed completely when environmental conditions are conducive to high levels of NSC accumulation. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Regression trends of neurologic damage in the surgical emergency management of patients with injuries of the cervical vertebrae with spinal cord involvement].

PubMed

Kortmann, H R; Wolter, D; Meinecke, F W; Eggers, C

1986-11-01

Sixty-five patients with cervical spine injuries and varied neurological deficits were treated operatively. Evaluation revealed an improvement in neurological findings dependent upon the promptness of anatomical reduction in patients with incomplete lesions. The more frequent neurological improvement seen with open reduction and internal fixation as compared with closed reduction was not statistically significant but was felt to justify the additional resources required for internal fixation. In complete lesions, there was no evidence that the time of anatomical reduction was related to improvement in neurological findings.

Graphene production by laser shot on graphene oxide: An ab initio prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hong; Miyamoto, Yoshiyuki

2012-01-01

By performing the first-principles simulation of electron-ion dynamics based on the time-dependent density-functional theory, we propose a way to produce graphene from graphene oxides by means of the laser-induced reduction without using chemical species. Epoxy and hydroxyl groups on graphene sheets can be completely removed upon irradiation with femtosecond laser without damaging the graphene sheet. By comparing the simulated results with different pulse shapes and intensities, optimum conditions of the femtosecond laser for reduction of graphene oxide were determined. The current works will be useful for further experimental researches.

A numerical study of drop-on-demand ink jets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fromm, J.

1982-01-01

Ongoing work related to development and utilization of a numerical model for treating the fluid dynamics of ink jets is discussed. The model embodies the complete nonlinear, time dependent, axi-symmetric equations in finite difference form. The jet nozzle geometry with no-slip boundary conditions and the existence of a contact circle are included. The contact circle is allowed some freedom of movement, but wetting of exterior surfaces is not addressed. The principal objective in current numerical experiments is to determine what pressure history, in conjunction with surface forces, will lead to clean drop formation.

The interpretation of crustal dynamics data in terms of plate motions and regional deformation near plate boundaries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soloman, Sean C.

1991-01-01

The focus of the research was in two broad areas: (1) the nature and dynamics of time dependent deformation and stress along major seismic zones; and (2) the nature of long wavelength oceanic geoid anomalies in terms of lateral variations in upper mantle temperature and composition. The principle findings of the research are described in the accompanying appendices. The first two and the fourth appendices are reprints of papers recently submitted for publication, and the third is the abstract of a recently completed thesis supported by this project.

Time Dependent Simulation of Turbopump Flows

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiris, Cetin C.; Kwak, Dochan; Chan, William; Williams, Robert

2001-01-01

The objective of this viewgraph presentation is to enhance incompressible flow simulation capability for developing aerospace vehicle components, especially unsteady flow phenomena associated with high speed turbo pumps. Unsteady Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME)-rig1 1 1/2 rotations are completed for the 34.3 million grid points model. The moving boundary capability is obtained by using the DCF module. MLP shared memory parallelism has been implemented and benchmarked in INS3D. The scripting capability from CAD geometry to solution is developed. Data compression is applied to reduce data size in post processing and fluid/structure coupling is initiated.

Spin coherence in a Mn3 single-molecule magnet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abeywardana, Chathuranga; Mowson, Andrew M.; Christou, George; Takahashi, Susumu

2016-01-01

Spin coherence in single crystals of the spin S = 6 single-molecule magnet (SMM) [Mn3O(O2CEt)3(mpko)3]+ (abbreviated Mn3) has been investigated using 230 GHz electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Coherence in Mn3 was uncovered by significantly suppressing dipolar contribution to the decoherence with complete spin polarization of Mn3 SMMs. The temperature dependence of spin decoherence time (T2) revealed that the dipolar decoherence is the dominant source of decoherence in Mn3 and T2 can be extended up to 267 ns by quenching the dipolar decoherence.

Extraction of temporally correlated features from dynamic vision sensors with spike-timing-dependent plasticity.

PubMed

Bichler, Olivier; Querlioz, Damien; Thorpe, Simon J; Bourgoin, Jean-Philippe; Gamrat, Christian

2012-08-01

A biologically inspired approach to learning temporally correlated patterns from a spiking silicon retina is presented. Spikes are generated from the retina in response to relative changes in illumination at the pixel level and transmitted to a feed-forward spiking neural network. Neurons become sensitive to patterns of pixels with correlated activation times, in a fully unsupervised scheme. This is achieved using a special form of Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity which depresses synapses that did not recently contribute to the post-synaptic spike activation, regardless of their activation time. Competitive learning is implemented with lateral inhibition. When tested with real-life data, the system is able to extract complex and overlapping temporally correlated features such as car trajectories on a freeway, after only 10 min of traffic learning. Complete trajectories can be learned with a 98% detection rate using a second layer, still with unsupervised learning, and the system may be used as a car counter. The proposed neural network is extremely robust to noise and it can tolerate a high degree of synaptic and neuronal variability with little impact on performance. Such results show that a simple biologically inspired unsupervised learning scheme is capable of generating selectivity to complex meaningful events on the basis of relatively little sensory experience. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Does Spike-Timing-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity Couple or Decouple Neurons Firing in Synchrony?

PubMed Central

Knoblauch, Andreas; Hauser, Florian; Gewaltig, Marc-Oliver; Körner, Edgar; Palm, Günther

2012-01-01

Spike synchronization is thought to have a constructive role for feature integration, attention, associative learning, and the formation of bidirectionally connected Hebbian cell assemblies. By contrast, theoretical studies on spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) report an inherently decoupling influence of spike synchronization on synaptic connections of coactivated neurons. For example, bidirectional synaptic connections as found in cortical areas could be reproduced only by assuming realistic models of STDP and rate coding. We resolve this conflict by theoretical analysis and simulation of various simple and realistic STDP models that provide a more complete characterization of conditions when STDP leads to either coupling or decoupling of neurons firing in synchrony. In particular, we show that STDP consistently couples synchronized neurons if key model parameters are matched to physiological data: First, synaptic potentiation must be significantly stronger than synaptic depression for small (positive or negative) time lags between presynaptic and postsynaptic spikes. Second, spike synchronization must be sufficiently imprecise, for example, within a time window of 5–10 ms instead of 1 ms. Third, axonal propagation delays should not be much larger than dendritic delays. Under these assumptions synchronized neurons will be strongly coupled leading to a dominance of bidirectional synaptic connections even for simple STDP models and low mean firing rates at the level of spontaneous activity. PMID:22936909

Time-dependent effects of low-temperature atmospheric-pressure argon plasma on epithelial cell attachment, viability and tight junction formation in vitro

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoentsch, Maxi; von Woedtke, Thomas; Weltmann, Klaus-Dieter; Nebe, J. Barbara

2012-01-01

The application of physical plasma to living tissues is expected to promote wound healing by plasma disinfection and stimulation of tissue regeneration. However, the effects of plasma on healthy cells must be studied and understood. In our experiments we used an argon plasma jet (kINPen®09) to gain insights into time-dependent plasma effects on cell attachment, viability and tight junction formation in vitro. Murine epithelial cells mHepR1 were suspended in complete cell culture medium and were irradiated with argon plasma (direct approach) for 30, 60 and 120 s. Suspecting that physical plasma may exert its effect via the medium, cell culture medium alone was first treated with argon plasma (indirect approach) and immediately afterwards, cells were added and also cultured for 24 h. Cell morphology and vitality were verified using light microscopy and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Already after 30 s of treatment the mHepR1 cells lost their capability to adhere and the cell vitality decreased with increasing treatment time. Interestingly, the same inhibitory effect was observed in the indirect approach. Furthermore, the argon plasma-treated culture medium-induced large openings of the cell's tight junctions, were verified by the zonula occludens protein ZO-1, which we observed for the first time in confluently grown epithelial cells.

Active eye fixation performance in 940 young men: effects of IQ, schizotypy, anxiety and depression.

PubMed

Smyrnis, N; Kattoulas, E; Evdokimidis, I; Stefanis, N C; Avramopoulos, D; Pantes, G; Theleritis, C; Stefanis, C N

2004-05-01

A total of 940 young men performed a task in which they actively maintained fixation for 50 s in three conditions: a). on a visual target, b). on a visual target while distracting targets appeared briefly on the periphery and c). with no visual target present. The same individuals completed psychometric evaluation tests measuring IQ, schizotypy and current state-dependent psychopathology. The proportion of fixation time decreased and saccade frequency increased in condition b compared wih condition a, and sequentially in condition c compared with condition b. A trend towards a decrease in proportion of fixation time and increase in saccade frequency was found as the subjects maintained fixation during the task and this time-dependent deterioration of performance was again most pronounced in condition c, less so in condition b and absent in condition a. Psychometric test scores were significantly correlated with fixation performance in the population. Worse performance in all three fixation conditions was observed for individuals with lower IQ scores. A deterioration of fixation performance with time in condition b was correlated with disorganization characteristics of schizotypy, suggesting that these individuals had difficulty maintaining active fixation in the presence of increased inhibitory load. A connection of such a difficulty with the frontal lobes and their role in the control of voluntary inhibitory functions is discussed.

A Feedback Intervention to Increase Digital and Paper Checklist Performance in Technically Advanced Aircraft Simulation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rantz, William G.; Van Houten, Ron

2011-01-01

This study examined whether pilots operating a flight simulator completed digital or paper flight checklists more accurately after receiving postflight graphic and verbal feedback. The dependent variable was the number of checklist items completed correctly per flight. Following treatment, checklist completion with paper and digital checklists…

75 FR 62686 - Health Information Technology: Revisions to Initial Set of Standards, Implementation...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-13

... program whereby the National Coordinator would authorize organizations to test and certify Complete EHRs... Certification Bodies (ONC-ATCBs)) to test and certify Complete EHRs and/or EHR Modules to the certification... Coordinator to test and certify Complete EHRs and/or EHR Modules, it will be subject, depending on the scope...

Theoretical analysis of mixing in liquid clouds – Part 3: Inhomogeneous mixing

DOE PAGES

Pinsky, Mark; Khain, Alexander; Korolev, Alexei

2016-07-28

An idealized diffusion–evaporation model of time-dependent mixing between a cloud volume and a droplet-free volume is analyzed. The initial droplet size distribution (DSD) in the cloud volume is assumed to be monodisperse. It is shown that evolution of the microphysical variables and the final equilibrium state are unambiguously determined by two non-dimensional parameters. The first one is the potential evaporation parameter R, proportional to the ratio of the saturation deficit to the liquid water content in the cloud volume, that determines whether the equilibrium state is reached at 100 % relative humidity, or is characterized by a complete evaporation ofmore » cloud droplets. The second parameter Da is the Damkölher number equal to the ratio of the characteristic mixing time to the phase relaxation time. Parameters R and Da determine the type of mixing. The results are analyzed within a wide range of values of R and Da. It is shown that there is no pure homogeneous mixing, since the first mixing stage is always inhomogeneous. The mixing type can change during the mixing process. Any mixing type leads to formation of a tail of small droplets in DSD and, therefore, to DSD broadening that depends on Da. At large Da, the final DSD dispersion can be as large as 0.2. The total duration of mixing varies from several to 100 phase relaxation time periods, depending on R and Da. The definitions of homogeneous and inhomogeneous types of mixing are reconsidered and clarified, enabling a more precise delimitation between them. The paper also compares the results obtained with those based on the classic mixing concepts.« less

Theoretical analysis of mixing in liquid clouds – Part 3: Inhomogeneous mixing

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

Pinsky, Mark; Khain, Alexander; Korolev, Alexei

An idealized diffusion–evaporation model of time-dependent mixing between a cloud volume and a droplet-free volume is analyzed. The initial droplet size distribution (DSD) in the cloud volume is assumed to be monodisperse. It is shown that evolution of the microphysical variables and the final equilibrium state are unambiguously determined by two non-dimensional parameters. The first one is the potential evaporation parameter R, proportional to the ratio of the saturation deficit to the liquid water content in the cloud volume, that determines whether the equilibrium state is reached at 100 % relative humidity, or is characterized by a complete evaporation ofmore » cloud droplets. The second parameter Da is the Damkölher number equal to the ratio of the characteristic mixing time to the phase relaxation time. Parameters R and Da determine the type of mixing. The results are analyzed within a wide range of values of R and Da. It is shown that there is no pure homogeneous mixing, since the first mixing stage is always inhomogeneous. The mixing type can change during the mixing process. Any mixing type leads to formation of a tail of small droplets in DSD and, therefore, to DSD broadening that depends on Da. At large Da, the final DSD dispersion can be as large as 0.2. The total duration of mixing varies from several to 100 phase relaxation time periods, depending on R and Da. The definitions of homogeneous and inhomogeneous types of mixing are reconsidered and clarified, enabling a more precise delimitation between them. The paper also compares the results obtained with those based on the classic mixing concepts.« less

Non-renewal statistics for electron transport in a molecular junction with electron-vibration interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kosov, Daniel S.

2017-09-01

Quantum transport of electrons through a molecule is a series of individual electron tunneling events separated by stochastic waiting time intervals. We study the emergence of temporal correlations between successive waiting times for the electron transport in a vibrating molecular junction. Using the master equation approach, we compute the joint probability distribution for waiting times of two successive tunneling events. We show that the probability distribution is completely reset after each tunneling event if molecular vibrations are thermally equilibrated. If we treat vibrational dynamics exactly without imposing the equilibration constraint, the statistics of electron tunneling events become non-renewal. Non-renewal statistics between two waiting times τ1 and τ2 means that the density matrix of the molecule is not fully renewed after time τ1 and the probability of observing waiting time τ2 for the second electron transfer depends on the previous electron waiting time τ1. The strong electron-vibration coupling is required for the emergence of the non-renewal statistics. We show that in the Franck-Condon blockade regime, extremely rare tunneling events become positively correlated.

Diaphragmatic reinnervation in ventilator-dependent patients with cervical spinal cord injury and concomitant phrenic nerve lesions using simultaneous nerve transfers and implantable neurostimulators.

PubMed

Kaufman, Matthew R; Elkwood, Andrew I; Aboharb, Farid; Cece, John; Brown, David; Rezzadeh, Kameron; Jarrahy, Reza

2015-06-01

Patients who are ventilator dependent as a result of combined cervical spinal cord injury and phrenic nerve lesions are generally considered to be unsuitable candidates for diaphragmatic pacing due to loss of phrenic nerve integrity and denervation of the diaphragm. There is limited data regarding efficacy of simultaneous nerve transfers and diaphragmatic pacemakers in the treatment of this patient population. A retrospective review was conducted of 14 consecutive patients with combined lesions of the cervical spinal cord and phrenic nerves, and with complete ventilator dependence, who were treated with simultaneous microsurgical nerve transfer and implantation of diaphragmatic pacemakers. Parameters of interest included time to recovery of diaphragm electromyographic activity, average time pacing without the ventilator, and percent reduction in ventilator dependence. Recovery of diaphragm electromyographic activity was demonstrated in 13 of 14 (93%) patients. Eight of these 13 (62%) patients achieved sustainable periods (> 1 h/d) of ventilator weaning (mean = 10 h/d [n = 8]). Two patients recovered voluntary control of diaphragmatic activity and regained the capacity for spontaneous respiration. The one patient who did not exhibit diaphragmatic reinnervation remains within 12 months of initial treatment. Surgical intervention resulted in a 25% reduction (p < 0.05) in ventilator dependency. We have demonstrated that simultaneous nerve transfers and pacemaker implantation can result in reinnervation of the diaphragm and lead to successful ventilator weaning. Our favorable outcomes support consideration of this surgical method for appropriate patients who would otherwise have no alternative therapy to achieve sustained periods of ventilator independence. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

LION4; LION; three-dimensional temperature distribution program. [CDC6600,7600; UNIVAC1108; IBM360,370; FORTRAN IV and ASCENT (CDC6600,7600), FORTRAN IV (UNIVAC1108A,B and IBM360,370)

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

Binney, E.J.

LION4 is a computer program for calculating one-, two-, or three-dimensional transient and steady-state temperature distributions in reactor and reactor plant components. It is used primarily for thermal-structural analyses. It utilizes finite difference techniques with first-order forward difference integration and is capable of handling a wide variety of bounding conditions. Heat transfer situations accommodated include forced and free convection in both reduced and fully-automated temperature dependent forms, coolant flow effects, a limited thermal radiation capability, a stationary or stagnant fluid gap, a dual dependency (temperature difference and temperature level) heat transfer, an alternative heat transfer mode comparison and selection facilitymore » combined with heat flux direction sensor, and any form of time-dependent boundary temperatures. The program, which handles time and space dependent internal heat generation, can also provide temperature dependent material properties with limited non-isotropic properties. User-oriented capabilities available include temperature means with various weightings and a complete heat flow rate surveillance system.CDC6600,7600;UNIVAC1108;IBM360,370; FORTRAN IV and ASCENT (CDC6600,7600), FORTRAN IV (UNIVAC1108A,B and IBM360,370); SCOPE (CDC6600,7600), EXEC8 (UNIVAC1108A,B), OS/360,370 (IBM360,370); The CDC6600 version plotter routine LAPL4 is used to produce the input required by the associated CalComp plotter for graphical output. The IBM360 version requires 350K for execution and one additional input/output unit besides the standard units.« less

Laser-driven high-frequency vibrations of metal blister surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kononenko, T. V.; Sinyavsky, M. N.; Konov, V. I.; Sentis, M.

2013-09-01

Time-resolved interferometric microscopy was applied to investigate laser-induced blistering of a titanium film on a silica substrate. Ablation of the titanium/silica interface by single 0.7 ns pulses within a certain fluence range results in local exfoliation of the metal film from the substrate avoiding, however, complete film destruction. Time-dependent transformation of the metal surface profile was reconstructed from the interference patterns within 0-13 ns time delay range. Transverse annular waves with typical amplitude of one hundred of nanometers and estimated traveling speed of few kilometers per second were revealed on the blister surface. The wave occurrence was attributed to fast inhomogeneous bending of the film covering the expanding blister. The resultant high-frequency (˜1 GHz) vibrations of the metal surface provide intensive inertial forces when such metalized target is used for blister-based laser-induced forward transfer of nanopowders and organic molecules.

Kynetic resazurin assay (KRA) for bacterial quantification of foodborne pathogens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arenas, Yaxal; Mandel, Arkady; Lilge, Lothar

2012-03-01

Fast detection of bacterial concentrations is important for the food industry and for healthcare. Early detection of infections and appropriate treatment is essential since, the delay of treatments for bacterial infections tends to be associated with higher mortality rates. In the food industry and in healthcare, standard procedures require the count of colony-forming units in order to quantify bacterial concentrations, however, this method is time consuming and reports require three days to be completed. An alternative is metabolic-colorimetric assays which provide time efficient in vitro bacterial concentrations. A colorimetric assay based on Resazurin was developed as a time kinetic assay (KRA) suitable for bacterial concentration measurements. An optimization was performed by finding excitation and emission wavelengths for fluorescent acquisition. A comparison of two non-related bacteria, foodborne pathogens Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes, was performed in 96 well plates. A metabolic and clonogenic dependence was established for fluorescent kinetic signals.

Selected Aspects of Markovian and Non-Markovian Quantum Master Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lendi, K.

A few particular marked properties of quantum dynamical equations accounting for general relaxation and dissipation are selected and summarized in brief. Most results derive from the universal concept of complete positivity. The considerations mainly regard genuinely irreversible processes as characterized by a unique asymptotically stationary final state for arbitrary initial conditions. From ordinary Markovian master equations and associated quantum dynamical semigroup time-evolution, derivations of higher order Onsager coefficients and related entropy production are discussed. For general processes including non-faithful states a regularized version of quantum relative entropy is introduced. Further considerations extend to time-dependent infinitesimal generators of time-evolution and to a possible description of propagation of initial states entangled between open system and environment. In the coherence-vector representation of the full non-Markovian equations including entangled initial states, first results are outlined towards identifying mathematical properties of a restricted class of trial integral-kernel functions suited to phenomenological applications.

Photo-generated carriers lose energy during extraction from polymer-fullerene solar cells

PubMed Central

Melianas, Armantas; Etzold, Fabian; Savenije, Tom J.; Laquai, Frédéric; Inganäs, Olle; Kemerink, Martijn

2015-01-01

In photovoltaic devices, the photo-generated charge carriers are typically assumed to be in thermal equilibrium with the lattice. In conventional materials, this assumption is experimentally justified as carrier thermalization completes before any significant carrier transport has occurred. Here, we demonstrate by unifying time-resolved optical and electrical experiments and Monte Carlo simulations over an exceptionally wide dynamic range that in the case of organic photovoltaic devices, this assumption is invalid. As the photo-generated carriers are transported to the electrodes, a substantial amount of their energy is lost by continuous thermalization in the disorder broadened density of states. Since thermalization occurs downward in energy, carrier motion is boosted by this process, leading to a time-dependent carrier mobility as confirmed by direct experiments. We identify the time and distance scales relevant for carrier extraction and show that the photo-generated carriers are extracted from the operating device before reaching thermal equilibrium. PMID:26537357