Efficiency improvement of the investment and innovation activities in the transport facility construction field with public-private partnership involvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shibayeva, Marina; Serebryakova, Yelena; Shalnev, Oleg

2017-10-01

Growing demand to increase the investment volume in modernization and development projects for transport infrastructure define the urgency of the current study. The amount of private sector investments in the field is insufficient to implement the projects for road construction due to their significant capital intensity and long payoff period. The implementation of social significant infrastructure projects on the principles of public-private partnership is one of the key strategic directions of growth for transport facilities. The authors come up with a concept and methodology for modeling the investment and innovation activity in the transport facility construction. Furthermore, there is developed a model to find the balance between public and private sector investments in implementing construction projects for transport infrastructure with involvement of PPP (further - public-private partnership). The suggested concepts aim to improve the efficiency rate of the investment and innovation activity in the field of transport facility construction on the basis of public and private sectors collaboration.

Solomon Gulch hydroelectric project takes shape

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

Not Available

The planning and current construction activities for the Solomon Gulch hydroelectric plant near Valdez, Alaska which is scheduled for dam completion in 1980 and power plant operation in 1981 are discussed. The main dam will be 115 ft high and 360 ft wide. The two paralled 48-in. dia penstocks will be constructed from surplus pipe left over from the Alaska pipeline project. Construction on the 12 MW plant began in October 1978. (LCL)

Construction Management Activities of Governmental Agencies in the New England Area During the Construction Phase.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-01

automatic data exchange ... 56 There are currently 12 Data Systems available: I. Integrated Disbursing and Accounting (IDA) 2. Integrated Program Management...construction project progress through the use of a CPM scheduling and progress reporting system . It automatically generates invoices for payment and payment...posted on the project. Water will be drained daily from tanks of vehicle air brake systems . Rtigging, hooks, pendants and slings will be examined

The versatility of a truss mounted mobile transporter for in-space construction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bush, Harold G.; Lake, Mark S.; Watson, Judith J.; Heard, Walter L., Jr.

1988-01-01

The Mobile Transporter (MT) evolution from early erectable structures assembly activities is detailed. The MT operational features which are required to support astronauts performing on-orbit structure construction or spacecraft assembly functions are presented and discussed. Use of the MT to perform a variety of assembly functions is presented. Estimated EVA assembly times for a precision segmented reflector approximately 20 m in diameter are presented. The EVA/MT technique under study for construction of the reflector (and the entire spacecraft) is illustrated. Finally, the current status of development activities and test results involving the MT and Space Station structural assembly are presented.

A simulation system for Space Station extravehicular activity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marmolejo, Jose A.; Shepherd, Chip

1993-01-01

America's next major step into space will be the construction of a permanently manned Space Station which is currently under development and scheduled for full operation in the mid-1990's. Most of the construction of the Space Station will be performed over several flights by suited crew members during an extravehicular activity (EVA) from the Space Shuttle. Once fully operational, EVA's will be performed from the Space Station on a routine basis to provide, among other services, maintenance and repair operations of satellites currently in Earth orbit. Both voice recognition and helmet-mounted display technologies can improve the productivity of workers in space by potentially reducing the time, risk, and cost involved in performing EVA. NASA has recognized this potential and is currently developing a voice-controlled information system for Space Station EVA. Two bench-model helmet-mounted displays and an EVA simulation program have been developed to demonstrate the functionality and practicality of the system.

An Exploration of the Relationship between Training Grants and Profitability of UK Construction Companies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdel-Wahab, Mohamed; Dainty, Andrew R. J.; Ison, Stephen G.; Hazlehurst, Guy

2008-01-01

A levy/grant system exists in the UK construction industry to provide financial support for companies undertaking training activities. With the current UK government skills policy, there is an emphasis on ensuring that training support provided to employers is aimed at enhancing companies' profitability. This paper explores the profitability of…

Transtheoretical Model Constructs for Physical Activity Behavior are Invariant across Time among Ethnically Diverse Adults in Hawaii

PubMed Central

Nigg, Claudio R; Motl, Robert W; Horwath, Caroline; Dishman, Rod K

2012-01-01

Objectives Physical activity (PA) research applying the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) to examine group differences and/or change over time requires preliminary evidence of factorial validity and invariance. The current study examined the factorial validity and longitudinal invariance of TTM constructs recently revised for PA. Method Participants from an ethnically diverse sample in Hawaii (N=700) completed questionnaires capturing each TTM construct. Results Factorial validity was confirmed for each construct using confirmatory factor analysis with full-information maximum likelihood. Longitudinal invariance was evidenced across a shorter (3-month) and longer (6-month) time period via nested model comparisons. Conclusions The questionnaires for each validated TTM construct are provided, and can now be generalized across similar subgroups and time points. Further validation of the provided measures is suggested in additional populations and across extended time points. PMID:22778669

Low-power integrated-circuit driver for ferrite-memory word lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Katz, S.

1970-01-01

Composite circuit uses both n-p-n bipolar and p-channel MOS transistors /BIMOS/. The BIMOS driver provides 1/ ease of integrated circuit construction, 2/ low standby power consumption, 3/ bidirectional current pulses, and 4/ current-pulse amplitudes and rise times independent of active device parameters.

Milieu Therapy with the Adolescent Sociopath.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walker, Betty A.

1978-01-01

This paper defines sociopathy and presents current findings on its causes and treatment. A milieu therapy program is described, including the preventive and active treatment methods used to keep the adolescent sociopath fully occupied in constructive activities and "sponsor" relationships to overcome antisocial behavior patterns. (Author/SJL)

The role of social cognitive theory in farm-to-school-related activities: implications for child nutrition.

PubMed

Berlin, Linda; Norris, Kimberly; Kolodinsky, Jane; Nelson, Abbie

2013-08-01

Farm-to-school (FTS) programs are gaining attention for many reasons, one of which is the recognition that they could help stem the increase in childhood overweight and obesity. Most FTS programs that have been evaluated have increased students' selection or intake of fruits and vegetables following the incorporation of FTS components. However, the wide range of activities that are typically part of FTS programs make it difficult to pinpoint which components have the greatest potential to improve students' health behaviors. Within the field of nutrition education, theory-based interventions that target the key underlying factors influencing health behavior offer the most promise. We review existing research on dietary health impacts and implications of 3 key FTS-related activities and explore the component activities of FTS in terms of their potential to address the key constructs of social cognitive theory (SCT)--which is a current best practice in the field of nutrition--suggesting that FTS programs incorporating a diverse set of activities appear to be most promising. We find that components of FTS programs incorporate many of the key theoretical constructs in SCT, and show that FTS programs have great potential to facilitate movement toward desired dietary changes. However, it is unlikely that a set of activities in any one current FTS program addresses multiple constructs of the theory in a systematic manner. More intentional inclusion of diverse activities would likely be beneficial. Future research can test these assertions. © 2013, American School Health Association.

Application of BIM technology in green building material management system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhineng, Tong

2018-06-01

The current green building materials management system in China's construction industry is not perfect, and there are still many shortcomings. Active construction of green building materials management system based on BIM technology, combined with the characteristics of green building materials and its relationship with BIM technology application, is urgently needed to better realize the scientific management of green building materials.

Current Situation and Analysis of Geography Teachers' Active Learning Knowledge and Usage in Turkey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tuna, Fikret

2012-01-01

In parallel to the developments in the approach to education, the secondary education geography curriculum in Turkey was renewed in 2005. This new programme encourages the use of active learning methods and techniques in the classroom by adopting the idea that students should construct and interpret knowledge by actively participating in the…

Dialogue and Its Conditions: The Construction of European Citizenship

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hodgson, Naomi

2011-01-01

The Council of Europe's "White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue" provides an example of the way in which dialogue has become part of the current mode of governance in Europe. Throughout current policy, the terms "dialogue" and "voice" inform the introduction of practices and tools that constitute the citizen, or active learning citizen. Notions of…

Identity, Postmodernity, and an Ethics of Activism.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chaput, Catherine

2000-01-01

Argues that Marxism is as much an ethical position that resists the foreclosure of identity as it is a political position. Claims a Marxist standpoint could facilitate the political and ethical accountability that the current politicized composition pedagogies seek while also constructing the classroom as a site for active participation in the…

77 FR 33766 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of a Currently Approved Information Collection...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-07

... DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Reclamation Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal... Reclamation, Interior. ACTION: Notice of renewal and request for comments. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Reclamation... tribal organizations, to plan the design and construction of projects to serve rural areas with...

The Majorana Double Beta Decay Experiment:. Present Status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguayo, E.; Avignone, F. T.; Back, H. O.; Barabash, A. S.; Beene, J. R.; Bergevin, M.; Bertrand, F. E.; Boswell, M.; Brudanin, V.; Busch, M.; Chan, Y.-D.; Christofferson, C. D.; Collar, J. I.; Combs, D. C.; Cooper, R. J.; Detwiler, J. A.; Doe, P. J.; Efremenko, Yu.; Egorov, V.; Ejiri, H.; Elliott, S. R.; Esterline, J.; Fast, J. E.; Fields, N.; Finnerty, P.; Fraenkle, F. M.; Gehman, V. M.; Giovanetti, G. K.; Green, M. P.; Guiseppe, V. E.; Gusey, K.; Hallin, A. L.; Hazama, R.; Henning, R.; Hime, A.; Hoppe, E. W.; Horton, M.; Howard, S.; Howe, M. A.; Johnson, R. A.; Keeter, K. J.; Keller, C.; Kidd, M. F.; Knecht, A.; Kochetov, O.; Konovalov, S. I.; Kouzes, R. T.; Laferriere, B. D.; Laroque, B. H.; Leon, J.; Leviner, L. E.; Loach, J. C.; Macmullin, S.; Marino, M. G.; Martin, R. D.; Mei, D.-M.; Merriman, J. H.; Miller, M. L.; Mizouni, L.; Nomachi, M.; Orrell, J. L.; Overman, N. R.; Phillips, D. G.; Poon, A. W. P.; Perumpilly, G.; Prior, G.; Radford, D. C.; Rielage, K.; Robertson, R. G. H.; Ronquest, M. C.; Schubert, A. G.; Shima, T.; Shirchenko, M.; Snavely, K. J.; Steele, D.; Strain, J.; Thomas, K.; Timkin, V.; Tornow, W.; Vanyushin, I.; Varner, R. L.; Vetter, K.; Vorren, K.; Wilkerson, J. F.; Yakushev, E.; Young, A. R.; Yu, C.-H.; Yumatov, V. I.; Zhang, C.

2013-11-01

The Majorana collaboration is actively pursuing research and development aimed at a tonne-scale 76Ge neutrinoless double-beta decay (0νββ) experiment. The current, primary focus is the construction of the Majorana Demonstrator experiment, an R&D effort that will field approximately 40 kg of germanium detectors with mixed enrichment levels. This article provides a status update on the construction of the Demonstrator.

Value of Flexibility - Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-25

weaknesses of each approach. During this period, we also explored the development of an analytical framework based on sound mathematical constructs... mathematical constructs. A review of the current state-of-the-art showed that there is little unifying theory or guidance on best approaches to...research activities is in developing a coherent value based definition of flexibility that is based on an analytical framework that is mathematically

7 CFR 1944.520 - Ineligible activities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... financial support which would be available from any other source. (3) Duplication of current services in conflict with the requirements of § 1944.514(c). (4) Hiring personnel to perform construction. (5) Buying...

Switch On Student Interest.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nelson, Jane B.

2000-01-01

Describes a set of laboratory activities in which students construct a model for the relationship between potential difference (measured in volts) and current (measured in amperes) in a DC circuit with a single resistor. (SAH)

High Performance Carbon Nanotube Yarn Supercapacitors with a Surface-Oxidized Copper Current Collector.

PubMed

Zhang, Daohong; Wu, Yunlong; Li, Ting; Huang, Yin; Zhang, Aiqing; Miao, Menghe

2015-11-25

Threadlike linear supercapacitors have demonstrated high potential for constructing fabrics to power electronic textiles (eTextiles). To improve the cyclic electrochemical performance and to produce power fabrics large enough for practical applications, a current collector has been introduced into the linear supercapcitors to transport charges produced by active materials along the length of the supercapacitor with high efficiency. Here, we first screened six candidate metal filaments (Pt, Au, Ag, AuAg, PtCu, and Cu) as current collectors for carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn-based linear supercapacitors. Although all of the metal filaments significantly improved the electrochemical performance of the linear supercapacitor, two supercapacitors constructed from Cu and PtCu filaments, respectively, demonstrate far better electrochemical performance than the other four supercapacitors. Further investigation shows that the surfaces of the two Cu-containing filaments are oxidized by the surrounding polymer electrolyte in the electrode. While the unoxidized core of the Cu-containing filaments remains highly conductive and functions as a current collector, the resulting CuO on the surface is an electrochemically active material. The linear supercapacitor architecture incorporating dual active materials CNT + Cu extends the potential window from 1.0 to 1.4 V, leading to significant improvement to the energy density and power density.

Full closure strategic analysis.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-07-01

The full closure strategic analysis was conducted to create a decision process whereby full roadway : closures for construction and maintenance activities can be evaluated and approved or denied by CDOT : Traffic personnel. The study reviewed current...

A process-oriented measure of habit strength for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity

PubMed Central

Grove, J. Robert; Zillich, Irja; Medic, Nikola

2014-01-01

Purpose: Habitual action is an important aspect of health behaviour, but the relevance of various habit strength indicators continues to be debated. This study focused specifically on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and evaluated the construct validity of a framework emphasizing patterned action, stimulus-response bonding, automaticity, and negative consequences for nonperformance as indicators of habit strength for this form of exercise. Methods: Upper-level undergraduates (N = 124) provided demographic information and responded to questionnaire items assessing historical MVPA involvement, current MVPA involvement, and the four proposed habit strength dimensions. Factor analyses were used to examine the latent structure of the habit strength indicators, and the model's construct validity was evaluated via an examination of relationships with repetition history and current behaviour. Results: At a measurement level, findings indicated that the proposed four-component model possessed psychometric integrity as a coherent set of factors. Criterion-related validity was also demonstrated via significant changes in three of the four factors as a function of past involvement in MVPA and significant correlations with the frequency, duration, and intensity of current MVPA. Conclusions: These findings support the construct validity of this exercise habit strength model and suggest that it could provide a template for future research on how MVPA habits are developed and maintained. PMID:25750789

A process-oriented measure of habit strength for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

PubMed

Grove, J Robert; Zillich, Irja; Medic, Nikola

2014-01-01

Purpose : Habitual action is an important aspect of health behaviour, but the relevance of various habit strength indicators continues to be debated. This study focused specifically on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and evaluated the construct validity of a framework emphasizing patterned action, stimulus-response bonding, automaticity, and negative consequences for nonperformance as indicators of habit strength for this form of exercise. Methods : Upper-level undergraduates ( N  = 124) provided demographic information and responded to questionnaire items assessing historical MVPA involvement, current MVPA involvement, and the four proposed habit strength dimensions. Factor analyses were used to examine the latent structure of the habit strength indicators, and the model's construct validity was evaluated via an examination of relationships with repetition history and current behaviour. Results : At a measurement level, findings indicated that the proposed four-component model possessed psychometric integrity as a coherent set of factors. Criterion-related validity was also demonstrated via significant changes in three of the four factors as a function of past involvement in MVPA and significant correlations with the frequency, duration, and intensity of current MVPA. Conclusions : These findings support the construct validity of this exercise habit strength model and suggest that it could provide a template for future research on how MVPA habits are developed and maintained.

Making the Failure More Productive: Scaffolding the Invention Process to Improve Inquiry Behaviors and Outcomes in Invention Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holmes, N. G.; Day, James; Park, Anthony H. K.; Bonn, D. A.; Roll, Ido

2014-01-01

Invention activities are Productive Failure activities in which students attempt (and often fail) to invent methods that capture deep properties of a construct before being taught expert solutions. The current study evaluates the effect of scaffolding on the invention processes and outcomes, given that students are not expected to succeed in their…

Working capital management in the process of financial support of investment and construction projects and of the construction material industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danilochkina, Nadezhda; Lukmanova, Inessa; Roshchina, Olga; Voytolovskiy, Nikolay

2018-03-01

The article presents the analysis of working capital in the process of financial support of high-rise construction investment projects. The factors influencing the choice of the working capital management model were analyzed, the reasons of the change in the requirement for the values of current assets in the process of construction of high-rise facilities were determined. The author has developed the scheme of interrelation between production, operational and financial activity cycles of enterprises implementing investment projects of unique buildings and structures and made a comparative description of their financing sources.

Modeling the sustainable development of innovation in transport construction based on the communication approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revunova, Svetlana; Vlasenko, Vyacheslav; Bukreev, Anatoly

2017-10-01

The article proposes the models of innovative activity development, which is driven by the formation of “points of innovation-driven growth”. The models are based on the analysis of the current state and dynamics of innovative development of construction enterprises in the transport sector and take into account a number of essential organizational and economic changes in management. The authors substantiate implementing such development models as an organizational innovation that has a communication genesis. The use of the communication approach to the formation of “points of innovation-driven growth” allowed the authors to apply the mathematical tools of the graph theory in order to activate the innovative activity of the transport industry in the region. As a result, the authors have proposed models that allow constructing an optimal mechanism for the formation of “points of innovation-driven growth”.

For a Revival of Feminist Consciousness-Raising: Horizontal Transformation of Epistemologies and Transgression of Neoliberal Timespace

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Firth, Rhiannon; Robinson, Andrew

2016-01-01

This paper looks back on the methodology and experience of feminist consciousness-raising (CR) in the 1970s, in relation to the current re-emergence of feminism. It constructs an argument that a new wave of CR is desirable so as to construct new forms of feminist pedagogy and activism. The paper will argue that contemporary feminism in the UK and…

Environmental Assessment: Proposed Automotive/Arts and Crafts Skills Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-10-14

Water regarding potential sources of t practices to ensure drinking water source protection. u ity design and operating standards would be based...center would not be constructed, and adequate facilities would not be provided. The existing facility would operate as it currently exists...would be properly handled during the construction process. Operational activities would generate the same types of waste as the existing facility

A variational approach to niche construction.

PubMed

Constant, Axel; Ramstead, Maxwell J D; Veissière, Samuel P L; Campbell, John O; Friston, Karl J

2018-04-01

In evolutionary biology, niche construction is sometimes described as a genuine evolutionary process whereby organisms, through their activities and regulatory mechanisms, modify their environment such as to steer their own evolutionary trajectory, and that of other species. There is ongoing debate, however, on the extent to which niche construction ought to be considered a bona fide evolutionary force, on a par with natural selection. Recent formulations of the variational free-energy principle as applied to the life sciences describe the properties of living systems, and their selection in evolution, in terms of variational inference. We argue that niche construction can be described using a variational approach. We propose new arguments to support the niche construction perspective, and to extend the variational approach to niche construction to current perspectives in various scientific fields. © 2018 The Authors.

A variational approach to niche construction

PubMed Central

Ramstead, Maxwell J. D.; Veissière, Samuel P. L.; Campbell, John O.; Friston, Karl J.

2018-01-01

In evolutionary biology, niche construction is sometimes described as a genuine evolutionary process whereby organisms, through their activities and regulatory mechanisms, modify their environment such as to steer their own evolutionary trajectory, and that of other species. There is ongoing debate, however, on the extent to which niche construction ought to be considered a bona fide evolutionary force, on a par with natural selection. Recent formulations of the variational free-energy principle as applied to the life sciences describe the properties of living systems, and their selection in evolution, in terms of variational inference. We argue that niche construction can be described using a variational approach. We propose new arguments to support the niche construction perspective, and to extend the variational approach to niche construction to current perspectives in various scientific fields. PMID:29643221

The concept of value stream mapping to reduce of work-time waste as applied the smart construction management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elizar, Suripin, Wibowo, Mochamad Agung

2017-11-01

Delays in construction sites occur due to systematic additions of time waste in various activities that are part of the construction process. Work-time waste is non-adding value activity which used to differentiate between physical construction waste found on site and other waste which occurs during the construction process. The aim of this study is identification using the concept of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to reduce of work-time waste as applied the smart construction management.VSM analysis is a method of business process improvement. The application of VSM began in the manufacturing community. The research method base on theoretically informed case study and literature review. The data have collected using questionnaire through personal interviews from 383 respondents on construction project in Indonesia. The results show that concept of VSM can identify causes of work-time waste. Base on result of questioners and quantitative approach analysis was obtained 29 variables that influence of work-time waste or non-value-adding activities. Base on three cases of construction project founded that average 14.88% of working time was classified as waste. Finally, the concept of VSM can recommend to identification of systematic for reveal current practices and opportunities for improvement towards global challenges. The concept of value stream mapping can help optimize to reduce work-time waste and improve quality standard of construction management. The concept is also can help manager to make a decision to reduce work-time waste so as to obtain of result in more efficient for performance and sustainable construction project.

Computer aided system engineering for space construction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Racheli, Ugo

1989-01-01

This viewgraph presentation covers the following topics. Construction activities envisioned for the assembly of large platforms in space (as well as interplanetary spacecraft and bases on extraterrestrial surfaces) require computational tools that exceed the capability of conventional construction management programs. The Center for Space Construction is investigating the requirements for new computational tools and, at the same time, suggesting the expansion of graduate and undergraduate curricula to include proficiency in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) though design courses and individual or team projects in advanced space systems design. In the center's research, special emphasis is placed on problems of constructability and of the interruptability of planned activity sequences to be carried out by crews operating under hostile environmental conditions. The departure point for the planned work is the acquisition of the MCAE I-DEAS software, developed by the Structural Dynamics Research Corporation (SDRC), and its expansion to the level of capability denoted by the acronym IDEAS**2 currently used for configuration maintenance on Space Station Freedom. In addition to improving proficiency in the use of I-DEAS and IDEAS**2, it is contemplated that new software modules will be developed to expand the architecture of IDEAS**2. Such modules will deal with those analyses that require the integration of a space platform's configuration with a breakdown of planned construction activities and with a failure modes analysis to support computer aided system engineering (CASE) applied to space construction.

Distinction of Concept and Discussion on Construction Idea of Smart Water Grid Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Y.; Yizi, S., Sr.; Lili, L., Sr.; Sang, X.; Zhai, J.

2016-12-01

Smart water grid project includes construction of water physical grid consisting of various flow regulating infrastructures, construction of water information grid in line with the trend of intelligent technology and construction of water management grid featured by system & mechanism construction and systemization of regulation decision-making. It is the integrated platform and comprehensive carrier for water conservancy practices. Currently, there still is dispute over engineering construction idea of smart water grid which, however, represents the future development trend of water management and is increasingly emphasized. The paper, based on distinction of concept of water grid and water grid engineering, explains the concept of water grid intelligentization, actively probes into construction idea of Smart water grid project in our country and presents scientific problems to be solved as well as core technologies to be mastered for smart water grid construction.

Lead exposure in a tank demolition crew: implications for the new OSHA construction lead standard.

PubMed

Waller, K; Osorio, A M; Jones, J

1994-11-01

The Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently extended the basic health and safety provisions of the OSHA lead standard for general industry to workers in the construction industry. In this report we describe a tank demolition worksite that midway through the project strengthened its lead exposure control activities to a level that approximated the current lead standard. Of 12 tested ironworkers and laborers who worked at the site before the change, zinc protoporphyrin levels increased and seven developed blood lead levels (BLL) > 50 micrograms/dL. After the change these workers' BLLs declined. Six workers hired after the change did not experience increases in zinc protoporphyrin and none developed BLL > 25 micrograms/dL. The experience at this worksite demonstrates the usefulness and feasibility of implementing the current lead standard in construction settings.

75 FR 33659 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Request for Comments for a New Information Collection

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-14

... tunnel construction completed; traffic data, including posted speed, design speed, current average daily... vertical clearance; minimum cross- sectional width; lane width(s); shoulder width(s); and pavement type. (3...

MATLAB implementation of a dynamic clamp with bandwidth >125 KHz capable of generating INa at 37°C

PubMed Central

Clausen, Chris; Valiunas, Virginijus; Brink, Peter R.; Cohen, Ira S.

2012-01-01

We describe the construction of a dynamic clamp with bandwidth >125 KHz that utilizes a high performance, yet low cost, standard home/office PC interfaced with a high-speed (16 bit) data acquisition module. High bandwidth is achieved by exploiting recently available software advances (code-generation technology, optimized real-time kernel). Dynamic-clamp programs are constructed using Simulink, a visual programming language. Blocks for computation of membrane currents are written in the high-level matlab language; no programming in C is required. The instrument can be used in single- or dual-cell configurations, with the capability to modify programs while experiments are in progress. We describe an algorithm for computing the fast transient Na+ current (INa) in real time, and test its accuracy and stability using rate constants appropriate for 37°C. We then construct a program capable of supplying three currents to a cell preparation: INa, the hyperpolarizing-activated inward pacemaker current (If), and an inward-rectifier K+ current (IK1). The program corrects for the IR drop due to electrode current flow, and also records all voltages and currents. We tested this program on dual patch-clamped HEK293 cells where the dynamic clamp controls a current-clamp amplifier and a voltage-clamp amplifier controls membrane potential, and current-clamped HEK293 cells where the dynamic clamp produces spontaneous pacing behavior exhibiting Na+ spikes in otherwise passive cells. PMID:23224681

Definitions, Foundations and Associations of Physical Literacy: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

Edwards, Lowri C; Bryant, Anna S; Keegan, Richard J; Morgan, Kevin; Jones, Anwen M

2017-01-01

The concept of physical literacy has stimulated increased research attention in recent years-being deployed in physical education, sport participation, and the promotion of physical activity. Independent research groups currently operationalize the construct differently. The purpose of this systematic review was to conduct a systematic review of the physical literacy construct, as reflected in contemporary research literature. Five databases were searched using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. Inclusion criteria were English language, peer reviewed, published by March 2016, and seeking to conceptualize physical literacy. Articles that met these criteria were analyzed in relation to three core areas: properties/attributes, philosophical foundations and theoretical associations with other constructs. A total of 50 published articles met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed qualitatively using inductive thematic analysis. The thematic analysis addressed the three core areas. Under definitions, core attributes that define physical literacy were identified, as well as areas of conflict between different approaches currently being adopted. One relatively clear philosophical approach was prominent in approximately half of the papers, based on a monist/holistic ontology and phenomenological epistemology. Finally, the analysis identified a number of theoretical associations, including health, physical activity and academic performance. Current literature contains different representations of the physical literacy construct. The costs and benefits of adopting an exclusive approach versus pluralism are considered. Recommendations for both researchers and practitioners focus on identifying and clearly articulating the definitions, philosophical assumptions and expected outcomes prior to evaluating the effectiveness of this emerging concept.

Airway disease in highway and tunnel construction workers exposed to silica.

PubMed

Oliver, L Christine; Miracle-McMahill, Heidi

2006-12-01

Construction workers employed in a unique type of tunnel construction known as tunnel jacking were exposed over an 18-month period to respirable crystalline silica at concentrations that exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit. The present study examines workplace exposures and occurrence of airway disease in these workers. Medical and occupational histories and chest radiographs were obtained on 343 active construction workers who had worked on the site during the period in question. Chest radiographs were interpreted according to the ILO-1980 system of classification. Standardized questions were used to develop an algorithm to define symptoms consistent with asthma (SCA) and to determine these respiratory outcomes: chronic bronchitis, shortness of breath (SOB), and physician-diagnosed asthma (current vs. not current). Relationships with each of three work activities were examined: slurry wall breakthrough (SWB), chipping caisson overpour, and tunneling/mining. Participants included laborers, carpenters, tunnel workers, ironworkers, operating engineers, and electricians. No cases of silicosis were found on chest X-ray. Overall prevalence of chronic bronchitis, SCA, SOB, and physician-diagnosed asthma was 10.7%, 25%, 29%, and 6.6%, respectively. Odds ratios (OR) for carpenters compared to laborers were significantly elevated for chronic bronchitis, SCA, and SOB. SWB was associated with chronic bronchitis and SCA (OR 4.93, 95% CI = 1.01, 24.17; OR 3.32, 95% CI = 1.25, 8.84, respectively). The interaction between SWB, SCA, and trade was significant for carpenters (OR 6.87, 95% CI = 1.66, 28.39). Inverse trends were observed for months on the site and chronic bronchitis, SCA, and SOB (P = 0.0374, 0.0006, and 0.0307, respectively). Tunnel construction workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica and cement dust are at increased risk for airway disease. Extent of risk varies by trade and work activity. Our data indicate the importance of bystander exposures and suggest that tunnel jacking may be associated with greater risk compared to more traditional methods of tunnel construction. A healthy worker effect is suggested.

Overview regarding construction and demolition waste in Spain.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Robles, Desirée; García-González, Julia; Juan-Valdés, Andrés; Morán-Del Pozo, Julia M; Guerra-Romero, M Ignacio

2015-01-01

The construction sector comprises a number of activities that may result in environmental impacts of considerable magnitude, waste generation being one of the major negative effects of this industry due to the large streams generated. Proper knowledge of the environmental problem caused by the sector is of great importance in order to achieve an effective waste management. Thus, this paper analyse the Spanish situation regarding construction and demolition waste (CDW) compared with other European Union countries; which sets out the current figures of the CDW scenario (legislation, generation, composition, treatment and market) as well as the difficulties encountered when handling this residue.

Feasibility study for a freeway corridor infrastructure health monitoring instrumentation testbed.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-08-01

With current and near-term construction activities within the freeway system of Southeast Wisconsin, there is a unique : opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of their in-service performance by implementing a health monitoring : network tha...

Development of a Novel Segmental Bone Defect Construct

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-01

differentiation, and biological activity of both primary synoviocytes and bone marrow derived connective tissue progenitor cells. During the majority of...halted activity on the project from the dates of 31 May 2016 to 13 July 2017. However, the project is on schedule with the current, revised project...supervised all project activities and participated in the preparation of the manuscript that was produced during this reporting period. Name: Dr

Evolution of the construction and performances in accordance to the applications of non-thermal plasma reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hnatiuc, B.; Brisset, J. L.; Astanei, D.; Ursache, M.; Mares, M.; Hnatiuc, E.; Felea, C.

2016-12-01

This paper aims to present the evolution of the construction and performances of non-thermal plasma reactors, identifying specific requirements for various known applications, setting out quality indicators that would allow on the one hand comparing devices that use different kinds of electrical discharges but also their rigorous classification by identification of criteria in order to choose the correct cold plasma reactors for a specific application. It briefly comments the post-discharge effect but also the current dilemma on non-thermal plasma direct treatments versus indirect treatments, using plasma activated water (PAW) or plasma activated medium (PAM), promising in cancer treatment.

Fabrication of hierarchical porous nickel based metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) constructed with nanosheets as novel pseudo-capacitive material for asymmetric supercapacitor.

PubMed

Du, Pengcheng; Dong, Yuman; Liu, Chang; Wei, Wenli; Liu, Dong; Liu, Peng

2018-05-15

Hierarchical porous nickel based metal-organic framework (Ni-MOF) constructed with nanosheets is fabricated by a facile hydrothermal process with the existence of trimesic acid and nickel ions. Various structures of Ni-MOFs can be obtained through adjusting the molar ratio of trimesic acid and nickel ion, the obtained hierarchical porous Ni-MOF exhibits optimal porous structure, which also possesses largest specific surface area. The hierarchical porous structure constructed with nanosheets can supply more active sites for electrochemical reactions to realize the excellent electrochemical properties, thus the hierarchical porous Ni-MOF reveals an outstanding specific capacitance of 1057 F/g at current density of 1 A/g, and delivers high specific capacitance of 649 F/g at current density of 30 A/g, indicating that it exhibits good rate capability of 63.4% even up to 30 A/g. The hierarchical porous Ni-MOF keeps 70% of its original value up to 2 500 charge-discharge cycles at the current density of 10 A/g. Furthermore, asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) were assembled based on hierarchical porous Ni-MOF and activated carbon (AC), the ASCs reveal specific capacitance of 87 F/g at current density of 0.5 A/g, and exhibit high energy density of 21.05 Wh/kg and power density of 6.03 kW/kg. Additionally, the tandem ASCs can light up a red LED. The hierarchical porous Ni-MOF exhibits promising applications in high performance supercapacitors. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Contributions of the Model of Modelling Diagram to the Learning of Ionic Bonding: Analysis of a Case Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mendonca, Paula Cristina Cardoso; Justi, Rosaria

2011-01-01

Current proposals for science education recognise the importance of students' involvement in activities aimed at favouring the understanding of science as a human, dynamic and non-linear construct. Modelling-based teaching is one of the alternatives through which to address such issues. Modelling-based teaching activities for ionic bonding were…

The myotonic dystrophy kinase 3{prime}-untranslated region and its effect on gene expression

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

Ang, C.W.Y.; Sabourin, L.A.; Narang, M.A.

1994-09-01

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is an autosomal dominant neuromuscular disease involving the expansion of an unstable CTG repeat in the 3{prime}-untranslated (3{prime}-UTR) region of the DM kinase (DMK) gene. Increased levels of mRNA in congenital compared to normal tissue have been shown, suggesting elevated DMK levels may be responsible for the disease phenotype. To study the effect of the DMK 3{prime}UTR on gene expression, a reporter gene system was constructed using the constitutive CMV promoter with the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) open reading frame and the DMK 3{prime}UTR containing from 5 repeats up to 90 repeats. Transient transfection into a rhabdomyosarcomamore » cell line shows a three-fold increase in CAT activity from constructs containing a wildtype 3{prime}UTR (5 and 20 repeats) compared to a control construct containing only a poly(A) signal. Reporter constructs with repeats in the protomutation (50 repeats) and mutation (90 repeats) range show a greater than 10-fold increase over control CAT activity. These results suggest the presence of elements in the DMK 3{prime}UTR capable of conferring increased gene expression. We are currently investigating cell-specific activity of the constructs and conducting deletion mapping to identify regulatory elements in the 3{prime}-UTR.« less

Rethinking the Research Paper in the Writing Center.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonald, James C.

1994-01-01

Discusses the problems presented to writing center tutors by traditional research paper assignments. Recounts typical definitions of student research papers according to current-traditional rhetoric. Advocates writing centers helping students transform research papers into meaning-making activities in which students construct knowledge. (HB)

Factors for Generating Initial Construction Schedules

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-09-01

2.2.8 Approach at Stone & Webster Co. 15 2.2.9 Approach at Bechtel Co. 16 2.2.10 SIPEC 16 2.2.11 OARPLAN 16 2.2.12 Other Research Efforts 17 2.2.13...PEC’s (Primitive Elements of Construction). PEC’s are tasks associated with a single activity and performed by a single crew. 2.2.8 Approach at Stone ...Webster Co. Stone & Webster has invested substantial efforts to integrate the informational needs of different project participants. Their current

Active/passive scanning. [airborne multispectral laser scanners for agricultural and water resources applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodfill, J. R.; Thomson, F. J.

1979-01-01

The paper deals with the design, construction, and applications of an active/passive multispectral scanner combining lasers with conventional passive remote sensors. An application investigation was first undertaken to identify remote sensing applications where active/passive scanners (APS) would provide improvement over current means. Calibration techniques and instrument sensitivity are evaluated to provide predictions of the APS's capability to meet user needs. A preliminary instrument design was developed from the initial conceptual scheme. A design review settled the issues of worthwhile applications, calibration approach, hardware design, and laser complement. Next, a detailed mechanical design was drafted and construction of the APS commenced. The completed APS was tested and calibrated in the laboratory, then installed in a C-47 aircraft and ground tested. Several flight tests completed the test program.

Improvised Explosive Devices: Unclear Whether Culvert Denial Systems to Protect Troops are Functioning or Were Ever Installed

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-23

Regional Command-South. At least 4 of the contracts awarded by RCC-Kandahar were blanket purchase agreements ( BPA ) with multiple task orders against them...for the construction of culvert denial systems. Of the BPAs that we reviewed, both W91B4L-11-A-0031 (82 task orders) and W91B4L-11-A-0034 (14 task...orders) are no longer active. However, W91B4L-11-A-0033 (currently 117 task orders) and W91B4L-11-A-0037 (currently 198 task orders) are active BPAs

30 CFR 817.46 - Hydrologic balance: Siltation structures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... activities include diversion ditches, siltation structures, or roads that are designed, constructed and... best technology currently available. (2) Any siltation structure which impounds water shall be designed...) Sedimentation ponds, when used, shall— (i) Be used individually or in series; (ii) Be located as near as...

30 CFR 817.46 - Hydrologic balance: Siltation structures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... activities include diversion ditches, siltation structures, or roads that are designed, constructed and... best technology currently available. (2) Any siltation structure which impounds water shall be designed...) Sedimentation ponds, when used, shall— (i) Be used individually or in series; (ii) Be located as near as...

30 CFR 817.46 - Hydrologic balance: Siltation structures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... activities include diversion ditches, siltation structures, or roads that are designed, constructed and... best technology currently available. (2) Any siltation structure which impounds water shall be designed...) Sedimentation ponds, when used, shall— (i) Be used individually or in series; (ii) Be located as near as...

30 CFR 817.46 - Hydrologic balance: Siltation structures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... activities include diversion ditches, siltation structures, or roads that are designed, constructed and... best technology currently available. (2) Any siltation structure which impounds water shall be designed...) Sedimentation ponds, when used, shall— (i) Be used individually or in series; (ii) Be located as near as...

Shoreline Activities.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stout, Prentice K.

1980-01-01

Described is a method of photographically recording the seasonal movements of the beach, and the equipment and details used in this method. Included is a method for determining current speed and instruction for construction of a tin can viewing box to be used in underwater sea form observations. (Author/DS)

29 CFR 32.28 - Architectural standards.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... the Secretary of Labor NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF HANDICAP IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING..., construction, or alteration of facilities under this subpart shall meet the most current standards for physical accessibility prescribed by the General Services Administration under the Architectural Barriers Act at 41 CFR...

Innovative Approaches to Teaching Technical Communication

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bridgeford, Tracy, Ed.; Kitalong, Karla Saari, Ed.; Selfe, Dickie, Ed.

2004-01-01

"Innovative Approaches to Teaching Technical Communication" offers a variety of activities, projects, and approaches to energize pedagogy in technical communication and to provide a constructive critique of current practice. A practical collection, the approaches recommended here are readily adaptable to a range of technological and institutional…

The colloquial approach: An active learning technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arce, Pedro

1994-09-01

This paper addresses the very important problem of the effectiveness of teaching methodologies in fundamental engineering courses such as transport phenomena. An active learning strategy, termed the colloquial approach, is proposed in order to increase student involvement in the learning process. This methodology is a considerable departure from traditional methods that use solo lecturing. It is based on guided discussions, and it promotes student understanding of new concepts by directing the student to construct new ideas by building upon the current knowledge and by focusing on key cases that capture the essential aspects of new concepts. The colloquial approach motivates the student to participate in discussions, to develop detailed notes, and to design (or construct) his or her own explanation for a given problem. This paper discusses the main features of the colloquial approach within the framework of other current and previous techniques. Problem-solving strategies and the need for new textbooks and for future investigations based on the colloquial approach are also outlined.

The PROactive instruments to measure physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PubMed Central

Gimeno-Santos, Elena; Raste, Yogini; Demeyer, Heleen; Louvaris, Zafeiris; de Jong, Corina; Rabinovich, Roberto A.; Hopkinson, Nicholas S.; Polkey, Michael I.; Vogiatzis, Ioannis; Tabberer, Maggie; Dobbels, Fabienne; Ivanoff, Nathalie; de Boer, Willem I.; van der Molen, Thys; Kulich, Karoly; Serra, Ignasi; Basagaña, Xavier; Troosters, Thierry; Puhan, Milo A.; Karlsson, Niklas

2015-01-01

No current patient-centred instrument captures all dimensions of physical activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our objective was item reduction and initial validation of two instruments to measure physical activity in COPD. Physical activity was assessed in a 6-week, randomised, two-way cross-over, multicentre study using PROactive draft questionnaires (daily and clinical visit versions) and two activity monitors. Item reduction followed an iterative process including classical and Rasch model analyses, and input from patients and clinical experts. 236 COPD patients from five European centres were included. Results indicated the concept of physical activity in COPD had two domains, labelled “amount” and “difficulty”. After item reduction, the daily PROactive instrument comprised nine items and the clinical visit contained 14. Both demonstrated good model fit (person separation index >0.7). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the bidimensional structure. Both instruments had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α>0.8), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.9) and exhibited moderate-to-high correlations (r>0.6) with related constructs and very low correlations (r<0.3) with unrelated constructs, providing evidence for construct validity. Daily and clinical visit “PROactive physical activity in COPD” instruments are hybrid tools combining a short patient-reported outcome questionnaire and two activity monitor variables which provide simple, valid and reliable measures of physical activity in COPD patients. PMID:26022965

The PROactive instruments to measure physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PubMed

Gimeno-Santos, Elena; Raste, Yogini; Demeyer, Heleen; Louvaris, Zafeiris; de Jong, Corina; Rabinovich, Roberto A; Hopkinson, Nicholas S; Polkey, Michael I; Vogiatzis, Ioannis; Tabberer, Maggie; Dobbels, Fabienne; Ivanoff, Nathalie; de Boer, Willem I; van der Molen, Thys; Kulich, Karoly; Serra, Ignasi; Basagaña, Xavier; Troosters, Thierry; Puhan, Milo A; Karlsson, Niklas; Garcia-Aymerich, Judith

2015-10-01

No current patient-centred instrument captures all dimensions of physical activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our objective was item reduction and initial validation of two instruments to measure physical activity in COPD.Physical activity was assessed in a 6-week, randomised, two-way cross-over, multicentre study using PROactive draft questionnaires (daily and clinical visit versions) and two activity monitors. Item reduction followed an iterative process including classical and Rasch model analyses, and input from patients and clinical experts.236 COPD patients from five European centres were included. Results indicated the concept of physical activity in COPD had two domains, labelled "amount" and "difficulty". After item reduction, the daily PROactive instrument comprised nine items and the clinical visit contained 14. Both demonstrated good model fit (person separation index >0.7). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the bidimensional structure. Both instruments had good internal consistency (Cronbach's α>0.8), test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.9) and exhibited moderate-to-high correlations (r>0.6) with related constructs and very low correlations (r<0.3) with unrelated constructs, providing evidence for construct validity.Daily and clinical visit "PROactive physical activity in COPD" instruments are hybrid tools combining a short patient-reported outcome questionnaire and two activity monitor variables which provide simple, valid and reliable measures of physical activity in COPD patients. Copyright ©ERS 2015.

Air Force construction automation/robotics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nease, A. D.; Alexander, E. F.

1993-01-01

The Air Force has several missions which generate unique requirements that are being met through the development of construction robotic technology. One especially important mission will be the conduct of Department of Defense (DOD) space activities. Space operations and other missions place construction/repair equipment operators in dangerous environments and potentially harmful situations. Additionally, force reductions require that human resources be leveraged to the maximum extent possible, and more stringent construction repair requirements push for increased automation. To solve these problems, the U.S. Air Force is undertaking a research and development effort at Tyndall AFB, FL, to develop robotic construction/repair equipment. This development effort involves the following technologies: teleoperation, telerobotics, construction operations (excavation, grading, leveling, tool change), robotic vehicle communications, vehicle navigation, mission/vehicle task control architecture, and associated computing environment. The ultimate goal is the fielding of a robotic repair capability operating at the level of supervised autonomy. This paper will discuss current and planned efforts in space construction/repair, explosive ordnance disposal, hazardous waste cleanup, and fire fighting.

Development and psychometric properties of a self-regulation scale about leisure time physical activity in Iranian male adolescents.

PubMed

Abasi, Mohammad Hadi; Eslami, Ahmad Ali; Rakhshani, Fatemeh; Shiri, Mansoor

2016-01-01

Self-regulation is one of the current psychological concepts that have been known as a determinant of leisure time physical activity. Due to cultural and social diversity in different societies and age groups, application of specific questionnaires is essential to perform investigations about physical activities. The aim of this study is development and evaluation of psychometric properties of a self-regulation questionnaire about leisure time physical activity in Iranian male adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013, and data of 603 male students from 12 high schools in Isfahan were collected. A comprehensive literature review and similar questionnaire review were conducted and 25 items were selected or developed to measure self-regulation. Comprehensibility of items was evaluated in a pilot study and an expert panel evaluated face and content validity. Exploratory factors analysis (EFA) was used for evaluation of construct validity and extraction of sub-constructs of self-regulation. Leisure time physical activity was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The mean age of the participants was 16.3 years (SD =1.0) and the range was 15-19 years. Cronbach's α coefficient of the questionnaire in the pilot and main study was 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. EFA resulted in four sub-constructs including "enlistment of social support", "goal setting", "self-construction", and "self-monitoring", which explained 63.6% of the variance of self-regulation. Results of this investigation provide some support to the validity and reliability of the 16-item questionnaire of self-regulation abut leisure time physical activity in the target group.

Novel CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive constructs reveal insights into mechanisms of resistance allele formation and drive efficiency in genetically diverse populations

PubMed Central

Liu, Chen

2017-01-01

A functioning gene drive system could fundamentally change our strategies for the control of vector-borne diseases by facilitating rapid dissemination of transgenes that prevent pathogen transmission or reduce vector capacity. CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive promises such a mechanism, which works by converting cells that are heterozygous for the drive construct into homozygotes, thereby enabling super-Mendelian inheritance. Although CRISPR gene drive activity has already been demonstrated, a key obstacle for current systems is their propensity to generate resistance alleles, which cannot be converted to drive alleles. In this study, we developed two CRISPR gene drive constructs based on the nanos and vasa promoters that allowed us to illuminate the different mechanisms by which resistance alleles are formed in the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. We observed resistance allele formation at high rates both prior to fertilization in the germline and post-fertilization in the embryo due to maternally deposited Cas9. Assessment of drive activity in genetically diverse backgrounds further revealed substantial differences in conversion efficiency and resistance rates. Our results demonstrate that the evolution of resistance will likely impose a severe limitation to the effectiveness of current CRISPR gene drive approaches, especially when applied to diverse natural populations. PMID:28727785

"There's No Other Way to Describe It": Images of Disability and Challenging Behaviour on "A Current Affair"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Symonds, Gwyn

2006-01-01

This paper is written primarily as a call to those of us in the special education field in Australia to become more actively involved in responding to the popular culture construction of disability as it takes place in the mainstream media. It is not the aim to define the form such activism should take but rather to raise awareness of the issue…

Monitoring of suspended sediment variation using Landsat and MODIS in the Saemangeum coastal area of Korea.

PubMed

Min, Jee-Eun; Ryu, Joo-Hyung; Lee, Seok; Son, Seunghyun

2012-02-01

Suspended sediment concentration (SS) is an important indicator of marine environmental changes due to natural causes such as tides, tidal currents, and river discharges, as well as human activities such as construction in coastal regions. In the Saemangeum area on the west coast of Korea, construction of a huge tidal dyke for land reclamation has strongly influenced the coastal environment. This study used remotely sensed data to analyze the SS changes in coastal waters caused by the dyke construction. Landsat and MODIS satellite images were used for the spatial analysis of finer patterns and for the detailed temporal analysis, respectively. Forty Landsat scenes and 105 monthly composite MODIS images observed during 1985-2010 were employed, and four field campaigns (from 2005 to 2006) were performed to verify the image-derived SS. The results of the satellite data analyses showed that the seawater was clear before the dyke construction, with SS values lower than 20 g/m(3). These values increased continuously as the dyke construction progressed. The maximum SS values appeared just before completion of the fourth dyke. Values decreased to below 5 g/m(3) after dyke construction. These changes indicated tidal current modification. Some eddies and plumes were observed in the images generated from Landsat data. Landsat and MODIS can reveal that coastal water turbidity was greatly reduced after completion of the construction. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hiilangaay Hydroelectric Project – Final Report

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

Twitchell, Sara; Stimac, Michael; Lang, Lisa

2016-06-01

The Hiilangaay Hydroelectric Project (“Hiilangaay” or the “Project”) is a 5-megawatt hydroelectric resource currently under construction on Prince of Wales Island (POW), Alaska, approximately ten miles east of Hydaburg. The objective of the Project is to interconnect with the existing transmission grid on Prince of Wales Island, increasing the hydroelectric generation capability by 5 MW, eliminating the need for diesel generation, increasing the reliability of the electrical system, and allowing the interconnected portion of the island to have 100 percent renewable energy generation. Pre-construction activities including construction planning, permit coordination and compliance, and final design have made it possible tomore » move forward with construction of the Hiilangaay Project. Despite repeated delays to the schedule, persistence and long-term planning will culminate in the construction of the Project, and make Prince of Wales Island independent of diesel-fueled energy« less

Giving patients responsibility or fostering mutual response-ability: family physicians' constructions of effective chronic illness management.

PubMed

Thille, Patricia H; Russell, Grant M

2010-10-01

Current visions of family medicine and models of chronic illness management integrate evidence-based medicine with collaborative, patient-centered care, despite critiques that these constructs conflict with each other. With this potential conflict in mind, we applied a critical discursive psychology methodology to present discursive patterns articulated by 13 family physicians in Ontario, Canada, regarding care of patients living with multiple chronic illnesses. Physicians constructed competing versions of the terms "effective chronic illness management" and "patient involvement." One construction integrated individual responsibility for health with primacy of "evidence," resulting in a conceptualization consistent with paternalistic care. The second constructed effective care as involving active partnership of physician and patient, implying a need to foster the ability of both practitioners and patients to respond to complex challenges as they arose. The former pattern is inconsistent with visions of family medicine and chronic illness management, whereas the latter embodies it.

Environmental and economic evaluation of natural capital appropriation through building construction: practical case study in the Italian context.

PubMed

Bastianoni, Simone; Galli, Alessandro; Pulselli, Riccardo Maria; Niccolucci, Valentina

2007-11-01

This paper focuses on appropriation of natural capital through construction of buildings. The ecological footprint and the Costanza natural capital concepts are applied. The environmental consequences of human settlement are currently of great concern, and a need is felt to reduce the impact of building on the environment. The embodied energy of building materials and the "land area" required to sustain their production are considered to evaluate the demand on nature of this activity. The ecological footprints of 2 typical Italian buildings are compared. The paper also focuses on how to reduce the natural capital appropriation of building construction by means of environmentally inexpensive materials, renewable energy resources, and optimization of the use of bioproductive land by construction of multistoried buildings. Finally, to allocate an environmental load of buildings, an economic evaluation of natural capital appropriation through building construction is proposed.

Saccade Modulation by Optical and Electrical Stimulation in the Macaque Frontal Eye Field

PubMed Central

Grimaldi, Piercesare; Schweers, Nicole

2013-01-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that strong neural modulations can be evoked with optogenetic stimulation in macaque motor cortex without observing any evoked movements (Han et al., 2009, 2011; Diester et al., 2011). It remains unclear why such perturbations do not generate movements and if conditions exist under which they may evoke movements. In this study, we examine the effects of five optogenetic constructs in the macaque frontal eye field and use electrical microstimulation to assess whether optical perturbation of the local network leads to observable motor changes during optical, electrical, and combined stimulation. We report a significant increase in the probability of evoking saccadic eye movements when low current electrical stimulation is coupled to optical stimulation compared with when electrical stimulation is used alone. Experiments combining channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) and electrical stimulation with simultaneous fMRI revealed no discernible fMRI activity at the electrode tip with optical stimulation but strong activity with electrical stimulation. Our findings suggest that stimulation with current ChR2 optogenetic constructs generates subthreshold activity that contributes to the initiation of movements but, in most cases, is not sufficient to evoke a motor response. PMID:24133271

75 FR 7304 - Agency Information Collection Activity Seeking OMB Approval

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-02-18

..., vol. 74, no. 199, page 53316. FAR Part 157 requires that each person who intends to construct... Landing Area Proposal. Type of Request: Extension without change of a currently approved collection. OMB... existing airspace structure and projected programs of the FAA, and the effects that existing or proposed...

Investigating Attitudes toward Physical Education: Validation across Two Instruments

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donovan, Corinne Baron; Mercier, Kevin; Phillips, Sharon R.

2015-01-01

The Centers for Disease Control have suggested that physical education plays a role in promoting healthy lifestyles. Prior research suggests a link between attitudes toward physical education and physical activity outside school. The current study provides additional evidence of construct validity through a validation across two instruments…

The Design of Computerized Practice Fields for Problem Solving and Contextualized Transfer

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riedel, Jens; Fitzgerald, Gail; Leven, Franz; Toenshoff, Burkhard

2003-01-01

Current theories of learning emphasize the importance of learner-centered, active, authentic, environments for meaningful knowledge construction. From this perspective, computerized case-based learning systems afford practice fields for learners to build domain knowledge and problem-solving skills and to support contextualized transfer of…

From Reproduction to Construction: Bhutanese Higher Education Students' Attitudes towards Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stacy, Ivan; Bennett, Cathryn B.

2017-01-01

The rationale for the study is the developing state of Bhutanese higher education, and Bhutanese students' current tendency to employ reproductive learning strategies. This research therefore aims to determine whether using non-linear, semi-autonomous learning activities encourages Bhutanese students to adopt constructivist attitudes towards…

75 FR 4615 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Request for Extension of Currently Approved...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-28

... educational programs relating to the history and construction techniques of historic covered bridges... cultural tourism or enhances the history/ economic development of the community; and other benefits upon... preservation efforts; how it enhances cultural tourism or enhances the history/ economic development of the...

Capacitive detection of micromotions: Monitoring ballistics of a developing avian embryo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szymanski, Jan A.; Pawlak, Krzysztof; Wasowicz, Pawel; Moscicki, Jozef K.

2002-09-01

An instrument for noninvasive monitoring of very weak biomechanical activities of small living organisms is described. The construction is sufficiently flexible to permit a range of studies including developing embryos of oviparous animals, pests that live in loose materials and timber, and insects that develop in cocoons. Motions are detected by monitoring a current generated by the fluctuating position of the object-loaded electrode of a capacitive sensor. To maximize the signal, oscillations of the electrode are mechanically enhanced and the current is amplified and filtered by a two-stage signal amplifier and a bank of six active Butterworth filters. The device is optimized to ballistocardiography of hen embryos. The sensitivity achieved makes possible quantitative studies of heart activity of 7-day-old embryos.

Current Space Projects of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernández, R.; Acevedo R.; Varela, F.; Otero, S.

2014-06-01

Since 2008, with the successful launch of the first Venezuelan telecommunication satellite VENESAT-1, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela became an active player in the international space sector aimed at using space science and technology as a powerful tool to promote the national development. Based on that, through the Bolivarian Agency for Space Activities (ABAE), Venezuela has been implemented several space projects such as the manufacturing and launch of the first Venezuelan remote sensing satellite, the construction of a design center for small satellite technologies, as well as research and development activities related with the estimation of the physical properties of the Earth. This paper presents a brief description of the current space projects that are being developed by Venezuela.

An empirical model of the quiet daily geomagnetic field variation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yamazaki, Y.; Yumoto, K.; Cardinal, M.G.; Fraser, B.J.; Hattori, P.; Kakinami, Y.; Liu, J.Y.; Lynn, K.J.W.; Marshall, R.; McNamara, D.; Nagatsuma, T.; Nikiforov, V.M.; Otadoy, R.E.; Ruhimat, M.; Shevtsov, B.M.; Shiokawa, K.; Abe, S.; Uozumi, T.; Yoshikawa, A.

2011-01-01

An empirical model of the quiet daily geomagnetic field variation has been constructed based on geomagnetic data obtained from 21 stations along the 210 Magnetic Meridian of the Circum-pan Pacific Magnetometer Network (CPMN) from 1996 to 2007. Using the least squares fitting method for geomagnetically quiet days (Kp ??? 2+), the quiet daily geomagnetic field variation at each station was described as a function of solar activity SA, day of year DOY, lunar age LA, and local time LT. After interpolation in latitude, the model can describe solar-activity dependence and seasonal dependence of solar quiet daily variations (S) and lunar quiet daily variations (L). We performed a spherical harmonic analysis (SHA) on these S and L variations to examine average characteristics of the equivalent external current systems. We found three particularly noteworthy results. First, the total current intensity of the S current system is largely controlled by solar activity while its focus position is not significantly affected by solar activity. Second, we found that seasonal variations of the S current intensity exhibit north-south asymmetry; the current intensity of the northern vortex shows a prominent annual variation while the southern vortex shows a clear semi-annual variation as well as annual variation. Thirdly, we found that the total intensity of the L current system changes depending on solar activity and season; seasonal variations of the L current intensity show an enhancement during the December solstice, independent of the level of solar activity. Copyright 2011 by the American Geophysical Union.

Modern Approaches for Asymmetric Construction of Carbon-Fluorine Quaternary Stereogenic Centers: Synthetic Challenges and Pharmaceutical Needs.

PubMed

Zhu, Yi; Han, Jianlin; Wang, Jiandong; Shibata, Norio; Sodeoka, Mikiko; Soloshonok, Vadim A; Coelho, Jaime A S; Toste, F Dean

2018-04-11

New methods for preparation of tailor-made fluorine-containing compounds are in extremely high demand in nearly every sector of chemical industry. The asymmetric construction of quaternary C-F stereogenic centers is the most synthetically challenging and, consequently, the least developed area of research. As a reflection of this apparent methodological deficit, pharmaceutical drugs featuring C-F stereogenic centers constitute less than 1% of all fluorine-containing medicines currently on the market or in clinical development. Here we provide a comprehensive review of current research activity in this area, including such general directions as asymmetric electrophilic fluorination via organocatalytic and transition-metal catalyzed reactions, asymmetric elaboration of fluorine-containing substrates via alkylations, Mannich, Michael, and aldol additions, cross-coupling reactions, and biocatalytic approaches.

Conserved sequences in the current strains of HIV-1 subtype A in Russia are effectively targeted by artificial RNAi in vitro.

PubMed

Tchurikov, Nickolai A; Fedoseeva, Daria M; Gashnikova, Natalya M; Sosin, Dmitri V; Gorbacheva, Maria A; Alembekov, Ildar R; Chechetkin, Vladimir R; Kravatsky, Yuri V; Kretova, Olga V

2016-05-25

Highly active antiretroviral therapy has greatly reduced the morbidity and mortality of AIDS. However, many of the antiretroviral drugs are toxic with long-term use, and all currently used anti-HIV agents generate drug-resistant mutants. Therefore, there is a great need for new approaches to AIDS therapy. RNAi is a powerful means of inhibiting HIV-1 production in human cells. We propose to use RNAi for gene therapy of HIV/AIDS. Previously we identified a number of new biologically active siRNAs targeting several moderately conserved regions in HIV-1 transcripts. Here we analyze the heterogeneity of nucleotide sequences in three RNAi targets in sequences encoding the reverse transcriptase and integrase domains of current isolates of HIV-1 subtype A in Russia. These data were used to generate genetic constructs expressing short hairpin RNAs 28-30-bp in length that could be processed in cells into siRNAs. After transfection of the constructs we observed siRNAs that efficiently attacked the selected targets. We expect that targeting several viral genes important for HIV-1 reproduction will help overcome the problem of viral adaptation and will prevent the appearance of RNAi escape mutants in current virus strains, an important feature of gene therapy of HIV/AIDS. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Arabidopsis vacuolar malate channel is a member of the ALMT family.

PubMed

Kovermann, Peter; Meyer, Stefan; Hörtensteiner, Stefan; Picco, Cristiana; Scholz-Starke, Joachim; Ravera, Silvia; Lee, Youngsook; Martinoia, Enrico

2007-12-01

In plants, malate is a central metabolite and fulfills a large number of functions. Vacuolar malate may reach very high concentrations and fluctuate rapidly, whereas cytosolic malate is kept at a constant level allowing optimal metabolism. Recently, a vacuolar malate transporter (Arabidopsis thaliana tonoplast dicarboxylate transporter, AttDT) was identified that did not correspond to the well-characterized vacuolar malate channel. We therefore hypothesized that a member of the aluminum-activated malate transporter (ALMT) gene family could code for a vacuolar malate channel. Using GFP fusion constructs, we could show that AtALMT9 (A. thaliana ALMT9) is targeted to the vacuole. Promoter-GUS fusion constructs demonstrated that this gene is expressed in all organs, but is cell-type specific as GUS activity in leaves was detected nearly exclusively in mesophyll cells. Patch-clamp analysis of an Atalmt9 T-DNA insertion mutant exhibited strongly reduced vacuolar malate channel activity. In order to functionally characterize AtALMT9 as a malate channel, we heterologously expressed this gene in tobacco and in oocytes. Overexpression of AtALMT9-GFP in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves strongly enhanced the malate current densities across the mesophyll tonoplasts. Functional expression of AtALMT9 in Xenopus oocytes induced anion currents, which were clearly distinguishable from endogenous oocyte currents. Our results demonstrate that AtALMT9 is a vacuolar malate channel. Deletion mutants for AtALMT9 exhibit only slightly reduced malate content in mesophyll protoplasts and no visible phenotype, indicating that AttDT and the residual malate channel activity are sufficient to sustain the transport activity necessary to regulate the cytosolic malate homeostasis.

Real-time measurement of biomagnetic vector fields in functional syncytium using amorphous metal.

PubMed

Nakayama, Shinsuke; Uchiyama, Tusyoshi

2015-03-06

Magnetic field detection of biological electric activities would provide a non-invasive and aseptic estimate of the functional state of cellular organization, namely a syncytium constructed with cell-to-cell electric coupling. In this study, we investigated the properties of biomagnetic waves which occur spontaneously in gut musculature as a typical functional syncytium, by applying an amorphous metal-based gradio-magneto sensor operated at ambient temperature without a magnetic shield. The performance of differentiation was improved by using a single amorphous wire with a pair of transducer coils. Biomagnetic waves of up to several nT were recorded ~1 mm below the sample in a real-time manner. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) facilitated magnetic waves reflected electric activity in smooth muscle. The direction of magnetic waves altered depending on the relative angle of the muscle layer and magneto sensor, indicating the existence of propagating intercellular currents. The magnitude of magnetic waves rapidly decreased to ~30% by the initial and subsequent 1 mm separations between sample and sensor. The large distance effect was attributed to the feature of bioelectric circuits constructed by two reverse currents separated by a small distance. This study provides a method for detecting characteristic features of biomagnetic fields arising from a syncytial current.

Real-time Measurement of Biomagnetic Vector Fields in Functional Syncytium Using Amorphous Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakayama, Shinsuke; Uchiyama, Tusyoshi

2015-03-01

Magnetic field detection of biological electric activities would provide a non-invasive and aseptic estimate of the functional state of cellular organization, namely a syncytium constructed with cell-to-cell electric coupling. In this study, we investigated the properties of biomagnetic waves which occur spontaneously in gut musculature as a typical functional syncytium, by applying an amorphous metal-based gradio-magneto sensor operated at ambient temperature without a magnetic shield. The performance of differentiation was improved by using a single amorphous wire with a pair of transducer coils. Biomagnetic waves of up to several nT were recorded ~1 mm below the sample in a real-time manner. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) facilitated magnetic waves reflected electric activity in smooth muscle. The direction of magnetic waves altered depending on the relative angle of the muscle layer and magneto sensor, indicating the existence of propagating intercellular currents. The magnitude of magnetic waves rapidly decreased to ~30% by the initial and subsequent 1 mm separations between sample and sensor. The large distance effect was attributed to the feature of bioelectric circuits constructed by two reverse currents separated by a small distance. This study provides a method for detecting characteristic features of biomagnetic fields arising from a syncytial current.

The Impacts of Highway Expansion on Population Change: An Integrated Spatial Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chi, Guangqing

2010-01-01

The effects of highways on transforming human society and promoting population change have been investigated in several disciplines, including geography, sociology, economics, and planning. Currently, the primary highway construction activity in the nation is highway expansion; however, this expansion has not been the focus of much of the existing…

Estimating economic impacts of timber-based industry expansion in northeastern Minnesota.

Treesearch

Daniel L. Erkkila; Dietmar W. Rose; Allen L. Lundgren

1982-01-01

Analysis of current and projected timber supplies in northeastern Minnesota indicates that expanded timber-based industrial activity could be supported. The impacts of a hypothetical industrial development scenario, including construction of waferboard plants and a wood-fueled power plant, were estimated using an input-output model. Development had noticeable impacts...

75 FR 11623 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Notice of Request for Extension of Currently Approved...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-11

...., Washington, DC 20503, Attention DOT Desk Officer. You are asked to comment on any aspect of this information collection, including: (1) Whether the proposed collection is necessary for the FHWA's performance; (2) the..., SE., Washington, DC 20590, SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Title: Federal-Aid Highway Construction Equal...

30 CFR 816.57 - Hydrologic balance: Activities in or adjacent to perennial or intermittent streams.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... accordance with § 800.40(c)(2) of this chapter. (4) Construction of excess spoil fills and coal mine waste... part for coal mine waste disposal facilities. (c) Additional clarifications. All surface mining... using the best technology currently available, additional contribution of suspended solids to streamflow...

78 FR 67336 - Habitat Conservation Plan for the United Water Conservation District, Santa Clara River Watershed...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-11-12

... incidental take permits for United's construction, operations, and maintenance of water management facilities... maintenance of the Freeman Diversion; diversion of water from the Santa Clara River; vegetation management... current and future water management activities. United intends to request a 50-year permit covering five...

24 CFR 248.141 - Criteria for approval of a plan of action involving prepayment and voluntary termination.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... inventory, residential construction activity, and the current and anticipated supply/demand conditions... and anticipated supply/demand conditions in both the overall rental market and the assisted housing... involuntary displacement; and (2) The supply of vacant, comparable housing is sufficient to ensure that such...

Tending to Change: Toward a Situated Model of Affinity Spaces

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bommarito, Dan

2014-01-01

The concept of affinity spaces, a theoretical construct used to analyze literate activity from a spatial perspective, has gained popularity among scholars of literacy studies and, particularly, video-game studies. This article seeks to expand current notions of affinity spaces by identifying key assumptions that have limited researchers'…

"Getting Fit Basically Just Means, Like, Nonfat": Children's Lessons in Fitness and Fatness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Powell, Darren; Fitzpatrick, Katie

2015-01-01

Current concerns about a childhood obesity crisis and children's physical activity levels have combined to justify fitness lessons as a physical education practice in New Zealand primary (elementary) schools. Researchers focused on children's understandings of fitness lessons argue that they construct fitness as a quest for an "ideal"…

3D Miniaturization of Human Organs for Drug Discovery.

PubMed

Park, Joseph; Wetzel, Isaac; Dréau, Didier; Cho, Hansang

2018-01-01

"Engineered human organs" hold promises for predicting the effectiveness and accuracy of drug responses while reducing cost, time, and failure rates in clinical trials. Multiorgan human models utilize many aspects of currently available technologies including self-organized spherical 3D human organoids, microfabricated 3D human organ chips, and 3D bioprinted human organ constructs to mimic key structural and functional properties of human organs. They enable precise control of multicellular activities, extracellular matrix (ECM) compositions, spatial distributions of cells, architectural organizations of ECM, and environmental cues. Thus, engineered human organs can provide the microstructures and biological functions of target organs and advantageously substitute multiscaled drug-testing platforms including the current in vitro molecular assays, cell platforms, and in vivo models. This review provides an overview of advanced innovative designs based on the three main technologies used for organ construction leading to single and multiorgan systems useable for drug development. Current technological challenges and future perspectives are also discussed. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

CROSS-DISCIPLINARY PHYSICS AND RELATED AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Inverse computation for cardiac sources using single current dipole and current multipole models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qian; Ma, Ping; Lu, Hong; Tang, Xue-Zheng; Hua, Ning; Tang, Fa-Kuan

2009-12-01

Two cardiac functional models are constructed in this paper. One is a single current model and the other is a current multipole model. Parameters denoting the properties of these two models are calculated by a least-square fit to the measurements using a simulated annealing algorithm. The measured signals are detected at 36 observation nodes by a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). By studying the trends of position, orientation and magnitude of the single current dipole model and the current multipole model in the QRS complex during one time span and comparing the reconstructed magnetocardiography (MCG) of these two cardiac models, we find that the current multipole model is a more appropriate model to represent cardiac electrophysiological activity.

The Healy clean coal project: An overview

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

Olson, J.B.; McCrohan, D.V.

1997-12-31

The Healy Clean Coal Project, selected by the US Department of Energy under Round III of the Clean Coal Technology Program is currently in construction. The project is owned and financed by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA), and is cofunded by the US Department of Energy. Construction is scheduled to be completed in August of 1997, with startup activity concluding in December of 1997. Demonstration, testing and reporting of the results will take place in 1998, followed by commercial operation of the facility. The emission levels of NOx, SO{sub 2} and particulates from this 50 megawatt plantmore » are expected to be significantly lower than current standards. The project status, its participants, a description of the technology to be demonstrated, and the operational and performance goals of this project are presented.« less

Constructing Media Artifacts in a Social Constructivist Environment to Enhance Students' Environmental Awareness and Activism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karahan, Engin; Roehrig, Gillian

2015-02-01

Current science education reforms and policy documents highlight the importance of environmental awareness and perceived need for activism. As "environmental problems are socially constructed in terms of their conceptualized effects on individuals, groups, other living things and systems research based on constructivist principles provides not only a coherent framework in which to theorize about learning, but also a context for understanding socially constructed issues" (Palmer and Suggate in Res Pap Educ 19(2), 2004, p. 208). This research study investigated the impacts of the learning processes structured based on the theories of constructionism and social constructivism on students' environmental awareness and perceived need for activism. Students constructed multimedia artifacts expressing their knowledge, attitudes, awareness, and activism about environmental issues through a constructionist design process. In addition, a social networking site was designed and used to promote social interaction among students. Twenty-two high school environmental science students participated in this study. A convergent mixed methods design was implemented to allow for the triangulation of methods by directly comparing and contrasting quantitative results with qualitative findings for corroboration and validation purposes. Using a mixed method approach, quantitative findings are supported with qualitative data (student video projects, writing prompts, blog entries, video projects of the students, observational field notes, and reflective journals) including spontaneous responses in both synchronous and asynchronous conversations on the social network to provide a better understanding of the change in students' environmental awareness and perceived need for activism. The findings of the study indicated that students' environmental awareness and perceived need for activism were improved at different scales (personal, community, global) throughout the constructionist and social constructivist learning processes.

Cyanide hydratases and cyanide dihydratases: emerging tools in the biodegradation and biodetection of cyanide.

PubMed

Martínková, Ludmila; Veselá, Alicja Barbara; Rinágelová, Anna; Chmátal, Martin

2015-11-01

The purpose of this study is to summarize the current knowledge of the enzymes which are involved in the hydrolysis of cyanide, i.e., cyanide hydratases (CHTs; EC 4.2.1.66) and cyanide dihydratases (CynD; EC 3.5.5.1). CHTs are probably exclusively produced by filamentous fungi and widely occur in these organisms; in contrast, CynDs were only found in a few bacterial genera. CHTs differ from CynDs in their reaction products (formamide vs. formic acid and ammonia, respectively). Several CHTs were also found to transform nitriles but with lower relative activities compared to HCN. Mutants of CynDs and CHTs were constructed to study the structure-activity relationships in these enzymes or to improve their catalytic properties. The effect of the C-terminal part of the protein on the enzyme activity was determined by constructing the corresponding deletion mutants. CynDs are less active at alkaline pH than CHTs. To improve its bioremediation potential, CynD from Bacillus pumilus was engineered by directed evolution combined with site-directed mutagenesis, and its operation at pH 10 was thus enabled. Some of the enzymes have been tested for their potential to eliminate cyanide from cyanide-containing wastewaters. CynDs were also used to construct cyanide biosensors.

When does it pay to invest in a patch? The evolution of intentional niche construction.

PubMed

Mohlenhoff, Kathryn A; Codding, Brian F

2017-09-01

Humans modify their environments in ways that significantly transform the earth's ecosystems. Recent research suggests that such niche-constructing behaviors are not passive human responses to environmental variation, but instead should be seen as active and intentional management of the environment. Although such research is useful in highlighting the interactive dynamics between humans and their natural world, the niche-construction framework, as currently applied, fails to explain why people would decide to modify their environments in the first place. To help resolve this problem, we use a model of technological intensification to analyze the cost-benefit trade-offs associated with niche construction as a form of patch investment. We use this model to assess the costs and benefits of three paradigmatic cases of intentional niche construction in Western North America: the application of fire in acorn groves, the manufacture of fishing weirs, and the adoption of maize agriculture. Intensification models predict that investing in patch modification (niche construction) only provides a net benefit when the amount of resources needed crosses a critical threshold that makes the initial investment worthwhile. From this, it follows that low-cost investments, such as burning in oak groves, should be quite common, while more costly investments, such as maize agriculture, should be less common and depend on the alternatives available in the local environment. We examine how patterns of mobility, risk management, territoriality, and private property also co-evolve with the costs and benefits of niche construction. This approach illustrates that explaining niche-constructing behavior requires understanding the economic trade-offs involved in patch investment. Integrating concepts from niche construction and technological intensification models within a behavioral ecological framework provides insights into the coevolution and active feedback between adaptive behaviors and environmental change across human history. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Current Sensor Fault Reconstruction for PMSM Drives

PubMed Central

Huang, Gang; Luo, Yi-Ping; Zhang, Chang-Fan; He, Jing; Huang, Yi-Shan

2016-01-01

This paper deals with a current sensor fault reconstruction algorithm for the torque closed-loop drive system of an interior PMSM. First, sensor faults are equated to actuator ones by a new introduced state variable. Then, in αβ coordinates, based on the motor model with active flux linkage, a current observer is constructed with a specific sliding mode equivalent control methodology to eliminate the effects of unknown disturbances, and the phase current sensor faults are reconstructed by means of an adaptive method. Finally, an αβ axis current fault processing module is designed based on the reconstructed value. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are verified by simulation and experimental tests on the RT-LAB platform. PMID:26840317

Collaborative Course Syllabus Construction: Impact on Consultative Competency of Graduate Students in School Psychology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Camilli, Andrea Lauren

2009-01-01

Consultation has emerged as an effective alternative to traditional methods of service delivery in schools. Additionally, current research and recent changes in legislation (e.g., reauthorization of IDEA) indicate that not only is consultation an effective approach to service delivery, but it is a preferred activity of school psychologists and an…

Effects of a Classroom Intervention with Spatial Play Materials on Children's Object and Viewer Transformation Abilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Vander Heyden, Karin M.; Huizinga, Mariette; Jolles, Jelle

2017-01-01

Children practice their spatial skills when playing with spatial toys, such as construction materials, board games, and puzzles. Sex and SES differences are observed in the engagement in such spatial play activities at home, which relate to individual differences in spatial performance. The current study investigated the effects of explicitly…

PERFORMANCE-BASED CONTRACTING IN CONSTRUCTION PHASE AND MAINTENANCE PHASE OF PAVEMENT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Takeshi

Performance-based contracting for pavement in Japan started as performance warranties in construction phase, in 1999. Recently, road agencies have recognized the applicability of this type of contracting in outsourcing of maintenance activities. The objectives of this study are to clarify the issues of performance specifying in construction phase and maintenance phase of pavement, and to propose measures to be taken. This paper, with the recognition that the life of each pavement depends on performance standards for various attributes, reviews domestic and foreign examples of performance-based contracting. A performance standard based on the average of current practices can enhance product quality and service life with a warranty contract. Repair thresholds and response time for each deficiency should be considered as performance standards in maintenance phase.

Degrees of connectivity: Systems model for upstream risk assessment and mitigation.

PubMed

Gambatese, John; AlOmari, Kasim

2016-08-01

There is growing recognition that in order to further improve safety performance, attention needs to be given beyond the immediate working conditions and worker actions. A systems approach to construction safety enables considering: multiple project elements simultaneously; connections between different elements; and all system elements affected by safety risk. This paper describes recent and current research to conceptualize a typical building project in terms of connections between workers, activities, and design elements, and to verify and analyze impacts of the design and worker interactions on worker safety. Prior research provides the basis for a network tying the design elements, construction activities, and work crews on a typical building project together along with the extent of interaction between each of the system elements in terms of safety. In conjunction with this systems approach, the researchers propose a concept for viewing and managing construction safety through four different types of connections, or "degrees of connectivity," between the different workers, activities, and design elements in the system. The degrees of connectivity are defined as: interacting with the design element during its construction (DoC #1); interacting with the design element in its final form to attach another component to it (DoC #2) or by working in the vicinity of it (DoC #3); and indirectly interacting with the design element through another worker (DoC #4). To support and verify the presence of the concept in practice, the researchers conducted a survey of construction personnel. The survey results confirm that the four different degrees of connectivity are present and felt during construction operations, and indicate that attention should be given to all design elements, activities, and workers to which a worker is "connected". According to the survey respondents, DoC's #1 and #2 are recognized as the most widely present on construction sites. Eighty percent of the respondents believe that the design element has a moderate or greater impact on worker safety while it is being constructed. These initial research steps provide the starting point for continuing study that aims to develop and demonstrate the degrees of connectivity concept linking workers and design elements, with the goal of understanding how to design a project and work operations in order to improve safety during construction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The unit field sanitation team: a square peg in a round hole.

PubMed

Bosetti, Timothy; Bridges, Davin

2009-01-01

Basic field sanitation and hygiene is a lost art in today's modern Army. Today, more than ever, there is a need for the unit field sanitation team (FST) to serve as advisors to unit commanders in the area of basic field sanitation and hygiene. Soldiers should know how to construct field latrines, construct waste disposal devices, conduct pest management and control activities, disinfect field water supplies, and practice personal hygiene under field conditions. The current unit FST concept is centered on company-sized formations operating in open terrain. This concept does not support current operations, transformed formations, rapidly changing doctrine, and the expeditionary nature of the Army. This article does not present a new concept, but rather a new look at an existing concept and practice based upon the lessons-learned and after-action reports from the Global War on Terrorism to support the Army in transformation during an era of persistent conflict.

The communication in industrialised building system (IBS) construction project: Virtual environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pozin, Mohd Affendi Ahmad; Nawi, Mohd Nasrun Mohd

2017-10-01

Large portion of numbers team organization in the IBS construction sector is known are being fragmented. That is contributed from a segregation of construction activity thus create team working in virtually. Virtual team are the nature when teams are working in distributed area, across culture and time. Therefore, teams can be respond to the task without relocating to the site project and settle down a problem through information and communication technology (ICT). The emergence of virtual team are carry out by advancements in communication technologies as a medium to improve project team communication in project delivery process on IBS construction. Based on literature review from previous study and data collected from interviewing, this paper aim to identified communication challenges among project team members according to current project development practices in IBS construction project. Hence, in attempt to develop effective communication through the advantages of virtual team approach for IBS construction project. In order to ensure the data is gathered comprehensively and accurately, the data was collected from project managers by using semi structured interview method. It was found that virtual team approach could be enable competitive challenges on complexity in the construction project management process.

Effects of transmission-blocking vaccines simultaneously targeting pre- and post-fertilization antigens in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium yoelii.

PubMed

Zheng, Li; Pang, Wei; Qi, Zanmei; Luo, Enjie; Cui, Liwang; Cao, Yaming

2016-08-08

Transmission-blocking vaccine (TBV) is a promising strategy for interrupting the malaria transmission cycle. Current TBV candidates include both pre- and post-fertilization antigens expressed during sexual development of the malaria parasites. We tested whether a TBV design combining two sexual-stage antigens has better transmission-blocking activity. Using the rodent malaria model Plasmodium yoelii, we pursued a DNA vaccination strategy with genes encoding the gametocyte antigen Pys48/45 and the major ookinete surface protein Pys25. Immunization of mice with DNA constructs expression either Pys48/45 or Pys25 elicited strong antibody responses, which specifically recognized a ~45 and ~25 kDa protein from gametocyte and ookinete lysates, respectively. Immune sera from mice immunized with DNA constructs expressing Pys48/45 and Pys25 individually and in combination displayed evident transmission-blocking activity in in vitro ookinete culture and direct mosquito feeding experiments. With both assays, the Pys25 sera had higher transmission-blocking activity than the Pys48/45 sera. Intriguingly, compared with the immunization with the individual DNA vaccines, immunization with both DNA constructs produced lower antibody responses against individual antigens. The resultant immune sera from the composite vaccination had significantly lower transmission-blocking activity than those from Pys25 DNA immunization group, albeit the activity was substantially higher than that from the Pys48 DNA vaccination group. This result suggested that vaccination with the two DNA constructs did not achieve a synergistic effect, but rather caused interference in inducing antigen-specific antibody responses. This result has important implications for future design of composite vaccines targeting different sexual antigens.

Optimal Drug Policy in Low-Income Neighborhoods

PubMed Central

Chang, Sheng-Wen; Coulson, N. Edward; Wang, Ping

2015-01-01

The control of drug activity currently favors supply-side policies: drug suppliers in the U.S. face a higher arrest rate and longer sentences than demanders. We construct a simple model of drug activity with search and entry frictions in labor and drug markets. Our calibration analysis suggests a strong “dealer replacement effect.” As a result, given a variety of community objectives, it is beneficial to lower supplier arrests and raise the demand arrest rate from current values. A 10% shift from supply-side to demand-side arrests can reduce the population of potential drug dealers by 22–25,000 and raise aggregate local income by $380–400 million, at 2002 prices. (JEL Classification: D60, J60, K42, H70) PMID:27616878

Optimisation of GaN LEDs and the reduction of efficiency droop using active machine learning

DOE PAGES

Rouet-Leduc, Bertrand; Barros, Kipton Marcos; Lookman, Turab; ...

2016-04-26

A fundamental challenge in the design of LEDs is to maximise electro-luminescence efficiency at high current densities. We simulate GaN-based LED structures that delay the onset of efficiency droop by spreading carrier concentrations evenly across the active region. Statistical analysis and machine learning effectively guide the selection of the next LED structure to be examined based upon its expected efficiency as well as model uncertainty. This active learning strategy rapidly constructs a model that predicts Poisson-Schrödinger simulations of devices, and that simultaneously produces structures with higher simulated efficiencies.

A POM–organic framework anode for Li-ion battery

DOE PAGES

Yue, Yanfeng; Li, Yunchao; Bi, Zhonghe; ...

2015-10-12

Rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently the dominant power source for portable electronic devices and electric vehicles, and for small-scale stationary energy storage. However, one bottleneck of the anode materials for LIBs is the poor cycling performance caused by the fact that the anodes cannot maintain their integrity over several charge–discharge cycles. In this work, we demonstrate an approach to improving the cycling performance of lithium-ion battery anodes by constructing an extended 3D network of flexible redox active polyoxometalate (POM) clusters with redox active organic linkers, herein described as POMOF. In addition, this architecture enables the accommodation of large volumemore » changes during cycling at relatively high current rates. For example, the POMOF anode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 540 mA h g –1 after 360 cycles at a current rate of 0.25C and a long cycle life at a current rate of 1.25C (>500 cycles).« less

Real-time cartesian force feedback control of a teleoperated robot

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Campbell, Perry

1989-01-01

Active cartesian force control of a teleoperated robot is investigated. An economical microcomputer based control method was tested. Limitations are discussed and methods of performance improvement suggested. To demonstrate the performance of this technique, a preliminary test was performed with success. A general purpose bilateral force reflecting hand controller is currently being constructed based on this control method.

Constructing a Healthy, Knowledgeable and Well-Educated Citizen: Motivational Interviews and Physical Activity on Prescription

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Åkerblom, Erika; Fejes, Andreas

2017-01-01

In recent decades education has been suggested as an important solution to current problems of the population's health. A high level of education in general is construed as essential for the nation's well-being and competitiveness. In this article we problematise the ways in which discourses on education, learning and health have become…

Relationships between certain individual characteristics and occupational injuries for various jobs in the construction industry: a case-control study.

PubMed

Chau, Nearkasen; Mur, Jean-Marie; Benamghar, Lahoucine; Siegfried, Christian; Dangelzer, Jean-Louis; Français, Martine; Jacquin, Régis; Sourdot, Alain

2004-01-01

There is little published about the role of individual characteristics in occupational injuries. Construction workers have a high rate of injury; we assessed 11 personal characteristics in this professional sector. A case-control study was conducted on 880 male workers who had had at least one occupational injury during a 2-year period and 880 controls. A questionnaire was administered by an occupational physician. Statistical analysis was made via logistic regression method. Young age (<30 years), sleep disorders and current smoker influenced all the injuries combined. Sleep disorders and young age were common risk factors for several jobs. Physical disabilities and no sporting activity had a role in masons, and 5 years or less in present job in plumbers and electricians only. Sleep disorders influenced both the injuries with and without hospitalization; young age, current smoker, and physical disability influenced those without hospitalization only. Young age, sleep disorders, smoking, disabilities, sporting activity, and experience influenced the occupational injuries. The risk for each worker depended on his job. Occupational physicians could inform the workers of these risks and encourage them to take remedial action. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Scaling Relations for Intercalation Induced Damage in Electrodes

DOE PAGES

Chen, Chien-Fan; Barai, Pallab; Smith, Kandler; ...

2016-04-02

Mechanical degradation, owing to intercalation induced stress and microcrack formation, is a key contributor to the electrode performance decay in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The stress generation and formation of microcracks are caused by the solid state diffusion of lithium in the active particles. Here in this work, scaling relations are constructed for diffusion induced damage in intercalation electrodes based on an extensive set of numerical experiments with a particle-level description of microcrack formation under disparate operating and cycling conditions, such as temperature, particle size, C-rate, and drive cycle. The microcrack formation and evolution in active particles is simulated based onmore » a stochastic methodology. A reduced order scaling law is constructed based on an extensive set of data from the numerical experiments. The scaling relations include combinatorial constructs of concentration gradient, cumulative strain energy, and microcrack formation. Lastly, the reduced order relations are further employed to study the influence of mechanical degradation on cell performance and validated against the high order model for the case of damage evolution during variable current vehicle drive cycle profiles.« less

1.5 MW RF Load for ITER

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

Ives, Robert Lawrence; Marsden, David; Collins, George

Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. developed a 1.5 MW RF load for the ITER fusion research facility currently under construction in France. This program leveraged technology developed in two previous SBIR programs that successfully developed high power RF loads for fusion research applications. This program specifically focused on modifications required by revised technical performance, materials, and assembly specification for ITER. This program implemented an innovative approach to actively distribute the RF power inside the load to avoid excessive heating or arcing associated with constructive interference. The new design implemented materials and assembly changes required to meet specifications. Critical components were builtmore » and successfully tested during the program.« less

Construction of a multi-functional extracellular matrix protein that increases number of N1E-115 neuroblast cells having neurites.

PubMed

Nakamura, Makiko; Mie, Masayasu; Mihara, Hisakazu; Nakamura, Makoto; Kobatake, Eiry

2009-10-01

An artificially designed fusion protein, which was designed to have strong cell adhesive activity and an active functional unit that enhances neuronal differentiation of mouse N1E-115 neuroblast cells, was developed. In this study, a laminin-1-derived IKVAV sequence, which stimulates neurite outgrowth in conditions of serum deprivation, was engineered and incorporated into an elastin-derived structural unit. The designed fusion protein also had a cell-adhesive RGD sequence derived from fibronectin. The resultant fusion protein could adsorb efficiently onto hydrophobic culture surfaces and showed cell adhesion activity similar to laminin. N1E-115 cells grown on the fusion protein exhibited more cells with neurites than cells grown on laminin-1. These results indicated that the constructed protein could retain properties of incorporated functional peptides and could provide effective signal transport. The strategy of designing multi-functional fusion proteins has the possibility for supporting current tissue engineering techniques. (c) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Nighttime construction: evaluation of construction operations : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-05-01

The different aspects that should be considered in making decisions on nighttime construction operations are identified and investigated in light of the current state of knowledge and practice. A state-of-the-art review was conducted of the current p...

Smart approaches for assessing free-living energy expenditure following identification of types of physical activity.

PubMed

Plasqui, G

2017-02-01

Accurate assessment of physical activity and energy expenditure has been a research focus for many decades. A variety of wearable sensors have been developed to objectively capture physical activity patterns in daily life. These sensors have evolved from simple pedometers to tri-axial accelerometers, and multi sensor devices measuring different physiological constructs. The current review focuses on how activity recognition may help to improve daily life energy expenditure assessment. A brief overview is given about how different sensors have evolved over time to pave the way for recognition of different activity types. Once the activity is recognized together with the intensity of the activity, an energetic value can be attributed. This concept can then be tested in daily life using the independent reference technique doubly labeled water. So far, many studies have been performed to accurately identify activity types, and some of those studies have also successfully translated this into energy expenditure estimates. Most of these studies have been performed under standardized conditions, and the true applicability in daily life has rarely been addressed. The results so far however are highly promising, and technological advancements together with newly developed algorithms based on physiological constructs will further expand this field of research. © 2017 World Obesity Federation.

Oligocene to Holocene sediment drifts and bottom currents on the slope of Gabon continental margin (west Africa). Consequences for sedimentation and southeast Atlantic upwelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Séranne, Michel; Nzé Abeigne, César-Rostand

1999-10-01

Seismic reflection profiles on the slope of the south Gabon continental margin display furrows 2 km wide and some 200 m deep, that develop normal to the margin in 500-1500 m water depth. Furrows are characterised by an aggradation/progradation pattern which leads to margin-parallel, northwestward migration of their axes through time. These structures, previously interpreted as turbidity current channels, display the distinctive seismic image and internal organisation of sediment drifts, constructed by the activity of bottom currents. Sediment drifts were initiated above a major Oligocene unconformity, and they developed within a Oligocene to Present megasequence of general progradation of the margin, whilst they are markedly absent from the underlying Late Cretaceous-Eocene aggradation megasequence. The presence of upslope migrating sediment waves, and the northwest migration of the sediment drifts indicate deposition by bottom current flowing upslope, under the influence of the Coriolis force. Such landwards-directed bottom currents on the slope probably represent coastal upwelling, which has been active along the west Africa margin throughout the Neogene.

[Principles and methodology for ecological rehabilitation and security pattern design in key project construction].

PubMed

Chen, Li-Ding; Lu, Yi-He; Tian, Hui-Ying; Shi, Qian

2007-03-01

Global ecological security becomes increasingly important with the intensive human activities. The function of ecological security is influenced by human activities, and in return, the efficiency of human activities will also be affected by the patterns of regional ecological security. Since the 1990s, China has initiated the construction of key projects "Yangtze Three Gorges Dam", "Qinghai-Tibet Railway", "West-to-East Gas Pipeline", "West-to-East Electricity Transmission" and "South-to-North Water Transfer" , etc. The interaction between these projects and regional ecological security has particularly attracted the attention of Chinese government. It is not only important for the regional environmental protection, but also of significance for the smoothly implementation of various projects aimed to develop an ecological rehabilitation system and to design a regional ecological security pattern. This paper made a systematic analysis on the types and characteristics of key project construction and their effects on the environment, and on the basis of this, brought forward the basic principles and methodology for ecological rehabilitation and security pattern design in this construction. It was considered that the following issues should be addressed in the implementation of a key project: 1) analysis and evaluation of current regional ecological environment, 2) evaluation of anthropogenic disturbances and their ecological risk, 3) regional ecological rehabilitation and security pattern design, 4) scenario analysis of environmental benefits of regional ecological security pattern, 5) re-optimization of regional ecological system framework, and 6) establishment of regional ecosystem management plan.

Rational construction of three dimensional hybrid Co3O4@NiMoO4 nanosheets array for energy storage application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Wei; Wang, Jinqing; Gong, Peiwei; Sun, Jinfeng; Niu, Lengyuan; Yang, Zhigang; Wang, Zhaofeng; Yang, Shengrong

2014-12-01

Electrodes with rationally designed hybrid nanostructures can offer many opportunities for the enhanced performance in electrochemical energy storage. In this work, the uniform 2D Co3O4-based building blocks have been prepared through a facile chemical etching assistant approach and a following treatment of thermal annealing. The obtained nanosheets array has been directly employed as 2D backbone for the subsequent construction of hybrid nanostructure of Co3O4@NiMoO4 by a simple hydrothermal synthesis. As a binder-free electrode, the constructed 3D hybrid nanostructures exhibit a high specific capacitance of 1526 F g-1 at a current density of 3 mA cm-2 and a capacitance retention of 72% with the increase of current density from 3 mA cm-2 to 30 mA cm-2. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor based on this hybrid Co3O4@NiMoO4 and activated carbon can deliver a maximum energy density of 37.8 Wh kg-1 at a power density of 482 W kg-1. The outstanding electrochemical behaviors presented here suggest that this hybrid nanostructured material has potential applications in energy storage.

Pushing the Limit of Infrared Multiphoton Dissociation to Megadalton-Size DNA Ions.

PubMed

Doussineau, Tristan; Antoine, Rodolphe; Santacreu, Marion; Dugourd, Philippe

2012-08-16

We report the use of infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) for the determination of relative activation energies for unimolecular dissociation of megadalton DNA ions. Single ions with masses in the megadalton range were stored in an electrostatic ion trap for a few tens of milliseconds and the image current generated by the roundtrips of ions in the trap was recorded. While being trapped, single ions were irradiated by a CO2 laser and fragmented, owing to multiphoton IR activation. The analysis of the single-ion image current during the heating period allows us to measure changes in the charge of the trapped ion. We estimated the activation energy associated with the dissociation of megadalton-size DNA ions in the frame of an Arrhenius-like model by analyzing a large set of individual ions in order to construct a frequency histogram of the dissociation rates for a collection of ions.

Construction and demolition waste indicators.

PubMed

Mália, Miguel; de Brito, Jorge; Pinheiro, Manuel Duarte; Bravo, Miguel

2013-03-01

The construction industry is one of the biggest and most active sectors of the European Union (EU), consuming more raw materials and energy than any other economic activity. Furthermore, construction waste is the commonest waste produced in the EU. Current EU legislation sets out to implement construction and demolition waste (CDW) prevention and recycling measures. However it lacks tools to accelerate the development of a sector as bound by tradition as the building industry. The main objective of the present study was to determine indicators to estimate the amount of CDW generated on site both globally and by waste stream. CDW generation was estimated for six specific sectors: new residential construction, new non-residential construction, residential demolition, non-residential demolition, residential refurbishment, and non-residential refurbishment. The data needed to develop the indicators was collected through an exhaustive survey of previous international studies. The indicators determined suggest that the average composition of waste generated on site is mostly concrete and ceramic materials. Specifically for new residential and new non-residential construction the production of concrete waste in buildings with a reinforced concrete structure lies between 17.8 and 32.9 kg m(-2) and between 18.3 and 40.1 kg m(-2), respectively. For the residential and non-residential demolition sectors the production of this waste stream in buildings with a reinforced concrete structure varies from 492 to 840 kg m(-2) and from 401 to 768 kg/m(-2), respectively. For the residential and non-residential refurbishment sectors the production of concrete waste in buildings lies between 18.9 and 45.9 kg/m(-2) and between 18.9 and 191.2 kg/m(-2), respectively.

Similarities and differences between parietal and frontal patients in autobiographical and constructed experience tasks

PubMed Central

Berryhill, Marian E.; Picasso, Lauren; Arnold, Robert; Drowos, David; Olson, Ingrid R.

2010-01-01

Recent findings suggest that constructed experience, the ability to envision future events, activates the same cortical network as recollection of past events. For example, damage to one key area, the hippocampus, impairs patients' ability to remember the past and to imagine novel experiences (Hassabis, Kumaran, Vann & Maguire, 2007). Here, we investigated whether damage to two other areas, posterior parietal cortex and prefrontal cortex, also impairs this ability. Patients with bilateral posterior parietal lesions or unilateral prefrontal lesions were tested in their ability to describe imaginary future events. Only parietal patients were impaired at freely describing autobiographical memories, but both patient groups were impaired when elaborating constructed experiences. This dissociation suggests that parietal and prefrontal structures are differentially involved in constructed experience. Current tasks may impose overly broad cognitive demands making it impossible to specify the deficient cognitive component in any patient group. These findings provide additional constraints regarding the mechanistic role of the parietal cortex in memory. PMID:20096710

Gaze-informed, task-situated representation of space in primate hippocampus during virtual navigation

PubMed Central

Wirth, Sylvia; Baraduc, Pierre; Planté, Aurélie; Pinède, Serge; Duhamel, Jean-René

2017-01-01

To elucidate how gaze informs the construction of mental space during wayfinding in visual species like primates, we jointly examined navigation behavior, visual exploration, and hippocampal activity as macaque monkeys searched a virtual reality maze for a reward. Cells sensitive to place also responded to one or more variables like head direction, point of gaze, or task context. Many cells fired at the sight (and in anticipation) of a single landmark in a viewpoint- or task-dependent manner, simultaneously encoding the animal’s logical situation within a set of actions leading to the goal. Overall, hippocampal activity was best fit by a fine-grained state space comprising current position, view, and action contexts. Our findings indicate that counterparts of rodent place cells in primates embody multidimensional, task-situated knowledge pertaining to the target of gaze, therein supporting self-awareness in the construction of space. PMID:28241007

Evaluation of current incentive/disincentive procedures in construction.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-10-01

This study was initiated to take an in-depth look at the current time and material incentive/disincentive program associated with highway construction projects in Kentucky. The current incentive/disincentive program was first initiated in the mid to ...

Status of the Southern California Edison Company 3 MW Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) demonstration project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scheffler, R. L.

1979-01-01

To demonstrate the concept of utility scale electricity production from a high wind energy resource, a program was initiated to construct and test a 3 megawatt (3,000 kW) Schachle wind turbine generator near Palm Springs, California. The background and current status of this program are presented along with a summary of future planned program activities.

Data on energy conservation activity in multifamily housing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1981-07-01

A policy review to determine how the multifamily building sector is responding to market signals and to evaluate what role the federal government should play in encouraging conservation in this subsector is presented. Available data is used to assess the current status of weatherization in multifamily housing and the current trends in adding weatherization measures on using them in new construction are identified and catalogued. Data on energy practices in multifamily housing and other energy related characteristics are also identified. The purpose, the sources covered, and the findings and recommendations are described. The data are summarized.

The future orientation of constructive memory: an evolutionary perspective on therapeutic hypnosis and brief psychotherapy.

PubMed

Rossi, Ernest; Erickson-Klein, Roxanna; Rossi, Kathryn

2008-04-01

We explore a new distinction between the future, prospective memory system being investigated in current neuroscience and the past, retrospective memory system, which was the original theoretical foundation of therapeutic hypnosis, classical psychoanalysis, and psychotherapy. We then generalize a current evolutionary theory of sleep and dreaming, which focuses on the future, prospective memory system, to conceptualize a new evolutionary perspective on therapeutic hypnosis and brief psychotherapy. The implication of current neuroscience research is that activity-dependent gene expression and brain plasticity are the psychobiological basis of adaptive behavior, consciousness, and creativity in everyday life as well as psychotherapy. We summarize a case illustrating how this evolutionary perspective can be used to quickly resolve problems with past obstructive procrastination in school to facilitate current and future academic success.

Microiontophoretic release of drugs from micropipettes

PubMed Central

Clarke, G.; Hill, R. G.; Simmonds, M. A.

1973-01-01

1. The use of 24Na+ of high specific activity allowed its iontophoretic release from multibarrelled glass micropipettes to be followed over short periods with low currents. 2. When a negative retaining current was passed to reduce diffusional efflux between the periods of positive current expulsion of 24Na+, the rate of release of 24Na+ during the expulsion period progressively increased during the first minute before becoming constant. 3. The currents employed were similar to those normally used to regulate the microiontophoretic release of potent drugs such as γ-aminobutyric acid. It is therefore concluded that, during the usual period of response to such drugs, the rate of release of drug is not constant but increasing. 4. The implications of these observations for the construction of microiontophoretic dose-response relationships is discussed. PMID:4724187

Development and psychometric properties of a self-regulation scale about leisure time physical activity in Iranian male adolescents

PubMed Central

Abasi, Mohammad Hadi; Eslami, Ahmad Ali; Rakhshani, Fatemeh; Shiri, Mansoor

2016-01-01

Background: Self-regulation is one of the current psychological concepts that have been known as a determinant of leisure time physical activity. Due to cultural and social diversity in different societies and age groups, application of specific questionnaires is essential to perform investigations about physical activities. The aim of this study is development and evaluation of psychometric properties of a self-regulation questionnaire about leisure time physical activity in Iranian male adolescents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013, and data of 603 male students from 12 high schools in Isfahan were collected. A comprehensive literature review and similar questionnaire review were conducted and 25 items were selected or developed to measure self-regulation. Comprehensibility of items was evaluated in a pilot study and an expert panel evaluated face and content validity. Exploratory factors analysis (EFA) was used for evaluation of construct validity and extraction of sub-constructs of self-regulation. Leisure time physical activity was assessed using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: The mean age of the participants was 16.3 years (SD =1.0) and the range was 15-19 years. Cronbach's α coefficient of the questionnaire in the pilot and main study was 0.84 and 0.90, respectively. EFA resulted in four sub-constructs including “enlistment of social support”, “goal setting”, “self-construction”, and “self-monitoring”, which explained 63.6% of the variance of self-regulation. Conclusions: Results of this investigation provide some support to the validity and reliability of the 16-item questionnaire of self-regulation abut leisure time physical activity in the target group. PMID:27095993

Life histories of female elementary teachers and their science/teacher role construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramseur, Aletha Johnson

The research conducted in this study focuses on life histories of female elementary teachers and their science/teacher role construction. Identity theorists argue that the self consists of a collection of identities founded on occupying a particular role. Who we are depends on the roles we occupy. These roles are often referred to as "role identities". In the case of these participants, many role identities (mother, wife, sibling, and teacher) exist. This study focuses primarily on their (science) teacher role identity. Literature on women's lives, as learners and teachers, suggest that women's experiences, currently and throughout history influenced their teacher role construction. There is however, little knowledge of women's lives as elementary teachers of science and the affect of their experiences, currently and throughout history, on their (science) teacher identity construction. Schools delineated by race, class, and gender relations, are similar to other sectors of society's, social and cultural spheres within which race, class, and gender identities are constructed. Using in-depth-interviews female elementary teachers were encouraged to actively reconstruct their life and work-life experiences focusing on family, school and science interactions. They addressed the intellectual and emotional connections between their life and work experiences by focusing on details of their past and present experiences and examining the meaning of those experiences. It was the scrutiny of these connections between their life and work experiences, the meaning derived from them and historical events, and the constraints imposed on their personal choices by broader power relations, such as those of class, race, and gender that informed why we teach, how we teach, and what we teach.

A polymer driveshaft for use in orbital and rotational atherectomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grothe, Preston Lee

Driveshafts used in atherectomy medical devices are often comprised of coiled or braided metal wires. These constructions are designed to tolerate delivery through tortuous vessels and can endure high speed rotation used during activation of the atherectomy treatment. This research investigated polymer driveshaft designs, which were comprised of polymer inner and outer layers, and coiled or braided stainless steel wires. The polymer driveshaft materials included polyimide, nylon 12, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Mechanical testing of polymer driveshafts was conducted to determine material response in bending, tension, compression, and torsion. The polymer driveshaft test results were then compared with current coiled metal wire driveshaft constructions. The investigation identified polymer driveshaft options that could feasibly work in an atherectomy application.

Spacecraft control center automation using the generic inferential executor (GENIE)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hartley, Jonathan; Luczak, Ed; Stump, Doug

1996-01-01

The increasing requirement to dramatically reduce the cost of mission operations led to increased emphasis on automation technology. The expert system technology used at the Goddard Space Flight Center (MD) is currently being applied to the automation of spacecraft control center activities. The generic inferential executor (GENIE) is a tool which allows pass automation applications to be constructed. The pass script templates constructed encode the tasks necessary to mimic flight operations team interactions with the spacecraft during a pass. These templates can be configured with data specific to a particular pass. Animated graphical displays illustrate the progress during the pass. The first GENIE application automates passes of the solar, anomalous and magnetospheric particle explorer (SAMPEX) spacecraft.

A Computational Model of the Ionic Currents, Ca2+ Dynamics and Action Potentials Underlying Contraction of Isolated Uterine Smooth Muscle

PubMed Central

Tong, Wing-Chiu; Choi, Cecilia Y.; Karche, Sanjay; Holden, Arun V.; Zhang, Henggui; Taggart, Michael J.

2011-01-01

Uterine contractions during labor are discretely regulated by rhythmic action potentials (AP) of varying duration and form that serve to determine calcium-dependent force production. We have employed a computational biology approach to develop a fuller understanding of the complexity of excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling of uterine smooth muscle cells (USMC). Our overall aim is to establish a mathematical platform of sufficient biophysical detail to quantitatively describe known uterine E-C coupling parameters and thereby inform future empirical investigations of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms governing normal and dysfunctional labors. From published and unpublished data we construct mathematical models for fourteen ionic currents of USMCs: currents (L- and T-type), current, an hyperpolarization-activated current, three voltage-gated currents, two -activated current, -activated current, non-specific cation current, - exchanger, - pump and background current. The magnitudes and kinetics of each current system in a spindle shaped single cell with a specified surface area∶volume ratio is described by differential equations, in terms of maximal conductances, electrochemical gradient, voltage-dependent activation/inactivation gating variables and temporal changes in intracellular computed from known fluxes. These quantifications are validated by the reconstruction of the individual experimental ionic currents obtained under voltage-clamp. Phasic contraction is modeled in relation to the time constant of changing . This integrated model is validated by its reconstruction of the different USMC AP configurations (spikes, plateau and bursts of spikes), the change from bursting to plateau type AP produced by estradiol and of simultaneous experimental recordings of spontaneous AP, and phasic force. In summary, our advanced mathematical model provides a powerful tool to investigate the physiological ionic mechanisms underlying the genesis of uterine electrical E-C coupling of labor and parturition. This will furnish the evolution of descriptive and predictive quantitative models of myometrial electrogenesis at the whole cell and tissue levels. PMID:21559514

Fiber-Based Tissue Engineering: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities

PubMed Central

Tamayol, Ali; Akbari, Mohsen; Annabi, Nasim; Paul, Arghya; Khademhosseini, Ali; Juncker, David

2013-01-01

Tissue engineering aims to improve the function of diseased or damaged organs by creating biological substitutes. To fabricate a functional tissue, the engineered construct should mimic the physiological environment including its structural, topographical, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the construct should facilitate nutrients and oxygen diffusion as well as removal of metabolic waste during tissue regeneration. In the last decade, fiber-based techniques such as weaving, knitting, braiding, as well as electrospinning, and direct writing have emerged as promising platforms for making 3D tissue constructs that can address the above mentioned challenges. Here, we critically review the techniques used to form cell-free and cell-laden fibers and to assemble them into scaffolds. We compare their mechanical properties, morphological features and biological activity. We discuss current challenges and future opportunities of fiber-based tissue engineering (FBTE) for use in research and clinical practice. PMID:23195284

Constructed wetlands for wastewater and activated sludge treatment in north Greece: a review.

PubMed

Tsihrintzis, V A; Gikas, G D

2010-01-01

Constructed wetlands used for the treatment of urban, industrial and agricultural wastewater have become very popular treatment systems all over the world. In Greece, these systems are not very common, although the climate is favourable for their use. During recent years, there have been several attempts for the implementation of these systems in Greece, which include, among others, pilot-scale systems used for research, and full-scale systems designed and/or constructed to serve settlements or families. The purpose of this paper is the presentation of systems operating in Northern Greece, which have been studied by the Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology of Democritus University of Thrace and others. A comparison is made of different system types, and the effect of various design and operational parameters is presented. Current research shows the good and continuous performance of these systems.

Double promoter expression systems for recombinant protein production by industrial microorganisms.

PubMed

Öztürk, Sibel; Ergün, Burcu Gündüz; Çalık, Pınar

2017-10-01

Using double promoter expression systems is a promising approach to increase heterologous protein production. In this review, current double promoter expression systems for the production of recombinant proteins (r-proteins) by industrially important bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli; and yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia pastoris, are discussed by assessing their potentials and drawbacks. Double promoter expression systems need to be designed to maintain a higher specific product formation rate within the production domain. While bacterial double promoter systems have been constructed as chimeric tandem promoters, yeast dual promoter systems have been developed as separate expression cassettes. To increase production and productivity, the optimal transcriptional activity should be justified either by simultaneously satisfying the requirements of both promoters, or by consecutively stimulating the changeover from one to another in a biphasic process or via successive-iterations. Thus, considering the dynamics of a fermentation process, double promoters can be classified according to their operational mechanisms, as: i) consecutively operating double promoter systems, and ii) simultaneously operating double promoter systems. Among these metabolic design strategies, extending the expression period with two promoters activated under different conditions, or enhancing the transcriptional activity with two promoters activated under similar conditions within the production domain, can be applied independently from the host. Novel studies with new insights, which aim a rational systematic design and construction of dual promoter expression vectors with tailored transcriptional activity, will empower r-protein production with enhanced production and productivity. Finally, the current state-of-the-art review emphasizes the advantages of double promoter systems along with the necessity for discovering new promoters for the development of more effective and adaptive processes to meet the increasing demand of r-protein industry.

Correlation Among Soil Enzyme Activities, Root Enzyme Activities, and Contaminant Removal in Two-Stage In Situ Constructed Wetlands Purifying Domestic Wastewater.

PubMed

Ni, Lixiao; Xu, Jiajun; Chu, Xianglin; Li, Shiyin; Wang, Peifang; Li, Yiping; Li, Yong; Zhu, Liang; Wang, Chao

2016-07-01

Two-stage in situ wetlands (two vertical flow constructed wetlands in parallel and a horizontal flow constructed wetland) were constructed for studying domestic wastewater purification and the correlations between contaminant removal and plant and soil enzyme activities. Results indicated the removal efficiency of NH4 (+) and NO3 (-) were significantly correlated with both urease and protease activity, and the removal of total phosphorus was significantly correlated with phosphatase activity. Chemical oxygen demand removal was not correlated with enzyme activity in constructed wetlands. Plant root enzyme (urease, phosphatase, protease and cellulose) activity correlation was apparent with all contaminant removal in the two vertical flow constructed wetlands. However, the correlation between the plant root enzyme activity and contaminant removal was poor in horizontal flow constructed wetlands. Results indicated that plant roots clearly played a role in the removal of contaminants.

175Hp contrarotating homopolar motor design report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cannell, Michael J.; Drake, John L.; McConnell, Richard A.; Martino, William R.

1994-06-01

A normally conducting contrarotating homopolar motor has been designed and constructed. The reaction torque, in the outer rotor, from the inner rotor is utilized to produce true contrarotation. The machine utilizes liquid cooled conductors, high performance liquid metal current collectors, and ferrous conductors in the active region. The basic machine output is 175 hp at + or - 1,200 rpm with an input of 4 volts and 35,000 amps.

Minority shareholder claims foul at Stone & Webster

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

Krizan, W.G.

1994-05-09

An activist minority shareholder is trying to shake up the management of one of the industry`s oldest firms, New York City-based engineering-constructor Stone & Webster Inc., The shareholder has filed a lawsuit against the 105-year-old firm, claiming that it is understanding losses from construction activities and is using the voting rights of employee-owned stock to perpetuate current management to the detriment of all shareholders.

Translations on USSR Resources, Number 820

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-08-02

enterprises utilizing their own building organization, the census taker shall enter "In construction on a sawmill," "In repairs on a confectionery ...Jlrifonov;. they dealt with current problems of activating the party’s influence oh the work of production and supply- marketing organiza- tions. They...etc. The demand for lumber also is great on the world market . How- ever, its value will increase still more in the future. Therefore the

Stacked multilayers of alternating reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes for planar supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Geon Dae; Joo, Ji Bong; Yin, Yadong

2013-11-01

A simple layer-by-layer approach has been developed for constructing 2D planar supercapacitors of multi-stacked reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes. This sandwiched 2D architecture enables the full utilization of the maximum active surface area of rGO nanosheets by using a CNT layer as a porous physical spacer to enhance the permeation of a gel electrolyte inside the structure and reduce the agglomeration of rGO nanosheets along the vertical direction. As a result, the stacked multilayers of rGO and CNTs are capable of offering higher output voltage and current production.A simple layer-by-layer approach has been developed for constructing 2D planar supercapacitors of multi-stacked reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes. This sandwiched 2D architecture enables the full utilization of the maximum active surface area of rGO nanosheets by using a CNT layer as a porous physical spacer to enhance the permeation of a gel electrolyte inside the structure and reduce the agglomeration of rGO nanosheets along the vertical direction. As a result, the stacked multilayers of rGO and CNTs are capable of offering higher output voltage and current production. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details, SEM and TEM images and additional electrochemical data. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr04339h

Quantifying effects of humans and climate on groundwater resources through modeling of volcanic-rock aquifers of Hawaii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rotzoll, K.; Izuka, S. K.; Nishikawa, T.; Fienen, M. N.; El-Kadi, A. I.

2015-12-01

The volcanic-rock aquifers of Kauai, Oahu, and Maui are heavily developed, leading to concerns related to the effects of groundwater withdrawals on saltwater intrusion and streamflow. A numerical modeling analysis using the most recently available data (e.g., information on recharge, withdrawals, hydrogeologic framework, and conceptual models of groundwater flow) will substantially advance current understanding of groundwater flow and provide insight into the effects of human activity and climate change on Hawaii's water resources. Three island-wide groundwater-flow models were constructed using MODFLOW 2005 coupled with the Seawater-Intrusion Package (SWI2), which simulates the transition between saltwater and freshwater in the aquifer as a sharp interface. This approach allowed relatively fast model run times without ignoring the freshwater-saltwater system at the regional scale. Model construction (FloPy3), automated-parameter estimation (PEST), and analysis of results were streamlined using Python scripts. Model simulations included pre-development (1870) and current (average of 2001-10) scenarios for each island. Additionally, scenarios for future withdrawals and climate change were simulated for Oahu. We present our streamlined approach and preliminary results showing estimated effects of human activity on the groundwater resource by quantifying decline in water levels, reduction in stream base flow, and rise of the freshwater-saltwater interface.

The SCRAM tool-kit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tamir, David; Flanigan, Lee A.; Weeks, Jack L.; Siewert, Thomas A.; Kimbrough, Andrew G.; Mcclure, Sidney R.

1994-01-01

This paper proposes a new series of on-orbit capabilities to support the near-term Hubble Space Telescope, Extended Duration Orbiter, Long Duration Orbiter, Space Station Freedom, other orbital platforms, and even the future manned Lunar/Mars missions. These proposed capabilities form a toolkit termed Space Construction, Repair, and Maintenance (SCRAM). SCRAM addresses both intra-Vehicular Activity (IVA) and Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) needs. SCRAM provides a variety of tools which enable welding, brazing, cutting, coating, heating, and cleaning, as well as corresponding nondestructive examination. Near-term IVA-SCRAM applications include repair and modification to fluid lines, structure, and laboratory equipment inside a shirt-sleeve environment (i.e. inside Spacelab or Space Station). Near-term EVA-SCRAM applications include construction of fluid lines and structural members, repair of punctures by orbital debris, refurbishment of surfaces eroded by contaminants. The SCRAM tool-kit also promises future EVA applications involving mass production tasks automated by robotics and artificial intelligence, for construction of large truss, aerobrake, and nuclear reactor shadow shields structures. The leading candidate tool processes for SCRAM, currently undergoing research and development, include Electron Beam, Gas Tungsten Arc, Plasma Arc, and Laser Beam. A series of strategic space flight experiments would make SCRAM available to help conquer the space frontier.

Embedding Circular Force-Free Flux Ropes in Potential Magnetic Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Titov, V. S.; Torok, T.; Mikic, Z.; Linker, J.

2013-12-01

We propose a method for constructing approximate force-free equilibria in active regions that locally have a potential bipolar-type magnetic field with a thin force-free flux rope embedded inside it. The flux rope has a circular-arc axis and circular cross-section in which the interior magnetic field is predominantly toroidal (axial). Its magnetic pressure is balanced outside by that of the poloidal (azimuthal) field created at the boundary by the electric current sheathing the flux rope. To facilitate the implementation of the method in our numerical magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) code, the entire solution is described in terms of the vector potential of the magnetic field. The parameters of the flux rope can be chosen so that a subsequent MHD relaxation of the constructed configuration under line-tied conditions at the boundary provides a numerically exact equilibrium. Such equilibria are an approximation for the magnetic configuration preceding solar eruptions, which can be triggered in our model by imposing suitable photospheric flows beneath the flux rope. The proposed method is a useful tool for constructing pre-eruption magnetic fields in data-driven simulations of solar active events. Research supported by NASA's Heliophysics Theory and LWS Programs, and NSF/SHINE and NSF/FESD.

Linking Effective Project Management to Business Strategy in Oil and Gas Industry through Decision-making Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adeleke, Adeyinka

The construction project in the oil and gas industry covers the entire spectrum of hydrocarbon production from the wellhead (upstream) to downstream facilities. In each of these establishments, the activities in a construction project include: consulting, studies, front-end engineering, detail engineering, procurement, program management, construction, installation, commissioning and start-up. Efficient management of each of the activities involved in construction projects is one of the driving forces for the successful completion of the project. Optimizing the crucial factors in project management during each phase of a project in an oil and gas industry can assist managers to maximize the use of available resources and drive the project to successful conclusions. One of these factors is the decision-making process in the construction project. Current research effort investigated the relationship between decision-making processes and business strategy in oil and gas industry using employee surveys. I recruited employees of different races, age group, genders, and years of experience in order understand their influence on the implementation of the decision-making process in oil and gas industry through a quantitative survey. Decision-making was assessed using five decision measures: (a) rational, (b) intuitive, (c) dependent, (d) avoidant, and (e) spontaneous. The findings indicated gender, age, years of work experience and job titles as primary variables with a negative relationship with decision-making approach for employees working in a major oil and gas industry. The study results revealed that the two most likely decision-making methods in oil and gas industry include: making a decision in a logical and systematic way and seek assistance from others when making a decision. Additionally, the two leading management approaches to decision-making in the oil and gas industry include: decision analysis is part of organization culture and management is committed to the decision-making process. Some recommendations for future studies were presented based on the need to intensify the importance of the current study and enlarge the body of knowledge regarding decision-making process in oil and gas industry.

International Legal Framework for Denuclearization and Nuclear Disarmament -- Present Situation and Prospects

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

Gastelum, Zoe N.

This thesis is the culminating project for my participation in the OECD NEA International School of Nuclear Law. This paper will begin by providing a historical background to current disarmament and denuclearization treaties. This paper will discuss the current legal framework based on current and historical activities related to denuclearization and nuclear disarmament. Then, it will propose paths forward for the future efforts, and describe the necessary legal considerations. Each treaty or agreement will be examined in respect to its requirements for: 1) limitations and implementation; 2) and verification and monitoring. Then, lessons learned in each of the two areasmore » (limitations and verification) will be used to construct a proposed path forward at the end of this paper.« less

Construction of a pulse-coupled dipole network capable of fear-like and relief-like responses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lungsi Sharma, B.

2016-07-01

The challenge for neuroscience as an interdisciplinary programme is the integration of ideas among the disciplines to achieve a common goal. This paper deals with the problem of deriving a pulse-coupled neural network that is capable of demonstrating behavioural responses (fear-like and relief-like). Current pulse-coupled neural networks are designed mostly for engineering applications, particularly image processing. The discovered neural network was constructed using the method of minimal anatomies approach. The behavioural response of a level-coded activity-based model was used as a reference. Although the spiking-based model and the activity-based model are of different scales, the use of model-reference principle means that the characteristics that is referenced is its functional properties. It is demonstrated that this strategy of dissection and systematic construction is effective in the functional design of pulse-coupled neural network system with nonlinear signalling. The differential equations for the elastic weights in the reference model are replicated in the pulse-coupled network geometrically. The network reflects a possible solution to the problem of punishment and avoidance. The network developed in this work is a new network topology for pulse-coupled neural networks. Therefore, the model-reference principle is a powerful tool in connecting neuroscience disciplines. The continuity of concepts and phenomena is further maintained by systematic construction using methods like the method of minimal anatomies.

Health status assessment of workers during construction phase of highway rehabilitation projects around lahore, Pakistan.

PubMed

Abrar, Amina; Cheema, Kausar Jamal; Saif, Samia; Mahmood, Asim

2017-01-24

The study focused on assessment of the health status of workers during construction phase of highway rehabilitation projects at six selected sites of N5 around Lahore, including Kala Shah Kaku, Muridke, Kamuki, Bhaipheru, Pattoki, and Okara. The study was based on multi-methods approach involving hazard identification through survey and checklist as well as a questionnaire for health status assessment and measurements of health parameters including peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and audiometric screening of 300 subjects. The study revealed non-congenial working conditions at the sites. Noise, vibrations, dust, asphalt fumes, poor work postures, and injuries were found to be major health hazards. PEFR of most of the workers was found to be significantly lower than the reference value. Average PEFR±SEM values were 187±5.1 l/min, 178±4.3 l/min, and 266±5.3 l/min in ground preparation workers, asphalt workers, and heavy vehicle drivers, respectively. The highest rate (29%) of hearing loss was recorded among heavy vehicle drivers. Musculoskeletal problems were found to be more common among ground preparation workers. Data revealed unsatisfactory health status of most of the workers. Direct relationship between health outcomes and the type of construction activities were observed. The current study focuses on the importance of including occupational health and safety plan in the execution phase of every developmental project that involves construction activities.

III-nitride quantum dots for ultra-efficient solid-state lighting

DOE PAGES

Wierer, Jr., Jonathan J.; Tansu, Nelson; Fischer, Arthur J.; ...

2016-05-23

III-nitride light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes (LDs) are ultimately limited in performance due to parasitic Auger recombination. For LEDs, the consequences are poor efficiencies at high current densities; for LDs, the consequences are high thresholds and limited efficiencies. Here, we present arguments for III-nitride quantum dots (QDs) as active regions for both LEDs and LDs, to circumvent Auger recombination and achieve efficiencies at higher current densities that are not possible with quantum wells. QD-based LDs achieve gain and thresholds at lower carrier densities before Auger recombination becomes appreciable. QD-based LEDs achieve higher efficiencies at higher currents because of highermore » spontaneous emission rates and reduced Auger recombination. The technical challenge is to control the size distribution and volume of the QDs to realize these benefits. In conclusion, if constructed properly, III-nitride light-emitting devices with QD active regions have the potential to outperform quantum well light-emitting devices, and enable an era of ultra-efficient solidstate lighting.« less

Return to sports after surgery to correct adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a survey of the Spinal Deformity Study Group.

PubMed

Lehman, Ronald A; Kang, Daniel G; Lenke, Lawrence G; Sucato, Daniel J; Bevevino, Adam J

2015-05-01

There are no guidelines for when surgeons should allow patients to return to sports and athletic activities after spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Current recommendations are based on anecdotal reports and a survey performed more than a decade ago in the era of first/second-generation posterior implants. To identify current recommendations for return to sports and athletic activities after surgery for AIS. Questionnaire-based survey. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after corrective surgery. Type and time to return to sports. A survey was administered to members of the Spinal Deformity Study Group. The survey consisted of surgeon demographic information, six clinical case scenarios, three different construct types (hooks, pedicle screws, hybrid), and questions regarding the influence of lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) and postoperative physical therapy. Twenty-three surgeons completed the survey, and respondents were all experienced expert deformity surgeons. Pedicle screw instrumentation allows earlier return to noncontact and contact sports, with most patients allowed to return to running by 3 months, both noncontact and contact sports by 6 months, and collision sports by 12 months postoperatively. For all construct types, approximately 20% never allow return to collision sports, whereas all surgeons allow eventual return to contact and noncontact sports regardless of construct type. In addition to construct type, we found progressively distal LIV resulted in more surgeons never allowing return to collision sports, with 12% for selective thoracic fusion to T12/L1 versus 33% for posterior spinal fusion to L4. Most respondents also did not recommend formal postoperative physical therapy (78%). Of all surgeons surveyed, there was only one reported instrumentation failure/pullout without neurologic deficit after a patient went snowboarding 2 weeks postoperatively. Modern posterior instrumentation allows surgeons to recommend earlier return to sports after fusion for AIS, with the majority allowing running by 3 months, noncontact and contact sports by 6 months, and collision sports by 12 months. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A set of ligation-independent in vitro translation vectors for eukaryotic protein production.

PubMed

Bardóczy, Viola; Géczi, Viktória; Sawasaki, Tatsuya; Endo, Yaeta; Mészáros, Tamás

2008-03-27

The last decade has brought the renaissance of protein studies and accelerated the development of high-throughput methods in all aspects of proteomics. Presently, most protein synthesis systems exploit the capacity of living cells to translate proteins, but their application is limited by several factors. A more flexible alternative protein production method is the cell-free in vitro protein translation. Currently available in vitro translation systems are suitable for high-throughput robotic protein production, fulfilling the requirements of proteomics studies. Wheat germ extract based in vitro translation system is likely the most promising method, since numerous eukaryotic proteins can be cost-efficiently synthesized in their native folded form. Although currently available vectors for wheat embryo in vitro translation systems ensure high productivity, they do not meet the requirements of state-of-the-art proteomics. Target genes have to be inserted using restriction endonucleases and the plasmids do not encode cleavable affinity purification tags. We designed four ligation independent cloning (LIC) vectors for wheat germ extract based in vitro protein translation. In these constructs, the RNA transcription is driven by T7 or SP6 phage polymerase and two TEV protease cleavable affinity tags can be added to aid protein purification. To evaluate our improved vectors, a plant mitogen activated protein kinase was cloned in all four constructs. Purification of this eukaryotic protein kinase demonstrated that all constructs functioned as intended: insertion of PCR fragment by LIC worked efficiently, affinity purification of translated proteins by GST-Sepharose or MagneHis particles resulted in high purity kinase, and the affinity tags could efficiently be removed under different reaction conditions. Furthermore, high in vitro kinase activity testified of proper folding of the purified protein. Four newly designed in vitro translation vectors have been constructed which allow fast and parallel cloning and protein purification, thus representing useful molecular tools for high-throughput production of eukaryotic proteins.

Development and evaluation of the Andhra Pradesh Children and Parent Study Physical Activity Questionnaire (APCAPS-PAQ): a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Matsuzaki, Mika; Sullivan, Ruth; Ekelund, Ulf; Krishna, K V Radha; Kulkarni, Bharati; Collier, Tim; Ben-Shlomo, Yoav; Kinra, Sanjay; Kuper, Hannah

2016-01-19

There is limited availability of context-specific physical activity questionnaires in low and middle income countries. The aim of this study was to develop and examine the validity of a new Indian physical activity questionnaire, the Andhra Pradesh Children and Parent Study Physical Activity Questionnaire (APCAPS-PAQ). The current study was conducted with the cohort from the Hyderabad DXA Study (n = 2321), recruited in 2009-2010. Criterion validity (n = 245) was examined by comparing the APCAPS-PAQ to a combined heart rate and motion sensor worn for 8 days. Construct validity (n = 2321) was assessed with linear regression, comparing APCAPS-PAQ against BMI, percent body fat, and pulse rate. The APCAPS-PAQ criterion validity was variable depending on the PA intensity groups (ρ = 0.26, 0.07, 0.39; к = 0.14, 0.04, 0.16 for sedentary, light, moderate/vigorous physical activity (MVPA) respectively). Sedentary and light intensity activities from the questionnaire were underestimated when compared to the criterion data while MVPA in APCAPS-PAQ was overestimated. Higher time spent in sedentary activity in APCAPS-PAQ was associated with higher BMI and percent body fat, suggesting construct validity. The APCAPS-PAQ validity is comparable to other physical activity questionnaires. This tool is able to assess sedentary behavior, moderate/vigorous activity and physical activity energy expenditure on a group level with reasonable validity. This new questionnaire may be used for ranking individuals according to their sedentary time and physical activity in southern India.

Development of a current collection loss management system for SDI homopolar power supplies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, D. W.

1991-04-01

High speed, high power density current collection systems have been identified as an enabling technology required to construct homopolar power supplies to meet SDI missions. This work is part of a three-year effort directed towards the analysis, experimental verification, and prototype construction of a current collection system designed to operate continuously at 2 kA/sq cm, at a rubbing speed of 200 m/s, and with acceptable losses in a space environment. To date, no system has achieved these conditions simultaneously. This is the final report covering the three year period of performance on DOE contract AC03-86SF-16518. Major areas covered include design, construction and operation of a cryogenically cooled brush test rig, design and construction of a high speed brush test rig, optimization study for homopolar machines, loss analysis of the current collection system, and an application study which defines the air-core homopolar construction necessary to achieve the goal of 80 kW/kg generator power density.

The Construct of Adaptive Behavior: Its Conceptualization, Measurement, and Use in the Field of Intellectual Disability

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tasse, Marc J.; Schalock, Robert L.; Balboni, Giulia; Bersani, Hank, Jr.; Borthwick-Duffy, Sharon A.; Spreat, Scott; Thissen, David; Widaman, Keith F.; Zhang, Dalun

2012-01-01

This article updates the current conceptualization, measurement, and use of the adaptive behavior construct. Major sections of the article address an understanding of the construct, the current approaches to its measurement, four assessment issues and challenges related to the use of adaptive behavior information for the diagnosis of intellectual…

Instantaneous Project Controls: Current Status, State of the Art, Benefits, and Strategies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abbaszadegan, Amin

2016-01-01

Despite advancements in construction and construction-related technology, capital project performance deviations, typically overruns, remain endemic within the capital projects industry. Currently, management is generally unaware of the current status of their projects, and thus monitoring and control of projects are not achieved effectively. In…

Transition to subthreshold activity with the use of phase shifting in a model thalamic network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Elizabeth; Grisar, Thierry

1997-05-01

Absence epilepsy involves a state of low frequency synchronous oscillations by the involved neuronal networks. These oscillations may be either above or subthreshold. In this investigation, we studied the methods which could be utilized to transform the threshold activity of neurons in the network to a subthreshold state. A model thalamic network was constructed using the Hodgkin Huxley framework. Subthreshold activity was achieved by the application of stimuli to the network which caused phase shifts in the oscillatory activity of selected neurons in the network. In some instances the stimulus was a periodic pulse train of low frequency to the reticular thalamic neurons of the network while in others, it was a constant hyperpolarizing current applied to the thalamocortical neurons.

Is Positive Emotionality a Specific Risk Factor for Depression? A Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies

PubMed Central

Khazanov, Gabriela Kattan; Ruscio, Ayelet Meron

2016-01-01

Depression is well known to share a negative cross-sectional relationship with personality constructs defined by positive emotion (positive affect, extraversion, behavioral activation). These Positive Emotionality (PE) constructs have been proposed to represent stable temperamental risk factors for depression, not merely current mood state. These constructs have also been proposed to increase risk specifically for depression, relative to anxiety. We performed a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies to examine the relationship of PE to depression (59 effect sizes) and anxiety (26 effect sizes). In cross-sectional analyses, PE constructs were negatively associated with depression (r = −.34) and anxiety (r = −.24). PE constructs also prospectively predicted depression (r = −.26) and anxiety (r = −.19). These relationships remained statistically significant, but were markedly attenuated, when baseline levels of depression (β = −.08) and anxiety (β = −.06) were controlled. Moreover, depression and anxiety were equally strong predictors of subsequent changes in PE (β = −.07 and −.09, respectively). These findings are consistent with theoretical accounts of low PE as a temperamental vulnerability for depression, but suggest that the prospective relationship of PE to depression may be weaker and less specific than previously assumed. PMID:27416140

A scoping review of applications and outcomes of traction orthoses and constructs for the management of intra-articular fractures and fracture dislocations in the hand.

PubMed

Packham, Tara L; Ball, Pamela D; MacDermid, Joy C; Bain, James R; DalCin, Arianna

2016-01-01

Intra-articular hand fractures can have devastating consequences for movement and function. The unique nature of the injury and diverse management strategies are a challenge for conducting trials. To conduct a scoping review of traction constructs for the management of intra-articular hand fractures. We conducted a systematic search of the literature, extracting data on the scope and nature of the evidence for traction constructs. Our search yielded 87 articles addressing 3 traction constructs: (1) static traction (n = 17), (2) dynamic external fixation (n = 53), and (3) dynamic orthoses (n = 17). Active range of motion of the target joint was the most frequently reported outcome. Study designs included 36 cohorts, 21 case series, and 9 case studies: 24% contained only technical information. The current literature addressing traction constructs consists primarily of small and low-quality studies. Evidence synthesis could improve the estimation of range of motion outcomes but would not be able to identify the best treatment. Consensus on classification of fracture patterns, routine use of outcome measures, and randomized trials are needed to compare different traction constructs and inform evidence-based care. Scoping review. N/A. Copyright © 2016 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Block-Module Electric Machines of Alternating Current

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zabora, I.

2018-03-01

The paper deals with electric machines having active zone based on uniform elements. It presents data on disk-type asynchronous electric motors with short-circuited rotors, where active elements are made by integrated technique that forms modular elements. Photolithography, spraying, stamping of windings, pressing of core and combined methods are utilized as the basic technological approaches of production. The constructions and features of operation for new electric machine - compatible electric machines-transformers are considered. Induction motors are intended for operation in hermetic plants with extreme conditions surrounding gas, steam-to-gas and liquid environment at a high temperature (to several hundred of degrees).

Current density and catalyst-coated membrane resistance distribution of hydro-formed metallic bipolar plate fuel cell short stack with 250 cm2 active area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haase, S.; Moser, M.; Hirschfeld, J. A.; Jozwiak, K.

2016-01-01

An automotive fuel cell with an active area of 250 cm2 is investigated in a 4-cell short stack with a current and temperature distribution device next to the bipolar plate with 560 current and 140 temperature segments. The electrical conductivities of the bipolar plate and gas diffusion layer assembly are determined ex-situ with this current scan shunt module. The applied fuel cell consists of bipolar plates constructed of 75-μm-thick, welded stainless-steel foils and a graphitic coating. The electrical conductivities of the bipolar plate and gas diffusion layer assembly are determined ex-situ with this module with a 6% deviation in in-plane conductivity. The current density distribution is evaluated up to 2.4 A cm-2. The entire cell's investigated volumetric power density is 4.7 kW l-1, and its gravimetric power density is 4.3 kW kg-1 at an average cell voltage of 0.5 V. The current density distribution is determined without influencing the operating cell. In addition, the current density distribution in the catalyst-coated membrane and its effective resistivity distribution with a finite volume discretisation of Ohm's law are evaluated. The deviation between the current density distributions in the catalyst-coated membrane and the bipolar plate is determined.

Biofabricated constructs as tissue models: a short review.

PubMed

Costa, Pedro F

2015-04-01

Biofabrication is currently able to provide reliable models for studying the development of cells and tissues into multiple environments. As the complexity of biofabricated constructs is becoming increasingly higher their ability to closely mimic native tissues and organs is also increasing. Various biofabrication technologies currently allow to precisely build cell/tissue constructs at multiple dimension ranges with great accuracy. Such technologies are also able to assemble together multiple types of cells and/or materials and generate constructs closely mimicking various types of tissues. Furthermore, the high degree of automation involved in these technologies enables the study of large arrays of testing conditions within increasingly smaller and automated devices both in vitro and in vivo. Despite not yet being able to generate constructs similar to complex tissues and organs, biofabrication is rapidly evolving in that direction. One major hurdle to be overcome in order for such level of complex detail to be achieved is the ability to generate complex vascular structures within biofabricated constructs. This review describes several of the most relevant technologies and methodologies currently utilized within biofabrication and provides as well a brief overview of their current and future potential applications.

Constructivisms from a genetic point of view: a critical classification of current tendencies.

PubMed

Sánchez, José Carlos; Loredo, José Carlos

2009-12-01

In this paper, we propose a critical classification of contemporary constructivist orientations. Our fundamental theoretical reference is the notion of genesis, understood as the construction of reality in a way that is neither relativist nor positivist-realist. We identify a nucleus of classic, genetic constructivism that revolves around the ideas of Baldwin, Piaget and Vygotsky and discuss two tendencies that distort the spirit of that nucleus: objectivism and subjectivism. Objectivism rules out the psychological, constructive activity of the subject, subordinating (or just reducing) it to objective structures either from nature (like genetic endowment or neural functioning), or from culture (like language or social practices). Subjectivism completely detaches the objectivity of knowledge from its construction on the part of the subject, reducing it to the mere product of individual interest, view, or irrationality. Thus, subjectivism is the non-constructive way to conceive the subject. Then, we attempt to show the dialectics that exists between these two tendencies and the scope of our criteria by analysing a representative (non exhaustive) group of authors who are defined as constructivists or who bring important elements to the debate about constructivism.

Impact assessment and remediation strategies for roadway construction in acid-bearing media: case study from Mid-Appalachia

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

Viadero, R.C.; Fortney, R.H.; Creel, A.T.

2008-09-15

The likelihood of encountering land impacted by current and/or historic coal mining activities is high when constructing roadways in the Mid-Appalachian region. Through additional disturbance of these lands, environmental impacts such as acid and dissolved metals loading and subsequent impacts to aquatic flora and fauna will ensue. Consequently, it is necessary to affect a paradigm shift in roadway design and construction to account for the presence of factors that compound the already difficult task of working in a region characterized by steep topography and aggressive geochemistry. In this study, assessments of the water chemistry and biological impacts of a wastemore » pile containing spoils from previous mining and the presence of an exposed coal mine bench were made as representative microcosmic examples of typical conditions found in the region. Based on quantitative measurements of water quality and biological conditions, recommendations are presented for the assessment and avoidance of impacts prior to construction through acid-bearing materials and suggestions are offered for postconstruction remediation at previously impacted sites.« less

A Spanish model for quantification and management of construction waste.

PubMed

Solís-Guzmán, Jaime; Marrero, Madelyn; Montes-Delgado, Maria Victoria; Ramírez-de-Arellano, Antonio

2009-09-01

Currently, construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) is a worldwide issue that concerns not only governments but also the building actors involved in construction activity. In Spain, a new national decree has been regulating the production and management of C&D waste since February 2008. The present work describes the waste management model that has inspired this decree: the Alcores model implemented with good results in Los Alcores Community (Seville, Spain). A detailed model is also provided to estimate the volume of waste that is expected to be generated on the building site. The quantification of C&D waste volume, from the project stage, is essential for the building actors to properly plan and control its disposal. This quantification model has been developed by studying 100 dwelling projects, especially their bill of quantities, and defining three coefficients to estimate the demolished volume (CT), the wreckage volume (CR) and the packaging volume (CE). Finally, two case studies are included to illustrate the usefulness of the model to estimate C&D waste volume in both new construction and demolition projects.

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

Mehra, S.; Bryce, T.

Sedco Forex has recently completed a new land drilling rig, currently deployed in Gabon, that integrates well construction activities with multiskilling to create cost savings across the board in drilling operations. Historically, operators have produced a comprehensive tender package specifying strictly the type and size of individual rig components and the number of personnel required to drill. In this case, the drilling contractor provides a fit-for-purpose rig, consistent with field location, well profile, operator`s priorities, and local constraints.

[Development of Chinese oral and maxillofacial surgery reflects the great achievements of China's reform and opening to the world for 30 years].

PubMed

Qiu, Wei-Liu

2009-02-01

China's policy of reform and opening to the world provides unlimited vitality for Chinese oral and maxillofacial surgery. The academic organization is increasingly perfecting, the professional team is expanding, and international exchanges are increasingly active. However, new challenges are emerging accordingly. To overcome the current problems and difficulties, some constructive beneficial recommendations were proposed and discussed in this paper.

Japan’s Nuclear Future: Policy Debate, Prospects, and U.S. Interests

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-09

raised in particular over the construction of an industrial- scale reprocessing facility in Japan,. Additionally, fast breeder reactors also produce more...Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering Laboratories. 10 A fast breeder reactor is a fast neutron reactor that produces more plutonium than it consumes, which can...Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited (JNFL) has built and is currently running active testing on a large - scale commercial reprocessing plant at Rokkasho-mura

Proposed Demolition of Hangars; Projects 11-0098-11-0102 Environmental Assessment

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-22

decrease its space and energy use • Be compliant with current land use zoning ( Industrial ) • Not violate any provisions of the National Historic... industrial usage of the hangars, contamination of shallow soil is known to exist beneath or adjacent to the structures undergoing demolition and...buildings occur in an industrial part of the base which has already been heavily disturbed due to past construction activities. The buildings proposed for

Pulsed Corona Discharge Generated By Marx Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sretenovic, G. B.; Obradovic, B. M.; Kovacevic, V. V.; Kuraica, M. M.; Puric J.

2010-07-01

The pulsed plasma has a significant role in new environmental protection technologies. As a part of a pulsed corona system for pollution control applications, Marx type repetitive pulse generator was constructed and tested in arrangement with wire-plate corona reactor. We performed electrical measurements, and obtained voltage and current signals, and also power and energy delivered per pulse. Ozone formation by streamer plasma in air was chosen to monitor chemical activity of the pulsed corona discharge.

Construction of a cardiac conduction system subject to extracellular stimulation.

PubMed

Clements, Clyde; Vigmond, Edward

2005-01-01

Proper electrical excitation of the heart is dependent on the specialized conduction system that coordinates the electrical activity from the atria to the ventricles. This paper describes the construction of a conduction system as a branching network of Purkinje fibers on the endocardial surface. Endocardial surfaces were extracted from an FEM model of the ventricles and transformed to 2D. A Purkinje network was drawn on top and the inverse transform performed. The underlying mathematics utilized one dimensional cubic Hermite finite elements. Compared to linear elements, the cubic Hermite solution was found to have a much smaller RMS error. Furthermore, this method has the advantage of enforcing current conservation at bifurcation and unification points, and allows for discrete coupling resistances.

The infrared spectrograph during the SIRTF pre-definition phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houck, James R.

1988-01-01

A test facility was set up to evaluate back-illuminated impurity band detectors constructed for an infrared spectrograph to be used on the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). Equipment built to perform the tests on these arrays is described. Initial tests have been geared toward determining dark current and read noise for the array. Four prior progress reports are incorporated into this report. They describe the first efforts in the detector development and testing effort; testing details and a new spectrograph concept; a discussion of resolution issues raised by the new design; management activities; a review of computer software and testing facility hardware; and a review of the preamplifier constructed as well as a revised schematic of the detector evaluation facility.

Assessing physical activity using wearable monitors: measures of physical activity.

PubMed

Butte, Nancy F; Ekelund, Ulf; Westerterp, Klaas R

2012-01-01

Physical activity may be defined broadly as "all bodily actions produced by the contraction of skeletal muscle that increase energy expenditure above basal level." Physical activity is a complex construct that can be classified into major categories qualitatively, quantitatively, or contextually. The quantitative assessment of physical activity using wearable monitors is grounded in the measurement of energy expenditure. Six main categories of wearable monitors are currently available to investigators: pedometers, load transducers/foot-contact monitors, accelerometers, HR monitors, combined accelerometer and HR monitors, and multiple sensor systems. Currently available monitors are capable of measuring total physical activity as well as components of physical activity that play important roles in human health. The selection of wearable monitors for measuring physical activity will depend on the physical activity component of interest, study objectives, characteristics of the target population, and study feasibility in terms of cost and logistics. Future development of sensors and analytical techniques for assessing physical activity should focus on the dynamic ranges of sensors, comparability for sensor output across manufacturers, and the application of advanced modeling techniques to predict energy expenditure and classify physical activities. New approaches for qualitatively classifying physical activity should be validated using direct observation or recording. New sensors and methods for quantitatively assessing physical activity should be validated in laboratory and free-living populations using criterion methods of calorimetry or doubly labeled water.

[Characteristics of fugitive dust emission from paved road near construction activities].

PubMed

Tian, Gang; Fan, Shou-Bin; Li, Gang; Qin, Jian-Ping

2007-11-01

Because of the mud/dirt carryout from construction activities, the silt loading of paved road nearby is higher and the fugitive dust emission is stronger. By sampling and laboratory analysis of the road surface dust samples, we obtain the silt loading (mass of material equal to or less than 75 micromaters in physical diameter per unit area of travel surface) of paved roads near construction activities. The result show that silt loading of road near construction activities is higher than "normal road", and silt loading is negatively correlated with length from construction's door. According to AP-42 emission factor model of fugitive dust from roads, the emission factor of influenced road is 2 - 10 times bigger than "normal road", and the amount of fugitive dust emission influenced by one construction activity is "equivalent" to an additional road length of approximately 422 - 3 800 m with the baseline silt loading. Based on the spatial and temporal distribution of construction activities, in 2002 the amount of PM10 emission influenced by construction activities in Beijing city areas account of for 59% of fugitive dust from roads.

Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2001-01-01

This annual report is based on the activities of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel in calendar year 2000. During this year, the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) moved into high gear. The launch of the Russian Service Module was followed by three Space Shuttle construction and logistics flights and the deployment of the Expedition One crew. Continuous habitation of the ISS has begun. To date, both the ISS and Space Shuttle programs have met or exceeded most of their flight objectives. In spite of the intensity of these efforts, it is clear that safety was always placed ahead of cost and schedule. This safety consciousness permitted the Panel to devote more of its efforts to examining the long-term picture. With ISS construction accelerating, demands on the Space Shuttle will increase. While Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft will make some flights, the Space Shuttle remains the primary vehicle to sustain the ISS and all other U.S. activities that require humans in space. Development of a next generation, human-rated vehicle has slowed due to a variety of technological problems and the absence of an approach that can accomplish the task significantly better than the Space Shuttle. Moreover, even if a viable design were currently available, the realities of funding and development cycles suggest that it would take many years to bring it to fruition. Thus, it is inescapable that for the foreseeable future the Space Shuttle will be the only human-rated vehicle available to the U.S. space program for support of the ISS and other missions requiring humans. Use of the Space Shuttle will extend well beyond current planning, and is likely to continue for the life of the ISS.

Development of electrically conductive-superoleophobic micropillars for reducing surface adhesion of oil at low temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Zihe; Wang, Tianchang; Zhou, Yikang; Zhao, Boxin

2016-12-01

Electrically conductive and superoleophobic micropillars have been developed through the construction of biomimetic micropillars using Ag-filled epoxy composites and the incorporation of FDTS on the micropillar surface. These micropillars are found to be superoleophobic with an oil contact angle of 140°, demonstrating excellent self-cleaning properties. The conductivity of micropillars allows for the Joule-heating effect to actively reduce the adhesion and even unfreeze the frozen oil droplets by passing electrical current. Electrical resistance of the composite micropillars was modulated by two orders of magnitudes by varying the contents of Ag flakes from 45 wt% to 65 wt%. The effectiveness of conductive micropillars for surface un-freezing was investigated by applying DC current to decrease the adhesion strength of frozen oil droplets on surfaces. The results showed a pronounced reduction of frozen oil adhesion force by 60% when the resistance increased from 7.5 Ω to 877 Ω after applying DC current for 2 min. By continuously applying DC current for 3 min, the frozen oil adhesion decreased to 0.05 N, reaching zero when the surface was heated up to -10 °C after applying DC current for 5 min. In contrast, when the droplet was heated up to -5 °C by hot air, there is still a substantial force of adhesion. The research findings demonstrate the use of constructing conductive-superoleophobic composite micropillars at surface for eliminating the frozen oil from surfaces at low temperatures.

Learning from instructional explanations: effects of prompts based on the active-constructive-interactive framework.

PubMed

Roelle, Julian; Müller, Claudia; Roelle, Detlev; Berthold, Kirsten

2015-01-01

Although instructional explanations are commonly provided when learners are introduced to new content, they often fail because they are not integrated into effective learning activities. The recently introduced active-constructive-interactive framework posits an effectiveness hierarchy in which interactive learning activities are at the top; these are then followed by constructive and active learning activities, respectively. Against this background, we combined instructional explanations with different types of prompts that were designed to elicit these learning activities and tested the central predictions of the active-constructive-interactive framework. In Experiment 1, N = 83 students were randomly assigned to one of four combinations of instructional explanations and prompts. To test the active < constructive learning hypothesis, the learners received either (1) complete explanations and engaging prompts designed to elicit active activities or (2) explanations that were reduced by inferences and inference prompts designed to engage learners in constructing the withheld information. Furthermore, in order to explore how interactive learning activities can be elicited, we gave the learners who had difficulties in constructing the prompted inferences adapted remedial explanations with either (3) unspecific engaging prompts or (4) revision prompts. In support of the active < constructive learning hypothesis, we found that the learners who received reduced explanations and inference prompts outperformed the learners who received complete explanations and engaging prompts. Moreover, revision prompts were more effective in eliciting interactive learning activities than engaging prompts. In Experiment 2, N = 40 students were randomly assigned to either (1) a reduced explanations and inference prompts or (2) a reduced explanations and inference prompts plus adapted remedial explanations and revision prompts condition. In support of the constructive < interactive learning hypothesis, the learners who received adapted remedial explanations and revision prompts as add-ons to reduced explanations and inference prompts acquired more conceptual knowledge.

Learning from Instructional Explanations: Effects of Prompts Based on the Active-Constructive-Interactive Framework

PubMed Central

Roelle, Julian; Müller, Claudia; Roelle, Detlev; Berthold, Kirsten

2015-01-01

Although instructional explanations are commonly provided when learners are introduced to new content, they often fail because they are not integrated into effective learning activities. The recently introduced active-constructive-interactive framework posits an effectiveness hierarchy in which interactive learning activities are at the top; these are then followed by constructive and active learning activities, respectively. Against this background, we combined instructional explanations with different types of prompts that were designed to elicit these learning activities and tested the central predictions of the active-constructive-interactive framework. In Experiment 1, N = 83 students were randomly assigned to one of four combinations of instructional explanations and prompts. To test the active < constructive learning hypothesis, the learners received either (1) complete explanations and engaging prompts designed to elicit active activities or (2) explanations that were reduced by inferences and inference prompts designed to engage learners in constructing the withheld information. Furthermore, in order to explore how interactive learning activities can be elicited, we gave the learners who had difficulties in constructing the prompted inferences adapted remedial explanations with either (3) unspecific engaging prompts or (4) revision prompts. In support of the active < constructive learning hypothesis, we found that the learners who received reduced explanations and inference prompts outperformed the learners who received complete explanations and engaging prompts. Moreover, revision prompts were more effective in eliciting interactive learning activities than engaging prompts. In Experiment 2, N = 40 students were randomly assigned to either (1) a reduced explanations and inference prompts or (2) a reduced explanations and inference prompts plus adapted remedial explanations and revision prompts condition. In support of the constructive < interactive learning hypothesis, the learners who received adapted remedial explanations and revision prompts as add-ons to reduced explanations and inference prompts acquired more conceptual knowledge. PMID:25853629

Technology infusion of intellectual 3D printers-based prototyping of products into learning process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boshhenko, T. V.; Chepur, P. V.

2018-03-01

The article considers the prospects for the technologies of intellectual design and prototyping applying 3D printers. It presents basic technologies of 3D printing, currently developed and released for construction. The experience of educational activities in the University to train students for the Academic Competitions on three-dimensional modeling and prototyping is described in the present article. Requirements for the prototyping implementation are given, allowing obtaining a positive effect from the technology infusion released for construction. The results of activities to train students for the Academic Competition are stated. It is established that the proposed approaches to the training of students have led to the highest score in the national contest in Novosibirsk when performing tasks for prototyping a stand for a cell phone and manufacturing the product on a 3D printer at the SLS technology, selective laser sintering. The conclusions about the possibilities and prospects of development of this direction in the industry in the entire country are drawn.

Porous mesocarbon microbeads with graphitic shells: constructing a high-rate, high-capacity cathode for hybrid supercapacitor

PubMed Central

Lei, Yu; Huang, Zheng-Hong; Yang, Ying; Shen, Wanci; Zheng, Yongping; Sun, Hongyu; Kang, Feiyu

2013-01-01

Li4Ti5O12/activated carbon hybrid supercapacitor can combine the advantages of both lithium-ion battery and supercapacitor, which may meet the requirements for developing high-performance hybrid electric vehicles. Here we proposed a novel “core-shell” porous graphitic carbon (PGC) to replace conventional activated carbon for achieving excellent cell performance. In this PGC structure made from mesocarbon microbead (MCMB), the inner core is composed of porous amorphous carbon, while the outer shell is graphitic carbon. The abundant porosity and the high surface area not only offer sufficient reaction sites to store electrical charge physically, but also can accelerate the liquid electrolyte to penetrate the electrode and the ions to reach the reacting sites. Meanwhile, the outer graphitic shells of the porous carbon microbeads contribute to a conductive network which will remarkably facilitate the electron transportation, and thus can be used to construct a high-rate, high-capacity cathode for hybrid supercapacitor, especially at high current densities. PMID:23963328

Synthesis of methyl esters from waste cooking oil using construction waste material as solid base catalyst.

PubMed

Balakrishnan, K; Olutoye, M A; Hameed, B H

2013-01-01

The current research investigates synthesis of methyl esters by transesterification of waste cooking oil in a heterogeneous system, using barium meliorated construction site waste marble as solid base catalyst. The pretreated catalyst was calcined at 830 °C for 4h prior to its activity test to obtained solid oxide characterized by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, BET surface area and pore size measurement. It was found that the as prepared catalyst has large pores which contributed to its high activity in transesterification reaction. The methyl ester yield of 88% was obtained when the methanol/oil molar ratio was 9:1, reaction temperature at 65 °C, reaction time 3h and catalyst/oil mass ratio of 3.0 wt.%. The catalyst can be reused over three cycles, offer low operating conditions, reduce energy consumption and waste generation in the production of biodiesel. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A prospective longitudinal study testing relationships between meaningful activities, basic psychological needs fulfillment, and meaning in life.

PubMed

Eakman, Aaron M

2014-01-01

The current study used a prospective longitudinal design to determine whether change in meaningful activity over an 11-month period could help explain change in meaning in life in a sample of 174 undergraduate and graduate students. The Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey, Basic Psychological Needs Scales (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness), and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire were used as indicators of the constructs of meaningful activity, basic psychological needs fulfillment, and meaning and purpose in life. The findings were in support of the study hypotheses and indicated that change in meaningful activity explained both change in basic psychological needs fulfillment (i.e., autonomy, competence, relatedness) and change in meaning in life. Further, this study reports findings consistent with results from cross-sectional studies in support of the hypothesis that change in meaningful activity may influence change in meaning in life through two pathways: a direct path of influence from meaningful activity to meaning in life and an indirect path through change in basic psychological needs fulfillment. The current study contributes to a growing literature implicating subjective evaluations of day-to-day action (or meaningful activity) as a fruitful means for exploring relationships between occupation and well-being. Copyright 2014, SLACK Incorporated.

Modifiable Psychosocial Constructs Associated With Physical Activity Participation in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Casey, Blathin; Coote, Susan; Shirazipour, Celina; Hannigan, Ailish; Motl, Robert; Martin Ginis, Kathleen; Latimer-Cheung, Amy

2017-07-01

To synthesize current knowledge of the modifiable psychosocial constructs associated with physical activity (PA) participation in people with multiple sclerosis. A search was conducted through October 2015 in 8 electronic databases: CINAHL, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Knowledge, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PsycINFO. Cohort and intervention studies were included if they (1) included an objective or subjective measure of PA; (2) measured at least 1 modifiable psychosocial construct; and (3) reported bivariate correlations (or these could be extracted) between the PA and psychosocial construct measures. A total of 13,867 articles were screened for inclusion, and 26 were included in the final analysis. Meta-analyses of correlations were conducted using the Hedges-Olkin method. Where a meta-analysis was not possible, results were reported descriptively. Meta-analyses indicated a pooled correlation coefficient between (1) objective PA and self-efficacy (n=7) of r=.30 (P<.0001), indicating a moderate, positive association; (2) subjective PA and self-efficacy (n=7) of r=.34 (P<.0001), indicating a moderate, positive association; (3) subjective PA and goal-setting (n=5) of r=.44 (P<.0001), indicating a moderate-to-large positive association; and 4) subjective PA and outcome expectancies (n=4) (physical: r=.13, P=.11; social: r=.19, P<.0001; self-evaluative: r=.27, P<.0001), indicating small-moderate positive associations. Other constructs such as measures of health beliefs, enjoyment, social support, and perceived benefits and barriers were reported to be significantly correlated with PA in individual studies, but the number of studies was not sufficient for a meta-analysis. Future PA interventions should continue to focus on the psychosocial constructs of self-efficacy and goal-setting. However, there is a need to explore the associations between other constructs outside those reported in this review. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Financing School Construction: A Primer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sendor, Benjamin B.

1985-01-01

Discusses current school construction needs in North Carolina and methods available under state law to finance construction. To put North Carolina law in perspective, the article also discusses school construction finance procedures used throughout the United States. (Author)

The development of the 'Quality-of-life for Respiratory Illness Questionnaire (QOL-RIQ)': a disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire for patients with mild to moderate chronic non-specific lung disease.

PubMed

Maillé, A R; Koning, C J; Zwinderman, A H; Willems, L N; Dijkman, J H; Kaptein, A A

1997-05-01

Chronic non-specific lung disease (CNSLD) encompasses asthma as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recently in health care, there has been increasing awareness in the functional, psychological and social aspects of the health of patients; their quality of life (QOL). Quality-of-life research addressing CNSLD patients has been rather underdeveloped for a long period of time. Recently, however, the importance of QOL is being increasingly recognized, and several research groups have started to study QOL in CNSLD patients in more detail. This paper describes the construction of a disease-specific QOL instrument for patients with mild to moderately severe CNSLD. Items relating to several domains of QOL were listed, and 171 CNSLD patients in general practice were asked how much of a problem each item had been (assessed on a seven-point Likert scale). After applying an item-selection procedure, a uni-dimensional QOL questionnaire was constructed consisting of 55 items divided into seven domain subscales: breathing problems, physical problems, emotions, situations triggering or enhancing breathing problems, general activities, daily and domestic activities, and social activities, relationships and sexuality. Reliability estimates of the domain subscales of the constructed questionnaire varied from 0.68 to 0.89, and was 0.92 for the QOL for Respiratory Illness Questionnaire (QOL-RIQ) total scale. A first impression of the construct validity of the questionnaire was gained by investigation of the relationship between the QOL domain subscales and several indicators of illness severity, as well as the relative contribution of illness severity variables, background characteristics and symptoms to QOL, using regression analysis. Further research to validate the questionnaire to a greater extent (construct validity, test-retest reliability and responsiveness to change) is currently taking place.

Development of a current collection loss management system for SDI homopolar power supplies

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

Brown, D.W.

1989-01-01

High speed, high power density current collection systems have been identified as an enabling technology required to construct homopolar power supplies to meet SDI missions. This work is part of a three-year effort directed towards the analysis, experimental verification, and prototype construction of a current collection system designed to operate continuously at 2 kA/cm{sup 2}, at a rubbing speed of 200 m/s, and with acceptable losses in a space environment. To data, no system has achieved these conditions simultaneously. This is the annual report covering the second year period of performance on DOE contract DE-AC03-86SF16518. Major areas covered include design,more » construction and operation of a cryogenically cooled brush test rig, design and construction of a high speed brush test rig, optimization study for homopolar machines, loss analysis of the current collection system, and an application study which defines the air-core homopolar construction necessary to achieve the goal of 80--90 kW/kg generator power density. 17 figs., 2 tabs.« less

An examination of the misuse of prescription stimulants among college students using the theory of planned behavior.

PubMed

Gallucci, Andrew; Martin, Ryan; Beaujean, Alex; Usdan, Stuart

2015-01-01

The misuse of prescription stimulants (MPS) is an emergent adverse health behavior among undergraduate college students. However, current research on MPS is largely atheoretical. The purpose of this study was to validate a survey to assess MPS-related theory of planned behavior (TPB) constructs (i.e. attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control) and determine the relationship between these constructs, MPS-related risk factors (e.g. gender and class status), and current MPS (i.e. past 30 days use) among college students. Participants (N = 978, 67.8% female and 82.9% Caucasian) at a large public university in the southeastern USA completed a survey assessing MPS and MPS-related TPB constructs during fall 2010. To examine the relationship between MPS-related TPB constructs and current MPS, we conducted (1) confirmatory factor analyses to validate that our survey items assessed MPS-related TPB constructs and (2) a series of regression analyses to examine associations between MPS-related TPB constructs, potential MPS-related risk factors, and MPS in this sample. Our factor analyses indicated that the survey items assessed MPS-related TPB constructs and our multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that perceived behavioral control was significantly associated with current MPS. In addition, analyses found that having a prescription stimulant was a protective factor against MPS when the model included MPS-related TPB variables.

[Physical activity: positive impact on brain plasticity].

PubMed

Achiron, Anat; Kalron, Alon

2008-03-01

The central nervous system has a unique capability of plasticity that enables a single neuron or a group of neurons to undergo functional and constructional changes that are important to learning processes and for compensation of brain damage. The current review aims to summarize recent data related to the effects of physical activity on brain plasticity. In the last decade it was reported that physical activity can affect and manipulate neuronal connections, synaptic activity and adaptation to new neuronal environment following brain injury. One of the most significant neurotrophic factors that is critical for synaptic re-organization and is influenced by physical activity is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The frequency of physical activity and the intensity of exercises are of importance to brain remodeling, support neuronal survival and positively affect rehabilitation therapy. Physical activity should be employed as a tool to improve neural function in healthy subjects and in patients suffering from neurological damage.

A new use of high resolution magnetograms. [solar activity and magnetic flux

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baum, P. J.; Bratenahl, A.

1978-01-01

Ground-based solar magnetograms are frequently in error by as much as twenty percent and contribute to the poor correlation between magnetic changes and solar flares. High resolution measurement of the magnetic field component, which is normal to the photosphere and measured at photospheric height, can be used to construct a magnetic flux partition function F. Therefore, dF/dt is an EMF which drives atmospheric currents in reconnecting solar active regions. With a high quality magnetograph, the solar probe can be used to obtain good estimates of F and dF/dt and thereby the energy stored as induced solar atmospheric currents during quiescent interflare periods. Should a flare occur during a favorable observing period, the present method of analysis should show characteristic signatures in F, DF/dt, and especially, in the stored flux computed from dF/dt.

Systematic analyses of vibration noise of a vibration isolation system for high-resolution scanning tunneling microscopes.

PubMed

Iwaya, Katsuya; Shimizu, Ryota; Hashizume, Tomihiro; Hitosugi, Taro

2011-08-01

We designed and constructed an effective vibration isolation system for stable scanning tunneling microscopy measurements using a separate foundation and two vibration isolation stages (i.e., a combination of passive and active vibration isolation dampers). Systematic analyses of vibration data along the horizontal and vertical directions are present, including the vibration transfer functions of each stage and the overall vibration isolation system. To demonstrate the performance of the system, tunneling current noise measurements are conducted with and without the vibration isolation. Combining passive and active vibration isolation dampers successfully removes most of the vibration noise in the tunneling current up to 100 Hz. These comprehensive vibration noise data, along with details of the entire system, can be used to establish a clear guideline for building an effective vibration isolation system for various scanning probe microscopes and electron microscopes.

Going Deep...Putting the Undergound Dimension to Use

ScienceCinema

Laughton, Chris

2017-12-09

Underground construction can offer durable and environmentally-sound solutions to many of societies more pressing needs. The talk will identify some common uses for underground space and discuss current construction techniques used to mine in soils and rock. Examples of successful underground construction projects will demonstrate the advantages that the underground site can offer. In addition, insight will be provided into the nature of the risks run when working with a construction material (the ground) that cannot be made to order, nor precisely defined by the investigative processes currently at our disposal.

A computational model of the ionic currents, Ca2+ dynamics and action potentials underlying contraction of isolated uterine smooth muscle.

PubMed

Tong, Wing-Chiu; Choi, Cecilia Y; Kharche, Sanjay; Karche, Sanjay; Holden, Arun V; Zhang, Henggui; Taggart, Michael J

2011-04-29

Uterine contractions during labor are discretely regulated by rhythmic action potentials (AP) of varying duration and form that serve to determine calcium-dependent force production. We have employed a computational biology approach to develop a fuller understanding of the complexity of excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling of uterine smooth muscle cells (USMC). Our overall aim is to establish a mathematical platform of sufficient biophysical detail to quantitatively describe known uterine E-C coupling parameters and thereby inform future empirical investigations of physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms governing normal and dysfunctional labors. From published and unpublished data we construct mathematical models for fourteen ionic currents of USMCs: Ca2+ currents (L- and T-type), Na+ current, an hyperpolarization-activated current, three voltage-gated K+ currents, two Ca2+-activated K+ current, Ca2+-activated Cl current, non-specific cation current, Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, Na+-K+ pump and background current. The magnitudes and kinetics of each current system in a spindle shaped single cell with a specified surface area:volume ratio is described by differential equations, in terms of maximal conductances, electrochemical gradient, voltage-dependent activation/inactivation gating variables and temporal changes in intracellular Ca2+ computed from known Ca2+ fluxes. These quantifications are validated by the reconstruction of the individual experimental ionic currents obtained under voltage-clamp. Phasic contraction is modeled in relation to the time constant of changing [Ca2+]i. This integrated model is validated by its reconstruction of the different USMC AP configurations (spikes, plateau and bursts of spikes), the change from bursting to plateau type AP produced by estradiol and of simultaneous experimental recordings of spontaneous AP, [Ca2+]i and phasic force. In summary, our advanced mathematical model provides a powerful tool to investigate the physiological ionic mechanisms underlying the genesis of uterine electrical E-C coupling of labor and parturition. This will furnish the evolution of descriptive and predictive quantitative models of myometrial electrogenesis at the whole cell and tissue levels.

Constructing Aligned Assessments Using Automated Test Construction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Porter, Andrew; Polikoff, Morgan S.; Barghaus, Katherine M.; Yang, Rui

2013-01-01

We describe an innovative automated test construction algorithm for building aligned achievement tests. By incorporating the algorithm into the test construction process, along with other test construction procedures for building reliable and unbiased assessments, the result is much more valid tests than result from current test construction…

Investigation of PVdF active diaphragms for synthetic jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailo, Kelly C.; Brei, Diann E.; Calkins, Frederick T.

2000-06-01

Current research has shown that aircraft can gain significant aerodynamic performance benefits by employing active flow control (AFC). One of the enabling technologies of AFC is the synthetic jet. Synthetic jets, also known as zero-net-mass flux actuators, act as bi-directional pumps injecting high momentum air into the local aerodynamic flow. Previous work has concentrated on high frequency synthetic jets based on piezoelectric active diaphragms such as Thunder actuators. Low frequency synthetic jets present a unique challenge requiring large displacements, which current technology has difficulty meeting. Boeing is investigating novel shaped low frequency synthetic jets that can modify the flow over fixed aircraft wings. This paper present the initial study of two promising active diaphragm concepts: a crescent shape and an opposing bender shape. These active diaphragms were numerically modeled utilizing the general-purpose finite element code ABAQUS. Using the ABAQUS results, the dynamic volume change within each jet was calculated and incorporated into an analytical linear Bernoulli model to predict the velocities and pressures at the nozzle. Simulations were performed to determine trends to assist in selection of prototype configurations. Prototypes of both diaphragm concepts were constructed from polyvinylidene fluoride and experimentally tested at Boeing with promising results.

Coupling Active Hair Bundle Mechanics, Fast Adaptation, and Somatic Motility in a Cochlear Model

PubMed Central

Meaud, Julien; Grosh, Karl

2011-01-01

One of the central questions in the biophysics of the mammalian cochlea is determining the contributions of the two active processes, prestin-based somatic motility and hair bundle (HB) motility, to cochlear amplification. HB force generation is linked to fast adaptation of the transduction current via a calcium-dependent process and somatic force generation is driven by the depolarization caused by the transduction current. In this article, we construct a global mechanical-electrical-acoustical mathematical model of the cochlea based on a three-dimensional fluid representation. The global cochlear model is coupled to linearizations of nonlinear somatic motility and HB activity as well as to the micromechanics of the passive structural and electrical elements of the cochlea. We find that the active HB force alone is not sufficient to power high frequency cochlear amplification. However, somatic motility can overcome resistor-capacitor filtering by the basolateral membrane and deliver sufficient mechanical energy for amplification at basal locations. The results suggest a new theory for high frequency active cochlear mechanics, in which fast adaptation controls the transduction channel sensitivity and thereby the magnitude of the energy delivered by somatic motility. PMID:21641302

Coupling active hair bundle mechanics, fast adaptation, and somatic motility in a cochlear model.

PubMed

Meaud, Julien; Grosh, Karl

2011-06-08

One of the central questions in the biophysics of the mammalian cochlea is determining the contributions of the two active processes, prestin-based somatic motility and hair bundle (HB) motility, to cochlear amplification. HB force generation is linked to fast adaptation of the transduction current via a calcium-dependent process and somatic force generation is driven by the depolarization caused by the transduction current. In this article, we construct a global mechanical-electrical-acoustical mathematical model of the cochlea based on a three-dimensional fluid representation. The global cochlear model is coupled to linearizations of nonlinear somatic motility and HB activity as well as to the micromechanics of the passive structural and electrical elements of the cochlea. We find that the active HB force alone is not sufficient to power high frequency cochlear amplification. However, somatic motility can overcome resistor-capacitor filtering by the basolateral membrane and deliver sufficient mechanical energy for amplification at basal locations. The results suggest a new theory for high frequency active cochlear mechanics, in which fast adaptation controls the transduction channel sensitivity and thereby the magnitude of the energy delivered by somatic motility. Copyright © 2011 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Testing the abstractness of children's linguistic representations: lexical and structural priming of syntactic constructions in young children.

PubMed

Savage, Ceri; Lieven, Elena; Theakston, Anna; Tomasello, Michael

2003-11-01

The current studies used a priming methodology to assess the abstractness of children's early syntactic constructions. In the main study, 3-, 4- and 6-year-old children were asked to describe a prime picture by repeating either an active or a passive sentence, and then they were left to their own devices to describe a target picture. For half the children at each age, the prime sentences they repeated had high lexical overlap with the sentence they were likely to produce for the target, whereas for the other half there was very low lexical overlap between prime and target. The main result was that 6-year-old children showed both lexical and structural priming for both the active transitive and passive constructions, whereas 3- and 4-year-old children showed lexical priming only. This pattern of results would seem to indicate that 6-year-old children have relatively abstract representations of these constructions, whereas 3- and 4-year-old children have as an integral part of their representations certain specific lexical items, especially pronouns and some grammatical morphemes. In a second study it was found that children did not need to repeat the prime out loud in order to be primed - suggesting that the priming effect observed concerns not just peripheral production mechanisms but underlying linguistic representations common to comprehension and production. These results support the view that young children develop abstract linguistic representations gradually during the preschool years.

Health status assessment of workers during construction phase of highway rehabilitation projects around lahore, Pakistan

PubMed Central

Abrar, Amina; Cheema, Kausar Jamal; Saif, Samia; Mahmood, Asim

2016-01-01

Objective: The study focused on assessment of the health status of workers during construction phase of highway rehabilitation projects at six selected sites of N5 around Lahore, including Kala Shah Kaku, Muridke, Kamuki, Bhaipheru, Pattoki, and Okara. Methods: The study was based on multi-methods approach involving hazard identification through survey and checklist as well as a questionnaire for health status assessment and measurements of health parameters including peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and audiometric screening of 300 subjects. Results: The study revealed non-congenial working conditions at the sites. Noise, vibrations, dust, asphalt fumes, poor work postures, and injuries were found to be major health hazards. PEFR of most of the workers was found to be significantly lower than the reference value. Average PEFR±SEM values were 187±5.1 l/min, 178±4.3 l/min, and 266±5.3 l/min in ground preparation workers, asphalt workers, and heavy vehicle drivers, respectively. The highest rate (29%) of hearing loss was recorded among heavy vehicle drivers. Musculoskeletal problems were found to be more common among ground preparation workers. Conclusion: Data revealed unsatisfactory health status of most of the workers. Direct relationship between health outcomes and the type of construction activities were observed. The current study focuses on the importance of including occupational health and safety plan in the execution phase of every developmental project that involves construction activities. PMID:27853055

Advancing crime scene computer forensics techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosmer, Chet; Feldman, John; Giordano, Joe

1999-02-01

Computers and network technology have become inexpensive and powerful tools that can be applied to a wide range of criminal activity. Computers have changed the world's view of evidence because computers are used more and more as tools in committing `traditional crimes' such as embezzlements, thefts, extortion and murder. This paper will focus on reviewing the current state-of-the-art of the data recovery and evidence construction tools used in both the field and laboratory for prosection purposes.

Statistical Analysis of Physiological Signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz, María G.; Pérez, Leticia

2003-07-01

In spite of two hundred years of clinical practice, Homeopathy still lacks of scientific basis. Its fundamental laws, similia principle and the activity of the denominated ultra-high dilutions are controversial issues that do not fit into the mainstream medicine or current physical-chemistry field as well. Aside its clinical efficacy, the identification of physical - chemistry parameters, as markers of the homeopathic effect, would allow to construct mathematic models [1], which in turn, could provide clues regarding the involved mechanism.

Longrun supply and demand of new residential construction in the United States: 1986 to 2040.

Treesearch

Claire A. Montgomery

1989-01-01

A model of U.S. housing demand and supply was developed that projects housing starts for use in long-term forest planning. Housing demand was shown to respond to the current sale price and the user capital cost of housing and to the size and age composition of the population. Current sale price is determined in the new construction market. Supply of new construction...

Karst topography : noninvasive geophysical detection methods and construction techniques.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-10-01

The objective of this project was to investigate the current state of the practice with regards to karst detection : methods and current karst construction practices and to recommend the best practices for use by the Virginia : Department of Transpor...

Potential applications of dynamic and static cone penetrometers in MDOT pavement design and construction.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-09-01

This report discusses the current applications of the dynamic and static cone penetrometers in pavement design and construction. : The dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) is the most versatile rapid, in situ evaluation device currently available. Correla...

Increasing accuracy in the assessment of motion sickness: A construct methodology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stout, Cynthia S.; Cowings, Patricia S.

1993-01-01

The purpose is to introduce a new methodology that should improve the accuracy of the assessment of motion sickness. This construct methodology utilizes both subjective reports of motion sickness and objective measures of physiological correlates to assess motion sickness. Current techniques and methods used in the framework of a construct methodology are inadequate. Current assessment techniques for diagnosing motion sickness and space motion sickness are reviewed, and attention is called to the problems with the current methods. Further, principles of psychophysiology that when applied will probably resolve some of these problems are described in detail.

A multisite gateway-based toolkit for targeted gene expression and hairpin RNA silencing in tomato fruits.

PubMed

Estornell, Leandro Hueso; Orzáez, Diego; López-Peña, Lucas; Pineda, Benito; Antón, María Teresa; Moreno, Vicente; Granell, Antonio

2009-04-01

A collection of fruit promoters, reporter genes and protein tags has been constructed in a triple-gateway format, a recombination-based cloning system that facilitates the tandem assembly of three DNA fragments into plant expression vectors. The new pENFRUIT collection includes, among others, the classical tomato-ripening promoters E8 and 2A11 and a set of six new tomato promoters. The new promoter activities were characterized in both transient assays and stable transgenic plants. The range of expression of the new promoters comprises strong (PNH, PLI), medium (PLE, PFF, PHD) and weak (PSN) promoters driving gene expression preferentially in the fruit, and covering a wide range of tissues and developmental stages. Together, a total of 78 possible combinations for the expression of a gene of interest in the fruit, plus a set of five reporters for new promoter analysis, was made available in the current collection. Moreover, the pENFRUIT promoter collection is adaptable to hairpin RNA strategies aimed at tissue/organ-specific gene silencing with only an additional cloning step. The pENFRUIT toolkit broadens the spectrum of promoter activities available for fruit biotechnology and fundamental research, and bypasses technical difficulties of current ligase-dependent cloning techniques in the construction of fruit expression cassettes. The pENFRUIT vector collection is available for the research community in a plasmid repository, facilitating its accessibility.

Work-related to musculoskeletal disorder amongst Malaysian construction trade workers: Bricklayers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lop, Nor Suzila; Kamar, Izatul Farrita Mohd; Aziz, Mohd Nasiruddin Abdul; Abdullah, Lizawati; Akhir, Norizan Mt

2017-10-01

Construction sector is one of the highest risk industries contributing to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. In general construction activities involve the composition of various construction trades, such as painting, plastering, concreting, paving and bricklaying. Different construction trades workers are exposed to risk factors depending their job and task. There are risk factors associated with the construction trade workers activities such as concrete work, brickwork, piling work excavation works and etc. Thus, the aim of this research is to document the critical activities that affect the musculoskeletal disorders amongst Malaysian construction trade workers, in particular to the bricklayers. The objective of this research is to identify the critical activities that affect to the musculoskeletal disorder among the bricklayers. The data for this research was collected via observation to the construction workers for the specific trades which are bricklayers in Perak. Finding of this research is by identifying the critical activities involved that affect the musculoskeletal disorder suffering among bricklayers.

The use of plasma-activated covalent attachment of early domains of tropoelastin to enhance vascular compatibility of surfaces

PubMed Central

Hiob, Matti A.; Wise, Steven G.; Kondyurin, Alexey; Waterhouse, Anna; Bilek, Marcela M.; Ng, Martin K. C.; Weiss, Anthony S.

2013-01-01

All current metallic vascular prostheses, including stents, exhibit suboptimal biocompatibility. Improving the re-endothelialization and reducing the thrombogenicity of these devices would substantially improve their clinical efficacy. Tropoelastin (TE), the soluble precursor of elastin, mediates favorable endothelial cell interactions while having low thrombogenicity. Here we show that constructs of TE corresponding to the first 10 (“N10”) and first 18 (“N18”) N-terminal domains of the molecule facilitate endothelial cell attachment and proliferation equivalent to the performance of full-length TE. This N-terminal ability contrasts with the known role of the C-terminus of TE in facilitating cell attachment, particularly of fibroblasts. When immobilized on a plasma-activated coating (“PAC”), N10 and N18 retained their bioactivity and endothelial cell interactive properties, demonstrating attachment and proliferation equivalent to full-length TE. In whole blood assays, both N10 and N18 maintained the low thrombogenicity of PAC. Furthermore, these N-terminal constructs displayed far greater resistance to protease degradation by blood serine proteases kallikrein and thrombin than did full-length TE. When immobilized onto a PAC surface, these shorter constructs form a modified metal interface to establish a platform technology for biologically compatible, implantable cardiovascular devices. PMID:23863453

Cancer Research Center Indiana University School of Medicine

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

Not Available

1994-08-01

The Department of Energy (DOE) proposes to authorize the Indiana School of Medicine to proceed with the detailed design, construction and equipping of the proposed Cancer Research Center (CRC). A grant was executed with the University on April 21, 1992. A four-story building with basement would be constructed on the proposed site over a 24-month period. The proposed project would bring together, in one building, three existing hematology/oncology basic research programs, with improved cost-effectiveness through the sharing of common resources. The proposed site is currently covered with asphaltic pavement and is used as a campus parking lot. The surrounding areamore » is developed campus, characterized by buildings, walkways, with minimal lawns and plantings. The proposed site has no history of prior structures and no evidence of potential sources of prior contamination of the soil. Environmental impacts of construction would be limited to minor increases in traffic, and the typical noises associated with standard building construction. The proposed CRC project operation would involve the use radionuclides and various hazardous materials in conducting clinical studies. Storage, removal and disposal of hazardous wastes would be managed under existing University programs that comply with federal and state requirements. Radiological safety programs would be governed by Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license and applicable Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. There are no other NEPA reviews currently active which are in relationship to this proposed site. The proposed project is part of a Medical Campus master plan and is consistent with applicable local zoning and land use requirements.« less

A Review of Application Building Information Modeling (BIM) During Pre-Construction Stage: Retrospective and Future Directions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Edra Nisa Lau, Santi; Zakaria, Rozana; Aminudin, Eeydzah; Saar, Chai Chang; Yusof, Aswadi; Fatihi Hafifi Che Wahid, Che Muhammad

2018-04-01

Pre-construction is one of the biggest areas of risk and uncertainty in construction project as it deals with subsurface ground conditions information. The amount of detail data needed in pre-construction especially for existing data modelling and site analysis should be sufficient enough to ensure that significant risks could not reasonably be anticipated. Current practicing method in interpreting data during this stage tasks reveal limitation. Construction industry faced many obstacles due to the depends on the traditional practice; paper-based document which missing and redundant data always happened. In recent years, there has been a shift in construction where people move to BIM application because of its potential to reduce the problem faced by infrastructure world. BIM has become a successful technology and widely popular in the construction world especially in developed countries because of its potential. Nowadays, people are moving one step ahead in BIM which is adoption of BIM during pre-construction stage. Thus, this paper review studies centered on BIM-integrated modelling during preconstruction stage. But there is lack of practical researches have been made during this stage. Although a large number of studies on BIM have been conducted in the past decade, a lack of consensus remains among researchers and practitioners regarding the applications of BIM during pre-construction stage, the availability of subsequent data integration tool for geotechnical activity. A comprehensive literature review was conducted for data collection and analysis. After in-depth review of journal articles widely cover the application of BIM, this study summarizes an overview and critical reflection of geotechnical data integration using BIM during pre-construction stage. The results are useful for the identification of research clusters and topics in the BIM community.

Component variations and their effects on bipolar nickel-hydrogen cell performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manzo, Michelle A.; Gahn, Randall F.; Gonzalez-Sanabria, Olga D.; Cataldo, Robert L.; Gemeiner, Russel P.

1987-01-01

A 50 cell bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery was assembled to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a high voltage stack of cells. Various component combinations were tested in this battery. The battery had approximately 1 ampere-hour of capacity and was constructed from components with an active area of 2 x 2 inches. The components were parametrically varied to give a comparison of nickel electrodes, hydrogen electrodes, separators, fill procedures and electrolyte reservoir plate thicknesses. Groups of five cells were constructed using the same components; ten combinations were tested in all. The battery was thoroughly characterized at various change and discharge rates as well as with various pulse patterns and rates. Over a period of 1400 40-percent DOD LEO cycles some of the groups began to exhibit performance differences. In general, only separator variations had a significant effect on cell performance. It also appears that shunt currents may have been operating within the stack, resulting in electrolyte transfer from one cell to another, thus contributing to cell performance variations.

Component variations and their effects on bipolar nickel-hydrogen cell performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manzo, Michelle A.; Gahn, Randall F.; Gonzalez-Sanabria, Olga D.; Cataldo, Robert L.; Gemeiner, Russel P.

1987-01-01

A 50 cell bipolar nickel-hydrogen battery was assembled to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing a high voltage stack of cells. Various component combinations were tested in this battery. The battery had approximately 1 ampere-hour of capacity and was constructed from components with an active area of 2" X 2". The components were parametrically varied to give a comparison of nickel electrodes, hydrogen electrodes, separators, fill procedures and electrolyte reservoir plate thicknesses. Groups of five cells were constructed using the same components; ten combinations were tested in all. The battery was thoroughly characterized at various change and discharge rates as well as with various pulse patterns and rates. Over a period of 1400 40% DOD LEO cycles some of the groups began to exhibit performance differences. In general, only separator variations had a significant effect on cell performance. It also appears that shunt currents may have been operating within the stack, resulting in electrolyte transfer from one cell to another, thus contributing to cell performance variations.

Environmental assessment for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of the Waste Segregation Facility at the Savannah River Site

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

NONE

1998-01-01

This Environmental Assessment (EA) has been prepared by the Department of Energy (DOE) to assess the potential environmental impacts associated with the construction, operation and decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) of the Waste Segregation Facility (WSF) for the sorting, shredding, and compaction of low-level radioactive waste (LLW) at the Savannah River Site (SRS) located near Aiken, South Carolina. The LLW to be processed consists of two waste streams: legacy waste which is currently stored in E-Area Vaults of SRS and new waste generated from continuing operations. The proposed action is to construct, operate, and D&D a facility to process low-activity job-controlmore » and equipment waste for volume reduction. The LLW would be processed to make more efficient use of low-level waste disposal capacity (E-Area Vaults) or to meet the waste acceptance criteria for treatment at the Consolidated Incineration Facility (CIF) at SRS.« less

Modeling Manpower and Equipment Productivity in Tall Building Construction Projects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mudumbai Krishnaswamy, Parthasarathy; Rajiah, Murugasan; Vasan, Ramya

2017-12-01

Tall building construction projects involve two critical resources of manpower and equipment. Their usage, however, widely varies due to several factors affecting their productivity. Currently, no systematic study for estimating and increasing their productivity is available. What is prevalent is the use of empirical data, experience of similar projects and assumptions. As tall building projects are here to stay and increase, to meet the emerging demands in ever shrinking urban spaces, it is imperative to explore ways and means of scientific productivity models for basic construction activities: concrete, reinforcement, formwork, block work and plastering for the input of specific resources in a mixed environment of manpower and equipment usage. Data pertaining to 72 tall building projects in India were collected and analyzed. Then, suitable productivity estimation models were developed using multiple linear regression analysis and validated using independent field data. It is hoped that the models developed in the study will be useful for quantity surveyors, cost engineers and project managers to estimate productivity of resources in tall building projects.

Architects' perspectives on construction waste reduction by design

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

Osmani, M.; Glass, J.; Price, A.D.F.

2008-07-01

The construction, demolition and excavation waste arising in England was estimated at 91 million tonnes in 2003. The current thinking on construction waste minimisation is heavily focussed on several issues relating to physical construction waste and recycling guides. Indeed, much had been published on ways to improve on-site waste management and recycling activities but very few attempts made to address the effect of design practices on waste generation. However, there is a consensus in the literature that the architect has a decisive role to play in helping to reduce waste by focussing on designing out waste. This paper examines previousmore » studies on architects' approach towards construction waste minimisation; and by means of a postal questionnaire, investigates: the origins of waste; waste minimisation design practices in the UK; and responsibilities and barriers within the UK architectural profession. The findings reveal that waste management is not a priority in the design process. Additionally, the architects seemed to take the view that waste is mainly produced during site operations and rarely generated during the design stages; however, about one-third of construction waste could essentially arise from design decisions. Results also indicate that a number of constraints, namely: lack of interest from clients; attitudes towards waste minimisation; and training all act as disincentives to a proactive and sustainable implementation of waste reduction strategies during the design process.« less

Architects' perspectives on construction waste reduction by design.

PubMed

Osmani, M; Glass, J; Price, A D F

2008-01-01

The construction, demolition and excavation waste arising in England was estimated at 91 million tonnes in 2003. The current thinking on construction waste minimisation is heavily focussed on several issues relating to physical construction waste and recycling guides. Indeed, much had been published on ways to improve on-site waste management and recycling activities but very few attempts made to address the effect of design practices on waste generation. However, there is a consensus in the literature that the architect has a decisive role to play in helping to reduce waste by focussing on designing out waste. This paper examines previous studies on architects' approach towards construction waste minimisation; and by means of a postal questionnaire, investigates: the origins of waste; waste minimisation design practices in the UK; and responsibilities and barriers within the UK architectural profession. The findings reveal that waste management is not a priority in the design process. Additionally, the architects seemed to take the view that waste is mainly produced during site operations and rarely generated during the design stages; however, about one-third of construction waste could essentially arise from design decisions. Results also indicate that a number of constraints, namely: lack of interest from clients; attitudes towards waste minimisation; and training all act as disincentives to a proactive and sustainable implementation of waste reduction strategies during the design process.

Ruthenium-based, inert oxide electrodes for impregnating active materials in nickel plaques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manoharan, R.; Uma, M.

Titanium electrodes coated with mixed ruthenium-iridium-titanium oxides are tested as inert counter electrodes for impregnating active materials in porous nickel plaques. The latter are to be used as the positive electrodes in nickel/cadmium cells. Weight losses and variations in bath voltage have been monitored while using these electrodes in the impregnation bath. A 2.85 Ah nickel/cadmium cell has been constructed using nickel electrodes developed by employing the coated electrodes of this study. The performances of these coated electrodes are compared with those of platinum electrodes that are currently employed by nickel/cadmium battery manufacturers. The results are found to be satisfactory.

Reduced order modeling of mechanical degradation induced performance decay in lithium-ion battery porous electrodes

DOE PAGES

Barai, Pallab; Smith, Kandler; Chen, Chien -Fan; ...

2015-06-17

In this paper, a one-dimensional computational framework is developed that can solve for the evolution of voltage and current in a lithium-ion battery electrode under different operating conditions. A reduced order model is specifically constructed to predict the growth of mechanical degradation within the active particles of the carbon anode as a function of particle size and C-rate. Using an effective diffusivity relation, the impact of microcracks on the diffusivity of the active particles has been captured. Reduction in capacity due to formation of microcracks within the negative electrode under different operating conditions (constant current discharge and constant current constantmore » voltage charge) has been investigated. At the beginning of constant current discharge, mechanical damage to electrode particles predominantly occurs near the separator. As the reaction front shifts, mechanical damage spreads across the thickness of the negative electrode and becomes relatively uniform under multiple discharge/charge cycles. Mechanical degradation under different drive cycle conditions has been explored. It is observed that electrodes with larger particle sizes are prone to capacity fade due to microcrack formation. Finally, under drive cycle conditions, small particles close to the separator and large particles close to the current collector can help in reducing the capacity fade due to mechanical degradation.« less

Fabrication, Characterization, and Biological Activity of Avermectin Nano-delivery Systems with Different Particle Sizes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Anqi; Wang, Yan; Sun, Changjiao; Wang, Chunxin; Cui, Bo; Zhao, Xiang; Zeng, Zhanghua; Yao, Junwei; Yang, Dongsheng; Liu, Guoqiang; Cui, Haixin

2018-01-01

Nano-delivery systems for the active ingredients of pesticides can improve the utilization rates of pesticides and prolong their control effects. This is due to the nanocarrier envelope and controlled release function. However, particles containing active ingredients in controlled release pesticide formulations are generally large and have wide size distributions. There have been limited studies about the effect of particle size on the controlled release properties and biological activities of pesticide delivery systems. In the current study, avermectin (Av) nano-delivery systems were constructed with different particle sizes and their performances were evaluated. The Av release rate in the nano-delivery system could be effectively controlled by changing the particle size. The biological activity increased with decreasing particle size. These results suggest that Av nano-delivery systems can significantly improve the controllable release, photostability, and biological activity, which will improve efficiency and reduce pesticide residues.

The Role of Different Aspects of Impulsivity as Independent Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorders in Patients with ADHD: A Review.

PubMed

Ortal, Slobodin; van de Glind, Geurt; Johan, Franck; Itai, Berger; Nir, Yachin; Iliyan, Ivanov; van den Brink, Wim

2015-01-01

High impulsivity in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) plays a key role in their vulnerability to substance abuse disorders (SUDs). Although impulsivity is increasingly recognized as a multidimensional construct, efforts to describe the contribution of different impulsivity aspects to the development of SUD have been hindered by conceptual and experimental inconsistencies. This review seeks to map potential trajectories from childhood ADHD to SUD by examining the hypothesized mediating role of three different impulsivity-related constructs: disinhibition, impulsive choice, and sensation seeking. Integration of data from developmental, cognitive, and neurophysiological research suggests that childhood ADHD and SUD are both associated with behavioural and neurophysiological deficits in all three impulsivity-related constructs. Examination of brain mechanisms related to the three impulsivity-related constructs indicates that ADHD share neurophysiological deficits with SUD, such as abnormal brain activity in areas involved in inhibition and complex cognitive-emotional processes. We conclude that different impulsivity constructs operate independently and interact with each other to affect adult risk taking behaviour and SUD in patients with childhood ADHD. This review highlights the current theoretical and methodological challenges in the study of impulsivity and discusses clinical implications and directions for future research.

Variation of Cholinesterase-Based Biosensor Sensitivity to Inhibition by Organophosphate Due To Ionizing Radiation

PubMed Central

Pohanka, Miroslav; Koch, Miroslav

2009-01-01

A cholinesterase based biosensor was constructed in order to assess the effects of ionizing radiation on exposed AChE. Although the primary objective of the experiment was to investigate the effect of ionizing radiation on the activity of the biosensor, no changes in cholinesterase activity were observed. Current provided by oxidation of thiocholine previously created from acetylthiocholine by enzyme catalyzed reaction was in a range 395–455 nA. No significant influence of radiation on AChE activity was found, despite the current variation. However, a surprising phenomenon was observed when a model organophosphate paraoxon was assayed. Irradiated biosensors seem to be more susceptible to the inhibitory effects of paraoxon. Control biosensors provided a 94 ± 5 nA current after exposure to 1 ppm paraoxon. The biosensors irradiated by a 5 kGy radiation dose and exposed to paraoxon provided a current of 49 ± 6 nA. Irradiation by doses ranging from 5 mGy to 100 kGy were investigated and the mentioned effect was confirmed at doses above 50 Gy. After the first promising experiments, biosensors irradiated by 5 kGy were used for calibration on paraoxon and compared with the control biosensors. Limits of detection 2.5 and 3.8 ppb were achieved for irradiated and non-irradiated biosensors respectively. The overall impact of this effect is discussed. PMID:22346715

Apparatus for Controlling Low Power Voltages in Space Based Processing Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Petrick, David J. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A low power voltage control circuit for use in space missions includes a switching device coupled between an input voltage and an output voltage. The switching device includes a control input coupled to an enable signal, wherein the control input is configured to selectively turn the output voltage on or off based at least in part on the enable signal. A current monitoring circuit is coupled to the output voltage and configured to produce a trip signal, wherein the trip signal is active when a load current flowing through the switching device is determined to exceed a predetermined threshold and is inactive otherwise. The power voltage control circuit is constructed of space qualified components.

MaxSynBio - Avenues towards creating cells from the bottom up.

PubMed

Schwille, Petra; Spatz, Joachim; Landfester, Katharina; Bodenschatz, Eberhard; Herminghaus, Stephan; Sourjik, Victor; Erb, Tobias; Bastiaens, Philippe; Lipowsky, Reinhard; Hyman, Anthony; Dabrock, Peter; Baret, Jean-Christophe; Vidakovic-Koch, Tanja; Bieling, Peter; Dimova, Rumiana; Mutschler, Hannes; Robinson, Tom; Tang, Dora; Wegner, Seraphine; Sundmacher, Kai

2018-05-11

A large Max Planck-based German research consortium ('MaxSynBio') was formed to investigate living systems from a fundamental perspective. The research program of MaxSynBio relies solely on the bottom-up approach to Synthetic Biology. MaxSynBio focuses on the detailed analysis and understanding of essential processes of life, via their modular reconstitution in minimal synthetic systems. The ultimate goal is to construct a basic living unit entirely from non-living components. The fundamental insights gained from the activities in MaxSynBio can eventually be utilized for establishing a new generation of biotechnological processes, which would be based on synthetic cell constructs that replace natural cells currently used in conventional biotechnology. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Performance Assessment of Model-Based Optimal Feedforward and Feedback Current Profile Control in NSTX-U using the TRANSP Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ilhan, Z.; Wehner, W. P.; Schuster, E.; Boyer, M. D.; Gates, D. A.; Gerhardt, S.; Menard, J.

2015-11-01

Active control of the toroidal current density profile is crucial to achieve and maintain high-performance, MHD-stable plasma operation in NSTX-U. A first-principles-driven, control-oriented model describing the temporal evolution of the current profile has been proposed earlier by combining the magnetic diffusion equation with empirical correlations obtained at NSTX-U for the electron density, electron temperature, and non-inductive current drives. A feedforward + feedback control scheme for the requlation of the current profile is constructed by embedding the proposed nonlinear, physics-based model into the control design process. Firstly, nonlinear optimization techniques are used to design feedforward actuator trajectories that steer the plasma to a desired operating state with the objective of supporting the traditional trial-and-error experimental process of advanced scenario planning. Secondly, a feedback control algorithm to track a desired current profile evolution is developed with the goal of adding robustness to the overall control scheme. The effectiveness of the combined feedforward + feedback control algorithm for current profile regulation is tested in predictive simulations carried out in TRANSP. Supported by PPPL.

Global Auroral Energy Deposition Compared with Magnetic Indices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brittnacher, M. J.; Fillingim, M. O.; Elsen, R.; Parks, G. K.; Germany, G. A.; Spann, J. F., Jr.

1997-01-01

Measurement of the global rate of energy deposition in the ionosphere via auroral particle precipitation is one of the primary goals of the Polar UVI program and is an important component of the ISTP program. The instantaneous rate of energy deposition for the entire month of January 1997 has been calculated by applying models to the UVI images and is presented by Fillingim et al. in this session. Magnetic indices, such as Kp, AE, and Dst, which are sensitive to variations in magnetospheric current systems have been constructed from ground magnetometer measurements and employed as measures of activity. The systematic study of global energy deposition raises the possibility of constructing a global magnetospheric activity index explicitly based on particle precipitation to supplement magnetic indices derived from ground magnetometer measurements. The relationship between global magnetic activity as measured by these indices and the rate of total global energy loss due to precipitation is not known at present. We study the correlation of the traditional magnetic index of Kp for the month of January 1997 with the energy deposition derived from the UVI images. We address the question of whether the energy deposition through particle precipitation generally matches the Kp and AE indices, or the more exciting, but distinct, possibility that this particle-derived index may provide an somewhat independent measure of global magnetospheric activity that could supplement traditional magnetically-based activity indices.

25 CFR 170.615 - Can a tribe receive advance payments for non-construction activities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2010-04-01 2010-04-01 false Can a tribe receive advance payments for non-construction... Agreements Under Isdeaa § 170.615 Can a tribe receive advance payments for non-construction activities? Yes. BIA must make advance payments to a tribe for non-construction activities under 25 U.S.C. 450l for...

25 CFR 170.615 - Can a tribe receive advance payments for non-construction activities?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 25 Indians 1 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Can a tribe receive advance payments for non-construction... Agreements Under Isdeaa § 170.615 Can a tribe receive advance payments for non-construction activities? Yes. BIA must make advance payments to a tribe for non-construction activities under 25 U.S.C. 450l for...

Construct validity and inter-rater reliability of the Dutch activity measure for post-acute care "6-clicks" basic mobility form to assess the mobility of hospitalized patients.

PubMed

Geelen, Sven Jacobus Gertruda; Valkenet, Karin; Veenhof, Cindy

2018-05-12

To evaluate the construct validity and the inter-rater reliability of the Dutch Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care "6-clicks" Basic Mobility short form measuring the patient's mobility in Dutch hospital care. First, the "6-clicks" was translated by using a forward-backward translation protocol. Next, 64 patients were assessed by the physiotherapist to determine the validity while being admitted to the Internal Medicine wards of a university medical center. Six hypotheses were tested regarding the construct "mobility" which showed that: Better "6-clicks" scores were related to less restrictive pre-admission living situations (p = 0.011), less restrictive discharge locations (p = 0.001), more independence in activities of daily living (p = 0.001) and less physiotherapy visits (p < 0.001). A correlation was found between the "6-clicks" and length of stay (r= -0.408, p = 0.001), but not between the "6-clicks" and age (r= -0.180, p = 0.528). To determine the inter-rater reliability, an additional 50 patients were assessed by pairs of physiotherapists who independently scored the patients. Intraclass Correlation Coefficients of 0.920 (95%CI: 0.828-0.964) were found. The Kappa Coefficients for the individual items ranged from 0.649 (walking stairs) to 0.841 (sit-to-stand). The Dutch "6-clicks" shows a good construct validity and moderate-to-excellent inter-rater reliability when used to assess the mobility of hospitalized patients. Implications for Rehabilitation Even though various measurement tools have been developed, it appears the majority of physiotherapists working in a hospital currently do not use these tools as a standard part of their care. The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care "6-clicks" Basic Mobility is the only tool which is designed to be short, easy to use within usual care and has been validated in the entire hospital population. This study shows that the Dutch version of the Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care "6-clicks" Basic Mobility form is a valid, easy to use, quick tool to assess the basic mobility of Dutch hospitalized patients.

Activities at Sejong Station

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Sang-oh; Sung, Yun-mo; Ah, Ki-duk; Oh, Hong-jong; Byon, Do-young; Lim, Hyung-chul; Chung, Moon-hee; Je, Do-heung; Jung, Tae-hyun

2016-12-01

The Sejong station is a part of the SGOC (Space Geodetic Observation Center) which belongs to the NGII (National Geographic Information Institute). This report will briefly describe the Sejong S/X system issues that we need to improve, establishment of a server cluster for S/W correlation, and installation of the ARGO-M (mobile SLR system, 40 cm in diameter) which is developed by KASI (Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute) at the Sejong station. Construction of the Korea VLBI Network KVNG (Korea VLBI Network for Geodesy) is currently underway.

Passive Superconducting Shielding: Experimental Results and Computer Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warner, B. A.; Kamiya, K.

2003-01-01

Passive superconducting shielding for magnetic refrigerators has advantages over active shielding and passive ferromagnetic shielding in that it is lightweight and easy to construct. However, it is not as easy to model and does not fail gracefully. Failure of a passive superconducting shield may lead to persistent flux and persistent currents. Unfortunately, modeling software for superconducting materials is not as easily available as is software for simple coils or for ferromagnetic materials. This paper will discuss ways of using available software to model passive superconducting shielding.

Ruthenium-catalyzed insertion of adjacent diol carbon atoms into C-C bonds: Entry to type II polyketides.

PubMed

Bender, Matthias; Turnbull, Ben W H; Ambler, Brett R; Krische, Michael J

2017-08-25

Current catalytic processes involving carbon-carbon bond activation rely on π-unsaturated coupling partners. Exploiting the concept of transfer hydrogenative coupling, we report a ruthenium(0)-catalyzed cycloaddition of benzocyclobutenones that functionalizes two adjacent saturated diol carbon-hydrogen bonds. These regio- and diastereoselective processes enable convergent construction of type II polyketide substructures. Copyright © 2017 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

WEAVE an overview and status update

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonifacio, P.; Dalton, G.; Trager, S.; Aguerri, A. L.; Carrasco, E.; Vallenari, A.; Abrams, D. C.; Middleton, K.; Sayède, F.

2016-12-01

The WHT Enhanced Area Velocity Explorer is a high multiplex, multi-object spectrograph that will equip the prime focus of the WHT 4.2m telescope. The instrument is currently in the construction phase and several components have already been procured. I will give a short overview of the instrument and of the project and its status. The French participation is done through CNRS - Institut National des Sciences de l'Univers and the technical activity is carried out, at this stage, at GEPI, Observatoire de Paris.

Final Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI) for 2012-14 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

3553 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) US Air Force, Davis-Monthan AFB 355 CES/CEAO...would be insignificant. Operational impacts, including the use of groundwater for water supply, would be similar to current conditions. Biological...expected in the vicinity of the hush house. Land Use and Visual Resources. Construction and demolition activities would create temporary land use

Grand Forks - East Grand Forks Urban Water Resources Study. Flood Control Appendix.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-07-01

Reach 4) is served by an extensive network of roads 4 ,! and railroads. U.S. Highway -2, Demers Avenue, and Minnesota Avenue pro- vide easy access to...their current focus of employment and social activity. It would require the construction of a new transportation and utility network at immense local...115 205 (1) See figure 4. (2) Outside study area; not to be devoped . Table 2 - Estimated peak runoff 10-year frequency Peak flow Existing Future

Status and Construction of the Belle II DEPFET pixel system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lütticke, Florian

2014-06-01

DEpleted P-channel Field Effect Transistor (DEPFET) active pixel detectors combine detection with a first amplification stage in a fully depleted detector, resulting in an superb signal-to-noise ratio even for thin sensors. Two layers of thin (75 micron) silicon DEPFET pixels will be used as the innermost vertex system, very close to the beam pipe in the Belle II detector at the SuperKEKB facility. The status of the 8 million DEPFET pixels detector, latest developments and current system tests will be discussed.

Coal conversion products industrial applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunkin, J. H.; Warren, D.

1980-01-01

Coal-based synthetic fuels complexes under development consideration by NASA/MSFC will produce large quantities of synthetic fuels, primarily medium BTU gas, which could be sold commercially to industries located in South Central Tennessee and Northern Alabama. The complexes would be modular in construction, and subsequent modules may produce liquid fuels or fuels for electric power production. Current and projected industries in the two states which have a propensity for utilizing coal-based synthetic fuels were identified, and a data base was compiled to support MFSC activities.

Evaluation of cement and fly ash treated recycled asphalt pavement and aggregates for base construction : tech summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-12-01

INTRODUCTION: Many entities currently use recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and other aggregates as base materials, temporary haul roads, and, in the case of RAP, hot mix asphalt construction. Several : states currently allow the use of RAP combined wi...

Evaluation of cement and fly ash treated recycled asphalt pavement and aggregates for base construction.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-12-01

Many entities currently use recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and other aggregates as base material, temporary haul roads, : and, in the case of RAP, hot mix asphalt construction. Several states currently allow the use of RAP combined with cement : for...

Evaluation of articular cartilage repair using biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds in a swine model: a pilot study.

PubMed

Li, Wan-Ju; Chiang, Hongsen; Kuo, Tzong-Fu; Lee, Hsuan-Shu; Jiang, Ching-Chuan; Tuan, Rocky S

2009-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate a cell-seeded nanofibrous scaffold for cartilage repair in vivo. We used a biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibrous scaffold seeded with allogeneic chondrocytes or xenogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or acellular PCL scaffolds, with no implant as a control to repair iatrogenic, 7 mm full-thickness cartilage defects in a swine model. Six months after implantation, MSC-seeded constructs showed the most complete repair in the defects compared to other groups. Macroscopically, the MSC-seeded constructs regenerated hyaline cartilage-like tissue and restored a smooth cartilage surface, while the chondrocyte-seeded constructs produced mostly fibrocartilage-like tissue with a discontinuous superficial cartilage contour. Incomplete repair containing fibrocartilage or fibrous tissue was found in the acellular constructs and the no-implant control group. Quantitative histological evaluation showed overall higher scores for the chondrocyte- and MSC-seeded constructs than the acellular construct and the no-implant groups. Mechanical testing showed the highest equilibrium compressive stress of 1.5 MPa in the regenerated cartilage produced by the MSC-seeded constructs, compared to 1.2 MPa in the chondrocyte-seeded constructs, 1.0 MPa in the acellular constructs and 0.2 MPa in the no-implant group. No evidence of immune reaction to the allogeneically- and xenogeneically-derived regenerated cartilage was observed, possibly related to the immunosuppressive activities of MSCs, suggesting the feasibility of allogeneic or xenogeneic transplantation of MSCs for cell-based therapy. Taken together, our results showed that biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds seeded with MSCs effectively repair cartilage defects in vivo, and that the current approach is promising for cartilage repair. 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Evaluation of articular cartilage repair using biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds in a swine model: a pilot study

PubMed Central

Li, Wan-Ju; Chiang, Hongsen; Kuo, Tzong-Fu; Lee, Hsuan-Shu; Jiang, Ching-Chuan; Tuan, Rocky S.

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate a cell-seeded nanofibrous scaffold for cartilage repair in vivo. We used a biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibrous scaffold seeded with allogeneic chondrocytes or xenogeneic human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or acellular PCL scaffolds, with no implant as a control to repair iatrogenic, 7 mm full-thickness cartilage defects in a swine model. Six months after implantation, MSC-seeded constructs showed the most complete repair in the defects compared to other groups. Macroscopically, the MSC-seeded constructs regenerated hyaline cartilage-like tissue and restored a smooth cartilage surface, while the chondrocyte-seeded constructs produced mostly fibrocartilage-like tissue with a discontinuous superficial cartilage contour. Incomplete repair containing fibrocartilage or fibrous tissue was found in the acellular constructs and the no-implant control group. Quantitative histological evaluation showed overall higher scores for the chondrocyte- and MSC-seeded constructs than the acellular construct and the no-implant groups. Mechanical testing showed the highest equilibrium compressive stress of 1.5 MPa in the regenerated cartilage produced by the MSC-seeded constructs, compared to 1.2 MPa in the chondrocyte-seeded constructs, 1.0 MPa in the acellular constructs and 0.2 MPa in the no-implant group. No evidence of immune reaction to the allogeneically- and xenogeneically-derived regenerated cartilage was observed, possibly related to the immunosuppressive activities of MSCs, suggesting the feasibility of allogeneic or xenogeneic transplantation of MSCs for cell-based therapy. Taken together, our results showed that biodegradable nanofibrous scaffolds seeded with MSCs effectively repair cartilage defects in vivo, and that the current approach is promising for cartilage repair. PMID:19004029

Development of targeted messages to promote smoking cessation among construction trade workers

PubMed Central

Strickland, J. R.; Smock, N.; Casey, C.; Poor, T.; Kreuter, M. W.; Evanoff, B. A.

2015-01-01

Blue-collar workers, particularly those in the construction trades, are more likely to smoke and have less success in quitting when compared with white-collar workers. Little is known about health communication strategies that might influence this priority population. This article describes our formative work to develop targeted messages to increase participation in an existing smoking cessation program among construction workers. Using an iterative and sequential mixed-methods approach, we explored the culture, health attitudes and smoking behaviors of unionized construction workers. We used focus group and survey data to inform message development, and applied audience segmentation methods to identify potential subgroups. Among 144 current smokers, 65% reported wanting to quit smoking in the next 6 months and only 15% had heard of a union-sponsored smoking cessation program, despite widespread advertising. We tested 12 message concepts and 26 images with the target audience to evaluate perceived relevance and effectiveness. Participants responded most favorably to messages and images that emphasized family and work, although responses varied by audience segments based on age and parental status. This study is an important step towards integrating the culture of a high-risk group into targeted messages to increase participation in smoking cessation activities. PMID:25231165

Real-time emissions from construction equipment compared with model predictions.

PubMed

Heidari, Bardia; Marr, Linsey C

2015-02-01

The construction industry is a large source of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. Measuring and monitoring real-time emissions will provide practitioners with information to assess environmental impacts and improve the sustainability of construction. We employed a portable emission measurement system (PEMS) for real-time measurement of carbon dioxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbon, and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions from construction equipment to derive emission rates (mass of pollutant emitted per unit time) and emission factors (mass of pollutant emitted per unit volume of fuel consumed) under real-world operating conditions. Measurements were compared with emissions predicted by methodologies used in three models: NONROAD2008, OFFROAD2011, and a modal statistical model. Measured emission rates agreed with model predictions for some pieces of equipment but were up to 100 times lower for others. Much of the difference was driven by lower fuel consumption rates than predicted. Emission factors during idling and hauling were significantly different from each other and from those of other moving activities, such as digging and dumping. It appears that operating conditions introduce considerable variability in emission factors. Results of this research will aid researchers and practitioners in improving current emission estimation techniques, frameworks, and databases.

Bedrock Prime: How Can the United States Best Address the Need to Achieve Dominance within the Subterranean Domain?

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-12-14

monolithic construction (formed from a single piece of hard material) and made of a high-strength alloy. The use of monolithic construction eliminates...is the class of sub-caliber solid depleted uranium or tungsten “darts” that are conveyed by a sabot during gun launching. Current penetrating...and deeper fortifications which are largely immune to the current United States weapons inventory. Advanced construction and design techniques

Improvements in SMR Modular Construction through Supply Chain Optimization and Lessons Learned

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

White III, Chelsea C.; Petrovic, Bojan

Affordable energy is a critical societal need. Capital construction cost is a significant portion of nuclear energy cost. By controlling and reducing cost, companies can build more competitive nuclear power plants and hence provide access to more affordable energy. Modular construction provides an opportunity to reduce the cost of construction, and as projects scale up in number, the cost of each unit can be further reduced. The objective of this project was to advance design and construction methods for manufacturing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and in particular to improve modular construction techniques and develop best practices for designing and operatingmore » supply chains that take advantage of these techniques. The overarching objectives were to accelerate the construction schedule and reduce its variability, reduce the cost of construction, reduce interest costs accrued during construction (IDC), and thus enhance the economic attractiveness of SMRs. Our fundamental measure of merit was total capital investment cost (TCIC). To achieve these objectives, this project developed a decision support system, EVAL, to support identifying, addressing, and resolving or ameliorating challenges and deficiencies in the current modular construction approach. The results of this effort were consistent with the facts that the cost of a construction activity is often smallest when accomplished in the factory, greatest when accomplished at the construction site, and at an intermediate level when accomplished at an assembly area close to the construction site. Further, EVAL can aid in providing insight into ways to reduce waste, improve quality, efficiency, and throughput and reflects the fact that the more done early in the construction process, i.e., in the factory, the more upfront funding is required and hence the more IDC will be accrued. The analysis has lead to a better understanding of circumstances under which modular construction performed mainly in the factory will result in lower expected total cost, relative to more traditional, on-site construction procedures. Further, we anticipate that EVAL can be used to gain insight regarding what role standardization can play in order for modularization to be most effectively defined. Such results would ultimately benefit all (small and large) new nuclear construction.« less

[Ecological demonstration activity and eco-civilization construction mode: review and prospects].

PubMed

Mao, Hui-ping; He, Xuan; He, Jia; Niu, Dong-jie; Bao, Cun-kuan

2013-04-01

Ecological civilization is to normalize human development behaviors to harmonize the relationships between social and ecological development and eco-environment protection. In this paper, a comparative analysis was made on the ecological demonstration activities of ecological demonstration areas led by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, exemplar cities of national environmental protection, and ecological provinces, cities, and counties. It was considered that all the ecological demonstration activities had the problems of lacking pertinence of construction goals, disordered construction subjects, inefficient construction processes, and lacking continuous incentive mechanisms of assessment. In the meantime, through the analysis of the connotations of eco-civilization, the relationships between eco-civilization and eco-demonstration constructions were approached, and the eco-civilization construction mode was put forward in terms of construction goal, construction subject, and construction processes and assessment. The construction mode included the construction goal based on regional characteristics; the synergistic cooperation of construction subjects, the expanding ways of public participation, and the establishment of evaluation system for comprehensively measuring the 'actions and results'.

Airport Performance and Construction Enlargement Activities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanun, Y.; Setiawan, M. I.; Kurniasih, N.; Hasyim, C.; Ahmar, A. S.

2018-01-01

The evaluation of transportation infrastructure project should consider the contribution towards infrastructure growth. This research aims to analyze the effect of Construction enlargement activities towards airport performance. This research is correlation study. The population includes 148 airports in Indonesia. By using total sampling, there were 148 sample airports. The result shows that the construction enlargement activities variable has relatively strong relationship to Airport Performance variable, while the adjusted R Square score shows the increasing construction enlargement activities that affected by the other factors aside from airport performance.

Pregnancy intentions-a complex construct and call for new measures.

PubMed

Mumford, Sunni L; Sapra, Katherine J; King, Rosalind B; Louis, Jean Fredo; Buck Louis, Germaine M

2016-11-01

To estimate the prevalence of unintended pregnancies under relaxed assumptions regarding birth control use compared with a traditional constructed measure. Cross-sectional survey. Not applicable. Nationally representative sample of U.S. women aged 15-44 years. None. Prevalence of intended and unintended pregnancies as estimated by [1] a traditional constructed measure from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), and [2] a constructed measure relaxing assumptions regarding birth control use, reasons for nonuse, and pregnancy timing. The prevalence of unintended pregnancies was 6% higher using the traditional constructed measure as compared with the approach with relaxed assumptions (NSFG: 44%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 41, 46; new construct 38%, 95% CI, 36, 41). Using the NSFG approach, only 92% of women who stopped birth control to become pregnant and 0 women who were not using contraceptives at the time of the pregnancy and reported that they did not mind getting pregnant were classified as having intended pregnancies, compared with 100% using the new construct. Current measures of pregnancy intention may overestimate rates of unintended pregnancy, with over 340,000 pregnancies in the United States misclassified as unintended using the current approach, corresponding to an estimated savings of $678 million in public health-care expenditures. Current constructs make assumptions that may not reflect contemporary reproductive practices, so improved measures are needed. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Airship Industry Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochstetler, Ron; Chachad, Girish; Melton, John

2016-01-01

In April, 2015 NASA Ames Research Center conducted a study of the airship industry. The project called for a report that would describe airship concepts proposed or projects initiated, airship performance or capability targets, and the missions these activities were addressing. It would detail the principal technical features of these airships; the proposed value/advantages of the features, notional concepts of operation, and challenges associated with the vehicles. Also investigated would be the current status and near-term prospects of these airship development activities, whether they are active or, if curtailed the circumstances and possible reasons for that conclusion including technical, business, or other mitigating factors. For the most active programs an assessment would be conducted to identify the resources or activities required for airships to advance to series construction and operational deployment. The study would also identify impediments to these developments and deployments, with recommendations provided to address existing issues in the airship industry today.

Nas transgenic mouse line allows visualization of Notch pathway activity in vivo.

PubMed

Souilhol, Céline; Cormier, Sarah; Monet, Marie; Vandormael-Pournin, Sandrine; Joutel, Anne; Babinet, Charles; Cohen-Tannoudji, Michel

2006-06-01

The Notch signaling pathway plays multiple and important roles in mammals. However, several aspects of its action, in particular, the precise mapping of its sites of activity, remain unclear. To address this issue, we generated a transgenic line carrying a construct consisting of a nls-lacZ reporter gene under the control of a minimal promoter and multiple RBP-Jkappa binding sites. Here we show that this transgenic line, which we termed NAS (for Notch Activity Sensor), displays an expression profile that is consistent with current knowledge on Notch activity sites in mice, even though it may not report on all these sites. Moreover, we observe that NAS transgene expression is abolished in a RBP-Jkappa-deficient background, indicating that it indeed requires Notch/RBP-Jkappa signaling pathway activity. Thus, the NAS transgenic line constitutes a valuable and versatile tool to gain further insights into the complex and various functions of the Notch signaling pathway.

Emotion-Related Regulation: An Emerging Construct

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Eisenberg, Nancy; Champion, Claire; Ma, Yue

2004-01-01

Emotion-related regulation is a topic of considerable current interest; however, this was not always true. We briefly discuss the history of interest in the topic and then the current state of the field, including definitions of the construct. In addition, we summarize some of the important issues for future attention, including definitional…

Current practices of construction waste reduction through 3R practice among contractors in malaysia: Case study in penang

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ng, L. S.; Tan, L. W.; Seow, T. W.

2017-11-01

The effectiveness of the implementation of construction waste reduction through 3R reflects the sustainability in construction waste management. Weak implementation of construction waste reduction through 3R among contractors will lead to unsustainable construction waste management. Increase in construction waste on landfills is critical especially on islands where land is very limited for solid waste disposal. This aim of this paper is to investigate current practice of construction waste reduction through 3R practice among contractors in Penang, Malaysia. The findings reported herein is based on feedbacks from 143 construction contractors of grade CIDB G7, G6 and G5 in Penang and experts from Penang Local Authority, CIDB in Penang and its Headquarters, National Solid Waste Management Department, and Headquarters of Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation. Interviews and questionnaire surveys have been found that 3R practice is not mandatory in construction waste management in Penang. Only 39.8% construction contractors practiced 3R in managing their waste. Therefore, 3R practices should be emphasized in construction industry. Reducing wastes through 3R practices in construction industry is a way forward towards sustainable construction waste management especially in expanding the lifetime of landfill.

Development of innovative activity of the enterprises of construction branch in the direction of increase in resource-saving and energy efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papelniuk, Oksana

2017-10-01

The author studies innovative activity of enterprises and carries out the classification of conditions and factors of construction enterprises’ innovative activity, and conducts systematization of specific features of this innovative activity. On the basis of statistical data on structure and dynamics of innovations the author carries out the research with the use of methods of economic-mathematical modelling in order to offer the approach which will allow construction enterprises to define the directions of innovative activity for achievement of a resource-saving and energy efficiency in construction sector.

Specific character of sustainable innovative development of transport construction in self-regulation conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gumba, Khuta; Belyaeva, Svetlana

2017-10-01

The providing of sustainable development is impossible without activating the innovative activity of backbone economical sectors, in particular of transport construction. The system of self-regulation of activities is a specific feature of the transport industry development. The authors carried out the correlation analysis of innovative activity of construction enterprises, which proved the necessity of improving the normative and technical documents. The authors proposed and calculated the index of the legislation stability in the industry. The article suggests recommendations on the activation of innovative development in construction industry basing on the results of the modeling.

Factor Structure and Stability of Smoking-Related Health Beliefs in the National Lung Screening Trial

PubMed Central

Koblitz, Amber R.; Persoskie, Alexander; Ferrer, Rebecca A.; Klein, William M. P.; Dwyer, Laura A.; Park, Elyse R.

2016-01-01

Introduction: Absolute and comparative risk perceptions, worry, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy are important theoretical determinants of tobacco use, but no measures have been validated to ensure the discriminant validity as well as test-retest reliability of these measures in the tobacco context. The purpose of the current study is to examine the reliability and factor structure of a measure assessing smoking-related health cognitions and emotions in a national sample of current and former heavy smokers in the National Lung Screening Trial. Methods: A sub-study of the National Lung Screening Trial assessed current and former smokers’ (age 55–74; N = 4379) self-reported health cognitions and emotions at trial enrollment and at 12-month follow-up. Items were derived from the Health Belief Model and Self-Regulation Model. Results: An exploratory factor analysis of baseline responses revealed a five-factor structure for former smokers (risk perceptions, worry, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy) and a six-factor structure for current smokers, such that absolute risk and comparative risk perceptions emerged as separate factors. A confirmatory factor analysis of 12-month follow-up responses revealed a good fit for the five latent constructs for former smokers and six latent constructs for current smokers. Longitudinal stability of these constructs was also demonstrated. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine tobacco-related health cognition and emotional constructs over time in current and former heavy smokers undergoing lung screening. This study found that the theoretical constructs were stable across time and that the factor structure differed based on smoking status (current vs. former). PMID:25964503

Micrometer scale guidance of mesenchymal stem cells to form structurally oriented large-scale tissue engineered cartilage.

PubMed

Chou, Chih-Ling; Rivera, Alexander L; Williams, Valencia; Welter, Jean F; Mansour, Joseph M; Drazba, Judith A; Sakai, Takao; Baskaran, Harihara

2017-09-15

Current clinical methods to treat articular cartilage lesions provide temporary relief of the symptoms but fail to permanently restore the damaged tissue. Tissue engineering, using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) combined with scaffolds and bioactive factors, is viewed as a promising method for repairing cartilage injuries. However, current tissue engineered constructs display inferior mechanical properties compared to native articular cartilage, which could be attributed to the lack of structural organization of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of these engineered constructs in comparison to the highly oriented structure of articular cartilage ECM. We previously showed that we can guide MSCs undergoing chondrogenesis to align using microscale guidance channels on the surface of a two-dimensional (2-D) collagen scaffold, which resulted in the deposition of aligned ECM within the channels and enhanced mechanical properties of the constructs. In this study, we developed a technique to roll 2-D collagen scaffolds containing MSCs within guidance channels in order to produce a large-scale, three-dimensional (3-D) tissue engineered cartilage constructs with enhanced mechanical properties compared to current constructs. After rolling the MSC-scaffold constructs into a 3-D cylindrical structure, the constructs were cultured for 21days under chondrogenic culture conditions. The microstructure architecture and mechanical properties of the constructs were evaluated using imaging and compressive testing. Histology and immunohistochemistry of the constructs showed extensive glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II deposition. Second harmonic generation imaging and Picrosirius red staining indicated alignment of neo-collagen fibers within the guidance channels of the constructs. Mechanical testing indicated that constructs containing the guidance channels displayed enhanced compressive properties compared to control constructs without these channels. In conclusion, using a novel roll-up method, we have developed large scale MSC based tissue-engineered cartilage that shows microscale structural organization and enhanced compressive properties compared to current tissue engineered constructs. Tissue engineered cartilage constructs made with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), scaffolds and bioactive factors are a promising solution to treat cartilage defects. A major disadvantage of these constructs is their inferior mechanical properties compared to the native tissue, which is likely due to the lack of structural organization of the extracellular matrix of the engineered constructs. In this study, we developed three-dimensional (3-D) cartilage constructs from rectangular scaffold sheets containing hMSCs in micro-guidance channels and characterized their mechanical properties and metabolic requirements. The work led to a novel roll-up method to embed 2-D microscale structures in 3-D constructs. Further, micro-guidance channels incorporated within the 3-D cartilage constructs led to the production of aligned cell-produced matrix and enhanced mechanical function. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Innovation in the occupational health physician profession requires the development of a work collective to improve the efficiency of MSD prevention.

PubMed

Caroly, S; Landry, A; Cholez, C; Davezies, P; Bellemare, M; Poussin, N

2012-01-01

Given the ageing population of occupational health physicians and the deteriorating situation of employee health, reforms targeting the multi-disciplinary nature of occupational health are currently being drawn up. These are of great concern to doctors in terms of the future of occupational health, notably with regard to changing medical practices. The objective of this study is to explore the actual practices of occupational health physicians within the framework of MSD prevention in France. By analysing the activity of occupational health physicians, we could gain a better understanding of the coordination between those involved in OHS with the ultimate goal being to improve prevention. Based on an analysis of peer activity, this method made it possible to push beyond pre-constructed discourse. According to activity theories, it is through others that the history and controversies of a profession can be grasped and skills developed. The results produced by these collective discussions on activity analysis contributed to establish a collective point of view about the important aspects of their profession that need defending and the variations in professional genre in relation to the current reforms, notably.

75 FR 37350 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Vermilion Darter

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-29

... with economic activities, including future development, road construction, wastewater treatment, stream... development, road construction, wastewater treatment, stream alteration, and water withdrawal. In order to... activities such as construction and maintenance activities; impoundments (five within the Turkey Creek and...

Factors associated with fear of falling and associated activity restriction in community-dwelling older adults: a systematic review.

PubMed

Denkinger, Michael D; Lukas, Albert; Nikolaus, Thorsten; Hauer, Klaus

2015-01-01

Fear of falling (FOF) is an important threat to autonomy. Current interventions to reduce FOF have yielded conflicting results. A possible reason for this discrepancy could be its multicausality. Some risk factors may not have been identified and addressed in recent studies. The last systematic review included studies until 2006. To identify additional risk factors for FOF and to test those mentioned previously, we conducted a systematic literature review. Studies examining FOF in community-dwelling older adults between 2006 and October 2013 were screened. Outcomes are summarized with respect to different constructs such as FOF, fall-related self-efficacy/balance confidence, and FOF-related activity restriction. Odds ratios and p values are reported. There is no clear pattern with regard to the different FOF-related constructs studied. The only parameters robustly associated across all constructs were female gender, performance-based and questionnaire-based physical function, the use of a walking aid, and, less robust, a history of falls and poor self-rated health. Conflicting results were identified for depression and anxiety, multiple drugs, and psychotropic drugs. Other potentially modifiable risk factors were only mentioned in one or two studies and warrant further investigation. Parameters with mainly negative results are also presented. Only few risk factors identified were robustly associated across all FOF-related constructs and should be included in future studies on FOF. Some newer factors have to be tested again in different cohorts. The comprehensive overview might assist in the conceptualization of future studies. Copyright © 2015 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

LSST telescope and site status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gressler, William J.

2016-07-01

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) Project1 received its construction authorization from the National Science Foundation in August 2014. The Telescope and Site (T and S) group has made considerable progress towards completion in subsystems required to support the scope of the LSST science mission. The LSST goal is to conduct a wide, fast, deep survey via a 3-mirror wide field of view optical design, a 3.2-Gpixel camera, and an automated data processing system. The summit facility is currently under construction on Cerro Pachón in Chile, with major vendor subsystem deliveries and integration planned over the next several years. This paper summarizes the status of the activities of the T and S group, tasked with design, analysis, and construction of the summit and base facilities and infrastructure necessary to control the survey, capture the light, and calibrate the data. All major telescope work package procurements have been awarded to vendors and are in varying stages of design and fabrication maturity and completion. The unique M1M3 primary/tertiary mirror polishing effort is completed and the mirror now resides in storage waiting future testing. Significant progress has been achieved on all the major telescope subsystems including the summit facility, telescope mount assembly, dome, hexapod and rotator systems, coating plant, base facility, and the calibration telescope. In parallel, in-house efforts including the software needed to control the observatory such as the scheduler and the active optics control, have also seen substantial advancement. The progress and status of these subsystems and future LSST plans during this construction phase are presented.

Unit soil loss rate from various construction sites during a storm.

PubMed

Maniquiz, Marla C; Lee, Soyoung; Lee, Eunju; Kong, Dong-Soo; Kim, Lee-Hyung

2009-01-01

The Korean Ministry of Environment (MOE) opts to establish an ordinance having a standard specifying an allowable soil loss rate applicable to construction projects. The predicted amount of soil loss from a construction site exceeding the standard can be used to calculate the percent reduction necessary to comply with the ordinance. This research was conducted to provide a basis to establish a standard by investigating the unit soil loss rates in the three phases of development: pre-construction, active construction and post construction based from 1,036 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports within the six-year period (2000-2005). Based on the findings, several factors affect the magnitude of soil loss rates particularly storm characteristics, site slope, soil type, location from rivers, as well as the type of construction activity. In general, the unit soil loss rates during the active construction phase are extremely higher in comparison to undisturbed areas; in magnitude of 7 to 80 times larger in urban areas and 18 to 585 times in rural areas. Only between 20 to 40 percent of the soil loss rates was contributed at pre- and post- construction phases indicating that the active construction phase is the most important phase to control.

Construction of Novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains for Bioethanol Active Dry Yeast (ADY) Production

PubMed Central

Gao, Kehui; Liu, Zewei; Zhang, Xing; Li, Ou; Sun, Jianguo; Zhang, Xiaoyang; Du, Fengguang; Sun, Peiyong; Qu, Aimin; Wu, Xuechang

2013-01-01

The application of active dry yeast (ADY) in bioethanol production simplifies operation processes and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination. In the present study, we constructed a novel ADY strain with improved stress tolerance and ethanol fermentation performances under stressful conditions. The industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain ZTW1 showed excellent properties and thus subjected to a modified whole-genome shuffling (WGS) process to improve its ethanol titer, proliferation capability, and multiple stress tolerance for ADY production. The best-performing mutant, Z3-86, was obtained after three rounds of WGS, producing 4.4% more ethanol and retaining 2.15-fold higher viability than ZTW1 after drying. Proteomics and physiological analyses indicated that the altered expression patterns of genes involved in protein metabolism, plasma membrane composition, trehalose metabolism, and oxidative responses contribute to the trait improvement of Z3-86. This work not only successfully developed a novel S. cerevisiae mutant for application in commercial bioethanol production, but also enriched the current understanding of how WGS improves the complex traits of microbes. PMID:24376860

Trace element fluxes during the last 100 years in sediment near a nuclear power plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bojórquez-Sánchez, S.; Marmolejo-Rodríguez, A. J.; Ruiz-Fernández, A. C.; Sánchez-González, A.; Sánchez-Cabeza, J. A.; Bojórquez-Leyva, H.; Pérez-Bernal, L. H.

2017-11-01

The Salada coastal lagoon is located in Veracruz (Mexico) near the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant (LVNPP). Currently, the lagoon receives the cooling waters used in the LVNPP. To evaluate the fluxes and mobilization of trace elements due to human activities in the area, two sediment cores from the coastal flood plains of Salada Lagoon were analysed. Cores were collected using PVC tubes. Sediments cores were analysed every centimetre for dating (210Pb by alpha detector) and trace metal analysis using ICP-Mass Spectrometry. The dating of both sediment cores covers the period from 1900 to 2013, which includes the construction of the LVNPP (1970's). The Normalized Enrichment Factor shows enrichment of Ag, As and Cr in both sediment cores. These enrichments correspond to the extent of mining activity (which reached a maximum in the 1900's) and to the geological setting of the coastal zone. The profiles of the element fluxes in both sediment cores reflected the construction and operation of the LVNPP; however, the elements content did not show evidence of pollution coming from the LVNPP.

Construction of novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for bioethanol active dry yeast (ADY) production.

PubMed

Zheng, Daoqiong; Zhang, Ke; Gao, Kehui; Liu, Zewei; Zhang, Xing; Li, Ou; Sun, Jianguo; Zhang, Xiaoyang; Du, Fengguang; Sun, Peiyong; Qu, Aimin; Wu, Xuechang

2013-01-01

The application of active dry yeast (ADY) in bioethanol production simplifies operation processes and reduces the risk of bacterial contamination. In the present study, we constructed a novel ADY strain with improved stress tolerance and ethanol fermentation performances under stressful conditions. The industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain ZTW1 showed excellent properties and thus subjected to a modified whole-genome shuffling (WGS) process to improve its ethanol titer, proliferation capability, and multiple stress tolerance for ADY production. The best-performing mutant, Z3-86, was obtained after three rounds of WGS, producing 4.4% more ethanol and retaining 2.15-fold higher viability than ZTW1 after drying. Proteomics and physiological analyses indicated that the altered expression patterns of genes involved in protein metabolism, plasma membrane composition, trehalose metabolism, and oxidative responses contribute to the trait improvement of Z3-86. This work not only successfully developed a novel S. cerevisiae mutant for application in commercial bioethanol production, but also enriched the current understanding of how WGS improves the complex traits of microbes.

3D architecture constructed via the confined growth of MoS2 nanosheets in nanoporous carbon derived from metal-organic frameworks for efficient hydrogen production.

PubMed

Liu, Yun; Zhou, Xiaoli; Ding, Tao; Wang, Chunde; Yang, Qing

2015-11-21

The design and synthesis of robust, high-performance and low-cost three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical structured materials for the electrochemical reduction of water to generate hydrogen is of great significance for practical water splitting applications. In this study, we develop an in situ space-confined method to synthesize an MoS2-based 3D hierarchical structure, in which the MoS2 nanosheets grow in the confined nanopores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-derived 3D carbons as electrocatalysts for efficient hydrogen production. Benefiting from its unique structure, which has more exposed active sites and enhanced conductivity, the as-prepared MoS2/3D nanoporous carbon (3D-NPC) composite exhibits remarkable electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with a small onset overpotential of ∼0.16 V, large cathodic currents, small Tafel slope of 51 mV per decade and good durability. We anticipate that this in situ confined growth provides new insights into the construction of high performance catalysts for energy storage and conversion.

KSC facilities status and planned management operations. [for Shuttle launches

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gray, R. H.; Omalley, T. J.

1979-01-01

A status report is presented on facilities and planned operations at the Kennedy Space Center with reference to Space Shuttle launch activities. The facilities are essentially complete, with all new construction and modifications to existing buildings almost finished. Some activity is still in progress at Pad A and on the Mobile Launcher due to changes in requirements but is not expected to affect the launch schedule. The installation and testing of the ground checkout equipment that will be used to test the flight hardware is now in operation. The Launch Processing System is currently supporting the development of the applications software that will perform the testing of this flight hardware.

What propels sexual murderers: a proposed integrated theory of social learning and routine activities theories.

PubMed

Chan, Heng Choon Oliver; Heide, Kathleen M; Beauregard, Eric

2011-04-01

Despite the great interest in the study of sexual homicide, little is known about the processes involved in an individual's becoming motivated to sexually kill, deciding to sexually kill, and acting on that desire, intention, and opportunity. To date, no comprehensive model of sexual murdering from the offending perspective has been proposed in the criminological literature. This article incorporates the works of Akers and Cohen and Felson regarding their social learning theory and routine activities theory, respectively, to construct an integrated conceptual offending framework in sexual homicide. This integrated model produces a stronger and more comprehensive explanation of sexual murder than any single theory currently available.

Design of a RCT evaluating the (cost-) effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention for male construction workers at risk for cardiovascular disease: The Health under Construction study

PubMed Central

Groeneveld, Iris F; Proper, Karin I; van der Beek, Allard J; van Duivenbooden, Cor; van Mechelen, Willem

2008-01-01

Background Of all workers in Dutch construction industry, 20% has an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A major risk factor for CVD risk is an unhealthy lifestyle. The aim of our study is to design a lifestyle intervention for construction workers with an elevated CVD risk, and to evaluate its (cost-) effectiveness. Methods/Design In a RCT, 692 participants will be randomised to either the control or the intervention group. The control group will receive usual care. For the intervention group, a lifestyle intervention has been designed based on interviews and current literature. The intervention will last 6 months and will comprise 3 face-to-face and 4 telephone contacts, consisting of individual counselling aimed at increasing daily physical activity (PA) and improving dietary behaviour, and/or smoking cessation. Counselling will take place at the Occupational Health Service (OHS), and will be done according to motivational interviewing (MI). Additional written information about healthy lifestyle will also be provided to those in the intervention group. At baseline, after 6 and after 12 months, measurements will take place. Primary outcome variables will be the lifestyle behaviours of concern, i.e. daily PA, dietary intake, and smoking status. Secondary outcome variables will be body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total and HDL blood cholesterol, Hba1c and cardio-respiratory fitness (CRF). Sickness absenteeism and cost-effectiveness will be assessed as well. Multilevel analysis will be performed to compare all outcome measures between the intervention group and the control group. Discussion By improving lifestyle, CVD risk may be lowered, yielding benefits for both employee and employer. If proven effective, this lifestyle intervention will be implemented on a larger scale within the Occupational Health Services in construction industry. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN60545588 PMID:18173844

Three-Dimensional Bioprinting and Its Potential in the Field of Articular Cartilage Regeneration

PubMed Central

Mouser, Vivian H. M.; Levato, Riccardo; Bonassar, Lawrence J.; D’Lima, Darryl D.; Grande, Daniel A.; Klein, Travis J.; Saris, Daniel B. F.; Zenobi-Wong, Marcy; Gawlitta, Debby; Malda, Jos

2016-01-01

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting techniques can be used for the fabrication of personalized, regenerative constructs for tissue repair. The current article provides insight into the potential and opportunities of 3D bioprinting for the fabrication of cartilage regenerative constructs. Although 3D printing is already used in the orthopedic clinic, the shift toward 3D bioprinting has not yet occurred. We believe that this shift will provide an important step forward in the field of cartilage regeneration. Three-dimensional bioprinting techniques allow incorporation of cells and biological cues during the manufacturing process, to generate biologically active implants. The outer shape of the construct can be personalized based on clinical images of the patient’s defect. Additionally, by printing with multiple bio-inks, osteochondral or zonally organized constructs can be generated. Relevant mechanical properties can be obtained by hybrid printing with thermoplastic polymers and hydrogels, as well as by the incorporation of electrospun meshes in hydrogels. Finally, bioprinting techniques contribute to the automation of the implant production process, reducing the infection risk. To prompt the shift from nonliving implants toward living 3D bioprinted cartilage constructs in the clinic, some challenges need to be addressed. The bio-inks and required cartilage construct architecture need to be further optimized. The bio-ink and printing process need to meet the sterility requirements for implantation. Finally, standards are essential to ensure a reproducible quality of the 3D printed constructs. Once these challenges are addressed, 3D bioprinted living articular cartilage implants may find their way into daily clinical practice. PMID:28934880

State of offsite construction in India-Drivers and barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arif, M.; Bendi, D.; Sawhney, A.; Iyer, K. C.

2012-05-01

The rapid growth of the construction industry in India has influenced key players in the industry to adopt alternative technologies addressing time, cost and quality. The rising demand in housing, infrastructure and other facilities have further highlighted the need for the construction industry to look at adopting alternate building technologies. Offsite construction has evolved as a panacea to dealing with the under-supply and poor quality in the current age construction industry. Several offsite techniques have been adopted by the construction sector. Although, different forms of offsite techniques have been around for a while but their uptake has been low in the Indian context. This paper presents the perceptions about offsite construction in India and highlights some of the barriers and drivers facing the Indian construction industry. The data was gathered through a survey of 17 high level managers from some of the largest stakeholder organizations of the construction sector in India. The influence of time and cost has been highlighted as a major factor fuelling the adoption of offsite construction. However, the influence of current planning systems and the need for a paradigm shift are some of the prominent barriers towards the adoption of offsite techniques.

Running away with health: the urban marathon and the construction of 'charitable bodies'.

PubMed

Nettleton, Sarah; Hardey, Michael

2006-10-01

The increase in fundraising through mass-participation running events is emblematic of a series of issues pertinent to contemporary conceptualizations of health and illness. This increasingly popular spectacle serves as an indicator of present-day social relationships and broader cultural and ideological values that pertain to health. It highlights contemporary discourses on citizenship; 'active citizens' can ostentatiously fulfil their rights and responsibilities by raising money for those 'in need'. Involvement in such events comprises an example of the current trend for drawing attention to illness, and sharing one's experiences with others. We examine these issues through a consideration of charity advertisements and offer a fourfold typology of runners in terms of their orientations to both mass-participation running and charity. We conclude that 'charitable bodies' are constructed out of the interrelationships between philanthropic institutions, sport and individual performance.

76 FR 80366 - Availability of an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-23

...) General Permit for Discharges from Construction Activities (2012 Construction General Permit). The EA... runoff from construction activities greater than one acre, where EPA is the permitting authority. Based... significant environmental impacts are anticipated from the issuance of the 2012 Construction General Permit...

Towards a Competency-based Vision for Construction Safety Education

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedro, Akeem; Hai Chien, Pham; Park, Chan Sik

2018-04-01

Accidents still prevail in the construction industry, resulting in injuries and fatalities all over the world. Educational programs in construction should deliver safety knowledge and skills to students who will become responsible for ensuring safe construction work environments in the future. However, there is a gap between the competencies current pedagogical approaches target, and those required for safety in practice. This study contributes to addressing this issue in three steps. Firstly, a vision for competency-based construction safety education is conceived. Building upon this, a research scheme to achieve the vision is developed, and the first step of the scheme is initiated in this study. The critical competencies required for safety education are investigated through analyses of literature, and confirmed through surveys with construction and safety management professionals. Results from the study would be useful in establishing and orienting education programs towards current industry safety needs and requirements

A review on the current issues and barriers of Industrialised Building System (IBS) adoption in Malaysia’s construction industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amin, M. A. Mohd; Abas, N. H.; Shahidan, S.; Rahmat, M. H.; Suhaini, N. A.; Nagapan, S.; Rahim, R. Abdul

2017-11-01

Malaysia considers the construction industry as one of the main contributors to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, there are some unresolved issues arising from the ongoing and widespread adoption of the conventional method of construction such as the resultant fragmentation of the industry itself; delays in production and delivery time of unnecessary wastages and lack of sustainability practice. Malaysian Government has been continuously encouraging the industry to use, partly or if not wholly, the Industrialized Building System (IBS), which is considered to be an important part of sustainable construction initiative. IBS was introduced to Malaysia as the solution to issues related to dependencies of foreign workers, raising demand for affordable accommodations and improving image, quality and productivity of construction industry. However, the IBS adoption in Malaysia remains low. This paper presents the review of the current issues and barriers of IBS adoption in Malaysian construction industry.

Ratchet Effects in Active Matter Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reichhardt, C. J. Olson; Reichhardt, C.

2017-03-01

Ratchet effects can arise for single or collectively interacting Brownian particles on an asymmetric substrate when a net dc transport is produced by an externally applied ac driving force or by periodically flashing the substrate. Recently, a new class of active ratchet systems that do not require the application of external driving has been realized through the use of active matter; they are self-propelled units that can be biological or nonbiological in nature. When active materials such as swimming bacteria interact with an asymmetric substrate, a net dc directed motion can arise even without external driving, opening a wealth of possibilities such as sorting, cargo transport, or micromachine construction. We review the current status of active matter ratchets for swimming bacteria, cells, active colloids, and swarming models, focusing on the role of particle-substrate interactions. We describe ratchet reversals produced by collective effects and the use of active ratchets to transport passive particles. We discuss future directions including deformable substrates or particles, the role of different swimming modes, varied particle-particle interactions, and nondissipative effects.

Off-line simulation inspires insight: A neurodynamics approach to efficient robot task learning.

PubMed

Sousa, Emanuel; Erlhagen, Wolfram; Ferreira, Flora; Bicho, Estela

2015-12-01

There is currently an increasing demand for robots able to acquire the sequential organization of tasks from social learning interactions with ordinary people. Interactive learning-by-demonstration and communication is a promising research topic in current robotics research. However, the efficient acquisition of generalized task representations that allow the robot to adapt to different users and contexts is a major challenge. In this paper, we present a dynamic neural field (DNF) model that is inspired by the hypothesis that the nervous system uses the off-line re-activation of initial memory traces to incrementally incorporate new information into structured knowledge. To achieve this, the model combines fast activation-based learning to robustly represent sequential information from single task demonstrations with slower, weight-based learning during internal simulations to establish longer-term associations between neural populations representing individual subtasks. The efficiency of the learning process is tested in an assembly paradigm in which the humanoid robot ARoS learns to construct a toy vehicle from its parts. User demonstrations with different serial orders together with the correction of initial prediction errors allow the robot to acquire generalized task knowledge about possible serial orders and the longer term dependencies between subgoals in very few social learning interactions. This success is shown in a joint action scenario in which ARoS uses the newly acquired assembly plan to construct the toy together with a human partner. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A common feature pharmacophore for FDA-approved drugs inhibiting the Ebola virus.

PubMed

Ekins, Sean; Freundlich, Joel S; Coffee, Megan

2014-01-01

We are currently faced with a global infectious disease crisis which has been anticipated for decades. While many promising biotherapeutics are being tested, the search for a small molecule has yet to deliver an approved drug or therapeutic for the Ebola or similar filoviruses that cause haemorrhagic fever. Two recent high throughput screens published in 2013 did however identify several hits that progressed to animal studies that are FDA approved drugs used for other indications. The current computational analysis uses these molecules from two different structural classes to construct a common features pharmacophore. This ligand-based pharmacophore implicates a possible common target or mechanism that could be further explored. A recent structure based design project yielded nine co-crystal structures of pyrrolidinone inhibitors bound to the viral protein 35 (VP35). When receptor-ligand pharmacophores based on the analogs of these molecules and the protein structures were constructed, the molecular features partially overlapped with the common features of solely ligand-based pharmacophore models based on FDA approved drugs. These previously identified FDA approved drugs with activity against Ebola were therefore docked into this protein. The antimalarials chloroquine and amodiaquine docked favorably in VP35. We propose that these drugs identified to date as inhibitors of the Ebola virus may be targeting VP35. These computational models may provide preliminary insights into the molecular features that are responsible for their activity against Ebola virus in vitro and in vivo and we propose that this hypothesis could be readily tested.

Responsiveness of the individual work performance questionnaire

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Individual work performance is an important outcome measure in studies in the workplace. Nevertheless, its conceptualization and measurement has proven challenging. To overcome limitations of existing scales, the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ) was recently developed. The aim of the current study was to gain insight into the responsiveness of the IWPQ. Methods Data were used from the Be Active & Relax randomized controlled trial. The aim of the trial was to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention to stimulate physical activity and relaxation of office workers, on need for recovery. Individual work performance was a secondary outcome measure of the trial. In total, 39 hypotheses were formulated concerning correlations between changes on the IWPQ scales and changes on similar constructs (e.g., presenteeism) and distinct constructs (e.g., need for recovery) used in the trial. Results 260 Participants completed the IWPQ at both baseline and 12 months of follow-up. For the IWPQ scales, 23%, 15%, and 38%, respectively, of the hypotheses could be confirmed. In general, the correlations between change scores were weaker than expected. Nevertheless, at least 85% of the correlations were in the expected direction. Conclusions Based on results of the current study, no firm conclusions can be drawn about the responsiveness of the IWPQ. Several reasons may account for the weaker than expected correlations. Future research on the IWPQ’s responsiveness should be conducted, preferably in other populations and intervention studies, where greater changes over time can be expected. PMID:24885593

A common feature pharmacophore for FDA-approved drugs inhibiting the Ebola virus

PubMed Central

Ekins, Sean; Freundlich, Joel S.; Coffee, Megan

2014-01-01

We are currently faced with a global infectious disease crisis which has been anticipated for decades. While many promising biotherapeutics are being tested, the search for a small molecule has yet to deliver an approved drug or therapeutic for the Ebola or similar filoviruses that cause haemorrhagic fever. Two recent high throughput screens published in 2013 did however identify several hits that progressed to animal studies that are FDA approved drugs used for other indications. The current computational analysis uses these molecules from two different structural classes to construct a common features pharmacophore. This ligand-based pharmacophore implicates a possible common target or mechanism that could be further explored. A recent structure based design project yielded nine co-crystal structures of pyrrolidinone inhibitors bound to the viral protein 35 (VP35). When receptor-ligand pharmacophores based on the analogs of these molecules and the protein structures were constructed, the molecular features partially overlapped with the common features of solely ligand-based pharmacophore models based on FDA approved drugs. These previously identified FDA approved drugs with activity against Ebola were therefore docked into this protein. The antimalarials chloroquine and amodiaquine docked favorably in VP35. We propose that these drugs identified to date as inhibitors of the Ebola virus may be targeting VP35. These computational models may provide preliminary insights into the molecular features that are responsible for their activity against Ebola virus in vitro and in vivo and we propose that this hypothesis could be readily tested. PMID:25653841

Liquid Cooling/Warming Garment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koscheyev, Victor S.; Leon, Gloria R.; Dancisak, Michael J.

2010-01-01

The NASA liquid cooling/ventilating garment (LCVG) currently in use was developed over 40 years ago. With the commencement of a greater number of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) procedures with the construction of the International Space Station, problems of astronaut comfort, as well as the reduction of the consumption of energy, became more salient. A shortened liquid cooling/warming garment (SLCWG) has been developed based on physiological principles comparing the efficacy of heat transfer of different body zones; the capability of blood to deliver heat; individual muscle and fat body composition as a basis for individual thermal profiles to customize the zonal sections of the garment; and the development of shunts to minimize or redirect the cooling/warming loop for different environmental conditions, physical activity levels, and emergency situations. The SLCWG has been designed and completed, based on extensive testing in rest, exercise, and antiorthostatic conditions. It is more energy efficient than the LCVG currently used by NASA. The total length of tubing in the SLCWG is approximately 35 percent less and the weight decreased by 20 percent compared to the LCVG. The novel features of the innovation are: 1. The efficiency of the SLCWG to maintain thermal status under extreme changes in body surface temperatures while using significantly less tubing than the LCVG. 2. The construction of the garment based on physiological principles of heat transfer. 3. The identification of the body areas that are most efficient in heat transfer. 4. The inclusion of a hood as part of the garment. 5. The lesser consumption of energy.

Academic Identity Status and the Relationship to Achievement Goal Orientation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Was, Christopher A.; Al-Harthy, Ibrahim; Stack-Oden, Maura; Isaacson, Randall M.

2009-01-01

Introduction: Two constructs that have received a great deal of attention in Educational Psychology research are Achievement Orientation and Identity Status. However, the relationship between these two constructs has not received the attention that the current researcher feel is warranted. The impetus for the current study is the paucity of…

Construction of highly ordered polyaniline nanowires and their applications in DNA sensing.

PubMed

Hao, Yuanqiang; Zhou, Binbin; Wang, Fangbin; Li, Juan; Deng, Liu; Liu, You-Nian

2014-02-15

A novel electrochemical active polyaniline (PANI) nanowire was fabricated and utilized for the construction of a highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for hepatitis B virus gene. The uniform PANI nanowire was prepared by the enzymatic polymerization of aniline monomers on the amyloid-like nanofiber (AP nanowire), which was self-assembled from an aniline-attached nonapeptide, aniline-GGAAKLVFF (AP). The prepared PANI nanowires were characterized by electron microscopy, UV-vis absorption spectra, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). These ultra-thin nanowires displayed high electrochemical activity. Then the nucleic acid biosensor was constructed by modifying a glass carbon electrode with AP nanowires which were functionalized by a designed hair-pin loop DNA. Upon the presence of target nucleic acid and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labeled oligonucleotide, the HRP will catalyze the polymerization of aniline monomers conjugated in AP nanowires, leading to the formation of PANI nanowires which can bring about a dramatical increase in the current response of the biosensor. The dynamic range of the sensor for hepatitis B virus gene is 2.0-800.0 fM with a low detection limit of 1.0 fM (3σ, n=10). The biosensor also displayed highly selectivity and stability. All these excellent performances of the developed biosensor indicate that this platform can be easily extended to the detection of other nucleic acids. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioelectrochemistry of non-covalent immobilized alcohol dehydrogenase on oxidized diamond nanoparticles.

PubMed

Nicolau, Eduardo; Méndez, Jessica; Fonseca, José J; Griebenow, Kai; Cabrera, Carlos R

2012-06-01

Diamond nanoparticles are considered a biocompatible material mainly due to their non-cytotoxicity and remarkable cellular uptake. Model proteins such as cytochrome c and lysozyme have been physically adsorbed onto diamond nanoparticles, proving it to be a suitable surface for high protein loading. Herein, we explore the non-covalent immobilization of the redox enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (E.C.1.1.1.1) onto oxidized diamond nanoparticles for bioelectrochemical applications. Diamond nanoparticles were first oxidized and physically characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR and TEM. Langmuir isotherms were constructed to investigate the ADH adsorption onto the diamond nanoparticles as a function of pH. It was found that a higher packing density is achieved at the isoelectric point of the enzyme. Moreover, the relative activity of the immobilized enzyme on diamond nanoparticles was addressed under optimum pH conditions able to retain up to 70% of its initial activity. Thereafter, an ethanol bioelectrochemical cell was constructed by employing the immobilized alcohol dehydrogenase onto diamond nanoparticles, this being able to provide a current increment of 72% when compared to the blank solution. The results of this investigation suggest that this technology may be useful for the construction of alcohol biosensors or biofuel cells in the near future. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-day activity scheduling reactions to planned activities and future events in a dynamic model of activity-travel behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nijland, Linda; Arentze, Theo; Timmermans, Harry

2014-01-01

Modeling multi-day planning has received scarce attention in activity-based transport demand modeling so far. However, new dynamic activity-based approaches are being developed at the current moment. The frequency and inflexibility of planned activities and events in activity schedules of individuals indicate the importance of incorporating those pre-planned activities in the new generation of dynamic travel demand models. Elaborating and combining previous work on event-driven activity generation, the aim of this paper is to develop and illustrate an extension of a need-based model of activity generation that takes into account possible influences of pre-planned activities and events. This paper describes the theory and shows the results of simulations of the extension. The simulation was conducted for six different activities, and the parameter values used were consistent with an earlier estimation study. The results show that the model works well and that the influences of the parameters are consistent, logical, and have clear interpretations. These findings offer further evidence of face and construct validity to the suggested modeling approach.

Religion and American Adolescent Delinquency, Risk Behaviors and Constructive Social Activities. A Research Report of the National Study of Youth and Religion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Christian; Faris, Robert

This study used data from the Monitoring the Future Survey of high school seniors to examine the impact of religion on U.S. adolescents' participation in constructive youth activities. Overall, religion positively related to participation in constructive activities. Students who participated in religious activities tended to be less likely to…

Development, Construction, and Content Validation of a Questionnaire to Test Mobile Shower Commode Usability

PubMed Central

Theodoros, Deborah G.; Russell, Trevor G.

2015-01-01

Background: Usability is an emerging domain of outcomes measurement in assistive technology provision. Currently, no questionnaires exist to test the usability of mobile shower commodes (MSCs) used by adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objective: To describe the development, construction, and initial content validation of an electronic questionnaire to test mobile shower commode usability for this population. Methods: The questionnaire was constructed using a mixed-methods approach in 5 phases: determining user preferences for the questionnaire’s format, developing an item bank of usability indicators from the literature and judgement of experts, constructing a preliminary questionnaire, assessing content validity with a panel of experts, and constructing the final questionnaire. Results: The electronic Mobile Shower Commode Assessment Tool Version 1.0 (eMAST 1.0) questionnaire tests MSC features and performance during activities identified using a mixed-methods approach and in consultation with users. It confirms that usability is complex and multidimensional. The final questionnaire contains 25 questions in 3 sections. The eMAST 1.0 demonstrates excellent content validity as determined by a small sample of expert clinicians. Conclusion: The eMAST 1.0 tests usability of MSCs from the perspective of adults with SCI and may be used to solicit feedback during MSC design, assessment, prescription, and ongoing use. Further studies assessing the eMAST’s psychometric properties, including studies with users of MSCs, are needed. PMID:25762862

Sport participation among individuals with acquired physical disabilities: group differences on demographic, disability, and Health Action Process Approach constructs.

PubMed

Perrier, Marie-Josée; Shirazipour, Celina H; Latimer-Cheung, Amy E

2015-04-01

Despite numerous physical, social, and mental health benefits of engaging in moderate and vigorous intensity physical activities (e.g., sport), few individuals with acquired physical disabilities currently participate in adapted sport. Theory-based sport promotion interventions are one possible way to increase the amount of individuals who engage in sport. The primary objective of this study was to examine the profiles of three different sport participation groups with respect to demographic, injury, and Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) constructs. ANOVAs and Chi-square tests were used to determine group differences on demographic and disability-related constructs. A MANCOVA was conducted to determine differences between three sport participation groups (non-intenders, intenders, and actors) with age, years post-injury, mode of mobility, and sex included as covariates. A cohort of 201 individuals was recruited; 56 (27.9%) were non-intenders, 21 (10.4%) were intenders, and 124 (61.7%) were actors. The MANCOVA revealed significant differences between groups on the HAPA constructs, F(22,370) = 9.02, p < .0001, Pillai's trace = .70, demonstrating that individuals with acquired physical disabilities will rate important health behavior constructs differently based on their sport intentions. These results provide an important framework that adapted sport organizations can use to tailor their sport promotion programs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Construction and Characterization of a Chitosan-Immobilized-Enzyme and β-Cyclodextrin-Included-Ferrocene-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for H₂O₂ Detection.

PubMed

Dong, Wenbo; Wang, Kaiyin; Chen, Yu; Li, Weiping; Ye, Yanchun; Jin, Shaohua

2017-07-28

An electrochemical detection biosensor was prepared with the chitosan-immobilized-enzyme (CTS-CAT) and β-cyclodextrin-included-ferrocene (β-CD-FE) complex for the determination of H₂O₂. Ferrocene (FE) was included in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to increase its stability. The structure of the β-CD-FE was characterized. The inclusion amount, inclusion rate, and electrochemical properties of inclusion complexes were determined to optimize the reaction conditions for the inclusion. CTS-CAT was prepared by a step-by-step immobilization method, which overcame the disadvantages of the conventional preparation methods. The immobilization conditions were optimized to obtain the desired enzyme activity. CTS-CAT/β-CD-FE composite electrodes were prepared by compositing the CTS-CAT with the β-CD-FE complex on a glassy carbon electrode and used for the electrochemical detection of H₂O₂. It was found that the CTS-CAT could produce a strong reduction peak current in response to H₂O₂ and the β-CD-FE could amplify the current signal. The peak current exhibited a linear relationship with the H₂O₂ concentration in the range of 1.0 × 10 -7 -6.0 × 10 -3 mol/L. Our work provided a novel method for the construction of electrochemical biosensors with a fast response, good stability, high sensitivity, and a wide linear response range based on the composite of chitosan and cyclodextrin.

Pregnancy intentions – a complex construct and call for new measures

PubMed Central

Mumford, Sunni L.; Sapra, Katherine J.; King, Rosalind B.; Louis, Jean Fredo; Buck Louis, Germaine M.

2016-01-01

Objective To estimate the prevalence of unintended pregnancies under relaxed assumptions regarding birth control use compared with a traditional constructed measure. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Not applicable. Patients Nationally representative sample of U.S. females aged 15–44 years. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) The prevalence of intended and unintended pregnancies as estimated by 1) a traditional constructed measure from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), and 2) a constructed measure relaxing assumptions regarding birth control use, reasons for non-use, and pregnancy timing. Results The prevalence of unintended pregnancies was 6% higher using the traditional constructed measure as compared to the approach with relaxed assumptions (NSFG: 44%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 41, 46; new construct 38%, 95% CI 36, 41). Using the NSFG approach only 92% of women who stopped birth control to become pregnant and 0% of women who were not using contraceptives at the time of the pregnancy and reported that they did not mind getting pregnant were classified as having intended pregnancies, compared to 100% using the new construct. Conclusion Current measures of pregnancy intention may overestimate rates of unintended pregnancy, with over 340,000 pregnancies in the United States misclassified as unintended using the current approach, corresponding to an estimated savings of $678 million in public health care expenditures. Current constructs make assumptions that may not reflect contemporary reproductive practices and improved measures are needed. PMID:27490044

Undergraduate Student Construction and Interpretation of Graphs in Physics Lab Activities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nixon, Ryan S.; Godfrey, T. J.; Mayhew, Nicholas T.; Wiegert, Craig C.

2016-01-01

Lab activities are an important element of an undergraduate physics course. In these lab activities, students construct and interpret graphs in order to connect the procedures of the lab with an understanding of the related physics concepts. This study investigated undergraduate students' construction and interpretation of graphs with best-fit…

A Backwards Binding Construction in Zapotec.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Black, Cheryl A.

Many of the Zapotecan (Mexico) languages have a unique way of signaling co-reference between the subject and the possessor of the object: the subject is null. Analysis of such a construction is problematic to current theories of anaphoric construction. In this analysis, the construction is described and the theoretical problem is underlined by…

Politica de las Construcciones Escolares (Policy for School Construction).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Storni, Adolfo Enrique, Ed.; And Others

This document establishes the policy for school construction programs and projects to be conducted in Argentina. The first part establishes the bases for construction and defines the policy and its objectives. The second part discusses school construction in view of educational reform and planning and considers analysis of current systems,…

Multilayer organic based structures with enhanced hole transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mladenova, D.; Sinigersky, V.; Budurova, D.; Dobreva, T.; Karashanova, D.; Dimov, D.; Zhivkov, I.

2010-11-01

Multilayer Organic Based Devices (OBDs) were constructed by subsequent casting of organic films (from polymers, soluble in the same organic solvent). The problem with dissolution of the underlying layer was avoided by using electrophoretic deposition technique. Optimized conditions for electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of thin films with homogeneous and smooth surfaces, as confirmed by SEM, were found. The EPD, carried out at constant current, requires continuous increase of the voltage between the electrodes. In this way the decreased deposition rate caused by the decreased concentration of the material in the suspension and the increased thickness of the film deposited is compensated. The SEM images and the current voltage characteristics recorded, show that the hole transport polyvinylcarbazole (PVK) underlayer survive the treatment with the suspension used for the electrophoretic deposition of the active poly[2-methoxy-5-(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] electroluminescent layer. The PVK hole transport layer increases the device current, as confirmed by the current-voltage measurements. The results obtained demonstrate the possibility of OBDs preparation for electroluminescent and photovoltaic applications.

A new instrument system to investigate sediment dynamics on continental shelves

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cacchione, D.A.; Drake, D.E.

1979-01-01

A new instrumented tripod, the GEOPROBE system, has been constructed and used to collect time-series data on physical and geological parameters that are important in bottom sediment dynamics on continental shelves. Simultaneous in situ digital recording of pressure, temperature, light scattering, and light transmission, in combination with current velocity profiles measured with a near-bottom vertical array of electromagnetic current meters, is used to correlate bottom shear generated by a variety of oceanic processes (waves, tides, mean flow, etc.) with incipient movement and resuspension of bottom sediment. A bottom camera system that is activated when current speeds exceed preset threshold values provides a unique method to identify initial sediment motion and bed form development. Data from a twenty day deployment of the GEOPROBE system in Norton Sound, Alaska, during the period September 24 - October 14, 1976 show that threshold conditions for sediment movement are commonly exceeded, even in calm weather periods, due to the additive effects of tidal currents, mean circulation, and surface waves. ?? 1979.

Maintenance & construction operations user service : an addendum to the ITS program plan

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2001-01-26

The Maintenance and Construction Operations User Service describes the need for integrating key activities. Generally, key Maintenance and Construction Operations (MCO) activities include monitoring, operating, maintaining, improving, and managing th...

Young Children's Block Construction Activities: Findings from 3 Years of Observation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanline, Mary Frances; Milton, Sande; Phelps, Pamela

2001-01-01

A 3-year study explored the development of the complexity of block constructions of 65 preschool children. Results indicated that the complexity of block constructions increased with age, the time the child was involved with block construction activities had a positive effect on complexity, and gender did not influence block construction…

Safety risk assessment for vertical concrete formwork activities in civil engineering construction.

PubMed

López-Arquillos, Antonio; Rubio-Romero, Juan Carlos; Gibb, Alistair G F; Gambatese, John A

2014-01-01

The construction sector has one of the worst occupational health and safety records in Europe. Of all construction tasks, formwork activities are associated with a high frequency of accidents and injuries. This paper presents an investigation of the activities and related safety risks present in vertical formwork for in-situ concrete construction in the civil engineering sector. Using the methodology of staticized groups, twelve activities and ten safety risks were identified and validated by experts. Every safety risk identified in this manner was quantified for each activity using binary methodology according to the frequency and severity scales developed in prior research. A panel of experts was selected according to the relevant literature on staticized groups. The results obtained show that the activities with the highest risk in vertical formwork tasks are: Plumbing and leveling of forms, cutting of material, handling materials with cranes, and climbing or descending ladders. The most dangerous health and safety risks detected were falls from height, cutting and overexertion. The research findings provide construction practitioners with further evidence of the hazardous activities associated with concrete formwork construction and a starting point for targeting worker health and safety programmes.

Three-dimensional porous MXene/layered double hydroxide composite for high performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ya; Dou, Hui; Wang, Jie; Ding, Bing; Xu, Yunling; Chang, Zhi; Hao, Xiaodong

2016-09-01

In this work, an exfoliated MXene (e-MXene) nanosheets/nickel-aluminum layered double hydroxide (MXene/LDH) composite as supercapacitor electrode material is fabricated by in situ growth of LDH on e-MXene substrate. The LDH platelets homogeneously grown on the surface of the e-MXene sheets construct a three-dimensional (3D) porous structure, which not only leads to high active sites exposure of LDH and facile liquid electrolyte penetration, but also alleviates the volume change of LDH during the charge/discharge process. Meanwhile, the e -MXene substrate forms a conductive network to facilitate the electron transport of active material. The optimized MXene/LDH composite exhibits a high specific capacitance of 1061 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1, excellent capacitance retention of 70% after 4000 cycle tests at a current density of 4 A g-1 and a good rate capability with 556 F g-1 retention at 10 A g-1.

[The Shmakovka health resort: the history and the current status].

PubMed

Derkacheva, L N; Kosolapov, A B; Demeev, Ya A; Skachkov, O A; Galenko, E V

The authors distinguish three periods in the history of the «Shmakovka» health resort, viz. pre-revolutionary (from 1870 to 1917), Soviet (from 1917 to 1991) and modern (since 1992 up to the present time). The history of the discovery and the initial development of the mineral springs is highlighted, the foundation and evolution of the major facilities of the «Shmakovka» health resort in the years of socialist construction in the Soviet period is described. Information about the main areas of research carried out based at these facilities at different times is presented. Special attention is given to the various aspects of the sustainable development of the «Shmakovka» health resort in the context of the current tendencies toward activation of the import substitution activities with special reference to the organization of tourism in this country, strengthening of the material-technical base of the health centers, improvement of the quality of medical and health services, and further development of scientific research.

Low profile, highly configurable, current sharing paralleled wide band gap power device power module

DOEpatents

McPherson, Brice; Killeen, Peter D.; Lostetter, Alex; Shaw, Robert; Passmore, Brandon; Hornberger, Jared; Berry, Tony M

2016-08-23

A power module with multiple equalized parallel power paths supporting multiple parallel bare die power devices constructed with low inductance equalized current paths for even current sharing and clean switching events. Wide low profile power contacts provide low inductance, short current paths, and large conductor cross section area provides for massive current carrying. An internal gate & source kelvin interconnection substrate is provided with individual ballast resistors and simple bolted construction. Gate drive connectors are provided on either left or right size of the module. The module is configurable as half bridge, full bridge, common source, and common drain topologies.

An Approach for Measuring Reductions in Operations, Maintenance, and Energy Costs: Baseline Measures of Construction Industry Practices for the National Construction Goals.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chapman, Robert E.; Rennison, Roderick

The Construction and Building Subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has established seven National Construction Goals for the construction industry and is developing baseline measures for current practices and progress with respect to each goal. This document provides a detailed set of baseline measures for the NSTC…

Effective factor of virtual team: Resolving communication breakdown in IBS construction project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pozin, Mohd Affendi Ahmad; Nawi, Mohd. Nasrun Mohd.

2016-08-01

Currently, rapid development of information technology has provided new opportunities to organisation toward increasing the effectiveness of collaboration and teamwork management. Thus the virtual team approach has been implemented in numerous of field. However, there is limited study of virtual team in construction project management. Currently IBS project is still based on traditional construction process which is isolation team working environment. Therefore this approach has been declared as a main barrier to ensure cooperative working relation in term of communication and information in between project stakeholders. Thus, this paper through literature review is attempted to present a discussion of the virtual team approach toward IBS project in developing effective team communication during construction project.

Facile construction of 3D graphene/MoS2 composites as advanced electrode materials for supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Tianhua; Li, Zhangpeng; Liu, Xiaohong; Ma, Limin; Wang, Jinqing; Yang, Shengrong

2016-11-01

Flower-like molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) microstructures are synthesized based on three-dimensional graphene (3DG) skeleton via a simple and facile one-step hydrothermal method, aiming at constructing series of novel composite electrode materials of 3DG/MoS2 with high electrochemical performances for supercapacitors. The electrochemical properties of the samples are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests. Specifically, the optimal 3DG/MoS2 composite exhibits remarkable performances with a high specific capacitance of 410 F g-1 at a current density of 1 A g-1 and an excellent cycling stability with ca. 80.3% capacitance retention after 10,000 continuous charge-discharge cycles at a high current density of 2 A g-1, making it adaptive for high-performance supercapacitors. The enhanced electrochemical performances can be ascribed to the combination of 3DG and flower-like MoS2, which provides excellent charge transfer network and electrolyte diffusion channels while effectively prevents the collapse, aggregation and morphology change of active materials during charge-discharge process. The results demonstrate that 3DG/MoS2 composite is one of the attractive electrode materials for supercapacitors.

A filter-mediated communication model for design collaboration in building construction.

PubMed

Lee, Jaewook; Jeong, Yongwook; Oh, Minho; Hong, Seung Wan

2014-01-01

Multidisciplinary collaboration is an important aspect of modern engineering activities, arising from the growing complexity of artifacts whose design and construction require knowledge and skills that exceed the capacities of any one professional. However, current collaboration in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries often fails due to lack of shared understanding between different participants and limitations of their supporting tools. To achieve a high level of shared understanding, this study proposes a filter-mediated communication model. In the proposed model, participants retain their own data in the form most appropriate for their needs with domain-specific filters that transform the neutral representations into semantically rich ones, as needed by the participants. Conversely, the filters can translate semantically rich, domain-specific data into a neutral representation that can be accessed by other domain-specific filters. To validate the feasibility of the proposed model, we computationally implement the filter mechanism and apply it to a hypothetical test case. The result acknowledges that the filter mechanism can let the participants know ahead of time what will be the implications of their proposed actions, as seen from other participants' points of view.

The Homemade Alternative: Teaching Human Neurophysiology with Instrumentation Made (Almost) from Scratch

PubMed Central

Hauptman, Stephen; Du Bois, Katherine; Johnson, Bruce R.

2012-01-01

Recording human neurophysiological data in the teaching laboratory generally requires expensive instrumentation. From our experience in developing inexpensive equipment used in teaching neurophysiology laboratory exercises, we offer a strategy for the development of affordable and safe recording of human neurophysiological parameters. There are many resources available to guide the design and construction of electronic equipment that will record human biopotentials. An important consideration is subject safety, and the electrical characteristics of any equipment must meet strict galvanic isolation standards. Wireless data gathering offers the most complete isolation from 120VAC current. As an example, we present a homemade electrocardiogram recording circuit using only inexpensive and readily available components. We outline the feasibility of constructing equipment that meets the needs of the student laboratory for good data collection, and we consider the obstacles likely to be encountered in these projects. If students actively participate in the equipment design and construction, the process can also be a teaching tool. Students may gain a deeper understanding of the human neurobiology by making the electronic data acquisition and its presentation more transparent. PMID:23493343

Bin recycling strategy for improving the histogram precision on GPU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cárdenas-Montes, Miguel; Rodríguez-Vázquez, Juan José; Vega-Rodríguez, Miguel A.

2016-07-01

Histogram is an easily comprehensible way to present data and analyses. In the current scientific context with access to large volumes of data, the processing time for building histogram has dramatically increased. For this reason, parallel construction is necessary to alleviate the impact of the processing time in the analysis activities. In this scenario, GPU computing is becoming widely used for reducing until affordable levels the processing time of histogram construction. Associated to the increment of the processing time, the implementations are stressed on the bin-count accuracy. Accuracy aspects due to the particularities of the implementations are not usually taken into consideration when building histogram with very large data sets. In this work, a bin recycling strategy to create an accuracy-aware implementation for building histogram on GPU is presented. In order to evaluate the approach, this strategy was applied to the computation of the three-point angular correlation function, which is a relevant function in Cosmology for the study of the Large Scale Structure of Universe. As a consequence of the study a high-accuracy implementation for histogram construction on GPU is proposed.

Perspectives and Peptides of the Next Generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brogden, Kim A.

Shortly after their discovery, antimicrobial peptides from prokaryotes and eukaryotes were recognized as the next potential generation of pharmaceuticals to treat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and septic shock, to preserve food, or to sanitize surfaces. Initial research focused on identifying the spectrum of antimicrobial agents, determining the range of antimicrobial activities against bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens, and assessing the antimicrobial activity of synthetic peptides versus their natural counterparts. Subsequent research then focused on the mechanisms of antimicrobial peptide activity in model membrane systems not only to identify the mechanisms of antimicrobial peptide activity in microorganisms but also to discern differences in cytotoxicity for prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Recent, contemporary work now focuses on current and future efforts to construct hybrid peptides, peptide congeners, stabilized peptides, peptide conjugates, and immobilized peptides for unique and specific applications to control the growth of microorganisms in vitro and in vivo.

Development of coin-type cell and engineering of its compartments for rechargeable seawater batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jinhyup; Hwang, Soo Min; Go, Wooseok; Senthilkumar, S. T.; Jeon, Donghoon; Kim, Youngsik

2018-01-01

Cell design and optimization of the components, including active materials and passive components, play an important role in constructing robust, high-performance rechargeable batteries. Seawater batteries, which utilize earth-abundant and natural seawater as the active material in an open-structured cathode, require a new platform for building and testing the cells other than typical Li-ion coin-type or pouch-type cells. Herein, we present new findings based on our optimized cell. Engineering the cathode components-improving the wettability of cathode current collector and seawater catholyte flow-improves the battery performance (voltage efficiency). Optimizing the cell component and design is the key to identifying the electrochemical processes and reactions of active materials. Hence, the outcome of this research can provide a systematic study of potentially active materials used in seawater batteries and their effectiveness on the electrochemical performance.

Evidence for transcriptional interference in a dual-luciferase reporter system.

PubMed

Wu, Guo-Qing; Wang, Xiao; Zhou, Hong-Ying; Chai, Ke-Qun; Xue, Qian; Zheng, Ai-Hong; Zhu, Xiu-Ming; Xiao, Jian-Yong; Ying, Xu-Hua; Wang, Fu-Wei; Rui, Tao; Xu, Li-Yun; Zhang, Yong-Kui; Liao, Yi-Ji; Xie, Dan; Lu, Li-Qin; Huang, Dong-Sheng

2015-12-01

The dual-luciferase reporter assay is widely used for microRNA target identification and the functional validation of predicted targets. To determine whether curcumin regulates expression of the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) by targeting its 3'untranslated region (3'UTR), two luciferase reporter systems containing exactly the same sequence of the EZH2 3'UTR were used to perform dual-luciferase reporter assays. Surprisingly, there were certain discrepancies between the luciferase activities derived from these two reporter constructs. We normalized luciferase activity to an internal control to determine the amount of the reporter construct successfully transfected into cells, induced a transcriptional block with flavopiridol, quantified renilla luciferase mRNA levels, and compared the absolute luciferase activity among the different groups. The results suggested that curcumin promoted the transcription of the luciferase genes located downstream of the simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40) early enhancer/promoter, but not those located downstream of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early or the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) promoters. These results explain the discrepancies between the two luciferase reporter systems. The current study underscores the importance of taking caution when interpreting the results of dual-luciferase reporter assays and provides strategies to overcome the potential pitfall accompanying dual-luciferase reporter systems.

Evidence for transcriptional interference in a dual-luciferase reporter system

PubMed Central

Wu, Guo-Qing; Wang, Xiao; Zhou, Hong-Ying; Chai, Ke-Qun; Xue, Qian; Zheng, Ai-Hong; Zhu, Xiu-Ming; Xiao, Jian-Yong; Ying, Xu-Hua; Wang, Fu-Wei; Rui, Tao; Xu, Li-Yun; Zhang, Yong-Kui; Liao, Yi-Ji; Xie, Dan; Lu, Li-Qin; Huang, Dong-Sheng

2015-01-01

The dual-luciferase reporter assay is widely used for microRNA target identification and the functional validation of predicted targets. To determine whether curcumin regulates expression of the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) by targeting its 3′untranslated region (3′UTR), two luciferase reporter systems containing exactly the same sequence of the EZH2 3′UTR were used to perform dual-luciferase reporter assays. Surprisingly, there were certain discrepancies between the luciferase activities derived from these two reporter constructs. We normalized luciferase activity to an internal control to determine the amount of the reporter construct successfully transfected into cells, induced a transcriptional block with flavopiridol, quantified renilla luciferase mRNA levels, and compared the absolute luciferase activity among the different groups. The results suggested that curcumin promoted the transcription of the luciferase genes located downstream of the simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40) early enhancer/promoter, but not those located downstream of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate-early or the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) promoters. These results explain the discrepancies between the two luciferase reporter systems. The current study underscores the importance of taking caution when interpreting the results of dual-luciferase reporter assays and provides strategies to overcome the potential pitfall accompanying dual-luciferase reporter systems. PMID:26620302

Construction of a Conceptualization of Personal Knowledge within a Knowledge Management Perspective Using Grounded Theory Methodology

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Straw, Eric M.

2013-01-01

The current research used grounded theory methodology (GTM) to construct a conceptualization of personal knowledge within a knowledge management (KM) perspective. The need for the current research was based on the use of just two categories of knowledge, explicit and tacit, within KM literature to explain diverse characteristics of personal…

Current Practices in the Construction of State Courses of Study. Bulletin, 1931, No. 4

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Langvick, Mina M.

1931-01-01

The purpose of this study is to analyze current practices in the construction of State courses of study. Available State courses of study, reports of survey commissions and educational officials, and other State educational publications have been examined to discover the problems considered significant by State educational officials and the…

Multimedia techniques for construction education and training : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-02-01

The current profession of civil engineering often focuses education and training on code compliance rather than constructability and construction techniques. Also, it is well accepted that it takes a decade or more for engineers to develop a high-lev...

12 CFR 723.21 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... commercial endeavor with the borrower. Construction or development loan is a financing arrangement for...; or similar uses. Construction or development loan includes a financing arrangement for the major... the major renovation or development or is a major expansion of its current use. Construction or...

12 CFR 723.21 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... commercial endeavor with the borrower. Construction or development loan is a financing arrangement for...; or similar uses. Construction or development loan includes a financing arrangement for the major... the major renovation or development or is a major expansion of its current use. Construction or...

12 CFR 723.21 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... commercial endeavor with the borrower. Construction or development loan is a financing arrangement for...; or similar uses. Construction or development loan includes a financing arrangement for the major... the major renovation or development or is a major expansion of its current use. Construction or...

12 CFR 723.21 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... commercial endeavor with the borrower. Construction or development loan is a financing arrangement for...; or similar uses. Construction or development loan includes a financing arrangement for the major... the major renovation or development or is a major expansion of its current use. Construction or...

12 CFR 723.21 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... commercial endeavor with the borrower. Construction or development loan is a financing arrangement for...; or similar uses. Construction or development loan includes a financing arrangement for the major... the major renovation or development or is a major expansion of its current use. Construction or...

Electromigration Mechanism of Failure in Flip-Chip Solder Joints Based on Discrete Void Formation.

PubMed

Chang, Yuan-Wei; Cheng, Yin; Helfen, Lukas; Xu, Feng; Tian, Tian; Scheel, Mario; Di Michiel, Marco; Chen, Chih; Tu, King-Ning; Baumbach, Tilo

2017-12-20

In this investigation, SnAgCu and SN100C solders were electromigration (EM) tested, and the 3D laminography imaging technique was employed for in-situ observation of the microstructure evolution during testing. We found that discrete voids nucleate, grow and coalesce along the intermetallic compound/solder interface during EM testing. A systematic analysis yields quantitative information on the number, volume, and growth rate of voids, and the EM parameter of DZ*. We observe that fast intrinsic diffusion in SnAgCu solder causes void growth and coalescence, while in the SN100C solder this coalescence was not significant. To deduce the current density distribution, finite-element models were constructed on the basis of the laminography images. The discrete voids do not change the global current density distribution, but they induce the local current crowding around the voids: this local current crowding enhances the lateral void growth and coalescence. The correlation between the current density and the probability of void formation indicates that a threshold current density exists for the activation of void formation. There is a significant increase in the probability of void formation when the current density exceeds half of the maximum value.

Exploring medical student learning in the large group teaching environment: examining current practice to inform curricular development.

PubMed

Luscombe, Ciara; Montgomery, Julia

2016-07-19

Lectures continue to be an efficient and standardised way to deliver information to large groups of students. It has been well documented that students prefer interactive lectures, based on active learning principles, to didactic teaching in the large group setting. Despite this, it is often the case than many students do not engage with active learning tasks and attempts at interaction. By exploring student experiences, expectations and how they use lectures in their learning we will provide recommendations for faculty to support student learning both in the lecture theatre and during personal study time. This research employed a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Three focus groups, consisting of 19 students in total, were used to explore the experiences of second year medical students in large group teaching sessions. Using generic thematic data analysis, these accounts have been developed into a meaningful account of experience. This study found there to be a well-established learning culture amongst students and with it, expectations as to the format of teaching sessions. Furthermore, there were set perceptions about the student role within the learning environment which had many implications, including the way that innovative teaching methods were received. Student learning was perceived to take place outside the lecture theatre, with a large emphasis placed on creating resources that can be taken away to use in personal study time. Presented here is a constructive review of reasons for student participation, interaction and engagement in large group teaching sessions. Based on this are recommendations constructed with the view to aid educators in engaging students within this setting. Short term, educators can implement strategies that monopolise on the established learning culture of students to encourage engagement with active learning strategies. Long term, it would be beneficial for educators to consider ways to shift the current student learning culture to one that embraces an active learning curriculum.

4D Dynamic RNP Annual Interim Report-Year 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finkelsztein, Daniel M.; Sturdy, James L.; Alaverdi, Omeed; Chung, William W.; Salvano, Daniel; Klooster, Joel; Hochwarth, Joachim K.

2010-01-01

This Annual Interim Report summarizes the activities led by Raytheon, in collaboration with GE Aviation and SAIC, and presents the results obtained during the first year of this research effort to expand the RNP concept to 4 dimensions relative to a dynamic frame of reference. Joint Program Development Office (JPDO)Concepts of Operations for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) considers 4 Dimension Trajectory (4DT) procedures a key enabler to Trajectory Based Operations (TBO). The JPDO defines 4DT as a precise description of an aircraft path in space and time . While NextGen assumes that this path is defined within an Earth-reference frame, many 4DT procedure implementations will require an aircraft to precisely navigate relative to a moving reference such as another aircraft to form aggregate flows or a weather cell to allow for flows to shift. Current methods of implementing routes and flight paths rely on aircraft meeting a Required Navigation Performance (RNP) specification and being equipped with a monitoring and alerting capability to annunciate when the aircraft system is unable to meet the performance specification required for the operation. Since all aircraft today operate within the NAS relative to fixed reference points, the current RNP definition is deemed satisfactory. However, it is not well understood how the current RNP construct will support NextGen 4DT procedures where aircraft operate relative to each other or to other dynamic frames of reference. The objective of this research effort is to analyze candidate 4DT procedures from both an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) and aircraft perspective, to identify their specific navigational requirements, assess the shortcomings of the current RNP construct to meet these requirements, to propose an extended 4 Dimensional Dynamic RNP (4D Dynamic RNP) construct that accounts for the dynamic spatial and temporal nature of the selected 4DT procedures, and finally, to design an experiment using the Airspace and Traffic Operations Simulation (ATOS) system to validate the 4D Dynamic RNP construct. This Annual Interim Report summarizes the activities led by Raytheon, in collaboration with GE Aviation and SAIC, and presents the results obtained during the first year of this research effort to expand the RNP concept to 4 dimensions relative to a dynamic frame of reference. A comprehensive assessment of the state-of-the-art international implementation of current RNP was completed and presented in the Contractor Report RNP State-of-the-Art Assessment, Version 4, 17 December 2008 . The team defined in detail two 4DT operations, Airborne Precision Spacing and Self-Separation, that are ideally suited to be supported by 4D Dynamic RNP and developed their respective conceptual frameworks, Required Interval Management Performance (RIMP) Version 1.1, 13 April 2009 and Required Self Separation Performance (RSSP) Version 1.1, 13 April 2009 . Finally, the team started the development of a mathematical model and simulation tool for RIMP and RSSP scheduled to be delivered during the second year of this research effort.

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

Reichhardt, Cynthia Jane; Reichhardt, Charles

Ratchet effects can arise for single or collectively interacting Brownian particles on an asymmetric substrate when a net dc transport is produced by an externally applied ac driving force or by periodically flashing the substrate. Recently, a new class of active ratchet systems that do not require the application of external driving has been realized through the use of active matter; they are self-propelled units that can be biological or nonbiological in nature. When active materials such as swimming bacteria interact with an asymmetric substrate, a net dc directed motion can arise even without external driving, opening a wealth ofmore » possibilities such as sorting, cargo transport, or micromachine construction. We review the current status of active matter ratchets for swimming bacteria, cells, active colloids, and swarming models, focusing on the role of particle-substrate interactions. Here, we describe ratchet reversals produced by collective effects and the use of active ratchets to transport passive particles. We discuss future directions including deformable substrates or particles, the role of different swimming modes, varied particle–particle interactions, and nondissipative effects.« less

The relationship among physical activity, motor competence and health-related fitness in 14-year-old adolescents.

PubMed

Hands, B; Larkin, D; Parker, H; Straker, L; Perry, M

2009-10-01

Physical activity, physical fitness and motor competence are important health-related constructs. However, the relationship among them, particularly for children and adolescents, is still unclear. In this study, motor competence (measured by the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development), pedometer-determined physical activity and physical fitness (aerobic fitness, muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility and body composition) were examined in a cohort of 1585 adolescents (771 girls, 814 boys) of mean age 14.06 years. Significant gender differences were observed for all measures except motor competence. Apart from hip and shoulder flexibility, males outperformed females. For both males and females, motor competence was associated with all fitness measures, physical activity was associated only with aerobic fitness and aerobic fitness was associated with physical activity, motor competence, BMI and chest pass. Among males, aerobic fitness was also associated with all other fitness tests. The correlations were, in general, moderate to weak. The results challenge the current focus on physical activity rather than physical fitness as the preferred intervention.

Introduction to the Special Section: Toward a Dimensionally Based Taxonomy of Psychopathology

PubMed Central

Krueger, Robert F.; Watson, David; Barlow, David H.

2008-01-01

Much current psychopathology research is framed by categorical constructs. Limitations of categorical constructs have been articulated, and dimensional constructs are often proposed as viable alternatives to categories of psychopathology. The purpose of this Special Section is to articulate and discuss diverse issues that arise in contemplating dimensional constructs as targets for psychopathology research. PMID:16351372

Oligonucleotides as antivirals: dream or realistic perspective?

PubMed

Van Aerschot, Arthur

2006-09-01

Many reports have been published on antiviral activity of synthetic oligonucleotides, targeted to act either by a true antisense effect or via non-sequence specific interactions. This short review will try to evaluate the current status of the field by focusing on the effects as reported for inhibition of either HSV-1, HCMV or HIV-1. Following an introduction with a historical background and a brief discussion on the different types of constructs and mechanisms of action, the therapeutic potential of antisense oligonucleotides as antivirals, as well as possible pitfalls upon their evaluation will be discussed.

Light Optics for Optical Stochastic Cooling

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

Andorf, Matthew; Lebedev, Valeri; Piot, Philippe

2016-06-01

In Optical Stochastic Cooling (OSC) radiation generated by a particle in a "pickup" undulator is amplified and transported to a downstream "kicker" undulator where it interacts with the same particle which radiated it. Fermilab plans to carry out both passive (no optical amplifier) and active (optical amplifier) tests of OSC at the Integrable Optics Test Accelerator (IOTA) currently in construction*. The performace of the optical system is analyzed with simulations in Synchrotron Radiation Workshop (SRW) accounting for the specific temporal and spectral properties of undulator radiation and being augmented to include dispersion of lens material.

The ferromagnetic shape-memory effect in Ni Mn Ga

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marioni, M. A.; O'Handley, R. C.; Allen, S. M.; Hall, S. R.; Paul, D. I.; Richard, M. L.; Feuchtwanger, J.; Peterson, B. W.; Chambers, J. M.; Techapiesancharoenkij, R.

2005-04-01

Active materials have long been used in the construction of sensors and devices. Examples are piezo-electric ceramics and shape memory alloys. The more recently developed ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys (FSMAs) have received considerable attention due to their large magnetic field-induced, reversible strains (up to 10%). In this article, we review the basic physical characteristics of the FSMA Ni-Mn-Ga (crystallography, thermal, mechanical and magnetic behavior). Also, we present some of the works currently under way in the areas of pulse-field and acoustic-assisted actuation, and vibration energy absorption.

Goal-Directed Ultrasound for the Diagnosis of Long-Bone Fractures by Crew Medical Officer Analogs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshburn, Thomas H.; Legome, Eric; Li, James; Melton, Shannon; Sargsyan, Ashot; Noble, Vickie; Sims, Carrie; Thomsen, Todd; Peralta, Ruben; Briggs, Sue

2002-01-01

Current construction activities on-board the International space Station (ISS) may increase fracture incidence in space, and ultrasound (US) is the only tm-board diagnostic imaging capability. The clinical utility of US in identifying long-bone fractures is un1aowe, particularly using non-radiologist operators. We sought to determine the accuracy of US in identifying fractures of the humerus and femur, as performed by emergency medicine physicians and surgeons with minimal experience in ultrasound image acquisition and interpretation, after a standardized taming session.

Generation of Stable Knockout Mammalian Cells by TALEN-Mediated Locus-Specific Gene Editing.

PubMed

Mahata, Barun; Biswas, Kaushik

2017-01-01

Precise and targeted genome editing using Transcription Activator-Like Effector Endonucleases (TALENs) has been widely used and proven to be an extremely effective and specific knockout strategy in both cultured cells and animal models. The current chapter describes a protocol for the construction and generation of TALENs using serial and hierarchical digestion and ligation steps, and using the synthesized TALEN pairs to achieve locus-specific targeted gene editing in mammalian cell lines using a modified clonal selection strategy in an easy and cost-efficient manner.

Improvement of system of criteria and indicators of assessment of construction and transport enterprises’ innovative capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papelniuk, Oksana

2017-10-01

The author studies innovative activity of enterprises and carries out classification and systematization of criteria and indicators of construction enterprises’ innovative group assessment taking into account features of innovative activity of construction enterprises. The offered approach will allow construction enterprises to estimate the level of their innovative capacity and to define the directions of this development for achievement of a resource-saving in construction sector.

Win(d)-Win(d) Solutions for wind developers and bats

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

Hein, Cris; Schirmacher, Michael; Arnett, Ed

Bat Conservation International initiated a multi-year, pre-construction study in mid-summer 2009 to investigate patterns of bat activity and evaluate the use of acoustic monitoring to predict mortality of bats at the proposed Resolute Wind Energy Project (RWEP) in east-central Wyoming. The primary objectives of this study were to: (1) determine levels and patterns of activity for three phonic groups of bats (high-frequency emitting bats, low-frequency emitting bats, and hoary bats) using the proposed wind facility prior to construction of turbines; (2) determine if bat activity can be predicted based on weather patterns; correlate bat activity with weather variables; and (3)more » combine results from this study with those from similar efforts to determine if indices of pre-construction bat activity can be used to predict post-construction bat fatalities at proposed wind facilities. We report results from two years of pre-construction data collection.« less

Multiple autophosphorylations significantly enhance the endoribonuclease activity of human inositol requiring enzyme 1α

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Endoplasmic reticulum stress, caused by the presence of misfolded proteins, activates the stress sensor inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α). The resulting increase in IRE1α RNase activity causes sequence-specific cleavage of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) mRNA, resulting in upregulation of the unfolded protein response and cellular adaptation to stress. The precise mechanism of human IRE1α activation is currently unclear. The role of IRE1α kinase activity is disputed, as results from the generation of various kinase-inactivating mutations in either yeast or human cells are discordant. Kinase activity can also be made redundant by small molecules which bind the ATP binding site. We set out to uncover a role for IRE1α kinase activity using wild-type cytosolic protein constructs. Results We show that concentration-dependent oligomerisation is sufficient to cause IRE1α cytosolic domain RNase activity in vitro. We demonstrate a role for the kinase activity by showing that autophosphorylation enhances RNase activity. Inclusion of the IRE1α linker domain in protein constructs allows hyperphosphorylation and further enhancement of RNase activity, highlighting the importance of kinase activity. We show that IRE1α phosphorylation status correlates with an increased propensity to form oligomeric complexes and that forced dimerisation causes great enhancement in RNase activity. In addition we demonstrate that even when IRE1α is forced to dimerise, by a GST-tag, phospho-enhancement of activity is still observed. Conclusions Taken together these experiments support the hypothesis that phosphorylation is important in modulating IRE1α RNase activity which is achieved by increasing the propensity of IRE1α to dimerise. This work supports the development of IRE1α kinase inhibitors for use in the treatment of secretory cancers. PMID:24524643

DO POST-MINING CONSTRUCTED CHANNELS REPLACE FUNCTIONAL ATTRIBUTES OF HEADWATER STREAMS?

EPA Science Inventory

Mountaintop removal and valley filling is a method for mining coal in the Appalachians. Surface coal mining regulations currently recognize constructed drainage ditches associated with valley fills as compensatory mitigation. Our objective was to determine if these constructed ch...

Directions for lunar construction - A derivation of requirements from a construction scenario analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dias, William S.; Matijevic, Jacob R.; Venkataraman, Subramani T.; Smith, Jeffrey H.; Lindemann, Randel A.; Levin, Richard R.

1992-01-01

This paper provides an initial trade-off study among several lunar construction options available to the Space Exploration Initiative. The relative time effectiveness of Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA), Intra-Vehicular Activity (IVA), and Earth-based remote control assembly and construction methods are studied. Also considered is whether there is any construction time savings to building roads in advance, or surveying the construction sites with orbiters or rovers in advance. The study was conducted by adding detail to a potentially real scenario - a nuclear power plant - and applying time multipliers for the various control options and terrain alternatives, provided by roboticists among the authors. The authors conclude that IVA is a faster construction method than either EVA or construction conducted remotely from Earth. Surveying proposed sites in advance, with orbiters and rovers, provides a significant time savings through adding to certainty, and therefore may be cost effective. Developing a heavy-lift launch capability and minimizing assembly and construction processes by landing large payloads is probably worthwhile to the degree possible, as construction activities would use a large amount of surface operations time.

The prevalence of selected potentially hazardous workplace exposures in the US: findings from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey.

PubMed

Calvert, Geoffrey M; Luckhaupt, Sara E; Sussell, Aaron; Dahlhamer, James M; Ward, Brian W

2013-06-01

Assess the national prevalence of current workplace exposure to potential skin hazards, secondhand smoke (SHS), and outdoor work among various industry and occupation groups. Also, assess the national prevalence of chronic workplace exposure to vapors, gas, dust, and fumes (VGDF) among these groups. Data were obtained from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). NHIS is a multistage probability sample survey of the civilian non-institutionalized population of the US. Prevalence rates and their variances were calculated using SUDAAN to account for the complex NHIS sample design. The data for 2010 were available for 17,524 adults who worked in the 12 months that preceded interview. The highest prevalence rates of hazardous workplace exposures were typically in agriculture, mining, and construction. The prevalence rate of frequent handling of or skin contact with chemicals, and of non-smokers frequently exposed to SHS at work was highest in mining and construction. Outdoor work was most common in agriculture (85%), construction (73%), and mining (65%). Finally, frequent occupational exposure to VGDF was most common among mining (67%), agriculture (53%), and construction workers (51%). We identified industries and occupations with the highest prevalence of potentially hazardous workplace exposures, and provided targets for investigation and intervention activities. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Remote vibration monitoring system using wireless internet data transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lemke, John

2000-06-01

Vibrations from construction activities can affect infrastructure projects in several ways. Within the general vicinity of a construction site, vibrations can result in damage to existing structures, disturbance to people, damage to sensitive machinery, and degraded performance of precision instrumentation or motion sensitive equipment. Current practice for monitoring vibrations in the vicinity of construction sites commonly consists of measuring free field or structural motions using velocity transducers connected to a portable data acquisition unit via cables. This paper describes an innovative way to collect, process, transmit, and analyze vibration measurements obtained at construction sites. The system described measures vibration at the sensor location, performs necessary signal conditioning and digitization, and sends data to a Web server using wireless data transmission and Internet protocols. A Servlet program running on the Web server accepts the transmitted data and incorporates it into a project database. Two-way interaction between the Web-client and the Web server is accomplished through the use of a Servlet program and a Java Applet running inside a browser located on the Web client's computer. Advantages of this system over conventional vibration data logging systems include continuous unattended monitoring, reduced costs associated with field data collection, instant access to data files and graphs by project team members, and the ability to remotely modify data sampling schemes.

Reduction in Wound Bioburden using a Silver-Loaded Dissolvable Microfilm Construct

PubMed Central

Herron, Maggie; Agarwal, Ankit; Kierski, Patricia R.; Calderon, Diego F.; Teixeira, Leandro B. C.; Schurr, Michael J.; Murphy, Christopher J.

2014-01-01

Silver is a widely used antimicrobial agent, yet when impregnated in macroscopic dressings, it stains wounds, can lead to tissue toxicity and can inhibit healing. Recently, we reported that polymeric nanofilms containing silver nanoparticles exhibit antimicrobial activity at loadings and release rates of silver that are 100x lower than conventional dressings. Here we report fabrication of composite microfilm constructs that provide a facile way to transfer the silver-loaded polymeric nanofilms onto wounds in vivo. The construct is fabricated from a silver nanoparticle-loaded polymeric nanofilm that is laminated with a micrometer-thick soluble film of polyvinylalcohol (PVA). When placed on a moist wound, the PVA dissolves, leaving the silver-loaded nanofilm immobilized on the wound-bed. In vitro, the immobilized nanofilms release <1 μg cm−2/day of silver over 30 days from skin-dermis and they kill 5 log10 CFUs of Staphylococcus aureus in 24 h. In mice, wounds inoculated with 105 CFU S. aureus presented up to 3 log10 less bacterial burden when treated with silver/nanofilms for 3 days, as compared to unmodified wounds. In uncontaminated wounds, silver/nanofilms allow normal and complete wound closure by re-epithelialization. We conclude that dissolvable microfilm constructs may overcome key limitations associated with current uses of silver in wound healing. PMID:24523027

HIV/STD risk behaviors and perceptions among rural-to-urban migrants in China.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoming; Fang, Xiaoyi; Lin, Danhua; Mao, Rong; Wang, Jing; Cottrell, Lesley; Harris, Carole; Stanton, Bonita

2004-12-01

Data from 2,153 sexually active rural-to-urban migrants in China were analyzed to examine the relationship between the movement of rural-to-urban migration and increased HIV/STD (sexually transmitted disease) risk and the applicability of constructs of a Western-based theory of behavioral change to the study population. Measurements included migrant mobility, sexual risk, and the seven constructs of the protection motivation theory (PMT). Data in the current study suggest that high mobility among rural-to-urban migrants was associated with increased sexual risk. The PMT constructs are applicable in identifying perceptions and attitudes associated with sexual risk behaviors in this culturally distinct population. Increased sexual risk was associated with increased perceptions of extrinsic rewards, intrinsic rewards, and response cost. Also consistent with PMT, increased sexual risk was associated with perceptions of decreased severity, vulnerability, response efficacy, and self-efficacy. After controlling for a number of key confounding factors, all seven PMT constructs were associated with sexual risk in the manner posited by the theory. The association between mobility and sexual risk underscores the importance of effective HIV/STD prevention efforts among this vulnerable population. The social cognitive theories including the PMT may form a logical base for prevention intervention programs targeting rural-to-urban migrants in China.

A data-driven approach to reverse engineering customer engagement models: towards functional constructs.

PubMed

de Vries, Natalie Jane; Carlson, Jamie; Moscato, Pablo

2014-01-01

Online consumer behavior in general and online customer engagement with brands in particular, has become a major focus of research activity fuelled by the exponential increase of interactive functions of the internet and social media platforms and applications. Current research in this area is mostly hypothesis-driven and much debate about the concept of Customer Engagement and its related constructs remains existent in the literature. In this paper, we aim to propose a novel methodology for reverse engineering a consumer behavior model for online customer engagement, based on a computational and data-driven perspective. This methodology could be generalized and prove useful for future research in the fields of consumer behaviors using questionnaire data or studies investigating other types of human behaviors. The method we propose contains five main stages; symbolic regression analysis, graph building, community detection, evaluation of results and finally, investigation of directed cycles and common feedback loops. The 'communities' of questionnaire items that emerge from our community detection method form possible 'functional constructs' inferred from data rather than assumed from literature and theory. Our results show consistent partitioning of questionnaire items into such 'functional constructs' suggesting the method proposed here could be adopted as a new data-driven way of human behavior modeling.

The Prevalence of Selected Potentially Hazardous Workplace Exposures in the US: Findings From the 2010 National Health Interview Survey

PubMed Central

Calvert, Geoffrey M.; Luckhaupt, Sara E.; Sussell, Aaron; Dahlhamer, James M.; Ward, Brian W.

2015-01-01

Objective Assess the national prevalence of current workplace exposure to potential skin hazards, secondhand smoke (SHS), and outdoor work among various industry and occupation groups. Also, assess the national prevalence of chronic workplace exposure to vapors, gas, dust, and fumes (VGDF) among these groups. Methods Data were obtained from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). NHIS is a multistage probability sample survey of the civilian non-institutionalized population of the US. Prevalence rates and their variances were calculated using SUDAAN to account for the complex NHIS sample design. Results The data for 2010 were available for 17,524 adults who worked in the 12 months that preceded interview. The highest prevalence rates of hazardous workplace exposures were typically in agriculture, mining, and construction. The prevalence rate of frequent handling of or skin contact with chemicals, and of non-smokers frequently exposed to SHS at work was highest in mining and construction. Outdoor work was most common in agriculture (85%), construction (73%), and mining (65%). Finally, frequent occupational exposure to VGDF was most common among mining (67%), agriculture (53%), and construction workers (51%). Conclusion We identified industries and occupations with the highest prevalence of potentially hazardous workplace exposures, and provided targets for investigation and intervention activities. PMID:22821700

Management and integration of engineering and construction activities: Lessons learned from the AP1000{sup R} nuclear power plant China project

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

McCullough, M. C.; Ebeling-Koning, D.; Evans, M. C.

2012-07-01

The lessons learned during the early phase of design engineering and construction activities for the AP1000 China Project can be applied to any project involving multiple disciplines and multiple organizations. Implementation of a first-of-a-kind design to directly support construction activities utilizing resources assigned to design development and design delivery creates challenges with prioritization of activities, successful closure of issues, and communication between site organizations and the home office. To ensure successful implementation, teams were assigned and developed to directly support construction activities including prioritization of activities, site communication and ensuring closure of site emergent issues. By developing these teams, themore » organization is better suited to meet the demands of the construction schedule while continuing with design evolution of a standard plant and engineering delivery for multiple projects. For a successful project, proper resource utilization and prioritization are key for overcoming obstacles and ensuring success of the engineering organization. (authors)« less

Internet Gaming Disorder as a formative construct: Implications for conceptualization and measurement.

PubMed

van Rooij, Antonius J; Van Looy, Jan; Billieux, Joël

2017-07-01

Some people have serious problems controlling their Internet and video game use. The DSM-5 now includes a proposal for 'Internet Gaming Disorder' (IGD) as a condition in need of further study. Various studies aim to validate the proposed diagnostic criteria for IGD and multiple new scales have been introduced that cover the suggested criteria. Using a structured approach, we demonstrate that IGD might be better interpreted as a formative construct, as opposed to the current practice of conceptualizing it as a reflective construct. Incorrectly approaching a formative construct as a reflective one causes serious problems in scale development, including: (i) incorrect reliance on item-to-total scale correlation to exclude items and incorrectly relying on indices of inter-item reliability that do not fit the measurement model (e.g., Cronbach's α); (ii) incorrect interpretation of composite or mean scores that assume all items are equal in contributing value to a sum score; and (iii) biased estimation of model parameters in statistical models. We show that these issues are impacting current validation efforts through two recent examples. A reinterpretation of IGD as a formative construct has broad consequences for current validation efforts and provides opportunities to reanalyze existing data. We discuss three broad implications for current research: (i) composite latent constructs should be defined and used in models; (ii) item exclusion and selection should not rely on item-to-total scale correlations; and (iii) existing definitions of IGD should be enriched further. © 2016 The Authors. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences © 2016 Japanese Society of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Implications of current therapeutic restrictions for primaquine and tafenoquine in the radical cure of vivax malaria.

PubMed

Watson, James; Taylor, Walter R J; Bancone, Germana; Chu, Cindy S; Jittamala, Podjanee; White, Nicholas J

2018-04-01

The 8-aminoquinoline antimalarials, the only drugs which prevent relapse of vivax and ovale malaria (radical cure), cause dose-dependent oxidant haemolysis in individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Patients with <30% and <70% of normal G6PD activity are not given standard regimens of primaquine and tafenoquine, respectively. Both drugs are currently considered contraindicated in pregnant and lactating women. Quantitative G6PD enzyme activity data from 5198 individuals were used to estimate the proportions of heterozygous females who would be ineligible for treatment at the 30% and 70% activity thresholds, and the relationship with the severity of the deficiency. This was used to construct a simple model relating allele frequency in males to the potential population coverage of tafenoquine and primaquine under current prescribing restrictions. Independent of G6PD deficiency, the current pregnancy and lactation restrictions will exclude ~13% of females from radical cure treatment. This could be reduced to ~4% if 8-aminoquinolines can be prescribed to women breast-feeding infants older than 1 month. At a 30% activity threshold, approximately 8-19% of G6PD heterozygous women are ineligible for primaquine treatment; at a 70% threshold, 50-70% of heterozygous women and approximately 5% of G6PD wild type individuals are ineligible for tafenoquine treatment. Thus, overall in areas where the G6PDd allele frequency is >10% more than 15% of men and more than 25% of women would be unable to receive tafenoquine. In vivax malaria infected patients these proportions will be lowered by any protective effect against P. vivax conferred by G6PD deficiency. If tafenoquine is deployed for radical cure, primaquine will still be needed to obtain high population coverage. Better radical cure antimalarial regimens are needed.

Non-traditional platinum compounds for improved accumulation, oral bioavailability, and tumor targeting.

PubMed

Lovejoy, Katherine S; Lippard, Stephen J

2009-12-28

The five platinum anticancer compounds currently in clinical use conform to structure-activity relationships formulated (M. J. Cleare and J. D. Hoeschele, Bioinorg. Chem., 1973, 2, 187-210) shortly after the discovery that cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), cisplatin, has antitumor activity in mice. These compounds are neutral platinum(II) species with two am(m)ine ligands or one bidentate chelating diamine and two additional ligands that can be replaced by water through aquation reactions. The resulting cations ultimately form bifunctional adducts on DNA. Information about the chemistry of these platinum compounds and correlations of their structures with anticancer activity have provided guidance for the design of novel anticancer drug candidates based on the proposed mechanisms of action. This article discusses advances in the synthesis and evaluation of such non-traditional platinum compounds, including cationic and tumor-targeting constructs.

Wood construction codes issues in the United States

Treesearch

Douglas R. Rammer

2006-01-01

The current wood construction codes find their origin in the 1935 Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material published by the USDA Forest Service. Many of the current design recommendations can be traced back to statements from this book. Since this time a series of development both historical and recent has led to a multi-layered system for use of wood products in...

Discussion on mass concrete construction of wind turbine generator foundation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shang, Liang; Wu, Chaoxiang; Yin, Xiaoyong

2018-04-01

Wind power is one of the main power sources currently. China has rich wind power resources, wind power plants are developed faster and faster. However, China wind power construction started late, which is lack of relevant experience technology. It is easy to produce quality problems. The key to the construction quality of wind power plant is the construction quality of mass concrete construction. Therefore, construction technology and quality control of wind turbine generator foundation mass concrete are discussed and analyzed in the paper.

Magnetostatics Analysis, Design, and Construction of a Loudspeaker

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galeriu, Calin

2010-11-01

Making a loudspeaker is a very rewarding hands-on activity that can be used to teach about electro-magnetism and sound waves. Several loudspeaker designs have been described in this magazine.1-4 The simplest loudspeaker4 has only a magnet, a coil, and three plastic cups. The simpler devices3,4 require a powerful amplified output, e.g., from a boom box. The more complex devices1,2 can operate using the smaller electric current from a CD player earphone output. Unfortunately, the procedure to make a more efficient loudspeaker is lengthy and less recommended to some high school students, involving a hot glue gun, a safety razor, five-minute epoxy, etc. Our loudspeaker, a variation of Heller's,2 is both simple in construction and efficient in operation. An analysis of the magnetic field distribution helped us in the design of this loudspeaker.

Non-Covalent Assembly of Targeted Carbon Nanovectors Enables Synergistic Drug and Radiation Cancer Therapy In Vivo

PubMed Central

Sano, Daisuke; Berlin, Jacob M.; Pham, Tam T.; Marcano, Daniela C.; Valdecanas, David R.; Zhou, Ge; Milas, Luka; Myers, Jeffrey N.; Tour, James M.

2012-01-01

Current chemotherapeutics are characterized by efficient tumor cell-killing and severe side effects mostly derived from off target toxicity. Hence targeted delivery of these drugs to tumor cells is actively sought. In an in vitro system, we previously demonstrated that targeted drug delivery to cancer cells overexpressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR+) can be achieved by poly(ethylene glycol)-functionalized carbon nanovectors simply mixed with a drug, paclitaxel, and an antibody that binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor, Cetuximab. This construct is unusual in that all three components are assembled through non-covalent interactions. Here we show that this same construct is effective in vivo, enhancing radiotherapy of EGFR+ tumors. This targeted nanovector system has the potential to be a new therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, deserving of further preclinical development. PMID:22316245

Focus: global currents in national histories of science: the "global turn" and the history of science in Latin America.

PubMed

McCook, Stuart

2013-12-01

The "global turn" in the history of science offers new ways to think about how to do national and regional histories of science, in this case the history of science in Latin America. For example, it questions structuralist and diffusionist models of the spread of science and shows the often active role that people in Latin America (and the rest of the Global South) played in the construction of "universal" scientific knowledge. It suggests that even national or regional histories of science must be situated in a global context; all too often, such histories have treated global processes as a distant backdrop. At the same time, historians need to pay constant attention to the role of power in the construction of scientific knowledge. Finally, this essay highlights a methodological tool for writing globally inflected histories of science: the method of "following".

An experimental setup for study direct charge battery based on Sr-90

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Özkeçeci, S.; Koç, R.

2017-02-01

In this paper we present construction and analysis of nuclear micro battery driven by Strontium 90 (Sr-90). Our design based on charge deposition on the plates of a capacitor and polarization of dielectric materials between the plates. In the construction we have used liquid Sr-90 with activity 100 mCi in cylindrical ampoule coiled up by thin film graphene as one plate and Manganase dioxide (MnO2) as other plate of the capacitor. A dielectric material (paper) is inserted between the plates. The high energetic beta particles from the Sr-90 penetrate graphene to produce ionization and then electrons are removed from graphene to dielectric material. Electrons inside the dielectric material cause polarization of dipoles. Consequently the radiation from the isotope produces an external current. We discuss effect of beta particles on dielectrics and electrodes beside advantage and disadvantage of a battery of this type.

Effect of suction on the mechanical characteristics of uniformly compacted rammed earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Hajjar, A.; Chauhan, P.; Prime, N.; Plé, O.

2018-04-01

Rammed earth, in the current environmental situation, is an alternative construction technique which can help in reducing energy and raw material consumption owing to its “sustainable” characteristics. To fully understand its behavior and properties, recent scientific investigations consider it as a compacted unsaturated material with suction as its one of the main sources of strength. Eathern constructions face, over their lifetime, variations in the suction state which have a significant impact on their mechanical characteristics. In the present contribution, unconfined compression tests are performed, with and without unload-reload cycles, on homogeneously compacted samples subjected to various suction conditions. This study shows that both the unconfined compressive strength and Young modulus reduce with the reduction of suction states. Suction also seems to influence the amount of plastic strains and damage phenomenon. Indeed, the soils analyzed are slightly active and shows both plasticity behavior and damage phenomenon.

Systems-based practice in graduate medical education: systems thinking as the missing foundational construct.

PubMed

Colbert, Colleen Y; Ogden, Paul E; Ownby, Allison R; Bowe, Constance

2011-04-01

Since 2001, residencies have struggled with teaching and assessing systems-based practice (SBP). One major obstacle may be that the competency alone is not sufficient to support assessment. We believe the foundational construct underlying SBP is systems thinking, absent from the current Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education competency language. Systems thinking is defined as the ability to analyze systems as a whole. The purpose of this article is to describe psychometric issues that constrain assessment of SBP and elucidate the role of systems thinking in teaching and assessing SBP. Residency programs should incorporate systems thinking models into their curricula. Trainees should be taught to understand systems at an abstract level, in order to analyze their own healthcare systems, and participate in quality and patient safety activities. We suggest that a developmental trajectory for systems thinking be developed, similar to the model described by Dreyfus and Dreyfus.

The construction of power in family medicine bedside teaching: a video observation study.

PubMed

Rees, Charlotte E; Ajjawi, Rola; Monrouxe, Lynn V

2013-02-01

Bedside teaching is essential for helping students develop skills, reasoning and professionalism, and involves the learning triad of student, patient and clinical teacher. Although current rhetoric espouses the sharing of power, the medical workplace is imbued with power asymmetries. Power is context-specific and although previous research has explored some elements of the enactment and resistance of power within bedside teaching, this exploration has been conducted within hospital rather than general practice settings. Furthermore, previous research has employed audio-recorded rather than video-recorded observation and has therefore focused on language and para-language at the expense of non-verbal communication and human-material interaction. A qualitative design was adopted employing video- and audio-recorded observations of seven bedside teaching encounters (BTEs), followed by short individual interviews with students, patients and clinical teachers. Thematic and discourse analyses of BTEs were conducted. Power is constructed by students, patients and clinical teachers throughout different BTE activities through the use of linguistic, para-linguistic and non-verbal communication. In terms of language, participants construct power through the use of questions, orders, advice, pronouns and medical/health belief talk. With reference to para-language, participants construct power through the use of interruption and laughter. In terms of non-verbal communication, participants construct power through physical positioning and the possession or control of medical materials such as the stethoscope. Using this paper as a trigger for discussion, we encourage students and clinical teachers to reflect critically on how their verbal and non-verbal communication constructs power in bedside teaching. Students and clinical teachers need to develop their awareness of what power is, how it can be constructed and shared, and what it means for the student-patient-doctor relationship within bedside teaching. © Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2013.

An Evaluation of the My ParticipACTION Campaign to Increase Self-Efficacy for Being More Physically Active.

PubMed

Craig, Cora Lynn; Bauman, Adrian; Latimer-Cheung, Amy; Rhodes, Ryan E; Faulkner, Guy; Berry, Tanya R; Tremblay, Mark S; Spence, John C

2015-01-01

The objective of the My ParticipACTION campaign was to inspire Canadian adults to increase their physical activity through messaging that was relevant, engaging, and designed to build self-efficacy to be more active. This research examined the communication effects of the campaign according to the a priori Hierarchy of Effects Model (saliency → cognitive engagement → self-efficacy to become more active → trial behavior) and investigated how these effects related to overall self-efficacy for physical activity, intention to be active, and current activity level. Participants (N = 1,110) were recruited from an existing panel of Canadian adults 18 years and older and completed a short online questionnaire about the potential communication effects. Logistic regression models were constructed to test the communication effects adjusting for age, gender, and education. The relations were consistent with those hypothesized in the model. In addition, some earlier outcomes in the sequence of effects were associated with other outcomes further down the progression. When intention to be active was included, the initial relation between ad-specific self-efficacy and current physical activity disappeared. This analysis suggested that the campaign was successful in increasing self-efficacy to be more active and that using the Hierarchy of Effects Model was useful in guiding the design of campaign messages and assessing communication effects. Given the limited amount of theoretical testing of the Hierarchy of Effects Model, future research employing longitudinal designs is required to further confirm the communication effects of such an intervention and further test the model.

Ground/bonding for Large Space System Technology (LSST). [of metallic and nonmetallic structures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dunbar, W. G.

1980-01-01

The influence of the environment and extravehicular activity remote assembly operations on the grounding and bonding of metallic and nonmetallic structures is discussed. Grounding and bonding philosophy is outlined for the electrical systems and electronic compartments which contain high voltage, high power electrical and electronic equipment. The influence of plasma and particulate on the system was analyzed and the effects of static buildup on the spacecraft electrical system discussed. Conceptual grounding bonding designs are assessed for capability to withstand high current arcs to ground from a high voltage conductor and electromagnetic interference. Also shown were the extravehicular activities required of the space station and or supply spacecraft crew members to join and inspect the ground system using manual on remote assembly construction.

Mars Surface Mission Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duke, M. B. (Editor)

1997-01-01

A workshop was held at the Lunar and Planetary Institute on September 4-5, 1997, to address the surface elements of the Mars Reference Mission now being reviewed by NASA. The workshop considered the current reference mission and addressed the types of activities that would be expected for science and resource exploration and facilities operations. A set of activities was defined that can be used to construct "vignettes" of the surface mission. These vignettes can form the basis for describing the importance of the surface mission, for illustrating aspects of the surface mission, and for allowing others to extend and revise these initial ideas. The topic is rich with opportunities for additional conceptualization. It is recommended that NASA consider supporting university design teams to conduct further analysis of the possibilities.

Ground/bonding for Large Space System Technology (LSST)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunbar, W. G.

1980-04-01

The influence of the environment and extravehicular activity remote assembly operations on the grounding and bonding of metallic and nonmetallic structures is discussed. Grounding and bonding philosophy is outlined for the electrical systems and electronic compartments which contain high voltage, high power electrical and electronic equipment. The influence of plasma and particulate on the system was analyzed and the effects of static buildup on the spacecraft electrical system discussed. Conceptual grounding bonding designs are assessed for capability to withstand high current arcs to ground from a high voltage conductor and electromagnetic interference. Also shown were the extravehicular activities required of the space station and or supply spacecraft crew members to join and inspect the ground system using manual on remote assembly construction.

The Application of Architecture Frameworks to Modelling Exploration Operations Costs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shishko, Robert

2006-01-01

Developments in architectural frameworks and system-of-systems thinking have provided useful constructs for systems engineering. DoDAF concepts, language, and formalisms, in particular, provide a natural way of conceptualizing an operations cost model applicable to NASA's space exploration vision. Not all DoDAF products have meaning or apply to a DoDAF inspired operations cost model, but this paper describes how such DoDAF concepts as nodes, systems, and operational activities relate to the development of a model to estimate exploration operations costs. The paper discusses the specific implementation to the Mission Operations Directorate (MOD) operational functions/activities currently being developed and presents an overview of how this powerful representation can apply to robotic space missions as well.

Modeling activities on the negative-ion-based Neutral Beam Injectors of the Large Helical Device

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

Agostinetti, P.; Antoni, V.; Chitarin, G.

2011-09-26

At the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) large-scaled negative ion sources have been widely used for the Neutral Beam Injectors (NBIs) mounted on the Large Helical Device (LHD), which is the world-largest superconducting helical system. These injectors have achieved outstanding performances in terms of beam energy, negative-ion current and optics, and represent a reference for the development of heating and current drive NBIs for ITER.In the framework of the support activities for the ITER NBIs, the PRIMA test facility, which includes a RF-drive ion source with 100 keV accelerator (SPIDER) and a complete 1 MeV Neutral Beam system (MITICA)more » is under construction at Consorzio RFX in Padova.An experimental validation of the codes has been undertaken in order to prove the accuracy of the simulations and the soundness of the SPIDER and MITICA design. To this purpose, the whole set of codes have been applied to the LHD NBIs in a joint activity between Consorzio RFX and NIFS, with the goal of comparing and benchmarking the codes with the experimental data. A description of these modeling activities and a discussion of the main results obtained are reported in this paper.« less

The ITER project construction status

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motojima, O.

2015-10-01

The pace of the ITER project in St Paul-lez-Durance, France is accelerating rapidly into its peak construction phase. With the completion of the B2 slab in August 2014, which will support about 400 000 metric tons of the tokamak complex structures and components, the construction is advancing on a daily basis. Magnet, vacuum vessel, cryostat, thermal shield, first wall and divertor structures are under construction or in prototype phase in the ITER member states of China, Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States. Each of these member states has its own domestic agency (DA) to manage their procurements of components for ITER. Plant systems engineering is being transformed to fully integrate the tokamak and its auxiliary systems in preparation for the assembly and operations phase. CODAC, diagnostics, and the three main heating and current drive systems are also progressing, including the construction of the neutral beam test facility building in Padua, Italy. The conceptual design of the Chinese test blanket module system for ITER has been completed and those of the EU are well under way. Significant progress has been made addressing several outstanding physics issues including disruption load characterization, prediction, avoidance, and mitigation, first wall and divertor shaping, edge pedestal and SOL plasma stability, fuelling and plasma behaviour during confinement transients and W impurity transport. Further development of the ITER Research Plan has included a definition of the required plant configuration for 1st plasma and subsequent phases of ITER operation as well as the major plasma commissioning activities and the needs of the accompanying R&D program to ITER construction by the ITER parties.

The Reconstruction of the Historical Building of the Latin School in Malbork

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duda, Zenon; Kryzia, Katarzyna

2013-03-01

The paper summarizes the reconstruction of the historical building erected in the 14th century, during the times of the residence of Grand Master of the Teutonic Order Winrich von Kniprode, currently referred to as the Latin School. It characterizes the location of the Latin School in the urban conservation area of the town of Malbork. The building is situated in the stretch of the buttressed brick escarpment on the Nogat River in the line of the historic defensive walls of Malbork. The paper also outlines the history of this building, constructed and managed by the municipal authorities of Malbork, which for a long time was a seat of a Patronage of Saint George and the Merchant Guild, and next, from the 16th century until 1864, the building housed a school where basic Latin was taught. Next, the situation of this historical monument in the 20th century is discussed. In the next part of the paper, the geological conditions of the site where the building was erected are discussed. The conducted archeological and architectural exploratory research related to the historical building with a particular emphasis on historic preservation and restoration works focusing on the building and its surroundings is presented and analyzed. Currently carried out design, construction and adaptation works allowing new functions to be embedded into this building are also discussed. The paper shows the benefits due to the realization of the reconstruction program of the degraded building of the Latin school in the historic quarter of the town. These activities are aimed at the conversion of the currently derelict building by means of embedding new functions into it. There are being designed, among others, an interactive educational center modern library, astronomical observatory, craft museum and multifunctional hall, allowing proper conditions to be created for the development of educational, artistic and tourism related activities in the reconstructed building. The reconstruction of the historical building is a positive response to its deterioration resulting from former activities and it will contribute to the improvement of the quality of cultural life of both local inhabitants and visitors.

Parametric Workflow (BIM) for the Repair Construction of Traditional Historic Architecture in Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Y.-P.; Hsu, C. C.; Lin, M.-C.; Tsai, Z.-W.; Chen, J.-Y.

2015-08-01

In Taiwan, numerous existing traditional buildings are constructed with wooden structures, brick structures, and stone structures. This paper will focus on the Taiwan traditional historic architecture and target the traditional wooden structure buildings as the design proposition and process the BIM workflow for modeling complex wooden combination geometry, integrating with more traditional 2D documents and for visualizing repair construction assumptions within the 3D model representation. The goal of this article is to explore the current problems to overcome in wooden historic building conservation, and introduce the BIM technology in the case of conserving, documenting, managing, and creating full engineering drawings and information for effectively support historic conservation. Although BIM is mostly oriented to current construction praxis, there have been some attempts to investigate its applicability in historic conservation projects. This article also illustrates the importance and advantages of using BIM workflow in repair construction process, when comparing with generic workflow.

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) Camera

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

None

Ranked as the top ground-based national priority for the field for the current decade, LSST is currently under construction in Chile. The U.S. Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is leading the construction of the LSST camera – the largest digital camera ever built for astronomy. SLAC Professor Steven M. Kahn is the overall Director of the LSST project, and SLAC personnel are also participating in the data management. The National Science Foundation is the lead agency for construction of the LSST. Additional financial support comes from the Department of Energy and private funding raised by the LSST Corporation.

Development and optimization of hardware for delta relaxation enhanced MRI.

PubMed

Harris, Chad T; Handler, William B; Araya, Yonathan; Martínez-Santiesteban, Francisco; Alford, Jamu K; Dalrymple, Brian; Van Sas, Frank; Chronik, Blaine A; Scholl, Timothy J

2014-10-01

Delta relaxation enhanced magnetic resonance (dreMR) imaging requires an auxiliary B0 electromagnet capable of shifting the main magnetic field within a clinical 1.5 Tesla (T) MR system. In this work, the main causes of interaction between an actively shielded, insertable resistive B0 electromagnet and a 1.5T superconducting system are systematically identified and mitigated. The effects of nonideal fabrication of the field-shifting magnet are taken into consideration through careful measurement during winding and improved accuracy in the design of the associated active shield. The shielding performance of the resultant electromagnet is compared against a previously built system in which the shield design was based on an ideal primary coil model. Hardware and software approaches implemented to eliminate residual image artifacts are presented in detail. The eddy currents produced by the newly constructed dreMR system are shown to have a significantly smaller "long-time-constant" component, consistent with the hypothesis that less energy is deposited into the cryostat of the MR system. With active compensation, the dreMR imaging system is capable of 0.22T field shifts within a clinical 1.5T MRI with no significant residual eddy-current fields. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fabrication and Characterization of a Composite Fibrous Construct with Photocatalytic Activity and Physical Adsorption Capabilities for Water Treatment Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Everett, Dominique Tresten

Environmental pollution has exponentially increased since the industrial revolution due to many advancements in technology which has led to the use of innovative materials. In the manufacturing and fabrication processes of modern technology, society has become victim to the contamination via production byproducts. This issue needs to be addressed with greater efforts to solve this worldwide issue to ultimately minimize these potential detrimental public health effects and improve environmental preservation. This research study focuses on contributing to efforts with minimizing wastewater pollution by the fabrication and characterization of complex porosity gradient fibrous membrane that purifies via particle size exclusion, photocatalysis and also physical adsorption. The membrane consists of a nano/mico-fibrous composite network fabricated by side-by-side electrospinning for the initial aim of this study. The experimental setup resulted in a novel morphological structure that yields exceptional catalytic responsiveness in visible light compared to conventional materials that are currently used. Subsequently, there is a thermal bonded discontinuous polymeric microfibrous mat with activated carbon granule incorporation to serve as a superior mechanical stability agent with high physical adsorption capability. The second aim was to investigate fiber length dependence on mechano-morphological properties while achieving adequate activated carbon during processing when subjected to post-fabrication thermal bonding of resulting mat. Furthermore, the third aim was to fabricate the complex construct by combining methods from the first and second aim to assemble a system that filters through two water purification mechanisms (photocatalysis and physical adsorption) simultaneously. This study was investigated for characterization and verification for various aspects such as morphological analyses, crystallographic assessments, mechanical testing, while defining construct functionality by examining adsorption and photodegradation performance.

7 CFR 1710.251 - Construction work plans-distribution borrowers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 11 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Construction work plans-distribution borrowers. 1710...—distribution borrowers. (a) All distribution borrowers must maintain a current CWP approved by their board of directors covering all new construction, improvements, replacements, and retirements of distribution and...

Construction of a Digital Learning Environment Based on Cloud Computing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ding, Jihong; Xiong, Caiping; Liu, Huazhong

2015-01-01

Constructing the digital learning environment for ubiquitous learning and asynchronous distributed learning has opened up immense amounts of concrete research. However, current digital learning environments do not fully fulfill the expectations on supporting interactive group learning, shared understanding and social construction of knowledge.…

Constructing Matching Texts in Two Languages: The Application of Propositional Analysis.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Valdes, Guadalupe; And Others

1984-01-01

Discusses how current procedures for selecting/constructing equivalent texts may lead to error because of their specific limitations; proposes the utilization of micro-propositional analysis coupled with word-frequency lists and readability formulas for constructing "matching" texts; presents some procedures which researchers working in…

Explaining English Middle Sentences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Park, Kabyong

2009-01-01

The current paper attempts to account for the formation of English middle sentences. Discussing a set of previous analyses on the construction under investigation we show, following the assumptions of Oosten(1986) and Iwata(1999), that English middle constructions should be divided into two types: generic middle constructions and non-generic…

Nas transgenic mouse line allows visualization of Notch pathway activity in vivo

PubMed Central

Souilhol, Céline; Cormier, Sarah; Monet, Marie; Vandormael-Pournin, Sandrine; Joutel, Anne; Babinet, Charles; Cohen-Tannoudji, Michel

2006-01-01

The Notch signalling pathway plays multiple and important roles in mammals. However, several aspects of its action, in particular the precise mapping of its sites of activity, remain unclear. To address this issue, we have generated a transgenic line carrying a construct consisting of a nls-lacZ reporter gene under the control of a minimal promoter and multiple RBP-Jκ binding sites. Here we show that this transgenic line, we named NAS for Notch Activity Sensor, displays an expression profile that is consistent with current knowledge on Notch activity sites in mice, even though it may not report on all these sites. Moreover, we observe that NAS transgene expression is abolished in a RBP-Jκ deficient background indicating that it indeed requires Notch/RBP-Jκ signalling pathway activity. Thus, the NAS transgenic line constitutes a valuable and versatile tool to gain further insights into the complex and various functions of the Notch signalling pathway. PMID:16708386

Suppression of survivin promoter activity by YM155 involves disruption of Sp1-DNA interaction in the survivin core promoter

PubMed Central

Cheng, Qiuying; Ling, Xiang; Haller, Andrew; Nakahara, Takahito; Yamanaka, Kentaro; Kita, Aya; Koutoku, Hiroshi; Takeuchi, Masahiro; Brattain, Michael G; Li, Fengzhi

2012-01-01

YM155, a novel survivin suppressant, shows potent antitumor activity against various human cancers and is currently in phase II clinical trials. In this study, we investigated whether YM155 selectively inhibits survivin transcription. We hypothesize that inhibition of survivin transcription plays a role in YM155-mediated survivin inhibition. We found that YM155 inhibited survivin promoter activity, while it showed minimal inhibitory effect on four control gene promoters in transfection and luciferase activity assay experiments, indicating its selectivity. Transfection of various survivin promoter-luciferase constructs followed by luciferase assays revealed that the survivin core promoter (269 bp) plays a major role in YM155-mediated inhibitory effects. However, flow cytometry analysis indicated that inhibition of survivin promoter activity by YM155 is cell cycle-independent without G1 cell arrests. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) identified that YM155 abrogates nuclear proteins binding to the region of -149 to -71, in which Sp1 is a major candidate, and that YM155 treatment induces Sp1 re-subcellular localization without inhibiting its expression. Forced expression of Sp1 neutralized YM155-mediated downregulation of survivin promoter activity. Consistently, mutation of the identified Sp1 sites in the oligonucleotide probe diminished DNA-protein interactions in EMSA experiments, and mutation of the Sp1 sites in the survivin promoter-luciferase construct diminished survivin promoter activity. These findings indicate that YM155 inhibition of survivin expression is at least in part through its inhibition of survivin transcription by disruption of Sp1 interaction with the region of -149 to -71 in the survivin core promoter. PMID:22773958

Procurement Forms | NREL

Science.gov Websites

Certificate of Current Cost or Pricing Data Construction Specific Forms Pre-Award Documents Construction and manuals) Cost and Pricing Data Definitions Design-Build / Price Proposal Form Information

Current status of new SAGE project with 51Cr neutrino source

DOE PAGES

Gavrin, V.; Cleveland, B.; Danshin, S.; ...

2015-03-15

A very short-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment with an intense 51Cr neutrino source is currently under construction at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory of the Institute for Nuclear Research RAS (BNO). The experiment, which is based on the existing SAGE experiment, will use an upgraded Gallium-Germanium Neutrino Telescope (GGNT) and an artificial 51Cr neutrino source with activity ~3 MCi to search for transitions of active neutrinos to sterile states with Δm 2 ~1 eV 2. The neutrino source will be placed in the center of a liquid Ga metal target that is divided into two concentric zones, internal and external. The averagemore » path length of neutrinos in each zone will be the same and the neutrino capture rate will be measured separately in each zone. The oscillation signature, which comes from the ratio of events in the near and far gallium volumes, will be largely free of systematic errors, such as may occur from cross section and source strength uncertainties, and will provide a clean signal of electron neutrino disappearance into a sterile state at baselines of about 0.6 and 2.0 m. The sensitivity to the disappearance of electron neutrinos is expected to be a few percent. Construction of this set of new facilities, including a two-zone tank for irradiation of 50 tons of Ga metal with the intense 51Cr source, as well as additional modules of the GGNT counting and extraction systems, is close to completion. In order to check the new facilities they will first be used for SAGE solar neutrino measurements.« less

Current status of new SAGE project with 51Cr neutrino source

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

Gavrin, V.; Cleveland, B.; Danshin, S.

A very short-baseline neutrino oscillation experiment with an intense 51Cr neutrino source is currently under construction at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory of the Institute for Nuclear Research RAS (BNO). The experiment, which is based on the existing SAGE experiment, will use an upgraded Gallium-Germanium Neutrino Telescope (GGNT) and an artificial 51Cr neutrino source with activity ~3 MCi to search for transitions of active neutrinos to sterile states with Δm 2 ~1 eV 2. The neutrino source will be placed in the center of a liquid Ga metal target that is divided into two concentric zones, internal and external. The averagemore » path length of neutrinos in each zone will be the same and the neutrino capture rate will be measured separately in each zone. The oscillation signature, which comes from the ratio of events in the near and far gallium volumes, will be largely free of systematic errors, such as may occur from cross section and source strength uncertainties, and will provide a clean signal of electron neutrino disappearance into a sterile state at baselines of about 0.6 and 2.0 m. The sensitivity to the disappearance of electron neutrinos is expected to be a few percent. Construction of this set of new facilities, including a two-zone tank for irradiation of 50 tons of Ga metal with the intense 51Cr source, as well as additional modules of the GGNT counting and extraction systems, is close to completion. In order to check the new facilities they will first be used for SAGE solar neutrino measurements.« less

A 4-meter Telescope for the US Air Force Academy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzasi, D.; Andersen, G.; Wetterer, C.

2004-05-01

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs has obtained a 4m-diameter, lightweight telescope from the discontinued Space Based Laser project. Originally designed and constructed for space, this segmented telescope is being reconfigured for use in a ground-based facility. The current optical design is an afocal Mersenne configuration with an extremely thin (17mm) glass primary. The telescope has 312 fine figure actuators for active shaping of the primary, as well as 42 piston actuators for phasing of the segments and adaptive optics capability with a 300-actuator deformable mirror and wavefront sensor. We are recoating and redesigning the optics (with new secondary and tertiary mirrors) and constructing a new truss and an alt-az mount with two Nasmyth foci capable of both sidereal and low-Earth object tracking down to altitudes of 200km. The telescope will be located in a new facility to be built next to the current USAFA Observatory. The primary use of the telescope will be for education by involving cadets in a wide range of Air Force experiments including active ranging, communication, and imaging and characterization of satellites. We envision, however, that substantial time will also be available for astronomy. Although the Colorado Springs site is not ideal for many astronomical uses, it does lend itself to easy access by cadets, faculty, and visitors, and is appropriate for spectroscopy and bright-object work. Compared to similar facilities around the world, we expect to have a large amount of time available for outside users.

Pavement Technology and Airport Infrastructure Expansion Impact

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabib; Setiawan, M. I.; Kurniasih, N.; Ahmar, A. S.; Hasyim, C.

2018-01-01

This research aims for analyzing construction and infrastructure development activities potential contribution towards Airport Performance. This research is correlation study with variable research that includes Airport Performance as X variable and construction and infrastructure development activities as Y variable. The population in this research is 148 airports in Indonesia. The sampling technique uses total sampling, which means 148 airports that becomes the population unit then all of it become samples. The results of coefficient correlation (R) test showed that construction and infrastructure development activities variable have a relatively strong relationship with Airport Performance variable, but the value of Adjusted R Square shows that an increase in the construction and infrastructure development activities is influenced by factor other than Airport Performance.

RT-18: Value of Flexibility. Phase 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-25

an analytical framework based on sound mathematical constructs. A review of the current state-of-the-art showed that there is little unifying theory...framework that is mathematically consistent, domain independent and applicable under varying information levels. This report presents our advances in...During this period, we also explored the development of an analytical framework based on sound mathematical constructs. A review of the current state

Validity of Memory Tasks across the WJ III COG, NEPSYII, and WRAML-2 in a Mixed Clinical Sample of Children: Applicability to Four Neurocognitive Theories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Psimas, J. Lynsey

2012-01-01

Current research regarding the neurocognitive construct of memory in children and adolescents within clinical populations is insufficient (Hughes & Graham, 2002). Controversial theories of memory have led to divergent hypotheses about the construct of memory. Based on current disparity regarding the theoretical paradigm of memory, it cannot be…

An empirical investigation of construction and demolition waste generation rates in Shenzhen city, South China.

PubMed

Lu, Weisheng; Yuan, Hongping; Li, Jingru; Hao, Jane J L; Mi, Xuming; Ding, Zhikun

2011-04-01

The construction and demolition waste generation rates (C&D WGRs) is an important factor in decision-making and management of material waste in any construction site. The present study investigated WGRs by conducting on-site waste sorting and weighing in four ongoing construction projects in Shenzhen city of South China. The results revealed that WGRs ranged from 3.275 to 8.791 kg/m(2) and miscellaneous waste, timber for formwork and falsework, and concrete were the three largest components amongst the generated waste. Based on the WGRs derived from the research, the paper also discussed the main causes of waste in the construction industry and attempted to connect waste generation with specific construction practices. It was recommended that measures mainly including performing waste sorting at source, employing skilful workers, uploading and storing materials properly, promoting waste management capacity, replacing current timber formwork with metal formwork and launching an incentive reward program to encourage waste reduction could be potential solutions to reducing current WGRs in Shenzhen. Although these results were derived from a relatively small sample and so cannot justifiably be generalized, they do however add to the body of knowledge that is currently available for understanding the status of the art of C&D waste management in China. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of activity limitations and participation restrictions: examination of ICF-linked content and scale properties of the FIM and PC-PART instruments.

PubMed

Darzins, Susan W; Imms, Christine; Di Stefano, Marilyn

2017-05-01

To explore the operationalization of activity and participation-related measurement constructs through comparison of item phrasing, item response categories and scoring (scale properties) for two separate instruments targeting activities of daily living. Personal Care Participation Assessment and Resource Tool (PC-PART) item content was linked to ICF categories using established linking rules. Previously reported ICF-linked FIM content categories and ICF-linked PC-PART content categories were compared to identify common ICF categories between the instruments. Scale properties of both instruments were compared using a patient scenario to explore the instruments' separate measurement constructs. The PC-PART and FIM shared 15 of the 53 level two ICF-linked categories identified across both instruments. Examination of the instruments' scale properties for items with overlapping ICF content, and exploration through a patient scenario, provided supportive evidence that the instruments measure different constructs. While the PC-PART and FIM share common ICF-linked content, they measure separate constructs. Measurement construct was influenced by the instruments' scale properties. The FIM was observed to measure activity limitations and the PC-PART measured participation restrictions. Scrutiny of instruments' scale properties in addition to item content is critical in the operationalization of activity and participation-related measurement constructs. Implications for Rehabilitation When selecting outcome measures for use in rehabilitation it is necessary to examine both the content of the instruments' items and item phrasing, response categories and scoring, to clarify the construct being measured. Measurement of activity limitations as well as participation restrictions in activities of daily living required for community life provides a more comprehensive measurement of rehabilitation outcomes than measurement of either construct alone. To measure the effects of interventions used in rehabilitation, it is necessary to select measures with relevant content and scale properties that enable evaluation of change in the constructs that are expected to change, as a result of the rehabilitation intervention.

European Technological Effort in Preparation of ITER Construction

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

Andreani, Roberto

2005-04-15

Europe has started since the '80s with the preparatory work done on NET, the Next European Torus, the successor of JET, to prepare for the construction of the next generation experiment on the road to the fusion reactor. In 2000 the European Fusion Development Agreement (EFDA) has been signed by sixteen countries, including Switzerland, not a member of the Union. Now the signatory countries have increased to twenty-five. A vigorous programme of design and R and D in support of ITER construction has been conducted by EFDA through the coordinated effort of the national institutes and laboratories supported financially, inmore » the framework of the VI European Framework Research Programme (2002-2006), by contracts of association with EURATOM. In the last three years, with the expenditure of 160 M[Euro], the accent has been particularly put on the preparation of the industrial manufacturing activities of components and systems for ITER. Prototypes and manufacturing methods have been developed in all the main critical areas of machine construction with the objective of providing sound and effective solutions: vacuum vessel, toroidal field coils, poloidal field coils, remote handling equipment, plasma facing components and divertor components, electrical power supplies, generators and power supplies for the Heating and Current Drive Systems and other minor subsystems.Europe feels to be ready to host the ITER site and to provide adequate support and guidance for the success of construction to our partners in the ITER collaboration, wherever needed.« less

Investigation of a staged plasma-focus apparatus. [pinch construction and current sheet dynamics investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. H.; Mcfarland, D. R.; Harries, W. L.

1978-01-01

A new staged plasma-focus geometry combining two Mather-type plasma-focus guns was constructed, and the current-sheet dynamics were investigated. The production of simultaneous pairs of plasma foci was achieved. The intensities of X-ray and fusion-neutron emission were measured and found to agree with the scaling law for a plasma focus. Advantages of this new geometry include the possibility of using plasma-focus type pinches in multiple arrays at power levels beyond the validity regime of the current scaling law for a single gun.

Testing the abstractness of children’s linguistic representations

PubMed Central

Savage, Ceri; Lieven, Elena; Theakston, Anna; Tomasello, Michael

2007-01-01

The current studies used a priming methodology to assess the abstractness of children’s early syntactic constructions. In the main study, 3-, 4- and 6-year-old children were asked to describe a prime picture by repeating either an active or a passive sentence, and then they were left to their own devices to describe a target picture. For half the children at each age, the prime sentences they repeated had high lexical overlap with the sentence they were likely to produce for the target, whereas for the other half there was very low lexical overlap between prime and target. The main result was that 6-year-old children showed both lexical and structural priming for both the active transitive and passive constructions, whereas 3- and 4-year-old children showed lexical priming only. This pattern of results would seem to indicate that 6-year-old children have relatively abstract representations of these constructions, whereas 3- and 4-year-old children have as an integral part of their representations certain specific lexical items, especially pronouns and some grammatical morphemes. In a second study it was found that children did not need to repeat the prime out loud in order to be primed - suggesting that the priming effect observed concerns not just peripheral production mechanisms but underlying linguistic representations common to comprehension and production. These results support the view that young children develop abstract linguistic representations gradually during the preschool years. PMID:18259588

Assessment of karst activity at highway construction sites using the electrical resistivity method (Greene and Jefferson Counties, Missouri).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-11-01

Two-dimensional (2-D) electrical resistivity data were acquired across and in proximity to active sinkholes at two Missouri : Department of Transportation (MoDOT) highway-construction sites. Construction site #1 is located in Greene County, Missouri;...

Study of the potential impacts of highway construction on selected birds with emphasis on the golden-cheeked warbler : final report 2008-2011.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-07-01

This report summarizes the 20082011 field seasons for the Highway 71 impact assessment of : highway construction noise and activity on golden-cheeked warblers (Setophaga chrysoparia). Researchers : examined if construction activity and noise alter...

Variance in Math Achievement Attributable to Visual Cognitive Constructs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oehlert, Jeremy J.

2012-01-01

Previous research has reported positive correlations between math achievement and the cognitive constructs of spatial visualization, working memory, and general intelligence; however, no single study has assessed variance in math achievement attributable to all three constructs, examined in combination. The current study fills this gap in the…

Constructions of Roles in Studio Teaching and Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Belluigi, Dina Zoe

2016-01-01

Various constructions of supervisors and students emerge from education literature on art, design and architecture studio pedagogy. Constructions of the supervisor within the studio and during assessment are considered, with a discussion of the threads which underpin them. This is followed by a discussion of some of the current dominant…

Anticipated Work-Family Conflict: A Construct Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Westring, Alyssa Friede; Ryan, Ann Marie

2011-01-01

To date, little is known about how work-family issues impact the career development process. In the current paper, we explore this issue by investigating a relatively unstudied construct: anticipated work-family conflict. We found that this construct can be represented by the same six-dimensional factor structure used to assess concurrent…

Antenna Construction and Propagation of Radio Waves.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marine Corps Inst., Washington, DC.

Developed as part of the Marine Corps Institute (MCI) correspondence training program, this course on antenna construction and propagation of radio waves is designed to provide communicators with instructions in the selection and/or construction of the proper antenna(s) for use with current field radio equipment. Introductory materials include…

The Construction of Pro-Science and Technology Discourse in Chinese Language Textbooks

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Yongbing

2005-01-01

This paper examines the pro-science and technology discourse constructed in Chinese language textbooks currently used for primary school students nationwide in China. By applying analytical techniques of critical discourse analysis (CDA), the paper critically investigates how the discourse is constructed and what ideological forces are manifested…

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF DEMONSTRATION/RESEARCH WETLANDS FOR TREATMENT OF DAIRY FARM WASTEWATER

EPA Science Inventory

There are no constructed wetlands currently used in Oregon for treating agricultural wastes. his report discusses the construction of nine wetland cells at the Oregon State University dairy farm. hese wetlands will be used in a long-term project which will attempt to: 1) Develop ...

Space construction system analysis. Part 2: Construction analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roebuck, J. A.; Buck, P. A.; Gimlich, G. W.; Greenberg, H. S.; Hart, R. J.; Indrikis, J.; Lefever, A. E.; Lillenas, A. N.; Mcbaine, C. K.

1980-01-01

The construction methods specific to the end to end construction process for building the ETVP in low Earth orbit, using the space shuttle orbiter as a construction base, are analyzed. The analyses concerned three missions required to build the basic platform. The first mission involved performing the fabrication of beams in space and assembling the beams into a basic structural framework. The second mission was to install the forward support structure and aft support structure, the forward assembly, and a TT&C antenna. The third mission plan was to complete the construction of the platform and activate it to begin operations in low Earth orbit. The integration of the activities for each mission is described along with the construction requirements and construction logic.

Models accounting for intention-behavior discordance in the physical activity domain: a user's guide, content overview, and review of current evidence.

PubMed

Rhodes, Ryan E; Yao, Christopher A

2015-02-07

There is a growing concern among researchers with the limited effectiveness and yet subsequent stagnation of theories applied to physical activity (PA). One of the most highlighted areas of concern is the established gap between intention and PA, yet the considerable use of models that assume intention is the proximal antecedent of PA. The objective of this review was to: 1) provide a guide and thematic analysis of the available models that include constructs that address intention-behavior discordance and 2) highlight the evidence for these structures in the PA domain. A literature search was conducted among 13 major databases to locate relevant models and PA studies published before August 2014. Sixteen models were identified and nine overall themes for post-intentional constructs were created. Of the 16 models, eight were applied to 36 PA studies. Early evidence supported maintenance self-efficacy, behavioral regulation strategies, affective judgments, perceived control/opportunity, habit, and extraversion as reliable predictors of post-intention PA. Several intention-behavior discordance models exist within the literature, but are not used frequently. Further efforts are needed to test these models, preferably with experimental designs.

Environmental Assessment: 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Goldsboro, North Carolina

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

clearance criteria is being prepared. Expected completion date: __ _ A temporary waiver for construction activity in the airfield vacinity was approved on...space clearance criteria is being prepared. Expected completion date: __ _ A temporary waiver for construction activity in the airfield vacinity was...construction activity in the airfield vacinity was approved on ____ (date). A permanent waiver of airfield/airspace clearance criteria was obtained on

Conceptualizing physical activity parenting practices using expert informed concept mapping analysis.

PubMed

Mâsse, Louise C; O'Connor, Teresia M; Tu, Andrew W; Hughes, Sheryl O; Beauchamp, Mark R; Baranowski, Tom

2017-06-14

Parents are widely recognized as playing a central role in the development of child behaviors such as physical activity. As there is little agreement as to the dimensions of physical activity-related parenting practices that should be measured or how they should be operationalized, this study engaged experts to develop an integrated conceptual framework for assessing parenting practices that influence multiple aspects of 5 to 12 year old children's participation in physical activity. The ultimate goal of this study is to inform the development of an item bank (repository of calibrated items) aimed at measuring physical activity parenting practices. Twenty four experts from 6 countries (Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, the Netherlands, & United States (US)) sorted 77 physical activity parenting practice concepts identified from our previously published synthesis of the literature (74 measures) and survey of Canadian and US parents. Concept Mapping software was used to conduct the multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) analysis and a cluster analysis of the MDS solution of the Expert's sorting which was qualitatively reviewed and commented on by the Experts. The conceptual framework includes 12 constructs which are presented using three main domains of parenting practices (neglect/control, autonomy support, and structure). The neglect/control domain includes two constructs: permissive and pressuring parenting practices. The autonomy supportive domain includes four constructs: encouragement, guided choice, involvement in child physical activities, and praises/rewards for their child's physical activity. Finally, the structure domain includes six constructs: co-participation, expectations, facilitation, modeling, monitoring, and restricting physical activity for safety or academic concerns. The concept mapping analysis provided a useful process to engage experts in re-conceptualizing physical activity parenting practices and identified key constructs to include in measures of physical activity parenting. While the constructs identified ought to be included in measures of physical activity parenting practices, it will be important to collect data among parents to further validate the content of these constructs. In conclusion, the method provided a roadmap for developing an item bank that captures key facets of physical activity parenting and ultimately serves to standardize how we operationalize measures of physical activity parenting.

Construction and Characterization of a Chitosan-Immobilized-Enzyme and β-Cyclodextrin-Included-Ferrocene-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for H2O2 Detection

PubMed Central

Dong, Wenbo; Wang, Kaiyin; Chen, Yu; Li, Weiping; Ye, Yanchun; Jin, Shaohua

2017-01-01

An electrochemical detection biosensor was prepared with the chitosan-immobilized-enzyme (CTS-CAT) and β-cyclodextrin-included-ferrocene (β-CD-FE) complex for the determination of H2O2. Ferrocene (FE) was included in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) to increase its stability. The structure of the β-CD-FE was characterized. The inclusion amount, inclusion rate, and electrochemical properties of inclusion complexes were determined to optimize the reaction conditions for the inclusion. CTS-CAT was prepared by a step-by-step immobilization method, which overcame the disadvantages of the conventional preparation methods. The immobilization conditions were optimized to obtain the desired enzyme activity. CTS-CAT/β-CD-FE composite electrodes were prepared by compositing the CTS-CAT with the β-CD-FE complex on a glassy carbon electrode and used for the electrochemical detection of H2O2. It was found that the CTS-CAT could produce a strong reduction peak current in response to H2O2 and the β-CD-FE could amplify the current signal. The peak current exhibited a linear relationship with the H2O2 concentration in the range of 1.0 × 10−7–6.0 × 10−3 mol/L. Our work provided a novel method for the construction of electrochemical biosensors with a fast response, good stability, high sensitivity, and a wide linear response range based on the composite of chitosan and cyclodextrin. PMID:28773229

Characterizing the role of the hippocampus during episodic simulation and encoding.

PubMed

Thakral, Preston P; Benoit, Roland G; Schacter, Daniel L

2017-12-01

The hippocampus has been consistently associated with episodic simulation (i.e., the mental construction of a possible future episode). In a recent study, we identified an anterior-posterior temporal dissociation within the hippocampus during simulation. Specifically, transient simulation-related activity occurred in relatively posterior portions of the hippocampus and sustained activity occurred in anterior portions. In line with previous theoretical proposals of hippocampal function during simulation, the posterior hippocampal activity was interpreted as reflecting a transient retrieval process for the episodic details necessary to construct an episode. In contrast, the sustained anterior hippocampal activity was interpreted as reflecting the continual recruitment of encoding and/or relational processing associated with a simulation. In the present study, we provide a direct test of these interpretations by conducting a subsequent memory analysis of our previously published data to assess whether successful encoding during episodic simulation is associated with the anterior hippocampus. Analyses revealed a subsequent memory effect (i.e., later remembered > later forgotten simulations) in the anterior hippocampus. The subsequent memory effect was transient and not sustained. Taken together, the current findings provide further support for a component process model of hippocampal function during simulation. That is, unique regions of the hippocampus support dissociable processes during simulation, which include the transient retrieval of episodic information, the sustained binding of such information into a coherent episode, and the transient encoding of that episode for later retrieval. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Technique for Determination of Rational Boundaries in Combining Construction and Installation Processes Based on Quantitative Estimation of Technological Connections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gusev, E. V.; Mukhametzyanov, Z. R.; Razyapov, R. V.

2017-11-01

The problems of the existing methods for the determination of combining and technologically interlinked construction processes and activities are considered under the modern construction conditions of various facilities. The necessity to identify common parameters that characterize the interaction nature of all the technology-related construction and installation processes and activities is shown. The research of the technologies of construction and installation processes for buildings and structures with the goal of determining a common parameter for evaluating the relationship between technologically interconnected processes and construction works are conducted. The result of this research was to identify the quantitative evaluation of interaction construction and installation processes and activities in a minimum technologically necessary volume of the previous process allowing one to plan and organize the execution of a subsequent technologically interconnected process. The quantitative evaluation is used as the basis for the calculation of the optimum range of the combination of processes and activities. The calculation method is based on the use of the graph theory. The authors applied a generic characterization parameter to reveal the technological links between construction and installation processes, and the proposed technique has adaptive properties which are key for wide use in organizational decisions forming. The article provides a written practical significance of the developed technique.

Ratchet Effects in Active Matter Systems

DOE PAGES

Reichhardt, Cynthia Jane; Reichhardt, Charles

2016-12-21

Ratchet effects can arise for single or collectively interacting Brownian particles on an asymmetric substrate when a net dc transport is produced by an externally applied ac driving force or by periodically flashing the substrate. Recently, a new class of active ratchet systems that do not require the application of external driving has been realized through the use of active matter; they are self-propelled units that can be biological or nonbiological in nature. When active materials such as swimming bacteria interact with an asymmetric substrate, a net dc directed motion can arise even without external driving, opening a wealth ofmore » possibilities such as sorting, cargo transport, or micromachine construction. We review the current status of active matter ratchets for swimming bacteria, cells, active colloids, and swarming models, focusing on the role of particle-substrate interactions. Here, we describe ratchet reversals produced by collective effects and the use of active ratchets to transport passive particles. We discuss future directions including deformable substrates or particles, the role of different swimming modes, varied particle–particle interactions, and nondissipative effects.« less

Towards improved prediction and mitigation of beach overwash: Terrestrial LiDAR observation of dynamic beach berm erosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schubert, J. E.; Gallien, T.; Shakeri Majd, M.; Sanders, B. F.

2012-12-01

Globally, over 20 million people currently reside below high tide levels and 200 million are below storm tide levels. Future climate change along with the pressures of urbanization will exacerbate flooding in low lying coastal communities. In Southern California, coastal flooding is triggered by a combination of high tides, storm surge, and waves and recent research suggests that a current 100 year flood event may be experienced on a yearly basis by 2050 due to sea level rise adding a positive offset to return levels. Currently, Southern California coastal communities mitigate the threat of beach overwash, and consequent backshore flooding, with a combination of planning and operational activities such as protective beach berm construction. Theses berms consist of temporary alongshore sand dunes constructed days or hours before an extreme tide or wave event. Hydraulic modeling in urbanized embayments has shown that coastal flooding predictions are extremely sensitive to the presence of coastal protective infrastructure, requiring parameterization of the hard infrastructure elevations at centimetric accuracy. Beach berms are an example of temporary dynamic structures which undergo severe erosion during extreme events and are typically not included in flood risk assessment. Currently, little is known about the erosion process and performance of these structures, which adds uncertainty to flood hazard delineation and flood forecasts. To develop a deeper understanding of beach berm erosion dynamics, three trapezoidal shaped berms, approximately 35 m long and 1.5 m high, were constructed and failure during rising tide conditions was observed using terrestrial laser scanning. Concurrently, real-time kinematic GPS, high-definition time lapse photography, a local tide gauge and wave climate data were collected. The result is a rich and unique observational dataset capturing berm erosion dynamics. This poster highlights the data collected and presents methods for processing and leveraging multi-sensor field observation data. The data obtained from this study will be used to support the development and validation of a numerical beach berm overtopping and overwash model that will allow for improved predictions of coastal flood damage during winter storms and large swells.

29 CFR 779.211 - Status of activities which are not “related.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... retail grocery stores and also engages in an unrelated business of constructing homes, one “enterprise... grocery stores and any activities related to them, and home construction activities will constitute a...

29 CFR 779.211 - Status of activities which are not “related.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... retail grocery stores and also engages in an unrelated business of constructing homes, one “enterprise... grocery stores and any activities related to them, and home construction activities will constitute a...

29 CFR 779.211 - Status of activities which are not “related.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... retail grocery stores and also engages in an unrelated business of constructing homes, one “enterprise... grocery stores and any activities related to them, and home construction activities will constitute a...

29 CFR 779.211 - Status of activities which are not “related.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... retail grocery stores and also engages in an unrelated business of constructing homes, one “enterprise... grocery stores and any activities related to them, and home construction activities will constitute a...

29 CFR 779.211 - Status of activities which are not “related.”

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... retail grocery stores and also engages in an unrelated business of constructing homes, one “enterprise... grocery stores and any activities related to them, and home construction activities will constitute a...

Municipal wastewater treatment in Mexico: current status and opportunities for employing ecological treatment systems.

PubMed

Zurita, Florentina; Roy, Eric D; White, John R

2012-06-01

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the current status of municipal wastewater (MWW) treatment in Mexico, as well as to assess opportunities for using ecological treatment systems, such as constructed wetlands. In 2008, Mexico had 2101 MWW treatment plants that treated only 84 m3/s of wastewater (208 m3/s ofMWW were collected in sewer systems). Unfortunately, most treatment plants operate below capacity owing to a lack of maintenance and paucity of properly trained personnel. The main types of treatment systems applied in Mexico are activated sludge and waste stabilization ponds, which treat 44.3% and 18% of the MWW collected, respectively. As in many other developing nations around the world, there is a great need in Mexico for low-cost, low-maintenance wastewater treatment systems that are both economically and environmentally sustainable. In 2005, 24.3 million Mexicans lived in villages of less than 2500 inhabitants and 14.1 million lived in towns with 2500-15,000 inhabitants. An opportunity exists to extend the use of ecological treatment systems to these low population density areas and considerably increase the percentage of MWW that is treated in Mexico. Small-scale and medium-size constructed wetlands have been built successfully in some states, primarily during the past five years. Several barriers need to be overcome to increase the adoption and utilization of ecological wastewater technology in Mexico, including: a lack of knowledge about this technology, scarce technical information in Spanish, and the government's concentration on constructing MWW treatment plants solely in urban areas.

Brief Self-Report Scales Assessing Life History Dimensions of Mating and Parenting Effort.

PubMed

Kruger, Daniel J

2017-01-01

Life history theory (LHT) is a powerful evolutionary framework for understanding physiological, psychological, and behavioral variation both between and within species. Researchers and theorists are increasingly integrating LHT into evolutionary psychology, as it provides a strong foundation for research across many topical areas. Human life history variation has been represented in psychological and behavioral research in several ways, including indicators of conditions in the developmental environment, indicators of conditions in the current environment, and indicators of maturation and life milestones (e.g., menarche, initial sexual activity, first pregnancy), and in self-report survey scale measures. Survey scale measures have included constructs such as time perspective and future discounting, although the most widely used index is a constellation of indicators assessing the K-factor, thought to index general life history speed (from fast to slow). The current project examined the utility of two brief self-report survey measures assessing the life history dimensions of mating effort and parenting effort with a large undergraduate sample in the United States. Consistent with the theory, items reflected two inversely related dimensions. In regressions including the K-factor, the Mating Effort Scale proved to be a powerful predictor of other constructs and indicators related to life history variation. The Parenting Effort Scale had less predictive power overall, although it explained unique variance across several constructs and was the only unique predictor of the number of long-term (serious and committed) relationships. These scales may be valuable additions to self-report survey research projects examining life history variation.

Polarity of Accessible Constructs Varies as a Function of Task.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Panter, Abigail T.; And Others

Cognitive-based approaches to social and personality psychology have studied the structure of trait constructs in memory. The bipolar view of traits suggests that the activation of a trait construct such as "hostile" should be associated with the simultaneous activation of its semantic opposite "kind." The unipolar view, in…

50 CFR 216.200 - Specified activity and specified geographical region.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... under §§ 216.106 and 216.208 include, but may not be limited to, site construction, including ice road... ice road construction, and vessel and helicopter activity, but excluding seismic operations. (a)(1... TAKING AND IMPORTING OF MARINE MAMMALS Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Construction and Operation...

76 FR 22891 - Modification to 2008 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-04-25

... Construction Activities AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: EPA Regions 1... System (NPDES) general permits for stormwater discharges associated with construction activity in order... permits will be referred to as ``permit'' or ``2008 construction general permit'' or ``2008 CGP.'' This...

76 FR 40355 - Modification to 2008 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-08

... Construction Activities AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: EPA Regions 1... (NPDES) general permits for stormwater discharges associated with construction activity in order to... permits will be referred to as ``permit'' or ``2008 construction general permit'' or ``2008 CGP.'' This...

75 FR 4554 - Modification to 2008 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-01-28

... Construction Activities AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: EPA Regions 1... System (NPDES) general permits for stormwater discharges associated with construction activity in order... will be referred to as ``permit'' or ``2008 construction general permit'' or ``2008 CGP.'' The 2008 CGP...

Elucidation of the new generation fluorescent protein tdTomato for space related radiobiological research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chishti, Arif Ali; Baumstark-Khan, Christa; Hellweg, Christine; Reitz, Guenther

Astronauts in space are exposed to a potentially harmful radiation field, which does not exist in its quality and quantity on earth. Radiation exposure in space can lead to delayed or acute health effects. A successful long-term space mission requires better risk estimation and development of appropriate countermeasures, therefore study of the cellular radiation response is necessary. Ionizing radiation can provoke active cellular responses (cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, apoptosis or other forms of cell type). Exposure to ionizing radiation also activates various signaling pathways in human cells. In the cellular radiation-response, two pivotal signal transduction pathways have to be comprehensively studied i.e. the p53-pathway and NF-κB-pathway. Discovery of fluorescent proteins has revolutionized biological research by making it possible to carry out functional studies in living cells and understanding complex signaling pathways. Previously the green fluorescent proteins EGFP and d2EGFP were used for signaling pathway studies. In this work the new red fluorescent protein tdTomato will be used for comprehensive investigation of NF-κB and other transcription factor activation after exposure of human cells to ionizing radiation (X-rays, heavy ions; space conditions). tdTomato has many advantages over EGFP because of its high fluorescence signals and a better signal/noise ratio in human cells. The previously constructed reporter system with d2EGFP was used to evaluate NF-kB activation after exposure to heavy ion particles of different biological effectiveness. The sensitivity threshold of this system was determined to be 2 particle traversals per cell nucleus. In the current study a more sensitive reporter assay will be constructed using a GAL4-VP16 turbo system that comprises a receptor plasmid and a reporter plasmid. This reporter assay will be designed and constructed with tdTomato and evaluation will be done with different molecular techniques.

Mathematics teachers' conceptions about modelling activities and its reflection on their beliefs about mathematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shahbari, Juhaina Awawdeh

2018-07-01

The current study examines whether the engagement of mathematics teachers in modelling activities and subsequent changes in their conceptions about these activities affect their beliefs about mathematics. The sample comprised 52 mathematics teachers working in small groups in four modelling activities. The data were collected from teachers' Reports about features of each activity, interviews and questionnaires on teachers' beliefs about mathematics. The findings indicated changes in teachers' conceptions about the modelling activities. Most teachers referred to the first activity as a mathematical problem but emphasized only the mathematical notions or the mathematical operations in the modelling process; changes in their conceptions were gradual. Most of the teachers referred to the fourth activity as a mathematical problem and emphasized features of the whole modelling process. The results of the interviews indicated that changes in the teachers' conceptions can be attributed to structure of the activities, group discussions, solution paths and elicited models. These changes about modelling activities were reflected in teachers' beliefs about mathematics. The quantitative findings indicated that the teachers developed more constructive beliefs about mathematics after engagement in the modelling activities and that the difference was significant, however there was no significant difference regarding changes in their traditional beliefs.

Characteristics of retinal reflectance changes induced by transcorneal electrical stimulation in cat eyes.

PubMed

Morimoto, Takeshi; Kanda, Hiroyuki; Miyoshi, Tomomitsu; Hirohara, Yoko; Mihashi, Toshifumi; Kitaguchi, Yoshiyuki; Nishida, Kohji; Fujikado, Takashi

2014-01-01

Transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) activates retinal neurons leading to visual sensations. How the retinal cells are activated by TES has not been definitively determined. Investigating the reflectance changes of the retina is an established technique and has been used to determine the mechanism of retinal activation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reflectance changes elicited by TES in cat eyes. Eight eyes of Eight cats were studied under general anesthesia. Biphasic electrical pulses were delivered transcornealy. The fundus images observed with near-infrared light (800-880 nm) were recorded every 25 ms for 26 s. To improve the signal-to-noise ratio, the images of 10 consecutive recordings were averaged. Two-dimensional topographic maps of the reflective changes were constructed by subtracting images before from those after the TES. The effects of different stimulus parameters, e.g., current intensity, pulse duration, frequency, and stimulus duration, on the reflective changes were studied. Our results showed that after TES, the reflective changes appeared on the retinal vessels and optic disc. The intensity of reflectance changes increased as the current intensity, pulse duration, and stimulation duration increased (P<0.05 for all). The maximum intensity of the reflective change was obtained when the stimulus frequency was 20 Hz. The time course of the reflectance changes was also altered by the stimulation parameters. The response started earlier and returned to the baseline later with higher current intensities, longer pulse durations, but the time of the peak of the response was not changed. These results showed that the reflective changes were due to the activation of retinal neurons by TES and might involve the vascular changes induced by an activation of the retinal neurons.

Enhancement of knowledge construction activities utilizing 21st century learning design rubric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedoche, Margarette Anne U.; Taladua, Janica Mae M.; Panal, Geicky Pearl C.; Magsayo, Joy R.; Guarin, Rica Mae B.; Myrna, H. Lahoylahoy

2018-01-01

The main objective of the study was to enhance knowledge construction activities on its design particularly the objectives, support materials, student activities and assessment tools. Activities from the 2nd Quarter of Science Learners Material were the basis in the adaptation of activities. The adapted activities were evaluated by the In-service Science teachers and undergone modification by the researchers based on the teacher's comments and suggestions. It was then evaluated, revised, and validated, tried-out using the 21st CLD Rubric. Subjects of the study were 110 students from Grade 7-B, Grade 7-D, Grade 7-F in Geronima Cabrera National High School, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte during the academic year 2016-2017, the study to determine their learning capabilities investigated by the use of Knowledge Construction Activities in the 21st Century Classroom, to investigate how the lessons were understood and appreciated by students, to stimulate interpretation, analysis, synthesizing, or evaluating ideas and develop critical thinking. Both quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from the students' scores in three activities. Results showed that there was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores of students. Mean scores between the pretest and posttest showed a mean difference of 3.35, thus the null hypothesis was rejected. It could be concluded with sufficient evidence to show that the students had basically low prior knowledge about the topic ecosystem. A significant difference was seen in the pretest and posttest, scores of the activities and Ecosystem model results after the implementation phase that a knowledge construction type of activity was better than the traditional one for it promoted meaningful learning and active engagement of students. Based on the results, it was clear that the use of knowledge construction activities had an effect on student's achievement in comparison to traditional teaching method. Thus, it was recommended for teachers to design more activities to enhance and develop students' knowledge construction and for teachers to start using knowledge construction in the classroom to further improve students' performance.

Synchronization of construction, replenishment and leasing cycles with account of wave dynamics of innovation cycles in the construction and transport field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alekseeva, Tatyana

2017-10-01

The article considers the contradictive nature of the basic cycles of the growth in construction, the core of which are construction cycles, replenishment cycles of the active part of fixed assets, innovation and investment cycles. All of the listed cycles objectively thwart the science and technology progress in construction. There are presented results of the study of finance leasing as an effective tool, that provides time reduction of the innovation replenishment cycle of the active part of fixed assets in construction. It takes into account the development and implementation terms of construction investment projects in order to timely support the innovation wave and enhance its efficiency in construction for a rapid transition of the construction investment complex and national economy to a new vector of growth.

Finite volume analysis of temperature effects induced by active MRI implants with cylindrical symmetry: 1. Properly working devices.

PubMed

Busch, Martin H J; Vollmann, Wolfgang; Schnorr, Jörg; Grönemeyer, Dietrich H W

2005-04-08

Active Magnetic Resonance Imaging implants are constructed as resonators tuned to the Larmor frequency of a magnetic resonance system with a specific field strength. The resonating circuit may be embedded into or added to the normal metallic implant structure. The resonators build inductively coupled wireless transmit and receive coils and can amplify the signal, normally decreased by eddy currents, inside metallic structures without affecting the rest of the spin ensemble. During magnetic resonance imaging the resonators generate heat, which is additional to the usual one described by the specific absorption rate. This induces temperature increases of the tissue around the circuit paths and inside the lumen of an active implant and may negatively influence patient safety. This investigation provides an overview of the supplementary power absorbed by active implants with a cylindrical geometry, corresponding to vessel implants such as stents, stent grafts or vena cava filters. The knowledge of the overall absorbed power is used in a finite volume analysis to estimate temperature maps around different implant structures inside homogeneous tissue under worst-case assumptions. The "worst-case scenario" assumes thermal heat conduction without blood perfusion inside the tissue around the implant and mostly without any cooling due to blood flow inside vessels. The additional power loss of a resonator is proportional to the volume and the quality factor, as well as the field strength of the MRI system and the specific absorption rate of the applied sequence. For properly working devices the finite volume analysis showed only tolerable heating during MRI investigations in most cases. Only resonators transforming a few hundred mW into heat may reach temperature increases over 5 K. This requires resonators with volumes of several ten cubic centimeters, short inductor circuit paths with only a few 10 cm and a quality factor above ten. Using MR sequences, for which the MRI system manufacturer declares the highest specific absorption rate of 4 W/kg, vascular implants with a realistic construction, size and quality factor do not show temperature increases over a critical value of 5 K. The results show dangerous heating for the assumed "worst-case scenario" only for constructions not acceptable for vascular implants. Realistic devices are safe with respect to temperature increases. However, this investigation discusses only properly working devices. Ruptures or partial ruptures of the wires carrying the electric current of the resonance circuits or other defects can set up a power source inside an extremely small volume. The temperature maps around such possible "hot spots" should be analyzed in an additional investigation.

Gen IV Materials Handbook Beta Release for Structural and Functional Evaluation

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

Ren, Weiju; Luttrell, Claire

2006-09-12

Development of the Gen IV Materials Handbook is briefly summarized up to date. Current status of the Handbook website construction is described. The developed Handbook components and access control of the beta version are discussed for the present evaluation release. Detailed instructions and examples are given to provide guidance for evaluators to browse the constructed parts and use all the currently developed functionalities of the Handbook in evaluation.

Process Development for Automated Solar Cell and Module Production. Task 4: Automated Array Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hagerty, J. J.

1981-01-01

The Automated Lamination Station is mechanically complete and is currently undergoing final wiring. The high current driver and isolator boards have been completed and installed, and the main interface board is under construction. The automated vacuum chamber has had a minor redesign to increase stiffness and improve the cover open/close mechanism. Design of the Final Assembly Station has been completed and construction is underway.

A Systematic Method of Integrating BIM and Sensor Technology for Sustainable Construction Design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Zhen; Deng, Zhiyu

2017-10-01

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has received lots of attention of construction field, and sensor technology was applied in construction data collection. This paper developed a method to integrate BIM and sensor technology for sustainable construction design. A brief literature review was conducted to clarify the current development of BIM and sensor technology; then a systematic method for integrating BIM and sensor technology to realize sustainable construction design was put forward; finally a brief discussion and conclusion was given.

Hungarian travertine: a historic and current stone resource of Central Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Török, Ákos

2013-04-01

Travertine is a widespread dimension stone that was used worldwide in monuments. The best known examples are known from the Roman Empire from Italy, where this porous stone belonged to one of the favourite stone types. Ancient quarries of Tivoli provided material to major construction works to Rome. Other occurrences belonging to the Roman Empire outside of Rome were also used by the Romans. Some of the most important European deposits are known from Hungary. Exploitable travertine layers are found at many places in Hungary but at least two major areas were actively quarried by the Romans. One major deposit was not far away from the provincial capital of Roman Pannonia - called Aquincum, which currently forms a part of Budapest, while the other even larger occurrence is at Süttő, at the riverside of Danube some 50 km NE from the past capital. River Danube provided an excellent pathway of transport ting stone to the capital. Evidences indicate that quarrying activity in Süttő area has already begun during the 1st century BC and the travertine has been exploited with some interruptions since then. The present day quarries form the parts of the largest active dimension quarry system of Hungary. The exposed very thick banks (3 to 4m) of travertine were deposited from lukewarm springs during the Pleistocene period. Various types of travertine were used for constructing Roman aqueducts, fortresses, amphitheatre until the 4th century AD and were also transported to other parts of that Roman Province which extended to the present territory of Hungary, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia. Although the use of travertine has significantly decreased after the fall of Roman Empire in Central Europe and in Hungary, the presence of this stone was also documented from numerous Gothic and Baroque buildings from the area. The use of this stone became more popular again in the Carpathian Basin, when major constructions of larger cities such as Bratislava, Vienna or Budapest accelerated in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy at the second part of the 19th century. The paper also provides information on various lithotypes of travertine and it also presents data on the physical properties and examples of its use in the monuments located in the cities of Central Europe.

Human lung fibroblast-derived matrix facilitates vascular morphogenesis in 3D environment and enhances skin wound healing.

PubMed

Du, Ping; Suhaeri, Muhammad; Ha, Sang Su; Oh, Seung Ja; Kim, Sang-Heon; Park, Kwideok

2017-05-01

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is crucial to many aspects of vascular morphogenesis and maintenance of vasculature function. Currently the recapitulation of angiogenic ECM microenvironment is still challenging, due mainly to its diverse components and complex organization. Here we investigate the angiogenic potential of human lung fibroblast-derived matrix (hFDM) in creating a three-dimensional (3D) vascular construct. hFDM was obtained via decellularization of in vitro cultured human lung fibroblasts and analyzed via immunofluorescence staining and ELISA, which detect multiple ECM macromolecules and angiogenic growth factors (GFs). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) morphology was more elongated and better proliferative on hFDM than on gelatin-coated substrate. To prepare 3D construct, hFDM is collected, quantitatively analyzed, and incorporated in collagen hydrogel (Col) with HUVECs. Capillary-like structure (CLS) formation at 7day was significantly better with the groups containing higher doses of hFDM compared to the Col group (control). Moreover, the group (Col/hFDM/GFs) with both hFDM and angiogenic GFs (VEGF, bFGF, SDF-1) showed the synergistic activity on CLS formation and found much larger capillary lumen diameters with time. Further analysis of hFDM via angiogenesis antibody array kit reveals abundant biochemical cues, such as angiogenesis-related cytokines, GFs, and proteolytic enzymes. Significantly up-regulated expression of VE-cadherin and ECM-specific integrin subunits was also noticed in Col/hFDM/GFs. In addition, transplantation of Col/hFMD/GFs with HUVECs in skin wound model presents more effective re-epithelialization, many regenerated hair follicles, better transplanted cells viability, and advanced neovascularization. We believe that current system is a very promising platform for 3D vasculature construction in vitro and for cell delivery toward therapeutic applications in vivo. Functional 3D vasculature construction in vitro is still challenging due to the difficulty of recapitulating the complex angiogenic extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. Herein, we present a simple and practical method to create an angiogenic 3D environment via incorporation of human lung fibroblast-derived matrix (hFDM) into collagen hydrogel. We found that hFDM offers a significantly improved angiogenic microenvironment for HUVECs on 2D substrates and in 3D construct. A synergistic effect of hFDM and angiogenic growth factors has been well confirmed in 3D condition. The prevascularized 3D collagen constructs also facilitate skin wound healing. We believe that current system should be a convenient and powerful platform in engineering 3D vasculature in vitro, and in delivering cells for therapeutic purposes in vivo. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structural and Functional Analysis of the Six1 Transcriptional Complex for Anti-Breast Cancer Drug Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-04-30

scrambled controls. Responsiveness was tested using luciferase activity of the 3TP reporter construct and normalized to renilla activity. Data points...was tested using luciferase activity of the TOP-flash reporter construct and normalized to renilla activity. Data points for fractionation and

[Sex role and sports].

PubMed

Darlison, E

2000-11-01

Gender inequality in all areas of life remains a global problem despite efforts over the past twenty years in particular to address the situation. In physical activity and sport the inequality between women and men is particularly pronounced in almost all countries, although it differs in degree. Two of the main reasons why inequality between women and men physical activity and sport is more extreme than in many other areas of social life are the result of the close association between the attributes required for sport and those associated with traditional concepts of stereotypical, hegemonic masculinity, and a lack of understanding of the difference between sex and gender. In sport and physical activity physical differences between men and women have been confused with socially constructed differences i.e. physical differences have been confused with gender differences, and this confusion has been used to justify women's lesser and limited participation at all levels. To achieve equality between women and men in physical activity and sport it will be essential that gender is identified and understood as a socially constructed and fluid concept which is a product of the relations between women and men. The fact that women bear children or are generally less physically powerful than men is not sufficient to justify why it is not considered appropriate for women to participate in certain forms of physical activity or why their participation is less valued than the participation of men. An understanding of gender and of the construction of gender relations is an important pre-requisite to addressing the inequality between women and men in physical activity and sport and in developing policies and programs which include, and are of equal benefit to both sexes. While more research on the benefits of participation in physical activity is needed, there is currently sufficient information available to identify the health related and social value of participation to both women and men. What is now needed to ensure equality between women and men in physical activity and sport is the adoption of a gender-relations approach to policy and program planning by governments, civil society and specifically by those "experts" in the field who have the power to advocate and to influence decision makers at all levels.

Enantioselective remote meta-C-H arylation and alkylation via a chiral transient mediator.

PubMed

Shi, Hang; Herron, Alastair N; Shao, Ying; Shao, Qian; Yu, Jin-Quan

2018-06-18

Enantioselective carbon-hydrogen (C-H) activation reactions by asymmetric metallation could provide new routes for the construction of chiral molecules 1,2 . However, current methods are typically limited to the formation of five- or six-membered metallacycles, thereby preventing the asymmetric functionalization of C-H bonds at positions remote to existing functional groups. Here we report enantioselective remote C-H activation using a catalytic amount of a chiral norbornene as a transient mediator, which relays initial ortho-C-H activation to the meta position. This was used in the enantioselective meta-C-H arylation of benzylamines, as well as the arylation and alkylation of homobenzylamines. The enantioselectivities obtained using the chiral transient mediator are comparable across different classes of substrates containing either neutral σ-donor or anionic coordinating groups. This relay strategy could provide an alternative means to remote chiral induction, one of the most challenging problems in asymmetric catalysis 3,4 .

Aging in Community: Developing a More Holistic Approach to Enhance Older Adults' Well-Being.

PubMed

Davitt, Joan K; Madigan, Elizabeth A; Rantz, Marilyn; Skemp, Lisa

2016-01-01

Public health advances have contributed to increased longevity; however, individuals are more likely to live longer with multiple chronic conditions. The existing health care system primarily focuses on treating disease rather than addressing well-being as a holistic construct that includes physical, social, and environmental components. The current commentary emphasizes the importance of supporting healthy active aging and aging in community. The barriers to aging in community and the state of the intervention science in response to this problem are discussed, and recommendations for future research are provided. Active aging is more than managing illness or care transitions-it promotes engagement, participation, dignity, self-fulfillment, self-determination, and support for older adults. To support aging in community and healthy active aging, a paradigm shift is needed in how the well-being of older adults is thought about and supported. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

Solvothermal synthesis of N-doped graphene supported PtCo nanodendrites with highly catalytic activity for 4-nitrophenol reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiao-Fang; Zhu, Xiao-Yan; Feng, Jiu-Ju; Wang, Ai-Jun

2018-01-01

A simple solvothermal method was developed to prepare N-doped reduced graphene oxide supported homogeneous PtCo nanodendrites (PtCo NDs/N-rGO), where ethylene glycol (EG) served as the reducing agent and the solvent, and linagliptin as the structure-directing and stabilizing agent for PtCo NDs and dopant for rGO, respectively. Controlled researches showed that the dosage of linagliptin and the ratios of the two metal precursors were important in the current synthesis. The PtCo NDs/N-rGO nanocomposite exhibited higher catalytic activity towards the reduction of 4-nitrophnol (4-NP) in contrast with the referenced Pt1Co3 NCs/N-rGO, Pt3Co1 NCs/N-rGO and commercial Pt/C catalysts. More importantly, the constructed catalyst exhibited the superior stability without sacrificing the catalytic activity, showing great prospect for the reduction of 4-NP in practice.

LEACHATE MIGRATION FROM A SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITY NEAR BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH FLORIDA.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Waller, Bradley G.; Labowski, James L.

1987-01-01

Leachate from the Dade County Solid Waste Disposal Facility (SWDF) is migrating to the east (seaward) and to the south from the currently active disposal cell. Water levels and ground-water flow directions are strongly influenced by water-management practices. The SWDF is constructed over the salt-intruded part of the highly transmissive Biscayne aquifer and because of this, chloride ion concentrations and specific conductance levels could not be used as indicators of leachate concentrations. Leachate was detected in multi-depth wells located 75 meters to the south and 20 meters to the east of the active cell. Concentrations of water-quality indicators had mean concentrations generally 2 to 10 times higher than baseline conditions. Primary controls over leachate movement in the SWDF are water-management practices in the Black Creek and Gould Canals, configuration and integrity of the liner beneath the active cell, and low hydraulic gradients in the landfill area.

30 CFR 28.40 - Construction and performance requirements; general.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

...-CIRCUIT PROTECTION FOR TRAILING CABLES IN COAL MINES Construction, Performance, and Testing Requirements... for use with direct current in providing short-circuit protection for trailing cables, when such fuses...

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) Camera

ScienceCinema

None

2018-06-13

Ranked as the top ground-based national priority for the field for the current decade, LSST is currently under construction in Chile. The U.S. Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is leading the construction of the LSST camera – the largest digital camera ever built for astronomy. SLAC Professor Steven M. Kahn is the overall Director of the LSST project, and SLAC personnel are also participating in the data management. The National Science Foundation is the lead agency for construction of the LSST. Additional financial support comes from the Department of Energy and private funding raised by the LSST Corporation.

Renewable Energy Opportunity Assessment

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

Hancock, Ed; Mas, Carl

1998-11-13

Presently, the US EPA is constructing a new complex at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina to consolidate its research operations in the Raleigh-Durham area. The National Computer Center (NCC) is currently in the design process and is planned for construction as part of this complex. Implementation of the new technologies can be planned as part of the normal construction process, and full credit for elimination of the conventional technologies can be taken. Several renewable technologies are specified in the current plans for the buildings. The objective of this study is to identify measures that are likely to be both technicallymore » and economically feasible.« less

Further validation of the Health Promoting Activities Scale with mothers of typically developing children.

PubMed

Bourke-Taylor, Helen; Lalor, Aislinn; Farnworth, Louise; Pallant, Julie F

2014-10-01

The Health Promoting Activities Scale (HPAS) measures the frequency that mothers participate in self-selected leisure activities that promote health and wellbeing. The scale was originally validated on mothers of school-aged children with disabilities, and the current article extends this research using a comparative sample of mothers of typically developing school-aged children. Australian mothers (N = 263) completed a questionnaire containing the HPAS, a measure of depression, anxiety and stress (DASS-21) and questions concerning their weight, height, sleep quality and demographics. Statistical analysis assessed the underlying structure, internal consistency and construct validity of the HPAS. Inferential statistics were utilised to investigate the construct validity. Exploratory factor analysis supported the unidimensionality of the HPAS. It showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.78). Significantly lower HPAS scores were recorded for women who were obese; had elevated levels of depression, anxiety and stress; had poor quality sleep or had heavy caring commitments. The mean HPAS score in this sample (M = 32.2) was significantly higher than was previously reported for women of children with a disability (M = 21.6: P < 0.001). Further psychometric evaluation of the HPAS continues to support the HPAS as a sound instrument that measures the frequency that women participate in meaningful occupation that is associated with differences in mental health and wellbeing and other health indicators. © 2014 Occupational Therapy Australia.

Constructing, Perceiving, and Maintaining Scenes: Hippocampal Activity and Connectivity

PubMed Central

Zeidman, Peter; Mullally, Sinéad L.; Maguire, Eleanor A.

2015-01-01

In recent years, evidence has accumulated to suggest the hippocampus plays a role beyond memory. A strong hippocampal response to scenes has been noted, and patients with bilateral hippocampal damage cannot vividly recall scenes from their past or construct scenes in their imagination. There is debate about whether the hippocampus is involved in the online processing of scenes independent of memory. Here, we investigated the hippocampal response to visually perceiving scenes, constructing scenes in the imagination, and maintaining scenes in working memory. We found extensive hippocampal activation for perceiving scenes, and a circumscribed area of anterior medial hippocampus common to perception and construction. There was significantly less hippocampal activity for maintaining scenes in working memory. We also explored the functional connectivity of the anterior medial hippocampus and found significantly stronger connectivity with a distributed set of brain areas during scene construction compared with scene perception. These results increase our knowledge of the hippocampus by identifying a subregion commonly engaged by scenes, whether perceived or constructed, by separating scene construction from working memory, and by revealing the functional network underlying scene construction, offering new insights into why patients with hippocampal lesions cannot construct scenes. PMID:25405941

An innovative time-cost-quality tradeoff modeling of building construction project based on resource allocation.

PubMed

Hu, Wenfa; He, Xinhua

2014-01-01

The time, quality, and cost are three important but contradictive objectives in a building construction project. It is a tough challenge for project managers to optimize them since they are different parameters. This paper presents a time-cost-quality optimization model that enables managers to optimize multiobjectives. The model is from the project breakdown structure method where task resources in a construction project are divided into a series of activities and further into construction labors, materials, equipment, and administration. The resources utilized in a construction activity would eventually determine its construction time, cost, and quality, and a complex time-cost-quality trade-off model is finally generated based on correlations between construction activities. A genetic algorithm tool is applied in the model to solve the comprehensive nonlinear time-cost-quality problems. Building of a three-storey house is an example to illustrate the implementation of the model, demonstrate its advantages in optimizing trade-off of construction time, cost, and quality, and help make a winning decision in construction practices. The computational time-cost-quality curves in visual graphics from the case study prove traditional cost-time assumptions reasonable and also prove this time-cost-quality trade-off model sophisticated.

Information systems for material flow management in construction processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mesároš, P.; Mandičák, T.

2015-01-01

The article describes the options for the management of material flows in the construction process. Management and resource planning is one of the key factors influencing the effectiveness of construction project. It is very difficult to set these flows correctly. The current period offers several options and tools to do this. Information systems and their modules can be used just for the management of materials in the construction process.

Safe Direct Current Stimulator design for reduced power consumption and increased reliability.

PubMed

Fridman, Gene

2017-07-01

Current state of the art neural prosthetics, such as cochlear implants, spinal cord stimulators, and deep brain stimulators use implantable pulse generators (IPGs) to excite neural activity. Inhibition of neural firing is typically indirect and requires excitation of neurons that then have inhibitory projections downstream. Safe Direct Current Stimulator (SDCS) technology is designed to convert electronic pulses delivered to electrodes embedded within an implantable device to ionic direct current (iDC) at the output of the device. iDC from the device can then control neural extracellular potential with the intent of being able to not only excite, but also inhibit and sensitize neurons, thereby greatly expanding the possible applications of neuromodulation therapies and neural interface mechanisms. While the potential applications and proof of concept of this device have been the focus of previous work, the published descriptions of this technology leave significant room for power and reliability optimization. We describe and model a novel device construction designed to reduce power consumption by a factor of 12 and to improve its reliability by a factor of 8.

76 FR 6499 - China 9D Construction Group; Order of Suspension of Trading

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-02-04

... SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION [File No. 500-1] China 9D Construction Group; Order of Suspension of Trading February 2, 2011. It appears to the Securities and Exchange Commission that there is a lack of current and accurate information concerning the securities of China 9D Construction Group...

Oral Communication Apprehension: Reconceptualization and a New Look at Measurement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McCroskey, James C.

Noting that the communication apprehension (CA) construct advanced more than a decade ago is restricted to talking, this paper points out that the construct now encompasses all modes of communication, including writing and singing. The first section of the paper examines current conceptualizations of the CA construct and compares these to other…

Defining and Comparing the Reading Comprehension Construct: A Cognitive-Psychometric Modeling Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Svetina, Dubravka; Gorin, Joanna S.; Tatsuoka, Kikumi K.

2011-01-01

As a construct definition, the current study develops a cognitive model describing the knowledge, skills, and abilities measured by critical reading test items on a high-stakes assessment used for selection decisions in the United States. Additionally, in order to establish generalizability of the construct meaning to other similarly structured…

The Interplay of Graph and Text in the Acquisition of Historical Constructs

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shand, Kristen

2009-01-01

Graphs are often conjoined with text passages in history textbooks to help students comprehend complex constructs. Four linkages connect text and graphs: appropriate elements, fitting patterns, suitable labels and causal markers. Graphs in current textbooks contain few such linkages and seldom mirror the construct under study. An experiment…

Housing's impact on wood products sales

Treesearch

Matt Bumgardner; Urs Buehlmann; Karen Koenig

2017-01-01

What are the market conditions for woodworkers involved in construction-based sectors and what investments are planned to improve capabilities in the current business environment? For a fifth straight year, construction-based mar­kets continued their growth trends in 2016, as U.S. spending on single family housing, multi-family housing, and nonresidential construction...

The Construction of Cultural Values and Beliefs in Chinese Language Textbooks: A Critical Discourse Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Liu, Yongbing

2005-01-01

This article examines the discourses of cultural values and beliefs constructed in Chinese language textbooks currently used for primary school students nationwide in China. By applying story grammar analysis in the framework of critical discourse analysis, the article critically investigates how the discourses are constructed and what ideological…

76 FR 77301 - Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Highway Project in Wisconsin

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-12

...: Notice of Limitation on Claims for Judicial Review of Actions by FHWA and Other Federal Agencies. SUMMARY... Road on Midvale Boulevard to Summit Road. Stage 1 is currently scheduled for construction from... for construction from approximately 2017 to 2018. Stage 3 will be constructed when operations and...

On Constructs and the Construction of Teachers' Professional Knowledge in a Post-Soviet Context

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Yakavets, Natallia; Bridges, David; Shamatov, Duishon

2017-01-01

This paper examines the understandings ("constructs") of teachers' professional knowledge and its sources that underpin current practice in initial teacher education in Kazakhstan and in particular the way in which pedagogika contributes to these. Drawing on empirical data collected over four years, the paper illustrates the ways in…

Progressing in cable-in-conduit for fusion magnets: from ITER to low cost, high performance DEMO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uglietti, D.; Sedlak, K.; Wesche, R.; Bruzzone, P.; Muzzi, L.; della Corte, A.

2018-05-01

The performance of ITER toroidal field (TF) conductors still have a significant margin for improvement because the effective strain between ‑0.62% and ‑0.95% limits the strands’ critical current between 15% and 45% of the maximum achievable. Prototype Nb3Sn cable-in-conduit conductors have been designed, manufactured and tested in the frame of the EUROfusion DEMO activities. In these conductors the effective strain has shown a clear improvement with respect to the ITER conductors, reaching values between ‑0.55% and ‑0.28%, resulting in a strand critical current which is two to three times higher than in ITER conductors. In terms of the amount of Nb3Sn strand required for the construction of the DEMO TF magnet system, such improvement may lead to a reduction of at least a factor of two with respect to a similar magnet built with ITER type conductors; a further saving of Nb3Sn is possible if graded conductors/windings are employed. In the best case the DEMO TF magnet could require fewer Nb3Sn strands than the ITER one, despite the larger size of DEMO. Moreover high performance conductors could be operated at higher fields than ITER TF conductors, enabling the construction of low cost, compact, high field tokamaks.

Engineering protein self-assembling in protein-based nanomedicines for drug delivery and gene therapy.

PubMed

Ferrer-Miralles, Neus; Rodríguez-Carmona, Escarlata; Corchero, José Luis; García-Fruitós, Elena; Vázquez, Esther; Villaverde, Antonio

2015-06-01

Lack of targeting and improper biodistribution are major flaws in current drug-based therapies that prevent reaching high local concentrations of the therapeutic agent. Such weaknesses impose the administration of high drug doses, resulting in undesired side effects, limited efficacy and enhanced production costs. Currently, missing nanosized containers, functionalized for specific cell targeting will be then highly convenient for the controlled delivery of both conventional and innovative drugs. In an attempt to fill this gap, health-focused nanotechnologies have put under screening a growing spectrum of materials as potential components of nanocages, whose properties can be tuned during fabrication. However, most of these materials pose severe biocompatibility concerns. We review in this study how proteins, the most versatile functional macromolecules, can be conveniently exploited and adapted by conventional genetic engineering as efficient building blocks of fully compatible nanoparticles for drug delivery and how selected biological activities can be recruited to mimic viral behavior during infection. Although engineering of protein self-assembling is still excluded from fully rational approaches, the exploitation of protein nano-assemblies occurring in nature and the direct manipulation of protein-protein contacts in bioinspired constructs open intriguing possibilities for further development. These methodologies empower the construction of new and potent vehicles that offer promise as true artificial viruses for efficient and safe nanomedical applications.

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

Wackett, LP

The current biofuels landscape is chaotic. It is controlled by the rules imposed by economic forces and driven by the necessity of finding new sources of energy, particularly motor fuels. The need is bringing forth great creativity in uncovering new candidate fuel molecules that can be made via metabolic engineering. These next generation fuels include long-chain alcohols, terpenoid hydrocarbons, and diesel-length alkanes. Renewable fuels contain carbon derived from carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is derived directly by a photosynthetic fuel-producing organism(s) or via intermediary biomass polymers that were previously derived from carbon dioxide. To use the latter economically, biomass depolymerizationmore » processes must improve and this is a very active area of research. There are competitive approaches with some groups using enzyme based methods and others using chemical catalysts. With the former, feedstock and end-product toxicity loom as major problems. Advances chiefly rest on the ability to manipulate biological systems. Computational and modular construction approaches are key. For example, novel metabolic networks have been constructed to make long-chain alcohols and hydrocarbons that have superior fuel properties over ethanol. A particularly exciting approach is to implement a direct utilization of solar energy to make a usable fuel. A number of approaches use the components of current biological systems, but re-engineer them for more direct, efficient production of fuels.« less

Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility (WESF) Basis for Interim Operation (BIO)

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

COVEY, L.I.

2000-11-28

The Waste Encapsulation and Storage Facility (WESF) is located in the 200 East Area adjacent to B Plant on the Hanford Site north of Richland, Washington. The current WESF mission is to receive and store the cesium and strontium capsules that were manufactured at WESF in a safe manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. The scope of WESF operations is currently limited to receipt, inspection, decontamination, storage, and surveillance of capsules in addition to facility maintenance activities. The capsules are expected to be stored at WESF until the year 2017, at which time they will havemore » been transferred for ultimate disposition. The WESF facility was designed and constructed to process, encapsulate, and store the extracted long-lived radionuclides, {sup 90}Sr and {sup 137}Cs, from wastes generated during the chemical processing of defense fuel on the Hanford Site thus ensuring isolation of hazardous radioisotopes from the environment. The construction of WESF started in 1971 and was completed in 1973. Some of the {sup 137}Cs capsules were leased by private irradiators or transferred to other programs. All leased capsules have been returned to WESF. Capsules transferred to other programs will not be returned except for the seven powder and pellet Type W overpacks already stored at WESF.« less

A 500 A device characterizer utilizing a pulsed-linear amplifier

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lacouture, Shelby; Bayne, Stephen

2016-02-01

With the advent of modern power semiconductor switching elements, the envelope defining "high power" is an ever increasing quantity. Characterization of these semiconductor power devices generally falls into two categories: switching, or transient characteristics, and static, or DC characteristics. With the increasing native voltage and current levels that modern power devices are capable of handling, characterization equipment meant to extract quasi-static IV curves has not kept pace, often leaving researchers with no other option than to construct ad hoc curve tracers from disparate pieces of equipment. In this paper, a dedicated 10 V, 500 A curve tracer was designed and constructed for use with state of the art high power semiconductor switching and control elements. The characterizer is a physically small, pulsed power system at the heart of which is a relatively high power linear amplifier operating in a switched manner in order to deliver well defined square voltage pulses. These actively shaped pulses are used to obtain device's quasi-static DC characteristics accurately without causing any damage to the device tested. Voltage and current waveforms from each pulse are recorded simultaneously by two separate high-speed analog to digital converters and averaged over a specified interval to obtain points in the reconstructed IV graph.

Constructing a sustainable power sector in China: current and future emissions of coal-fired power plants from 2010 to 2030

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, D.; Zhang, Q.

2017-12-01

As the largest energy infrastructure in China, power sector consumed more coal than any other sector and threatened air quality and greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement target. In this work, we assessed the evolution of coal-fired power plants in China during 2010-2030 and the evolution of associated emissions for the same period by using a unit-based emission projection model which integrated the historical power plants information, turnover of the future power plant fleet, and the evolution of end-of-pipe control technologies. We found that, driven by the stringent environmental legislation, SO2, NOx, and PM2.5 emissions from China's coal-fired power plants decreased by 49%, 45%, and 24% respectively during 2010-2015, comparing to 14% increase of coal consumption and 15% increase in CO2 emissions. We estimated that under current national energy development planning, coal consumption and CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants will continue to increase until 2030, in which against the China's Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) targets. Early retirement of old and low-efficient power plants will cumulatively reduce 2.2 Pg CO2 emissions from the baseline scenario during 2016-2030, but still could not curb CO2 emissions from the peak before 2030. Owing to the implementation of "near zero" emission control policy, we projected that emissions of air pollutants will significantly decrease during the same period under all scenarios, indicating the decoupling trends of air pollutants and CO2 emissions. Although with limited direct emission reduction benefits, increasing operating hours of power plants could avoid 236 GW of new power plants construction, which could indirectly reduce emissions embodied in the construction activity. Our results identified a more sustainable pathway for China's coal-fired power plants, which could reduce air pollutant emissions, improve the energy efficiency, and slow down the construction of new units. However, continuous construction of new coal-fired power plants driven by increased electricity demand would pose a potential threat to climate change mitigation and China's peak carbon pledge, and more aggressive CO2 emission reduction policy should be implemented in the future.

The role of companionship, esteem, and informational support in explaining physical activity among young women in an online social network intervention.

PubMed

Cavallo, David N; Brown, Jane D; Tate, Deborah F; DeVellis, Robert F; Zimmer, Catherine; Ammerman, Alice S

2014-10-01

The primary objective of the current study was to examine the relationship between social support and physical activity within the theory of planned behavior (TPB) theoretical framework. This study used data from the Internet Support for Healthy Associations Promoting Exercise randomized controlled trial. A total of 134 female undergraduate students participated in the study, which included baseline and post measures of perceived social support for physical activity (esteem, informational, and companionship), TPB variables related to physical activity (perceived behavioral control, intention, and attitude), and physical activity behavior. Path analysis revealed a significant indirect relationship between change in companionship support and physical activity mediated by change in intention (.13, p < .01) and a significant direct relationship between change in esteem support and change in physical activity (.26, p = .03). The model explained 27% of the variance in physical activity and 59% of the variance in intention. Overall, change in social support exerted a small to medium amount of influence on change in physical activity in this modified TPB model when controlling for traditional model constructs. Encouraging companionship and esteem support should be considered as a strategy for increasing physical activity in this population.

Critical ICT-Inhibiting Factors on IBS Production Management Processes in the Malaysia Construction Industry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ern, Peniel Ang Soon; Kasim, Narimah; Hamid, Zuhairi Abd; Chen, Goh Kai

2017-10-01

Industrialized Building System (IBS) is one of the approaches that had been introduced as an alternative to conventional building method where it becomes the new strategy of enhancing the sustainable construction in current industries while spearheading a huge advancement of benefits with green constructions into the existing industries. The IBS approach is actively promoted through several strategies and incentives as an alternative to conventional building methods. Extensive uptakes of modern Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications are able to support the different IBS processes for effective production. However, it is argued that ICT uptake at the organisational level is still in its infancy. This raises the importance to identify critical inhibitors which are inhibing the effective uptake of ICT in the IBS production management process. Critical inhibitors to ICT uptake were identified through questionnaire survey with the IBS industry stakeholders. The mean index and critical t-values are generated with the use of the quantitative tool, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The top ten priority ranked inhibitors reflect the Cost, People and Process elements to ICT uptake. High costs in acquiring the technologies and resistance to change were some main concerns from the findings.

4D Dynamic Required Navigation Performance Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finkelsztein, Daniel M.; Sturdy, James L.; Alaverdi, Omeed; Hochwarth, Joachim K.

2011-01-01

New advanced four dimensional trajectory (4DT) procedures under consideration for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) require an aircraft to precisely navigate relative to a moving reference such as another aircraft. Examples are Self-Separation for enroute operations and Interval Management for in-trail and merging operations. The current construct of Required Navigation Performance (RNP), defined for fixed-reference-frame navigation, is not sufficiently specified to be applicable to defining performance levels of such air-to-air procedures. An extension of RNP to air-to-air navigation would enable these advanced procedures to be implemented with a specified level of performance. The objective of this research effort was to propose new 4D Dynamic RNP constructs that account for the dynamic spatial and temporal nature of Interval Management and Self-Separation, develop mathematical models of the Dynamic RNP constructs, "Required Self-Separation Performance" and "Required Interval Management Performance," and to analyze the performance characteristics of these air-to-air procedures using the newly developed models. This final report summarizes the activities led by Raytheon, in collaboration with GE Aviation and SAIC, and presents the results from this research effort to expand the RNP concept to a dynamic 4D frame of reference.

A Filter-Mediated Communication Model for Design Collaboration in Building Construction

PubMed Central

Oh, Minho

2014-01-01

Multidisciplinary collaboration is an important aspect of modern engineering activities, arising from the growing complexity of artifacts whose design and construction require knowledge and skills that exceed the capacities of any one professional. However, current collaboration in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries often fails due to lack of shared understanding between different participants and limitations of their supporting tools. To achieve a high level of shared understanding, this study proposes a filter-mediated communication model. In the proposed model, participants retain their own data in the form most appropriate for their needs with domain-specific filters that transform the neutral representations into semantically rich ones, as needed by the participants. Conversely, the filters can translate semantically rich, domain-specific data into a neutral representation that can be accessed by other domain-specific filters. To validate the feasibility of the proposed model, we computationally implement the filter mechanism and apply it to a hypothetical test case. The result acknowledges that the filter mechanism can let the participants know ahead of time what will be the implications of their proposed actions, as seen from other participants' points of view. PMID:25309958

Fantasy Activity and the Televiewing Event: Considerations for an Information Processing Construct of Involvement.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lindlof, Thomas R.

The similarities between television viewing and fantasy activity (daydreaming, reverie, mind-wandering, internal dialogue) more than warrant the building of a theoretical construct, especially in the context of recent empirical research on television viewing consequences. A construct of the television viewing process, based on cognitive theories…

Integration of culture and biology in human development.

PubMed

Mistry, Jayanthi

2013-01-01

The challenge of integrating biology and culture is addressed in this chapter by emphasizing human development as involving mutually constitutive, embodied, and epigenetic processes. Heuristically rich constructs extrapolated from cultural psychology and developmental science, such as embodiment, action, and activity, are presented as promising approaches to the integration of cultural and biology in human development. These theoretical notions are applied to frame the nascent field of cultural neuroscience as representing this integration of culture and biology. Current empirical research in cultural neuroscience is then synthesized to illustrate emerging trends in this body of literature that examine the integration of biology and culture.

Stacked multilayers of alternating reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes for planar supercapacitors.

PubMed

Moon, Geon Dae; Joo, Ji Bong; Yin, Yadong

2013-12-07

A simple layer-by-layer approach has been developed for constructing 2D planar supercapacitors of multi-stacked reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes. This sandwiched 2D architecture enables the full utilization of the maximum active surface area of rGO nanosheets by using a CNT layer as a porous physical spacer to enhance the permeation of a gel electrolyte inside the structure and reduce the agglomeration of rGO nanosheets along the vertical direction. As a result, the stacked multilayers of rGO and CNTs are capable of offering higher output voltage and current production.

Scaffold architecture and fibrin gels promote meniscal cell proliferation

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

Pawelec, K. M., E-mail: pawelec.km@gmail.com, E-mail: jw626@cam.ac.uk; Best, S. M.; Cameron, R. E.

2015-01-01

Stability of the knee relies on the meniscus, a complex connective tissue with poor healing ability. Current meniscal tissue engineering is inadequate, as the signals for increasing meniscal cell proliferation have not been established. In this study, collagen scaffold structure, isotropic or aligned, and fibrin gel addition were tested. Metabolic activity was promoted by fibrin addition. Cellular proliferation, however, was significantly increased by both aligned architectures and fibrin addition. None of the constructs impaired collagen type I production or triggered adverse inflammatory responses. It was demonstrated that both fibrin gel addition and optimized scaffold architecture effectively promote meniscal cell proliferation.

Componentry for lower extremity prostheses.

PubMed

Friel, Karen

2005-09-01

Prosthetic components for both transtibial and transfemoral amputations are available for patients of every level of ambulation. Most current suspension systems, knees, foot/ankle assemblies, and shock absorbers use endoskeletal construction that emphasizes total contact and weight distribution between bony structures and soft tissues. Different components offer varying benefits to energy expenditure, activity level, balance, and proprioception. Less dynamic ambulators may use fixed-cadence knees and non-dynamic response feet; higher functioning walkers benefit from dynamic response feet and variable-cadence knees. In addition, specific considerations must be kept in mind when fitting a patient with peripheral vascular disease or diabetes.

Code JEF Facilities Engineering Home Page for the Internet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mahaffey, Valerie A.; Harrison, Marla J. (Technical Monitor)

1995-01-01

There are always many activities going on in JEF. We work on and manage the Construction of Facilities (C of F) projects at NASA-Ames. We are constantly designing or analyzing a new facility or project, or a modification to an existing facility. Every day we answer numerous questions about engineering policy, codes and standards, we attend design reviews, we count dollars and we make sure that everything at the Center is designed and built according to good engineering judgment. In addition, we study literature and attend conferences to make sure that we keep current on new legislation and standards.

76 FR 2762 - Proposed Information Collection (VAAR Clause 852.236.89, Buy American Act) Activity: Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-14

...The Office of Management (OM), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on the information needed to consider the use of domestic foreign construction material.

Research District Seeing Growth

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

Madison, Alison L.

2012-05-13

Monthly economic diversity column for the Tri-City Herald (May 2012) - excerpt follows: It’s been a while since I’ve updated you on the Tri-Cities Research District, most certainly not for lack of new activity over the past several months. In fact, much has happened, and there’s more to come. I think many of us see new land development and construction as indicative of current or impending economic growth. So those of you who have ventured into North Richland either via Stevens Drive or George Washington Way lately have probably begun sensing and anticipating that such growth is afoot.

FY 1987 current fiscal year work plan

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

Not Available

This Current Year Work Plan presents a detailed description of the activities to be performed by the Joint Integration Office during FY87. It breaks down the activities into two major work areas: Program Management and Program Analysis. Program Management is performed by the JIO by providing technical planning and guidance for the development of advanced TRU waste management capabilities. This includes equipment/facility design, engineering, construction, and operations. These functions are integrated to allow transition from interim storage to final disposition. JIO tasks include program requirements identification, long-range technical planning, budget development, program planning document preparation, task guidance, task monitoring, informationmore » gathering and task reporting to DOE, interfacing with other agencies and DOE lead programs, integrating public involvement with program efforts, and preparation of program status reports for DOE. Program Analysis is performed by the JIO to support identification and assessment of alternatives, and development of long-term TRU waste program capabilities. This work plan includes: system analyses, requirements analyses, interim and procedure development, legislative and regulatory analyses, dispatch and traffic analyses, and data bases.« less

Value added transformation of ubiquitous substrates into highly efficient and flexible electrodes for water splitting.

PubMed

Sahasrabudhe, Atharva; Dixit, Harsha; Majee, Rahul; Bhattacharyya, Sayan

2018-05-22

Herein, we present an innovative approach for transforming commonly available cellulose paper into a flexible and catalytic current collector for overall water splitting. A solution processed soak-and-coat method of electroless plating was used to render a piece of paper conducting by conformably depositing metallic nickel nanoparticles, while still retaining the open macroporous framework. Proof-of-concept paper-electrodes are realized by modifying nickel-paper current collector with model electrocatalysts nickel-iron oxyhydroxide and nickel-molybdenum bimetallic alloy through electrodeposition route. The paper-electrodes demonstrate exceptional activities towards oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction, requiring overpotentials of 240 and 32 mV at 50 and -10 mA cm -2 , respectively, even as they endure extreme mechanical stress. The generality of this approach is demonstrated by fabricating similar electrodes on cotton fabric, which also show high activity. Finally, a two-electrode paper-electrolyzer is constructed which can split water with an efficiency of 98.01%, and exhibits robust stability for more than 200 h.

Synergetic Action of Domain II and IV Underlies Persistent Current Generation in Nav1.3 as revealed by a tarantula toxin

PubMed Central

Tang, Cheng; Zhou, Xi; Zhang, Yunxiao; xiao, Zhaohua; Hu, Zhaotun; Zhang, Changxin; Huang, Ying; Chen, Bo; Liu, Zhonghua; Liang, Songping

2015-01-01

The persistent current (INaP) through voltage-gated sodium channels enhances neuronal excitability by causing prolonged depolarization of membranes. Nav1.3 intrinsically generates a small INaP, although the mechanism underlying its generation remains unclear. In this study, the involvement of the four domains of Nav1.3 in INaP generation was investigated using the tarantula toxin α-hexatoxin-MrVII (RTX-VII). RTX-VII activated Nav1.3 and induced a large INaP. A pre-activated state binding model was proposed to explain the kinetics of toxin-channel interaction. Of the four domains of Nav1.3, both domain II and IV might play important roles in the toxin-induced INaP. Domain IV constructed the binding site for RTX-VII, while domain II might not participate in interacting with RTX-VII but could determine the efficacy of RTX-VII. Our results based on the use of RTX-VII as a probe suggest that domain II and IV cooperatively contribute to the generation of INaP in Nav1.3. PMID:25784299

Effect of water current on the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and benthic diatom community in sediments of Haihe estuary, China.

PubMed

Yan, Jinxia; Liu, Jingling; Li, Yi; Lang, Sisi

2014-10-01

The pollution loads continuously increased in Haihe estuary, of Tianjin, China, due to intensive human activities, especially the construction of the Haihe Gate and Lingang Industrial Area. In 2011, hydrological variability in Haihe estuary was investigated and sediments were collected. Total organic carbon (TOC), particle size, total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ΣPAHs), heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and benthic diatom community were analyzed. The highest concentrations of ΣPAHs and heavy metals were found near the Haihe Gate. The Shannon diversity index and the relative abundance of Coscinodiscus perforatus (RC) indicated a decreasing trend seaward. Results of Pearson correlation analysis illustrated significant relations between water current velocity and ΣPAHs (p < 0.01), Cr (p < 0.05), and RC (p < 0.05). Path analysis further indicated that water current played an important role in the distribution of PAH, Cr, and RC.

Development of targeted messages to promote smoking cessation among construction trade workers.

PubMed

Strickland, J R; Smock, N; Casey, C; Poor, T; Kreuter, M W; Evanoff, B A

2015-02-01

Blue-collar workers, particularly those in the construction trades, are more likely to smoke and have less success in quitting when compared with white-collar workers. Little is known about health communication strategies that might influence this priority population. This article describes our formative work to develop targeted messages to increase participation in an existing smoking cessation program among construction workers. Using an iterative and sequential mixed-methods approach, we explored the culture, health attitudes and smoking behaviors of unionized construction workers. We used focus group and survey data to inform message development, and applied audience segmentation methods to identify potential subgroups. Among 144 current smokers, 65% reported wanting to quit smoking in the next 6 months and only 15% had heard of a union-sponsored smoking cessation program, despite widespread advertising. We tested 12 message concepts and 26 images with the target audience to evaluate perceived relevance and effectiveness. Participants responded most favorably to messages and images that emphasized family and work, although responses varied by audience segments based on age and parental status. This study is an important step towards integrating the culture of a high-risk group into targeted messages to increase participation in smoking cessation activities. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

The Construct of Attention in Schizophrenia

PubMed Central

Luck, Steven J.; Gold, James M.

2008-01-01

Schizophrenia is widely thought to involve deficits of attention. However, the term attention can be defined so broadly that impaired performance on virtually any task could be construed as evidence for a deficit in attention, and this has slowed cumulative progress in understanding attention deficits in schizophrenia. To address this problem, we divide the general concept of attention into two distinct constructs: input selection, the selection of task-relevant inputs for further processing; and rule selection, the selective activation of task-appropriate rules. These constructs are closely tied to working memory, because input selection mechanisms are used to control the transfer of information into working memory and because working memory stores the rules used by rule selection mechanisms. These constructs are also closely tied to executive function, because executive systems are used to guide input selection and because rule selection is itself at key aspect of executive function. Within the domain of input selection, it is important to distinguish between the control of selection—the processes that guide attention to task-relevant inputs—and the implementation of selection—the processes that enhance the processing of the relevant inputs and suppress the irrelevant inputs. Current evidence suggests that schizophrenia involves a significant impairment in the control of selection but little or no impairment in the implementation of selection. Consequently, the CNTRICS participants agreed by consensus that attentional control should be a priority target for measurement and treatment research in schizophrenia. PMID:18374901

Portmanteau Constructions, Phrase Structure, and Linearization.

PubMed

Chan, Brian Hok-Shing

2015-01-01

In bilingual code-switching which involves language-pairs with contrasting head-complement orders (i.e., head-initial vs. head-final), a head may be lexicalized from both languages with its complement sandwiched in the middle. These so-called "portmanteau" sentences (Nishimura, 1985, 1986; Sankoff et al., 1990, etc.) have been attested for decades, but they had never received a systematic, formal analysis in terms of current syntactic theory before a few recent attempts (Hicks, 2010, 2012). Notwithstanding this lack of attention, these structures are in fact highly relevant to theories of linearization and phrase structure. More specifically, they challenge binary-branching (Kayne, 1994, 2004, 2005) as well as the Antisymmetry hypothesis (ibid.). Not explained by current grammatical models of code-switching, including the Equivalence Constraint (Poplack, 1980), the Matrix Language Frame Model (Myers-Scotton, 1993, 2002, etc.), and the Bilingual Speech Model (Muysken, 2000, 2013), the portmanteau construction indeed looks uncommon or abnormal, defying any systematic account. However, the recurrence of these structures in various datasets and constraints on them do call for an explanation. This paper suggests an account which lies with syntax and also with the psycholinguistics of bilingualism. Assuming that linearization is a process at the Sensori-Motor (SM) interface (Chomsky, 2005, 2013), this paper sees that word order is not fixed in a syntactic tree but it is set in the production process, and much information of word order rests in the processor, for instance, outputting a head before its complement (i.e., head-initial word order) or the reverse (i.e., head-final word order). As for the portmanteau construction, it is the output of bilingual speakers co-activating two sets of head-complement orders which summon the phonetic forms of the same word in both languages. Under this proposal, the underlying structure of a portmanteau construction is as simple as an XP in which a head X merges with its complement YP and projects an XP (i.e., X YP → [XP X YP]).

Portmanteau Constructions, Phrase Structure, and Linearization

PubMed Central

Chan, Brian Hok-Shing

2015-01-01

In bilingual code-switching which involves language-pairs with contrasting head-complement orders (i.e., head-initial vs. head-final), a head may be lexicalized from both languages with its complement sandwiched in the middle. These so-called “portmanteau” sentences (Nishimura, 1985, 1986; Sankoff et al., 1990, etc.) have been attested for decades, but they had never received a systematic, formal analysis in terms of current syntactic theory before a few recent attempts (Hicks, 2010, 2012). Notwithstanding this lack of attention, these structures are in fact highly relevant to theories of linearization and phrase structure. More specifically, they challenge binary-branching (Kayne, 1994, 2004, 2005) as well as the Antisymmetry hypothesis (ibid.). Not explained by current grammatical models of code-switching, including the Equivalence Constraint (Poplack, 1980), the Matrix Language Frame Model (Myers-Scotton, 1993, 2002, etc.), and the Bilingual Speech Model (Muysken, 2000, 2013), the portmanteau construction indeed looks uncommon or abnormal, defying any systematic account. However, the recurrence of these structures in various datasets and constraints on them do call for an explanation. This paper suggests an account which lies with syntax and also with the psycholinguistics of bilingualism. Assuming that linearization is a process at the Sensori-Motor (SM) interface (Chomsky, 2005, 2013), this paper sees that word order is not fixed in a syntactic tree but it is set in the production process, and much information of word order rests in the processor, for instance, outputting a head before its complement (i.e., head-initial word order) or the reverse (i.e., head-final word order). As for the portmanteau construction, it is the output of bilingual speakers co-activating two sets of head-complement orders which summon the phonetic forms of the same word in both languages. Under this proposal, the underlying structure of a portmanteau construction is as simple as an XP in which a head X merges with its complement YP and projects an XP (i.e., X YP → [XP X YP]). PMID:26733894

Developments in Test Facility and Data Networking for the Altitude Test Stand at the John C. Stennis Space Center, MS - A General Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hebert, Phillip W., Sr.

2008-01-01

May 2007, NASA's Constellation Program selected John C Stennis Space Center (SSC) near Waveland Mississippi as the site to construct an altitude test facility for the developmental and qualification testing of the Ares1 upper stage (US) engine. Test requirements born out of the Ares1 US propulsion system design necessitate exceptional Data Acquisition System (DAS) design solutions that support facility and propellant systems conditioning, test operations control and test data analysis. This paper reviews the new A3 Altitude Test Facility's DAS design requirements for real-time deterministic digital data, DAS technology enhancements, system trades, technology validation activities, and the current status of this system's new architecture. Also to be discussed will be current network technologies to improve data transfer.

Fundamental CRISPR-Cas9 tools and current applications in microbial systems.

PubMed

Tian, Pingfang; Wang, Jia; Shen, Xiaolin; Rey, Justin Forrest; Yuan, Qipeng; Yan, Yajun

2017-09-01

Derived from the bacterial adaptive immune system, CRISPR technology has revolutionized conventional genetic engineering methods and unprecedentedly facilitated strain engineering. In this review, we outline the fundamental CRISPR tools that have been employed for strain optimization. These tools include CRISPR editing, CRISPR interference, CRISPR activation and protein imaging. To further characterize the CRISPR technology, we present current applications of these tools in microbial systems, including model- and non-model industrial microorganisms. Specially, we point out the major challenges of the CRISPR tools when utilized for multiplex genome editing and sophisticated expression regulation. To address these challenges, we came up with strategies that place emphasis on the amelioration of DNA repair efficiency through CRISPR-Cas9-assisted recombineering. Lastly, multiple promising research directions were proposed, mainly focusing on CRISPR-based construction of microbial ecosystems toward high production of desired chemicals.

The lingering presence of the Nightingale legacy.

PubMed

Hegge, Margaret J

2011-04-01

The history of the nursing profession is still evolving. One-hundred years ago, Nightingale died, leaving a legacy of philosophical cornerstones that still infuses the profession. Her idealism flows through her writings, as fresh today as 150 years ago. The initiatives of nursing today had their roots in Nightingale ideals. The alignment of current trends in nursing with Nightingale constructs is striking. Contemporary nurses are challenged to propel these ideals forward. The author here tracks Nightingale quotes, events, and writings with current initiatives, linking philosophical ideals to practical realities of current nursing practice. Nightingale constructs influencing nursing theories and models are examined.

Are stamina and fatigue polar opposites? A case study.

PubMed

So, Suzanna; Evans, Meredyth; Jason, Leonard A; Brown, Abigail

2015-01-01

Most individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) (Carruthers et al., 2003 ), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (Carruthers et al., 2011 ), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) (Fukuda et al., 1994 ) indicate that they experience fatigue and sharp decreases in energy levels, which hinder the ability to engage in physical activities (Friedberg & Jason, 1998 ). However, there are some individuals who reduce activity engagement in order to avoid a worsening of symptoms; thus these individuals may endorse lower levels of fatigue. Accordingly, those with low levels of fatigue but low endurance/stamina might be inadvertently excluded from some criteria based on the fatigue requirement. The current study serves as an exploration of the relationship between fatigue and stamina and the effects of these constructs on illness symptomology and their implications for assessment and diagnosis.

Are Stamina and Fatigue Polar Opposites? A Case Study

PubMed Central

So, Suzanna; Evans, Meredyth; Jason, Leonard A.; Brown, Abigail

2014-01-01

Most individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) (Carruthers et al., 2003), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (Carruthers et al., 2011), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) (Fukuda et al., 1994) indicate that they experience fatigue and sharp decreases in energy levels, which hinder the ability to engage in physical activities (Friedberg & Jason, 1998). However, there are some individuals who reduce activity engagement in order to avoid a worsening of symptoms; thus these individuals may endorse lower levels of fatigue. Accordingly, those with low levels of fatigue but low endurance/stamina might be inadvertently excluded from some criteria based on the fatigue requirement. The current study serves as an exploration of the relationship between fatigue and stamina and the effects of these constructs on illness symptomology and their implications for assessment and diagnosis. PMID:25584526

Asphalt pavement inspector's manual

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-07-01

The information currently available on asphalt paving would fill a small library. Furthermore, DOT&PF's Alaska Construction Manual describes procedures for the Department's staff to use on all aspects of construction projects. This manual draws on th...

[Do Current German-Language Intelligence Tests Take into Consideration the Special Needs of Children with Disabilities?].

PubMed

Mickley, Manfred; Renner, Gerolf

2015-01-01

Do Current German-Language Intelligence Tests Take into Consideration the Special Needs of Children with Disabilities? A review of 23 German intelligence test manuals shows that test-authors do not exclude the use of their tests for children with disabilities. However, these special groups play a minor role in the construction, standardization, and validation of intelligence tests. There is no sufficient discussion and reflection concerning the issue which construct-irrelevant requirements may reduce the validity of the test or which individual test-adaptations are allowed or recommended. Intelligence testing of children with disabilities needs more empirical evidence on objectivity, reliability, and validity of the assessment-procedures employed. Future test construction and validation should systematically analyze construct-irrelevant variance in item format, the special needs of handicapped children, and should give hints for useful test-adaptations.

Internal and External Regulation to Support Knowledge Construction and Convergence in Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Romero, Margarida; Lambropoulos, Niki

2011-01-01

Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) activities aim to promote collaborative knowledge construction and convergence. During the CSCL activity, the students should regulate their learning activity, at the individual and collective level. This implies an organisation cost related to the coordination of the activity with the team-mates…

Catalyst evaluation for oxygen reduction reaction in concentrated phosphoric acid at elevated temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yang; Jiang, Yiliang; Jensen, Jens Oluf; Cleemann, Lars N.; Li, Qingfeng

2018-01-01

Phosphoric acid is the common electrolyte for high-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells (HT-PEMFCs) that have advantages such as enhanced CO tolerance and simplified heat and water management. The currently used rotating disk electrode technique is limited to tests in dilute solutions at low temperatures and hence is not suitable for catalyst evaluation for HT-PEMFCs. In this study, we have designed and constructed a half-cell setup to measure the intrinsic activities of catalysts towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in conditions close to HT-PEMFC cathodes. By optimization of the hydrophobic characteristics of electrodes and the catalyst layer thickness, ORR activities of typical Pt/C catalysts are successfully measured in concentrated phosphoric acid at temperatures above 100 °C. In terms of mass-specific activities, the catalyst exhibits about two times higher activity in the half-cell electrode than that observed in fuel cells, indicating the feasibility of the technique as well as the potential for further improvement of fuel cell electrode performance.

Simple-Cubic Carbon Frameworks with Atomically Dispersed Iron Dopants toward High-Efficiency Oxygen Reduction.

PubMed

Wang, Biwei; Wang, Xinxia; Zou, Jinxiang; Yan, Yancui; Xie, Songhai; Hu, Guangzhi; Li, Yanguang; Dong, Angang

2017-03-08

Iron and nitrogen codoped carbons (Fe-N-C) have attracted increasingly greater attention as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Although challenging, the synthesis of Fe-N-C catalysts with highly dispersed and fully exposed active sites is of critical importance for improving the ORR activity. Here, we report a new type of graphitic Fe-N-C catalysts featuring numerous Fe single atoms anchored on a three-dimensional simple-cubic carbon framework. The Fe-N-C catalyst, derived from self-assembled Fe 3 O 4 nanocube superlattices, was prepared by in situ ligand carbonization followed by acid etching and ammonia activation. Benefiting from its homogeneously dispersed and fully accessible active sites, highly graphitic nature, and enhanced mass transport, our Fe-N-C catalyst outperformed Pt/C and many previously reported Fe-N-C catalysts for ORR. Furthermore, when used for constructing the cathode for zinc-air batteries, our Fe-N-C catalyst exhibited current and power densities comparable to those of the state-of-the-art Pt/C catalyst.

Study on Evaluation Index System of Green mine construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, xin; Yang, JunJie; Yan, Hongcai; Cao, Hongjun

2017-11-01

Green mine is a new and science comprehensive construction mode of mine, which runs the concept of green development through the whole process of mineral resources development and utilization, promotes the transformation and upgrading of mineral enterprises and achieves the healthy and sustainable development of mining industry. This paper is based on “the basic conditions of national green mine”, combined with the current situation of green mine construction, constructing green mine construction evaluation index system which is divided into five areas, including management, comprehensive utilization of mineral resources. technological innovation. ecological environment and cultural construction.

Task toward a Realization of Commercial Tokamak Fusion Plants in 2050 -The Role of ITER and the Succeeding Developments- 4.Technology and Material Research in Fusion Power Plant Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akiba, Masato; Matsui, Hideki; Takatsu, Hideyuki; Konishi, Satoshi

Technical issues regarding the fusion power plant that are required to be developed in the period of ITER construction and operation, both with ITER and with other facilities that complement ITER are described in this section. Three major fields are considered to be important in fusion technology. Section 4.1 summarizes blanket study, and ITER Test Blanket Module (TBM) development that focuses its effort on the first generation power blanket to be installed in DEMO. ITER will be equipped with 6 TBMs which are developed under each party's fusion program. In Japan, the solid breeder using water as a coolant is the primary candidate, and He-cooled pebble bed is the alternative. Other liquid options such as LiPb, Li or molten salt are developed by other parties' initiatives. The Test Blanket Working Group (TBWG) is coordinating these efforts. Japanese universities are investigating advanced concepts and fundamental crosscutting technologies. Section 4.2 introduces material development and particularly, the international irradiation facility, IFMIF. Reduced activation ferritic/martensitic steels are identified as promising candidates for the structural material of the first generation fusion blanket, while and vanadium alloy and SiC/SiC composite are pursued as advanced options. The IFMIF is currently planning the next phase of joint activity, EVEDA (Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activity) that encompasses construction. Material studies together with the ITER TBM will provide essential technical information for development of the fusion power plant. Other technical issues to be addressed regarding the first generation fusion power plant are summarized in section 4.3. Development of components for ITER made remarkable progress for the major essential technology also necessary for future fusion plants, however many still need further improvements toward power plant. Such areas includes; the divertor, plasma heating/current drive, magnets, tritium, and remote handling. There remain many other technical issues for power plant which require integrated efforts.

A Review of the Case of a Levy-Grant Scheme (LGS) in the UK Construction Industry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Abdel-Wahab, Mohamed; Dainty, Andrew; Ison, Stephen

2010-01-01

A Levy-Grant Scheme (LGS) has existed in the UK construction industry since 1964 to provide financial support for companies undertaking training activities. Despite the support of the LGS for various training activities, notably apprenticeships, the construction industry continues to suffer from both labour shortages and an under-investment in…

An Instructional Playground for the Handicapped Using Tires as Inexpensive Playground Equipment: Activity and Construction Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New York State Education Dept., Albany. Special Education Instructional Materials Center.

The manual explains how special education students in an occupational program used tires to construct an inexpensive instructional playground for handicapped elementary school pupils. Presented in two sections with accompanying pictures or diagrams are activity ideas for using the tires in a variety of configurations (Part 1) and construction and…